Is it possible? For many of us "fashionista's" (ok, who am I kidding.. wannabe's) the idea of zero baggage when travelling is a little hard to believe.
However, a Canadian entrepreneur has come up with a great alternative to the overspending, pre-vacation shopping frenzy, stressful packing, and nail biting lost luggage scenarios.
Catherine McIntosh has answered our prayers and hopes to launch her "Zero Baggage" company that will allow people to rent clothes for their holiday. Just book the items online in advance, and the clothes will be waiting in your hotel room when you arrive.
Definitely more efficient, think of the time you'll save at the airport.. no waiting in line to pay for your luggage, only to have it gone missing on arrival.
I love it! With so many choices available, I can try out those items that I'd never afford otherwise. And if you spot me at a little cafe, kicking back with a margarita, looking all "Sex and the City".. only I'll know that I'm really only a wannabe....
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
When In Rome Be A Roman
I've always been a firm believer that when travelling, I should embrace the culture and customs of those that I'm visiting. Afterall, isn't this one of the beauties of travel... learning and trying new things?
Usually, my idea of "embracing" is talking with the locals, trying new foods, and soaking up the culture. But sometimes, not knowing the local etiquette can offend those around you, or in some cases, land you in a sticky situation.
For instance, some customs you may not have known...
* In Southeast Asia, you never want to touch someone's head. The top of the body is considered to contain one's soul, and the head is considered sacred in these countries.
* Always toast with eye contact in Europe... failing to meet each other's eyes is believed to be followed by a bad omen.
* Silence your nose... when travelling in China, make sure you don't sneeze or sniff at the dinner table. (Not only is it bad manners...) but it is considered barbaric. In Japan, using a handkerchief in public is considered rude.
* Drink to the last drop... Soup that is.. leaving the last drops of soup in your bowl in Japan will offend the host, and they would think you didn't like the meal.
So, as much as I say, "When in Rome be a Roman", its not a bad idea to check into the do's and dont's before you head off to explore a new destination. After all, a happy traveller, was a prepared traveller!
Usually, my idea of "embracing" is talking with the locals, trying new foods, and soaking up the culture. But sometimes, not knowing the local etiquette can offend those around you, or in some cases, land you in a sticky situation.
For instance, some customs you may not have known...
* In Southeast Asia, you never want to touch someone's head. The top of the body is considered to contain one's soul, and the head is considered sacred in these countries.
* Always toast with eye contact in Europe... failing to meet each other's eyes is believed to be followed by a bad omen.
* Silence your nose... when travelling in China, make sure you don't sneeze or sniff at the dinner table. (Not only is it bad manners...) but it is considered barbaric. In Japan, using a handkerchief in public is considered rude.
* Drink to the last drop... Soup that is.. leaving the last drops of soup in your bowl in Japan will offend the host, and they would think you didn't like the meal.
So, as much as I say, "When in Rome be a Roman", its not a bad idea to check into the do's and dont's before you head off to explore a new destination. After all, a happy traveller, was a prepared traveller!
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