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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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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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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The United States is such a big country that it’s basically impossible to visit and experience all it has to offer. While it is, of course, almost mandatory to see places such as New York City and the Grand Canyon at least once in your life, I think it is also essential to explore the less-known America.
Visiting under-the-radar destinations gives you a completely new perspective of a country, provides a sometimes necessary fresh view, and adds something extra to a trip. This is exactly why you should consider including the following five towns into your itinerary when visiting the United States. They’re all located near a major destination, so it is easy to visit them as a sort of side trip.
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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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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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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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From the famed ski slopes of Whistler to the roaring majesty of Niagara Falls, some the world’s greatest travel destinations are just north of the border, in Canada.
With an overload of Canada travel options, which of these destinations are most popular among travelers? Hipmunk analyzed its travel data from 2015 to find out.
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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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When thinking of cities in the Southern states, New Orleans, Charleston, and Savannah come to mind — and with good reason. These cities offer some of the best culture, cuisine, music, and laid-back living that famously comes with this region. Of course, because of this, these popular tourist locations can be expensive to visit and crowded in the peak seasons.
With that in mind, check out these great Southern city alternatives and the hotels to stay in for those looking for an affordable and less crowded stay.
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It was a hot summer afternoon in Ahmedabad, a historic city in Western India. It was the month of May and the temperature had soared well past 40 degrees centigrade. Hot winds blew across the city and singed my bare arms as I looked for an auto rickshaw (a three wheeler moto taxi) to take me to my destination.
I heaved a sigh of relief as one of the ubiquitous green and yellow vehicles slowed down. I sank into the cooler environs of the auto rickshaw, thankful for some respite from the glaring sun, and instructed the driver about my destination. I was headed towards a small village on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, called Adalaj. I had heard about a unique stepwell which was over 500 years old that was located here and wanted to have a look.
I had seen pictures, but pictures never do justice, especially to historic sites. You need to be there in flesh and blood to experience the strange vibrations and aura that one finds in these places. Moreover, I had been fascinated by the legend behind the building of this stepwell and this was one of the prime motivators for heading towards a sleepy village on the outskirts of the Indian city of Ahmedabad.
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We’re obsessed with Portugal, and we think that you should be too.
Nestled on the south-western edge of Europe, Portugal has more rugged landscapes, empty beaches, mountainside vineyards, ancient cities, and fairytale castles than you can shake a stick at.
It was awarded the Entrepreneurial Region of the Year just last year. Alongside its relaxed pace of life, relatively low cost of living and great internet connectivity, it’s no surprise then that Portugal is becoming a European hub for Startups, digital nomads, and location independent workers.
Here are cool things to do in Portugal this summer for digital nomads and startups. Take a look at the list below and take your pick!
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There is something that has been weighing on my mind recently. I’m sure most people with access to social media have seen the plethora of negative statements people are making about Muslims and Islam.
For the past year in the United States we’ve been seeing an upsurge in the animosity towards Muslims and the Islamic faith. Yes, this has been happening for over a decade now, but now that we’re accepting more refugees and increasing the Muslim presence in our country, the rhetoric has changed.
But before you write your next “Muslims are the scum of the earth” comment or share that hate-filled blog post, perhaps you should think about what you’re doing. Because, honestly, you’re saying the same things the terrorists are and, from where I’m sitting, you’re not much different from them.
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When thinking of religion in India it’s generally Hinduism which comes to mind. But Buddhism is also well practiced here, and there many incredible monasteries to see.
Some are easy to reach while others are remarkably secluded, so remotely located that reaching them is no easy feat. You need to be physically fit to reach the following Indian monasteries, but those willing to travel off the beaten path will reap the rewards. The most secluded monasteries in India are also some of the most spectacular. Set among gorges and steep slopes, they offer splendid isolation from the world in their surroundings.
For those looking for a vacation off the beaten path, we recommend the following secluded monasteries. Many provide good accommodation facilities for tourists. The journey may be rigorous and unassuming but few things can compare to the bliss that manifests once you arrive.
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Rock cut architecture has been a major part of the history and culture of India. From temples and caves to living spaces cut into the hillside, Indian rock cut architecture is more diverse and found in greater abundance than anywhere else in the world.
The practice of creating a structure by carving it out of solid natural rock, there are more than 1,500 structures excavated in India today, and most of them still stand strong. These surviving examples represent the architectural excellence of ancient eras, and the evolution of the populous in India can be studied in amazing detail.
Some of the most spectacular examples of these rock cut temples are listed as follows below.
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No-one throws a beach party quite like Thailand, and if you’re thinking about heading to Asia and define yourself as “young”, you’ll probably want to plan your trip to coincide with the full moon.
Happening as you guessed it, on the night of each full moon, Thailand’s Full Moon Party is completely off the charts; an all night beach party which sees up to 40,000 people show up each month.
The party begins at dusk and there are more than a few different bars to dance and party at as you make your way along the beach. The beach explodes into a dancing frenzy as different DJ’s play their mix, drunken backpackers cover their bodies in neon paint, and limbo under kerosene soaked ropes.
Inspired by my friend Dan Sellers’ post about “How to Survive a Full Moon Party“, I compiled a similar list of do’s and don’ts from my experiences at this iconic event.
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I had been working as a bellydancer in the Arab world for years, when an opportunity in India popped up in 2014. For three months, I would be based in Delhi, performing in shows at different venues every night.
Sometimes our shows were as far as eight hours’ drive away – unless we were taking a plane. Hungry for a challenge, I took the leap. And I made sure I traveled with a camcorder to document the experience.
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My greatest love as a child was LEGO. I would build intricately designed spaceships, multi-coloured castles, and re-enact scenes from various star wars films. The beauty of LEGO is that it is only limited by your imagination.
And while LEGO is little more than a passing interest of childhood for many people, it’s not just child’s play anymore. At 29 years of age, I’m an unabashed fan of Lego, and I’m far from being alone.
Adults with a passion for LEGO know the difference between a plate, brick, wedge, washer and stud. Some weeks we spend more on LEGO than we do on groceries. We can finally spend the sort of cash that as a child you rarely got to blow on plastic figures, and we’re happy to make pilgrimages all over the world for an international convention or new store.
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There’s nothing better than traveling to an exotic destination with your significant other. The thrilling feeling of adventure combined with butterflies in your stomach guarantees an unforgettable experience, and you will be creating memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.
While planning for a romantic trip, it’s important to think outside the box. Destinations like Paris, Venice, and Bali are all iconic destinations for couples seeking romance, though you need to think about whether you really want to share your memories with thousands of other couples too.
The following are 10 romantic destination ideas for couples to visit this year. Consider traveling here if you are looking for something a little more exotic than Paris and an experience that is truly unique.
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My first real exposure to Burma (Myanmar) was while watching Anthony Bourdain’s Emmy award-winning ‘Parts Unknown‘. The country was featured in the very first episode of this long running TV series, and I was immediately excited to go. My travel senses were quickly sparked, as was a curiosity about a country that had been isolated from the rest of the world for 60 years. I wanted a first hand experience like Anthony Bourdain.
Luckily I was in Kuala Lumpur at this time, and on visiting the Burmese consulate I received my tourist visa on the same day. Burma is still one of South East Asia’s biggest hidden gems. You can tell that from the number of people applying for a visa.
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Myanmar is a country which has been off limits for many years; isolated from the rest of the world due to decades of a brutally oppressive regime. Though following the lifting of Western sanctions, Burma – also known as Myanmar – has become a magnet for tourists. And it’s not hard to see why.
Myanmar is a country full of mythical landscapes and wondrous sights: From golden-gilded Buddhas in Yangon, to a thousand temples scattered across the countryside in Bagan, it is a beautiful and culturally rich country. “You can still drift down the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River in an old river steamer, stake out a slice of beach on the blissful Bay of Bengal, or trek through pine forests to minority villages scattered across the Shan Hills without jostling with scores of fellow travellers.”
But the big draw is the chance to see a country where the 21st-century world has barely touched. This is the least visited country in South East Asia, which has managed to preserve the look of old Asia. It’s a place where Buddhism is still a way of life.
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From the moment we stepped onto the bus, our tour guide was pelted with questions from my excited fellow travelers. “Where is the gold train?” “Can we see it?” “Have they confirmed yet what it contains?” “Have they actually FOUND it?”
Frankly, I didn’t have a clue what they were talking about, but I soon found out. We were on our way to the majestic 13th century Ksiaz castle in Walbrzych/Lower Silesia, where it is rumored that underground tunnels hide a train laden with 300 tons of gold.
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The world’s oceans have always been a place of wonder and mystery. Covering nearly three quarters of our planet, it’s impossible to know all their secrets.
It’s nothing short of captivating to read through scientific facts about this magical world. However, it is also somewhat humbling to realize just how little we do know about the oceans. It’s tantalizing to think about just how much more there is to discover. From the mesmerizing marine life to the waters themselves, it seems as though we will never know all the secrets of the sea.
But here are a few of the most interesting that we do know.
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Water is the most crucial condition for life of all kinds. All living organisms need it in order to survive, though there are more than 780 million people worldwide without access to clean drinking water. 345 million of them live in Africa alone. Every 21 seconds, a child dies from a water related sickness.
Instead of turning a blind eye, Charlie Christensen decided it was time to do something about it. On May 18 2015 he freed himself of his job, his apartment, and most of his possessions to begin Walking for Water; a philanthropic pilgrimage, on foot, from Denmark to Tanzania.
This means walking for 18,000 kilometers, through 28 countries, over 2.5 years. It is a journey to inspire the beginning of a movement meant to combine the trends of explorations and self realizing journeys with the noble cause of supplying the world with clean drinking water, wherever needed.
Almost one year in, he will cross the straight to Africa on the 18th of May 2016 to continue his journey.
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While the majority of travelers to Australia head straight for the iconic sites of Melbourne, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, this amazing country offers so much more. Occupying the vast eastern corner of Victoria, Gippsland is one area in particular that travelers should explore; a region of spectacular natural landscapes of unparalleled beauty.
With quaint seaside villages, alpine towns and farming communities, unspoiled beaches, ample farm-fresh produce and beautiful lakes, rivers and mountain ranges, we are fortunate to call Gippsland our home. Being such a large area, National Parks are a plenty here, and our days and weekends are spent camping, bush walking, fishing and relaxing on unspoiled beaches along the coast. This is a paradise for those who love nature and the outdoors.
The following are the top 5 National Parks to visit in Gippsland, Australia.
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