Fragrant Zanzibar

The name Zanzibar conjures up mysterious and romantic images of a palm-filled island “somewhere” far away.

Zanzibar is this and more. The actual name refers to the archipelago of Indian Ocean islands off the coast of the East African nation, Tanzania. Famous through the centuries for its production of spices, the chain of islands has often been called the “Spice Islands.” Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper are among the treasures of this place.

With two large islands, Unguja (sometimes called Zanzibar) and Pemba, with a sprinkling of smaller islands, Zanzibar begins 25 kilometers off the mainland and is 6 degrees south of the Equator. This location allows for a warm climate, soothed by ocean breezes for most of the year.

Brief History
The first residents came to the island in about AD 1000. By the 11th and 12th centuries, traders from the Persian Gulf were settling there. By 1503, the powerful Portuguese empire had established control of this lucrative spice source and they retained control for most of the following 200 years.

Zanzibar’s history includes a series of invasions. The Sultan of Oman took control in 1698 and a sad period of thriving slave trade ensued. British control was formalized in 1890 and lasted until Independence in 1963. In 1964, Zanzibar joined with the mainland, Tanganyika to form Tanzania.

Besides spices and tourism, Zanzibar also thrives from the cultivation of native Raffia palms, which are primarily used in textiles production and construction.

Tourist Destinations
It is safe to say most tourists do not make Zanzibar the sole destination of their travels. With world-class game parks providing excellent safaris in both Kenya to the northwest and Tanzania’s mainland, an excursion to the islands is a perfect way to round out your East African experience with two to four nights in the area.

Beaches
White sand and clear, warm water are typical of the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. There are about 25 different beach spots from which to choose; many are remote and very quiet. The dhow making (used for pearl diving, fishing) center for the islands is the north and the area hosts many small fishing villages. These sea-worthy vessels have been used between the islands for hundreds of years. The traditional work of fishing and building dhows provides the traveler a chance to observe local industry done in the time-honored way.

Due to the coral reef, the surf is not large around the islands. While this means people don’t come here to ride the waves, it does guarantee colorful coral life and calm waters for snorkeling and diving alike. There are beautiful stretches of beach on the western and eastern shores of the main island, all welcoming, warm and un-crowded.

Stone Town
This ancient city still pulses with life. Her busy markets (full of spice trading making the air aromatic), alley-like lanes and pretty views provide tourists with pleasant walks in a historic and culturally rich setting. Stone Town features narrow winding streets, mosques (the island is predominately Muslim), terraces, rounded towers and other hallmarks of Arabic architecture, as well as the Anglican Cathedral of Christ. The cathedral’s cross is made of the wood of the tree under which Dr. David Livingstone, who fought to suppress slavery, died. UNESCO recently named Stone Town a World Heritage Site.

The islands boast hundreds of traditionally carved wooden doors, which grace old walls and homes everywhere. These doors were once thought to reflect the economic station of the occupant and thus they developed into quite the pieces of art. Often framed in bright shades of Bougainville, a dark wood door set in whitewashed walls makes for a lovely photograph.

Other Sites
When walking through Stone Town or relaxing on beaches has satisfied you, a spice plantation tour is a nice diversion. The volume of spices produced and variety of uses from medicinal to culinary and cosmetic will surprise and delight the interested traveler while the senses are pleased.

In the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve visitors can catch a glimpse of the rare and native Red Colobus monkey. Several other species of monkey make this area home, as well as small bucks and bush pigs. The reserve offers lovely trails and well-informed guides.

Prison Island, once a holding for slaves who were being punished, provides excellent snorkeling. It also houses a family of giant tortoises that were originally brought here from the Seychelles toward the end of the 19th century.

There are daily flights to Zanzibar and ferries leaving from Dar es Salaam on a regular basis. However you chose to get there, you won’t regret a few days in this historical and relaxing tropical destination.

For more information: http://zanzibar.net

Fuss-Free Fun: Traveling Together as a Family

The thought of traveling with children can strike fear in even the most courageous among us. We’ve all seen the scenes of tired children falling apart in restaurants, airports and in cramped economy class seats. We avert our eyes, feeling sorry for the child, sorrier still for the parent, and relieved for ourselves that we are not that parent.

Well, take it from a seasoned traveler who has packed up a gaggle of kids and done some serious globe-trotting more times than I can count, it doesn’t have to be bad! In fact, traveling as a family can be fun. What follows are my three experience-tested ways to get us through sanely and happily.

Be age appropriate
The first question we have to ask ourselves is “Is my child really old enough to enjoy or gain from this?” In our enthusiasm to share the things we love out there in the big world with our families, it’s easy to put our kids into situations that they really are not equipped to handle yet. This is most obvious at places like Disneyland and Disneyworld. As much as our tiny ones might enjoy the odd Winnie the Pooh cartoon, toddlers are not really ready for a day in the Magic Kingdom. An outing of this nature takes patience and stamina, things that toddlers have in short supply. Long lines, crowds, confusion and the over-stimulation of color, movement and sounds exhaust little ones. And exhausted little ones quickly exhaust their caregivers, and the day doesn’t turn out as magically as we had imagined.

Adjust your own expectations
As you venture farther out with your young family, reduce the activities you plan for each day by about 50 percent. If you’ve decided the kids are old enough to enjoy Europe … remember that they are still kids, no matter how educational and valuable of a trip. I thought that my 5- and 8-year-old boys would LOVE the museums in London. Honestly, they loved ONE museum. They loved the natural history museum with the dinosaurs and other creatures, but that was it. I had wanted to “educate them” by exposing them to all the amazing displays in the other museums around the city, but they wanted to run and climb trees.

We enjoyed the Natural History museum and we enjoyed a lot of parks as well. I soaked up the charming Anglo vibe by sitting on park benches and people watching over my London newspaper while the boys kicked a soccer ball. We adopted a kid-friendly way of site seeing which took us to open places like Hampton Court and Windsor Castle, rather than china shops and quiet museums. Similarly, on a long layover in Rome what they needed was to use their legs. We walked the city, stopping for ice cream and pigeon chasing, rather than loading into buses for organized tours. I enjoyed the sites and they enjoyed the exercise.

Keep them fed!
As you begin to change time zones it’s easy to lose track of meals. None of us do very well on an empty stomach, least of all children. Take advantage of the airline’s children’s meals and make sure those are ordered at least 48 hours ahead of time. Specially ordered meals are generally delivered ahead of the other meals so your kids will be fed first, which is always helpful. Carry healthy snacks that you know they like. Sugar highs (and lows) only make things worse. Cut apples, carrots, peanut butter crackers and trail mix are great options to keep blood sugar at optimum levels.

Consider taking along a trusted babysitter
Friends of ours have taken their regular babysitter with them on different vacations. They covered her costs and during part of every day she was free to explore on her own or accompany them on their outings. The other half of the time, she stayed back at the hotel with the kids or watched them in the neighboring park. The family had plenty of family time and the adults had some special time to take in theater or linger in finer restaurants. It was a win/win arrangement.

For some wonderful tips on traveling with children, visit:
www.flyingwithkids.com
www.travelwithyourkids.com
www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
www.cdc.gov/travel/child_travel.htm

Traveling Pregnant

We all know that pregnancy is a healthy and normal condition, and while taking special care during the nine months, a complication-fee pregnancy should not keep you at home. Gone are the days when we referred to this time as confinement! Here are guidelines on how to travel safely while carrying your own little passenger.

Go during your 2nd trimester

Your second trimester is widely thought to be the best time to travel. This is usually your most comfortable period as nausea should be finished and great “bulkiness” has not set in. Standard guidelines for domestic and international flights state that they do not recommend travel after the 8th month. Short flights may allow passengers in their final weeks but you must carry a letter dated within 72 hours of your flight in which your physician states you are fit to fly. All those beyond the 28th week should carry a similar letter. International flights restrict women carrying twins or more beyond the 32nd week.

Speak to your doctor

Your personal medical history should be considered as your travels plans are made; your doctor will be honest with you about the safety or risks she sees. Ask her for a copy of your file just in case you need it, as well as a recommendation if known, for an OB/GYN in the city of your destination.

Avoid health risk areas and immunizations

Travel in places like Africa and India require yellow fever and other shots that are not recommended during pregnancy. Common sense tells you to avoid areas where the risk of disease is high. There is no need to complicate a normal pregnancy with dysentery, malaria or hepatitis.

Radiation? Oxygen?

Exposure to radiation during flight is at such a miniscule level that unless you are a professional pilot or flight attendant, this is not a concern. The metal detectors used by security are not radiating you. Only your luggage passes through x-ray machines. Though air travel is tiring, there is no evidence that it harms the development of a fetus. Normal passenger planes are supplied with adequate oxygen levels to keep mother and baby safe.

Stay hydrated!

Dehydration is a normal side effect of air travel, so make sure to drink lots of water. An 8 oz. glass of water each hour is a good idea. Obviously, you want to avoid alcohol and any stomach-irritating foods.

Move around!

Make sure you book an aisle seat as you will want to use the toilet more frequently given the combination of pregnancy and lots of drinking water. You will also want to walk around as much as you can. Especially further into the pregnancy, you need to stretch and move to keep good circulation for both yourself and baby. Follow the instructions for stretching in your seat and give your feet as much room as possible so that you can rotate your ankles and flex and point your feet. Should you be so fortunate as to be next to an empty seat, elevate your feet for stretches of time. Don’t sit cross-legged.

Walk the terminal during layovers. Keep your carry-on luggage to an easy-to-manage rolling bag and walk 15 to 30 minutes through the corridors. When you do sit, put your feet up. (If you are traveling by car, plan to stop every couple of hours to walk and stretch.)

Seat belt safety

Always wear your seat belt when you are seated on the plane. A sudden patch of turbulence can jostle you severely. Keep the belt snug but not tight across your pelvis and under the bump of your abdomen. Never fasten the belt across the baby.

Take healthy snacks

Nausea and exhaustion are normal in pregnancy but protein can help. Don’t leave it to the airline to provide you with nutritional meals when you need them; nuts, cereal bars and apples travel easily. If you take yogurt, don’t forget a spoon, and don’t forget that you can only have 3 oz. of liquid in any one container in the cabin.

Finally, pamper yourself

Plan for naps and a slower pace. Enjoy those big hotel tubs, (because who has time for that at home?). Make use of the pool (a good form of exercise especially in a city you don’t know). And, buy yourself a new maternity outfit for your travels!

Smart Packing

All over the world American tourists are recognized by their large, unwieldy luggage. I call it the “Super-Sized Suitcase Syndrome.” With international flights now enforcing a checked luggage rule of one bag at 50 lbs, it is more important than ever to pack light and smart. Here are five rules for packing well.

Rule 1: Start early. Rushed packers don’t pack intelligently. Experienced travelers often begin two and three weeks early. Leave an open suitcase out and toss in important items as they come to mind. You can delete things during the final pack, but you can’t add the things you’ve forgotten once on board! Also, enough time allows you to determine whether or not you really need that item, or if it was merely an impulse pack.

Rule 2: Use a checklist. Unplanned packing causes you to carry too much. Indecisiveness makes you include more than you need because you “don’t know” if you want “this sweater or that sweater” — so you take both. Laying out your wardrobe for the trip allows you to mix and match, colorize and determine which sweater really is the right one to pack. Plus, coordinating colors gives multiple outfits.

Starting early with a checklist allows you to plan well, research weather forecasts and imagine what you will be doing during daytime and evening hours. Also, begin the list with the purpose of your trip in mind. Obviously, a business trip requires an entirely different wardrobe than a personal trip.

If outdoor adventures or sports will be a major part of the trip, consider what combinations you can make. At home you may prefer a different set of shoes for running, another pair for walking and hiking, and a third pair for tennis. When space and weight are issues, you’ll need one good pair of cross-training shoes that will accommodate all your sport activities.

Rule 3: Be realistic. We tend to think we can do more than we really can in the time away. Seriously, will you really read that many books? Will you really have time to finally get back to that knitting? Take fewer books and buy one if you do actually finish the ones you’re carrying. Then, you can also consider leaving a finished book behind with someone you meet.

Rule 4: Use travel friendly fabrics. The new synthetic materials are a traveler’s dream. REI and many other outfitters carry warm but light layers of Polartec and micro-fleece for cool climates, and thin cotton-like layers for tropical places. This avoids ironing, (who wants the hassle and added weight of a travel iron?) and allows you to pack compactly.

Invest in quick-drying, moisture-wicking, breathable travel socks and undergarments. They last well, you carry fewer of them, and they dry quickly after being washed by hand in hotel rooms.

Rule 5: You probably need less than you think! So, just take less! Shoes are often the greatest consumers of space and weight. Think about shoes that can “dress up” or “dress down.” (That’s where the laying out of the wardrobe also is practical.)

In warm climates you’ll want one pair of sandals and one pair of closed-toe shoes. You can find attractive-enough and supportive footwear that go the miles in multiple settings. (And, you don’t need to impress the locals with your many foot fashions — you only need to impress your own feet.)

In colder climates, forget the sandal and choose two pairs of shoes that look good, feel good and handle the weather. Let one pair be dressier than the other. Low-heeled black boots work well. They look good day or night and they walk well too. Finally, when you think you’re all done packing, look at it and ask yourself again what you can take out.

Additional quick tips:

• Pack socks inside your shoes.
• Feel around the inside edges of your packed bag to find pockets of space you didn’t know were there. Fill these with underwear and rolled up t-shirts.
• Carry your coat on the plane. It doesn’t count as a carry-on!
• Limit and simplify your cosmetics; i.e., you probably don’t need to bring every shade of lipstick you own.
• Rolling clothes really is one of the best ways to fit things in tightly together.
• Carry a change of underwear, a toothbrush and small toothpaste in your hand luggage in case of delayed bags.
• Make sure you personally can carry everything you plan to take.
• Have safe trips and worry less about hauling the luggage, and more about having a great time!

Staying Healthy and Safe on Safari

An African safari (which means “long journey”) is an unforgettable experience. The air is cool and scented by grassland. You’re snug in your graciously outfitted tent of heavy canvas, set on a wooden platform with private bathroom en suite or a luxury hotel (safari doesn’t necessarily mean “roughing it”). Perhaps the only sounds are the rush of the water in the river nearby and the increasing volume of birdsong. Footsteps now fall quietly on the deck outside and a friendly voice lets you know that your morning tea has arrived. As the darkness begins to fade up toward dawn, it is time to head out for an early morning game drive.

During an experience like this, the last thing anyone wants is distraction through illness, accident or incident. Here are a few tried and true tips to help keep you healthy and safe as you experience the wonders of Africa.

Dress correctly

Africa is not hot all the time. Generally, cold months are July and August while hot times come in December and January. A rule of thumb is to pack one good sweatshirt and/or light jacket, as well as a pair of jeans. In the shoe department, the key word is sensible. Sandals, (like those from Teva or Chaco) that handle dirt, dust and water well, are a must. Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are the only other footwear needed.

Protect yourself

Mosquitoes carry malaria and many hotels will provide a can of something similar to RAID. Spray your room or tent lightly before leaving for your evening meal. After that, move in and out of your room or tent quickly and don’t leave it open. In addition, a mosquito repellant on ankles and other exposed areas helps. Make sure to check in with a travel clinic several months ahead of the trip so there’s time to get any needed meds or immunizations into your system.

Wash your hands

This is a simple one that every mother knows, but washing your hands does a tremendous work against the spread of disease. When you have been handling things in shops, shaking hands or just touching the world around you, wash when you get back to your room, even if you are not about to eat. Carry a small bottle of antibacterial gel and use it before that granola bar you brought from home. Many public toilets will not have soap at the sinks. Carrying a motel-sized bar in your handbag (and a supply of tissue since toilet paper is often missing as well) is a good plan. Nice hotels supply these, but don’t count on them in public places like shopping malls, local restaurants and gas stations.

Don’t drink the water

Drinking the water from the tap is a big no-no. Bottled water is cheap and available. Since water can no longer be carried onto a plane, ask your tour company driver or those who collect you at the airport to make the first stop for bottled water. Many people rinse their toothbrushes in the local water without suffering consequences, but using bottled water for this can’t hurt. If your hotel provides a flask of water in the room, ask how it was treated. Often it is boiled and safe for tooth brushing. To actually quench your thirst, stick to bottled water. Many people ask for soft drinks without ice.

Eat smart

The tropical fruit in Africa is wonderful! Feel free to enjoy it in good hotels and up-scale restaurants. In the more local restaurants it’s best to avoid fruit and raw vegetables. Anything you buy at local stalls that is covered by its skin (bananas, mangos, etc.) is safe to eat if you can peel it. It’s wise to rinse the skin of a mango and use a clean knife when opening it up. Even in fine tourist places lettuce is difficult to clean well and should be avoided if you are nervous. Other vegetables like carrots and tomatoes are a better choice.

Your gear

Keep track of the tried and true safety precautions. Don’t walk around town with your camera hanging out. Don’t keep a flashy watch on your wrist. Don’t leave cash on your nightstand in your hotel room. Do lock the doors and keep your passport and wallet with you. When seated in a restaurant in town, keep your purse or camera bag strap clipped securely to yourself or your chair so that it can’t be slipped out from beneath you.

Do be smart. Don’t be afraid. Do enjoy! A trip to Africa is well worth the extra care it takes to navigate it well.

The Best Transit Lounge: Singapore

With no offense intended to the fine country that she is, Singapore is not known as a grippingly exciting travel destination. Instead, Singapore is a great place for an extended layover. With connections to Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and many other exotic locations, the neat, tidy and air-conditioned Singapore may be the best transit lounge in the world.

If walking under mangrove trees and spying out the beautiful birds of the region sounds like just what your cramped, coach-seat legs need, make a stop at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Plan on two to five hours to explore the shady catwalks and hide behind the blinds to observe the tropical beauties of nature. This reserve, Singapore’s first and only protected wetland, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

www.sbwr.org.sg

The Singapore Botanic Garden is another option for those who need to re-connect with the outdoors after the long hours of recycled air during their flight. With a breathtaking display of plant life and luxuriously ample number of orchids to gaze on, these gardens put life back into the jet-weary. The Botanic Garden is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily and the Orchid Garden within, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

www.sbg.org.sg/index.asp

For the history buff, Robertson Quay is the restored old Singapore of days gone by. Here you can walk among the shops and restaurants that line the sea front and feel the presence of the past. There is a laid back feel to the area and a stroll among the art houses, dining options and wine bars makes a pleasant evening.

The famous Orchard Road houses the exclusive, high-end shops that lure many daily. Tangs, the showpiece of this area, is what some people call Nordstrom PLUS! Holland Village, with more affordable prices and a casual feel, is another shopping area where the insiders do their purchasing. Holland Village, as well as the bazaars on Arab Street and in Little India, offers local ambience where you will find exotic textiles and other items not seen in the fine department stores of Orchard Road.

If music or theatre would revive you, check ahead about what will be on at Singapore’s world-class concert hall, The Esplanade. An evening out for seafood, followed by a quality performance in this stunning setting may be just what you need. Your hotel will be able to recommend their favorite seafood restaurants and your taxi driver knows where the Concert Hall is.

www.esplanade.com

Perhaps one of the most ironic little treats about a day in Singapore is High Tea in the historic Tiffin Room at the Raffles Hotel. “Ironic” because having a luscious tea in fine British style on a small tropical island in Asia seems like a contrast too strong to ignore. Colonized by the British in the 19th Century, Singapore retains this taste of Her Majesty even today. Crisp white lines and friendly staff welcome you to indulge in treats that complement the taste of the steaming tea. High Tea is served from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended but not required. For a more casual, but also lovely, afternoon tea, The Empire Cafe at the Raffles Hotel offers tea from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Call 6331-1612; or email ; www.raffleshotel.com

Singapore is small enough that every taxi driver will know how to find each destination you mention and taxis are safe and reasonably priced. The metro line, MRT, is also safe, clean and convenient. If time is too short for an overnight stay, go straight to an information booth inside Changi International Airport to discover many of the short jaunts into the city, including the free bus tour that you can take without even going through customs.