Xenomania » Travel

The Planet Is Not Lonely

Admin — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 06:03:26 +0000

I am an avid traveller. My goal is to cover all the colours of the world map with my own colours of pins on my cork board at home. I began to think about how feasible it would be to have a project which mainly involves visiting all of the states in America. In a couple of weeks, I will begin with the project by going away to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina over one weekend.

I thought it would be easy to just do it Lonely Planet style, with no fixed itinerary, no reservations but on the other hand I thought, if I were to do embark on a big project, I might as well do it right. I am yet to turn the interwebs upside down, inside out for the best of Myrtle Beach accommodations. It would be easy enough to make Myrtle Beach hotel reservations if only I could decide on which among the pretty places appeal to me the most. I also came across http://www.seasidemb.com which seemed perfect with their golf packages that will surely put a wide smile on the mugs of rabid golfers like me. One can choose among the numerous courses in the area without sacrificing the luxury of a great hotel. I can imagine having the ultimate PGA experience with the various amenities and the lush manicured courses that host professionals.

I still have to set a date for my grand project and when I do, expect a post on it.

Rentals When Traveling

Admin — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:35:15 +0000

Traveling on a budget can be quite a challenge. When you try doing a successful cross country journeys, sometimes it can be a pain to take public transportation. Trying to keep a strict schedule can impossible with the long lines, engine breakdowns that are out of your hands and last but not the least, the general nuisance of other people getting in your way. Sometimes it is easier to just wait until you have enough money for renting a car before you head out.

A 4×4 can come in handy on those off road routes that are less traveled. If you wish to have the simple convenience of your own car without doing much damage to your budget, a simple Toyota Rav4 will do. If you have money to splurge, go all out on a BMW X6. If they did not raise the road tax on trucks in the UK, I would love to have one of those babies in my garage. If you are after speed and wish to see more than what is on your ideal itinerary, go for a Subaru WRX. It will still serve you well in off road situations which is good considering you have sacrificed some leg room. You can settle of a Toyota Sienna although I am not sure how that will do in rough terrains. You can stick to main roads if that will save you more time than driving in the woods with a car that is meant to be a suburban family wagon.

Traveling with a rental will allow you to have more control over the time frame that you are working on, with long queues out of the equation, and the hassle of other people, if you still manage to mess up your schedule, you have no one to blame, not even the car, but yourself and your possibly lousy driving.

Blue Coral Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines

Admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:40:08 +0000

This place would have been spectacular if it was not filled with sea urchins. It is on the best side of Batangas, where the water is clear and the sand is white. It is very accessible to the public, although it is more convenient if you secure a car rental in Manila if you are coming from this area and you do not have your own vehicle. You can look down and see your feet in the water on the seabed — with sea urchins. I still have two spines in my left heel, two in the arch of the same foot and one on the right as I am writing this. When I got there, I hurriedly changed into my suit and jumped in the water. I have been to the area but in different resorts. Four kids yelled at me to jump out of the water because they were fishing by hand. I left them alone for a couple of hours and just as I thought it was okay to jump back in, I felt several stabs on my feet.

That was the only downside to it though, if you do not count the food. Staff was courteous and friendly, especially the old barman. Lunch and dinner was okay but breakfast the following day was horrible. The omelet had shells in it and was pretty greasy.

The room was okay apart from the super hard mattress that seemed like it was designed for kids who have the hobby of making a trampoline out of the bed. The spare mattresses for extra people were more comfortable. It had a full bath (the tub was clean!) but the toiletries were limited. The only had sachets of shampoo, toothpaste and shampoo, but that was okay. The beach is also open for swimming 24/7 but music must be turned off by ten thirty.

Alta Vista De Boracay, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:02:36 +0000

I swore to myself I will never go to Boracay. As a child, it has always been too overrated and people way older than me did a good job at ruining, not just the place but the experience, for me. Someone actually managed to convince me to fly and go. Mate is probably feeling sublimely proud for conquering such a huge feat.

This place is more appropriate for families than solo travelers. The smallest room they have consists of two queen-size beds. It has a full kitchen, complete with plates, silver and stemware, microwave, electric kettle and mini fridge. There is also an armchair with an ottoman. A study desk is right next to the sliding doors that lead to the balcony. There is a huge terrace with two chairs and a center table for smoking. For four thousand pesos a night, it is a good deal. The rate comes with complimentary breakfast for each day of stay. It is in Station 1 where the beach is at its best. It is a couple of minutes from Puka Beach. For 4000php, you get free breakfast for each night of stay. It is a good deal for four-person group travelers.

I am not a fan of pools in beach resorts because it completely defeats the purpose of being at the beach but I have to say, Alta Vista changed that for me. Their infinity pool is beautiful. Since the place is a bit far from the beach and Station 2 where most of the activity is at, it is quite a good amenity. The resort also has a shuttle service that starts at eight in the morning and travels to and from Station 2 every thirty minutes until midnight. If you miss the last shuttle, you can always take a tricycle back to the resort for 100php.