Top Tips and Making The Most Of It!

Usually my blogs are, I like to think, conversational and make for light reading. This entry however, will be more punchy and to the point, and that's because it is my top tips for backpacking and how to make the most of it! There are so many, so I want it to be as accessible and informative as possible, here goes!

To Tour or Not To Tour
Tours are brilliant, especially for solo travellers. Yes they are more expensive than doing everything off your own back, but it's money well invested in my opinion. Some of the added bonuses are: 

Transfers: - included to and from EVERYWHERE
Safety advice
The best tour guides: - to take you around and explain attractions i.e at the killing fields and S21 prison in Cambodia we had a private guide instead of a headset, and at the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam our guide was a veteran soldier!
The history: - the country is explained to you in a non-biased/misleading way
Good accommodation: - well appreciated after grotty hostels and many toilets
Local knowledge: - ATM's, exchange places, visa info, mini markets, attractions, politics, currency, the expected price of things
Friends: - around the places for further information or good nights out
Expectations: - busy areas, begging, cultural greetings

I chose to do my tour as soon as I arrived in Asia and I'm so glad I did. I met some awesome people, some of which I travelled with throughout parts of the rest of the trip, and I got to see the country with all it has to offer in a stress free, jam packed, pick-of-the-best kind of way. It's a yes from me.

This is our veteran guide for the Cu Chi Tunnels <3

Attitude
Throw yourself in to as much as you can: - make yourself do things you wouldn't necessarily do otherwise, talk and engage with people, try new foods, new experiences, bucket list activities, educate yourself on people/history/places
Commit your surroundings to memory: - or otherwise take as many photos as possible. It's sad how much you forget, how quickly you acclimatise to your surroundings and stop noticing, you stop being in awe. So, write down as much as you can to look back on and match up with photos. When travelling long distances look out of the window and observe
If you see something you like, get it (within reason): - know the value of the item, but also what it's worth to you. For instance, for art work, silver, items you can't get elsewhere or at home make the investment
Ignore your parents: - DO speak to strangers, speak to loads of them! The more you approach and engage the more you learn. The more you learn the more your confidence grows. Competence is Confidence. Don't hold back on being forward, hook up on facebook and get their number, everyone wants to talk about their plan so work out whether you could be in the same place at the same time again. 
Mix things up, don't stick to your people/person: - when they then leave for another country, or home, you will panic so make sure you spread your wings. Speak to everyone in your tour/group/hostel, learn about them and their plans
Speak the language where you can: - nothing crazy, just the essentials (hello, thank you, please, bye). 
Don't be rude or disrespectful: - they want to speak to you so be kind, no matter how harassed you may feel, they are doing their best to earn money, and your Vietnamese is way worse than their English so don't be ignorant
Adopt their culture: - greetings, bowing, language, foods

I liked to write my journal whilst gazing out of the window on journeys

Practicalities
Accommodation: - book 1 or 2 nights upon arrival, so you have somewhere to direct the taxi driver and put your mind at ease, but not too long in case you don't like it there or want to move on. Book hostels not hotels so you meet people quickly, then you can move somewhere nicer with your new friends if you want to
Do your research: - I did zero, so where others were excited to see particular things and wanted to incorporate foods, day trips, shows etc. into the trip, I was simply shocked to know they existed. Your tastes are not necessarily similar to someone else's, so what may float your boat may drift theirs away. It's your trip and your experience too, tailor it to you. 
TripAdvisor: - super handy for finding decent places to eat; when there are hundreds to chose from and they all look the same it's difficult to know which ones are good. TripAdvisor will tell you the recommended places by other travellers, therefore they will be good value too. The only thing that could make it better is a distance'o'metre "623m away" with consequent directions. Lonely Planet and Travel a Fish are also good.
Valuables - Take minimal: - a) you don't need them b) you'll be less on edge. I took my passport, 1 x debit card, 1 x credit card + driving license (all 3 of which are in a little card holder), a coin purse, my phone and my iPad. So, on journeys to and from places, in my tiny over-the-shoulder bag, I have 4 things to count and my iPad in my day pack. Once stationed, my passport, iPad and card holder stay in a security box in the hotel room so all I have to worry about is my coin purse (just the cash you need for each day) and my phone for photos
Wash clothes as you go: - clean knickers, bikinis, small, regularly used items as much as possible. Every shower I took I would wash my latest underwear and bikini, initially in the shower with me, then in the sink too, then I hang them out to dry. Keeping on top of it prevents your bag from smelling. If you're staying in a place for a while i.e 2+ days, unpack your bag and let everything air (you'll also find the clothes you forgot about = new outfit score).
Keep your itinerary's/tickets: - my memory's poor so I would use these as reference to memories and photos
Take a bit of money for each country: - £20ish, so when you arrive there's no need to rush to an overpriced ATM in the airport

I started planning my trip for hotspots, activities and must-sees once I hit Indonesia

Silly stuff
Sun worshipper: - on long journey days, take every opportunity to get in the sunshine i.e. happy place (toilet) stops, food breaks. Get tanned quick otherwise you stick out to the locals and other travellers
When visiting iconic places/day trips/tourist attractions where good outfits: - because you will take lots of photos! You don't want to look back and hate your outfit/look fat and then dislike the photo. For Temples/respectful clothing trips chose decent longer items + cover ups.
Bring nice hair accessories: - or buy them out there i.e head scarfs, clips. My hair did not touch my shoulders so it was nice to have a different style every now and again 
Games: - You'll no doubt be going on long journeys so make the most of them. Take a look around, suggest games i.e Top 5 or Heads up, get to know the people you're with and make memories.

My outfit leaves much to be desired... #candid

Items to take:
Passport photos: - depends how many countries you will be visiting, I suggest 2 per country
3 bags/luggage holdals - one main backpack with all your clothes and toiletries (nothing of value), one day bag/backpack for day trips, journeys etc, and one small bag for valuables (never leaves your side)
Water bottle: - there will always be a pocket to slide it into and it makes you drink more which is very necessary. If you struggle with bladder/urine infections like I do if I don't drink enough, plan your intake: loads when you wake up, pee at breakfast, gradually through the journey, pee at each happy place stop
Baby wipes: - for cleaning your feet and sweaty trips to temples etc,  as well as nasty toilet stops
Padlocks: - for your day pack with codes not keys
Steal the aeroplane blanket: - they're lighter, smaller, and not as hot, but great for long journeys with air con, and you won't mind chucking it when you're done #score
Drawstring bag x 2: - for dirty shoes and wet toiletries
Coin purse: - holding just your cash for the day so it's not life threatening if you lose it
Charger socket for multiple items: - you can charge multiple items at once for you and your bunkies

Wish I'd brought:
Camera: - phone memory is crap. Each night I would upload every single photo to a private facebook album, back up my phone to iCloud, then delete all of the photos so I had room for the next day. Pain. In. The. Arse.

Hope this is handy for your future travels! I'm not jealous at all.... :)

#LiveLaughLearnTravel #TravelTips

The Power of People

Throughout my travels I stumbled upon things I'd rather forget and found myself in a few pickles, but what has stuck with me the most is the power, kindness and potential of people. There are far, far more wonderful people out there than there is evil, yet, unfortunately, as our minds our wired toward negativity for survival purposes, we spend considerably more time focusing on the bad than the good.

Millions of people do incredible things every day, change peoples lives, make people's days, or simply put a smile on someone's face but receive no recognition. 

Because of this, I wanted to take the time to thank some of the individuals I owe at least a beer to:

For the first time on my trip, I found myself alone. I was in Bali, LOVING LIFE, when I decided to take my travel book and plan my trip on the beach in Kuta. It wasn't long until a young guy, Nicholas, approached me asking whether I'd like a surf lesson. I declined but he didn't mind, instead he sat with me for two hours and helped plan where I should go, in which order and for how long. With no incentive to help, this gentleman ended up being my friend throughout Bali; taking me to my next destination on his bike (with my massive backpack at his feet the whole way), giving me and my friends tours of the new places including hot spots off the beaten track and arranging further transport for us :)

During my first solo bus journey in Sri Lanka, from Sigiriya to Kandy, I was sat next to a middle-aged man who spoke little English. We exchanged hand signals, smiles and the odd sentence, as well as some sweets. A drunk man then got on the bus, to the annoyance of the driver and his assistant, and sat on the right-hand side of me. He was wobbling around, saying the odd thing but I wasn't particularly bothered, (I've definitely seen worse in my time as a bar maid). My Sri Lankan friend to my left however, was concerned and invited me to swap seats with him so he could protect me. Needless to say I smiled for the rest of the 4 hour journey :)

Well, what can I say about Channy, our CEO of the Cambodia and Vietnam tour? Quite simply he is one of the kindest, and most genuine human beings I've ever met. No problem was too big, nor to much of an issue for him. No matter what you wanted, whether it was an urgent visa, a nightclub, to learn about Buddism or a shoulder to cry on, Channy was there with positivity, kindness and a solution. Chaney 100% made our tour ten times better just from being there and embracing us all like family. People are most definitely his passion, I really hope karma has something wonderful lined up for him :)

Elsewhere in the Philippines (ow Philippines), Laura and I were finding ourselves in one pickle after the next but thanks to a lovely hotel owner by the name of Tomas, we managed to still have a good time and not kill each other! This man did his best to ensure we still had the best time possible, even in a sh**ty situation, organising trips, advising us on the protocol when your money has been stolen from a cashpoint ensuring we got our money back, taking us to reliable ATM's, lent us his phone when wifi was down in order to ring banks, hotels and home, and hailed jimney buses for us whilst translating where we need to go. In general this man looked after us as if we were his daughters, some would say he was a life saver :)

And if they aren't enough to make you smile, just take a look at this beautiful Sri Lankan girl who sat next to me on a bus to practise her English :)

There some hideous and dispicable people in the world, it's true, but there are also some truly wonderful, kind-souled, game changers out there. It gives me the emotional shivers, and tears to my chubby cheeks, thinking about how incredible some people are. Let's hope what goes around really does come around, keep up the good work you legends.

This blog is dedicated to all of those wonderful people, so to you Nicholas, protective Sri Lankan bus passenger friend, Channy, Tomas, and Mr Jimney driver, thank you. It's not much, but I wish you all the love, luck and happiness in the world, you really shaped my trip to be the eye-opening, heart-warming, life-affirming experience I so desperately wanted it to be <3

#LiveLaughLearnTravel

Indonesia Dreaming

Selma Pagi! (Good morning!)

After the harassment that is taxi drivers at Denpasar airport, Bali could not have been more perfect for what I wanted, needed and expected. This, to date, is my favourite country I have ever been to. The people are cheeky and so kind, the scenes are beautiful, the food is healthy, and the atmosphere takes your breath away in the best way possible. God love you Vietnam, but my Lord did I need Bali.

What to expect

• To fall in love <3 If you don't, there's something wrong with you. Take me back now please.
• To spend a lot of wondering around with a big fat smile on your face

Must see's
Gili T: If you want to party this place is perfect, but if you want to live island life, with beautiful sunsets, delicious food, great shopping and a good mix of relaxation and activities, Gili Trawangan is bang on. We cycled around the island, following the sun, watched awesome sunsets from beach bean bags, went snorkelling and hung out on multiple tree swings. Tick tick boom, a great few days! 

My favourite spot in Bali, Single Fin: This is a surf spot, lookout, beach and a bar/restaurant area. I spent two days here just watching the surfers in the sunshine, with a book and some food; one of my fondest memories as I learned to be alone and take in where I was. There's a beach, loads of cafes and bars, a few shops and a nice acai bowl hut for a healthy spot of lunch.

Turtles: I'm sure there are plenty of places to spot them in Bali, but we saw them on a snorkelling trip from Gili Trawangan. The trip takes you to all three Gili Islands: Trawangan, Meno and Air, and you're pretty much guaranteed to swim with turtles at some point. Snorkelling, for me, has never been much more than a few fish in shallow waters, but this trip was memorable. We saw so many beautiful species, colours, coral reefs and also got to swim into the deep where you can see the sea floor drop into the abyss with sun rays shining behind you.

Must do's

It happened to be my birthday whilst we were in Bali, no age needed, so I wanted to do something I'd remember, something different. Fortunately, the logical travel plan meant that we would be in Ubud where Mount Batur is situated. It's an active volcano, 1,717m high, that you can trek up for sunrise, so we did! It was really something special; beautiful scenes, super early start, a wonderful guide and some great people to learn about on the way. 

The Ubud way of living

As soon as you arrive in Ubud you feel different, in a good way. Even though Bali is a relaxing and beautiful place as a whole, Ubud takes it up a notch. Yoga is everywhere, spas are in every other building, health and well-being is encouraged; it's hard to ignore the not-so-subtle hints that we should look after ourselves, so you don't! We did a yoga class at the Yoga Barn, ate trendy foods, and let ourselves be pampered, it was perfect. I'm definitely going back, 3 days was not enough.

Clock out on Nusa Lemborgan Island 

On our way to the Gili's we wanted to make a pit stop to a tiny island, Nusa Lemborgan. We checked in and didn't move more than 20m from the pool, to the bar, to our beach beanbags for 24 hours. Pure bliss.

What to eat

Nasi Campur: A local dish of rice with 4/5 side accompaniments such as spicy green beans, Tempe/tofu in a tomato sauce, chicken satay and a fried egg
Coconut brittle: Roasted coconut, with sugar used to sprinkle over ice cream or salads
Bintang Radler: A lemon beer, so refreshing and perfect for Bali moments

Tips

• Be savvy with transport: at the airport for instance you will be bombarded by taxi men, my advice is to walk right past, try not to let the harassment p*ss you off too much, go outside and walk a little bit; the taxis are much cheaper. Also, never settle for the first price, haggle once, twice, even three times to get the price you want, they generally at least double the price it should be so there will always be room for a wiggle
• Embrace the locals: sometimes, as Brits, we hate to be approached; love to shop, hate to be sold to. However, in Bali, I can't explain how much stress, aggro and unwarranted spending was taken away from me thanks to the wonderful human that is Nicholas. I was sat alone on Kuta beach when he approached me asking if I wanted a surf lesson. I said no, but he didn't mind, instead he sat with me for 2 hours and helped me plan my trip. I soon realised that Bali doesn't really do buses, but Nicholas offered to take me anywhere on his bike (with my massive backpack). Not only did he drive me wherever I needed to go on multiple days, he also gave me a tour of the new place to familiarise me with the area, as well as taking me to off the beaten track places I would never have known about. He organised all of my transport, including boats, charged me hardly anything, kept me safe and became a friend :) 

Terima kasih (Thank you!)

#Bali #LiveLaughLearnTravel

Vietnambo!

Xin Chao! (hello)


Spending three weeks in Vietnam, travelling from the south to the north, and back again, was an experience! It's unlike anywhere I've been before, not sure I'd return, too many city stops and too loud for me unfortunately, but I'm glad I went! Saw a lot, learnt a lot, will remember a lot :) 


What to expect

To feel like you're in Vietnam! 

A lot of the views and surroundings are exactly how you'd picture them to be: vast greenery, from fields with farmers wearing the pointy straw hats to mountains, and lots of water masses with gondola style boats. I did find in some places though, usually when walking along the coastal promenade, I could have been in a European beach resort such as Spain or the Canary Islands. In others, it would have been Bangladesh. It's odd.

Celebrity Status

If you're white you're more than likely to get Asians asking you for a photo. Not to take one of them, no no, to be in the photo, with them grinning ear to ear whilst holding your hand. I might start charging. 

This doesn't however mean you get special treatment; expect to also be shoved, honked out of the way and have your personal space invaded. I've actually had to 'shoo' away a man at the airport who couldn't possibly wait behind the red line for me to be served at check in. He wanted to put his bag on the counter with mine, push his luggage past me onto the conveyor belt, take a look at my passport and stare at me whilst I was getting my boarding pass. Back off fool. 

Must see's

The War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

The Vietnamese war for me was unexplained; I had zero knowledge on why it happened, or what the outcome even was, due to my lack of research or general knowledge levels, as well as not learning about it in school. This museum was vast, covering all aspects, with lots of photography and brutal honesty. I now feel that era has been explained and is clear to me. It's also inspired me to generally know more about the world and its history; I should know things, so I'm going to make the effort to do so. 

The city of lanterns in the day AND night

Hoi An is mine and many others' favourite city in Vietnam, it is beautiful. The buildings are rustic and painted lovely colours, while the streets are covered in lanterns. In the day time it's a lovely stroll and great for shopping, and at nighttime the streets come alive with lights making the river look lovely.

Halong Bay

An incredible mass of sky high, rock islands that you weave your way in and out of on a boat. The day tour will also take you on a basket boat through water caves, and guide you through an unbelievable cavern inside one of the islands on foot. 

Must do's

Cycle tour and Basket Boat Rowing

This is a combined tour and one of my favourite days so far. Being able to cycle through rice fields and past buffalo was, literally, a breath of fresh air after lugging around your backpack, sweating your t*ts off. As a bonus, at the end of the cycle, we were able to get into basket boats (round, dome-like bamboo boats) and row around the reeds.

Noodle making class

I'm not crazy about noodles, I'm a rice kind of gal, so I wasn't too bothered about this class beforehand, but I'm glad I did it. Not necessarily for the education in Asian carbs, but for the insight into the organisation who run the class, Streets. They take on young adults living in poverty, give them accommodation and food for 18 months while they are taught skills in hospitality as well as English, enabling them to have a career and leave poverty behind them.

Hire motorbikes as much as possible

In Vietnam, motorbikes are everywhere so it's easy, as well as cheaper and more convenient, to hire one yourself. It may seem daunting at first, but the traffic is actually really slow, and the views, secret spots and untouched scenes are well worth it. 

Trek up Lang Biang Mountain

Whilst in Dalat, in between cruising around on your motorbike, climbing the Lang Biang mountain is a must. It's not easy, I won't sugar coat it, Ciara and I nearly died, and we're quite fit! But it was awesome. There's something about trekking against the clock, getting caught in a storm and losing all ability to speak, let alone breathe.

What to eat

Bahn Mi: Their favourite baguette filled with pork strips, salad and different sauces. A really cheap street food for lunch or long journeys (less than a dollar, about 75p...)
Coconut iced cream: I'm going to make some at home by just putting coconut cream in the freezer, it's got to be healthier than Haagen Dasz right?
Mi Quang: Noodles with Pork, shrimp, quail eggs and a peanut sauce
Vietnamese coffee! Super strong with condensed milk and ice, delish

Tips

• Fibre... In Vietnam, the diet isn't particularly fibrelicious, so grab it wherever you can and make the most of it. I'm sure you get where I'm going with this, I won't go into details of the implications otherwise
• Take water bottles to meals to save you buying restaurant priced water
• When visiting Hoi An, because you have to, make sure you buy a city ticket for the old town. It's only $6 but if you get caught without one you'll get fined; I wouldn't have known without Channy, our CEO. With the ticket you also get five entrance tickets to tourist attractions i.e. Temples, the Japanese bridge and an art performance, so it's worth the money anyway
• Although you might think Halong Bay is the most beautiful, picturesque place in Vietnam, and the islands certainly are, don't stay more than a day, 2 max, on the mainland. It's such a strange place with unfinished construction everywhere, ugly grey multi-storey buildings, minimal restaurants and bars with average food quality, an out of place empty theme park and little to none shopping or activity options. I recommend you go on an overnight boat trip around the islands then skedaddle
• Monzo: a pre-paid debit card for being abroad. It doesn't charge you to use it, it gives you the actual exchange rate, and there's a great app which instantly notifies you of the money you've just spent in your own currency. https://monzo.com
• Fluffy bed socks: for over-night trains, long bus journeys and flights. I wish I'd brought some because your feet get minging, and it would be lush to have cosy feet! 

Onto Bali!

Cam on (Thank You) and Gambit (Goodbye)!

#Vietnam #LiveLaughLearnTravel

Cambodia: The Kingdom of Wonder

So far, in only 8 days, the G Adventures tour has taken us from Bangkok, to Siem Reap, to Phnom Penh, to Sihanoukville to the Vietnam border. We've seen some incredible sights, done some awesome things, while experiencing and learning more than I could have ever organised for myself. I'm so thankful and happy I didn't bail on the tour for financial doubts, it's 100% worth it.

I shan't blog daily, or weekly even, maybe by country, or simply when I have something I feel is worthwhile typing. I'll dabble in what to expect, what to eat, must see's, must do's and any tips I've picked up/copied from other, more experienced travelers.

Cambogia <3

Suey Sdey! (Hello)

What to expect

The Dollar?

In 1980, the UN came to Cambodia for a year to help restore the safety and independence of the Khmer (Cambodian people). In this time they introduced the american dollar $$$. Although simple for us to analyse the cost of items, I have found the country to be more expensive to live day by day than Thailand, for instance. You can still get some basic meals for $2.50/$3, but generally you'll be paying $4-6 without a drink. Supermarkets are cheaper for water etc, and the cities are the most expensive, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in particular.

I've bought a few bits: my favourite is a painting of Angkor Wat from outside the actual Angkor Wat temple, I'm in love with it; I paid $16, which I could definitely have got cheaper elsewhere, and if I haggled more, but it's the best one I've seen so far and it's worth way more to me, so if I can give a Cambodian local, who spends his day sweating without shade trying to sell his artwork, a few extra dollars, I'm happy.

An eye opening!

Ever heard of the Khmer Rouge? No, nor had we and it's shocking. From 1975-79, a communist dictator took over Cambodia, wanting to make everyone 'equal'. Anyone with an education i.e doctors, engineers, teachers etc. were sent to prisons (formerly schools and hospitals) to be tortured for information of other educated people's whereabouts. There families were taken too. just in case. 

The Cambodian people would hide their identity the best they could, leaving the soldiers guessing, the majority of which were 12-16 years old (easily brainwashed), using glasses and lighter skin as tell tale signs... Tortures included beatings, being strung up, toe nails and nipples being torn off with pliers, electric shock to the ear, licking up faeces and urine, then being dunked head first in the sewage if you passed out from pain.

Men, women and children all suffered, eventually being sent to the killing fields, of which there are 367. Mother's would be forced to watch their babies being smashed across a tree, or thrown in the air to land on a upward knife, before they themselves were killed.

Not one soldier was prosecuted or punished, and Pol Pots, the leader, was only put under house arrest. The Cambodian government simply wanted peace, no more wars, so they chose to forgive. Oh my Buddha, they are better people than I. 

Cambodia lost half it's population, 3 million people, in 4 years. 

Wonderful people

From our CEO to the ladies on the beach giving treatments, we encountered so many kind, caring, thoughtful and genuine Cambodian people, all eager to learn and happy to help in anyway they could. So graceful, gentile and humble, always smiling.

What to eat

Amok: A tasty, mild, cocunutty, curry

Angkor Beer: I'm not a beer lover and I smashed these like panda pops

Lok Lak: Beef in a tasty sauce, described as a dry curry, with a peppery side sauce

Vegetable spring rolls/wan tons: They are the best I've ever had, and a meal alone

Must see's

Angkor Wat Temple: The main one, see it at sunrise, reminds me of the Jungle Book

Taproom Temple: The Tomb Raider setting
S21 Prison and the Killing Fields

Must do's

Quad biking in Siem Reap: Out to the countryside, past buffalo and villages, stopping for the sunset with a beer. I nearly cried with sheer joy and be prepared to get dirty!

Visit the New Hope Project in Siem Reap: An organisation to support local people with their learning and skills to get jobs. We were invited in to the classroom to help teach English, then had a lovely meal cooked and served by the trainees. 

Day boat trip to the islands around Sihnoukville, Koh Rong Samloem beach in particular

Tips

• Get your water from the supermarket (big bottles), then dispense into small bottles and put them in the side pockets of your backpack - easier to carry, refillable
• Change your money for Cambodian currency (riel) - sometimes they try and fob you off with dollars, know the value of both
• Day tour packages - do all 3 temples in Siem Reap, and the S21 prison and Killing fields in Phnom Pehn, as package day tours. In Siem Reap you'll start super early for the sunrise for Angkor Wat but it's more than worth it and we were finished by lunch time so still had most of the day. In a package, you'll get transfers between each stop, and an incredible tour guide to talk you through each's history. You get much more information and inside knowledge instead of automated headphones, and it ends up being the same price, if not cheaper, without the inconvenience of having to organise tuk tuks between each stop yourself, and figuring out the ticket systems. 
• Buy clothes in Sihnoukville instead of the cities - way cheaper, and nicer

Until Vietnam,

Argun and Lea hoy! (Thank You and Goodbye)

#Cambodia #LiveLaughLearnTravel