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Younger expat reveals stunning actuality of solo journey round Australia: ‘I do know it is controversial’

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Younger expat reveals stunning actuality of solo journey round Australia: ‘I do know it is controversial’


A Canadian girl travelling Australia solo in a van has detailed the “eye-opening” journey she’s had thus far, with one particular Aussie quirk leaving her second-guessing her alternative of journey.

At first, the bugs and the spiders sneaking into her van at evening is what shocked Jordy Kummer essentially the most. However after greater than a 12 months travelling on the broad open road, she’s turn out to be accustomed to the Aussie lifestyle, spiders and all.

“I’ve had my fair proportion of the huntsman spiders [in my van]. That was a large, eye-opening expertise. I had to make use of the picket spoon to attempt to flip it out of a van,” she laughed to Yahoo Information Australia.

Final week, Kummer shared a video on social media exhibiting her surprising encounter with a “large mozzie”. Laying in her van mattress, the “large crimson factor” started buzzing beside her, naturally making her bounce and scream. Whereas social media customers have been fast to reassure her it was “only a mozzie”, the traveller wasn’t satisfied, telling Yahoo “I’ve seen a lot of mosquitoes I swear that was not a mosquito”.

It is commonplace for travellers from the northern hemisphere to overhype the dangers of Australia’s creepy crawlies. However regardless of the bugs and “going weeks with no correct bathe”, the 24-year-old says she loves the van life and is a fan of the nation’s “laid again life-style” — a pleasant shock for a girl travelling solo.

Kummer left her house in Ontario, Canada, in April 2023 intending to remain for a 12 months earlier than leaving to journey to Asia.

Whereas it was all the time on her bucket listing, it wasn’t her first alternative. “It was simply really easy to get a visa,” she mentioned. And due to that, she landed Down Below and hasn’t seemed again since.

With no expectations, the social media supervisor first set off in a automobile which she’d remodeled into her house for the foreseeable future — saving masses on lodging prices.

“That lasted about two months earlier than it broke down on me, and that is once I purchased my van, and I have been in a van ever since,” she mentioned, and whereas it is pokey, it is “completely” cheaper than a lodge or hostel — a pleasant win contemplating the cost of living in Australia.

The 24-year-old traveller pictured with her van and on the beach.

The 24-year-old was at first shocked by how Aussies do some issues, however now she’s find it irresistible. Supply: TikTok/jordy_kummer

“With the charges now at hostels, they’re simply getting it to be loopy costly. A ten-dorm hostel will be simply as costly as a motel generally. So it may be quite a bit cheaper,” she mentioned.

Whereas she “would not monitor what I spend in a day” she guessed it might be wherever between zero and $200 when she has to replenish the 2005 Kia Pregio with diesel, and luxuriate in a restaurant meal.

Presently in Noosa, Kummer has travelled as far north because the Daintree in Queensland and has made her manner alongside the coast right down to Sydney, with plans of journey additional to Melbourne as soon as it is hotter. And regardless of growing attempts by councils to ban camping and in a single day stays close to seashores throughout the nation, Kummer mentioned she’s by no means had an issue discovering someplace to drag up.

One other situation generally confronted by solo travellers is feeling unsafe, notably as a lady, however the 24-year-old says, “I’ve by no means truly felt scared or second-guessing travelling alone”.

Left: mattress inside back of car by beach at sunset. Right: Two women cooking in campervan by beach.

Jordy began with a mattress in a automobile (left) earlier than upgrading to a yellow van (proper) the place she’s in a position to prepare dinner meals. Supply: TikTok/jordy_kummer

“I do assume it has quite a bit to do with confidence. You need to be protected and you’ll’t be too gullible,” she mentioned. “However I’ve by no means felt extra assured or extra comfy or extra like myself when I’ve been travelling.

“You meet so many individuals as you go, and also you’re truly by no means alone. It is attention-grabbing. I’ve by no means not felt protected, which I do know will be controversial.”

Do you could have a narrative tip? E-mail: [email protected].

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10 Errors to Keep away from in Mexico Metropolis and Easy methods to Keep away from Them

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10 Errors to Keep away from in Mexico Metropolis and Easy methods to Keep away from Them


10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them

Our information on the errors to keep away from in Mexico Metropolis and learn how to keep away from them on your subsequent journey.

Mexico Metropolis is a vibrant metropolis with a wealthy historical past, unimaginable meals, and a novel cultural mix. Nonetheless, it’s additionally a sprawling metropolis that may be overwhelming for first-time guests.

To make sure you have a clean, satisfying expertise on this bustling capital, right here’s a information to the most typical errors vacationers make when visiting Mexico Metropolis — and learn how to keep away from them.

By avoiding these widespread errors, you’ll have the ability to absolutely get pleasure from Mexico Metropolis’s wealthy tradition, scrumptious meals, and vibrant environment. With a bit of planning and consciousness, your go to to the Mexican capital generally is a actually unforgettable expertise.

Learn right here learn how to get from Mexico City airport to city center and greatest Mexico sim card for tourist

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Errors to Keep away from in Mexico Metropolis

1. Underestimating the Measurement of the Metropolis

10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them,10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them,10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them,

Mistake: Mexico Metropolis is likely one of the largest cities on the planet, and underestimating its dimension can result in poor planning and plenty of time misplaced in transit.

Easy methods to Keep away from:

Plan Every Day by Neighborhood: Mexico Metropolis is split into distinct neighborhoods (colonias), every with its personal points of interest and vibe. Plan to discover one or two neighborhoods per day to keep away from losing time touring backwards and forwards.

Use Public Transportation Correctly: The metro system is in depth, low-cost, and infrequently quicker than taxis or Ubers throughout rush hour. The Metrobus and Ecobici bike-share are additionally good choices.

Test Visitors Occasions: Visitors in Mexico Metropolis will be notoriously dangerous, particularly throughout rush hour (7:00–9:30 am and 5:00–8:30 pm). Use Google Maps or the Waze app to watch site visitors and regulate your journey occasions accordingly.

Tip: Keep in a centrally situated neighborhood like Roma, Condesa, or Polanco to cut back transit occasions.

2. Ignoring Altitude and Air Air pollution

10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them

Mistake: Mexico Metropolis sits at 2,240 meters (7,350 toes) above sea degree. The excessive altitude and occasional air air pollution could cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and even altitude illness.

Easy methods to Keep away from:

Acclimate Slowly: Take it simple for the primary day or two. Keep away from strenuous actions till your physique adjusts.

Keep Hydrated: Drink loads of water and keep away from extreme alcohol, which may worsen dehydration at larger altitudes.

Use an Air High quality App: Obtain an app like AirVisual or Plume to watch air pollution ranges and keep away from out of doors actions on days when air high quality is poor.

Tip: If you happen to’re delicate to air high quality, deliver a masks or keep indoors on high-pollution days.

3. Consuming Faucet Water

Mistake: Faucet water in Mexico Metropolis shouldn’t be protected to drink, and consuming it will possibly result in abdomen points or Montezuma’s Revenge (traveler’s diarrhea).

Easy methods to Keep away from:

Drink Bottled or Filtered Water: All the time go for bottled or filtered water for consuming and brushing your enamel. Many resorts and eating places present bottled water for visitors.

Keep away from Ice in Drinks: Whereas most upscale institutions use purified ice, it’s greatest to be cautious, particularly at avenue stalls.

Eat The place Locals Eat: Select avenue meals stands or native eating places with a gradual move of native prospects — that is normally an indication of excessive meals turnover and cleanliness.

Tip: Carry a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter (like a LifeStraw) to cut back plastic waste.

4. Not Utilizing Pesos for Funds

10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them, 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them, 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them,

Mistake: Assuming that U.S. {dollars} or bank cards are accepted in all places can depart you caught and not using a approach to pay, particularly at native markets or smaller institutions.

Easy methods to Keep away from:

All the time Carry Pesos: Change some cash for pesos earlier than your journey, or withdraw money from a dependable ATM. Keep away from airport change counters, which frequently have poor charges.

Use Credit score Playing cards Correctly: Whereas many upscale eating places, retailers, and resorts settle for playing cards, smaller distributors, avenue meals stalls, and markets are normally cash-only.

Obtain a Foreign money Conversion App: Use apps like XE Foreign money to maintain observe of change charges and make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Tip: Be cautious when utilizing ATMs — persist with machines inside banks or respected resorts to keep away from skimming scams.

5. Skipping Road Meals Because of Worry of Getting Sick

10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them

Mistake: Lacking out on the unimaginable avenue meals scene due to issues about hygiene.

Easy methods to Keep away from:

Comply with the Crowds: Eat at stalls which can be busy with locals. Excessive turnover normally means the meals is recent and the seller is trusted.

Observe Cleanliness: Search for stalls the place the prepare dinner handles meals with care, makes use of utensils, and retains uncooked and cooked meals separate.

Begin Small: Start with safer choices like tacos, quesadillas, and freshly made tortillas. Keep away from uncooked greens or fruit which will have been washed in faucet water.

Tip: Deliver some over-the-counter abdomen treatments like Pepto-Bismol or Imodium, simply in case.

6. Solely Visiting Vacationer Hotspots

10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them, 4 Reasons Why Not To Visit Mexico And Main Reasons To Visit10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them, 4 Reasons Why Not To Visit Mexico And Main Reasons To Visit10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them, 4 Reasons Why Not To Visit Mexico And Main Reasons To Visit

Mistake: Sticking solely to main vacationer points of interest just like the Zócalo, Chapultepec Park, and Teotihuacán, and lacking out on the native tradition and hidden gems.

Easy methods to Keep away from:

Discover Completely different Neighborhoods: Take a look at Roma and Condesa for hipster cafés and avenue artwork, Polanco for upscale eating and buying, and Coyoacán for a bohemian, artsy vibe.

Go to Lesser-Identified Museums: Strive the Museo Dolores Olmedo for Diego Rivera’s works, or the Museo del Juguete Antiguo México (Vintage Toy Museum) for a unusual expertise.

Test Out Native Markets: Go to Mercado de San Juan for unique meals gadgets or Mercado de Coyoacán for a extra laid-back vibe.

Tip: Take a meals or cultural tour with an area information to find hidden gems and get insider information.

7. Assuming It’s All the time Heat

Mistake: Assuming that Mexico Metropolis’s climate is sizzling year-round and packing solely summer time clothes.

Easy methods to Keep away from:

Test the Climate: Mexico Metropolis’s excessive altitude means cooler temperatures, particularly within the evenings. Throughout winter (November-February), temperatures can drop considerably at evening.

Pack Layers: Deliver a mixture of light-weight and heat clothes. A light-weight jacket, scarf, and lengthy pants are important, particularly in the event you plan to go to within the cooler months.

Be Ready for Rain: The wet season runs from June to October, with frequent afternoon downpours. Pack an umbrella or rain jacket if touring throughout this time.

Tip: Snug strolling sneakers are a should, as the town’s cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks will be difficult.

8. Not Allocating Sufficient Time for Museums

10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them

Mistake: Speeding by world-class museums just like the Museo Nacional de Antropología or the Frida Kahlo Museum in simply an hour or two.

Easy methods to Keep away from:

Plan Half-Days for Main Museums: Put aside at the least half a day for big museums just like the Anthropology Museum or the Soumaya Museum.

Guide Frida Kahlo Tickets in Advance: The Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum) in Coyoacán is likely one of the metropolis’s hottest points of interest, and tickets promote out shortly. Guide your spot on-line to keep away from lengthy waits.

Use Guided Excursions: Many museums supply guided excursions or audio guides. These can enrich your expertise and allow you to admire the cultural context.

Tip: The Anthropology Museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

9. Forgetting to Consider Altitude and Spicy Meals

10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them10 Mistakes to Avoid in Mexico City and How to Avoid Them

Mistake: Overindulging in spicy meals and alcoholic drinks, not realizing that the mixture of excessive altitude and spice could cause discomfort.

Easy methods to Keep away from:

Tempo Your self: Mexico Metropolis’s excessive altitude could make alcohol hit more durable, and spicy meals can exacerbate abdomen points. Begin with milder dishes and restrict your alcohol consumption till you regulate.

Select Spice Ranges Rigorously: If you happen to’re not used to spicy meals, ask for milder variations and add sizzling sauce slowly. Use phrases like “poco picante” (a bit of spicy) when ordering.

Know Your Limits: Keep away from the temptation to attempt each chili-infused dish straight away — ease into the native delicacies.

Tip: Maintain antacids available in the event you’re delicate to spicy meals.

10. Not Being Cautious with Security

Mistake: Mexico Metropolis is mostly protected for vacationers, however petty crime will be a problem. Not taking primary precautions can enhance your threat.

Easy methods to Keep away from:

Keep away from Flashing Valuables: Maintain costly jewellery, cameras, and huge quantities of money out of sight. Use a crossbody bag or cash belt to maintain your belongings safe.

Follow Nicely-Lit, Busy Areas at Night time: Keep away from poorly lit areas and be cautious when utilizing ATMs. If you happen to’re out late, use a trusted rideshare service like Uber.

Know The place You’re Going: Some neighborhoods are safer than others. Keep in tourist-friendly areas like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco, and be cautious in areas like Tepito and sure components of Centro Histórico.

Tip: Use apps like Google Maps or Rome2Rio to plan your routes prematurely, and at all times hold your resort tackle helpful.


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Why Airplanes Land More durable In Unhealthy Climate

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Why Airplanes Land More durable In Unhealthy Climate







Irrespective of how regularly you journey by airplane, you are certain to get just a little nervous while you’re up within the air, particularly throughout dangerous climate. Whereas the chance of your airplane crashing or experiencing some type of emergency is minimal, current occasions within the aviation trade corresponding to crashes and midflight malfunctions could have you ever on edge. However relaxation assured, pilots undergo intensive coaching to be sure to get to your vacation spot secure and sound. The truth is, flying is the most secure type of journey, together with touring by automotive.

Top-of-the-line methods to overcome your flying anxiety is to study extra about how planes work, and what the protocol is for conditions corresponding to flying by hostile climate. The bumps that will ship you right into a panic would possibly really occur for a cause. For instance, you’ll have noticed that touchdown throughout rain or snow is way rougher than touchdown whereas the solar is out and the sky is evident. As scary as it could appear, that tough touchdown is intentional. This tough touchdown prevents the airplane from skidding or sliding down the runway, which may trigger a severe disaster. It is one of many many weird things planes do to make sure the security of passengers and crews.

This can be attributed to an phantasm known as the black gap impact. It occurs throughout touchdown, often in shaky climate situations, when there are few lights surrounding the airport. It makes it tough for the pilots to see the place the runway begins, and might usually result in a tough touchdown.

Why you should not fear while you fly in dangerous climate

Pilots undergo specialised coaching in relation to touchdown throughout hostile climate situations, they usually know methods to get you to your vacation spot safely even when it is raining or snowing. Trendy planes are additionally outfitted with management methods that information the pilots towards a clean touchdown. Additional, planes are actually constructed to face up to harsh climate. A long time of development in aviation has made that potential.

And whereas planes are tens of hundreds of ft within the air, they’re in near-constant communication with the bottom. Pilots work with air visitors management officers to find out the perfect plan of action throughout a storm, and those self same officers will assist them when it comes time to land.

If situations get actually dangerous, which does occur sometimes, the pilots will probably be directed to circle the airport till it is all clear or divert to a distinct close by airport. Security is the primary precedence, and studying extra about how aviation works will make you less afraid to fly.



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I’ve Been to Each Meow Wolf. This is What to Know Earlier than You Go to the Trippy Artwork Museums

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I’ve Been to Each Meow Wolf. This is What to Know Earlier than You Go to the Trippy Artwork Museums



Contact every part.

I wasn’t deliberately attempting to go to each Meow Wolf location. It simply sorta occurred. I’d be in Las Vegas for a convention and pop over to Omega Mart, a grocery retailer that shares secrets and techniques behind the cabinets. Or I’d have an extended layover in Dallas and slot in a cease at The Actual Unreal, the beautiful dwelling of a household with a penchant for by chance opening interdimensional portals. With every go to, I grew to become hooked on Meow Wolf’s out-there model of environmental storytelling. 

For these unaware, I in all probability sound bonkers. Let me again up. Meow Wolf is the identify of an artist collective that began in 2016 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Positioned in a former bowling alley, the unique location is named House of Eternal Return. When guests enter, they’re met by a full-size Victorian-style home at evening. Inside, all isn’t what it appears. The fridge door opens to a secret passage, and there’s one thing peculiar stashed underneath the lounge stairs.

 Home of Everlasting Return was hit, drawing greater than 400,000 guests and grossing $6.8 million in income in its first yr. There at the moment are 5 Meow Wolf areas, together with Las Vegas’ Omega Mart; Denver’s Convergence Station; and Grapevine, Texas’ The Real Unreal. With immersive atmospheres punctuated by interactive components crafted by groups of artists and designers, every location is a component artwork exhibit, half escape room, half scavenger hunt, and utterly wacky.

The latest outpost opened in October 2024 in Houston’s Fifth Ward neighborhood and marks Meow Wolf’s most formidable undertaking thus far. Positioned in a former metal manufacturing facility, Radio Tave is the primary location to be set in a office, a fictitious West Texas neighborhood radio station referred to as ETRL. The locale impressed Meow Wolf artists to craft an audiovisual extravaganza that includes a mimicking wind-chime forest, weirdo sound cubicles, and a kinky honky-tonk jukebox.

For guests who look arduous sufficient, the Meow Wolf crew has woven an amorphous narrative about ever-expanding vortexes and psychedelic sci-fi happenings throughout the 5 areas. (A sixth is about to open in an outdated Los Angeles movie show in 2026.) Easter eggs are continuously added to reward die-hard followers. For instance, there’s a recording at Radio Tave of a personality who exists in Santa Fe’s Home of the Everlasting Return being interviewed by the ETRL workers. 

The overwhelming amalgamation of surrealism begs the query: How precisely are you supposed to expertise the mind-bending entirety of Meow Wolf?

“It doesn’t matter,” Susie Cowan, the senior inventive producer of Radio Tave, tells me. “I imply, if you wish to begin in Santa Fe as a result of that’s the place it began, that’s cool, however you don’t must undergo them within the order that they have been constructed or something like that.” Whew! What a aid.

As somebody who has explored each Meow Wolf location, I really feel uniquely certified to offer recommendation on how everybody can have one of the best time ever in one of many group’s areas. (I’ve even been to Factory Obscura, an analogous idea in Oklahoma Metropolis not operated by Meow Wolf however that does function a stay video hyperlink connecting it to Home of the Everlasting Return.) With out giving an excessive amount of away, listed below are my prime 10 methods to have an enriching go to to a Meow Wolf.

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