Reasons to Take a Mekong River Cruise With Worldwide River Cruises (Vietnam & Cambodia)
I had never taken a river cruise, and, to be fair, this was my first trip to both Vietnam and Cambodia, though I was fairly certain that a river cruise was the best way to see each country. I had a feeling in my gut that traveling independently by land would mean missing out on half the adventure.
One of the world’s longest rivers, covering 4,000 km from its source high on the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong River is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia. It flows from China to Vietnam through six countries (China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam), and is key to the survival of some 300 million people.
From fishing boats to floating markets, river life along the Mekong is vibrant, and has been for thousands of years. And it captures a diversity that you wouldn’t experience by land; a juxtaposition of ancient temples with modern palaces, of imperial cities with traditional villages.
I didn’t want an incomplete picture of from my trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. I wanted to see the major tourist sites, sure, but I also wanted to see daily life come alive in undeveloped and unexplored parts of the region. I wanted to immerse myself in new languages and lifestyles, to shake hands with locals who had never seen a foreign tourist, and really witness local life as we drifted along the Mekong Delta to Cambodia.
And one company stood out in particular.
read moreGoosehill Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – an iSUP You Can Travel With!
There were definitely those who thought my logic was flawed – to try stand-up paddleboarding for the first time in the middle of Tasmanian winter, when the water was well below 0, and no idea if I could balance.
But what better incentive to stay on the board?!
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is always something I’ve wanted to try, but there are very few opportunities when traveling to find an available board. And I never wanted the hassle of a big, bulky, rigid thing that wouldn’t fit in the car when roadtripping.
But then came Goosehill SUP; a company who make inflatable boards.
An inflatable stand-up paddle board that packs down in to a compact backpack, comes with all the accessories, is light enough to travel with, and doesn’t cost a fortune?! Yes please!
read moreWhat to do in Samoa | A 7-day Itinerary
Does a tropical holiday sound good about now? This week long itinerary will take you from your arrival at Faleolo Airport, through many of the natural wonders, fabulous scenery, culture and relaxation that Samoa has on offer.
Explore the two main islands of Upolu and Savaii while experiencing the best of the rainforest, waterfalls, beaches and cultural attractions along the way.
read moreA Detailed Guide on Japan Rail Passes (The Most Efficient Way to Get Around in Japan)
My love for Japan is well documented, and I’ve traveled here more than I have any other country. It’s a truly timeless destination where ancient traditions, futuristic technology, and modern culture have all been thrown into the same melting pot.
Japan might seem small on a map, but don’t be fooled – it’s a very large country. And the mainland is absolutely jam packed with cultural icons. So I don’t blame you if you initially find it hard to decide which cities you’ll focus your attention on.
Thankfully though, you don’t need to settle on a single destination when visiting Japan, since their extensive railway network means you can explore the whole archipelago in a way that’s easy, fast, cheap, and comfortable.
There’s genuinely no better way to get around Japan than by rail, and thanks to the JR Pass for foreign visitors, you can do so quite economically. Read on for everything you need to know about the JR Passes and traveling around Japan.
read moreThe Best Long Walks in the UK
The United Kingdom is nothing short of beautiful; a destination with ancient landscapes that transports you into a real life fairytale, complete with castles, gardens, kings, and princesses.
A land that overflows with natural attractions, many adventurous travelers opt for road tripping around the cluster of countries that are England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
But the even more adventurous choose to go one step further (literally).
The UK has an amazing selection of long walks; the options are abundant and the places are nothing short of mesmerizing. So, if you’re keen on immersing yourself fully in Britain’s most spectacular landscapes, why not consider walking!
read moreAround the World in 80 Hours? Here’s the Route to do it!
It was 1873, and a spirit of adventure was bubbling throughout Europe. There was a thirst for worldwide adventure, and intrepid explorers were pushing the boundaries to explore unseen worlds.
It was this same year that Jules Verne published his classic adventure novel; a sensational tale of an Englishman named Phileas Fogg, who takes a bet that, with the opening of a new Indian railway, he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days.
Around the World in 80 Days may have been published almost 150 years ago, but two centuries on, this iconic story is still capturing imaginations, and inspiring new generations to reattempt the challenge.
But what if, with today’s technological advancements, I made you a bet that you could take Jules Verne’s same route in, say 80 hours?!
Around the World in 80 Hours is an interactive guide which plots out realistic routes for those wanting to explore the world by car, train, plane or boat … check it out!
read more8 Adventurous Things To Do in Nepal
With a long list of outdoor activities like trekking, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, paragliding, and rafting, Nepal is among the best destinations in the world for adventure tourism.
From tracking tigers on a jungle safari, to climbing the world’s highest peak, this small Himalayan nation boasts one heck of an outdoor playground, with activities spread across a highly varied landscape.
Whether you’re aiming to raft down the raging waters of the Himalayas, or head south to the lush jungles of Terai, here are 8 adventurous things to keep in mind!
read moreCamping 101: Basic Gear You Need for Camping
Camping is a brilliant way to experience the great outdoors and unplug from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Setting up tents or putting yourself into your unused sleeping bag for a couple of days allows you to reconnect with nature and explore sights that you’ve never seen before.
That said, in order to fully experience the benefits an outdoor getaway has to offer, it’s absolutely essential that you pack correctly.
If you’ve never been camping before, you may not know how to properly pack for your first trip. So we’ve put together an overview of the basics you’ll need.
read moreKenya vs. Tanzania: Which Destination Is Best For An African Safari?
A safari trip in Africa is by far, one of the most exciting getaways you could ever experience. The vast continent is world famous for its wildlife safaris, incredible landscapes, and options for adventure, from classic jeep safaris, to visiting local tribes.
However, trying to decide on the best destination in Africa can be tricky. Each country that makes up the unique and culture-rich continent provides its own unique experience, though it’s important to decide on a destination that suits your individual requirements.
Both Kenya and Tanzania are the classic options for an African Safari; they both offer breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife, and a long list of exciting activities from walking safaris to hot air balloon rides.
But, with both destinations sharing a border, they’re both incredibly similar. So, the inevitable question is how do you decide?
read moreThe Importance of a Weather Station While Camping/Hiking
When you’re planning a hiking or camping trip, the last thing you want is for it to rain. Your gear gets wet, your clothes are soggy, and, let’s be honest, most of the time you don’t have a water-proof phone case!
The weather is the single most likely factor to negatively affect your trip, though it’s also one of the things most travelers take for granted, and people quite often find themselves caught off guard.
While there are many ways to check the weather ahead of time, accuracy can be a big issue when you’re relying on phone apps or regional forecasts. These weather reports usually only gather information from a small cross section of stations, and if you’re traveling remotely these could be miles away from where you plan on hiking.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, setting yourself up with a personal weather station could be well worth your time. While many of the options they break down on temperaturesensei.com are weather stations for your home, we’ve also discovered portable weather meters – perfect for camping / hiking.
read more