Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Are you planning a trip to London? If you're an apple user think about getting/bringing an apple watch before you go. We just got back from London and first off their public transit is bar non the best I have used. Between the underground and the buses in London, we were never more than a 5-minute walk to anything we wanted to see in London. In addition to public transit, tap-to-pay is everywhere in the UK, even the village pub we ate in had a tap-to-pay terminal. I only had to unsheathe a credit card once the entire trip and, to be honest, it was probably a user error.
So back to setting up Apple Pay and the Watch....
First setting up apple pay is pretty straightforward if you haven't done it. On your phone, if you open the wallet app you will see a little + sign in the upper right corner if you touch on the plus symbol it will walk you through adding your credit card to apple pay. For traveling overseas make sure you add a card with no foreign transaction fees. Once the card is added you should make this card your default card so it will come up automatically when you double-click to bring up tap-to-pay.
Once your card is added you will want to go into your setting app under wallet and go to the express transit settings and select the credit card you just added. What this does is set up express transit to let you tap in and out of the UK underground with no need to download an app or buy an Oyster card.
For the apple watch, you will want to add the same card via the wallet app. Usually, the cards that have been configured on the phone will show up in the watch app, but you will need to verify the security code to authorize the watch to use those cards. Once the card is added you can go to the wallet settings in the watch app on your phone and configure a default card, you will also want to add the card you want to use for express transit. This will need to be configured on the watch through the watch application on your phone.
Now that it is configured how do I use my phone or apple watch for London transit?
On the Tube/Underground when you tap your phone or watch on the turn stall sensor (the yellow plastic disk) the gates will open and it will register at what station you entered. Once you get to your destination you will need to tap the sensor at the exit gates using the same device you used to enter the underground, each device is unique and will even work if there is no cell service. The TFL will determine where you tapped in and where you tapped out and will bill the card you had configured for express transit directly. It's as simple as that.
If you are planning a trip to the UK I would recommend setting up Apple Pay and especially the express transit if you are going to London. It was a major convenience and took my major concern about using public transit and threw it out the window.
Food:
George’s (11am-11pm) This restaurant/bar is the quintessential local bar, and like almost everywhere in Louisiana servers outstanding food. Many people who have moved from Baton Rouge make it the first and last place they eat when there at home. The Shrimp Po Boy is the best I have ever had, but you cant go wrong with anything on the menu.
Bet-R-Grocery (7am-9pm) Just down the street from George's Bet-R-Grocery is a local supermarket that has all the local Louisiana flavors, What stood them apart was the delicious Deli in the back. We stopped in for a quick breakfast and for $1.45 you wont get a better breakfast sandwich. There biscuits where so good and the Grits are super flavorful.
The Chimes (11am-2am) There are not enough words to explain how good this place is. Located just off the LCU campus, (there are two other locations), the atmosphere food and beer is hard to replicate. They probably make the best burger I have ever had and the fried pickles and alligator was super yummy too.
Louisiana Lagniappe (5:30pm-9pm) This was hands down the best meal I had on our trip. It is an upscale restaurant in Baton Rouge Absolutely delicious, wide variety of seafood, reasonable prices and excellent service. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and return when I'm back in the area.
Raising Cain’s (10am-3am) If your coming home from a mardi gras parade or just want a quick bite Raising Cain's is a good choice. They are a typical fast food restaurant but where they shine is they specialize in just chicken fingers. You don't have a million choices on their menu just chicken fingers, fries or cole slaw.
Coffee Call (6am-2am) Last but not least you need to try beignets when your in Louisiana and my favorites where at Coffee Call. They have not only beignets but the easier to eat Belgium fingers, and much like Rasing Cain's they focus on making the best beignets.
Zeeland Street (7am-2pm) The locals place for breakfast. It's not fancy but everyone knows each other and food is great. In fact Zeeland family has owned it for ever.
George’s (11am-11pm) This restaurant/bar is the quintessential local bar, and like almost everywhere in Louisiana servers outstanding food. Many people who have moved from Baton Rouge make it the first and last place they eat when there at home. The Shrimp Po Boy is the best I have ever had, but you cant go wrong with anything on the menu.
Bet-R-Grocery (7am-9pm) Just down the street from George's Bet-R-Grocery is a local supermarket that has all the local Louisiana flavors, What stood them apart was the delicious Deli in the back. We stopped in for a quick breakfast and for $1.45 you wont get a better breakfast sandwich. There biscuits where so good and the Grits are super flavorful.
The Chimes (11am-2am) There are not enough words to explain how good this place is. Located just off the LCU campus, (there are two other locations), the atmosphere food and beer is hard to replicate. They probably make the best burger I have ever had and the fried pickles and alligator was super yummy too.
Louisiana Lagniappe (5:30pm-9pm) This was hands down the best meal I had on our trip. It is an upscale restaurant in Baton Rouge Absolutely delicious, wide variety of seafood, reasonable prices and excellent service. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and return when I'm back in the area.
Raising Cain’s (10am-3am) If your coming home from a mardi gras parade or just want a quick bite Raising Cain's is a good choice. They are a typical fast food restaurant but where they shine is they specialize in just chicken fingers. You don't have a million choices on their menu just chicken fingers, fries or cole slaw.
Coffee Call (6am-2am) Last but not least you need to try beignets when your in Louisiana and my favorites where at Coffee Call. They have not only beignets but the easier to eat Belgium fingers, and much like Rasing Cain's they focus on making the best beignets.
Zeeland Street (7am-2pm) The locals place for breakfast. It's not fancy but everyone knows each other and food is great. In fact Zeeland family has owned it for ever.
Sites:
Louisiana “New” State Capitol (8am-4:30pm) The tallest state capitol in the United States the New Luisiana State Capitol is a must see attraction. Your tour here can be made even better is you study on the King Fish Governor Huey Long's assassination that took place in the second floor hall way. You can still see the bullet holes n the marble.
Louisiana “Old” State Capitol (10am-4pm) One of the coolest old building I have ever seen. It has been beautifully restored and the winding stair case and stain glass celling is breath taking. You have to watch the movie about the history of the capitol. With out giving away to much it was produced by Disney and will truly surprise you.
Louisiana “New” State Capitol (8am-4:30pm) The tallest state capitol in the United States the New Luisiana State Capitol is a must see attraction. Your tour here can be made even better is you study on the King Fish Governor Huey Long's assassination that took place in the second floor hall way. You can still see the bullet holes n the marble.
Louisiana “Old” State Capitol (10am-4pm) One of the coolest old building I have ever seen. It has been beautifully restored and the winding stair case and stain glass celling is breath taking. You have to watch the movie about the history of the capitol. With out giving away to much it was produced by Disney and will truly surprise you.
The
Cajun Village My friends favorite beignets and fun eclectic grouping of unusual gift shops. This place is in the middle of no where but worth the trip.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center (9am-5pm)
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center (9am-5pm)
Atchafalaya
Basin Landing Swamp Tour
Audubon State Historic Site (9am-5pm)
The
Myrtles Plantation (7:30am-9am)
Angola
Prison Museum (8am-4:30pm)
Travel gear is a subject that may be different for everyone. So after doing a lot of online and hands on research, I have come up with a short list of the items that have worked for me.
Carry what you need:
Sometimes less is more. When staying at a hotel you can use a small daypack to carry what you need for just the day. This backpack was perfect for day trips it packs up small so throwing it in your suit case is easy. It also fits light rain jackets, bottles of waters, random tech, with plenty of space left over for souvenirs.
Power on the Go:
The cell phone has become our navigation, camera/camcorder, and mobile Internet device but the batteries often fall short of a whole day. We found ourselves plugging in our phones wherever we could find power. With approx. 4 full charges out of the Jackery Giant Portable External Battery, this thing was a life saver. We slid the charger in the front flap of our backpack and were able to charge our phones while on the move.
Flight Serenity:
I have been looking for quality on the ear bluetooth headphones for flying. I had tried Beats and for the price they didn't really do it for me. My major issue with Beats was a lack of a passive mode (plugging in to a headphone jack when power dies.) So after doing a lot of research I found the Jabber Revo wireless headphones, they were half the price of Beats headphones and I thought they sounded better, much less bass focused.
Laptop Alternative:
Last but not least I made the leap of faith and did not bring a laptop - instead I brought my iPad with a keyboard case. I have tried a couple keyboard/cases and this one has been my favorite. I wanted a case that would allow me to use my iPad as a laptop, fold behind like a cover, and protect it when it was in my backpack. Pro Tip they are asking $79.00 for the cover I bought the cover from the Amazon warehouse used (damaged packaging) for $30.00 and was totally happy, no issues.
Bring your Own Wifi:
Staying in a hotel or a hostel on shared wifi can be a little nerve wracking. If your a tech savvy traveler and you want your own travel wifi router with built in firewall the Travel Sith is for you. It also has some cool features with IPS and android where you can back your photos us to a local thumb drive you can plug into the wireless route.
Platypus PlusBottle, 1 Liter with Push-Pull Cap
Belkin SurgePlus 3-Outlet Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports (2.1 AMP / 10 Watt)
Kauai is my most favorite place on the planet. Below is a quick guide I have created to send off to my friends when they ask me where to go and what to do. The feedback I have gotten is great so I wanted to share it with everyone.
This is not the end-all-be-all tourist guide to Kauai, these are just a few of the things I like to do everytime I go back.
For the first timers there is a great audio tour iPhone app I found Kauai GPS Tour Guide it gives you facts as your driving around about historic and interesting locations. The second app Kauai Beach Guide has a lot of useful info about the beaches as well as real time surf reports. If you are not familiar with the local ocean and beaches this app could really be helpful, and keep you safe.
Food:
You'll find out that every meal you eat on the island is $25+ so we tried to limit when we ate out-- that being said there are some things you have to try.
- Pono Market 4-1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746. This is the local hole in the wall market that servers super fresh poke and delicious fried chicken; its a great place to pick up food for a picnic.
- Foodland in Kapaa also has an awesome deli with a lot of traditional Hawaiian food, their prices also seemed to be cheaper than Safeway.
- Dukes in Lihue is a little touristy but still a must go at least once. Their food is on the pricey side but the atmosphere is awesome and I think they have a happy hour. You have to try the Hula Pie for dessert it is huge and awesome.
- The ultimate locals food joint we found in Lihue is called Mark's Place. It is in the middle of a residential area and a total local hang out, but I got a Korean beef, sesame chicken, with a salad, rice and chowmein plate for 7 bucks. You have to go here and it's not to far from Poipu. 1610 Haleukana St, Ste A, Lihue, HI 96766
- There are tons of local open air markets to get fresh fruit. That's what we did for breakfast most days.
- Lastly we stopped off and had some killer fish tacos (warning the were huge) on the way to Polihale beach at a place called Island tacos. They where done differently than most fish tacos --not fried and it was a nice change. 9643 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796
Sites:
You have to see the basics if it is your first time to kauai so here they go.
- Waimea canyon it's like the Grand Canyon of the pacific very cool. Beautiful misty vistas and awesome red dirt.
- Spouting horn just up the road from Lihue, near Poipu, is a cool under water cave that shoots up water. If you go in the evening you can watch the sunset from the Kukuiula boat harbor...you'll pass it on the way to Spouting Horn it's beautiful and there are not a lot of people.
- The Opaekaa Falls are just up the mountain from Kapaa and is one of the rainiest places on earth.
- Across from the waterfalls is a nice side visit to the ancient Kamokila Hawaiian Village Kuamoo Road, Kapaa. Very friendly and knowledgeable guides, I learned a lot.
- Smith Family Luau is a pretty affordable show I think you can do it with or with out dinner to save a couple bucks.
- Also in Kapaa is the Coco Palms Resort, this was the place to be in the 60’s and 70’s. Elvis Presley filmed Blue Hawaii there and the gardens are still open for tours. Unfortunately it was decimated my hurricane Iniki and has been closed since 1992.
- Haneli is my second favorite town on Kauai it's small quit and they have a cool pier that shoots into the bay. It was great place to watch people learn to surf or just take in the beautiful surroundings. You can also rent kayaks in town and launch them at Haneli beach. The rental companies strap them to your rental car and send you on your way. It's only15 bucks for the day and it is a lot cheaper then renting them waterside. You can kayak up the slow moving river through the valley it's very scenic.
- Past Haneli is where the trail starts for the North Shore. Because the roads don't go completely around the island this is the only way to see parts of the North Shore unless you take a boat.
- Kealia Lighthouse is a bird sanctuary and from November to May Humpbacks breed and give birth on the East side of the island. Last time we where there, about 50 humpback whales were jumping and playing off the tip of the point - it was awesome.
- Bike rentals in Kapaa are fun and there are plenty of places to ride them. They built a bike trail that runs from Kapaa north past Kelia beach along the ocean really nice ride and very affordable.
- Poipu has some great swimming beaches, but it is pretty touristy.
- Anini beach and past Anini beach is a cool place to snorkel especially if the more northern beaches are blown out. We saw a turtle here while snorkeling.
- Ultimate snorkel beach is probably Ke'e it is super scenic, but last time we were here it was blown out big time. Also word of advice when you head up north past Haneli get an early start. It gets crazy and there is minimal parking.
- We also liked Lydgate state park, but not the Lydgate beach itself. You can head down to the camp ground and that beach runs for ever. We probably had a mile of beach to ourselves.
- If you want a beach where maybe you can't swim but want your space, Polihale is it. It is literally where the road ends and takes a drive on a bumpy dirt road but it's well worth it. You need to get your money out of that rental car, and going to this beach you will. The views are amazing and the beach is empty. Go for an afternoon and stay for sunset.
Other Fun Things to Do:
- You can take a chartered catamaran to the Napali Coast to snorkel and take in the beauty. The North Coast of Kauai is the backdrop for many famous movies. The Captain will point them out as you pass them.
- If you're a movie buff, there are couple tours that will satisfy your geekiness. The ATV tour on the private Kipu Ranch will stop off at the site they filmed the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom opening river scene. You can take horseback riding tours and there are also a couple van tours but I have not taken them.
- There are always Helicopter tours...they are pricey but you get to see the island form a unique perspective.
- Hawaii has the unique climate that lends it self to growing coffee. Most people associate the city of Kona on the Big Island with coffee, but Kauai has it own coffee plantation. Koloa Estates is the largest coffee farm in the United States. They offer free tours a huge gift shop and all the coffee tasting you can stand.
