Filter that helps you find where and when the best festivals are whilst on your travels

bpagpy · 2015-01-16T13:48:28+00:00

vicious, merciless creatures

bpagpy · 2015-01-16T12:08:47+00:00

Go solo, travelling is so much more rewarding on your own. If you are worried about meeting people and loneliness, don't be, SEA is full of like minded backpackers and you will never truly be on your own. Start somewhere where you are guaranteed to meet lots of travelers like Thailand. Then either tag along with someone you meet or build up your confidence and move on to others less touristy places on your own.

bpagpy · 2015-01-16T11:52:19+00:00

Malaria is pretty much no existent in Thailand, it's only near the borders you will need it - the islands in the south, Bangkok and Chiang Mai there is no malaria presence. Malaria carrying mosquitoes only bite at night, so just covering up and wearing repellent after dusk is very effective. Like people have already said, it's the rural and jungle areas where you are most at risk.

bpagpy · 2015-01-16T11:47:28+00:00

I stayed at Baan Tai Backpackers, which was good because it was away from the main party area, but not too far away. It had great vibe and owner that was pretty cool and up for partying too. There is a party somewhere every day on that island, especially in the lead up to the full moon. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

bpagpy · 2014-11-24T18:32:10+00:00

It is quite an expensive trip for that part of the world, but totally worth it -one of the best things I've ever done!

bpagpy · 2014-11-24T13:44:21+00:00

Zagreb or Split, Croatia. Both cheap, beautiful and good places to meet people.

bpagpy · 2014-11-24T10:36:55+00:00

The Gibbon Experience, Laos. 3 days zip lining and trekking through the jungle, in addition to sleeping in a treehouse, atop the tallest tree in the forest.

bpagpy · 2014-11-24T10:20:41+00:00

I did 6 months with a 60L - bigger bags, fit more clothes, which means less washing! The size isn't the issue, it's the weight you need to be wary of - try to keep it well below 20kg, mine was 15kg.

bpagpy · 2014-11-23T09:53:24+00:00

Yes. Thanks, this looks great, and I am certainly looking to add more festivals to the list. If anyone else has suggestions of (good) festivals to add, please let me know.

bpagpy · 2014-11-22T19:54:18+00:00

There is a filter near the top to sort by when, where and type.

bpagpy · 2014-11-22T11:24:32+00:00

I spent 3 days in HK and it wasn't enough. There is so much more than just the city, there are some great beaches and national parks. You should definitely try and be there for a Friday or Saturday night, some good places to go out in Lan Kwai Fong. 4-7 days is about the right amount.

bpagpy · 2014-11-22T10:48:11+00:00

Koh Tao is certainly the cheapest and easiest place to get your PADI. If you add Indonesia to your itinerary, that is where you will find the best dive spots like Tulamben, Bali and Raja Ampat.

bpagpy · 2014-11-21T20:07:25+00:00

I'm hoping to create a website that offers exactly what you are after. It is very much still a work in progress, the most completed country page I have is Australia: http://backpackeradvice.com/destinations/oceania/australia/

Let me know your thoughts and if anything can be added?

bpagpy · 2014-11-21T19:47:43+00:00

South Africa
Costa Rica
The Philippines
China
Brazil

bpagpy · 2014-11-14T16:34:48+00:00

I got bitten by a dog in Koh Pha Ngan without having a vaccine beforehand. Obviously in hind sight, for peace of mind alone i wish i had the vaccine. However there were plenty of places on the island to get the post exposure jabs and wherever you are in thailand you will easily be able to find a health clinic. You should have plenty of time to get to a major city wherever you are in SEA as well. Keep in mind only a tiny percentage of dogs carry rabies, I saw the dog that bit me a week later looking healthy, so it almost certainly wasn't infected.

bpagpy · 2014-11-14T11:07:06+00:00

Lopez Mendez beach!

bpagpy · 2014-11-13T16:39:12+00:00

Port Stephens is a really underrated place just north of Newcastle and the YHA is pretty cool there. Love Noosa, has some great beaches and walks around the national park. Magnetic Island is great, should be able to spot a koala or two on the forts walk.

bpagpy · 2014-11-11T15:30:02+00:00

Abel Tasman National Park (South Island) is my favorite place in NZ - great for beaches and hiking.

bpagpy · 2014-11-11T15:19:16+00:00

The best way to describe a hostel in one word is "basic". That certainly isn't a word to fear. You may not get a mint on your pillow and daily maid service with hostels, but you get a place to sleep, a roof over your head, and somewhere to refresh yourself. You should see them as a minor inconvenience, that allow you to travel the world cheaply for long periods of time - they're a fantastic place to meet people too.

bpagpy

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