For those of you who are not aware of it, there are many companies offering unoccupied property insurance today. This is a type of insurance especially designed to protect your property while no one is living there. When considering the costs and benefits, insurance is always a small price to pay, in order to relax in the paradise of your choice, while knowing no harm will come to the valuables and cherished personal belongings you have left behind.

This type of coverage includes many convenient features. For example, it can cover the cost of temporary accommodation if your property has been damaged, as well as the loss of pre-booked rental income.

Traveling is all about living and enjoying the moment, so, many people do not consider this type of risks seriously enough, but being able to travel safe is PRICELESS. I have been out of my home for 10 days, in a different hemisphere, and have nothing to worry about, because I decided to spend an insignificant amount of money on this invaluable peace of mind I am currently enjoying.

When I started researching about insuring my home while on holidays, I also came across another interesting service for people who own a vacation home, namely, holiday home insurance. Break-ins and robberies in popular vacationing areas during low season are very common, because it is well known that many houses will be empty, thus presenting very little resistance to criminals. 

Holiday home insurance can cover the property and all its contents even when your vacation home has been let to family or friends. I know many people who move everything of value out of their vacation home at the end of each summer, because they are afraid of leaving it there in an unoccupied property for months. This is a great hassle that can be avoided by simply selecting a convenient holiday home insurance package. 

In my experience, a good alarm system and a small fee paid to someone in the area to be a sort of landlord and keep an eye on the property can also go a long way. My family has had a beach house for years, and a combination of security systems, a housekeeper who lives across the street year-round, and a great insurance service have kept it safe for about 30 years.

Naturally, in the case of holiday home insurance, if your vacation home is located overseas, you need to find a provider who offers coverage abroad. Fortunately, some companies offer coverage in popular destinations. For example, in the UK, it is possible to insure property located in Spain, France, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, Greece, etc.

My last bit of advice is to choose a company with outstanding customer service, as this will be an essential element, especially when you are away from home and need a quick and efficient 24-hour response.

Holiday home and unoccupied property insurance are of the essence for anyone who enjoys traveling without a care in the world. The latter is also recommended when transitioning between two properties,  to keep your former home safe while the new owners or tenants have not yet moved in.

Whether you are traveling, moving, letting, or leaving a property unoccupied for any reason, a type of insurance specifically tailored for this type of situations can give you the safety you need, to enjoy all of the year´s seasons with the same peace of mind, wherever you may be.

I knew very little about Seattle when I went into a tickets website and hit the “buy” button. I knew it was the town of grunge, of course, I had seen pictures of the space needle, I knew it was surrounded by lovely mountains, and I had an idea that many people there worked in technology, but that was about it.

When I first entered the King Deluxe Suite at the Alexis, it became clear to me why this hotel must be the quintessential Seattle hotel: everything in it had a rock´n´roll elegance about it, from the subway graffiti-like entrance corridor wall to the concert and movie posters and the stylish furniture, from the animal print robes in the walk-in closet to the Hendrix art on the bathroom wall.

One look at the Hendrix and Nirvana posters, another look at the water through the magnificent windows, and you knew you couldn´t be anywhere but in Seattle.

As I was taking in the whole experience of being in this unique room, someone came in to offer me tea with honey, served with a poetry book on the side! When I saw that, I knew this was the right place for me.

All of the staff I met at the Alexis were wonderful, from the bellboys to the cleaners and from the receptionists to the waiters. Most of all, I enjoyed being at a luxury hotel with personality, which is something that one rarely encounters. Here, everything was classy and unique, all the art in the the corridors, the decor of every single lounge, there was a touch of something special about everything.

The Alexis also offers wine tasting every night, and my new favorite breakfast in Seattle at the Library Bistró, which is also open for lunch. As you enter the library bistró in the morning, you will be enveloped in an atmosphere of bookshelves and old Billie holiday tunes, then you can have the best capuccino in the world, I don´t know how they do it, but that thick foam was heaven, and so were my berries & cottage cheese, which I could describe as orgasmic, without exaggerating one bit.

I sat there, listening to Billie, reading my Sylvia Plath and feeling a little nostalgic about having to leave this wonderful place, but also sure that I would one day return.

not counting that day in Miami with my friend Gaby when I wanted to spend a day with her after getting off a cruise ship, and I pretended I was sick and the girls at the boarding gate rebooked me for the next night. Bless them for my time with SuperGabs!

Las night was a bit different. When I boarded my first flight in Montevideo, I was told I would get my other boarding passes at the boarding gate. So, I get off the plane, I see a list of departures, I see my destination listed at about the same time my flight was scheduled, the carrier is the one I just flew with, but since it´s a combined flight, I´ve seen this before, same flight with two different numbers because it is shared.

Working at the airport´s VIP room

Anyways, first I need a toothbrush and I go and ask girls who work at an airport shop. For some reason I talk to them in English; none of them speak English, bad sign. Bottom line, no one told me I had to switch terminals, when they figured it out, my actual plane was taking off. After talking to about 15 people to try to get someone to tell me where I could find a Delta representative, I was able to get rebooked for the next day. I lost 24 hours, in no mood to go see the city and risk being late for my flight for some reason, they didn´t pay for my hotel either.

One of the morals of the story is that it is always worth it to fly a better company, even if tickets are more expensive. The other moral is IF YOU EVER HAVE A CONNECTION IN SAO PAULO, TRIPLE CHECK EVERYTHING, signs are a mess, you never know which terminal you´re at, especially if you don´t speak Portuguese, I say to you Good luck! I was able to survive only because I do. Since my English is better than my Portuguese, I tried it a couple of times, but realized it wouldn´t work.

Image of Liberdade, Sao Paulo´s oriental neighborhood

Some people who have had connecting flights in Sao Paulo tell me it´s always like that, so, I strongly advise against short Sao Paulo connections: by the time you figure out where to go, your plane will most likely be off.

I did like the downtown Garulhos area where my hotel was, and fortunately I am not missing any meetings because of my late arrival in the US. I´m just 100 USD down, which doesn´t seem too bad. Though a normal person who eats three meals a day might have spent much more, as I was in no mood for dinner last night, and I had a late breakfast which made lunch unnecessary.

My friend Ana did recommend I should see the Japanese neighborhood in Sao Paulo, but I guess that will have to be another time.

On my next spot: My 24 hours in Guarulhos, with some minimal stories and a few cool photos.

Featured image by veebruar

When I spend too long without getting on a plane, I can get rather restless. This Fall, I found the cure, I am traveling towards the Northern Spring. Although the place I´m going is not precisely tropical, more like a mild winter except for the summertime, year-round, I am so excited to see some of my friends from the North.

While I was cruising the world, I made some lifelong friends that I seldom get to see now I am a full-time writer/film producer in Uruguay. So, I have at least five of the people I love the most in the world who either live around the region I am headed to or will make a trip to see me while I´m there.

I am also going to write about a few great hotels and resorts I will be visiting, but will also spend some time at an airbnb apartment and I may even couchsurf for a night or two. I am very excited about everything I will be reporting on.

I´m sure you are pretty curious by now about where in the world my adventures will take me, but  I am not revealing that as yet. I will just say that I am going to one of my favorite cities in the Northern hemisphere. The rest will be unveiled soon.

Can´t wait to post pictures with all my new fall fashions I just ordered from eBay. Here is my new raincoat, for starters:

Of course, remote venues can greatly limit access for people who cannot afford to fly to the other end of the world, and this is the reason places like Playa El Carmen are so popular for weddings between Americans. Likewise, exotic yet familiar places like Hawaii are always a favorite. But I also wanted to bring in a touch of Uruguayan flavor, by mentioning the glamorous Punta del Este and the savage paradise of Cabo Polonio.

Greece is also a fabulous place for weddings.  Culture is an important aspect to consider when choosing  international wedding venues, and getting married in a place where local people know how to party is always an advantage. In this respect, you can´t top Greece. Of course, the great music and food can help too.

Maui

Luxury, natural beauty, rich traditions and glamorous and exotic Hawaiian themes are some of the benefits of planning a Maui wedding. There are many beach hotels in Maui that offer some fabulous wedding venues, but it is also possible to do your own thing, rent a fabulous villa and a catering service and let your imagination fly. Hawaii has the great advantage for American citizens that, though it requires taking a plane, it is still American territory, so, the hassle of traveling to a foreign country is greatly reduced. On the other hand, Hawaiian culture is exotic enough that this can feel like a glamorous ethnic wedding too. Tip: No Hawaiian wedding is complete with a little music by IZ, if you can hire a great local band, you got it all.

Playa El Carmen

One of the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen took place in Playa El Carmen, so, I couldn´t leave this fabulous spot out of my list. Breathtaking seaviews, excellent weather, awesome Mexican food, and great services and facilities make this Mexican resort and ideal place to tie the knot. It is so close to the States that Americans should probably choose a different place if they want an intimate wedding: if you get married here,  no one will have the excuse that it is too expensive to fly.

Punta del Este

Offering some of the top wedding venues and luxury facilities in all of South America, this chic beach resort has everything to guarantee a fabulous event, whichever time of the year you may choose for your special day. Uruguay has an year-round amiable climate and, though many businesses and discos are closed during the year, hotels and special event venues are open for business year-round.

If natural beauty, glamour, and luxury are what you are looking for, this is the place to go.

Cabo Polonio

Desert cows in Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio used to be an exotic, out-of-the-way hippie paradise. Today it is more like the hippie-chic place to be during the Uruguayan summer. If you want a Cabo Polonio wedding, in an untrodden beach, where there is no asphalt and there are no buildings or big hotels, only charming little huts lining a small cape crowned by a lighthouse, you should probably stay clear of the Uruguayan summer, when Cabo is crowded 24/7. Spring and Fall are the best times to get married here, with the wind, the waves and the numerous wild sea wolves as your witnesses.

Mykonos

There are many places to get married in Greece, but in terms of facilities, accessibility and sheer natural beauty, Mykonos makes the perfect spot for a lovely Greek wedding. In the moonlight, by the sea, with some ouzo and retsina wine, Greek music, and fabulous Greek food, you can never go wrong.

As a Uruguayan, I am used to big, fun weddings. Add my Armenian heritage to that, and you get a really BIG party. My most important advice to anyone planning an offshore wedding is to pick a place where weddings are just FUN. For me, the ideal place might be a mixture of Uruguay and Greece, but that might be too intense for some people. To give you an idea, our weddings always last until the next morning,,,

Featured image from ewen and donabel´s Hawaiian wedding

While It may sometimes seem like traveling with your eco-friendly values is impossible, there are actually many easy ways to take your green lifestyle with you.

Limit transportation

Transportation is inherent to travel; it is also one of the biggest causes of pollution. Naturally, it is impossible to see the world without hopping on a plane or sailing the ocean, but there are measures you can take to minimize your environmental impact while traveling. If you are really serious about reducing your carbon footprint during an upcoming trip, choose a destination that doesn’t require you to fly. Planes use a lot of fuel to take off and land, and there is nothing eco-friendly about them.

If you absolutely must travel by plane, try to choose a flight with minimal stops. The more a plane has to take off and land, the more carbon emissions it disperses. There are also other ways to cut down on your transportation emissions. Consider staying in a hotel where you can walk or bike to everything. It is not only healthy for you, but it also limits the emissions you might have caused by taking a car. Using public transportation is another eco-friendly way to get around.

Reuse, reduce, recycle

You probably already follow the three R’s at home, but there is no reason to throw them out the window when you travel. Take a reusable water bottle with you to refrain from using disposable bottles or cans that cause pollution. If you have to purchase bottled products, make sure you recycle.

In some areas of the world, water is a scarce resource. No matter where you may be, it is important to use resources conservatively. Some simple ways to reduce water consumption include taking short showers and informing housekeeping that you don’t need your linens washed and replaced every day.

Go local

Part of the bliss of traveling has to do with enjoying your surroundings. What can be a better way to immerse yourself in a certain culture than hiring a local tour guide? You are not only likely to learn more about the culture, you could also get a more personal tour than by dealing with a large tourism company.

It takes a lot of energy to import food. From transportation to refrigeration, getting food to your table can take eco-friendliness right out of your vacation. Steer clear of this carbon footprint booster by eating local foods. Native fruits and vegetables will not only be fresher, but they will also be easier to get, thus further reducing your carbon footprint.

Find a green hotel

As the green movement sweeps across the world, green hotels seem to be popping up every day. Look for a hotel that is a member of the Green Hotels Association. These hotels are committed to minimizing their environmental impact through a variety of eco-friendly initiatives.

Finding a green hotel is fairly easy, since many companies gladly share the details of their environmentally friendly practices on their websites and other media. If in doubt, you can also call hotels you are considering and ask them about their green practices.

Reduce energy use at home

Before you even start your trip, take a look at how you can reduce energy use in your home. For example, you don’t have to make your home comfortable when you are on vacation. Turn off the air conditioner, fridge, and heater to save energy. Why have them running if no one is there? Unplug any unused devices. Your TV, computer, DVD player and coffee maker continue to use energy even when they are turned off. Unplugging them altogether ensures that they will not be adding to your carbon footprint while you are away.

Finally, if you are looking for a cleaner energy option for your home, you can choose a specialized company like www.EnergyProvidersTexas.com. There are many energy suppliers who offer green energy, or at least the option to purchase renewable energy credits to offset your energy use. By purchasing green energy, you can rest assured that your home will stay green, even when you are on vacation.

Find more green travelling tips on this previous Go Green blog.

In 2010, I was waging an inner war against music´s power over me. On St. Cecilia´s day, I wrote two poems to the patron saint of music and musicians, which expressed the contradictions I was living in those days.

In December last year, I got an unusual email through this website. Paul Stanhope, an acclaimed Australian composer, wanted to set one of my St. Cecilia poems to music. After hearing some of his wonderful music on the web, I was really excited.

My poem was never meant to be a song, and I was amazed when Paul told me he would use the lyrics exactly as they were. When musicians set a text to music, most of the times, changes have to be made, to make the words fit some preordained musical form, but Paul told me he had managed to work my words into his music without changing anything.

Being completely reconciled with Saint Cecilia, with my love of music intact, I was curious to hear the result. Paul sent me an email after the first performance. He said the young choir members had really liked the lyrics, but there was no recording for me to listen to as yet. This, of course, made me even more curious.

Last night, Paul sent me an mp3 from a performance at St. John´s College, Cambridge.

It is only seldom that an artist can collaborate with another one and feel that both visions have come together in complete harmony. I could never have imagined Paul´s beautiful music, but, somehow, I felt that the emotions it expressed were completely aligned with everything that was alive in that poem for me.

I am so honored by Paul´s interest in my work, I feel so blessed that I got to be part of his heavenly music.

Music transforms everything, its power knows no boundaries, and I am no longer afraid of it. I just hope that I can work with Paul again sometime. He is quite simply one of the most fabulous contemporary composers I have ever heard.

I hope this music can make you as happy as it made me.

Thank you, Paul!

Relax in Aruba

paradise found

I have mentioned this many times, but I can´t stress it enough. There is something special about Aruba. There are many beautiful islands in the Caribbean, but when you are cruising, only the ones that can provide instant beauty and pleasure stand out; Aruba is one of them. Docking in Oranjestaad offers numerous opportunities for exciting tours. Alternatively, you can rent a van and do your own thing with a few other cruisers, but if you just go to the nearest beach, you will still have the best of times. There is something about the language, which combines Portuguese and Dutch, about the islanders` créole heritage; it´s not only the blue seas and perfect white sands, Aruba has a powerful spirit. In a way, it is a paradise with a heart.

Discover the magic of Key West

Speaking of hearts, I am simply enamoured with Key West. Nothing can beat the mystique of this place, as far as little American insular territories go. The weather is beautiful, the old buildings are elegant and manorial, the gardens are perfect, and the people are incredibly friendly and colourful. The Hemingway house is quite a treat, not only for literary buffs; it is just quite simply delightful and charming. People who would like to learn a little more about the place should take one of the ghost stories and mysteries tours, and no one should miss out on a visit to Papa Hemingway´s favorite bar Sloppy Joe´s.

Relaxing on the beach or swimming at the pool of a beautiful ancient hotel is also possible, and the the key is so small that it is possible to see a lot even if your ship is docking for only a few hours. Whatever you do, don´t forget to shop for a fabulous hat; I still regret not buying the best hat I´ve ever tried at a street stand that looked like hatland paradise.

Sail Across the Ocean

Not recommended if you easily get seasick, a transatlantic cruise can be quite an experience. While cruising, I have often met types who were in it for the ship and its services, and were not very interested in seeing this ashore. In a way, sightseeing can be tiresome sometimes, walking all day, waiting in line to see a Museum in the unbearable heat, etc. The endless sea days can be ideal for anyone looking for sheer relaxation and clean ocean views. I´m thinking honeymooners.

Penguins and Kangaroos

I have seen the penguins at the Falkland islands during a South American cruise, and I have to say it was quite a spectacle. Animal lovers will be thrilled by both South American and Australian cruises, especially in the case of families travelling with children, as the little ones will love this cute and rare animals. If you head to Oceania or South America for an Easter cruise, you will surely have plenty of penguin and kangaroo tours to choose from.

See the Pyramids

Cruises that include a long stay or an overnight in Giza, Egypt are extremely popular during this time of the year as well. Often named “Holy land” or “Holy land & Egypt” cruises, these runs usually include a stop at Jerusalem. If you are interested in history, this is the ideal Easter cruise for you. History in these case goes hand in hand with spectacular views and fascinating and exotic cultures. Naturally, this option is also a favourite with photography lovers.

Get a taste of Polynesia

If you have always been intrigued by Gauguin´s paintings and the mysteries of Polynesian culture, this is the run for you. Usually touching upon different islands, these are utter relaxation cruises, also very suitable for honeymoons. With beauty everywhere and a culture utterly dedicated to pleasing visitors and creating unique experiences, a Polynesian cruise is considered the ultimate pleasure cruise.

Take a Gondola Ride

If you´ve never done it, you probably wonder what all the fuss is about. Personally, I had never much cared for gondolas, but after taking a single ride through Venice, I have changed my mind. There is something about Venice. It is a fairy tale land, being on a gondola is just so pleasant, discovering the city, feeling the wind on your face. I guess you just have to try it to know what I´m talking about. Besides gondolas and the beautiful Piazza San Marco, Lido, and the Bridge of sighs, chances are, if your cruise stops over at Venice, it will probably have one of my favorite Mediterranean runs, possibly including the charming Dubrovnic, a few delightful French and Greek ports and maybe, if you´re lucky, even the stunning Istanbul.

Go wine tasting in Tuscany

The wine in Tuscany is famous for a reason. But it´s not only the wine. the Tuscan countryside is simply breathtaking, everywhere you look. Docking in Livorno will offer plenty of opportunities to go wine tasting around the Tuscan region. Naturally, deciding to go wine tasting over seeing Florence may be a tough choice if you only get one day in Livorno, but your senses will be thoroughly rewarded if you take a fabulous wine tasting tour. My favorite part is always taking home a few fabulous Tuscan reds that one can then share with friends. Actually, bringing home great wines is possibly my favorite way of extending the pleasures of traveling. If you want to prepare yourself for your visit, you can check my article on Tuscan vineyards and wineries.

Learn to surf in Hawaii

Easier said than done; my friend Shannon tried to get me to do this one day in Waikiki, but it didn´t stick. However, if you´re braver than me, this is the ideal place to cross surfing out of your bucket list. Frankly, I can never get enough of Hawaii; the places are magnificent, the music is unforgettable, and the cultural tradition is simply magical. If you are ever going to try surfing, why not do it with IZ playing in the background? Hawaii cruises often depart from San Diego, which is not a bad spot to begin your Easter vacation. If you can get a hold of a cruise with a Maui or Honolulu overnight, you got it all.

Candombe is a rhythm played with three different kinds of drums. The combination of the drums` different rhythmic patterns is what makes candombe. A combination of music and dance, the candombe culture is Uruguay´s most unique and traditional musical expression.

Every year, more tourists and TV crews from all over the world are discovering the Llamadas, which were mainly attended by local people only a few years ago.

I am fortunate enough to live in the very heart of Montevideo´s most traditional black neighborhood, so that the llamadas happen down the street from my house.

The llamadas are mainly about feeling the power of the drum and just letting go. There is nothing like hearing dozens, hundreds of candombe drums being played at the same time, as the players walk along Isla de Flores street, the female dancers move their hips to the rhythm, and the Uruguayan people celebrate their African heritage.

One thing most tourists probably don´t know is that there is a little place called Tangó, on a one-block pedestrian street called Curuguaty, where the party goes on after the parade is over, with some of the greatest candombe musicians playing a mixture of jazz, candombe, and popular Uruguayan music up until sunrise the next day.

Unfortunately, there aren´t many music bars in Uruguay where one can commonly expect to hear candombe, but there is a little, cool and relaxed placed called La Conjura, where one can often hear some of the local virtuosos play, either for free or for a very small cover charge.

There is much more to the Uruguayan carnival, there is a big competition between groups doing different types of shows and musical numbers, which can be best experienced by attending Teatro de Verano or one of the other stages where these carnival groups perform, such as the Velódromo Municipal.

For anyone interested in culture, music, partying, and cultural traditions, the llamadas and the carnival during the month of February are the best time to visit Montevideo and the rest of Uruguay. In fact, we also have some very spectacular Brazilian carnival-style parades happening in some towns around the Brazilian border, such as Artigas or Rivera.

A taste of the llamadas from the 2012 parade:

Photos by Joaquín Carvajal, Cristina Nigro, VP.

Arriving in the City

London’s black cab has its traditional charms. Travelling in a black cab is certainly one of the coolest things to do in London, but it is expensive. From Heathrow Airport to the City, this cab costs around £55–£65, and the fare increases if you are travelling from Gatwick or Stansted airports. If you have too much luggage to carry, then you would do best to book these cabs in advance.

London Transport

The London Underground is the fastest option to travel within the city. You can buy an Oyster Card for tubes, which you can also use on London buses. Both London tubes and buses are ideal means to explore the city. They are fast and affordable and can save you a lot of time during your sightseeing trip.

London Accommodation

Tourists coming to London often search for cheap and comfortable accommodation. London’s downtown area is home to a range of bed & breakfasts and affordable hotels that suit every budget. These London hotels offer cozy bedding and all the essential amenities to make your stay comfortable. Their services and in-house facilities will instantly make you feel at home. Many central London accommodations offer full English or continental breakfasts, which are generally included in standard room prices. It is advisable to book London hotels in advance to get the best deals on your accommodation.

Weather

London has a reputation for having a wet climate all year-round. It rains frequently here, and one  can seldom predict the weather conditions. Summer is the best time to visit London, but you should think twice if you are planning a trip during the winter. Between March and May, there is a good chance of experiencing fine Springtime weather in the city. However, certain tourist attractions remain closed until Easter Weekend. The high season is the summer, from June through September , when you can explore the city’s numerous gardens, and take long panoramic walks during the evening.

Etiquette

When out at a London restaurant, you should make sure you place your napkin on your lap and not tuck it under your chin. In London, as opposed to the USA, you do not put your knife down and eat with your fork. In the capital and throughout all of England, meals are a two-handed affair. Londoners are extremely polite and punctual. So, make sure you arrive on time, even in the case of dinner parties and other informal meetings. People in London rarely chat with strangers when travelling in tubes.

Food

The city of London boasts a wide range of world cuisines, which you can easily sample at local restaurants. Popular among these are Indian, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, British, French, and Japanese specialties. From a hearty breakfast to a heavy lunch and a moderate dinner, you can get all of these at English restaurants and pubs. There are also several fast food chains as well as cheap eateries to accommodate budget travellers.

London offers the thrill of the old world at its best, but it is important to learn a few unwritten rules to make your visit much more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Check out author Abhinav Jain’s blog Bestlondonguides

A tip from The Wander Life: If you enjoyed this post and are getting ready for a London visit, check out what’s on in London to get the best out your trip to this vibrant metropolis.