Best Beaches - Justine Cuenco
Transcription
Best Beaches - Justine Cuenco
her trip June 2014 ! e u s s I r e m The Sum Backpacker or Flashpacker What’s your travel style? Your Guide to the Best Beaches Plus: Stay safe on the road Save up for your next trip Upgrade your travel gear Update your travel apps JUNE 2014 ISSUE 06 Her Trip The Summer Issue 49 3 DAYS IN MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA Short on time? Find out how to make the most of your trip See more. Be more. Student Travel Discount Card www.stdc.ca Her Trip Magazine 1091 8th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1G1 (403) 210-2000 | (403) 210-2001 | [email protected] | www.HerTrip.ca >> Feature Stories >> Tech Traveler 23 40 BORACAY: THE ISLAND FOR EVERYONE Contrary to popular belief, this Philippine island is so much more than just a party paradise 31 Justine Cuenco Editor-in-Chief Justine Cuenco Executive Editor Justine Cuenco Beauty Editor Justine Cuenco Executive Editor Justine Cuenco Design Director Justine Cuenco Entertainment Editor Justine Cuenco Photo Editor Justine Cuenco Managing Editor Justine Cuenco Staff Writer Justine Cuenco Features Editor Justine Cuenco Photo Editor Justine Cuenco Copy Editor Justine Cuenco Fashion Editor FLASHPACKING IN BANGKOK How to have a rockin’ time (and get more bang for your buck) in the dynamic capital city of the Land of Smiles 58 WHAT TO WEAR WHEN YOU’RE THERE The latest fashion trends regardless of where you’re headed this summer THE TRUTH ABOUT TRIPCASE Is this new travel app worth all the hype? >> Pack This! 45 SLEEP EASY The best (and most bag-friendly!) travel pillows >> Your Trip OST 55 FIVE FOR THE ROAD Five amazing covers for your trip playlist >> Backpack Raid 61 WHAT’S IN YOUR CARRY-ON? Three travelers share their must-have items >> Feature Boracay: The Island for Everyone Arguably the most popular out of the Philippines’ 7,107 islands, Boracay has become the place to be for all kinds of travelers. by Justine Cuenco T here is no doubt that Boracay Island, located in the southern Philippine province of Aklan, has come a long way from being the remote, low-key backpackers’ paradise that it was in the 1980s. Today, the island’s biggest and most popular beach–aptly named White Beach for it’s stunning white sand often likened to baby powder –attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers from across the country and around the world each year. Since the 1990s, Boracay has enjoyed superstar status thanks to numerous travel publications and TV shows that have dubbed it one of the best beaches in the world. Likewise, Boracay has served as the backdrop for many high-profile photoshoots including Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue. Although it is no longer the exclusive, well-guarded secret enclave that it once was, Boracay Island certainly has plenty to offer regardless of one’s budget and travel style. 23 24 For the luxury traveler Boracay has no shortage of upscale hotels and resorts for those who are looking to be pampered during their stay. For prime beach-front accommodation, check into Astoria (rooms start at $190/night), which is located in the least crowded section of White Beach. If you want an even more exclusive, private enclave to call home while on the island, head on over to Shangrila Boracay, which offers rooms from $400/night to $2,500/night for the Presidential Suite that includes round-the-clock butler service. While you’re there, try the resort’s exclusive Italian restaurant, Rima. Indulge in one (or more) of their signature dishes, such as the beef tenderloin served with a cream gorgonzola sauce ($45). Another must-try is Sirena, which specializes in fresh seafood dishes ($25-$95/ plate). For the party animal For the backpacker Although Boracay was originally known as a haven for backpackers, the island actually did not have any hostels until recently. However, budget accommodation was always available in the form of cheap guesthouses and budget hotels. Lucky for you (if you’re a backpacker wanting to meet other travelers), the MNL Boracay Beach Hostel opened its doors in 2013. The hostel offers dorm rooms ($15/night) as well as en-suite private rooms ($25/night). Another option is Frendz Resort. Originally a budget resort with private huts ($26+/night), Frendz now has dorm-style accommodation beginning at $13/night. For cheap eats, head over to Smoke Restaurant, a long-time favourite among the locals. For a little less than $5, you can get a full meal (try a local dish, which they specialize in, or a Thai rice bowl). Another place to try is Nagisa, which serves Japanese cuisine that typically ranges from $3-10/dish. 25 If you’re into meeting like-minded people who all want to have a great time, consider signing up for a Boracay Pubcrawl. For $25, you get free entrance to 5 bars and clubs, free drinks and drink specials, and numerous freebies along the way. Notable bars are Epic, which is a restaurant by day and a popular party venue at night, and Cocomangas, which is the home of the world-famous “15 Shot Challenge” ($30). For those seeking RnR As expected, the general rule of thumb is that only upscale hotels (and a handful of mid-range ones) offer their own in-house spa services to guests. If the place you’re staying at isn’t one of them, or if you’re looking for something different, head over to Tirta Spa. Massages start at $80 for an hour and a half. For a slightly cheaper alternative, check out Bella Isa Spa, where massages start at $30/ hr. They even offer an exclusive “King and Queen” package ($170/person), a 7-hour ordeal involving spa treatments capped off with a sunset sail and a candlelit dinner for two. 26 >> Feature Flashpacking in B Bangkok ack in the day, you could hardly say the words “backpacker” and “Bangkok” in the same sentence without conjuring images of shady guesthouses in by Justine Cuenco rough neighborhoods filled with young travelers dressed in week-old t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops (dreadlocks are In recent years, Thailand’s capital city optional). However, in the past several has continued to boom. More chic years, Southeast Asia, especially the imnew hostels, shops and eateries have mensely popular Thai capital of Banghas seen the mass arrival of a new opened their doors for business. It is kok, kind of traveler: the flashpacker. Typiobvious that the concept of cally comprised of young professionals who are educated and savvy, flaskpack“budget travel” is taking on a whole ers have more flexible budgets (read: new meaning as far as Bangkok is more money) and more refined tastes concerned. than your average backpacker. 31 Her Trip decided to do some exploring in what Where to eat & drink has been dubbed as Asia’s “City of Angels” to Located in Upper Sukhumvit, Chef Bar is a casufind out what keeps flashpackers coming back al, Aussie-inspired resto that has garnered some rave reviews from locals and foreigners alike. Try for more. the wagyu beef burger ($13) or the beef meat pie ($9). For a chic Mediterranean dining experiWhere to stay If you’re looking for a safe, well-situated “home” ence, pop into the Seven Spoons restaurant. $20 in Bangkok that’s impeccably clean and has a will get you their fillet mignon with melted gorhealthy social atmosphere without sacrificing gonzola cheese and lingonberry sauce. privacy, consider checking into Lub D Hostel. Because of its popularity among flashpackers, the Meanwhile, if it’s authentic Thai cuisine that hostel has two branches located in equally acces- you’re looking for, head over to Su Tha Ros losible parts of town: One is in the commercial dis- cated inside Hotel Muse. The Lamb Massaman trict of Silom while the other is near the popular Curry ($15) is a must. Finally, if after all that food shopping district of Siam Square. Both are with- you find yourself craving some cocktails, Moon in walking distance of the BTS Skytrain. Dorms Bar, located on the roof top of The Banyan Tree Hotel (61 floors in total), is a worthy choice. start at $17; private rooms from $50/night. 32 >> Feature 3 Days in Mexico’s Riviera Maya Just south of Cancun is the Riviera Maya, a stunning, must-see destination for any traveler. Find out how to make the most of it when the last thing you have is the luxury of time. by Justine Cuenco Day 1 After landing in Cancun International Airport just past noon, I buy a one-way bus ticket worth roughly $12 to get to Playa del Carmen. Since this trip is only going to be for three days over a long weekend, I decided beforehand to skip the party scene and go for some much-needed downtime instead. For this, Playa del Carmen, or simply Playa, seemed to be a perfect alternative to Cancun. I catch the bus just outside the airport (tickets can also be booked online at ado.com.mx) and, from there, it’s a fairly pleasant hour-long trip. Buses typically stop in Playa’s main terminal located downtown. Since it’s more of town rather than a big, bustling city, most hotels and guesthouses are within walking distance from the terminal. To save myself from any hassle, I did a bit of online research a few days before the trip and reserved a room in a quaint bed and breakfast called Posada Picalu ($55/night including VAT, daily breakfast, and friendly service), just a few blocks off Playa’s main beach. After a swift check-in, I head over to Mamita’s Beach Club for some RnR. Described as a European-style, full-service beach club (think a hip but laidback lounge by the beach) that doubles as a 49 popular party and events venue at night, Mamita’s is perfect for relaxing by the beach all-day sans any stress. Since I was staying for a few hours, I opted to rent a beach chair and umbrella, which cost $6 for unlimited use for the day. After essentially being booted out of Mamita’s at closing (6 pm on a regular day), I luckily chance upon El Fogon, which serves authentic Mexican food at bargain prices. I highly recommend their chorizo quesidillas ($5)! Day 2 Unsurprisingly, I sleep in but, fortunately, the lovely B&B caretaker named Omar serves me breakfast (or early lunch!) anyway. In the afternoon, I explore the rest of the town on foot and do a bit of shopping at Avenida 5, arguably the town’s most popular shopping area. Admittedly, it is pretty touristy but for a quick visit in Playa, there’s nothing to feel too guilty about. Before I know it, it’s supper time. For this evening, I decide to try Mayan Bistro. I cannot stress how worth it is, and in comparison to typical resto prices in Canada, it offers great value for money. The mixed seafood ceviche ($11) is divine. Day 3 For my last day in Mexico, I thought I’d book an all-inclusive tour that would take me to three places in one day: Tulum (home of the ancient Mayan ruins), Xel-ha (equivalent to a national park also described as a massive “natural aquarium” that allows for swimming, snorkeling, rafting, and more), and Xcaret (eco-archaeological park). The tour was my biggest splurge at $270. However, this does include taxes, round-trip transfers, access to four (!) of the all-day buffets in Xel-ha, and a dinner show in Xcaret. All-in-all, the experience is well worth it. 50 travel the world. meet friends for life. free spirit travel & tours for the young at heart www.freespirit.ca
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