Travel - Eat - Sleep » Backpack

Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Southeast Asia

Tushar Mathur — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:26:59 +0000

Backpacking is not for everyone, but if you haven’t got much cash to burn, and you are not afraid of roughing it out a bit, backpacking can open up worlds you’ve never even dreamed of. Backpacking does not mean you will live like a homeless person, looking dirty and starving to death. It simply means going back to the basics and enjoying whole new cultures while you’re at it. Southeast Asia has long been a backpacker’s dream. It is one of the most interesting areas of the world, and it has a lot to offer backpackers. Here are some of the best reasons to go backpacking in this part of the world.

It’s cheap!

For many locals, the cost of living may not be dirt cheap. Comparing costs to western standards, however, cheap is definitely the adjective that will come to mind when you visit Southeast Asia. Hostels abound in major cities, many of them only costing a slight fraction of what a hotel will cost. For a dollar or so, even less, you can have a full meal in some places. And if you are going to take public transportation, you will be amazed at how cheap it is!

The cultures are amazing.

I suppose the same can be said about practically any other country, but Southeast Asia provides a veritable treasure trove of cultures waiting to be discovered. From Thailand to Laos to Cambodia to Indonesia to the Philippines – your eyes and soul will feast on the variety of cultural elements to be experienced in this part of the world.

Many countries are easily accessible.

For the most part, Southeast Asian countries require no visa for short-term visitors. Of course, you have to check with each specific country as some nationalities will be required to acquire visas. In general, it is very easy to hop from one Southeast Asian country to another. In the mainland, you can travel by bus – savings again! – from one country to another. If you prefer the plane or you need to visit one of the archipelagos, there are several budget airlines that will fly you in and out for a really cheap price.

The scenery will wow you!

Whether you get your kick from astounding beaches or breathtaking mountains, you will find something in Southeast Asia to satisfy your soul. We cannot overlook the plethora of temples and shrines, as well as the gardens and forests. Backpackers absolutely have to experience Southeast Asia to understand the beauty that is has to offer.

Get a new perspective.

Traveling opens your eyes to the lives of other people. Truth be told, there are many people in Southeast Asia who may be considered poor in the western world. When you look at them, interact with them, you might just marvel at how they approach life. You just might learn a thing or two about perspective.

Cheryl Grise was bitten by the travel bug at a very early age, thanks to her globetrotting parents. All her life, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and now shares her expertise with others through her writing. Cheryl’s recommendations to other travel bloggers? Just go out there and hit the road. And don’t forget to promote your blog as much as you can!

Hitchhiking worldwide

Tushar Mathur — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:25:15 +0000

Hitchhiking is a worldwide practice. Every continent and country has hitchhikers. However, some countries favor hitchhikers more than others. Here is a list of the countries with the highest rate of hitchhikers.

Macedonia (4.80 of 5)
Chile (4.37 of 5 votes)
Thailand (4.31 of 5 votes)
Bulgaria (4.26 of 5 votes)
New Zealand (4.26 of 5 votes)
Romania (4.19 of 5 votes)

Most of the rules and regulations followed for hitchhiking travel locally, also apply worldwide. There is a set of universal guidelines everyone should follow.

First, always know the area you are beginning your journey from. In addition, having a map of both where you are and where you are going is good practice.

Secondly, carry necessary supplies in a backpack. Sunscreen, a hat, a map, flashlight, pocketknife, drinks, and snack bars are small items that easily can be tossed into the knapsack.

Another guideline is to adhere to all local laws pertaining to the act of hitchhiker. Most places allow the art of catching a ride, but in some areas, it is illegal. To stay out of trouble, make sure to double check the local laws.

While being prepared to walk all day, be sure to pace yourself. If you feel like needing to take a rest, do so. Find a shady place on the side of the road to sit and rest. Enjoy one of the snacks from your knapsack.

Use common sense when accepting a ride from someone. Most of the time, hitchhiking can be a safe and fun practice. However, not everyone who stops has your best interests at heart. If something does not feel quite right, pay attention to that and pass on that particular vehicle. Just because they pull over for you does not require you accept their invitation.

The hitchhiking form of transportation can be an adventure all on its own. It is a cheap way of travel, allowing you to meet a wide variety of people along the way. Following these few tips will help you arrive safe and sound at your destination.

Copyright by Travel-Eat-Sleep
Hitchhiking worldwide

Business Travel

Tushar Mathur — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:42:50 +0000

Everyday, people are on the move for business. Rather it is state, nation, or world wide, travel can take a toll on anyone. Here are some tips to make business travel a bit less stressful, and a bit more bearable.
First, I would, (or your assistant), book your seats as far in advance as possible, and be sure to keep a copy of the confirmation with you for the day of travel. Computers have been known to fail. In case of a downed computer system, you can verify that you did purchase a seat for your departure day.
If you are returning to a city previously traveled to, request a certain seat. If you remember an area you would have liked to have been seated at, request that seat for the upcoming trip.
Even if you are not planning on using it, always carry your laptop with you, instead of sending it with your luggage. Baggage handlers can scratch, tear, dent, and damage laptops even in the most padded of cases.
Planning for the worst is a good plan. Suitcases and bags do have a tendency of getting misplaced. For this reason, it is good practice to buy a lightweight bag to store a change of clothes, cell phone and laptop chargers, paper, pen, etc. For more convenience, select a backpack style with straps for easy carry.
Pack a couple of extra USB memory sticks, for those times you can’t connect your laptop. This will save the presentation.
Always carry extra cash on you, as computers don’t always work, credit card machines also have their own down times. This will keep you from an embarrassing situation.
Try not to work while traveling. Use the time to relax and to prepare yourself for the work needed to be done once you have arrived.
Always carry a bottle of water with you, even in the business class, they may not provide you with enough. This will keep you from becoming slightly dehydrated.
If you are staying in the same motel for two consecutive nights, take this opportunity to do some laundry, which will allow you to pack (and carry) less.
The last tip in the top ten is a safety one. Never be the first, or last, person to leave a night gathering. If possible, always exit with another person.
While traveling for business may always be tiresome, these 10 tips should help make your business travel a bit smoother.

Copyright by Travel-Eat-Sleep
Business Travel