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It was in April 2010 when I made my first trip as a backpacker, where I toured Belize, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Although I had been abroad before, it was on this trip that I decided to spend more than a month away from home, and from then until now the experience I have acquired with each trip has been more than invaluable. Before you check out my tips and advice, this Travel Calculator can help you keep check of your travel distances.

1- Sit somewhere and watch people

It will sound boring to do this, but it is the best way to know firsthand how the daily life of the inhabitants of a city is. It can be a park, the corner cafe, a restaurant or open-air bar, even the square of a remote village, any public place of this type allows you to see how people live in other parts of the world.

2- Do not be afraid to spend money once in a while

As a backpacker I know what are the advantages of saving, I know the importance of spending as little as possible, so that the money gives you more and so you can continue traveling for a long time. Having said this, there comes a time when sometimes it is not enough to give your tastes and spend a little more to get what you want. Whether it's a $ 25 lunch, a night at a high-end hotel or paying for a first class tour, going over the budget to achieve self-satisfaction or greater comfort is not something that should be seen as a sin.

3- Use Couchsurfing

At this point, it will seem strange that a backpacker does not know what Couchsurfing is about, but if you are one of those, do not worry. You are not the only one. This website is a huge community of travelers who contact guests to stay in their homes. Couchsurfing is very thrifty if you travel for long periods of time, but the special thing is to be able to interact with the local hosts, an experience that you can hardly get in another type of accommodation.

4- Do not plan so much

I remember when I went through Central America in 2010, with my Lonely Planet in hand, tracing and following the route suggested by the guide. I can hardly say that I improvised, since for being my first backpacking trip I was afraid that things would not go as planned, so I stayed anchored to the route I came up with with the Lonely Planet.

5- Do not leave without travel insurance

Most will see buying insurance as an unnecessary cost, but nothing is further from reality. The desirable thing to have an insurance is not to use it, and I understand that nobody loves to spend money, but keep in mind that life brings with it all kinds of surprises and changes that can not be controlled by the human being (diseases, natural disasters ), and therefore it is better to be prepared for any eventuality. If you want to know more details about this topic, in this article you can be aware.

6- Do not pack too much

If there is one thing that you learn by force when backpacking is to decrease the amount of luggage you carry with you, and not because you presume to go with little, but because there is no other option. Several times it has happened to me that I end up giving away or selling what is left over in my backpack, and I have never regretted it. If at the time of packing you are hesitant to carry something, it is because you do not need it. In case you require something that you forgot to bring, it is more than sure that you will find it in the country you visit.

7- Always keep your mind open

When you are abroad, never forget that you go to regions where opinions and lifestyles are very different from what you usually understand. Therefore, use sympathy in your favor and do not judge those habits that you do not know, nor presume that your point of view or opinion is superior to that of others. If you do not know something, it's as simple as asking and so you come out of ignorance.



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Keeping pets has grown quite popular in recent times. People who own pets will tell you that making travel plans (for either business or pleasure) involves making a decision whether to bring the pet with you or leave them under the care of an animal boarding facility.

Most pet owners, however, grow so fond of their pets that they would rather travel with them wherever they go than leave them behind. This, therefore, calls for preparation for a pet-friendly trip. This article provides you with a pet travel tips checklist for this preparation.

1. Identification Tags

Pets cannot identify themselves. No matter the mode of travel chosen, it is necessary to tag your pet with proper identification before heading out. This would help ensure your pet finds their way back to you in case you get separated. It also helps prevent confusion between owners in cases where two pets could resemble each other

2. Permanent Identification for the Pet

The wise say that you can never be too cautious. In addition to tagging your pet with the necessary identification tags, it is recommended for you to fit them with a more permanent mode of identification, such as a microchip. This would also help in tracking of your pet in case they wander off or you become separated.

3. Train Them While They are Young

It is important for you to train your pet while they are still young because animals take some time to completely master commands and expected behaviour. You should train them to remain calm during travel, and correctly respond to commands. A reward system is highly recommended as it helps the lessons learned stick more. If you have more than one pet, it is advised you train them separately.

4. Secure Your Pet for Their Safety

After training the pet, most people assume it is safe to let them wander around the car/plane during travel. This is however wrong. Just like people, pets could get injured when the vessel of travel assumes a sudden movement or in the case of an accident. It is therefore recommended to crate the pet to keep them safe.

5. Choose a Suitable Travel Crate

Carriers made using fabric are a good option to transport your pet. Plastic pet carriers, however, are preferred for their versatility as they offer safety for different modes of travel.

6. Pets and Cars

Pets such as dogs and cats are fast and agile. They will therefore naturally make use of these abilities when their safety is threatened. It is, therefore, important to ensure the pet feels safe and comfortable throughout the trip.

7. Sedating the Pet

Pets, like all other humans, tend to grow anxious when exposed in an unfamiliar setting. Sedating them could help ease their anxiety and save them from trauma and even accidents that result from fear.

8. Carry a First Aid Pet Kit

We can never tell if or when accidents may happen. The best way to counter this is being ready just in case they happen. Pet owners are advised to carry a pet first-aid kit that includes bandages, gauze, and hydrogen peroxide just in case inducing vomit is necessary. You should also always follow steps given by an animal healthcare specialist first before personally treating your pet from suspected exposure to toxins.

9. Carry Pet Food and Water

Unexpected events such as train delays are inevitable. So during travel preparation, it is important that the pet owner puts this into consideration and packs extra food and water for the pet just in case these events happen.

10. Be Extra Cautious

Regardless of how well you know your pet, you can never tell how they are going to react to new stimuli. Your cat, for example, may decide to seek refuge between your legs while driving after hearing a loud noise such as a truck honking. This could result in a fatal accident, and hence it is strongly advised that you keep your pet safe at all times during the trip.

11. Dealing With a Dog During Air Travel

Most airlines will allow you to carry your pet in the cabin of the plane only if the pet fits in the pet carrier under the seat. It is a requirement that the size of the pet will allow it to stand and move in the carrier. You will also be required to pack a few essentials for the dog, such as a poop bag, a water bottle, a collapsible bowl, a recent picture of the dog, and a leash.

The above tips mainly focus on the safety and wellbeing of your pet during travel. It is, therefore, important that preliminary safety precautions, such as ensuring your pet is in a good physical state to travel, are observed. It is also important to make sure that the destination of travel is free from animal diseases such as rabies. By following the above tips, travelling with pets becomes less of a hassle and a comfortable experience.

Author: Bob Tom


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Budget holiday destinations abound in Europe, despite its stereotype as a centre for luxury travel. Beyond the expensive locations in Southern Europe (think Spain, France, and Italy), a plethora of astounding, lesser-known countries are waiting to be discovered.

Many of these places have only recently been opened to tourists, which makes a trip an even more remarkable journey of discovery and unique attractions. So if you’re someone who likes to go ‘off the beaten track’ and visit the places your parents haven’t been, get ready to find out more about these wonderful European delights.

Romania

It is truly amazing that Romania isn’t awash with tourists – but shhhh! Whether you want to see lovely medieval villages, stunning rural landscapes or spectacular ancient castles, this country has it all.

Undoubtedly the lack of tourists only benefits this beautiful place, saving it from the corporate chains that seem to copy and paste throughout most of Europe. The prices are well suited to a budget holiday, with the attractions accessible for only a fraction of the entry fee at any English historical venue. In particular, a visit to the splendid historic town of Sighisoara is highly recommended, which is adorned with beautiful cobblestones and charming cottages.

Valetta, Malta

Budget holiday ideas nearly always benefit from a healthy dose of sunshine. If this sounds like the case for your next trip, the Maltese city of Valetta should be right at the top of your list. The cost of living here is still very affordable, making a stay add up to that most rewarding of sums: good for the heart and bank balance. Valetta is doused almost constantly in the dazzling Mediterranean sun, which lends a warm tone to its ancient streets. The main Cathedral stands proudly near the seashore, surrounded by myriad buildings adorned with paint-peeling shutters. Wandering around this gem of a place island is a fantastic way to spend a relaxing holiday.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Romania’s neighbour gives it a good run for its money in the competition for most beautiful landscapes, that’s for sure. Whilst it is impossible to make the final adjudication between the two when it comes to history, Bulgaria’s capital Sofia might edge ahead. The city has numerous important ruins, which are millenniums old. The capital is also consistently ranked as Europe’s most affordable, making it a bargain to stay for a weekend… or a week.

How to Get There


All of these underappreciated European destinations are easily reachable from any major airport. None of the places takes any longer than a three-hour flight, making them perfect for a budget holiday or just a weekend away. The best way to get your break off to a hassle-free start is to pre-book an airport shuttle for your arrival. Choosing a shared shuttle is a fantastic way to save yet more money, and get there quickly and safely – ready to start the fun!

Author: Laura Jeeves

Which other destinations do you think should have been included in the list?
A new trend is growing amongst thrill-seeking travellers: ghost tourism. Here’s what it is and where you should go to experience a touch of the supernatural whilst on holiday.

What is Ghost Tourism?

The idea is simple. Ghost tourism refers to holidays that involve learning about apparitions and hauntings. It also includes trips that involve encounters with spectres. An example might be staying in a haunted hotel or going on a late-night ghost walk around a spooky town.

This type of tourism actually has a rich history. People have visited Scotland, for example, for years in hopes of encountering the paranormal. Though most tourists these days don’t expect to see any spectral figures, they are interested in the history of hauntings.

If you like getting goosebumps and the creepy feeling that someone is standing behind you, this might be the travel trend for you.

Supernatural Spots: Where to Go to Get a Thrill

Here are some of the best places to start if you want to get your blood pumping and maybe, just maybe, give yourself a few nightmares.

•  Salem Witch Walk – Salem is famous for its witch trials and this mystical walk features an unusual witchcraft ceremony.

•  The Most Haunted Castle in Europe – It is Denmark’s Dragsholm Slot that has earned this title. Legend has it that Mary, Queen of Scots’ husband died a painful death in the dungeons.

•  Ghost Towns – Deserted towns, with their unmistakably mournful atmosphere, have long been popular with tourists. Some of the best are Kayakoy in Turkey, Oradour-sur-Glane in France and St. Elmo in Colorado.

•  Wall Street Walk – Discover Wall Street’s history from a different angle. Learn about Alexander Hamilton, the Wall Street Crash and the spirits left behind.

•  Sweet Dreams - Haunted hotels are big business. Stay in the Stanley Hotel in Colorado (it inspired The Shining). Or, if you have a real taste for the macabre, you can spend the night in the home of the infamous Lizzie Borden.

You don’t have to devote your entire holiday to searching for ghouls but including one of these places as a day (or night) trip can add an extra frisson of excitement to your trip. 

What’s more, it is an interesting way to experience a different side to a country’s culture than is seen in museums or art galleries.

Boo-fore You Go


You’ll soon realise that ghost hunting is truly addictive – one trip just won’t be enough. Before you head off, take out an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy. That way no matter how many trips you take a year you are covered for accidents, theft of your valuables or other mishaps. Ideally, all travel would be risk-free; however annual multi-trip travel insurance makes sure you won’t lose out in the unlikely event that something does go wrong. (Disclaimer: No insurance can help you if a sneaky poltergeist steals your stuff, so make sure keep your eyes open while ghost hunting!)

Author: Laura Jeeves

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Australia is a vast continent with wonderfully diverse landscapes. However, when visiting it can feel impossible to see or experience enough of the country. Embarking on a road trip is one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself down under.

Here are three of the best routes for adventurous souls who wish to take in the deep rainforest, the wild bush and the beautiful coastline.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road spans 250 kilometres from Torquay to Warrnambool and runs by some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. You can speed along and do the whole thing in one day, or you can – and should – take your time and spend a couple of weeks enjoying the trip.

You’ll meet lots of other travellers on this route, and there is plenty to see as you drive so be prepared to pull over a lot.

What to Do

• Visit the Twelve Apostles (be there at sunset) 

• Experience the Grotto 

• See koalas in the wild at River Kennet 

• Surf at Bells Beach

Cairns to Cape York

If you want the road less travelled, look no further than the 1000-kilometre trip from Cairns to Cape York. This route is known for its variety, including stunning coastal views, epic rainforests and extreme dirt tracks. This is not one for novices as the driving can be tough and some roads are only passable at certain times of the year. The route will take planning and will differ depending on weather conditions – you’ll almost certainly need a four-wheel drive.

Take camping gear and be prepared to cook for yourself. Additionally, it’s recommended you allocate two to three weeks for the journey – you’ll want a couple of days in Cape York to relax before heading back.

What to Do

• See the Great Barrier Reef 

• Go to Thursday Island 

• Go on a Daintree River Cruise 

• Visit Fruit Bat Falls

The Savannah Way

The Savannah Way is a long route that stretches from Cairns in North Queensland to Broome in the west. It is 3700 kilometres long and runs through no fewer than fifteen National Parks. It is very common for people to do just a section of the route, such as Broome to Katherine. However, if you have time to spare and fancy giving the whole thing a go, it will be an utterly unforgettable experience.

Though a four-wheel drive is not necessarily necessary, do be prepared for the worst. Carry emergency food and water as well as a radio for when mobile phone reception drops out.

What to Do

• Bushwalking in the National Parks 

• See ancient Aboriginal rock art 

• Go on a sunset cruise through Katherine Gorge 

• Visit the lava tubes at Undara

Before You Go: Car Hire Excess Insurance


Insurance is not the most exciting topic, but if you are planning an adventurous road trip car hire excess insurance is an absolute necessity. This will cover you for a range of eventualities. After all, you never know what could happen on the road. Rental companies tend to charge ridiculous amounts, so get a good car hire excess insurance deal sorted before you leave for Australia.

Author: Laura Jeeves


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Travel insurance is something that shouldn't be forgotten when going on holiday. Accidents or illness can be very expensive especially if it requires you to be flown home. If you are on a budget then there are travel insurance plans that will protect you and your family.

We all should know that travel insurance is a must when on holiday or vacation. hospital emergencies can cost up to $100,000 or more if an evacuation is required. Cancellations to plan, cruise or tour tickers can also cost a lot of money and sometimes there is nothing you can do it avoid it. Even loss of baggage can be expensive now that more people travel with laptops and mobile phones.

Travel insurance can be expensive and you may be tempted to skip it for your holiday. For long trips it may actually cost more for insurance than it does for plane fare. This is especially true of backpacking holidays through places like South East Asia or Easter Europe. Also backpackers may not have expensive holiday packages or luggage to be concerned about. The standard comprehensive level of travel insurance is often wasted on these people.

Many travel insurance companies offer plans designed for the budget traveller and backpackers. These plans tend to cover general medical expenses such as hospital stays, doctor and surgical fees, dentist fees, and medical evacuation. Sometimes these will also offer minimal protection in other areas such as luggage, credit card and document replacement. It is up to you to decide if you want this as it will raise the price.

Some providers in Australia of budget and backpacker travel insurance are: iTrek Travel Insurance, Downunder Insurance, 1Cover Direct Travel Insurance, Insure4Less, and Travel Insurance Direct. You should search for travel insurance reviews to help determine the best policy for you.

The excess is another thing to consider. The normal excess tends to be $100 but some providers charge a higher excess to offer you lower premiums. It is usually best to get a policy with a low or zero excess so it does not cost you anything to claim. However, this tends to not be a problem on backpacker travel insurance as it really only covers expensive medical expenses which means that the excess will only be a small percentage of the overall bill.

Since each policy offers a different level of cover with its own terms and conditions it is wise to review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). A PDS is mandatory in Australia and details all the conditions Free Web Content, exclusions and limits of the policy.



Author:  Jackson Taylor

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Travel packing can be a complicated process even for the simplest person. The decisions that have to be done are numerous: what clothes to take with you or how many bags to carry on. Packing depends whether you'll drive your vehicle to the airport and whether you'll reserve a spot at the parking airport.

You should bring small luggage if you are taking a short trip. Take only necessary things like clothes, shoes and cosmetics. Choose clothes that can be combined easily by colour and shades. Always choose casual and comfortable outfits in which you will travel smoothly. Bring smaller bottles for your cosmetics in order not to take over so much space. Do you know what you shouldn't take on broad? There are the few things that are not allowed in your hand luggage like weapons, kitchen tools and instruments, goods which are explosive, flammable or magnetic. When it comes to shoes, it's best to bring only 3 types: boots, sandals and sneakers. However, this will depend of the person's character.

If you have to bring extra luggage, there are more things you need to keep in mind. The ideal situation is if you drive your own cat to the airport. You can carry as much luggage as you want. You have to book a space at parking airport in advance. They will take the luggage to the airport instead of you. While you are travelling, they will keep your car safe in their car park.

Check yourself at least two hours before your departure. Baggage handlers need more time to transport the luggage to the latest location - the plane. It is considered luggage most often lose those passengers who came later for their flight. If you still need to bring more things, take only two pieces of luggage. It can be one travel bag on wheels and one backpack that you can carry on yourself.

People who travel often know how to loosen up the situation when a luggage is lost. They take a photo of the bag and make it easier for the airport staff to find it and bring it back to you. Create a list of all the things in the bag to serve as a proof that the bag is yours. You can take insurance if you want to bring your baggage security to a higher level.

Nowadays, you can find different travel packing tips and guides online. Just by frequent travel, you will build your own packing system that will fit your needs.

If you finished packing your stuff, get yourself to the airport and leave your vehicle at the Sydney parking airport. It's time to enjoy your trip.

Author: Maria Williams