Stories from the Suitcase...Sharnanigans

We're introducing a new idea for Fridays here at Girl With A Suitcase.  Most people have great travel stories that they'd like to share.  We want to know the good, the bad and the ugly!  Inspire other people to see different parts of the world or share what's special in your neck of the woods.

This week we've got Sharni from Chronicles of Sharnia sharing her stories from the suitcase.

1. Destination?

Sapa, North Vietnam

2. What time of year did you travel?

We were there April / May - it was quite cold there which was refreshing after the overbearing humidity of Hanoi. The only downfall of being in beautiful Sapa in these months was that the mountains that surrounded the town were not visible a lot of the time and covered in thick mystical fog, which, in itself was a pretty magnificent sight.

3.  Who did you travel with?

My partner and (as I soon found out in Sapa) the beginnings of my son Monte (we found out we were pregnant whilst in Sapa).

4.  How did you get around?

We got to Sapa via overnight train from Hanoi - which was an experience! While there we walked - heaps of trekking, travelled by motorbike, scary bus trips around windy mountains and jeeps. Lots of up-mountain walking - great for fitness.

5.  Food?

Sapa is very touristy - we had some tasty Vietnamese cuisine but also had great pizza!

Dave had the pleasure of going on a trek with some locals, they took him to a village where he ate congealed ducks blood (masquerading as jelly) when he found out what he was eating, he was too polite to stop. I am glad I was feeling poorly that day and did not attend!

6.  Trip Highlights?

While we didn't climb Mount Fansipan - we did do a mini trek and it felt like we were on top of the world looking down on creation. Karaoke with the locals, walking around Cat Cat Village, the scenery was incredible.

7.  Trip low point?

Both Dave and I were hospitalised. Dave with food poisoning - me from pregnancy and possibly food poisoning. The hospital beds did not even have sheets. We were very vulnerable and the language barrier made this very challenging.

8.  What would you like others to know about your destination?

Sapa is a pretty town North of Vietnam about 30kms from the Chinese border. It is  worth a visit.

I was turned off by the fact that the Hill Tribes that live there are the drawcard to the town - and supposedly these guys that live in traditional ways in the mountains of Sapa are used as a selling point.

Very touristy. Beautiful scenery, a little bit magical.

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The Great Family Road Trip

Australia has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  We have the beaches, the mountains, the desert, the rainforest.  So much to see and do.

And what better way to explore this country than in a good old fashioned road trip!  You know you want to try it.

See this on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria.

It seems most parents face the family road trip with some trepidation.

You can almost hear it now.

"He touched me."


"I did not."


"You did too."


"You're lying."


"He touched me again."


"You did it first."


"Ow, quit it!"


"You quit it."


"MUM!"

Forget everything you've seen.  Your trip doesn't have to be based on National Lampoons Family Vacation.

Here are some tips for your survival.

1.  Do the prep work a few day before.  Try to minimise the clothes that you take.  Most kids are happy to live in the same clothes for days.

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.  Then take half the clothes and twice the money." - Susan Heller

Fill up the car with fuel.  Pack bags to put in the boot but also organise travel packs to keep in the car with you.

For you -

Wet wipes, an absolute god send.  Kids get pretty grimy, even if they're buckled in.
Lip Balm
Drinking water
Hand cream
Eye cream
Hand sanitizer
Mints
Fashion magazines or a fat book
Travel pillow
A thermos of coffee.
Sunglasses
Your favourite music.  A car trip is a great way to get the kiddies acquainted with your favourite tunes.  Sing.  Loudly.

YOUR CAMERA.  Document the heck out of your trip.  You never know what you'll see on the road.

For the kids -

Try to avoid a DVD player.  Chat to your kids, sing, play games and prepare activity bags.  Fill them with books, stickers, stuffed toys.

Change of underwear.  Trust me it happens.

A pillow and their favourite blanket.  The car is a great place for a nap.

Water

Snacks and bribes.

For everyone -

Snacks.  Stock up on supplies to stifle even the heartiest appetite.  Include fruit, sandwiches and treats.  You'll save lots of cash and avoid the dreaded service station sandwich.

Water

More wet wipes.  Trust me, they come in handy for everything.

2. Leave at the crack of Dawn.  We're talking 5am.  The roads are clear and the kids will still be sleepy. A few hours napping in the car and you're off to the perfect start.

3.  Most important tip -


Relax.

Be prepared to change your plans.  Have a rough itinerary but remember things happen.  If you have any problems, let someone else organise your accommodation.

Enjoy it.

Road trips with the family are often a great adventure and will provide you with memories for a lifetime.

What are your tips?

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