It’s my favorite kind of travel read; a laugh-out-loud travel memoir that reveals backpacking’s awkward side. So upon picking up Sue Bedford’s new book “It’s Only the Himalayas and Other Tales of Miscalculation from an Overconfident Backpacker“, I naturally became engrossed.
Sue is a disenchanted waitress when she embarks upon a year-long quest around the world with her exasperatingly perfect friend, Sara. Expecting a whimsical jaunt of self-discovery, Sue instead encounters an absurd series of misadventures that render her embarrassed, terrified, and queasy (and in a lot of trouble with Philippine Airline).
Whether she’s fleeing from ravenous lions, dancing amid smoking skulls, navigating the torturous Annapurnas, or (accidentally) drugging an unfortunate Englishman, Sue’s quick-witted, self-deprecating narrative might just inspire you to take your own chaotic adventure.
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Recent years have seen the rise of the Digital Nomad; those lucky few self-employed thrill-seekers who travel the world with a laptop in their backpack, and think that working 9-5 is for suckers.
I’m sure you’ve heard all about them and you’re probably wishing you could do likewise. Being able to go where you please, when you please, and call nobody boss is a fantastic lifestyle in theory, but how does it work in practice?
We’ve looked at the three most popular ways to earn money while you travel for those wanting to pursue the digital nomad lifestyle.
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With its vast collection of idyllic beaches, mysterious caves, majestic mountains, and other natural wonders, the Philippines is a true haven for active vacationers and thrill-seeking adventurers.
Home to some of the most breathtaking vacation spots in the world, there are many reasons to visit the Philippines, though perhaps the most exciting are the truly unforgettable adventures that also offer the most epic adrenaline rush!
Whether you’re into extreme sports like surfing, swimming with whale sharks, or death-defying activities atop the country’s highest points, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
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It’s can seem like a daunting task – planning a Round the World journey. Though when Star Alliance and Marriott International recently asked us to put together our dream itinerary, we were amazed at how easy it was to customize a trip!
We are extremely excited to announce that we have been invited to embark on a Round The World journey this summer with Star Alliance member airlines and Marriott International.
We are one of 7 International Travel Bloggers Star Alliance has invited to embark on a set of Round The World journeys (they have recently added themed itineraries to their site meaning instead of having to create a journey from scratch, you can now choose from various themes and a proposed routing will be offered).
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Japan is a truly unique destination in that each month has something fantastic to offer, and there is genuinely no bad time to go.
Seasons play a huge role in Japanese culture, so visiting at different times of the year will offer different experiences. Many plan their trip around spring to witness the cherry blossoms bloom, though a strong argument could be made that Autumn is the most beautiful time of year! And Kyoto has some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country.
Leaves start changing from mid October and last until mid-December. Hit up the following spots in mid November to see Autumn colors in Kyoto at their best.
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There’s a mystery and allure that surrounds the whole Korean Peninsula. South Korea has emerged from the ashes of the war as a country determined to develop into one of the world’s fastest moving and most powerful economies.
It’s full of natural beauty that will make anyone forget that massive cities really dominate the scene. Cities are overtaking the countryside but people haven’t forgotten the importance of community and kindness.
There are so many reasons why you should visit South Korea, because it’s just too wonderful to overlook!
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As tropical getaways go, you can’t beat a vacation to Hawaii. As a dream destination with a universal appeal, it’s easy to see why the islands have become synonymous with paradise. From sugary white beaches to Technicolor coral reefs, and a diverse range of hiking trails and volcanoes for the adventurous soul, Hawaii truly has something for everyone.
However, it’s not always as simple as just deciding to vacation in Hawaii. Each of the islands here are truly diverse, offering a whole new set of sights, experiences and attractions, so it’s important to choose the right one.
The following tips will help you choose the right island for your trip. Alternatively, if you have the time, plan on some island hopping and take in a few!
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One of the world’s most dazzling natural phenomenons, few travel experiences can top witnessing the Northern Lights. Also known as Aurora Borealis, this is mother nature’s most impressive light show, and something which tops almost every traveler’s bucketlist.
Located in the far-northern latitudes, northern Norway is a popular destination for witnessing the spectacle. “Created by solar winds interacting with charged particles in the earth’s magnetic field, the lights appear as otherworldly streaks of green, red, yellow and purple dancing across the arctic skies.”
The following are the cities and towns in Norway where you have the most chance of seeing the Northern lights. It’s important to note that there is no exact science to catching the Aurora, and that there’s never any guarantee. But occurring predominantly between late September and late March, often close to midnight, here some of your best bets.
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The age of the socially conscious traveler is officially here – a recent movement towards responsible travel has seen travelers become more conscious of their environmental and social footprint when heading abroad. People are now realizing the importance of traveling with awareness and thought.
With the idea of being conscious of our impact on both nature and culture, here are 10 easy steps for being a socially conscious traveler in Iceland.
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Stumbling across hidden treasure might sound like a fantasy saved for video games, old movies and storybooks, however there are millions of dollars worth of lost treasure just waiting to be discovered all over the world. That’s right – lost treasure does exist, and for those willing to adventure to find it, the world is full of ‘treasure chests, tombs full of bling, and random pockets of riches here and there just waiting to be picked up!
Think about it – pirates hid them all the time, ship wrecks and sea caves hold endless amounts of wealth under the sea, and riches were frequently buried in tombs with their owners. Between the recent discovery of Viking Gold in Denmark, and the discovery of a 300 year old sunken treasure ship worth billions, real life can be just as exciting as any of the Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones films.
In a recent collaboration with ACS, we contributed to a post which examined seven famous treasures that were either lost or stolen, and listed their supposed locations. They’re all still out there somewhere – all you have to do is search for them!
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When it comes to planning a holiday, most people aim to tick off the essentials – tickets, accommodation and itinerary. However, in order to truly enjoy a smooth and carefree holiday, there’s a lot more prep work that needs to be done prior to the big departure.
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Nothing dampens the excitement of a vacation more than unwanted surprises you could’ve planned for.
To help you out, here are some tips for things you need to do while you’re packing and before you leave.
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When planning family trips, it’s best to keep kids busy with activities from crafting and music lessons to hiking and swimming. No one wants to hear, “Mom, I’m bored” while lounging beach side with a cocktail in hand.
Travel is one of the most fun ways for a parent to share the cultures and natural wonders of the world. These destinations are safe for kiddos, catering to the picky eaters, adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, and beach bums too. Not only will kids be welcome, they’ll find programs and excursions designed just for them on each of these global adventures.
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Whether you’re driving across the country or jumping on a long haul flight, it’s always a great idea to be traveling with a soundtrack for your trip. Carefully-selected tunes which will set the mood. But now that summer is here, which songs can make up that perfect playlist?
“Summer travel songs should get you thinking about wide open blue skies, a beating sun and cocktails on the beach. They should be a toe tapping accompaniment to lapping waves or be redolent with the sounds of exotic destinations.”
With that in mind, here are a few suggestions of must-haves for your travel playlist – 18 infectious tunes that invoke a sense of summer. Some of them are currently topping the charts, some are classic tunes, but they all have one thing in common … I can’t get them out of my head!
Let me know if you have any songs to add in the comments. And at the end of the post, enter to win an iTunes voucher worth £50 courtesy of the new “Sounds like Summer” track creator by First Choice!
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One of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States, Antelope Canyon is a favorite among photographers, tourists, and visitors from all over the world. A popular slot canyon on the Navajo Reservation, it is unearthly in its beauty, created over many thousands of years by wind and water which carved the sandstone into the temple we see today.
Tourists make the trek for the natural light show, which is something of a photographers dream. “The views in Lower Antelope Canyon change constantly as the sun moves across the sky, filtering lights softly across the stone walls. These ever-moving sun angles bounce light back and forth across the narrow canyon’s walls, creating a dazzling display of color, light, and shadow.”
Antelope Canyon is a place where you can experience nature in its raw form, though those interested in visiting should note that the area is only open by joining a tour.
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If money was no object, where in the world would you go on vacation? Only a select few get to plan their vacation with abandon, not spending one second worrying about their budget.
Here are 5 places we would love to stay if we could afford to, or if someone else was picking up the tab! These are definitely worth the splurge if you’re not worried about your budget abroad.
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When planning a beach vacation, most travelers probably don’t have the UK at the top of their list. And I get it – the water’s cold, and it rains a lot, though during summer the sun does shine, and for those few months out of the year Britain is blessed with perfect weather for the beach.
The UK boasts an incredible coastline with hundreds of stunning beaches to explore, especially when you get to the rugged southwestern tip. Here on this peninsula, Cornwall is home to picturesque harbour villages, soaring white cliffs, and ‘swathes of golden sands that look like something straight from the Med’.
Whether golden or pebbly, bustling or blissfully empty, there are over 300 beaches to discover in Cornwall. The following are some of our favorite picks.
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There’s no greater burden to a traveler than having too much luggage. It’s awkward on public transport, inconvenient to drag across town, and airlines will hit you with extra fees. You’re less likely to travel off the beaten path with all that weight, and it’s difficult to find your things when and as you need.
Many people think that if you want to travel light it’s what you pack that matters. But on the contrary, it’s largely about what you don’t pack.
The following are 10 items you’ll never need overseas. It’s pointless extra weight because you’ll never use them – let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree!
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Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and follow the amazing scent of aromatic herbs and pine trees. You will no doubt find yourself on the Adriatic coast, in a city that has been named one of Europe’s most interesting historical destinations – the city of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is famous for its distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century. Though it is also famous for the crystal clear waters and endless shimmer of the Adriatic Sea, and many mysterious beaches lie beyond the city walls.
Beaches here are versatile, and there is something to please both sand and party lovers, or those that love the romance of hidden rocky bays. The Croatian coast is one of the main reasons Dubrovnik is among the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Even if you prefer taking a dip in a swimming pool over the sea, the opportunity to plunge into the azure Adriatic may just change your mind.
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The airline industry has been struggling to make money since the beginning of flight. But because of their mismanagement, the consumer now has to pay.
Although certain perks such as comfortable seats and WiFi may be worth the extra charges, the escalating fees airlines are now charging have become a joke. The industry has gone above and beyond to charge passengers for everything from the aisle seat to printing a boarding pass. And when you add up these airline fees, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your money accrues.
Many of the following fees used to be hidden. Though now many airlines don’t even bother disguising them.
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We spent three weeks exploring the Canadian Rockies. From Banff to Mount Robson, Icefall canyon to the Bugaboos.
We hiked and boated, played disc and checked out the hotsprings. We heli hiked and skied while marveling at everything this incredible country has to offer.
This is the best of Canada in three minutes. I guarantee after watching it you’ll be convinced to jump on a flight!
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It’s hard not to notice the Great Mosque on a stroll of Dongguan Street, Xining. And with magnificent islamic architecture that combines together towers, a palace-like prayer hall, and a dazzling green Arabian-style dome, it’s hard not to walk past without being drawn in.
Built on a grand scale combining both Chinese traditional architectural art and Islamic architectural features, this is the biggest mosque in Qinghai Province, and one of the one of the four great mosques in Northwestern China.
A visit to Dongguan Great Mosque Xining offers a fascinating insight into Chinese Muslim culture. This is arguably the most famous Islamic Mosque in China.
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Visiting a game lodge was high on my priority list during my recent visit to South Africa. In the limited time I had, fifteen days to be precise, my itinerary also included Durban, Cape Town and my arrival destination, Johannesburg.
Kruger National Park seemed fascinating at first, however after a little bit of homework I decided to check on some of the private game lodges which abound all over South Africa. I was initially totally unaware of the public facilities offered within Kruger and the other private game lodges, but on advice of a friend I decided to visit the lesser known Zululand Rhino Reserve.
As it turns out, this was excellent advice, and my six nights spent at the private Zebra Hills safari lodge within the reserve will remain etched in my memory forever.
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It was a seemingly endless campaign that was at times very aggressive and bad tempered. Accusations flew between the two sides, there was even a battle of flotillas outside the Houses of Parliament. And, eventually, the unthinkable did happen against all the odds and the UK voted to leave the EU.
In the aftermath of this seismic shift there’s a great deal to be resolved, not least when the country will actually have to leave the EU. Some effects have already been felt although whether these are just temporary blips is a matter of debate. What is more certain is that once the split has occurred there will be many areas of life that will be affected.
A key one will be travel within the EU and there have been certain predictions about precisely how it could be affected.
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Forget snakes on a plane. Worry about the germs. Research shows that air travelers are at a higher risk for infection than people going about their daily lives.
The good news is that, for the most part, airplanes’ air filtration systems function well enough that you’re unlikely to contract more serious illnesses. Instead, your greatest risk is contracting the common cold or a classic case of the flu.
While that’s all well and good, it may be little comfort to people who don’t particularly want to have a cold or the flu while trying to enjoy their vacation. Luckily, it is possible to decrease your risk of infection from germs on a plane. Here’s how to maximize the chances of disembarking the plane as healthy as you boarded it.
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Staying at a hotel is always exciting and fun. They’re clean, have beautiful facilities, and provide you with a new personal space with endless options for fun. Though the hotel culture in one country is not necessarily the same as the next and if you’re traveling internationally you will notice slight differences in how hotels are run.
When it comes to Australia, the following are a few necessary things you should know about staying in our hotels. These are the most common and most significant things you just must remember while planning your stay.
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