Maggie Moo Does Vacation

 Someone recently asked me what I use to plan my trips and how I stay organized while I travel. Here are some of my favorite sites, tools and applications to satisfy my wanderlust.

1.Sky Scanner- I love this website! Not only does it scan the whole net for the best choices,but it also gives you the option of "travel to everywhere" so you can select the cheapest deal from your destination city of choice.

2.Cheap-O-Air- This site is great for last minute deals! I am always pleasantly surprised by the amount of trips I have booked within two weeks of my departure.

3.Trip It- I would not survive without trip it! If you are careless or a bit disorganized, like myself, you will love it. It is a travel itinerary organizer which keeps track of your flights, hotels/hostels, car rental, travel plans and insurance. You can also upgrade to trip it pro to change your flight, track incoming flights!

4. Lonely Planet- For lack of a better term, lonely planet is like scenic travel porn for me! Since I was a kid and opened those books, saw the beautiful pictures and the occasional specials on the travel channel, I have had the travel bug. There is no better way to get excited for a trip than by searching through their amazing and incredibly thorough travel database. After I have planned a trip I literally spend a good 2 1/2 hours a dad combing through the information for my destination. Truth be told, I don't do a ton of planning ahead, but it's such a good way to pass the time and get pumped for my next journey.

5.Google Translate- Google! This sounds simple, but it has honestly got me out of quite a few sticky situations and I now use it religiously after downloading it to my I-phone for quick access.

6.Spotify- Now, this hasn't launched yet in South Korea, which I find really frustrating! But when I was traveling around Europe/UK I found it really useful for great travel playlists compiled by like-minded wanderlusters. In the meantime, I regularly put together travel playlists on Itunes, which are constantly changing based on my mood and the Country.

7. Budget Travel- This is a large category depending on where in the world you are, but here are a few of my favorites.
Asia/Aus: Jin Air, Jeju Air, Air Asia, Eastar Jet
UK/Europe: Ryan Air(a bit shady, but I once got tickets to France for 12 bucks), Jet 2, Aerlingus (also has flights to North America), Easy Jet & Fly Be

I'm headed to Jeju next week, but here's the hopeful plan for the upcoming year!.

 Mongolia for Chuseok

Tokyo for the All Blacks vs Japan

Cebu, Phillippines for Cebu Rugby 10's

Abu Dhabi to visit a friend Jan/Feb?

Bangkok, Phuket for February break and Bangkok 10's

Hong Kong 7's in March

There are quite a few repeats on my list, but as you know I have to get my fix of rugby. Still no idea what to plan for summer break? Any ideas?

6 Reasons to Visit Vientiane,Laos

A few months back I took an amazing trip to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, but Laos in particular stood out to me. It is unlike any place I have ever been and it is a must visit for anyone making there way around Asia. Here are a few reasons.

1.The Cuisine

Laotian cuisine is both delicious and unique as well as flavorful and full of French influence. One of my favorite dishes was Luang Prabang sausage. It's minced pork (sometimes beef), lime, garlic, lemon juice and peanut and is delicious served with a Laos take on Coleslaw. It it traditionally seen at weddings, religious ceremonies and my new favorite restaurant "Khop Chai Deu" in Vientiane.

2. The Friendly People

I've never been to a place where people went out of their way to help so much. I never felt like a cash, cow, as if I was being sold a story, or treated like a tourist. The people I met were eager to know about me, to share their stories and in this mans case, to propose to me. In the end, we decided it was probably best if I we didn't marry, but he tried to sneak a cheeky kiss or two (while he was driving the bus).

3. Buddha Park

Known as Xieng Khuan, it is a Buddhist sculpture park just 25 km east of Vientiane. Not only is the work stunning, the history rich, and the set up impressive, it's damn good fun to run around/climb on the statues (which by the way you are allowed to do). The neatest thing about this park is that it was actually created by a shaman who wanted to integrate both Buddhism and Hinduism. The artist incorporated demons, Gods, angels and various animals to create one of the most impressive parks I have ever seen.

4. Laosgrias

Never heard of them? Slap yourself! Or really just get there and try one! Laosgria is a Laotian take on Sangria and is spectacularly delicious. It is a Laos rum drink, filled with tons or fruit and delicious goodness. Every time I asked for the recipe, the bartender simply smiled and said it is filled with "all things good." Perhaps this is the reason we ordered 3 pitchers of it our first night in Vientiane. Magic and an easy hangover the next day.

and more.....

and even more....did I mention how good they were?

5.The French Influence

It sounds strange when discussing Asia, but the French influence on the culture, architecture and food is simply remarkable. For one thing, the baked goods that I ate in Laos were comparable, if not better than much of the bakery I had in Paris (and at a much better price). In the French quarter you can find rows of colonial style edifices. Even the refurbished building have managed to maintain some of the old architecture, mixed with an Southeast Asian style that is really something to behold.

6.The Chillest Nightlife You'll Ever Experience

Laos is not one big rager, and although it is quiet, it is undeniably wonderful for a drink. Particularly, along the Mekong river at sunset, tasting one of the best beers in Asia, (hands down) Beer Lao. Well many bars close early (around 11:30- midnight or so) there are plenty of quality spots along the river to sit, have a drink, play some music and just enjoy your surroundings. Angelique and I managed to meet up with some crazy awesome Italians who invited us to a French Rock Concert and a Masquerade Ball and needless to say all of the people we met were amazing. Laos seems to draw a different type of traveler and it was the experience of a life time.

And an honorable mention.......

Laos Whisky

Not because it is good, or even remotely close to being palatable, but because you can call yourself a survivor when you have finished and be thoroughly justified in that title. It is not for the faint of heart....or week of stomach.