Flying nowadays isn’t the exciting, glamorous experience it was fifty years ago, with stylish stewardess’, rugged pilots, and first-class service regardless of what section of the plane you sat in. Instead, present day changes have turned flight procedure into an almost comical mad dash.

The process:
The present day process involves standing in line before fighting with an attendant regarding your bag’s weight. Ultimately you’ll end up paying the exorbitant overweight baggage fee. Once you reach the security check, attempt to remove your belt and shoes elegantly, and avoid doing the one-foot hop. If you successfully removed your shoes, you’ll need to walk through an “X-ray” machine, some of which are now full-body nude scans … thanks TSA! Just when you finally think you’re done, you’ll be given the opportunity to wedge yourself onto an ice cold seat and entertain yourself until the plane boards.

Pan Am travel in 1960 (C) Pan Am Historical Foundation.

Gone are the days when you’d be seated on a luxurious plane and receive complimentary drinks and a five minute chat from a well-spoken stewardess. You could light your cigar or cigarette and open your newspaper to flick through the latest stories. If the pilots liked the look of you, they’d invite you to the cockpit for some conversation and possibly champagne. Travelling via aeroplane was the classy way to get around.

Waiting
Now, we have in-flight magazines, television screens with music channels, movies, and even live maps which show the global position of the aeroplane. Carts are rolled around filled with miniature shots of alcohol to dull your nerves, and barely edible meals are served, provided you’re not vegetarian.

Lets hope for something more than "edible". By argusfoto (Flickr).

The stewardess’ unfortunately don’t have the strict grooming checklist of yesteryear, and even the pilots are armed nowadays, preferring to lock themselves away in the cockpit. As for seating, you will end-up next to a) the screaming baby, b) chatty Cathy, c) the pushy salesman, d) the bleary-eyed drunkard e) the hysterical flier or perhaps even f) the potential terrorist.

Given the above options, sleep seems like the safest choice for the duration of your flight, but sometimes even that is elusive as you sit red-eyed, nervously watching your fellow passengers. Some laugh and chat, others pop on headphones and stare zombie-like at the miniature screen. Someone will attempt to hush a crying child, and a lucky few manage to nod off and start snoring … emitting a rumble similar to lumberjacks in the Amazon.

The token crying baby. By acheron0 (Flickr)

Here we are now, Entertain us!
If you’ve experienced the above scenario, and have an upcoming eight-to-sixteen-hour flight, here are some ways to relieve the monotony. And no, this list does not include ways to kill your fellow passengers with a toothpick and dental floss.

• Don’t watch movies for a month before you fly, so you can enjoy the in-flight entertainment.
• Sleeping pills and calmatives can knock you out for at least eight hours. To aid sleep, most airlines offer complimentary eye masks, blankets, ear plugs, and socks.
• Ensure your portable devices are fully charged before take-off. Bring an mp3 player filled with your favourite songs, or a laptop, iPad, netbook or e-reader filled with movies or books. Portable gaming units such as Nintendo DS and Sony PSP are popular options as well.
• Crosswords and Sudoku are great if you feel like exercising your brain.
• Bring chocolates, granola bars, toffees and other hard snacks to tide you over in-between meals. If you’re a vegetarian, bring a high calorie food bar with in case there’s a problem with your meal. Avoid those which have a high salt content as they will cause you to bloat.
• Start crafting your memoir or begin that gripping novel you’ve always wanted to write.
• Now is the ideal time to learn another language. Stock-up on audio books, pdf lessons, podcasts, and a pocket-sized phrase book. Perhaps these will even be relevant when you reach your destination!
• Daydream a bit … who knows, you may figure out how to cure cancer or take over the world.

Daydreaming. By Kashirin Nickolai(Flickr)

Tips:

• Take a walk around the cabin every 30 minutes to keep your circulation going and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long flights. This is an incredibly dangerous blood clot that can occur when you are immobile for prolonged periods.
• On those short walks you should take a moment to moisturise from the tiny bottle of lotion you’re allowed to bring. The high altitude and cold air will dehydrate you, and no one wants to look like a stick of biltong when they disembark.
• Take vitamins along with the served meals or you may end up with your seat-mates whooping cough. An incredible 50% of the air on planes is recycled.
• Take off your watch. Staring at it won’t make time go any faster.

Regardless of how cool your watch is, staring wont make the time go faster. By Tobotter(Flickr).

• Don’t joke about guns, terrorists or say the phrase “Hi Jack”.
• If you’re travelling with a friend bring along a board game like chess, checkers or backgammon.
• When travelling between isles, avoid concussing fellow passengers with your bag.
• If you decide to recline your seat and accidently squash the person behind you, don’t be surprised if at some point you get a knee in your back, or have muttered insults for the rest of the flight.
• Wear comfortable clothing while flying and change before you land – always travel with a second set of clothes in case your luggage gets ‘misplaced’.

Let us know what tips and tricks you use to prepare for those gruelling, long-haul flights. What objectionable characters have you had the misfortune of sitting next to in the past? Perhaps you’ve made a good friend in these circumstances?

The TravelGround Blog

If you’ve ever visited Johannesburg, you’ll already know that there are endless choices with regard to attractions in this vibrant, fast-paced city. Not all of us are fortunate enough to have heaps of spare time to see the city. Perhaps you’re a busy business person with only a few hours to spare before you need to rush off to an important meeting, or maybe you have a morning off while waiting for your next flight. If you’re looking for something to fill these gaps, take a look at our picks of things to do with your morning off in Johannesburg.

A majestic male Lion waiting patiently. By Cheetah100 (Flickr).

1. Lion Park – Lanseria
The Lion Park is always a great draw for locals and tourists alike, despite being a 40 minute drive outside of the Johannesburg CBD. Despite the name, you’ll also find herbivores here, such as doe-eyed giraffe, gentle zebra, and excitable antelope in one area. The expected carnivores such as lion prides, along with hyena packs and cheetah are kept in a separate section.

The Lion Park is not a zoo, so don’t arrive expecting to view wildlife in cages. Instead, the animals roam freely in their allocated areas. On the carnivore side, there are several fences and gates in place to separate the different species, so there is no in-fighting. The Lion Park is open daily from 08:30am – 21:00pm and has a fully licensed bar and restaurant on-site.

The old Orlando Towers are now an action-packed adventure centre. By Ruivo! (Flickr)

2. Orlando Towers – Soweto
If you are nervous for you presentation later in the day, why not shed your fear of the boardroom by kicking your adrenaline into high gear at Orlando Towers. Here you have a choice of activities at the world’s first vertical adventure facility, with options such as the classic bungee jump, power swing, and abseil. You can also visit the viewing platform or participate in SCAD jumping (a controlled free-fall into a net).

Also on offer is the nerve-racking rap jumping option, where you rappel down into the 100m west cooling tower. They are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00am to sunset. Groups larger than six will need to call ahead and book, and corporate events can also be organised.

An indulgant massage is the best way to de-stress. By o5com (Flickr)

3. West Cliff Hotel and Spa – Westcliff
Those who want a pampering experience, during those precious free hours, should look no further than the West Cliff Hotel. You’ll walk through cascading gardens and softly tinkling fountains before reaching the Botanica Spa. Book an indulgent massage ahead of time and let the masseuse melt away your tension.

All treatments are inspired by Mother Earth and the aromatherapy massages, clay wraps, scrubs and hot stone massages will have you feeling like a goddess in your own right before leaving. Before or after your massage, make sure you check out the on-site restaurant called La Belle Terrasse, which serves wonderful breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The spa is open from 09:00am to 20:00pm daily.

A rousing game of golf gets the blood flowing. By Sands Beach Lanzarote (Flickr)

4. Golf – Boksburg
For many businessmen, golf is an integral way to relax during times of tension, as well as a way to entertain clients. There are many wonderful golf courses, but the E.R.P.M Golf Club is one of the closest to the CBD, making sneaking a game of golf between meetings much easier.

They have a practice bunker if you need to work on your swing, a chipping green for practising your putting skills, and a Pro shop. For non-affiliated members, a fee of R120 is applicable should you wish to play 9-holes, and R240 to access all 18.* Visitors are welcome every day, with the exception of Saturday and Sunday mornings.

294 Meters Below Gold Reef City. By jespahjoy (Flickr)

5. Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City is the perfect spot to relax and watch a theater show of your choice, or take a ride on the wild side at the amusement park. If neither of the above options are what you’re after, then perhaps the bright lights of the casino are more to your taste.

A word of warning is that you should phone ahead and check that all the rides are in operation, as some of the rides require regular maintenance and may be out of order. Some great activities in the theme park include checking out a 4D movie, which is well worth experiencing, riding the raging rapids, and the runaway train. Other gold-rush-era influences can be seen during the historic underground tour, though those who suffer from asthma will have to give it a miss. If you have more time, then head to the casino and eat at Back O’ The Moon restaurant and jazz bar, which serves outstanding gourmet cuisine.

Let us know what your favorite Johannesburg activities are.

*All prices and times correct at date of publication.

The TravelGround Blog

As the weather begins to cool and the trees start to shed, most of us will be looking for things to do that don’t depend on the fantastic weather that we usually enjoy. As we say goodbye to summer, and rummage through our cupboards for our jerseys, make sure that you check out these popular autumn activities to keep you busy during the cooler months.

Hiking
Hiking in autumn is a real treat. The ever-changing trees, the cooler air and variety of scenic beauty ensure that you’ll have a fantastic time. Pack a picnic basket and take the family and dogs out for the day to view rock formations, fynbos, forests, streams and waterfalls. There are tons of great hiking spots around the country, take a look at your local tourism website or take a look at a few hiking trails that we’ve selected.

Farms
Our country has countless wonderful farms that tend to have on-site farm stalls which sell fresh produce. Visit a farm and buy some ingredients so that you can get the whole family to help make a hearty stew once you get home. During autumn, farms start to look more and more like the traditional picturesque farm scene, with rolled hay bales and freshly harvested crops that give the ground a golden hue.

A picture perfect farm after harvest time. By Darren Shilson (Flickr)

Farmers’ Markets
Around the country, farmers’ markets are gaining a foothold of popularity, and the best part is that you don’t have to drive out to the middle of nowhere! Here, local farmers and entrepreneurs gather to provide visitors with fresh organic produce as well as art, clothing and nifty gadgets. In Cape Town, the Old Biscuit Mill is a firm favourite, along with the Tokai outdoor market. In Durban the Shongweni farmers’ market is very popular, while in Johannesburg The Neighbourgoods Market is always a hit. These markets tend to have a dedicated play area for children; if they don’t, vendors will pick up the slack for a small fee and engage the children in arts and crafts activities.

Farmers markets are full of organic delights. By NatalieMaynor (Flickr)

Wine Tasting
As the weather starts to get colder, the wine farms only get more beautiful. Despite this shift in season, wine estates still have their doors and vineyards open. The charming town of Franschoek has a proud Huguenot history, and many beautiful wine estates including Boschendal, La Motte and Grande Provence. Nearby, Stellenbosch offers places such as Meerlust Estate, Vergelegen and Thelema Mountain Vineyards. Most of these estates tend to have delightful al la carte restaurants.

Museums and Aquariums
No matter what the weather may be, a museum outing is a great choice, regardless of whether you have children or not. Visit the natural history museum and stand in awe before the bones of long gone giants, or see what fauna and flora looked like millions of years ago. Aquariums are another great spot to spend time with your partner, friends, or to entertain the kids.

Enjoying the Kelp Forest at the Two Oceans Aquarium. By flowcomm (flickr)

Route 62
Though the weather in autumn is cooling down, there are plenty of hot activities along Route 62 like visiting the warm springs in Montague, which are perfect for a family or couples day out. Other activities along the route include visiting ostrich farms to pet or ride some feathered friends, exploring the Cango caves, going on a quad-bike tour of Barrydale, or going on a zip-line adventure in Ceres.

If you still want to hold onto the feeling of summer for a little longer, then KwaZulu-Natal is your answer. Here you can still surf, swim and enjoy the outdoor scenery with little chance of cold weather ruining your day.

Let us know on Facebook what you’re planning on getting up to this autumn, and don’t forget to enter our current competitions where you can win a stay at one of four fabulous accommodations.

The TravelGround Blog

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway spot for your honeymoon, but don’t want to stay at a run-of-the-mill hotel or guest house, then look no further than the below list of establishments that are sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your partner.  We’ve chosen these special places for their combination of tranquil atmospheres and unique features:

The rustic setting of ArtistCafe.

ArtistCafe

ArtistCafe is situated in Hendriksdal, Mpumalanga. This beautiful restaurant and guest house was originally a Railway station in the 1920′s, but later became abandoned before being converted into its present form. The establishment has received international acclaim as an Italian trattoria (eatery).

Though luxury isn’t first and foremost here, the rustic setting and beautiful rooms are well worth the visit. Many local artists have their work displayed around the property in the form of murals and paintings. All the bedrooms open onto large verandas, with views of the blue-gum plantation and pine trees.

The best part about staying here is that the Kruger National Park is only an hour away, and you’ll also be quite close to many well-known attractions including Pilgrim’s Rest, the Sudwala Caves, numerous museums, and the statue of Jock of the Bushveld.

Hocus Pocus @ Paternoster is filled with character.

Hocus Pocus @ Paternoster

If what you’re after is some secluded time away at the ocean, then Hocus Pocus @ Paternoster is just for you! Situated in one of the last authentic fishing villages left on the west coast, this semi-detached self-catering cottage is full of character and old world charm. Personal touches and simplistic décor such as strung seashells and yesteryear antiques add a unique feel to the accommodation.

If the weather is on the cooler side, curl up next to the indoor fireplace or spend time cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Hocus Pocus is close to many of the popular activities offered by the west coast, such as Whale watching, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, and caving.

 

The popular Romanesque pool at Forest Hall Guest House.

Forest Hall Guest House

This Old English Country Manor is found in Port Elizabeth and offers you the complete luxury experience. The Romanesque swimming pool is a popular spot with guests, as are the expansive manicured gardens. All the rooms have their own entrance, patio and en-suite bathroom complete with plush bathrobes and heated towel rails. Guests are provided with complimentary chocolates, sherry, fresh milk and a fruit bowl on arrival.

Situated very close to popular attractions such as Donkin Reserve, Donkin Lighthouse and Fort Frederick, there’s lots to see and do in the area. But for those who prefer a pampered honeymoon experience, everything you could possibly want is on-site.

 

The art deco touches all around add a sense of play to The Saunders.

The Saunders

This fun and luxurious urban art deco apartment is situated in the predominantly wind-free suburb of Bantry Bay, Cape Town. The Saunders is only 70 m from the beach and features beautiful views from the private balcony and from most of the rooms. The apartment comes equipped with all the modern comforts you’d expect, including an Italian designer kitchen, a luxury lounge with a flat screen TV, and a New York styled dining area complete with chandelier.

The Saunders is close to many local attractions and, with the beach only a short walk away, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the sun, or perhaps head to the shops and nearby cafes for breakfast. Picnic baskets are offered by arrangement, so feel free to enquire when booking.

Climbing roses, bushes and white washed walls give Comfort House the feel of a European villa.

Comfort House B&B

Leave your worries behind and look forward to a peaceful stay at Comfort House, located at Shaka’s Rock. This charming accommodation along the Durban coast gives you the feel of a European villa. From the white-washed walls to the artfully placed shrubbery and climbing roses, it looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale.

Sea views and spa baths, soft pastels and floral décor, bath robes and fluffy towels ensure you won’t want to leave your love nest. However should you wish to go exploring then you’ll be delighted to know that most attractions are only a short drive away, and include activities such as dolphin viewing, snorkelling and even horseback riding.

 

Peeking out from amid the greenery are the secluded Teniqua Treetos cabins.

Teniqua Treetops

If you love the idea of a honeymoon surrounded by lush, green scenery, then why not spend some time at the eco-friendly Teniqua Treetops resort. There are four private honeymoon tree-houses with incredible views of the forest, complete with large sunken baths on the front deck.

This is our round-up of six funky honeymoon accommodations on offer in South Africa. Let us know if you’ve stayed at one of the above mentioned places, or know of somewhere else which wowed you, and might fit well on our list.

The TravelGround Blog

For those who aren’t in the know, the Karoo has a lot more to offer than arid conditions, heatstroke and headaches! Brush off those old stereotypes and, with a fresh set of eyes, check out our top 5 reasons why the Karoo rocks!

1. Experience the Valley of Desolation

The landscape within the Valley of Desolation is quite simply spectacular – towering dolerite cliffs and spars brush dot the landscape. Once you reach the summit of the dolerite tower you’ll see the town of Graaff-Reinet. The town is set between the mountains and offers a relative sanctuary of green, compared with the semi-desert conditions around it. The best time of day to view the Valley of Desolation is at sunrise or sunset, when the sun’s rays light up the rocky landscape in a magical way.

2. See the Fossils

Fossilised Therapsid by Flowcomm (Flickr)

The Karoo is one of South Africa’s richest fossil sites – with renowned scientists hailing it as a wonder of the world. Many dinosaur fossils displayed in museums around the world come from this area; which was once a lush swamp-like environment that was the battleground of gigantic lizards like the Pareiasaurus and Diictodon. The old swamp has since turned into mud, clay and sand that have enveloped and preserved the remains of both plants and animals. These remains were eventually moved down by pressure, before being fossilised into layers of rock that researchers dig out today.

3. See the Starry Skies

If you lie out at night and look up at the stars you will get lost in their beauty. They, much like the landscape of the Karoo, retain a sense of timelessness. This could be why the upper Karoo Hoogland has attracted the nickname ‘Gateway to the Universe’. The best town for star-gazing has to be Sutherland, where the crisp nights turn the ordinarily hazy stars seen in the city into bright gems; some of which you can even discern the faint colours of.

4. Experience Nieu Bethesda

If you’ve never been to Nieu Bethesda, then you’re missing out on seeing some of the strangest and most beautiful figurines and designs at the Owl House! This small dwelling was home to the innovative artistic legacy of the late Helen Martins. After her death in 1976 the Owl House fell into disrepair, before it was taken under wing by the local council and restored to its former glory. Be sure to see the stone sculptures in the yard, and the eerie owl guardians dotted all over – which look even more haunted in the winter months, when they’re covered in snow.

5. Stay at a Farm

Be brave like Steve and try a different kind of steed by Kwang Cho (Flickr)

The Karoo has many interesting farms, such as the Merino Wool sheep farms and the Ostrich farms. If you’re very brave (and if they offer it), you can even attempt to ride an ostrich. The majority of the farms offer overnight accommodation and the chance to explore the working farm environment, where you can sometimes pick fresh fruits and herbs.

Know any other hidden gems in the Karoo? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below.

P.S. If you’re interested in or are planning on taking a trip to the Karoo, be sure to check out our comprehensive range of Karoo accommodation.

The TravelGround Blog

In my mind, there’s nothing quite as sweet or well-remembered as the day you receive or give a marriage proposal. The surprise, happiness and general “Yes, yes!” response is the norm to a slightly nervous smile, bent knee, and the ring.
There are those out there who have an entirely different idea of what a proposal means. If you’re one of the lucky ones that were treated to the bended knee and ring, with no sing-along-glee extras, count yourself lucky. It could have been a far more unusual affair.

Wedding proposals bring joy to most. By Collin Harvey (flickr)

Tweetathon
Mike Duerksen had a good plan, initially. He had the lovely idea of a 12-hour date where he and his girlfriend visit all of their special places which would end with him proposing. However, he completely destroyed the intimacy of it by tweeting constantly what they were doing. The tag string on twitter was #MikeProposes and you can read the entire saga at Storyfi. For Mike, the best part about this plan was that his girlfriend, referred to as J, wasn’t on twitter.

On 13 April, 2012, he set his plan in motion. One of his earliest updates was that “J” had asked him to stop tweeting and focus on their time together. After eight spots were visited, and 700 tweets later, she said yes. Now this leaves me curious as to what the birth of their first child will be like. #TMI

Marry me, Halo style. Go Moviesign!

Game on
This proposal hinged heavily on the fact that the couple in question were avid Halo players. The gentleman, Moviesign, set up a message for his girlfriend, Furtive Penguin, and led her to a spot in-game where he claimed they’d find an energy sword. Instead, the spot led to a ‘top-down’ view where he’d written the proposal with weaponry on the ground: “Marry Me”. He then asked her to be his team mate for life; she said yes. The wedding date hasn’t been set as of yet, as they’re waiting for the release date of the next Halo game to avoid any possible conflicts.

Player
If you have lots of money then a run-of-the-mill proposal likely doesn’t cross your mind, as is the case with this tycoon. Gennady Zaleskiy paid £10,000 (that’s R126, 270) to become the leading man in the play “The Romantics”, which he managed to get staged in his city. He then organised to have his girlfriend present in the audience. When he appeared on stage in a mask, where his character declares undying love for the leading lady, he turned to face the audience and said “No. The woman I love is called Victoria and she is in the sixth row. Will you marry me Victoria?” Victoria said yes.

Josh

Fire … no really, fire!
Let’s take a look at stuntman Josh Madryga’s proposal.  Firstly, Josh is dressed in drag … a wee bit unusual at first glance. He proposes, she says yes, and I’m about ready for the video to end. He then gets set on fire, which is just plain weird but since he’s a stuntman I’ll let it slide as a professional courtesy. But when will it end?

He then has his buddy shoot fireworks directly at him. For what effect I’m still uncertain. It seems that the death-wish should have been saved for if she had said no. Let’s hope his fiancé has medical training, as her life with him will be interesting to say the least.

Annie Chandler saying yes! By USASwimmingOrg (youtube).

Going for gold
Matt Grevers, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, organised for his girlfriend and fellow team mate, Annie Chandler, to hand out medals to the winners of the 100-metre backstroke at the Missouri Grand Prix. All he had to do was come first for the proposal to be perfect.

His adrenaline and natural talent secured him first place. Upon taking the stand and receiving the medal he waited for Annie to be asked to join him, she did so rather hesitantly. This is when he dropped to one knee and proposed. She said yes, amid great cheering from the spectators.

Let us know in the comments below what your wedding proposal was like and what other crazy, dangerous, or funny wedding proposals you’ve seen or heard of.

Written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

The TravelGround Blog

Do you know how to make your own compass and read it? Or which stars in the night sky can help you find your way home?
Most people have been out in the woods or wilderness for camping, hiking, or perhaps a leisurely stroll. Have you ever considered what you’d do if you got lost while out in the wild? It’s a prospect no one really wants to dwell on for too long.

With all the modern comforts about nowadays, it’s easy to say you’d just grab your cellphone, find your location using gps, and then pick a good route out. But what if there’s no cell signal to call for help? Or worse, what if your battery is dead and you’re in an unfamiliar location? It’s around about then that you realise you’re on the corner of No and Where… completely alone.

Even if you don’t foresee this ever happening to you, the tips below may come in handy at some point or another. Please note that all tips are written for those of us who live in the Southern Hemisphere.

The compass - a trusty tool. By hmomoy (flickr).

Four Corners – Two ways
The first thing to do once you realise you’re lost is to get out your compass. You did bring one right? If you didn’t bring yours, then the below may save your bacon.

Just so we’re all clear on how to read a compass: There are four cardinal points; North, East, South and West. Most store-bought compasses include inter-cardinal points, NE, SE, SW, NW, along with secondary inter-cardinal points, but these aren’t necessary for simple navigation.

The pointer on a store-bought compass is usually a different colour, indicating north. Wherever that needle points, is north, regardless if it’s over the East or Western cardinal. Just rotate the compass till the N lines up with the needle. Always follow the pointer!

This compass skips any confusion you may face. Just follow the arrow. By Markus Ram (flickr)

Compass
For those who didn’t bring their compass here is the solution. Find a needle, paper clip, or pin and a piece of silk or wool (clothing made from this material will work).

Rub the material against the needle in only ONE direction about thirty times to magnetise it. Find a leaf once the needle is magnetised, and place the needle onto the leaf. Then, find a still pool of water – a cup or tree stump filled with dew works just as well – and place the leaf in it.

The needle will rotate the leaf, and turn it to magnetic north (whichever end of the needle is pointing closest to the shadows, will be north). You can repeat this process as many times as you need while travelling, as the needle will demagnetise over time.

A home-made leaf compass. By oobergooberkc (youtube).

Tick-tock
There is a quicker way to navigate during sunlit daylight hours, provided you have an analogue watch. Line up the sun with the 12:00 point and find where the hour hand is. Draw a line between the ‘sunlit’ hour and 12:00 position on the clock using the ‘left’ side of the watch. This line points north for those of us in the Southern hemisphere.
If you don’t have a watch, then making a simple sundial may work for you. However, you will need to know the exact hour for this to work.

The Southern Cross and Two Pointer Stars by Daniel Pink (flickr).

Starlight Pointers
The stars in the sky can help you figure out where true South is. The quickest way to do this is to find the Southern Cross, also known as The Crux.

The Crux of finding the Cross
Be careful if you have no idea which constellation the Southern Cross is, as there are actually three crosses in the sky. One is the Diamond Cross, which is both longer and thinner than the southern. The other cross is the False Cross, which is incredibly similar to the real Southern Cross and is also located very close to it.

The differences between these two constellations are that the false crosses two ‘pointer’ stars are on the eastern side and point west. The stars that make up the false cross are dimmer than the real Crux’s ones, and lastly the false cross is slightly larger and shaped more like a diamond than a cross.

The true Southern cross has two pointer stars on the west side, which point east. The four stars which make up the Southern Cross are also much brighter than the false cross, which can be found about twenty degrees to the right.

An illustrated version of the Southern Cross, minus the line straight down between the two pointer stars. From the Museumvictoria.com.au.

Due South
Now that you know what the Southern Cross looks like you can find and use the two pointer stars, found below and to the west. Draw an imaginary line down the middle between the pointer stars and remember it. Next, look at the Southern Cross and use the top and bottom points to draw a long imaginary line down them.

You now have two imaginary lines running down and where these lines intersect is the South Celestial Pole. Trace a straight line from that point straight down to the horizon and you have found South. Mark the direction on the ground clearly so you can head out in the morning or use it as a reference later. The other alternative is to wait until sunrise, as the sun always rises in the East. From there, you can figure out where North is.

A traditional sundial looks lovely. A stick in the ground is less appealing, but works just as well. By John Loo (flickr).

Other schools of thought:
Some say that you can use a sundial to navigate at any time of day. This is incorrect, due to seasons and varying lengths of daylight, unless you take the reading before midday. This method requires only a stick, and a stone, or three, to mark the points. Place the stick into the ground, and mark where the end of its shadow falls. Wait a little while, and make another mark where the shadow’s end has moved to. The line going between those two points should run approximately east–west. However, in my mind, you may as well use the clock method described above, provided you know the exact hour.

If the tree looks like this, you

Some swear by using moss to navigate. The thought here is that in the southern hemisphere the moss, which likes cold and damp areas, should grow on the southern side of the tree as the sun should always be on the north side of the tree. This can work, provided that the moss hasn’t covered the entire tree base, although it’s not very precise. If the moss has covered the entire tree base, then the ‘thicker’ mossy section will likely be south.

Personally, I like the watch method best. It’s quick and easy and relatively accurate – but does require that you are wearing a watch. My father showed me and my brother this method during hiking trips.

So this is our round up of alternative navigation in the great outdoors using objects you may have, or be able to find around you. Let us know what items or methods you’ve used to navigate before, or stories you’ve heard about what to do if you’re lost.

Written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

The TravelGround Blog

The last photograph of the Titanic. April 10, 1912. By Encyclopedia titanica (flickr).

With the upcoming anniversary of the tragic Titanic sinking this weekend, 14 April, we’ve compiled a list of alternative theories and conspiracy theories, which go against the mainstream media’s account of what really happened. Do any of these theories hold so much as a grain of truth, or are they all pure fiction? Read on to find out.

Perhaps they were Twins
A popular conspiracy theory concerns the sister ship of the Titanic, the Olympic, which many theorists claim was the actual ship that sank on April 14, 1912, and not the Titanic. Both were owned by White Star Line, and when the Olympic suffered a collision from the HMS Hawke, her hull, main starboard engine, joint plating and one of the propellers was severely damaged. Taking the matter to court, White Star was informed that the HMS Hawke was in no way liable, which meant that repairs would fall on their shoulders.

The repair parts were costly, so it’s thought that they simply converted the Titanic to Olympic specifications, using parts cannibalised from her older sister (though practically speaking this wouldn’t fly, as it would be more difficult and expensive to remodel the Olympic to look like a brand new ship, and then mess up the brand new Titanic to look like her sister … but these are mere details).

The Titanic and her sister, the Olympic. By RMS Titanica 1912.

The Titanic then supposedly left under the name “Olympic”, and started a successful 25-year period as her sister. For the badly damaged Olympic time was short, as the ‘Titanic’s maiden voyage crept closer and closer. So instead of replacing damaged sections, a lick and spit approach was taken, with braces put in place to cover up the hull damage and necessities such as lifeboats were skimped on, and as such, most were unseaworthy.

Was she truly unsinkable?
One of the propellers found in the Titanic wreckage has a clear 01, though the Olympic, was model 400. However, one of the marked differences between the two ships, apart from the fact the Olympic was white and her sister was black, was that the Olympic was fitted with a bulkhead. The Titanic was not.

Strangely, a bulkhead was discovered amongst the wreckage of the Titanic, which was not on any of the initial plans, along with a missing joint plating (one of the mishaps from the Olympic). Where the black paint on the wreckage has worn away, a clear white undercoat is shown, so perhaps they did switch the two ships out after all. If you’re interested in learning more, then research Robin Gardiner, who wrote a comprehensive book detailing all the small differences.

My favourite quote from wiki answers regarding this: “… you would have to be rock-stupid to trade out the Olympic for Titanic, and this fact is very obvious.” Ah, but when has the obvious ever been obvious?

The eerily predictive book by Morgan Robertson.

Creepy Coincidence
In 1898, 14 years before the sinking of the Titanic, a book is written by Morgan Robertson detailing a passenger liner named the “Titan” being hit by an iceberg and going down. Other similarities include the fact that they both sank in April in the North Atlantic, and that there were not enough lifeboats for the passengers. In a very strange turn of events, records show that the original novel was actually present in the Titanic’s second-class library.

The ice vs metal test done by Maddoxaom.

Numbers
An even more unusual take on the tragedy is that it was actually sunk as part of a government conspiracy because (get this) Abraham Lincoln died 47 years prior to the tragedy. The Titanic could carry 3,547 passengers. The number 47 is in there, did you see that too? This is quite clearly irrefutable evidence!

There is also a video on the subject which explores the ‘fact’ that metal is stronger than ice. The man in the video demonstrates this almost valid point by using a bath filled with water and ice cubes, and a toy ship.

The video may shock you, but is well worth a watch: Youtube: The Titanic, a Conspiracy

Whether any of these theories hold any water is a matter for debate. Have you heard any of these stories before? Do you know any other alternative accounts of the events of 14/04/1912? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below.

A portrait of one of the Titanic survivors, which will be going on auction. Courtesy of Courtesy of Henry Aldridge & Son.

To end off there is a quote I think we’d all do well to heed, which comes from Director James Cameron: “The unthinkable can happen, the future is unknowable, and the only thing we truly own is today, and that life is precious”.

Written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

The TravelGround Blog

A well-preserved First-Aid kit at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum by Chris Hoare (Flickr).

If you go back through the centuries, you’ll discover that almost every person had some form of a natural first aid kit. This kit was filled with homeopathic and natural items used to treat small injuries which would often occur, such as children bruising their knees, or someone nicking themselves with a knife.

After extensive research, we’re proud to bring you a short list of remedies* found right in your kitchen cupboard. These will be useful if your medicine cabinet is looking a bit bare, or perhaps when the world ends at the end of 2012!

Nothing beats natural, raw honey by Wirawat Lian-udom (flickr).

Honey
For thousands of years honey has been used to treat all kinds of ailments, from burns to cuts and more. It is revered for its amazing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a thin layer of honey to a wound that has been washed to help seal and disinfect it; or add some to warm water along with a teaspoon of cinnamon and gargle to help relieve a sore throat.

It also works well added to warm milk for those who have stomach ulcers. When buying honey, avoid everything that isn’t labelled “raw” or “unpasteurized”, as this has been heated (irradiated) which destroys the natural healing properties. Unfortunately this does include many store-bought honeys.

Sliced ginger is great in hot water with honey when you have a cold by The Greatist (flickr).

Ginger
For treating sore stomachs, motion sickness, and nausea, you can’t beat ginger. Grate some fresh ginger into hot water and add lemon and honey to combat colds and flu. A few fresh slices eaten can help expelling gas, improve digestive issues, and ease menstrual cramps. In its dry powdered state, a teaspoon a day helps those who suffer from the pain of arthritis; and in whatever state you ingest it, it will help absorb other vitamins as well as deter intestinal worms.

If you have the patience to create a topical cream, it can be used to help open the airways by applying the ointment to the chest. If applied to the hands and feet, it will aid circulation and have a warming effect.

When cooked garlic has a very sweet taste by Mick & Wout (flickr).

Garlic
Apart from warding off vampires and causing rather potent breath, garlic is a natural antibiotic. It helps protects the body from bacteria, helps to control cholesterol, and is great for promoting good blood circulation and protecting the body from cardiac problems. For those who suffer from allergies, a capsule of garlic will help the body fight off allergies. Start taking garlic in your preferred form at least a month before allergy season starts.

We all know that a clove on a sore tooth will help relieve the pain, but did you know that a clove of crushed garlic will do the same. Please note that those who are prepping for surgery or are taking anti-coagulant drugs should avoid garlic, due to its anti-clotting and blood thinning properties.

The small mint leaves have a very potent flavour by Eira Monstad (flickr).

Peppermint
This wonderful herb has been in use since ancient times and has many different uses in its various forms. In a tincture or tea, peppermint can be used for any gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach ache or cramps, colic in babies, and can also help relieve indigestion and heartburn. This works well, especially after a big spicy meal.

In an oil or vapour rub form, it can be used to ease muscle stiffness and pain, or give temporary relief from the pain of spasms. If applied on the chest as a rub it can help open the airways as it has wonderful decongestant and expectorant properties. Last but not least, as a tea it can be used to freshen the breath, much like mouthwash.

Dandelions aren't the prettiest of flowers, but they grow almost everywhere by Ink and Alchemy (flickr)

Dandelion
Dandelion in almost every country Dandelion is considered a weed, so it may surprise you to learn that this looked down upon plant has some surprising benefits when consumed. It has even been registered as a drug in good old Canada!

This little plant is a wonderful source of Vitamin C, Potassium, and antioxidants. Throw some leaves into your salad along with the lettuce and spinach to help keep your skin looking young, or consume it in a capsule form to help boost the liver during a detox. Dandelion can also used as a diuretic and because of its nutrient-rich potassium composition it is a lot safer to use than other brand names on the market.

Elderberry syrup is a popular remedy for colds in the Uk by Cara Faus (flickr).

Other herbs worth a mention on this list include Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Echinacea, Elderberry, Feverfew, and Green Tea.  As with many things in life, the use of herbs as opposed to pills as a medicine is a highly contentious issue. Many common medicinal items, such as aspirin, started out being produced with exclusively natural ingredients, such as willow bark. This was before scientists began producing pharmaceutically manufactured versions, and herbalism started to disappear.

Let us know your thoughts. What herbal remedies have you used in the past, and which ones would you recommend.

* Please note that this article is in no way suggesting that you attempt to replace prescription medication with herbal remedies. Whichever school of medicine you favour personally, remember that your health is of paramount importance and you should always be willing to use the recommended treatment. Consult your doctor before beginning any kind of herbal treatment.

Written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

The TravelGround Blog

Your first-aid kit doesn't need to be glamorous, it just needs to hold everything by Marcin Wichary (Flickr)

A first aid kit isn’t only for when you’re going camping for a week, or for those month-long holidays. It’s something everyone should already have at home in the form of either a store-bought, all inclusive package, or bits and pieces put together as they’ve been needed, with enough stock for another bout of flu, headaches, tummy bugs, grazes or cuts.

My personal belief is that every vehicle on the road should have a comprehensive first-aid kit in the boot (along with a blanket, bottle of water and a few trail bars or snacks). This comes in handy should the car break down, or if your or another vehicle is involved in an accident.

Some people like cyclists, always have a small first aid kit with them by Richard Masoner (Flickr).

Before you start stocking your kit, pick a sturdy bag or ammo box as your spot to store everything. Below is a guideline for when you want to start creating your own kit (assuming you didn’t get one from Builders Warehouse, or the local pharmacy).

Contents:

• adhesive bandages in several sizes and an elastic bandage
• a splint
• antiseptic wipes
• soap
• sterile gauze pads of different sizes
• antiseptic cream or liquid (like Dettol)
• Hydrocortisone cream (1%)
• Miprodol and Panado
• extra prescription medications (only if you are going on holiday)
• tweezers
• sharp scissors
• disposable cold packs / heating pads
• calamine lotion (for those pesky bugs)
• alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
• thermometer
• plastic non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• flashlight and extra batteries (should something happen in the dark)
• a blanket
• mouthpiece for administering CPR (or a home-made alternative)
• safety pins

It's always better to have one, then be caught without by Chez Larsson (Flickr).

Some things to note:

Don’t forget to check your medicine every few months to ensure the items haven’t expired. Most medicines will still have a shelf-life of six months after the expiry period, (as their potency weakens and the preserving agents start to break down) and it’s better to replace these rather than take a risk.

Let us know what’s in your first-aid kit, and what items you’d never leave home without.

Written by Roseanna McBain, TravelGround.com.

The TravelGround Blog