Tag Archives: advice
Gogobot iPhone App
So I have favorite websites where I go to get some good advice for travel. One of my favorite websites I like to head to is Gogobot. What is even more interesting is that Gogobot just released a new iPhone App today for their website.
So what is Gogobot? It is a great website to get reviews from people who have visited the places you are interested in. Some one can write a detailed review of a place so that you do not have to go guessing on whether the place is good or not. It also has a great social networking feel where your friends, and others can add suggestions to your trips as well as give recommendations and reviews of the places they been before you go. The site also, to an extent, allow to you plan trips from the advice of your friends or suggestions of things around your already points of interest. Each user can also create city guides from their reviews, and also allows to make your own custom guides. Basically, Gogobot is the best of TripAdvisor for the trip advice and Facebook’s social networking.
This App… is NONE of that. This app is a mostly an app to help make postcards based on where are you at. It is kind of like Instagram, with all its wonderful camera filters, but not. The reviews are limited to ratings and the information of places are limited to addresses and phone number. It is rather cool how it can show you a map of where to find the place though. But there is no way to really find out detailed information about a point of interest.
A user can grab their trip plans from the app, which is great if you already made some plans on the website. But some one like me who travels with his iOS device only, would like to get the ability to add advice of places they have been; as well as see or get new advice of places around. These elements are missing from this app. It lacks the ability to add a review and also lacks the ability to get advice (one of the key features of GogoBot’s website).
I know this is GogoBot’s first attempt at making an iOS app, and I am looking forward to them developing this app to something as powerful as their website. But right now, the app is not very helpful at all and would not recommend anyone to download it, unless you want to make cheesy postcards. Personally, I will stick to the Tripadvisor App.
Philippines: The Recap
So when ever traveling there is always something to be learned. My trip to the Philippines was no different. It all started with Manila.
Manila:
- I learned this from my very first trip to India, but completely forgot. Do not trust those at airports. On my first trip I got conned into getting a room and paid 5 times the normal price. In Philippines I was kind of pressured into giving tips (that unwarranted in a country that does not give tips) for a large amount compared to the Philippine peso.
- People say to leave Manila quick and see the other sites. I say that is boo-hockey. I found I did not have enough time to see Manila. I did not get to see the “university belt”, only barely saw Intramuros, and never got to see the sunset or sunrise of Manila Bay. Not to mention the other things I didn’t even get to do.
- Visit Divisoria, and Wagas Market. Wasag Market you have to worry about at late night, as I was warned that there are snatchers around. But I had the most fun eating in a small shack of a home with people from the streets. I learned a lot.
General:
- Wander around the beach. Many times I walk the beach and locals would just invite me over to eat and enjoy sometime with them.
- Enjoy some Tuba. It is a great way to meet some people. When people are getting drunk off of some tuba it is always a good time for everyone there. If you are the kind who doesn’t drink, drink some slowly and take your time.
- Leyte I was told was no big deal to see. I say the opposite. I visited a springs, enjoyed the beach, climbed up a mountain, went on a pilgrimage, and that was a fraction of what I could have done.
- Although Bohol is a tourist trap, run with it. I usually do not do tourist traps, but it was actually fun for a day, at least. Do the Chocolate Hills, the tarsiers and all the other touristy things. It was actually fun for the day.
- Make new friends. Do not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, it is a great way to meet some people and have new fun things to do.
- Stick to your budget. There are times where I was told A when I heard, or expected B. But sticking to my budget, B worked out, A would have costed me more money.
- Book your flights online. It is cheaper.
- Eating vegetarian is hard, but if you keep looking around you can find vegetarian options. Usually have to avoid the fast food/chain restaurants. Especially the chain restaurants may say vegetable/veggies, it mostly still has meat in it.
- A size Medium Tshirt from the Philippines does not fit the same as a size Medium from the USA.
Edit: 9/25/11 8:15AM
- I forgot the most Important thing I learned. That I am now thankful for what I have. There were conditions I saw that I never have been in. My friends live in way poorer situations than me. I am very lucky for the things I have in my life, and it makes me realize that I have almost too many things in my life. That is the most important thing I got from my trip.
- I also learned that the Ferry in Maasin to Ubay no longer leaves at 8:00 am, but instead at 7:30 PM.
- My friend Jess is an amazing cook.
There was a lot I learned. I hope this helps others in the future. Or you can just explore and let us know what you have learned as well. Happy future travels to all.