In the time we have been away, we have been on our fair few share of hikes. They have lasted for a few hours and up to a few days. Over that time, there have been a few things I have began to realise or accept as the proper etiquette or behaviour when you are sloshing through mud, mazing your way through dense pine forests or sweating it out in tropical jungles.

The following is a list of what I have deemed as the most important when participating on a hike. I should also note, that these primarily relate to when you are trekking as a group. See what you think, if you agree and feel free to add you own!

Hiking In Nepal

Don’t Be Captain Complainer

I know as soon as Anthony reads I am giving advice on this point, he will laugh hysterically, as he often calls me the Captain Complainer. I am the first person to admit that I complain when I trek. I hate getting sweaty, tired, hungry, puffed (Wow…Why do I enjoy trekking so much?!) I am not saying you cannot complain at all. I think people should just be aware of how they complain and whine.

If there is one thing I can’t stand more than getting sweaty, tired, hungry or puffed when I trek, it’s when people complain loudly and constantly. More often than not, everyone is in the same boat- all feeling a little worse for wear.

Blisters Are Never Fun

But it does’t mean you need to remind people of it all the time!

I am the quiet complainer. I think over and over in my head, how much my legs hurt or when the next pit stop will be. But that’s the point…I do it quietly!  (Well, in all fairness, Ant gets the brunt of it at times too). People don’t need to hear how much my blisters are hurting and I really don’t need to hear how a guys sack rash is killing him. (I mean c’mon buddy I just met you).

Also don’t be the person who is constantly complaining out loud in a joking manner, trying to cover up how they are really feeling. You know the people, the ones who are constantly turning around to the group saying “Why are we doing this again?” Or “Whose idea was this hike?!” with a stupid grin on their face. It’s not funny and it just makes me think even more why am I doing the trek?

As You Can Tell...I've Had Better Times!

Bottom line, if you are going to whine, keep it to yourself. No one else wants to hear about your problems, we all have our own.

Be Careful Of The Full Moon

Most of the time when trekking, going to the toilet means going bush. I’ve never had to rely on busherman’s toilet paper because (if you know me) I’m always prepared!

But just because we are trekking as a group, doesn’t mean we all need to go to the toilet as a group. It’s not a bonding experience.

If you are yet to go on any long treks, let me be the first to tell you-find a private place to do your business!

There have been numerous times, when we have had a pit stop for a quick snack and a drink, I’ve turned around and a full moon is shining right in my face (and no it hasn’t been night time).

So Much Space...But Where To Go?

I don’t know whether people just don’t realize they are so close to group and that we can all see them do their business while we are trying to eat or that they are terrified if they go into dense foliage, we will start up again and leave without them.  Either way, people need to be more aware of their surroundings.

If you can see us….we can see you! (And it’s often a part I don’t need to see of you).

Learn To Share

If you remember from my first point, when we trek, we are often hungry. Hiking really takes it out of you and by the time you usually stop for lunch you are ready to devour anything. But, just because you are ravenous doesn’t give you the right to go for 3rd and 4^th helpings when everyone else is still on their first plate.

Don't Rush In!

Don’t worry, there is always a huge amount of food available, but you need to learn how to share and wait for everyone to have at least one helping before you start serving your self up again.

I still can’t believe the amount of people we have hiked with who have scoffed their first plate and dug right in to their next serving before others have even finished.

If you really can’t wait, at least ask the rest of us if we mind you eating all our food. More often than not, we’ll be too polite to say otherwise.

Don't Worry, There'll Be Enough Bananas For Everyone!

I figure, if you know you eat a lot and you are a really hungry person, pack some snacks for yourself to tie you over until the next group meal. I always trek with extra trail mix, chocolate and muesli bars that I will chew on when we are walking if I can’t wait until lunch or dinner.

Don’t be one of those people who will eat more than they need just to get their ‘money’s worth’. Hiking is not about the meals. It’s about the landscape, the wildlife and the numerous photo opportunities you’ll find along the way.

Be A Polite Hiker

Hiking will take you through plenty of different terrain. You may be walking through grassland, dirt tracks, skipping on rocks over streams or in slippery mud. Whatever the trail is like remember to be courteous of the person behind you.

What I mean is, if you find a hole in the track, large root you need to step over or a thorny plant in the way, tell the person behind you.

I know you need to be quite observant when hiking, but it doesn’t hurt to let the person behind know of a hole up ahead they might sprain their ankle on.

Helping Out Makes Hiking So Much Easier

The same goes with branches of trees and scrub that has begun to creep, hang and reach out onto the track. Don’t just walk into it and let it fling back. There is a person behind you!

The amount of scratches, cuts and thorn pricks I’ve accumulated over trekking is mostly from people just powering ahead on the trail letting the branch or what not, thwack me in the face or arms!

Often I’ll hold it back for people until they can reach up and grab it themselves to hold so it doesn’t give them a nasty scratch.

It is a simple gesture that makes your trekking much more enjoyable.

It’s Not A Race

The popular saying ‘You’re only as fast as your slowest person’ really rings true when you are trekking as group.

I don’t understand the people who feel the need to power ahead of the group, like they’re training for an upcoming cross country event (Ok, fair enough if you are training for an event, but do it by yourself).

Have A Rest With The Group

I mean, what’s the point? Why do you feel the need to move so fast? I know getting to your destination is great feeling at the end of the trek, but it shouldn’t be the premise for taking a trek in the first place.

Take in the view.

Look for peculiar animals, bugs or plants.

Stop and smell the fresh air.

If you do charge ahead you’ll just have to wait for the slow pokes (that’s me!) at the next pit stop for double as long.

I should also say here, that if you are a really slow trekker (like me) don’t hold up everyone on the trail either. There is a point between being a dawdler or just genuinely tired! It all comes back to remembering you are with other people and being polite.

So what do you think? Are there more trekking etiquette rules I have forgotten or are these just plain rubbish?

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Elise got dressed up for some traditional Diwali Celebrations with our family friends in Chitwan, Nepal.

Elise Dressed up for Diwali Festival

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Check out Part 1 of Hampi India

We spent our second day in Hampi India on a bicycle  and we decided to spend this full day going across the river and exploring the other side of Hampi, full of rice fields and local villages.

Again it was was a hot day but the breeze from riding on our bikes was refreshing. Much of Hampi is flat, with only large, bright orange boulders rising up from the earth and creating strange formations. Clambering up these boulders is a great way to get a wide view of the small town and the surrounding ruins of Hampi India. Using your imagination, you can also make out some interesting images when looking at the boulders…that, or maybe we had had one too many chai teas!

Hope you enjoy the video below for more information on our explorations of Hampi India:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_lwy_iTTaw

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Many of you now know that I was pick-pocketed in Granda, Nicaragua. I thought that I would most definitely know when someone had their hand in my in my pockets. Little did I know that these people are professionals and before I knew it, my wallet was gone. After publishing the article of my pick-pocketing incident, I was contacted by Clothing Arts, a company that has pushed the boundaries in keeping your belonging safe and secure whilst on your body.

Adam from Clothing Arts was kind enough to send me a pair of Pick-pocket Proof Travel Pants to test-drive and review. Not only that, we are giving you the opportunity to WIN an entire outfit for FREE from Clothing Arts. We just want to make sure that you don’t end up like I did and lose your wallet or worse still your passport.

Pick-pocket travel pants

History Of Clothing Arts

Adam the owner had a similar experience to mine and after losing his personal belonging in China came up with the concept of Pick-pocket Proof Pants. He realised that no one was making clothing that he wanted to wear and there was a need for personal security when travelling to more dangerous countries. So after 2 years of development the first Pick-pocket Proof Pants were born.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyJub4TCzDA

Doing It For The Kids

Clothing Arts has also partnered with Cambodian children’s charities and they ensure that these children see a brighter future. We have seen first hand the poverty in Cambodia and Adam and his team are giving a huge 20% of their proceeds from the sale of there Cloth Heart Collection to Cambodian children’s charities.

What I thought

I thought the best way to test drive these pants was to take them away with me and go camping in the Australia Bush. Well not really an environment that I would be getting pick-pocketed but I wanted to test out all the features as these aren’t any ordinary type of pants.

My first impression was that there were a great deal of pockets on these shorts. This is definitely a must when you are travelling as you always need somewhere to place all your personal belongings. I think you can never get enough pockets as most of the time I would like to venture out without the need to take a day pack.

The rear pockets

Every one of the pockets have anti-theft protection. The side pockets have zippers and and extra material fastener to ensure no unwanted hands will enter. The pants have the usual cargo pockets but the ingenious thing with these is they have an extra clasp on the inside that prevents the pockets from gapping open. Sometimes the simplest of features are the best.

There are a number of hidden pockets throughout the shorts but my favourite would have to be the hidden passport pouch that is located on the left rear of the shorts and hidden within the existing pocket. you would never know that you were carrying your passport on your bum.

Expandable pockets

Adam has thought of everything with these shorts and they include a water bottle holder that conveniently attaches to the side of the shorts, and an expandable rear pocket that will fit a guide book. Over the many years of planning these shorts, every fine detail has been accounted for and trailed and tested.

The Material

I found the material to have an up and also a down side. The material is extremely durable and is pretty much ‘everything’ resistant. It is wrinkle-free, rain and stain resistant and even the pockets are slash resistant with double thick fabric thread. These shorts will do everything but fly you to the moon! Although all these features in the material are simply amazing, I did find the shorts to be slightly heavy when I first put them on. This is a small price to pay for having all the unique features in one garment.

Ant-theft pockets

The Verdict

I would definitely recommend these shorts if you are planning on going overseas. They will protect your belongings, they are comfortable and they also look pretty cool. I will be taking these with me on my next trip to America in June and Africa in December.

Water bottle pouch

The Giveaway

This giveaway is exclusive only to Positive World Travel. We want to make sure that you are protected on your next trip overseas with some cool gear and Clothing Arts is giving away an entire outfit! Thats right! The lucky winner will receive 1 Shirt and 1 Pick-pocket Proof Pants (Over $120 in value)

How to Enter

Please follow these 2 simple steps to enter.

1. Leave a comment on this article below about your favourite piece of travel clothing.

2. Share this article on Facebook by clicking the “like” button on the left side or at the end of this article.

Terms

This giveaway is open to everyone worldwide.
The winner will receive one T-shirt & one pair of shorts.
Winners will be chosen using random.org
Competition closes on February 14th 2012 at 10pm EST (New York)

Good luck! What are you waiting for? Leave a comment and click “like”on Facebook now. It’s that easy!

Thanks to Clothing Arts for sponsoring this review and a great competition.

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Mother hen protects her baby on our Poon Hill Trek in the Annapurna Region.

Mother Hen Protects Her Young

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We took these Scooby Doo pics when we were at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida.

The Scooby Mobile at Universal Studios

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This is an abstract shot of all the wires on the famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

Abstract shot of Brooklyn Bridge

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We loved taking many Jefferson Memorial Pictures and also looking at the Washington Monument as well. Walking around the Tidal Basin is a must do and I highly recommend walking around to the most of the monuments to seeing the beautiful scenery and architecture in Washington DC.

The View over the Tidal Basin of The Jefferson and Washington Monuments

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We arrived tired and bleary eyed at 4am after a 32 hour bus (which was only supposed to be 24) from Quito. As the taxi pulled up outside the hostel, I was wondering if anyone would actually be at the door.

32 Hours On A Bus Is Never That Fun!

However, Florian (the ownser) true to his word, he said there was 24 hour security, and the guard came down to greet our tired faces and showed us to our room.

I was too tired to make a first impression of the hostel so that would have to wait for the morning. The only thing I did notice was how comfortable and warm the bed was. Within minutes I was fast asleep.

When I awoke the following morning, I was feeling a little more refreshed and Anthony and I clambered up the stairs to the roof top terrace for the delicious breakfast.

We sat down to enjoy the inexpensive fresh fruit salad, juice, coffee (or tea) and jam with a croissant. Of course, for extra dollars you can also order eggs, bacon, french toast-anything to fill you up (or cure a hangover!)

Breakfast At The Secret Garden

We had read on Secret Garden’s website about the ‘famous’ views from atop their terrace and indeed…they were pretty spectacular. We were looking out over most of the hisotric area of Quito, including the huge Basilica and the El Pancecillo on the hill to the South. If it looked this pretty during the day, I couldn’t wait to head back up to the terrace at night to see everything glittering and bright (not to mention sit around the fire that is lit each night too).

View From The Secret Garden Hostel Terrace

Night View Of Quito From The Terrace Of The Secret Garden Hostel

The Secret Garden Hostel is set out in an old heritage building along a cobble stone street, and because it is a heritage building it can take some time to get used to the maze of small staircases and corridors leading off into different areas of the hostel. I can’t tell you how many times I ended up near someone else’s room for taking one too many flights of stairs back down from the terrace! Although after a couple of goes you start to know where everything is and it all works out fine!

The rooms are very comfortable and clean and the beds (like I said before) are so warm and soft-great for the cold Quito nights! There are also safety deposit boxes in each of the rooms. There is the option of dorm rooms, private rooms with shared bath and also en suite rooms. Every choice for every traveller and budget!

Private Room With Shared Bathroom

The only downside we had was the lack of hot water from the showers. I tried several different bathrooms during our stay and most of the time they were luke warm and I had one hot shower. However, this could have just been my timing for my showers, because each time Anthony hopped out to have a shower he came back saying his was scorching hot! I guess we’ll never know!

As you probably know by now, WiFi is a big plus for us especially if it is available in the rooms. Our signal was pretty weak in our room and we could get it occasionally, but all we had to do was head up to the lounge room and we could use it fine from there. Not the fastest internet, but it did the job.

Staff At The Secret Garden Hostel Quito

Apart from the free breakfast, great rooms and beautiful views from the terrace, Secret Garden also has a whole range of other perks when you stay there. For example, there is also: affordable laundry, dinner each night (and if you sign up for dinner before 10am you get a free wine or beer), book exchange, free computer use, taxi service of reliable drivers in the area, bicycle hire on weekends and cheap transport to their sister hostel in Cotopaxi.

To add to that there is also a great travel agency downstairs of the hostel where you can book tours from the Galapogas to the Amazon. Not to mention just receive extra informtiaon about the city of Quito!

Phew! What more do you want?! The Secret Garden Hostel really knows how to cater for the budget traveller crowd. They are friendly, well organised and an affordable accommodation option in Quito.

While we did receive complimentary accommodation at the Secret Garden Hostel all thoughts and opinions are our own. For the most up to date information and pricing visit the website of Secret Garden Hostel Quito.

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Inside The Jefferson DC was amazing! We loved walking around all these memorials and monuments whilst in Washington DC.

The Jefferson Memorial in DC

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