Off the Beaten Track in Japan’s 4th Largest City: Nagoya, Japan
Nagoya is one of Japan’s largest and most populous cities: fourth after Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama, and is located directly in between Tokyo and Kyoto, on the Shinkansen (bullet train) line. So why, when Tokyo and Kyoto draw in the region of five million overseas tourists every year, does Nagoya remain almost unvisited? How is
Breathtaking Buildings, Beautiful Beaches & Bloated Bellies: Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a vibrant, youthful city that combines the pleasures of a city break with the relaxation and beauty of a beach holiday. The city-by-the-sea vibe put out by Barcelona lends the city a chilled-out, almost hippie-ish feel in places. Young people lugging heavy backpacks flock to Barcelona in the summer: for June’s Sonar festival,
Sun Soaked, Culture Filled and Adventure Everywhere: Magical Malta
An often overlooked stop-off in Europe, Malta offers the inquisitive traveller a taste of culture, history and adventure crammed into an easily exploreable island in the sun. Whether you’re a sun-worshipper, adventure seeker, culture-vulture or all of the above, Malta is the ideal destination to indulge in your travel passions. A former British colony, it
Sin City on a Budget: Las Vegas, USA
If you were to say three words about Vegas, they would probably be gambling, money and madness. But there’s more to Vegas than standing at the blackjack table, and it doesn’t have to be a hugely expensive trip to go and soak up Sin City. Backpacker’s certainly shouldn’t cross it off their list of potential
The Dive Site You Would be a Fool to Miss: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Standing on a beautiful deserted tropical island that probably doesn’t even have a name and staring at the crystal clear aquamarine and turquoise waters, I realised I had finally arrived at one of the most isolated outposts of Indonesia. I was in Raja Ampat, which translates as the ‘Four Kings.’ Although you may never have
Trekking to the Skies on a Himalayan Adventure: Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime, dream come true opportunity. But if you go, don’t be surprised if after your Himalayan adventure you find yourself yearning to go back. Once is never enough. Your journey will likely begin in Kathmandu and in Thamel, the city’s popular tourist district. Thamel’s streets are crammed
Top 10 Reasons To Stay In Hostels on Your Backpacking Trip
Staying in hostels rather than swanky hotels when you go on holiday or a backpacking trip is a great way to save money and have fun. Hostels these days are not the sole reserve of long haired, unwashed hippy backpackers looking to discover themselves. Over the last few years, there has been an explosion of
Exploring the Magical Islands of Venice, Italy
Many people are drawn to Venice to sail the gondola along the meandering canals, or to discover the renown cultural landmarks, such as Saint Mark’s Basilica and Galleria dell’Accademia. However, if you are a more intrepid tourist, you may wish to explore a little further, and visit some of the fascinating lagoon islands. Here’s a
The Former Jewel of the East: Kolkata, India
Kolkata is a city of contrasts. It is shocking yet charming, decadent yet squalid, degrading yet home to Nobel Prize laureates. It is certainly not for the faint hearted. When you arrive you are met with the familiar sight of streets packed with people and not a spare inch to move in, but the city
Fabulous Fiji – 5 Tips for this Island Paradise
When you hear the word ‘Fiji’, what is the first thing that springs into your mind? Swaying palm trees rising high from fine white sandy beaches, with sparkling turquoise waters lapping at the shore. While these beaches are certainly dotted around Fiji, ten months living on this island taught me that sun, sea and sand
Monks, Buddhas and Breathtaking Beauty: Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, located in north central Laos, is a UNESCO world heritage city and truly deserving of its title; the countryside, surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers contribute to the splendour, whilst the French colonial architecture and stunning temples make the city truly superb. The unassuming destination of Laos has largely remained under the radar
Walking in a Winter Wonderland in NYC: New York City, USA
At any time of the year New York, known as “the city that never sleeps” is an amazing experience that overwhelms the senses. With its imposing skyline, huge parks, shopping precincts, monuments and bustling metropolitan atmosphere, there is nowhere quite like it. Visiting in winter and particularly at Christmas is a truly magical experience. The
Can Villa Rentals Work for Backpackers?
Backpacking is a great way to see the world. One of the many benefits is the sense of freedom, independence and being in command of your own destiny. There is something very liberating about waking up in the morning and the only decision you have to make is whether to turn left or right, but
The Home of Edgy Regeneration is a Wee Beauty! – Glasgow, Scotland
Being the largest and most populated city in Scotland, Glasgow has much to offer tourists coming from all over the world and can be a great escape in the UK for backpackers wanting to do things on a budget. Glasgow is certainly budget friendly and not as hard on the purse as other large UK
(i recommend one that opens like a suitcase – it’s hard to get everything out a hole at the top!) some strong shoes and a safe place to keep all you documents.