Category: Travel

Should You Buy A Garmin Forerunner Right NOW?

by Anil Polat | Nov 14, 2024 | Health and Fitness, Tech | 0

There are some better times of the year to buy a Garmin Forerunner that can save you money as well as let you know the best times to get other Garmin watches.

The Lineup

The Forerunner are Garmin’s running line of watches I’ve reviewed in the past, like the 165, 265, and 965. These are the current line at various price points and the other major differences being a few advanced tracking features, battery life, and size options.

When To Buy

Historically Garmin doesn’t have great Black Friday deals on Forerunners – typically around 10%. Now that’s not an insignificant discount, especially on the more expensive 965 (about $50 off the $600 price tag). At other times throughout the year though Garmin tends to run sales on Forerunners with better deals about double the discount of typical Black Friday sales.

Sale

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED...

Those better deals tend to happen at some key points of the year, February, June, and September to align with marathon and running seasons. That means at the end of the year when many other electronics are released and put on sale, Garmin tends to hold off on the Forerunner line.

New Versions On The Way

The Forerunners tend to have a release cycle around March. Both the 265 and 965 were released in March or 2023 so an update to those versions is expected between March and June of 2025. So, which watch should you buy when? Let’s start with the 165.

If you have been eyeing the 165 you should wait for Black Friday and see if it goes on sale but other than that, go ahead and buy it. It’s the entry level Forerunner that in my original review I found had pretty much every useful feature for fitness tracking and it’s a great watch. It’s also not expecting to be updated any time soon and chances are if you’re looking at the 165, you don’t already have a recent Forerunner and it will be an upgrade.

For those of you looking at the 265 or 965, right now, here’s my advice.

If you already have a smart or fitness watch you’re happy with that’s tracking your runs, workouts, swims, whatever, then I would hold off until the next version of the Forerunner. It’s likely to be released in March and it’s almost certain there will be key upgrades. The latest Elevate 5 heart rate sensor found in the Venu 3 series, ECG support and hopefully even better battery life. The glass screen might be enhanced to Sapphire for more scratch resistance and almost certainly we’ll get a few new metrics and menu views.

If you don’t have a Forerunner or fitness watch and you want one, the 265 and 965 are great. Even if you buy one now and then the next version comes out in 5 months, there’s probably going to be nothing in those that you’re really going to be missing.

Drone Laws By Country: DroneMate App For Android Gets Premium Treatment

by Anil Polat | Oct 31, 2024 | Air, Site News | 1

Finding out the particular drone laws where you are or headed when traveling seems like a straightforward task – just do a quick search online and get the list. Right? Well, not all governments make their recreational drone laws easily accessible and even more sites simply have wrong or outdated information.

I know because for over 7 years I and the DroneMate team have been keeping official records of every single recreational drone law in the world. DroneMate is available online, on iOS, and starting today the Premium version has launched for Android.

DroneMate Premium Features

In the biggest update to the Android app since its first release DroneMate Premium now includes 24/7 customer support through the app.

You can now subscribe to any of the comment threads under a country, US state, or local jurisdiction, ask your drone questions and get a prompt reply from one of our drone experts. You can also connect with drone pilots worldwide to share you experiences, find out good flying spots, and discuss the latest drone news.

DroneMate Premium also sends you location based notification of local drone laws and you can opt to receive notifications about drone law changes in countries and localities you choose.

Why DroneMate

I’ve been traveling full time for over 15 years and nearly a decade with a drone. I’ve encountered airport confiscations, confused border officers, and heard many more stories of people facing fines or worse because they didn’t know the rules. DroneMate was created to help drone pilots avoid those situations with accurate information from our local government sources.

Premium users also get help with the forms, contacts, and step-by-step help with any questions you may have. DroneMate is a living app with comments, replies, and traveler communities we’ve put a lot of work into. Download DroneMate for Android and iOS where you can try Premium free for 30 days and let us know what you think.

Happy flying,

-Anil

Is Cambodia Safe?

by Anil Polat | Oct 17, 2024 | Advice, Security | 1

Most government warnings tend to be on the cautions side but those for Cambodia are especially alarming. Crime, theft, and robbery are all prominently highlighted but just how safe is Cambodia really? As for any country it depends on where you are but the main warnings are best managed with generous amounts of common sense.

Bag Snatching

Many of the warnings revolve around bag snatching where someone, usually two people on a motorbike, will grab a bag as they pass by you on the street. These are fast crimes of opportunity that can be avoided by carrying your bag or purse on the opposite side of the street. Simply by having your body in between the street and your bag makes you a more difficult target to hit quickly so it reduces your chances of a snatch and grab. Same goes for your phone or camera but any items you can keep out of sight while walking, the better.

Elements

There aren’t masses of people robbing tourists on the streets but there is something every visitor will have to deal with and that’s the heat. Cambodia is located around the 12 north latitude close to the equator. That makes the sun much stronger than anywhere in the US or Europe so prepare with sunscreen and remember to stay hydrated. Although you might be a city like Phnom Penh and surrounded by restaurants and cafes you can still end up dehydrated if you’re not consistently drinking water.

Always keep a bottle with you and plan your days like locals do, try to avoid the mid-day sun.

Follow The Sun

When it gets darker you’ll want to be even more aware of your surroundings. You’ll also want to avoid casinos and “massage” parlors and seedy bars, all places where scams, crime, and worse are much more likely to happen. Stay clear of those are your trip is much, much more likely to go smoothly.

You can also use the Grab app to call a ride or tuk tuk to get from one place to another and stay out of the sun or after hours get back to your hotel safely. Overall Cambodia is a destination you can visit safely and without incident if you follow some common sense advice to stay out of trouble.

Where To Find Bangkok’s Best Luxury Hotel Deal

by Anil Polat | Oct 10, 2024 | Lodging, Money | 1

Tucked in a quiet corner of a busy Bangkok neighborhood, there is a hotel that’s exceptionally comfortable, elegant, and a true oasis in Thailand’s capital city. With the right approach though and a few tricks, you can book a stay here for under $80 a night.

Here’s where to find that hotel and how to get a great deal on accommodation in Bangkok. You can watch the video above and then read on.

Heart Of The Action

Sukhumvit is a bustling district on Bangkok with high rise buildings dotting the skyline. A major artery of the city Sukhumvit Road goes through the heart of Bangkok and where popular celebrations like Songkran are most active. Between a quiet laundry shop and nearby a hospital is Ad Lib a hotel that’s decorated with hanging green vines, large glass walls, and remarkably quiet considering its location.

The breakfast buffet is impressive and the rooms new with spotless mattresses and comfortable pillows. There’s a pool, gym, several bars and restaurant but the Ad Lib never feels like overbearing. The open design and friendly staff all add to the experience of being relaxing while at the same time making it easy to drop into the bustle of Bangkok’s beating heart.

Getting The Best Rate

One key piece of advice to getting the best deal at the Ad Lib is to never book from a third party site. Always book through the Ad Lib’s main site, where you’ll save at least 20% than booking elsewhere. I often find rooms listed for $120 in some places to regularly be $90 directly from Ad Lib. The site also has another perk which are the very frequent sales and promotions they run. Those included, you can find rooms for $75 a night or less. An amazing deal considering the level of luxury you get at Ab Lib and when compared to the cost of nearby luxury accommodation.

All Kinds Of Travel

To me, the Ad Lib is the perfect type of hotel if you want to recharge at the hotel during a trip to Bangkok or if you want a comfortable base to explore the city from. It’s comfortable enough to be the hotel you never have to leave but also situated in a place that gives you access to all Bangkok has to offer. An upgrade hotel experience and a competitive alternative to Airbnb in Bangkok.

Everything You Need To Know About Songkran In Thailand (Especially Bangkok)

by Anil Polat | Sep 26, 2024 | Advice, Culture | 2

Throughout Southeast Asia from about April 13th-April 16th the massive water festival Songkran takes place. Songkran is actually Buddhist New Year and in many places like Thailand has evolved into a water gun fight that takes place throughout the streets. One of the most exciting and active places to experience Songkran is in Bangkok.

Here’s everything you need to know about Songkran in Bangkok, from where to go, the ground rules, and how to have the best time of your life.

Songkran In A Soggy Nutshell

Buckets of water, hoses, and of course oversize water guns it’s hard to describe how widespread the soaking is during Songkran. (That’s what the video here is all about.) From the moment you walk out the door, at any hour, you are subject to getting water sprayed, splashed, and dunked on you by anyone on the street. You either accept it or don’t go outside during Songkran. You too however are free to shoot, spray, and splash back, with some exceptions.

Songkran Rules

A few groups of people are exempt from getting water thrown on them. This list of groups includes monks, the elderly, babies, people in shops and stores, as well as workers at food stalls or outside. People who may have trouble moving through disability as well shouldn’t be wet unless they’re participating. It take a bit of common sense but when you’re out during Songkran, you’ll quickly be able to figure out who’s in and those groups you shouldn’t throw water on.

Don’t shoot people in the eyes and don’t shoot drivers (especially those on motorbikes) either. Be thoughtful and observe how locals around you are behaving and you shouldn’t run into any trouble. Lastly, it’s not an official rule but try not to get the water in your mouth because chances are it’s not clean. Bringing along a towel or goggles to protect your eyes from water is also not a bad idea.

Where To Enjoy Songkran

I did say that Songkran happens across Bangkok but there are some hot spots. You can start at Wat Pho, one of the biggest temples in the city to see the religious side of Songkran. There’s music, offerings, as well as music and food. Songkran at Wat Pho is a laid back experience but it does get crowded so you can arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Another Songkran hot spot is Khaosan Road, the notorious backpacker street. Here Songkran is a full on party with lots of tourists in the mix. During the day it’s hectic and at night it can be described as mild chaos as the music (and drinking) all get turned up. Khaosan Road during Songkran is not for the faint of heart.

You can also go to Silom Road, which is even more crowded and a local favorite place to celebrate. There’s a beautiful barrage of water from all angles with large crowds, plenty of food and shops around to refuel and probably the best place to enjoy Songkran if you want to go all in. For a more family atmosphere there’s Siam Square where it’s known as “white Songkran” since alcohol is not served here. You still get the crowds but more kids so if you have little ones it might be the best spot for you.

The Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Vientiane, Laos

by Anil Polat | Sep 19, 2024 | Food | 0

Not only is vegetarian food widely consumed in Laos, in Vientiane there are places where you’ll miss the local flavors by not visiting one of these restaurants. From vegan nuns to the friendliest chef you’ll meet, these are the best vegetarian and vegan places to eat in Vientiane.

1. For Fancy CoCo & Co

This is a very modern vegan cafe that’s open for breakfast and lunch. Don’t let the looks fool you though the portions are big and the food tasty at CoCo & Co. It’s on the pricier side for Vientiane but likely a place you’ll swing by on more than one occasion for its laid back atmosphere and central location.

2. Vegetarian Master RUMA Restaurant

Every weekday a group of Vietnamese nuns serves up a vegan buffet as part of their Buddhist beliefs. As one tray gets finished and new one, with a completely new dish replaces it. For about $3 you can eat as much as you want and the food is incredible, one of the best hidden gems in Vientiane. Open only for limited lunch hours.

3. Reunion Vegan Cafe

For those of you looking for traditional Lao cuisine that’s plant based but not lacking in any of the spice or flavors, Reunion Vegan Cafe is the spot. Large portions and a very local atmosphere, a large meal will run you about $6. The menu is seemingly endless but make sure to try the laab salad, a Laotian classic.

4. White Lotus Restaurant

This place is weird because you never know what the kitchen is cooking up or how long you’ll wait. When the stars align though the chef has a flavorful take on Laotian staples but the staff and owner are the reason to visit. Through a translator app they’ll talk with you and it’s a local experience not to be missed.

For other travels in Southeast Asia there are great vegetarian street foods to eat in Hanoi and vegan restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

About Anil Polat

Hi, I'm Anil. foXnoMad is where I combine travel and tech to help you travel smarter. I'm on a journey to every country in the world and you're invited to join the adventure! Read More