Our Favorite International Trips You Have to Take
Written by Alex Bach
For those who can, travel is one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time and money. Of course, the question is always “Where should we go?” And while there are plenty of great answers, these destinations are our favorites.
And if you’re looking to make the trip a more permanent excursion we can help you make the move. Schumacher Cargo has helped hundreds of families move internationally. Be it Australia or Spain, we can help unload your moving burdens.
Our 5 Favorite International Travel Spots
South Africa:
For both variety of sights, geographical excitement and modern conveniences there’s no better place to visit than South Africa. In one trip you can hit gorgeous sandy beaches, some of the best nightlife in the world, feed great white sharks, and see some of the world’s coolest animals in the world on a safari.
Spain:
Another great destination for a variety of locales, culture, and history. Some of the best cuisine in the world can be found in Spain, in such cities as Madrid and Barcelona. Experience the distinctly Spanish style of eating dinner at 11pm followed by a night of clubbing. Discover Barcelona’s incredible architecture from Gaudi and then hit the beaches of San Sebastian.
The Amazon:
The Amazon is still one of the most exotic and mysterious geographies in the world. With so many places still unexplored and so many species of plants, insects and creatures still being discovered on a yearly basis, a trip to the Amazon is an absolute must for any serious adventurer.
Turkey:
Turkey’s wild history makes it one of the most unique places in the world to visit. A crossroads between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with as turbulent a history as you’d expect, Turkey offers culture and scenery the likes of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Take in the rich history, ancient sites, mind-blowing architecture and then experience some of the best modern cuisines, shopping and nightlife you could hope to find anywhere in the world.
Bora Bora:
As far as beach vacations go, it doesn’t get much better than Bora Bora. The whitest sands, the greenest waters, some of the most exotic tropical fish, and most serene geographies on the planet are in Bora Bora. The island chain features a calm lagoon perfect for scuba diving, kayaking or jet skiing–or simply lounging next on the beach–as well as top of the line lodging and dining. You can even book a room on stilts with a window to the water below you!
Written by Alex Bach
What better way to see the world than by packing up your stakes and moving to a whole new region? And what better destination than Hong Kong? We’ve got the reasons to do so below.
Schumacher Cargo can help you make the move. We’ve shipped hundreds of household goods and helped countless families relocate to Hong Kong.
Why You Should Move to Hong Kong:
The Food:
Of course everyone thinks of their favorite Chinese carry-out dishes when they think of Chinese food. The good news and bad news: that is not commonplace in Hong Kong. Food in Hong Kong is as exotic as anything you’d find on a travel channel, with a strong helping of western fare from all the various cultures that have packed up and relocated to Hong Kong. You can find Chinese cuisine infused with Italian dishes, french and American. Also, everyone shares Italian dinning style.
Economics:
Hong Kong is one of the wealthiest cities, not just of China, but of the entire world. A city rapidly growing and expanding, becoming the New York or London of the East, Hong Kong has a wealth of fantastic employment opportunities, especially for ex-pats.
A word of caution: the wealth of the city does make it an expensive city to live in: again, think New York or London living costs. And although the city is tremendously wealthy, there are still many impoverished people and communities out there so it’s important for you to be sensitive to that.
Architecture:
Due to the wealth and expansion, Hong Kong has become the most vertically oriented city in the world. You can expect to see some of the most astounding and iconic works of architecture erected anywhere on earth.
The Internet Speeds:
It was reported in a recent study by Ookla that Hong Kong’s ISPs provide the fastest download speeds on the planet. Coming up 31st and last on the list: the US.
Climate:
Hong Kong, with its tropical climate and surrounding mountains, feels a lot like a more exotic California. You won’t have to pack any snow pants or winter jackets, maybe just a light coat for the rainy season.
Travel:
Hong Kong’s position on the Southern edge of China puts the region in a central location for travel to other parts of the Eastern hemisphere. You’re only a couple hours away from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. And you’re only a short hop away from Macao
Western Sensibilities:
For many westerners, moving to Asia can be quite a culture shock. And while much of that culture shock is part of the moving experience, it’s nice to be able to fall back on western comforts every now and then.
Written by Alex Bach
It’s that time of the decade again: the Olympics! Specifically, the Winter Olympics. That time when countries across the world submit their best athletes to compete against the rest of the world’s greatest athletes.
And if you’ve got to ship some items to or from Sochi, Schumacher Cargo can help. Check out some of our international shipping locations that will help transport your precious cargo.
And with those athletes comes reporters, families, politicians and other national representatives. Unfortunately, in our world’s turbulent climate, that also means a large target for extremist groups. As the world’s competing countries are aware of that risk, that means security in the course of your travels will be greatly increased as a means of prevention.
While there haven’t been any specific plots to emerge against the 2014 Winter Games, held in Sochi, Russia this year, there has been “chatter” and most airlines are erring on the side of caution.
What This Means For You
You can expect amped-up security for people traveling internationally, with specific security escalation in flights to Russia. This doesn’t necessarily mean mandatory pat downs for every traveler, but it does mean more scrutiny placed on carry-on items.
Recent chatter has made mention of explosives hidden in toothpaste containers and so airline security agents are told to look for suspicious containers such as toothpaste or other gels and liquids. If you can afford to travel without any of these items, do so as it will save you unnecessary headaches and expedite your travel greatly.
Note:
This doesn’t apply to every traveler and every country; these are mainly items of security intended for travelers flying into Russia or neighboring areas.
Are There Other Risks?
Unfortunately, yes; hacking is one of the big threats for travelers going to Sochi. As recently reported by NBC’s Richard Engle, hackers are primed and ready to access your laptop and cellphones the minute you step off the plane. As Russia’s hackers are among the most skilled hackers in the world, it’s a good idea to protect yourself. Leave whatever electronic devices you can at home, or else make sure and remove any sensitive materials, and never, ever, ever click on any of the links from unknown emails.
The Olympics are surely a fantastic event to travel to, just remember to travel safely and smartly: thankfully those two go hand in hand.
Written by Alex Bach
We’ve all got places we’d like to see before we make our big exit. But where do you start? Not to worry, we’ve got five places that absolutely have to be on your list right here.
And if you need help getting there, Schumacher Cargo can help, we’ve shipped thousands of goods and vehicles across the globe and can assist in your big move or help ship your prized souvenir.
Top 5 Places to Visit Before You Die
Machu Picchu:
Get this one in while you can as there’s been talk of shutting down this ancient city to tourists. Not an easily accessible site by any means, this relic of the Incan Empire is located 8,000 feet up in the Andes and resides at the end of the popular Inca Trail. Just an astounding feat of architecture.
The Grand Canyon:
An architectural feat of mother nature that dwarfs any man-made skyscrapers out of sheer scope. Just look at the numbers: 277 miles long, 6,000 feet deep, and spanning 18 miles across at it’s widest. The canyon has a variety of activities to help you explore its wonder too, including hiking, camping and rafting down the Snake River.
The Great Wall of China:
What mother nature did with the Grand Canyon, man did with the Great Wall of China. First “opening” in 206 BC, the Great Wall stretches across 5,500 miles and can even be seen from space. Built by laborers under several different dynasties, the Wall is easily one of the Seven Wonders of the World and something you should absolutely have on your bucket list.
The Amazon:
There are a handful of countries that will allow you access to one of the biggest river systems in the entire world. The fact that parts of it still remain unexplored to this day should give you some indication of its size and majesty. With equally uncharted species of flora and fauna–along with some very charted snakes, jaguars, and caymen–the Amazon is one of the most fascinating places you could ever hope to discover.
The Kalahari:
A safari is crucial to any bucket list–no matter how averse you are to snakes, crocodiles, and gigantic cats with huge teeth. The Kalahari, spread over parts of South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, is home to lions, cheetahs, rhinos and more of your favorite zoo animals…this time out of the cage and in their own habitat. Zambia also shares the honor with Zimbabwe of having the Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall. And don’t worry, it won’t get too rustic, not with the posh accommodations, fantastic dining options, and great wine & vineyards.
Written by Jason Lowder
With the advent of flight, passenger train traveler got pushed aside for the faster technology. Which is unfortunate as train travel offers so many opportunities for excitement, adventure, history and scenic views. Here are some of the best train lines in the world, all of which would make for a fantastic vacation.
And if you’re looking to make this trip part of a longer move, Schumacher Cargo can help. Maybe you’re taking the Indian-Pacific from Sydney to Perth, we can help with your Australia move by taking care of the bigger items, allowing you to just enjoy the ride.
6 Greatest Train Trips
1. Trans-Siberian Express:
This rail boasts the longest track in the world: over 6,000 miles of track. There are three different routes you can take, all of which will take you through luscious vistas of mountains, tundras, and anything else between Moscow and Beijing…that’s right Moscow to Beijing!
2. Venice Simpleton-Orient Express:
Agatha Christie made this one of the most famous trains in the world. This classic trip takes commuters from Paris all the way to Istanbul, with stops in Venice, Prague and Krakow. As an added bonus: the vintage cars have been restored to their 1920s grandeur. And with the aura of murder and mystery, how can you not book a trip.
3. The Indian-Pacific:
While it might be a little faster than your average Walkabout. This train takes passengers across Australia on the longest straight track stretch in the world, taking you through one of the world’s most unique and iconic geographies…and without the risk of snake or spider bite!
4. The Blue Train:
This famous train in South Africa whisks travelers along 1,000 miles of track from Cape Town to Pretoria, the country’s capital with all the amenities of a five-star hotel. Take in your safari from aboard the train while sipping on cocktails, dining on world-class meals or smoking a cigar and embracing your inner Hemingway.
5. The Peruvian Central Railway:
Reaching heights of 13,000 feet, this South American train is the highest in the world. And with 59 bridges and 66 tunnels, this zigzagging train is one of the greatest rail adventures you could ever hope to have.
6. California Zephyr:
A classic American railway experience. The California zephyr takes travelers from Chicago 2,4389 miles across the continent to Emeryville, California, hitting just about every scenic geography on the way. You’ll see the Rocky Mountains, climb the Sierra Nevadas, traverse the desert and go through a tunnel 6.2 miles long!
