Blog - Go Backpacking

The 7 Most Haunted Places in Rajasthan

Chittorgarh in Rajasthan India (photo: digant, Pixabay) — Rana Kumbha Royal Palace (photo: digant)

Editor's Note: Twinkle Garg is a travel blogger from Madhya Pradesh who is currently based in Delhi. In this guest post, she shares seven spooky sites from Rajasthan, India.

Rajasthan, recognized for its ancient buildings and tales of the royals, is a popular tourist destination. And the true stories of haunted locations in Rajasthan are sure to spook you.

If you have the nerve to keep your heart and soul together, scroll down to experience the real ghosts at seven of the most haunted locations in Rajasthan.

Table of Contents

1. Rana Kumbha Royal Palace
2. NH-79 Near Dudu Village
3. Nahargarh Fort
4. Brij Raj Bhavan - The haunted mansion of Rajasthan
5. Kuldhara Town
6. Jagatpura
7. Bhangarh Fort

1. Rana Kumbha Royal Palace

The Rana Kumbha Palace of Chittorgarh is considered to be one of the scariest places in Rajasthan.

History

Legend has it that when the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji, assaulted the palace, Maharani Padmini performed the Jauhar (self-immolation) in addition to 700 female followers.

Ever since many occurrences have been witnessed here, people have been said to hear the screams of women requesting aid to save their realm.

Scary Event

Around a year ago, a group of people stayed back one evening at the palace to observe if there were any paranormal activities occurring.

While checking out the passages, one of them listened to a voice requesting aid.

Stunned, and also scared as they reversed, they saw a woman standing in imperial clothes with a charred face!

On the road in Jaipur (photo: AdventureTravelTrip, Pixabay) — On the road in Jaipur (photo: AdventureTravelTrip)

2. NH-79 Near Dudu Village

Well known as the road that asks for blood, the Ajmer-Udaipur highway is just one of the most haunted areas in Rajasthan.

Situated nearby, Dudu village has countless repulsive stories connected to it.

History

A long time ago when child marital relationships were prevalent in India, a five-day-old female baby was to be wed off to a three-year-old kid.

The mom of the baby girl protested the wedding event, and she ran away in the direction of the highway to request assistance. Here and her baby were struck and killed by a vehicle.

Spooky Event

While driving down the Ajmer-Udaipur freeway, three good friends ran into the ghost of a lady carrying an infant in her arms.

She sat in the rear of their vehicle and directed them out of the town.

Assuming it may be a headache, the buddies took it gently. However, the incident lasted for more than 15 minutes, and still haunts them!

Nahargarh Fort (photo: Manvendr Singh, Flickr) — Nahargarh Fort (photo: Manvendr Singh)

3. Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort stands beside the Aravalli hillsides, ignoring the pink city of Jaipur.

The walls of the fort were constructed high to separate the royals from the world around them.

History

The fort was developed by Sawai Raja Male Singh with Amer Fort and also Jaigarh Fort.

The king was so passionate about this particular fort that he developed for his queens, that after he died, his ghost continued to haunt the building.

Scary Case

There's always a need to renovate older structures to preserve them for future generations.

It is stated that the owner of one such repair company was discovered dead, inexplicably, in his residence.

Temple (photo: delGana, Pixabay) — Temple (photo: delGana)

4. Brij Raj Bhavan - The haunted mansion of Rajasthan

Next on our checklist of haunted places in Rajasthan is the Brij Raj Bhavan.

This majestic estate is currently a heritage resort haunted by the spirit of an English soldier. As attractive as it looks on the outside, it is considered to be one of the scariest places in Rajasthan.

History

During the Sepoy Mutiny, Major Burton, who was an employee of the East India Co., was killed along with his household by Indian militants at the Brij Raj Bhavan.

The residents say that the ghost of Significant Burton twists in this creepy area of Rajasthan.

Spooky Occurrence

Queen of Kota overcame the palace after Major Burton was killed by the army.

Queen of Kota talked with the reporters claiming to have seen the ghost of Significant Burton.

The spirit is considered safe and causes no physical damage to the fort.

Nevertheless, the ghost of Burton has a routine of hitting the sleeping security personnel.

Kinishba Ruins (photo: salmonboy, Pixabay) — Kinishba Ruins (photo: salmonboy)

5. Kuldhara Town

Kuldhara is a deserted land as a result of an immoral priest.

History

The town has been abandoned since the 1800s due to a curse that cannot be lifted.

A wicked priest powerfully wished to wed a gorgeous citizen and endangered her family members to take hold of her.

The villagers vacated, leaving the spell intact, and ensuring no one can ever live or reproduce on this land again.

Scary Occurrence

This extremely haunted place in Rajasthan was examined by the paranormal community of New Delhi.

Detectors, as well as a ghost-box, have recorded voices of the dead citizens, who even disclosed their names.

There were also scrapes on the car and footprints of the youngsters in the mud.

6. Jagatpura

Past the beautiful palaces of Rajasthan, this vacation spot has a haunted vibe attached to it as it's a residential area where people live among witches.

History

The king of this haunted location in Rajasthan was hoggish and arrogant. Several villagers cursed him while dying of starvation.

The spirits of those villagers are still known to request assistance from visitors today.

Scary Incident

Individuals staying in the house have seen witches walking the roads of Jagatpura.

The witches look like those described in timeless Indian scary tales: white outfit, old, grey hair hanging loosely over their faces.

It's quite a creepy experience to walk around after sunset here.

7. Bhangarh Fort

Bhangarh Fort, one of one of the most haunted structures in India, does not need any introduction.

History

A popular story behind the spookiness of the fort claims that a tantric wished to marry the queen of the fort - Rani Ratnawati.

After discovering his wicked thoughts, Rani obtained the tantric that use to do black magic at her palace.

Spooky Cases

Examples of haunted events include the ghost of the tantric shouting, a woman weeping for aid, and the clinking noise of bangles.

Have you seen a ghost at any of these haunted locations in Rajasthan? If yes, share your story with us in the comments below.

Watching Netflix Shows When You Travel Out of the Country

Airbnb in Bogota (photo: David Lee) — A Smart TV at an Airbnb in Bogota

Don't you just love Netflix? You also love traveling. So, why don't you mix the two, right?

Well, hold on, that may not be as easy as you think. Or at least not until you read this. You can do it; you just need to know how to watch Netflix from other countries.

Table of Contents

Why Wouldn't You Be Able to Watch Netflix Abroad?
How Do You Get Around the Restrictions and Blocks?
How Do You Get a VPN?
Are VPNs Good For Other Uses?
Is a VPN Easy to Use?
Travel Better

Why Wouldn't You Be Able to Watch Netflix Abroad?

Depending on where you're traveling to in the world, you may or may not be able to access the content on Netflix.

There are a couple of reasons why this would be the case.

One is that there are geographical restrictions put on by the streaming service for some places that you might travel to.

Other reasons you might not be able to access the content is due to legalities.

In some countries, there are laws that prohibit some of what is on Netflix to be shown at all there.

Whatever the reason is, it can lead to some pretty intense frustration for you when you try to relax and watch a show but find that you can't.

How Do You Get Around the Restrictions and Blocks?

You'll need to get setup with a Virtual Private Network or VPN.

This is a private network that uses public networks to send and receive across the public spaces to connect with the private network.

When you leave the country and travel to another country on the other side of the world, a different IP address will show when you access the Internet from there.

Netflix won't recognize that IP address, but it will recognize that it's not an American IP address, so it will throw up the block.

If you access the Internet through the right kind of VPN, the IP address that Netflix sees when you log on appears to be American.

Netflix will think that you're in the U.S. so you will be able to get to the shows you love. Pretty cool, right?

How Do You Get a VPN?

If you already have your trip booked, then it's time to look for a VPN so you can watch Netflix whenever and wherever you want to.

You need to make sure you choose a VPN that works well for "tricking" Netflix into letting you in.

Some VPNs aren't able to work through the restrictions and bypass the blocks for this service, so pick one that is known to be able to do it.

Once you figure out which ones do work for this streaming service, then you can go about looking for the VPN that will work the best for any of your other needs as well.

Before you take off on your trip, make sure you know how to watch Netflix from other countries, so you don't end up having to fuss with it once you're over there.

Are VPNs Good For Other Uses?

It's a good idea to have a VPN when you travel, regardless of if you want to access your streaming service at home or not.

A VPN also provides you with security while you get online.

When you go somewhere and use a WiFi hotspot, you can be exposing yourself to outside threats.

Using the VPN eliminates that risk of someone spying on what you're doing when you access the Internet.

It's a much better idea than accessing the web through whatever connection is provided to you wherever you're traveling to.

Is a VPN Easy to Use?

They are very easy to use and easy to get.

When you look for one, make sure you find one that gives you an IP address that is located in the U.S.

That's the whole point for what you're trying to do with streaming Netflix.

Once you've found one you want to use, you'll decide on a plan.

You can sign up for a subscription and pay ahead if you want to. That will usually save you some money.

To start using the VPN, you'll install a minor application on your device.

Then there will be some account information that you'll enter through the app and voila.

Your VPN will be ready to rock. You'll be able to stream whatever movies and shows you want to no matter where you are.

Travel Better

Traveling is fun. It's also exhausting at times.

We usually go somewhere far away so that we can experience a lot of new things, so we stay busy most of the day.

There's nothing better than sitting down and relaxing with your favorite Netflix shows after a long day out exploring. With the right VPN, you can do that.

Add to that the security and extra protection that comes with using a VPN to connect through when you're traveling, and there's just no reason why you shouldn't find one of these right now.

You'll pay a small fee to get a lot of value and some peace of mind too.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Secure Thoughts.

5 of the Best Hostels in Johannesburg for Backpackers

View of Johannesburg from 50th floor of Carlton Centre — View from 50th floor of Carlton Centre (photo: Chris Eason)

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and an extremely popular place for backpackers from all over the world to visit.

Most backpackers say that it's the low prices and many sights on offer that ignites a spark of interest in them to visit Johannesburg.

Thankfully, there are some great places to stay in the city if you're planning a backpacking trip to South Africa. In this post, we're detailing some popular choices.

Table of Contents

1. Urban Backpackers
2. Lakeview Backpackers
3. Curiocity Backpackers
4. Johannesburg Backpackers
5. Brown Sugar Backpackers

1. Urban Backpackers

Urban Backpackers is located in the center of Johannesburg and is situated within walking distance from the hugely popular Carlton Centre.

Although lacking in luxury, this hostel is still rated one of the best and cheapest hostels in all of Johannesburg.

There are a number of shared dorms, as well as private dorms to choose from. Each room has a shared bathroom, and some even have a communal area to relax and watch TV.

As well, you can mingle and get to know other backpackers at the bar and cafe located on the ground floor.

And, despite the low prices, the staff offer an extremely high standard of customer service to their guests.

2. Lakeview Backpackers

Lakeview Backpackers, the name derived from the fact that is overlooks the stunning Blaaupan Lake, is ideal for those on a shoestring budget still wanting to experience an element of luxury to their stay.

This hostel really sets itself apart from the rest by offering an outdoor swimming pool and barbeque on the rooftop.

You can mingle with like-minded people, as well as make the most of the stunning weather.

This hostel is available for all ages, it is even welcoming to families traveling with young children.

There area number of room types available, including shared, twin and private rooms to suit your preferences.

3. Curiocity Backpackers

This one is for those who are looking for something a little different and want to explore all that Johannesburg has to offer.

As the name suggests, Curiocity Backpackers is aimed at those who are in town to socialize, meet new people and experience new things.

It encourages its guests to get out and explore the city's arts and historical sites and take in the culture.

Located in the thick of the liveliest part of the city, Maboneng, there is free wifi, private dorms and a great rooftop communal area to enjoy.

4. Johannesburg Backpackers

Calling all party backpackers, Johannesburg Backpackers is the place to be.

Complete with its very own bar and pool, this is one party hostel that won't break the bank, nor disappoint.

The hostel itself is located in a recently renovated house in the suburb of Emmarentia.

The staff at Johannesburg Backpackers truly go above and beyond for their guests, always willing to share their knowledge and help their guests book activities in the city on-site.

5. Brown Sugar Backpackers

Brown Sugar Backpackers has been a top backpacking hostel in Johannesburg since 1999 and has a wealth of history behind it.

Located just a short distance from the Tambo airport, it was once an ex-Mafia mansion - seriously - and when the Mafia moved out, the backpackers moved in.

The current hostel owner frequently backpacks across the world too, so her first-hand experience means she can provide her guests with exactly what they need.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with MyBaggage.com.

10 Best Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgaria has been on the radar of Eastern European tourists for many years now, mainly because of its beautiful Black Sea beaches. Yet, few western tourists visit Bulgaria.

However, that has been changing because everyone is looking for nice beaches at affordable prices.

The thing about traveling in Bulgaria is that it has so much more to offer than beach resorts.

There's so much to see and do in Bulgaria that it's almost a shame if you get stuck at only the resorts.

Don't get me wrong, the beaches are amazing, but one can find time for a little of everything, right?

Sofia is Bulgaria's capital city, and it isn't on the black coast. Thus it is a great place to start a trip to Bulgaria's culture and attractions. Here we will explore the ten best things to do in Sofia.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria — Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Sofia

Best Things to Do in Sofia

1. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the main attractions in Sofia, and it's the most important Orthodox church in Bulgaria.

It's a relatively recent cathedral, built to commemorate the liberation from the rule of the Ottoman Empire in 1879.

However, the construction took more than 40 years, and it was only opened in 1924.

This cathedral is an excellent example of the Neo-Byzantine style, with domes covered in gold. The highest one is 45 meters, but the bell tower reaches 50 meters.

Unfortunately, you can't take pictures of the inside, but it's beautifully decorated with Italian marble in various colors, Brazilian onyx, alabaster, and other luxurious materials.

As this is a working church, it's free to enter, but you should wear appropriate clothing.

2. Visit the Saint Sofia Church

Saint Sofia Church is located very close to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and it's the oldest church in Sofia, dating back to the 4th century.

While it isn't as imposing on the outside or as luxurious on the inside, it's a wonderful church with a much longer history.

Saint Sofia Church means the church of the wisdom of God, similar to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

Curiously (or not), it was also transformed into a Mosque during the Ottoman occupation, but after it was partially destroyed by earthquakes, it was abandoned. Later on, they were rehabilitated into a church again.

It's also free to enter this church. When we visited it, there was a marriage going on.

It was a pretty cool double experience; we got the cultural experience of a Bulgarian marriage ceremony and the historic Church.

Interior of Saint Sofia Church, Bulgaria — Saint Sofia Church

3. Walk down the Vitosha Boulevard

Vitosha Boulevard is the main shopping and entertainment street in Sofia.

Located in the city center, it has several restaurants, bars, and cafes for you to enjoy.

It's also full of shops selling everything you expect in a main commercial street of big European capital.

Vitosha Boulevard is a semi-pedestrian area and extends from St Nedelya Square to Southern Park.

It's a long street that cuts through the city center, and while walking along it, you'll be able to enjoy the view of some of the city's nicest buildings, like Sveta Nedelya Church or the Court of Justice.

It's also worthwhile checking out some of the side streets.

St. Kyriaki Cathedral Church in Sofia — St. Kyriaki Cathedral Church

4. Explore the Church of St. George, St. Kyriaki Cathedral Church, and St. Sofia Monument

These three monuments are located in the historical center of Sofia and are very close to each other. You can easily visit them all together and in a short period.

The Church of St. George is considered the oldest preserved building in Sofia, dating back to the 4th century.

Made of red brick, it's located close to the Sheraton Hotel, among remains of the Thracian town of Serdica and Roman ruins.

The St. Kyriaki Cathedral or the St Nedelya Church was built in the 19th century on the same spot as a demolished medieval church. It has a beautiful facade and is one of the landmarks of Sofia.

The inside is also worth a visit and can be particularly interesting during service.

Finally, the St. Sofia monument is a sculpture of Saint Sophia erected in 2000 to replace the Statue of Lenin.

It's located right in front o the St. Nedelya Church, and it's adorned with symbols of power (crown), fame (wreath), and wisdom (owl).

Banya Bashi Mosque, Bulgaria — Banya Bashi Mosque

5. Visit the Banya Bashi Mosque

The Banya Bashi Mosque was built in 1576, during the years of the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria, and it's the biggest and most important mosque in Bulgaria and the only functioning mosque in Sofia.

The large dome and minaret are visible from afar, but one of the most notorious features of the Mosque is that it was built on natural thermal springs.

You can even see the steam rising from the ground, near the mosque walls.

As this is a working Mosque, you can visit it freely, as long as you comply with the clothing requirements.

It was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who also built the mosque of Sultan Selim on Edirne and the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.

6. Explore the Central Sofia Market

For those who like markets, the Central Sofia Market is a great find. It isn't as visited by tourists or as overpriced as many others in European capital cities, and one can find local products and cheap Bulgarian food.

For this reason, I advise you to visit it during lunchtime, where you can have a nice budget-friendly meal while you tick off this attraction.

The Central Sofia Market is also conveniently located on the other side of the street of the Banya Bashi Mosque.

The building combines neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque styles with some neo-Byzantine features.

7. Discover the Boyana Church

The Boyana Church is located a few kilometers outside the town center but still in Sofia's vicinity, in the Boyana quarter. You can reach it using Sofia's public transportation, bus #64 and #107, or minibus #21.

It's a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church constructed in the 10th and 11th century and later expanded in the 13th century.

It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the few medieval monuments of Christian art that have survived until today.

We strongly advise you to go to the Boyana Church early because the entrance is very limited.

Only eight people can enter the church at a time, and for a maximum of just 10 minutes, which causes long lines.

However, one has to understand that these measures are needed to preserve such an ancient treasure.

8. Visit the Sofia Synagogue

Now that we have already advised you to go to several churches, cathedrals, and a mosque, we also need to send you to the synagogue.

The Sofia Synagogue is located in the so-called "Square of Tolerance," where you have the Synagogue, the Mosque, and several important churches in a radius of under 500 meters.

The Sofia Synagogue was built between 1905 and 1909 by the Austrian architect Gruenanger with a Moorish style, in the same place as the old Synagogue.

Today, it is located right next to the Central Market. It's considered one of the biggest synagogues in Europe, with a capacity of 1,170 people. It's the pride of the Jewish people in Bulgaria.

One of its main features is the central chandelier which weighs two tons and is the biggest in Bulgaria.

Two final notes. Despite the building's size, the services are typically only attended by 100 worshippers or less.

If you want to visit the synagogue's interior, you have to pay an entrance fee and go through a security clearance.

9. Sofia History Museum

The Sofia History Museum is located behind the Banya Mosque in the building of the former baths of the town, which means it's close to most of the other attractions on this list.

Its unique building is known for its elegant style, lavish ornamentation, and exquisite decoration.

You could easily spend a couple of hours inside it enjoying the new permanent exhibition which occupies eight halls: Heritage from Antiquity, Power of the Spirit, Dynastic Bond with Western Europe, Palace Office, Sofia Street, National, and Municipal Institutions, What People in Sofia Wore, Cultural Life and Entertainment.

The ticket to the permanent exhibition costs 6 leva ($3.50); the temporary exhibit costs 4 leva ($2.30).

10. Try the Bulgarian cuisine

You may have never heard of Bulgarian food before traveling to Sofia, but you won't forget it afterward.

One of the reasons I love Bulgarian food is its fresh, excellent quality ingredients.

Many Bulgarian dishes are also very healthy, with lots of tasty salads and soups. Healthy and tasty? What more can you ask for more? Well, it's also cheap! The perfect combo, right?

So, what to eat in Sofia? We suggest you try the Shopska salad, Tarator (yogurt and cucumber soup), Kavarma (slow-cook stew), Banitsa (the most famous Bulgarian pastry), and Lyutenitsa (tomato and pepper dip).

And, obviously, do not forget to try Bulgarian yogurt, which the Bulgarians claim to be the best in the world.

Australia on a Budget: 5 Money Saving Tips

Australia is one of the world's most popular destinations, and a country everyone should try to check out at some point in their lives.

However, it is a relatively expensive place, especially for young travelers and backpackers.

Luckily, there are ways to save money while still having a great time.

Here are some tips to save money and places to check out for affordable fun.

Table of Contents

Enjoy the Beaches
Take a Group Tour
Stay in Hostels
Shop in Grocery Stores
Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Enjoy the Beaches

The beaches in Australia are by far the best form of free entertainment you can get.

Whether you’re looking for a busier party beach or something more private and relaxing, you can truly find whatever you desire.

Sydney beaches are spectacular when it comes to an overall experience.

Also, lots of these beaches have coastal walks designed to show you some of the most magnificent views the country has to offer.

The most famous of these is the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, but there are lots of others to check out.

Take a Group Tour

One of the best things you can do to explore the country is taking a group tour.

There is nothing better than getting to travel with your friends while taking in all the sights and culture.

Tours can also afford plenty of flexibility in terms of where you want to go and for how long you want to be traveling.

Escape, experience a different culture, and make memories to last a lifetime on an epic adventure.

Stay in Hostels

Staying in hostels is the most affordable way to ensure a bed and roof over your head while traveling around Australia.

Not only is it cheap, but it's also a great way to find deals and maybe make a few friends along the way.

Hostels aren't five-star accommodation, but the prices and proximity to cool things to see can be unbeatable.

Hopefully, you’ll only be using them as a place to lay your head at night as you spend all of your time checking out the sights and scenery.

Often hostels will be given deals by tour companies and local attractions to entice their guests to go.

Just look for bulletin boards or flyers near the front desk, or if you don't see what you want, ask the receptionist if they have any deals.

Shop in Grocery Stores

Australia is full of great restaurants and food joints, but eating out all the time can be expensive, causing you to burn through your money quickly.

Luckily, the grocery stores in Australia are priced very well.

You’ll find you can get lots of food for a barbecue, healthy fruits and veggies, and even snacks at a much more reasonable volume and cost.

Woolworth’s and Cole’s are the major competitors, but there are plenty of other supermarkets from which to choose.

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

One of the greatest things Australia has to offer is free entry to most of its amazing museums and galleries.

If you’re in Melbourne, Sydney, or wherever, look up where the closest ones are and you won’t be disappointed.

One of my favorite places is the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Not only can you check out some fantastic scenery, but it’s all for free.

Australia is an amazing place to visit, and if you take advantage of these tips, it doesn't have to be a strain on your wallet.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Intro Travel, which runs award-winning group tours in Southeast Asia and Australia. Escape, experience a different culture, and make memories to last a lifetime on one of their epic adventures. Visit introtravel.com to get started.

How To Plan and Budget an RV Road Trip

Just because you're backpacking doesn't mean you can't have a home base with electricity and running water! In today's guide, I will show you how to plan and budget an RV road trip (even if you don't own an RV!). Let's dive in.

Table of Contents

Why Should You Stay in an RV?
Setting a Budget
Planning Your Trip
- Finding a Place To Stay
- Planning Your Route
Some Parting Advice

Why Should You Stay in an RV?

If you're into backpacking, why should you stay in an RV? It's a legitimate question-after all, this site is all about backpacking, not RVing.

Well, imagine this...You're staying in the woods (boondocking) near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in California.

You go for a day-trip to hike the Ewoldsen Trail. By the end of the day, you're sweaty and tired. But instead of pitching a tent and calling it a day, you return to a nice and cool AC'd RV with running water.

The best part? You don't need to buy an RV to do it. There are numerous rental companies you can rent an RV from, with costs averaging $80-$150 per night. Some smaller trailers are even as low as $40 per night!

Plus, you can move between trails during your outing. Heck, you can even take your camper down Route 66.

Setting a Budget

Depending on the RV you get, whether you stay at a campground or boondock (camping without water or electric hookups on public property), and how far you're going, costs vary widely. But here are some things to keep in mind.

RV Rental Costs

If you're renting an RV for your getaway, you'll need to budget anywhere from $40 per night to $250+, depending on the rig you decide to stay in.

To give you an idea, here are some average RV rental prices across the United States:

Class A: Class A RVs are those big, driveable motorhomes with flat windshields. Not to be confused with a Class C, which has the sleeping area above the cab. Class A RVs are the most expensive, averaging $200+ per night.

Class C: Class C RVs are the ones with the sleeping area over the cab. Depending on the length and amenities you're getting, these average anywhere from $100 to $200+ per night.

Class B: Class B motorhomes are the smallest driveable motorhomes aside from campervans. They're bigger campervans. These also range from $100 to $200+ per night because they're typically built with higher-quality materials than Class A's and C's.

(Don't ask me why A, B, and C don't go in order of size. It seems silly to me, too.)

Trailers: Unlike driveable motorhomes, trailers don't have an engine and therefore must be towed. Trailers range from tiny teardrop trailers to mid-sized travel trailers, massive fifth wheels, pop-up campers, and more.

There's a lot of variety, and thus, the cost can range from $40 per night to $250+. A tiny trailer with a bathroom and room for two usually averages around $100 to $150 per night.

Just make sure you are 100% positive your vehicle can tow the gross weight of a fully-loaded trailer! If not, you can often get the owner to tow it and set it up/take it down anywhere you'd like (for an extra fee, of course). This usually costs an additional one-time fee of $50 to $100.

The cheapest option is to get a small travel trailer or a teardrop trailer. Some of the smallest ones can even be towed by a car.

Again, though, make sure you research how much your vehicle can tow (gross weight, not dry weight). Gross weight is the weight of the trailer, including fuel, passengers, freight, etc.

Other fees to consider include:

Setup fees (if you're having the camper delivered to your campsite)
Gas
Additional mileage charges (if there's a mileage limit)
Cleaning fees

Not all rentals will have these fees, but keep them in mind while budgeting.

Campground Fees

If you're staying at a campground, there will be campground fees as well. Like RVs, campgrounds vary widely in their price.

You've got high-end luxury RV resorts with indoor and outdoor heated pools, gyms, and lots of other amenities; then you've got the lower-end places that might not even offer electric or water hookups.

It's just like hotels-you can find all sorts of different places to stay. On average, however, I've discovered campground fees range from $40 to $100 per night, more during peak season.

If you decide to go boondocking (AKA dry camping), on the other hand, you can stay in some incredible places-for free. Boondocking means staying on public property (forests, mountains, deserts, beaches, you name it!) instead of at a campground.

Of course, this means you won't have access to water or electric hookups. But you can still store fresh water in your RV's freshwater tank, and most rigs come with a generator and batteries for electricity.

Some people even go all-out and set up solar panels on their roofs so they can stay in the woods for weeks at a time without coming back to civilization.

Everything Else (Food, Fun & More)

Now you should know how much your budget is for the RV and the campground (if you're staying in one). But don't forget about everything else. Whether you're backpacking or not, you'll need a budget for food.

And there are almost always great things to do on or near RV campgrounds if you opt for that route.

I can't tell you how much to budget here. It depends on your personal preferences. If you want help, check out these five cheap & healthy recipes.

Planning Your Trip

Once you've dialed in your budget, it's time to plan your actual trip. Let's dive in.

Finding a Place To Stay

If you're staying at a campground, you can use Google to find some great campgrounds wherever you've decided to go.

Check out this guide by Heath and Alyssa (two awesome full-time RVers) for extra help finding places to stay.

If you've decided to boondock instead, here are some ways to find places to stay:

Campendium - Use this to search by state and find thousands of free camping locations, including national forests, managed lands, and boondocking sites.
U.S. Public Lands App - Easily find the best spots right on your phone.

Planning Your Route

One of the most fun parts of RVing is planning your route (and stops).

You can do this in one of two ways:

Put your destination into Google Maps, then search for cool things to do along the route.
Use the RV Trip Wizard tool to plan your trip and see what there is to do along the way right from the app.

And that's all there is to it.

Some Parting Advice

When it comes to staying in an RV, regardless of the type and where you're visiting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Clean the RV before handing in the keys to get back your security deposit.

If you're driving the rig, create a checklist or find one online to make sure you don't forget anything when setting up and taking down your rig. (Trust me, you don't want to smash your antenna off a bridge because you forgot to lower it.)

If you're going to cook anything with a lot of smoke (hello, bacon!), try to cook it on an outside grill. Most RVs aren't well-vented, and the smell can linger for hours and even days.

When boondocking, don't forget to fill up your freshwater tanks and try to use them sparingly. Sponge baths are a godsend in the woods.

That said, unless you need the water, try to travel with a tank that's either empty or only half full. Water is heavy and can seriously hurt your gas mileage.

There you have it - a simple guide to planning and budgeting an awesome RV road trip. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. For more RV advice, check out our blog at The Wandering RV.

A Machu Picchu Tour with G Adventures

In January 2018, I had the fortunate opportunity to go on an all-expense-paid Machu Picchu tour with G Adventures I'd won courtesy of National Geographic at an event to promote study abroad.

Long-time readers may recall I first visited Machu Picchu in 2011 when I did the 4-day Salkantay trek.

Dave and his guide on the Machu Picchu tour with G Adventures. — Dave and his G Adventures guide

The whole experience was terrific, from the high-altitude trekking in the shadow of snow-capped mountains to trudging for an hour up the stairs to the entrance of Machu Picchu in the pre-dawn hours.

I was one of the first visitors in the gates that morning, jogging in with another traveler to quickly snap photos before the busloads of tourists began to arrive.

When I won the tour, I briefly considered whether to accept it. Would I appreciate Machu Picchu as much the second time around? Was it worth the time and energy to travel back to Peru?

Spoiler: hell, yes!

I'm a massive fan of Lima's food scene. Cusco's main square is stunning. The Sacred Valley is gorgeous, and Machu Picchu is an incredibly picturesque site.

Plus, I'd been on two previous G Adventures tours to Patagonia and Mexico, so I knew the odds were good we'd have a fun and knowledgeable local guide.

Explore Machu Picchu with National Geographic Journeys and G Adventures. This 8-day trip will take you to Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Click here for details.

Table of Contents

Machu Picchu Tour

Machu Picchu Tour

Lima (Day 0-1)

Day 1 of the Machu Picchu tour is when everyone needs to be in Lima. I went down a day early on United, flying from Austin to Lima via Houston.

Tip: One of my favorite tools for searching for flights is Skyscanner.

I knew the 10-hour trip would make for an exhausting day, and I wanted to give myself time to relax before the tour got underway.

The next day, I walked from San Agustin Hotel in Miraflores to the cliffside Larcomar shopping mall for lunch at Tanta, one of Gaston Acurio's many restaurants.

I ordered aji de gallina, my favorite Peruvian dish.

It consists of shredded white meat chicken smothered in a creamy yellow sauce, served over boiled potatoes with a side of white rice.

I washed it down with a pitcher of fresh mango orange juice.

Everyone else arrived and checked into our hotel the next day, including my friend Freddy, who I invited as my guest.

Freddy was happy to put away his gym bag in favor of his backpack to join me.

He's been around the world, including North Korea, but it was his first time visiting Peru.

Since he runs a travel hacking and points website, he was thrilled to go.

See also: Best Restaurants in Lima

The Sacred Valley is an early stop on the Machu Picchu tour with G Adventures. — The Sacred Valley

Lima to Urubamba (Day 2)

Fly to Cusco

We were up bright and early the following day for the hour-and-a-half LATAM flight from Lima to Cusco.

On arrival, we boarded the signature purple G Adventures bus and took off to see our first ruins in the Sacred Valley.

Moray

Eye-pleasing Moray is located about 30 miles northwest of Cusco at a slightly higher elevation of 11,483ft (3,500m).

The concentric circular terraces are believed to have been an ancient method of testing different farming techniques and conditions.

The temperature difference between the highest and lowest terraces can be as much as 27F (15C).

Plus, studies have shown different soils were brought to Moray from other regions.

Our group didn't have time to fully descend the terraces (and at this altitude, walking up to them wouldn't have been fun).

However, several people did go for a walk around the relatively flat upper perimeter.

Las Salineras (salt mines) — Las Salineras

Las Salineras (Pre-Inca salt pans)

Our next stop, Las Salineras, was another first for me in the Sacred Valley.

As our bus approached from the road above, the scale of the terraced salt pans on the mountainside became evident.

The white of the salty water and the soil's dark brown created a captivating contrast with otherwise green surroundings.

Over 600 years, likely longer, pools have been created here to collect natural groundwater carrying salt from underground deposits.

Today, there are approximately 3,000 pools at this site, each no more than a foot deep.

The water is channeled into the pools, where it evaporates, leaving behind the salt to be scraped up. Local families still have the right to mine the salt here.

I couldn't resist trying local chocolate for a few dollars and buying Peruvian salt as a souvenir to cook with when I got home.

Traditional Peruvian dinner — Andean chicken, pork, and lamb

Pachamanca Dinner

We arrived at the San Agustin Urubamba Hotel at about 4:30 pm and had a few hours to rest before dinner at 6:30 pm.

A traditional Pachamanca dinner consisting of Andean chicken, pork, and lamb was on the menu.

I know this dish looks like a mess from the photo above, but trust me when I say it tasted delicious! It was the most memorable meal of the tour.

Urubamba, Peru — My friend Freddy was waiting for the G Adventures bus

Urubamba (Day 3)

Our third day required another early wake-up. Breakfast at the hotel buffet included scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and coca leaf tea.

The palm-sized discs of traditional bread reminded me of my first trip to Peru when I spent more time in the mountains, including Huaraz in the Cordillera Blanca north of Lima.

Pisac

The first stop on Day 3 of our Machu Picchu tour with G Adventures was scenic Pisac.

These Inca ruins featured the similarly stepped terraces we saw at Moray, designed for farming, as you now know.

It was fun to explore Pisac as it's high up on the mountainside, offering panoramic views of the valley.

It offers a taste of what's to come for those who haven't been to Machu Picchu yet.

Parque de la Papa (Potato Park)

After about an hour of exploring Pisac, we headed to Parque de la Papa to learn about the preservation of native potatoes and traditional weaving.

Upon arrival, we saw a group of alpacas, including baby alpacas, and my eyes lit up.

Alpacas are one of my favorite animals. They're adorable, their hair is woven into fine clothing, and their meat is lean and delicious.

Following our impromptu photo session with the alpacas, we sat down in the shade of a hut to learn about some of the 2,000 varieties of potatoes native to Peru and the efforts to protect them.

Then, we were led to an outdoor enclosure where we learned more about how alpaca wool is dyed using natural elements before being woven into finished products.

We paused for lunch at a nearby restaurant before resuming our tour of the ruins in the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo

About 45 miles northwest of Cusco, at the northern end of the Sacred Valley, lies Ollantaytambo.

This fun-to-say-out-loud town and ruins date back to the mid-1400s when Inca Emperor Pachacuti conquered the region.

Later, in the mid-1500s, it served as a bastion of resistance during the Spanish conquest of Peru.

Machu Picchu tour with G Adventures — My G Adventures group at Ollantaytambo

I'd already visited Ollantaytambo on my first visit to the Sacred Valley. However, I felt I got a much better appreciation for its size and importance this time.

Ollantaytambo is on the way to several starting points for the Inca Trail and along the rail line to Aguas Calientes.

Therefore, the town has plenty of cheap accommodations and restaurants for backpackers.

Urubamba to Aguas Calientes (Day 4)

Aguas Calientes

The following day, we boarded the train to Aguas Calientes, a small riverside town that acts as a staging area for visits to Machu Picchu.

Unlike the end of the Salkantay trek, where we walked along the tracks into town, it was nice to be cruising in comfort with a complimentary cup of coca tea and a chocolate chip cookie.

The tracks run parallel to the muddy-brown Urubamba River, and both snake their way through the valley.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we walked up to the Taypikala Hotel Machupicchu.

While we waited to check in, a few of us walked further up to the natural hot springs for which the town is named.

Several square-shaped, tiled-lined pools were filled with murky green water. It did not look appealing, despite seeing several travelers soaking in them.

The afternoon and evening offered us free time, a much-needed break from the first few days' fast pace.

My friend Freddy and I had a casual lunch, followed by dinner at Mapacho, a Peruvian restaurant serving craft beer.

Aguas Calientes isn't much of a party town, though there are plenty of bars to grab a drink.

Huayna Picchu as seen during my Machu Picchu tour with G Adventures. — Huayna Picchu in the clouds

Machu Picchu Tour (Day 5)

The following day, we were out the door by 7:30 am. We walked to the local bus that would take us to the park entrance.

At 8:20 am, our G Adventures tour group was catching its first glimpse of mystical Machu Picchu (7,972ft or 2,430m).

The peak of Huayna Picchu (8,835ft or 2,693m) was covered by clouds. However, I knew from previous experience it was likely to clear up in the next few hours.

I climbed Huayna Picchu in 2011 for a birds-eye view of the ruins, so I didn't miss the fact that it wasn't available to us as an optional activity on the Machu Picchu tour with G Adventures.

Our guided tour of Machu Picchu lasted about two hours, at which point we were free to explore and take pictures on our own for up to another two hours (for a maximum of four hours total in the park).

However, when I wanted to return to a spot near the entrance for photos, I quickly learned you're not allowed to backtrack.

It's one of several new rules implemented to protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site from increasing visitors.

On the bright side, the clouds were starting to lift, and it didn't take all that long to make a loop back to the beginning to get the photos I wanted.

When our time was up, we regrouped at the park entrance and took one of the local buses back to Aguas Calientes.

Explore Machu Picchu with National Geographic Journeys and G Adventures. This 8-day trip will take you to Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Click here for details.

Lunch and Train Ride to Cusco

Lunch was at a restaurant in the town center, offering a view of the passing trains. By 3 pm, we were back on the train bound for Urubamba.

I ensured a window seat this time, as the mountain scenery was stunning. The train ride was followed by our purple bus taking us the rest of the way back to Cusco.

Cusco (Day 6-7)

Our last full day in the Sacred Valley was spent in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire, where we were free to explore on our own.

Cusco's Plaza de Armas is one of the prettiest plazas I've come across in Latin America.

It's at the heart of the historic city center, where most visitors will be based and spend their time.

The grandeur of the Cusco Cathedral (visible in the photo above) reflects 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture.

At the same time, the Inca presence can still be seen in some well-crafted stone walls.

Posing in front of the 12-sided Inca stone

A 12-sided stone in one of these walls is symbolic of their expertise.

It's hard to believe they could carve stones with precision, fitting them together like a jigsaw puzzle that's stood firm against earthquakes for 600 years.

In the evening, we had the opportunity to visit the Cusco Planetarium and learn about the night sky as the Incas would've seen it.

Though small, the planetarium has invested in high-quality equipment, and the knowledgeable staff put on a fun show for us.

The next day, our seventh of the Machu Picchu tour, was a travel day back to Lima.

In the afternoon, Freddy and I met with a few group members for a drink at a bar near the hotel to say our goodbyes. We both had plans to stay in Lima longer.

Lima (Day 8)

Officially, the last day of the tour was the next day when people could depart for their next destination or return home.

Cusco — Happy to tip these ladies for the photo.

My Experience

Overall, the trip was exactly what I've come to expect from a G Adventures tour: fun, fast-paced, friendly, educational, and efficient.

Machu Picchu may be the star attraction. However, the build-up with visits to Moray, Las Salineras, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo adds to the experience.

The Machu Picchu tour with G Adventures and National Geographic Journeys is one of the cheapest they offer in South America.

If you've never been to South America, a trip to Peru is an excellent place to start.

Lima is relatively safe compared to other South American capitals, and the tour length is short enough to make it manageable for Americans with limited vacation time.

Explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas with G Adventures and National Geographic. Click here to see the full itinerary and scheduled departures.

P.S. Since our trip, my friend Freddy launched PointsPanda.com and now offers Travel Assistance for these unique times.

Disclosure: I was not obligated to write about this trip due to winning it. It's just what I like to do. That said, if you're feeling inspired to book the same tour with G Adventures, consider clicking one of the links in the yellow boxes first, as I'll earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to Find Free Accommodation in Exchange for Work

Having to pay for your bunk bed every night is one of the most significant expenses on the road.

Work two or three hours in the morning and use your money for what you’re there for - the adventures and activities.

Life does not happen while you’re asleep.

What I discovered after backpacking for about five months was that almost all of my dollars went to pay for somewhere to sleep.

Especially in bigger cities or touristy spots around the globe, accommodation prices can be ridiculously high.

I knew people that stopped along the way to work in hostels because they ran out of money, but I didn’t want to stop.

I wanted to continue seeing new places, not stay in the same spot for months folding other peoples' bedsheets for a living.

The first time I went backpacking, I planned and saved up for three months of travel, but three months became five months, and five months turned into a year.

How did I afford it?

I stopped paying for my accommodations.

But how do you find work for accommodation?

Let’s be honest and say that there are lots of possibilities, but not as many actual jobs.

Sometimes the person you end up working for didn’t even know this kind of employment is a thing.

If you want to give working for your accommodation a try, so you can travel longer for less, read on.

Table of Contents

Finding Free Accommodation
1. Talk to people
2. Look for ads
3. Join backpacking Facebook groups
4. Just ask the guy or girl in the reception
5. Tell them what you're good at
6. Decide that you're going to stay for at least a week

Finding Free Accommodation

1. Talk to people

It does not matter if you are in a hostel, car rental office or at the beach renting a surfboard.

Talk to people, tell them you are looking for somewhere to stay and offer to help out with whatever they might need help doing.

If you stay with a local host, your visit will also be beneficial to him/her from a cultural exchange perspective.

And that is a BIG reason people take in backpackers, as well. They want to get to know you. So tell them about you.

2. Look for ads

Google “work for accommodation” and the destination you want to stay in for a week or more. It doesn't get easier than this!

3. Join backpacking Facebook groups

People know people. In these Facebook groups, backpackers share experiences and tips.

Ask them or tell them about your experience.

Facebook groups are often about specific destinations, too, so look up some groups to join before you go somewhere.

I got a housesitting offer this way. I just posted a short message about myself and that I wanted to help out with whatever and that I wanted to stay around two weeks.

A lovely woman contacted me two days later and offered me an opportunity to stay for free in her beautiful beach house.

My job?

I had to look after her plants while she went to Thailand for vacation.

I mean, seriously?

I got two weeks of free accommodation just to water some plants.

This was in Byron Bay, Australia, during peak season, so almost all the hostels were fully booked as well. It was a win-win situation!

4. Just ask the guy or girl in the reception

I found most of my jobs in hostels. And I found most of them by asking if I could help out for a free bed at night.

Sometimes, if you know you want to stay somewhere, you can call or email them beforehand.

Most of the receptionists I talked to were super friendly, even though all of them couldn’t offer work.

I found it much easier to talk to small, local hostels, and not so much the big agencies. But, the big agencies can be very helpful.

They'll often mention if they offer work, or work in exchange for accommodation, on their website.

5. Tell them what you're good at

Do you have bar experience?

Maybe you have worked as a receptionist back home. Perhaps you know how to do something completely different, such as gardening or housekeeping?

It’s really not about what you can offer, but who you talk to and what you say.

Write in a Facebook au pair group that you offer free babysitting if they let you sleep over.

Put up notes in places where lots of backpackers are in movement.

And simply brag a bit about what you can do, for a free bed, of course.

I’ve been doing au pair work in New Zealand.

I’ve rented out cars and snorkel gear in Australia.

I did some tour leading in Asia, and to be honest, I’ve been pet-sitting, house-sitting and babysitting around the globe.

Wherever you might be, people go to work; they’re busy. They could always use some extra help.

A snorkel and dive day trip in Cairns, Australia

6. Decide that you're going to stay for at least a week

The people you work for will want to know how long you want to stay. Sometimes they have two or three-week minimums.

If they have a minimum, say that you want to try for a week first. If they don’t have a minimum, stay for a week anyway.

I am all about discovering new places and moving around, but to take in a destination and learn something from your work, I think it’s good to do at least seven days.

When you work for accommodation, you often have a schedule working one to three hours, four to six days a week. You can usually change this if something suits you better.

I like working a couple of hours in the morning and having the rest of the day to discover.

I wouldn’t say that I’m a morning person, but this way I feel like I get my whole day free because I wouldn’t usually be awake so early.

But, the schedule depends a lot on what you want and for whom you're working.

In Cairns, Australia, there was a hostel by the esplanade that offered backpackers free accommodation if they worked one full day in reception each week. That’s an excellent offer people!

Imagine not having to pay a cent for your accommodation, and having six full days of doing whatever you’re there to do.

Some see backpacking as a kind of vacation.

They have one or two months to play with, and they have money enough to do everything and pay for everything during that time.

I never saw backpacking that way. I saw it more as a lifestyle.

You save a huge amount of money when you don't have to pay for accommodation, and that's money you can spend on the good stuff.

Life really doesn't happen while you're asleep.

The Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly Travel in Thailand

As globalization and technology have become increasingly available to everyone in recent years, more people have begun to explore the world's beauty. It's a great way to grow and connect, but it has many downsides.

The natural beauty of Ko Tao (photo: David Lee)

One of the most significant downsides is environmental preservation and how tourists are "communicating" with nature.

It's not strange today to stumble upon many different projects trying to raise awareness of our problems and change people's mindsets so that they can become part of the solution instead of just supporting the issue.

If you're planning to travel around Thailand, you'll experience pollution, along with beautiful places and delicious food. The locals are also poorly educated about the problem.

Many organizations try their best to educate people and help the local community, but it's not enough. Be the change you want to see in the world; you never know who you might inspire.

In this article, we will share a few easy-to-apply tips that will make your experience traveling through Thailand easier. If you choose to travel in these ways, you'll also leave a smaller footprint on the environment.

Table of Contents

1. Say NO to Single-Use Plastic Products
2. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint as Much As Possible
3. Eat Locally Produced Food
4. Pack Light
5. Support and Volunteer for Sustainable ECO-Projects

1. Say NO to Single-Use Plastic Products

A sculpture made from single plastic — A sculpture made from single-use plastic

Thailand is filled with plastic! According to the statistics, of the 10 most polluted rivers, a whopping eight are located in Asia.

When you go to any store or street food vendor, you'll be shocked at how much single-use plastic they use.

Almost everything you buy comes with two or three plastic bags. The food markets will offer fruits precisely packed in several layers of plastic bags, but do you need that?

Plastic straws are also widely used here, and many end up in the ocean. Ask yourself: Do you need a straw when drinking coffee, juice, or any other drink?

The next big problem is plastic bottles. Almost everyone uses them, and many are thrown away near the roads or on the beaches.

Some parts of Thailand still struggle with filtered water, but many places offer free drinking water.

Our advice is to invest in a reusable bottle and refill it in hostels or restaurants. You'll save a bunch of money and help nature, too. Try to bring daily awareness to your plastic consumption and reduce it as much as possible.

Chances are you don't need most of the plastic products offered to you, and you'll have a fine experience without them. Be conscious about it and educate the people around you as well.

And one more thing. Most Asian countries don't have recycling programs, meaning plastic is usually dumped in a landfill, burned, or buried.

You can't imagine how much harm this causes the environment, people, and animals. Say NO to single-use plastic and educate local communities.

2. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint as Much As Possible

Carbon footprints are huge in many parts of Thailand because of heavy traffic and vehicles circulating through the cities.

Almost everyone has a motorcycle, and in some places, the number of bikes is even greater than the number of people. Imagine that!

Many Asian countries don't have regulations for carbon emissions, so you will see many kinds of vehicles, some of which are self-made. These vehicles produce massive amounts of carbon and are slowly killing the atmosphere.

How can you help fight that? Whenever you have a chance, walk or ride a bicycle. Also, remember to share drives or use public transportation. That will help reduce your carbon footprint, too.

Do you want to travel long distances? The best way to do it is overland, as planes produce vast amounts of carbon. You can use a site like Bookaway to scout routes and buy bus, ferry, and train tickets online.

So whenever you can, skip a plane ride and enjoy the views from the ground while exploring new places.

Did you know Bangkok has a BTS train and other travel methods, like driving on a local boat? Check out the off-the-beaten-track of Bangkok and reduce your footprints.

3. Eat Locally Produced Food

You might wonder what the connection is between locally produced food and environmental preservation, right? Well, we already talked about the food and plastic connection - one more note on that point.

Try to eat in restaurants or food markets whenever you can instead of getting food to go. The reason is simple - you'll create less waste by eating at the restaurant.

Thailand is very popular for its local food markets and street food. Many families live from the food they prepare and sell.

Supporting locals means that all the money goes into their pockets, and the economy grows, so our advice is always to choose locally produced food.

If you go to restaurant chains, you're not supporting locals, as the workers make pennies per hour.

You're also supporting huge companies that are responsible for the majority of environmental pollution today. Just think about it for a second.

To make eating from small vendors and restaurants easier, compare the Lingapp vs Babbel and pick one to learn basic Thai phrases.

Another thing is to try to eat as little meat as possible. We're not promoting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, but here are some points to support this idea.

Fruits and vegetables are usually produced locally, and you can get seasoned fruits and vegetables on any corner of the street from locals who are selling them.

They usually use natural fertilizers and equipment to plant and harvest their crops, which doesn't cause as much damage to the environment.

Whenever you choose the food produced by giant corporations, you are supporting deforestation, water pollution, global warming, etc.

Did you know that livestock is one of the biggest producers of methane, one of the most damaging gases contributing to the greenhouse effect on Earth?

Choose wisely when it comes to what you're eating and who you are supporting.

4. Pack Light

There have been many conversations about packing light for trips, but only a small number of travelers follow this rule or advice.

It benefits you, makes your trip easier and cheaper, and hugely benefits the environment.

For instance, the more massive your luggage, the more fuel and power are required to transport it. Heavier luggage means more fuel consumed, which results in more carbon emissions in the air.

It is the same rule for every means of transportation. Pack only the essential stuff in your backpack.

5. Support and Volunteer for Sustainable ECO-Projects

A clean beach on the north side of Koh Phangan (photo: David Lee)

Many projects and NGOs are doing a great job related to environmental preservation. An excellent way to make a bigger impact is to start supporting one of these projects and making a significant change in a local community.

When applying for a volunteer project, always check every detail and see if it is sustainable. Many projects claim they are sustainable, but when you start helping, you will see a completely different picture.

Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as possible when applying for the project, as that will save everyone's time.

Many projects will look for people without any skills, which means if you start working on the project, you're probably taking away the work from a local person. In the end, you're not helping anyone that way.

Be very selective about the projects and always remember one thing - ask, ask, and ask more questions!

Projects focused on beaches and environmental cleanup in Thailand and Southeast Asia have become very popular in the last decade.

If you've ever traveled to any coastal place or island during the low season, you will have a hard time enjoying the beach, as there will be tons of plastic and other waste.

Many people and organizations started their cleanups and education programs for local people.

These projects are outstanding, as you can see your impact immediately.

Once, we were in Koh Lanta, a resort in southern Thailand, and you couldn't see a single grain of sand. It was all plastic! We joined the project Trash Hero (an international project), which is all about nature preservation and cleanups.

We did it twice, and after the second cleanup, we saw a considerable improvement and saw people enjoying and swimming in the ocean. Afterward, we have pictures of so many people, including locals, cleaning up the beaches and forests.

Right now, this project is huge in Koh Lanta, and they have started focusing on educating small children about the subject.

Participating in eco-friendly and sustainable travel isn't so hard. You must change and implement a few new habits in your travel routine. Always aim to be a good example and inspire people to grow and help the planet.

Eco-traveling is also far cheaper, so if you're on a backpacker's budget, this way of traveling will help you prolong your trip!

Travel Hacking 101: Simple Steps to Quickly Earn Free Flights

Travel hacking is a concept I've been aware of for much of my travel blogging career.

Despite its growth in popularity, I'd always brushed the hobby aside as not worth my time or risk to my credit score. It seemed too complicated from the little I'd read and conversations I'd overheard.

My roundtrip Southwest flights to/from Cuba helped me earn almost 3,000 points thanks to travel hacking — My Southwest flight lands in Havana

I chalked it up to the domain of math and aviation geeks, not a regular traveler like myself, whose focus is finding the shortest, cheapest flight from Point A to B.

Following my sale of Travel Blog Success in December 2017, I had more free time and devoted some bandwidth to learning about travel hacking.

As a result, in 2018, I quickly earned over 250,000 points, booked five free flights, and saw my credit scores increase without any tricks or unnecessary spending. I finally saw the light.

All it took was a few hours of reading, a willingness to suspend my preconceived notions, and some extra planning around paying for day-to-day and travel expenses.

Before I jump into how I racked up my points and flights, I want to share what held me back for so long.

Table of Contents

Why I Didn't Get Involved in Travel Hacking Sooner
How I Learned About Travel Hacking
- Reading an ebook
- The Points Guy website
Credit Cards I Got in 2018
Summary for 2018
- 10 Lessons Learned in My First Year as a Travel Hacker
Plans for 2019

Why I Didn't Get Involved in Travel Hacking Sooner

Credit card debt

This was the primary reason I held off on travel hacking for so long.

I'd been carrying a balance on my only credit card (Capital One) since 2009 when I wrapped up my 20-month trip around the world.

The debt accrued further as I built my new career as a professional travel blogger.

I didn't want to get new credit cards until I paid off my existing debt. And that took years.

But by early 2018, having just sold a business, I was able to pay off all my credit card debt and wipe the slate clean.

One of the cardinal rules of travel hacking is to pay off your credit card balances every month.

Otherwise, the value of the rewards you earn can be offset by the interest you pay to the financial institutions.

It's too complicated.

I falsely believed I would need to engage in complicated tactics to earn enough points to fly for free.

Reality check: yes, some extremists in the travel hacking community use unique and complicated methods to maximize their acquisition of points. However, this isn't necessary to reap the benefits.

My approach to travel hacking in my first year was slow and steady.

I applied the 80/20 rule and put 20% effort toward learning the basics, allowing me to reap 80% of the results.

It's too expensive.

Another belief that was proven wrong in my first year was that I needed to spend more money than usual to earn free flights.

Reality check: you do not and should not have to spend more than usual to earn free flights.

Instead, I just started paying most of my expenses with credit cards instead of debit cards and paying off the balances at the end of every month.

I'm spending the same amount; it's just that my spending on credit cards helps me qualify for reward points, whereas spending on debit cards earns me nothing.

It's too difficult to redeem points for flights.

I thought that even if I could earn enough points for free flights, the companies involved, whether credit card companies or airlines, would make it hard to redeem those for flights.

Blackout dates, challenging-to-use websites, confusing policies.

I imagined having to wade through red tape to cash in on my reward points. But, surprise, it was far easier than I expected to book my free flights.

Some of my confusion comes from those die-hard travel hackers who go to extreme lengths to squeeze the value out of their points, which sometimes involves transferring them.

I disregarded all that in favor of simplicity during my first year.

My credit score would suffer.

Yes, opening new lines of credit can temporarily cause your credit score to dip. However, as long as you're approved and use that credit responsibility, you should see a net increase in your score. I did.

Watching planes land at the San Diego Airport

How I Learned About Travel Hacking

As I didn't want to devote much time to researching travel hacking (boring), I focused on two trustworthy sources of info.

Reading an ebook

First, I read The Ultimate Guide to Travel Hacking by Matt Kepnes, which I received as part of a past sale.

Matt is one of my friends with the most knowledge in this area, so it was a comfortable place to start.

I read the book in a few hours. My eyes glazed over toward the end, but it was an excellent introduction to the topic.

The Points Guy website

The second resource I used, and continue to use for motivation and help to choose which specific cards to apply for, is The Points Guy.

This website has so much info and data; it can sometimes be overwhelming.

Tip: If you are a Canadian interested in travel hacking, consider checking out Frugal Flyer to learn more about miles and points.

My Biggest Takeaway

My biggest takeaway from the research was that the easiest, most efficient way to earn rewards points is with the sign-up bonuses that come with applying for new cards.

Once you know, it's all about the sign-up bonus. The next step is deciding which credit card to get.

Using my Chase Sapphire Reserve card for a meal in Colombia — I am using my Chase Sapphire Reserve card for a meal in Colombia

Credit Cards I Got in 2018

In addition to recommendations from friends, I relied heavily on The Points Guy website to help me choose which cards to apply for in 2018.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is the darling of travel hackers and frequent fliers everywhere.

I missed out on the limited-time 100,000-point sign-up bonus in 2017 but was still excited about the 50,000-point sign-up bonus available in 2018 (and still is today).

Beyond the bonus, there are a ton of benefits, including:

Annual $300 travel credit (they automatically credit you back your first $300 worth of travel expenses).
Earn 3x points on travel and dining (including bars) after the $300 in travel credit is applied; earn 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Priority Pass Select access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.
$100 travel credit toward Global Entry application fee (if you're an American who hasn't already signed up for Global Entry and TSA Pre-check, make it a priority; it's a huge time saver).

You must spend $4,000 in the first three months and pay the $550 annual fee to earn the bonus.

I know the $550 annual fee sounds painful, but if you subtract the $300 credit toward travel expenses, you're only looking at a net cost of $250.

And The Points Guy values the sign-up bonus at $1,000, so you're coming out $750 ahead.

For me, the lounge access alone has made it worthwhile, let alone the two free flights I've redeemed so far.

I put almost all my spending on my Chase Sapphire Reserve card now, except for the brief periods when I'm working to qualify for a new card's sign-up bonus.

Once I get that new card's bonus points, I return to using my Sapphire Reserve card.

Time with Card = 10 months (March-December)

Points Earned = 142,272

Points Redeemed = 44,390 for two free flights (JetBlue NYC > Austin, TX | COPA Tampa Bay, FL > Bogota, Colombia)

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

Feeling encouraged by my initial experience with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I applied for the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card a few months later.

There were two reasons this card appealed to me.

First, the sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after spending just $1,000 in the first three months would be easy for me to earn.

Second, Southwest has direct flights between Austin, TX, and Tampa Bay, FL, where I used to visit my parents at least once a year in December.

Because these flights are around the holidays, they can be surprisingly expensive.

At a minimum, I knew the bonus points would earn me a free roundtrip flight around the holidays or several one-way flights.

Also worth noting is that you earn 2x points on all Southwest purchases.

I used Southwest to fly from Austin to Cuba roundtrip last year, so that was a quick way to pick up points in my first month while also helping to qualify for the bonus.

Plus, I earned 3,000 extra points for signing up for their email newsletter and will receive 3,000 points on my anniversary as a cardholder this year (a loyalty perk).

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card

Time with Card = 6 months (June-December)

Points Earned = 47,547

Points Redeemed = 35,724for three free flights (Southwest Austin > San Diego roundtrip | Southwest Austin > Tampa Bay, FL)

Citi ThankYou Premier Card

Chase offers a lot of excellent cards. However, they also have a rule that you can't apply for more than five cards in 24 months.

For my third card, I decided to go with a different bank, Citi.

Once again, my main focus was earning the sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

The Points Guy valued this bonus at $750 if you redeem the points towards flights through Citi's portal.

Additional benefits include:

3x points for travel (including gas stations)
2x points for dining and entertainment
1x points for all other purchases
The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year

My FICO score increased by seven points since opening this latest card.

Time with Card = 4 months (September-December)

Points Earned = 65,279

Points Redeemed = 42,162for one free flight (United Airlines Bogota, Colombia > Austin, TX, valued at $527) in January 2019

Learn more about the Citi ThankYou Premier card.

Thanks to travel hacking, I got a free JetBlue flight from NYC to Austin — Awaiting my free JetBlue flight from NYC to Austin

Summary for 2018

New Credit Cards = 3

Total Points Earned = 255,098*

Total Points Redeemed = 122,276

Number of Free Flights = 5 + 1 redeemed early January 2019

Money Saved = $1,500+

Credit Score = Improved

Plus, I ended the year with over 200,000* points available across these three credit cards and various airline loyalty programs.

*These figures don't include smaller point balances with individual airlines, including Turkish, JetBlue, Aeromexico, and COPA.

10 Lessons Learned in My First Year as a Travel Hacker

1 - The fastest, easiest way to earn significant points redeemable for free flights is to sign up for new credit cards and earn the bonuses.

2 - Put as much of your spending on your favorite credit card as possible to consistently earn rewards with your regular spending and double or triple rewards for specific categories, such as travel and dining.

3 - Pace yourself. Don't open more credit cards than you can responsibly manage. Make sure to earn the bonus for each card you get.

4 - Apply for new cards in advance of large purchases. I got my Citi card before buying a new MacBook Pro, the cost of which got me halfway toward meeting the spending requirement to earn the bonus.

5 - Don't let extreme travel hackers discourage you with their complicated tactics. Start slow. Keep it simple.

6 - Choose the cards that make the most sense for you. In my case, a Southwest card made a lot of sense; for you, it might be JetBlue or another airline.

7 - Sign up for free loyalty programs for airlines and hotels you've used in the past. These may not be the focus of your strategy, as it takes longer to earn points and rewards, but there's no reason to leave potential money on the table either.

8 - Talk to other travel hackers. Share what you're up to and ask for the advice of others. This has been faster and more fun for me than learning by reading books and websites.

9 - Use a free point-tracking program like Award Wallet to watch all your credit card and loyalty programs - it'll help you stay organized and give you a birds-eye view of how you're doing.

10 - Have fun! Allow yourself to redeem points for flights; don't hoard them all. It's a beautiful feeling to book a free flight.

Plans for 2019

In 2019, I will take a slow and steady approach, applying for a new credit card every two to three months.

Even though I rarely stay in big chain hotels, I may experiment with getting a hotel rewards card for the first time.

I also want to track better the cards I have and get and the cost savings I'm experiencing when I use points for flights.

Next year, I'd like to give you a more specific dollar amount for the money I saved.

Trekking Everest, Nepal: Top 3 Routes

The Everest region in Nepal is a trekker's paradise. When trekking in the Everest region, you will be walking on the lap of Mt. Everest, the world's tallest mountain, enjoying the eye-catching views of the majestic Himalayas.

You'll get to photograph mountain landscapes and lush alpine forests during a trek.

Plus, it allows you to have close encounters with the Sherpa people and Buddhist culture.

Lukla is the gateway to the Everest region and the most popular trek of Nepal, the Everest Base Camp Trek. Once you reach Lukla, you'll have an option to choose among many trekking routes.

As you move further into the Khumbu region, you'll be able to learn and explore more of the regional culture.

To reach the trek head, Lukla, you have two different options.

You can either take a direct 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport. Or, you can trek from Jiri to Lukla after a 6-7 hours bus ride from Kathmandu to Jiri.

If you're looking for more adventure along with the treks, then you can plan to climb one or more mountain peaks as well. Options include Island Peak Climbing, Mera Peak climbing, and Lobuche Peak climbing.

Or you can do these climbs as joint trips like Island and Mera Peak climbing.

This exotic land has numerous trekking routes, each offering unique experiences.

The three most popular and adventurous treks in the Everest region are as follows.

Table of Contents

Everest Base Camp Kala Patthar Trek
- Highlights
Gokyo Lake Trek
- Highlights
Everest Three High Pass Trek
- Highlights
Tips to Travel in the Everest Region
Final Words

Everest Base Camp Kala Patthar Trek

This is among the most popular trekking trails in Nepal. Trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar is a bucket-list adventure for trekking enthusiasts all over the world.

This ideal trekking route in the Everest region passes through the popular Sherpa settlements, including Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and others.

Walking these routes, you're guaranteed to have unique cultural experiences and interactions with the locals.

Following the trekking trail, you will start getting the best views of Mt. Everest and other towering peaks from Namche Bazaar.

You will start from Lukla and walk to Namche Bazaar. Then ascend to Tengboche and continue the trail to Dingboche village. From there, you proceed through Lobuche village to Gorakshep.

This is the final stop before you reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

On this trek, you will typically spend around 14 days in the Everest region. During this time, you'll befriend the mountains, Sherpa people, and alpine vegetation.

The local Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November) months are the peak seasons for Everest Base Camp treks.

Highlights

Explore one of the biggest and oldest monasteries of the Khumbu region, Tengboche monastery
Stop at Kala Patthar and get the stunning views of Mt. Everest and other snow-covered peaks in the Everest region
Visit the stone memorial at Lobuche built in the memory of the dead mountaineers
Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Sagarmatha National Park
Feel the joy of standing at Everest Base Camp, the base of the world's highest peak

Gokyo Lake Trek

The trekking route to Gokyo Lake takes you to the least crowded and exotic trails of the Everest region.

For many trekkers who plan to explore the other face of the Everest region, the Gokyo Lake trek is the best option.

Gokyo Lake trek takes you to the highest point at Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), which offers the unseen views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Thamserku, and other neighboring peaks.

Gokyo Ri also displays the stunning views of Ngozumpa glacier, which rests calmly on the head of Gokyo Valley.

Gokyo valley is famous for five different glacial lakes. These glistening lakes turn golden during the sunset and sunrise. This is a fantastic sight to behold.

On this trek, you will first walk on the ideal route of the Everest Base Camp trek up to Namche Bazaar.

From Namche Bazaar, you will follow the route to Khumjung village and then walk to Dole village.

Peeking into the lives of the locals in patches of settlements, you proceed further to Machhermo.

From the village, you reach the final destination of the trek- Gokyo Valley.

Once you reach the Gokyo Valley, you will feel stunned by the alluring views of the crisp landscape.

Highlights

Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters) - catch the stunning views of Gokyo Valley and Mt Everest from a different viewpoint
Explore Ngozumpa glacier, among the biggest glaciers in Nepal
Walk through the traffic-free exotic trails in the Everest region
Witness five glistening glacial lakes in Gokyo Valley

Everest Three High Pass Trek

On this trip, you explore the three big and challenging passes of the Everest region.

They are Kongma La Pass (5,335 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,340 meters).

You will follow the ideal EBC trek route up to Dingboche and then leave the pathway towards Base Camp to walk towards Chhukung village.

From there, you will trek to Kongma La Pass and walk towards Gorak Shep, followed by Lobuche.

From there, you proceed to Dzongla to cross Cho La Pass.

You will further proceed through the Renjo La Pass to Gokyo Valley before you reach Namche Bazaar.

And, finally, follow the EBC trekking trail back to Lukla.

On this trek, you'll walk through the most adventurous passes of the Everest and Gokyo Valley.

This trek is quite challenging. You will be crossing high altitude passes covered in snow and ice.

However, if you walk cautiously, follow your guide's instruction, and pack your backpack correctly, then the trek is doable.

You can do this trek all year except in the winter months (December, January, February).

In winter, the passes are densely covered by snow and often closed due for safety reasons.

Highlights

Explore the three popular high altitude passes - Kongma La Pass (5,335 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Renjo La Pass (5,340 meters) in the Everest region
Explore both the Khumbu and Gokyo region on the same trip
Visit the typical Sherpa villages of Thame, Marlung, Nangpa La Valley
Catch the stunning views of Ama Dablam glaciers
Walk through the ancient salt trade route up to Thame

Tips to Travel in the Everest Region

Everest is a high altitude mountainous region where the weather change is quite frequent. So, you must be physically as well as mentally prepared for any type of weather change.
Many varieties of food options are available at teahouses during the trek. Do not forget to try the Nepali staple dish Dal-Bhat with seasonal vegetables. It'll be the most fulfilling dish during your trek.
Nepal is a safe place for travelers. However, if you are touring around the bustling streets of Thamel, then it is a good idea to carry an anti-theft backpack to keep safe your belongings from pickpocketers.
This is a high altitude trekking region, so altitude sickness is widespread. To prevent the risks from altitudes, you must walk cautiously and maintain body hydration.
As you leave for the Everest region from Kathmandu, you may find ATMs are less available. For this reason, it is a good idea to carry enough cash to last your entire trek.
If you do not want to overspend on trekking gear, you can rent some things in Kathmandu.
If this is your first time trekking in the Everest region, it's a good idea to hire an experienced guide and porters. This will make your trek a little easier.

Final Words

Besides these trekking options, you can also join several other treks in the region.

If you are in Nepal for a limited time, then you can go for short treks like the Everest Panorama Trek or Everest Base Camp Helicopter Trek.

If you want to spend a long time in the Everest region, then you can do the classic Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek.

Whichever tour or route you choose, you will have a fantastic time traversing through these well-trodden pathways.

Also, you can join the trips to the Everest region at any time of the year.

And, with proper preparation and appropriate packing, you can opt for solo travel as well.

But, if you are trekking solo, do not forget to pack a reliable trekking map.

So, when are you coming to the Everest region to see its grandeur?

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Mosaic Adventure.

Ibiza’s Top 5 Sailing Attractions

Ibiza is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. However, if you dream of peaceful, sandy beaches and beach bars, you are in for a surprise - the island is packed with tourists, and it’s everything but calming in the summer.

You can still avoid the maddening crowds and enjoy a pleasant holiday if you choose to explore Ibiza’s hidden gems, as well as the surrounding islands.

There are a lot of beautiful places you can see on a yacht. And a yacht charter in Ibiza is the perfect way for you to explore them.

Among the countless amazing spots, here are just some of the places we think you won't want to miss on your next sailing trip to Ibiza.

Table of Contents

1. Es Vedra
2. Playa S'Estanyol
3. Formentera
4. Espalmador
5. Cala Xarraca

1. Es Vedra

One of the best locations you can visit with a yacht is Es Vedra, an emblematic island and one of the most magnetic places in the world.

This patch of land resting peacefully on the sea is surrounded by myths and legends.

There is a natural diving platform in the rock of a nearby island called Es Vedranell.

This is perfect to work up an appetite and have lunch at Es Torrent, a famous local restaurant. It offers excellent food, and you might even spot a celebrity.

You can find more diving spots on the west of Cala Conta in a line of quiet coves. There are also organized tours if you are unsure about diving in these waters.

2. Playa S'Estanyol

This beach is located north of Ibiza Town, and it usually isn’t on any tourist’s trail.

Therefore, it’s so peaceful and welcoming for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds of tourists flocking to Ibiza in the summer. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be in love with the rustic feel of the place.

However, it’s not entirely deserted as there is a restaurant on a little cove called Cala Bonita where you can try dishes prepared by the prominent chef Karen Martini.

Taste the Aussie take on Mediterranean food and enjoy the amazing natural sights of hills and beaches around you.

3. Formentera

This is Ibiza’s sister island, just half an hour away with a boat. You have to visit it to see what Ibiza used to be before it became a party island.

You will probably enjoy its laidback, peaceful atmosphere. The sea around the island is luminous, one of the best and the bluest part of the Mediterranean.

Formentera has numerous interesting spots to visit like the Ses Illetes- a famous sandy beach which is a mile long and consists the prairies of Posidonia oceánica (seagrass) that have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

4. Espalmador

Not far from Formentera is the uninhabited island of Espalmador.

This is a great spot to view beautiful sunsets with your significant other and enjoy the incredible scenery.

However, this island is enjoyable even before the sun starts to set - you can sunbathe on peaceful beaches and swim in its crystal clear waters.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike around the island and try the sulfurous mud baths which have curative qualities.

When the time comes to rest and relax, you can have a cold beer on the deck of your yacht and watch the sunset.

One of the best things about Espalmador is that it’s quite peaceful compared to the touristy locations around it.

5. Cala Xarraca

Sailing West of Cala Portinax, you can arrive at a much larger bay with three beaches.

This bay may be more exposed to the winds, but it’s worth visiting due to its magnificent natural sights and romantic setting.

For lovebirds, its clear skies can be the perfect scenery for a romantic dinner.

But Cala Xarraca is also great during the day, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the water toys of your yacht or the ones at your disposal in the bay.

There are rope swings hanging from rocks, and you can also enjoy the shallow waters, perfect for having a relaxing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Inexperienced swimmers will appreciate the shallow waters, ideal to practice their swimming and snorkeling skills.

There are also beach huts where you can get a local fishing boat and spend your day fishing, or you can take a stroll on the beautiful pinkish cliffs and take a picture with azure waters in the background.

You’ll love the peaceful side of Ibiza which can only be experienced on a boat.

There are plenty of spots to dock your boat, but you can also drop the anchor near the beaches and swim over there to enjoy the full beauty of this lovely Mediterranean destination.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Click&Boat.

Backpacking in Canada: 7 Destinations Worth the Trip

For every place you visit in Canada, you'll likely hear about two more destinations worth exploring. Backpacking in Canada is a dream for international adventure seekers visiting North America.

From the Canadian Rockies to the coast, all you need is a backpack and a thirst for wonder to experience all the Canadian outdoors has to offer. It was a tough call, but we've narrowed down seven unique spots that will complete your trip to Canada.

Table of Contents

Canada's Best Trails
Bonus Travel Tip for Backpacking in Canada

Canada's Best Trails

1. West Coast Trail, British Columbia

Located inside the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this trail single-handedly gives Canada its reputation as a backpacker's paradise.

It's 47 miles (75 kilometers) of scenic vistas, thrilling obstacles, and plenty of one-on-one time with nature, making it the best way to see Canada's natural beauty. Despite its beauty and reputation, this trail isn't for the faint of heart.

Backpack-laden hikers can expect to climb ladders, trudge through mud, cross chilly waters, and battle the elements over three to five days of strenuous trekking. Conquer this trail and earn bragging rights for life.

2. Tonquin Trail, British Columbia

While you're in BC, you'll want to experience the shorter yet ever-scenic Tonquin Trail. The total length is under 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) and takes you directly to Tonquin Beach and views of Vancouver Island.

Though it's a short distance, the hike isn't exactly easy. Travelers must conquer a few steep passes and stairs, which can take a long time. The views at the end are well worth the effort. It's the perfect distance for a short day hike, leaving you time to experience other natural wonders in British Columbia.

3. Bruce Trail, Ontario

Bruce Trail in Ontario, Canada — Bruce Trail (photo: Kevin M Klerks)

The Bruce Trail spans over 553 miles (890 kilometers) and takes 30 days or longer to complete from end to end. This multi-day challenge is the ultimate backpacking adventure for international backpackers.

The trail is divided into nine smaller sections, which make tackling a shorter backpacking trip easy without sacrificing the thrill of traveling on the Bruce Trail. This trail is fun, with unique challenges and the potential to earn badges for completing specific tasks or sections.

4. Skoki Lodge, Alberta

The hike to Skoki Lodge in Banff National Park is truly one for the books. International travelers will get an authentic taste of the Canadian wilderness as they travel to this remote lodge, which is only accessible on foot.

Start your journey at Lake Louise Ski Area, where you can check into the lodge and catch a van to the trailhead. From there, just seven miles stand between you and a stay at the scenic backcountry lodge, which is a great place to unwind after a tiring day.

It's a good reason to brave the elements in one of the best places to see pristine, undisturbed scenery. Skoki Lodge can be expensive, with prices starting at 240 Canadian dollars per person per night.

When visiting sites like this, it can be cheaper to stay in a hostel or dorm room in a small town and make a day trip out.

5. The Rockwall Trail, British Columbia

Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park (photo: santoshsurneni)

Located inside the Kootenay National Park, this hike through the Rocky Mountains is one of the most challenging hikes in Canada. Named for its iconic rock wall, this 33-mile (54-kilometer) trail is chock-full of the natural elements and wildlife that adventure seekers expect.

Along this trail, you will encounter many waterfalls, creeks, lakes, and glaciers. It is one of the most beautiful places in the country, and it is the perfect place to spend a lot of time in the wild with a loved one.

It's home to grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, and other wildlife, especially since the massive 2003 fire reshaped the land and ecology of the area.

If you're interested in wildlife, we recommend coming in the warmer months. Also, bring a warm sleeping bag, as the nights can get pretty cold!

Many hiking guides recommend starting at the Paint Pots trailhead and heading south to the Floe Lake trailhead. The hike spans three to four days and offers several campsites with panoramic views. When you're done, celebrate with a Caesar drink, a uniquely Canadian mixed drink.

For more breathtaking walks in the Rockies, we recommend exploring Jasper National Park, another of Canada's stunning provincial parks.

6. East Coast Trail, Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland

Canada's East Coast has views as stunning as its West Coast counterpart. The East Coast Trail comprises 26 smaller paths that combine some of Canada's beautiful wilderness with charming, historic towns.

The trail is one of the most scenic in the country, taking travelers along cliffs and flatlands, past fjords, and the iconic geyser called The Spout. Lighthouses, icebergs, bridges, historical sites, and whale sightings are familiar scenes along this thoroughfare.

Taking a guided hike is perfect for international backpackers. You'll see all the best sights of the trail and get an insider's perspective.

7. Chilkoot Trail, Yukon

Tucked inside the Klondike Gold Rush National Park, this 33-mile (54-kilometer) trail spans two countries and is steeped in over 150 years of history.

Over 10,000 hikers, runners, and backpackers use the trail each day, making it one of the most popular trails on Canada's West Coast. There are even ski resorts for the colder months.

This former gold rush thoroughfare is still dotted with remnants of the old gold craze and is touted as the world's longest history museum.

The trail offers nine campgrounds and takes three to five days to fully traverse. The trailhead is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) outside of Skagway, and you can purchase a shuttle service to take you there.

From June through the first week of September, you'll need a permit to stay on the trail overnight, even if you're not crossing into the U.S. Be warned: it can get pretty busy in peak season.

Bonus Travel Tip for Backpacking in Canada

Careful planning and packing aren't enough to prevent medical emergencies, trip delays, or travel interruptions. It's in your interest to weigh the best travel insurance options to protect every step of your journey and maximize your experience, especially if you're traversing some of these longer and more challenging trails.

At the end of the day, though, you're sure to have a great time here in the second-largest country in the world, whether you're coming in the summer months or not. The only question is which backpacking trail in Canada will you explore first?

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Best Quote Travel Insurance.

Top 10 Things to Do in Bangkok

The Grand Palace is one of many things to do in Bangkok, Thailand — Grand Palace in Bangkok (photo: David Lee)

Heaped in culture and tradition, there are countless things to do in Bangkok for first-time visitors.

Whether it’s from Hollywood movies playing out the quirky bits and nightlife of this city, by word of mouth, or having been there themselves, most travelers you meet in Southeast Asia will at least have one incredible detail to tell you about Bangkok.

It’s the capital of Thailand – otherwise known as the Land of a Thousand Smiles – and the people couldn’t be friendlier.

However, many people don’t stay more than a few days before they move on to another city. Therefore, you need to have a plan of attack.

The following tips for what to see and do in Bangkok are brought to you together with Withlocals, but I curated each of them.

This list should get you going, but remember to always keep your eyes open in Bangkok or you’ll miss your favorite part (or have to dive out of the way of one of the crazy scooter drivers).

See also: The Best Hostels in Bangkok

Spiders, scorpions and bugs for sale on Khao San Road — Spiders, scorpions and bugs for sale (photo: Peter Chovanec)

Table of Contents

Top Bangkok Attractions

Top Bangkok Attractions

1. Khao San Road

Khao San Road is the most famous road in all of Southeast Asia – have one stroll down it, and you’ll soon find out why.

Beer, bugs, and buckets; the three B’s of Khao San.

The bugs, of course, are fried and for sale and the buckets are filled with liquor.

All party life in Bangkok starts and ends on Khao San Road.

2. The Grand Palace

There are thousands of Buddhist temples in Bangkok.

You can hardly walk the street for more than a few blocks before running into one.

However, if you’re only going to see one temple, make it the biggest in the entire country – The Grand Palace.

3. Chatuchak Weekend Market

The Chatuchak Market is the biggest market in Thailand where you can find just about anything you can imagine being sold by one of the thousands of street vendors.

Whether it's food or trinkets or clothes – everything is for sale.

Chatuchak is only open on weekends, unfortunately, so make a day out of it and see a Muy Thai fight across the street (#8 on this list) too.

Floating market in Bangkok — Floating market (photo: jipe7)

4. Floating Market Tour

Any tour agency in Bangkok will sell you a floating market tour at a fairly reasonable price.

Expect to pay anywhere from $12-15 for a tour that will last the majority of the day and usually include a meal.

Floating markets are fun and another unique Bangkok experience.

5. Thipsamai Pad Thai

Pad Thai, a noodle and veggie-based dish, is far and away the food to try in Thailand.

There are so many Bangkok food tours to join, but we recommend finding one that takes you to Thipsamai Pad Thai located near the heart of the old part of town.

On the walls, you’ll see rave reviews from the BBC, CNN, Lonely Planet, The Times – and the list goes on and on.

In short, Thipsamai is the best place for Pad Thai in the entire world.

For example, check out the Gordon Ramsey’s Bangkok food tour by Withlocals.

You can find many alternatives available on the market, but in our opinion, this one offers a good combination of authentic tastings and city attractions, with a local guiding you around.

6. Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour

There’s no better way to travel through Bangkok than in the open-air motor tricycles known as tuk-tuks.

Typically, you can negotiate with a driver to take you around for a few hours to any number of Bangkok attractions at a reasonable price.

You won’t ever have to look long for a tuk-tuk either; they’re everywhere!

7. River Cruise

The Chao Phrya River flows through the entire city, and it’s bustling with all kinds of traffic: river taxis, crossing ferries, cargo ships, fishing boats.

Fortunately, you can choose from a plethora of dinner cruises that will take you down the river and past some of Bangkok’s other top attractions.

8. See a Muay Thai Match

Muay Thai is huge in Thailand; it's the most popular sport.

There are matches happening routinely throughout the city on any night of the week.

It’d be better to ask your hotel or hostel reception where to go for the best fight happening during your visit.

Alternatively, check out Channel 7 Stadium (across from Chatuchak Market).

Buddha head in Ayutthaya (photo: John Lambert Pearson)

9. Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Staying in Bangkok for a few extra days?

Ayutthaya, an hour's train from Bangkok, is an ancient temple city that's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rent a scooter while you’re there for the full experience.

10. Sukhumvit Road

Whether it’s the MBK, Siam Center, Central World, or any number of other shopping malls – Sukhumvit Road can keep you entertained for days.

Easily accessible with the BTS sky train above, you should be able to visit many of the most exciting places of this flashier part of Bangkok.

Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world.

More than 21 million people pass through Bangkok every year.

Many don’t stay their entire trip – there are many more places to see in Thailand as well, but a few days in this crazy city will prepare you for the rest of your trip.
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This story was brought to you in partnership with WithLocals.

Where I Traveled in 2018: Peru, Cuba, Colombia, and Beyond

In 2017, I skipped writing about my best travel experiences of the year for the first time since I began the annual tradition in December 2010.

I'm still bummed about not taking the time to pause and reflect, even though the only international travel I did was to Mexico City (but hey, at least I went three times).

Returning to Machu Picchu was one of my best travel experiences of 2018 — Machu Picchu with my G Adventures guide

My biggest news from last year was the decision to sell Travel Blog Success, the online courses and community for travel bloggers I'd worked on since 2009.

Matt of Nomadic Matt acquired my business and quickly incorporated it into his own (Superstar Blogging).

I decided to sell for many reasons, one of which was that I felt myself drifting further and further away from the work I enjoy most-traveling, writing, and helping others explore our world.

I started 2018 brainstorming what I wanted to do next and kept returning to how much I've enjoyed my lifestyle and work over the last 11 years.

I recommitted to Go Backpacking while starting a new passion project: a food blog (Feastio). Ironically, with all the free time from selling my e-commerce business, I took so many trips that I didn't give myself enough time to write about them in between!

It reminded me how much more time and energy is spent producing stories today than when I started blogging in 2007.

Table of Contents

Top Travel Experiences
Final Thoughts

Top Travel Experiences

Peru

My first trip of the year was to Peru in late January. A few months earlier, I'd won an 8-day Explore Machu Picchu tour from National Geographic while attending an event to promote study abroad programs and global citizenship.

The tour was run by G Adventures, a company I'd previously visited Patagonia and Mexico with. I invited my friend Freddy, and we flew down to Lima to meet with the group before flying to Cuzco.

We spent several days visiting archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, some of which I'd seen before. Then, unlike my first visit to Machu Picchu when I did the four-day Salkantay trek, we took the train to Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu was just as beautiful and mystical the second time around.

The most significant difference in my experience between 2011 and 2018 is that tourists are now held to a stricter path through the site. We weren't allowed to backtrack. Keep this in mind while taking pictures.

However, such changes are understandable, given the negative impact tourism can have on ancient archaeological sites.

Once the tour was over, I moved into an Airbnb apartment in the heart of Miraflores. I spent the rest of February in Lima, eating delicious Peruvian food and checking out new bars.

Machu Picchu Tour: Head to Lima for fantastic food before flying to Cuzco to explore the Sacred Valley and iconic Machu Picchu. This is one of the cheapest group trips available in South America from Nat Geo and G Adventures. Click here to learn more.

Read More About Peru

San Antonio, Texas

Watching the San Antonio Spurs at my first NBA game

In March, my friend Lee Abbamonte was visiting Austin. In addition to being the most traveled person I know, he's also one of the biggest sports fans I've ever met. He was going down to San Antonio for a Spurs game and invited me to join him.

As a teen, I followed the NBA and NCAA tournaments, but I'd never been to an NBA game. A casual bucket list for me is to attend at least one event for every professional sport in the US.

We rented a car and drove the hour and a half south to San Antonio. Once there, we took a quick photo of the Alamo and checked out the San Antonio River Walk.

The River Walk is a park along the San Antonio River, which weaves its way through the city's historic downtown. It's lined with bars and restaurants, and visitors can ride small boats.

The NBA game was a lot of fun. I liked the fast pace of play and the Spurs blast (mostly hip-hop) music during the game.

Mexico City

I visited Mexico City for the fourth time in a year to watch Murphy, my friend Freddy's dog, and attend a Dynamite Circle mini-conference. The Dynamite Circle is a membership-based community for location-independent digital nomads and entrepreneurs.

I also used my time there to check out restaurants and bars for Feastio and do some sightseeing.

My first trip to Mexico City was on a G Adventures tour, and I am a fan now. I even considered starting a new blog specific to the city last year. However, I'm holding off on that project for now.

Mexico Adventure Tour: From Mexico City to Playa del Carmen, plus all the cool spots in between, including Puebla, Oaxaca, Palenque, Merida, and Chichen Itza. Click here to learn more.

Read More About Mexico City

Cuba

Cuba has been on my travel bucket list since I arrived in Colombia in 2009 and fell in love with salsa music. However, the US policies about Americans traveling there independently confused and concerned me, so I put it off until President Obama began to enact changes.

Then Trump became President and wanted to reverse everything. I was concerned I'd missed my window, and visiting Cuba as an independent American traveler would be significantly more challenging. As it turns out, it was a piece of cake in 2018! It just required a little extra planning.

During my 10-day trip, I caught up with my friend Ayngelina in Havana, learned how to roll a cigar in Vinales, partied in a cave in Trinidad, and soaked up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Varadero. Writing about my solo trip to Cuba is high on my to-do list as 2019 begins.

Read More About Cuba

Colombia

Speaking of Colombia, I returned to the Latin country I know best for the first time in over three years.

I began with a week in Bogota to discover restaurants for Feastio, flew to Medellin to visit friends, and then to Santa Marta to hang out on Costeño Beach. The trip was so much fun that I returned to Medellin at the end of December to ring in the New Year.

Classic Colombia Tour: I've been traveling independently in Colombia for ten years; however, I recommend this 16-day trip from Bogota to Santa Marta for those more comfortable with visiting in a group. Click here to learn more.

Read More About Colombia

Southern California

F-14 Tomcat at USS Midway — F-14 Tomcat on the flight deck of the USS Midway

My friend Bob had encouraged me to visit him in sunny San Diego for years. I lived in Colombia for much of that time, so it didn't happen. Now that I was based in Austin, TX, I made the long-overdue trip to southern California.

Spoiler: I loved it! I already shared how I spent that week in my article about the top things to do in San Diego. I could see myself living in San Diego one day; it felt like Austin by the ocean.

I also took the opportunity to visit another friend and go wine tasting in Temecula, a city and region an hour north of downtown San Diego.

Italy

In early 2018, I joined the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), which promotes adventure travel. The organization's membership comprises tour operators, destination representatives, freelance journalists, and bloggers.

Their annual Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) was held in Tuscany in 2018, and I made it a point to go. I flew into Milan for the Duomo and revisited Florence for the first time in 20 years.

Before the summit began, I took a six-day walking tour in Tuscany along the 1,000-year-old Via Francigena pilgrimage route. I also squeezed in a wine tour in Chianti between the tour and the summit.

After the summit, I climbed the Leaning Tower of Pisa, visited my friends Mike and Stephanie (Bologna Living), drove a Ferrari 488, saw the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, and discovered the delicious foods of Emilia-Romagna.

Ultimate Italy Tour: This tour hits all four places I went on my first backpacking trip in Italy (Venice, Lake Como, Florence, Rome), plus Cinque Terre and Tuscany. Click here to learn more.

Read more about Italy

Spain

Italy was amazing, but I wanted to visit at least one other country before returning to the US. I picked Spain to see my friend Shannon (A Little Adrift) in Barcelona and check out some bars and tapas places for Feastio.

I also took a high-speed train one hour northeast to Girona, the capital of Costa Brava, which I first visited in 2012. Once there, I geeked out on a self-guided walking tour of scenes shot for Game of Thrones.

Read More

New York City

My last stop on the European trip was New York City, where I visited my brother and friends and checked out some more bars and restaurants for Feastio. I had a positive experience flying a Norwegian Air Dreamliner from Barcelona to NYC.

Final Thoughts

Overall, 2018 was a blast! I revisited many of my favorite countries, including Peru, Colombia, and Italy, plus I finally got my butt to Cuba and San Diego.

In 2019, you can expect more of the same from me, plus guest posts from fellow travel bloggers and writers. Have a story to contribute? Check out our updated writer guidelines to learn more.

Prior Annual Reviews

Thank you, as always, for reading Go Backpacking!

Top 10 Food Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Touring a Parmigiano Reggiano factory is a can't-miss food experience in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. — Parmigiano-Reggiano factory

The city of Bologna is the perfect base for discovering many of the incredible food experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

Covering nearly the entire width of the country between Milan and Florence, the Emilia-Romagna region is home to Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, prosciutto, and balsamic vinegar.

Plus, it boasts the world's best restaurant for 2018, Osteria Francescana, in Modena.

I only had a few days to see and sample as much as possible, so I started by booking a food and Ferrari tour.

The rest of my experiences were in the region's capital of Bologna, where I stayed with my friends Mike and Stephanie.

What follows are my top 10 food experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Buon Appetito!

Table of Contents

1. Parmigiano-Reggiano Tour
2. Prosciutto Tour
3. Balsamic Vinegar Tour
4. Prosciutto on Fried Dough
5. Gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano
6. Tagliatelle with Bolognese Ragu
7. Green Lasagna with Spinach Pasta
8. Home-Cooked Meal
9. Michelin-Star Meal at I Portici Hotel
10. Lambrusco

1. Parmigiano-Reggiano Tour

The first stop on the food tour was a Parmigiano-Reggiano factory, where we donned protective jackets and hairnets to learn about cheesemaking.

The guided tour began in a room with several rows of giant metal vats where the process starts - every 1,000 liters of milk results in two wheels of 100% organic cheese.

Incredibly, the storage room we walked through was filled from the floor to the ceiling with 30,000 wheels of aging cheese.

Just five factories in Italy make the entire world's supply of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

At the end of the tour, we sampled 24 and 36-month old Parmigiano-Reggiano, along with a bit of wine and finger food.

Pro Tip: Make the most of your time in Bologna. Click here to book a food tour and experience the best of Emilia-Romagna!

2. Prosciutto Tour

Our next stop was a small prosciutto factory. Mmm, ham. Set in a residential neighborhood, it was a much smaller facility than the cheese factory.

From the outside, it looked like a regular house. The family who owns it lives on the top floor.

Inside, there were at least two full floors of ham at various stages of aging.

We also saw the salt room and machines used to cut the ham. An apron and gloves made of chainmail are used by staff for protection.

Once again, the tour ended with a tasting and a little wine. Yum! The prosciutto was fresh, finely sliced, and practically melted in my mouth.

Learning about balsamic vinegar, one of my top food experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy — Barrels of balsamic vinegar

3. Balsamic Vinegar Tour

Our third stop on the food tour was Acetaia Boni, a 4th generation, family-owned balsamic vinegar producer.

The family is dedicated to growing their grapes and using traditional methods (not machines) to produce their black gold.

Traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena is made from Trebbiano grape juice fermented in wood barrels for a minimum of 12 years.

The longer the vinegar is aged, the more expensive it'll cost. Acetaia Boni sells balsamic vinegar that's aged for 15 years, 30 years, 70 years, and 150 years.

A 100 ml bottle of the 150-year-old balsamic vinegar will cost you a whopping €500 ($573).

We tasted the 15-year balsamic straight from a plastic spoon, which I didn't care for, followed by a few drops on pieces of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and vanilla ice cream (much better).

4. Prosciutto on Fried Dough

Following the balsamic vinegar tour and tasting, I had the opportunity to drive a Ferrari 488 and visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.

The last stop on the food and Ferrari tour was a six-course lunch with as much food and wine as anyone could ask need.

The first course was a slice of prosciutto on a puffed-up piece of fried dough.

It's a delicious combo and one I'd indulge in several more times before leaving Emilia-Romagna.

Pistachio and chocolate gelato is one food experience in Emilia-Romagna you won't soon forget. — Pistachio and chocolate gelato

5. Gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano

Northwest of Bologna is Gelato University, a school that attracts students interested in professional gelato-making from around the world.

After returning from this trip to Italy, I moved into a new apartment in Austin, TX. The owner of the gelato shop in my new building learned in Bologna. Small world!

Eating gelato was one of my top food experiences in Emilia-Romagna, which is why I had it four times in as many days.

The first of several gelato shops my friends recommended was Cremeria Santo Stefano, where I got the above-pictured pistachio and chocolate gelato.

Another shop they suggested (and I can also recommend) is La Sorbetteria Castiglione, where I had a delicious mint and chocolate cone.

Gelato Focaccia Sandwich

I indulge in gelato every time I visit Italy. However, Bologna was the first city where I had a focaccia gelato sandwich.

I tried this treat at Cremeria Santo Stefano and liked it but came away still preferring my gelato in a cup or cone.

Read more on Feastio: The Best Gelato in Bologna

6. Tagliatelle with Bolognese Ragu

If you come to Bologna thinking spaghetti bolognese will be one of your top food experiences in Emilia-Romagna, think again.

While the meat and tomato sauce known as Bolognese hails from the region, Italians don't pair it with spaghetti, probably because the pasta's shape doesn't allow it to hold the sauce.

Typically, you'll find Bolognese sauce served with tagliatelle, a long, flat ribbon of pasta that also has its origins in Emilia-Romagna.

Green lasagna in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna — Green lasagna

7. Green Lasagna with Spinach Pasta

Lasagna is another broad, flat pasta well-suited for holding the thick, rich bolognese sauce.

The green in green lasagna comes from using spinach pasta.

Served with a white béchamel sauce, it's a fun play on a dish many of us in America have come to love.

8. Home-Cooked Meal

Despite all the fantastic Italian food I was sampling, my friend Steph's home-cooked meals were among my favorite food experiences in Emilia-Romagna.

On my first night, she cooked short ribs with cheesy polenta and fresh rosemary, and we ate on their back patio.

Another night, she cooked gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, sausage, and fresh basil. Simple, colorful, and comforting on a cold night.

Fresh egg pasta at the Michelin-starred I Portici restaurant. — Fresh egg pasta stuffed with 36-month Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

9. Michelin-Star Meal at I Portici Hotel

This year I launched a new food blog, Feastio, focused on my search for the best food, from street tacos to fine dining.

There are several Michelin-starred restaurants in and around Bologna.

The I Portici restaurant at the I Portici Hotel was the easiest one for me to visit, as I could walk there from my friend's house.

I ordered the "Wandering through Emilia" tasting menu and was treated to a series of creatively presented dishes showcasing traditional regional ingredients, including 36-month old Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Lambrusco is sparkling red wine common in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. — Lambrusco

10. Lambrusco

Mike and Stephanie introduced me to Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna and neighboring Lombardy.

According to Wikipedia, Lambrusco was the top-selling imported wine in the United States during the 1970s and 80s.

It must've fallen out of favor, as I don't recall seeing it in the late 90s or 2000s when I began buying wine.

I liked it, but I have to admit it felt like a bit of a novelty, having grown up drinking non-sparkling red wine only.

There you have it, my top 10 food experiences in Emilia-Romagna.

I can't help but feel like I only scratched the surface of what this region of Italy has to offer.

I'd love to revisit Bologna in the spring or summer to explore the food and wine culture further.

Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy

The Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy, showcases the history and evolution of Ferrari as a brand and race car and Enzo Ferrari, its founder.

The museum was the second to last stop of my tour from Bologna, following the exhilarating experience of driving a Ferrari 488 Spider.

Opened in February 1990, just a few hundred meters from the Ferrari factory and Fiorano test track, it's full of beautiful cars, all in mint condition.

Tip: Staying in Bologna? I recommend this Food and Ferrari tour through Viator. Includes Ferrari Museum ticket.

Table of Contents

Classic Ferraris
Ferrari 812 Superfast
Formula 1
Interactive Exhibits and Gift Shop
Ticket Prices - Ferrari Museum in Maranello
My Experience

Classic Ferraris

Upon entering the Ferrari Museum, the first model that caught my eye was a blue Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta with a racing stripe down the middle.

It was built between 1959-62 and boasted a 3-liter V12 engine capable of 240hp in the road version.

If I were to say that when I started out I imagined making more than just one car, I'd by lying. -- Enzo Ferrari

Second, and featuring a more appealing shape, was the Ferrari 340 MM, which was built in 1953 for the Mille Miglia, an open-road endurance race in Italy during the mid-20th century.

It set a new average speed record of 88 mph (142 km/h)

812 Superfast at the Ferrari Museum — Ferrari 812 Superfast

Ferrari 812 Superfast

Next, the much more modern Ferrari 812 Superfast, which was introduced in 2017.

The Superfast (I love the name) has a 6.5-liter V12 engine capable of 800 horsepower!

Aside from a few limited edition V12's, the sign by the car in the museum stated the Superfast is "the most powerful and highest-performance road-going Ferrari of all time."

It's enough to make you wonder how they can afford to have a model sitting idly in the museum.

I loved that they display the award-winning engine separately so you can get a better sense of how big it is, but also how powerful it looks all on its own.

The last group of cars I saw in this section of the museum featured, from oldest to newest:

Ferrari 166 INTER
Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta TDF
Ferrari DINO 246 GT
Ferrari F40
Ferrari F12 TDF

The next section of the museum focuses more on Ferrari's racing history and Formula 1 cars.

Formula 1

Ferrari is the only team to have competed in every season of Formula 1 racing since the series began in 1951.

The Scuderia Ferrari team attracts the world's best drivers, from 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher in the 2000s to 4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.

My first exposure to Formula 1 racing came when I moved to Austin, Texas, in 2016.

My city is home to the United States Grand Prix, every October at the Circuit of the Americas track in south Austin.

Both times I went with my friend Bob, who I recently visited in San Diego, as he's a huge F1 fan.

I've enjoyed it enough that I'd like to see some F1 races in other cities, such as the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal or the Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City.

And while I don't have a favorite driver, I have to say I'm partial to Ferrari because of its racing history and my recent experience visiting the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.

The 1,050 horsepower Ferrari FXX K (prototype, not for road use)

Interactive Exhibits and Gift Shop

Toward the end of the museum, there is an interactive section where you can pay to have your picture taken in a Ferrari, as well as to take a 7-minute drive in a semi-pro F1 race car simulator (€25, $29).

Of course, there's a gift shop too, where you can stock up on Ferrari clothing and souvenirs.

Ticket Prices - Ferrari Museum in Maranello

Adult ticket: €16 ($18)
Adults over 65 and students: €14 ($16)
Children under 19 with an adult: €6 ($7)
Children under 5: free

But wait, there's more.

Ferrari Factory Tour

The Ferrari Factory tour is conducted from a shuttle bus to the Fiorano test track and Viale Enzo Ferrari street running through the factory complex.

A guide on board shares info about Ferrari's history and facilities in Maranello: visitors have to stay on the bus at all times, and photos and video are not allowed.

To book the factory tour, you must first buy your Ferrari Museum ticket online. Then, you'll have the opportunity to sign up for the tour by bus as well-an adult ticket costs €15 ($17).

The factory tour must be done the same day you visit the museum, so check the availability of the former before buying the latter.

Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari

The Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena is another opportunity to get to know the man behind the prancing horse.

Like the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, the museum in Modena features a mix of classic Ferraris and modern models and F1 race cars.

Ticket prices are the same as the museum in Maranello. If you plan to visit both, then you'll save money by buying a combined ticket.

Maranello + Modena museum ticket combo

Adult ticket: €26 ($30)
Adults over 65 and students: €22 ($25)
Children under 19 with an adult: €10 ($11)

The two museums are 12 miles (20km) apart and connected via a paid shuttle bus that runs every 90 minutes.

The shuttle departs daily from the Bologna bus station at 9 am and goes first to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.

From Maranello, you can take the shuttle to either the Modena train station or the Enzo Ferrari Museum.

The cost is €22 ($25) for adults, €20 ($23) for kids.

You'll need to return to Bologna by train; the cost is not included in the shuttle price.

My Experience

Given the time I had left by the time I reached Bologna and my energy levels, I was delighted with my whole day food and Ferrari tour from Bologna.

I took advantage of the Ferrari driving opportunity and got to see the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.

The factory tour and Casa Enzo Ferrari museum weren't enough to warrant a second, independent trip, at least not for me at the time.

If I'm ever back in Bologna, I'd be up for it, though!

Driving a Ferrari in Italy: Experiencing a Ferrari 488 in Maranello

Driving a Ferrari in Italy was a dream come true, especially in the city of Maranello, where the automaker has been since the early 1940s.

Frankly, any opportunity to drive a Ferrari, including my two previous experiences driving a Ferrari in the French Riviera and on a race track in Cancun, is a dream.

Red Ferrari 488 Spider in Maranello, Italy — Ferrari 488 Spider

Nothing makes me feel like a seven-year-old kid again like getting up close and personal with beautiful Italian sports cars.

Following my incredible time in Tuscany, I took a train north to Bologna to visit my friends Michael and Stephanie. They'd made the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region their new home.

To make the best use of my limited time, I booked a full-day food and Ferrari tour from Bologna on Viator that included everything the region is known for:

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
prosciutto
balsamic vinegar
Ferrari driving experience (optional)
Ferrari Museum

It was one of the best single-day tours I've ever taken!

In this story, however, I want to focus on what it was like to drive a Ferrari in Italy. I'll cover the food and museum portions of the tour separately.

Table of Contents

Arriving in Maranello, Italy
Choosing a Ferrari to Drive
The Ferrari 488 Spider
Safety Briefing
My Experience Driving a Ferrari in Italy
Tour Details

Arriving in Maranello, Italy

Rear of Ferrari 488 Spider — The rear of a Ferrari 488 Spider

Our tour group pulled into the small town of Maranello (pop: 17,000) at about 1 pm, having already completed our food stops.

We drove past a sculpture of Ferrari's famous prancing horse before passing Ferrari-related buildings and the track where they test-drive cars.

Unfortunately, we could only catch glimpses of these sites as our time was limited. I was okay with the tradeoff, as being on a tour was easier than making the trip independently.

Choosing a Ferrari to Drive

Using my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card to drive a Ferrari in Italy. — Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card

Finally, the moment I'd been waiting for arrived when we pulled into Pit Lane Red Passion, a block from the Ferrari Museum.

A beautiful row of red and yellow Ferraris and a brand-new white Lamborghini Huaracan were lined up on display.

I knew it would be expensive, but I'd already decided that driving a Ferrari in Italy was an experience I'd never forget.

As of October 2018, Pit Lane Red Passion had several models to choose from, including:

Ferrari California T
Ferrari California T HS
Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari 488 Spider
Lamborghini Huaracan

The rate sheet showed the cost per duration of the drive for each car. The cheapest option was a 9km, 10-minute drive in the California T for €100 ($114), but I didn't come to Italy to drive a basic Ferrari.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is the successor of the Ferrari F430, the model I'd driven twice previously, so it would've been a step up at €120 ($136) for 10 minutes. But I wanted the latest and greatest.

That thinking led me to the Ferrari 488 Spider, introduced in 2015 as the replacement for the 458. At the cost of €150 ($170) for 10 minutes, it was only a little more than the 458. Sold!

It may have been a costly purchase, but I used my Chase Sapphire credit card, so at least I earned 3x points on the travel-related transaction. Those 510 points would eventually help me save money on a future flight.

The Ferrari 488 Spider

The 660-horsepower Ferrari 488 boasts a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and can reach a top speed of 203 miles per hour (325 km/h).

It can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.0 seconds flat! The "Spider" in the name signifies it's a convertible.

My two previous Ferrari driving experiences were also in convertibles. Still, I couldn't drive with the top down (in France due to drizzling rain and in Mexico because I was on a racetrack).

The 488 GTB (the hardtop version) was named "Supercar of the Year" for 2015 by Top Gear magazine and "Best Driver's Card" by Motor Trend in 2017.

And the cost? A new Ferrari 488 Spider will set you back a cool $280,000. I was thrilled at the opportunity to drive one in Maranello.

Safety Briefing

Driving a Ferrari in Italy is a once in a lifetime experience — Ferrari 488 steering wheel

When it was my turn to drive the yellow Ferrari 488 Spider, the sun was shining, and the top was down.

A Pit Lane Red Passion photographer came out and took some photos of me in the car (which I didn't buy), and the instructor introduced himself.

At this point, my life seemed to be moving in fast-forward. As I'd learned before, time is money when your business revolves around putting tourists behind the wheel of high-end cars.

The instructor sat in the passenger seat and gave me a quick rundown of what I was looking at behind the wheel. He also had me test the horn.

He explained the car had two driving modes, automatic and paddle shifting, and that I'd experience both during the drive.

The seat, inspired by Ferrari's long history of Formula 1 racing, held me snuggly. I pulled out of the driveway and onto the road. And so began my 10-minute drive around Maranello.

My Experience Driving a Ferrari in Italy

Dave and the Ferrari 488 Spider he drove.

When I looked at the rate card earlier, 10 minutes didn't seem like much time, but given the cost, I couldn't justify spending more time in the car. An extra five minutes would've been another €50 ($57).

Yet once I was on the road, it felt like just enough time to get a feel for the car, its acceleration, braking, and overall drivability.

Despite not having time to leave the city limits, the instructor had me slow down to a near stop several times to experience the acceleration.

This allowed the cars in front of us to get some distance, and as the gap opened up, he'd tell me to gun it, and I'd press the gas pedal down.

As we accelerated, I saw the numbers on the digital speedometer increase rapidly, but I couldn't tell you my top speed. I was focused entirely on the road ahead of me.

The instructor was excellent at telling me when to brake while driving an automatic and when to downshift while using the steering wheel's paddles.

I felt more comfortable during this Ferrari driving experience than my previous two.

While I didn't buy the photos taken of me, I did purchase the 360-video of my 10-minute drive for €30 ($34).

>>> Click here to watch my 360-video

For the best quality, click the gear icon in the lower right corner of the video player and make sure it's set to 1080HD.

Tour Details

While I was partaking in the Ferrari driving experience, others in my tour group went straight to the Ferrari Museum a block away.

Once I'd wrapped up, I had about 20 minutes to take a quick walk through the museum, which I'll also cover in a separate article. It's a beauty.

As I mentioned, my experience driving a Ferrari in Italy was just one part of a full-day tour, one of the best I've ever done.

The exact tour is the Italian Food and Museo Ferrari tour from Bologna, available daily through Viator.

To see all the Ferrari-related activities and tours on Viator, click here.

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pisa Baptistery (foreground), Cathedral, and Tower

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a symbol of Italy and as recognized as the Colosseum in Rome.

I'd been to the latter on my first backpacking trip to Italy twenty years ago, so after attending the 2018 Adventure Travel World Summit in Montecatini Terme, I spent my last day in Tuscany visiting Pisa.

The train ride took a little over an hour. I was able to get off at the Pisa S Rossore station, and from there, it was about a five-minute walk.

If you're coming from Florence or Rome, you'll get off at the Pisa Centrale station and have a 25-minute walk.

Tip: Avoid lines with a reserved entrance ticket. GetYourGuide is an authorized seller for Tower of Pisa tickets.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Leaning Tower

Table of Contents

Arriving at the Piazza dei Miracoli
Why Does the Tower Lean?
Will the Tower Eventually Fall Over?
Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Pisa Cathedral)

Pisa Travel Tips
- How to Get to Pisa
- Hostels and Hotels in Pisa

Arriving at the Piazza dei Miracoli

The view entering the Piazza Dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) from the west is beautiful.

Everything is nicely lined up to see and photograph, with the round Baptistry in the foreground, Cathedral in the middle, and Campanile (tower) leaning off to the right in the back.

The walls of the Cemetery can be seen on the left (northern) side of the piazza.

Unlike the Duomos I'd recently visited in Milan and Florence, this one was made all the more beautiful on account of the setting. The green space makes for prettier views and pictures.

Tourists aren't allowed on the grass, and most people were respectful of this rule. However, I saw a few people picnicking for lunch.

A small metal fence runs the length of the piazza on the southern side, and this is where most tourists pose for trick shots to make it seem like they're holding up the leaning tower.

Why Does the Tower Lean?

Construction on the Leaning Tower of Pisa began in August 1173.

After five years and just two stories, the tower had already begun to lean. A shallow nine-foot (three-meter) foundation and soft soil beneath it are the primary culprits.

The tower sat unfinished for nearly 100 years while Pisa was at war with other cities in the region. This time allowed the soil to settle and strengthen.

Amazingly, when engineers resumed work in 1272, they adjusted their designs to compensate for the unexpected lean.

The seventh floor was completed in 1319, and the bells on top were added in 1372.

Will the Tower Eventually Fall Over?

Maybe. Multiple efforts have been made to stabilize it, the last of which lasted from 1990 to 2001.

The lean was reduced from 5.5 degrees to 3.97 degrees, a total correction of 17.7 inches (45 centimeters).

Following their work in 2001, engineers declared the Leaning Tower of Pisa should be stable for another 200 years.

Despite several big earthquakes over the years, the tower has remained standing as the same soft soil that causes it to lean also acts as a shock absorber to protect it against seismic activity.

View from the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Not knowing what the crowds might be like at one of Italy's star attractions, I booked a ticket in advance to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

All I had to do was line up outside the tower 15 minutes before my scheduled entry time.

When it was my group's turn, each of our tickets was scanned, and we were ushered into the tower.

The inner core is hollow and undecorated; there's not much to see when you look up.

Once everyone was inside, we were given the green light to start walking up at our own pace.

I found it interesting how well worn the steps are in the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

I wondered how many millions of people had walked up the same 251 steps over the last 700 years.

On top, I was treated to 360-degree views of the city and surrounding countryside.

The most exciting view was the one of the Cathedral and Baptistry.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Pisa Cathedral)

Like many visitors, I primarily came to Pisa for the Leaning Tower.

The Pisa Cathedral was an afterthought. However, my attitude changed as I walked up to the facade, with distinct blind arcades on the upper levels and sculpted bronze doors below.

Unlike the Tower, which took centuries to complete, the Cathedral was constructed in just 30 years, between 1063-1092.

The interior is incredible. I was stunned by the craftsmanship of the gold coffered ceiling.

The original wooden ceiling was destroyed in a fire, and this elegant replacement was added by the powerful Medici family in the 16th century.

Cathedral entrance is free and included with a Tower ticket.

Pisa Travel Tips

How to Get to Pisa

Booking train tickets online is easy at Trenitalia.com, or you can use a Eurail pass if you have one.

The train ride to Pisa is a little over an hour from Montecatini Terme, an hour and a half from Florence, and two and a half to three and a half hours from Rome.

Hostels and Hotels in Pisa

Search Hostelworld for the best hostels in Pisa

Search Booking for the best prices on any accommodation

Holiday Gift Guide for Backpackers

'Tis the season for holiday shopping. For years, I've wanted to put together a gift guide for backpackers based on my favorite travel brands and products.

Whether you're shopping for a family member, partner, friend, or even yourself, I hope you'll find something new and valuable.

Travel Tech

Apple AirPods

Apple wasn't the first to make wireless Bluetooth earphones; however, they showed an ability to make an existing product cooler.

I bought the AirPods a few months after they came out, and they've been my go-to headphones ever since.

I wear them doing just about anything at home: taking phone calls, listening to music while exercising, and listening to podcasts while cooking.

I love them on buses, trains, and airplanes because they're light, comfortable, and discreet. They're not noise-canceling, but I accepted the trade-off for their size.

Buy them on Amazon!

Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones

Before the AirPods came out in late 2016, my go-to headphones were the Beats Studio3 wireless headphones (matte black).

I primarily bought them for peace of mind in airports and on planes, especially on long flights, but I also found them helpful when new construction began near my apartment in Medellin (back in 2014).

In hostels, they'll help you block out noise in the common areas, which lets you work from the road or catch up on your favorite Netflix show.

They're also good at blocking out traffic noise if you're staying somewhere where that's an issue.

Noise-canceling headphones were a game-changer for me. I resisted the idea for years due to the cost, but now that I've seen how much use I can get out of them, I can say it's a worthwhile investment.

Unfortunately, after about three years of heavy use, the lining started to flake off the earpieces.

I could've sent them back to Beats to get fixed, but it would've taken a few months, and I was based in Colombia at the time, so I never bothered.

Buy them on Amazon!

Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones

A few days ago, I moved into a new apartment in Austin. It's next to a construction site, so I just ordered these Bose QuietComfort 35 noise-canceling headphones.

The customer reviews on Amazon were a half-star better than those for the Beats headphones I owned previously. I'd tested the Bose headphones in an airport during a layover, and they felt comfortable.

I also like that they are designed to fold up and sit flatter in their carrying case, whereas the Beats carrying case is rounded. It's a minor difference, but every bit of space counts when you have a small daypack.

I'm looking forward to having noise-canceling headphones again. I'll be taking them with me to Florida for Christmas and Colombia for New Year's.

Buy them on Amazon!

Canon PowerShot G7 X Digital Camera

My first digital camera was a Canon PowerShot I bought for my trip around the world in 2007. I've been a fan ever since.

I currently own this Canon PowerShot G7 X camera, popular with video bloggers as the display screen folds out, allowing you to see the video being captured.

I don't tend to record many videos, let alone of myself. However, I've been thrilled with the quality of the images it produces and its compact size. It's a reliable choice.

Buy it on Amazon!

Apple iPhone XS Max

In 2017, I joined the Apple upgrade program, which allowed me to pay interest-free monthly installments for my new iPhones instead of a single lump sum (or, worse, being locked into a carrier's contract).

As a result, it's easy for me to upgrade to the latest iPhone each year, which is exactly what I did a few months ago to get Apple's largest iPhone to date, the iPhone XS Max.

I got the latest phone because of the improved camera quality, especially in low-light situations like restaurants and bars. I didn't even take my Canon camera to Italy and Spain in October. I used the iPhone XS Max for all my photography.

Also, I would recommend having a durable iPhone case, as it's common to drop your phone when traveling. I was reliant on my phone in Milan, Tuscany, Bologna, Barcelona, and New York City.

And while I couldn't always get the wide-angle shots I wanted, it was so nice to only use one device for all my photo and video needs.

Buy it on Amazon!

Apple MacBook Air 13" Retina Display

My first Apple product was the 2011 MacBook Air. It was a dream. I used it heavily for four years and waited patiently for Apple to develop a Retina display version. That didn't happen, so in 2015 I switched to a heavier MacBook Pro with a Retina display.

My experience with my MacBook Pro has been fine. Earlier this year, I updated to a 2018 MacBook Pro, only to watch Apple finally launch a 13" MacBook Air with Retina display a few months later. I wish I'd waited; the Air is a half-pound lighter.

Buy it on Amazon!

Petzl Zipka Headlamp

It seems quaint in retrospect, but when I had to climb Temple IV at Tikal in Guatemala in the dark to watch the sunrise back in 2006, I was carrying a hand-held flashlight.

Another guy had a headlamp, and I immediately envied him for not having to carry his light source. When it came time to buy gear for my 'round-the-world trip, I bought a Petzl Zipka headlamp.

I like it because there's a retractable string that holds the lamp to your head instead of an elastic band. This saves a little weight, and it looks a bit more discreet.

Petzl is the brand trusted by mountain climbers scaling the world's highest peaks. I may not be climbing K2 in the future, but I feel some small connection to those who do by carrying this little light with me wherever I go.

Buy it on Amazon!

Travel Clothes

gift guide for backpackers — Wearing Pick-Pocket Proof Pants and a shirt by Clothing Arts @ Dismaland

Clothing Arts Pick-Pocket Proof Convertible Pants

From 2013-2015, I practically lived in my Pick-Pocket Proof pants and shorts by Clothing Arts. They're that smartly designed.

First, as the name suggests, they're designed to deter pickpockets. I'd been pickpocketed twice before.

My first experience was in Barcelona (2008), followed by my second in Medellin (2010). So when I learned about these pants from Adam, the designer, and owner of Clothing Arts, at a travel blogging conference, I had to give them a try.

The downward zipper and button closures on the side pockets make it all but impossible for someone to slip a hand into your pocket unnoticed.

In 2014, I was 99% sure they prevented a pickpocket from getting my phone on a minibus in Managua.

Buy them at Clothing Arts!

ExOfficio Give-n-go Boxer Brief

I don't remember exactly when I began buying ExOfficio boxers and boxer briefs, but they've been my underwear of choice for at least the last five years, both at home and while traveling.

I primarily started buying them for travel because they're lightweight, comfortable, and quick-drying (which means you can pack fewer pairs if you're willing to wash them yourself).

They come in lots of colors and patterns. I most recently bought a few new pairs with an airplane design, and now wear those on days when I fly, just for fun.

Buy them on Amazon!

SmartWool Socks

I've been a massive fan of SmartWool since I first bought their hiking socks for my 'round-the-world trip in 2007.

Back then, I was a bit grungier and amazed that I could wear them a few times without them starting to smell. This meant space saved in my backpack as I didn't have to take as many pairs of socks with me.

Since moving to Austin and prioritizing warm-weather destinations, I don't wear socks as often, and having learned the hard way that Athlete's Foot sucks, I bring a few extra pairs to avoid re-using them before washing.

Regardless of how many are packed, they're a comfortable, breathable, and durable choice.

Buy them on Amazon!

General Travel Items

Knot Tying Cards

The ability to tie different types of knots is a skill every backpacker should learn. Whether you're tying your shoelaces in the morning or setting up camp outdoors, it'll help if you know how to tie a few knots.

If you're still learning the ropes like most of us, the knot-tying card I found in this survival guide on craftsmanprotools.com will come in handy out on the road.

The six plastic waterproof cards contain written instructions and simple illustrations for 22 all-purpose rope knots you can use in different situations.

Whether you're out camping, rock climbing, boating, or doing any other outdoor activity, this will come in very handy. It comes with a mini carabiner so you can secure it to your backpack.

Motorcycle Backpacks

If you've got a motorcycle enthusiast among your friends or family, consider gifting them a motorcycle backpack.

Travel Books

A Cook's Tour

I became a fan of Anthony Bourdain in the mid-2000s after reading his first book, Kitchen Confidential.

A Cook's Tour was the follow-up, and it was also his first TV show (on The Food Network).

He covers his food experiences in a different country for each chapter.

His experience of eating cobra in Vietnam still stands out to me. Unfortunately, the TV show isn't available to watch anymore, but the book is just as entertaining.

For me, Bourdain was the first chef to create extraordinary storytelling experiences by focusing on a culture's food above all else.

Buy it on Amazon!

Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and The People

I finally bought and read Medium Raw after news broke of Bourdain's suicide.

He devotes an entire chapter to his struggle with depression and talks about his suicidal thoughts in it, too.

Despite that rather dark part of the book, it's otherwise filled with his rantings and ravings about notable chefs in the food world.

It was amusing to read, and I highly recommend it as a gift for travelers who like his work.

Buy it on Amazon!

A few more books by my favorite travel authors...

Marco Polo Didn't Go There: Stories and Revelations from One Decade as a Postmodern Travel Writer by Rolf Potts, author of Vagabonding, is a collection of his travel stories, including one of my favorites about crashing the filming of The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio in Thailand.

The Black Penguin by Andrew Evans, a writer for National Geographic, is his autobiography that combines his struggles as a gay man, being kicked out of the Mormon church, love, and his ride on public buses from Washington, DC, to Antarctica (which I followed live on Twitter at the time).

The Longest Way Home: One Man's Quest for the Courage to Settle Down by Andrew McCarthy, who was a teen actor in the 80s, and has also grown into an accomplished, award-winning travel writer.

Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux documents the author's overland trip from Cape Town to Cairo. This is one of my favorite travel books. I've got several more of Theroux's books in my Kindle queue.

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer and Dylan Thuras. I just bought this for Kindle while putting this list together. I've been following Atlas Obscura on Twitter since 2009, and I like learning about the interesting, little-known places in the world they highlight.

I could keep adding items until Christmas, but this holiday gift guide for backpackers is already a lot longer than I planned!

Tips for Traveling Europe as a Budget Backpacker

Backpacking continues to be a popular way of seeing Europe with speed and ease. Here's how a budget backpacker can have the experience of a lifetime.

With more than thirty countries nestled in a space smaller than the size of the United States, Europe offers an opportunity to sample a multitude of cultures, to experience a range of architecture, and to learn about some of the world’s oldest historical locations.

Backpacking is all about doing it as cheap as possible while having as much fun as possible; here are some tips to make it happen.

Table of Contents

Planning the Ultimate Journey
Visit Eastern Europe
The Cheapest Ways to Get Around
Finding Hostels in Europe
Alternatives to Hostel Accommodation
Seeing the Sights Cheaply
Eating on a Budget
Traveling in Pairs

Planning the Ultimate Journey

The amount of planning and research that goes into a European trip will ultimately dictate the ease and enjoyment of travel.

Timing a trip is crucial. Summer is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Europe. The popular cities, landmarks, and museums will be choked with tourists, and most hostels increase their prices.

The months before and after summer – March, April, May, October and November are quieter and yet the weather is still seasonable.

Researching locations can help save money as well; the aim is to avoid busy local festivals, school holidays, etc.

Visit Eastern Europe

Spending more time in cheaper countries is a great idea: Eastern Europe is easier to travel around than ever before, and these countries are very welcoming to tourists.

Countries like Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, and Poland are becoming increasingly popular with backpackers as they offer much cheaper accommodation, food, and nightlife while still delivering amazing history, culture, and scenery.

Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic and Bled in Slovenia are two beautiful, historical backpacker favorites.

The Cheapest Ways to Get Around

Depending on the type of travel and length of time intended, there are several cheap options for moving around the continent.

For shorter trips with only a few destinations, there are many budget airlines in Europe offering very low rates. For longer trips, an ‘all access’ rail pass like InterRail or Eurail is a great idea. A third option is a short-term car lease.

Queen Hostel in Milan (photo: David Lee)

Finding Hostels in Europe

Without a doubt, Hostels are the most popular option for backpackers traveling in Europe. They are comparatively cheap, usually flexible, very social, and most of the popular destinations are swarming with them.

A good idea is to research the hostels in each destination on an itinerary before booking. Some can be of inferior quality, while others can be popular and book out in advance.

Popular independent websites like Hostelworld.com, Hostelbookers.com, and Travellerspoint.com offer information on a huge range of Hostels and include independent reviews and a percentage rating from visitors.

The best tip for staying in hostels in Europe is to get a place in the hostel you want, booking well in advance, especially in the summer.

Alternatives to Hostel Accommodation

There are many other accommodation options that are both cheap and will enhance your experience in Europe.

Try a cheap hotel deal, for example. There are a few good alternatives to staying in a hostel. The website lastminute.com will advertise last-minute deals on all sorts of things, and cheap hotels are one of their specialties; this option will usually still be more expensive than a hostel though.

Consider staying in a campsite. In some places, campgrounds welcome the backpacker trade: especially in Italy.

It’s possible to get a very cheap cabin or tent on-site, while still having the security of a place to lock your bag, have a shower and to feel safe – many campsites cater to backpackers and can be found on sites like Hostelworld.com.

The cheapest option is couchsurfing. This is where people advertise their couch or spare bed on an online site like Couchsurfing.com. Travelers can contact the person and request to sleep on their couch for a couple of days.

While not required, it's in the spirit of the Couchsurfing community for the guest and host to spend some time together. The host, for example, may offer to show the guest around his/her hometown, while the guest may offer to cook a meal for his/her host.

Seeing the Sights Cheaply

Many major cities have free walking tours. Sandeman’s New Europe Walking Tours run in many cities including London, Amsterdam, Prague, Paris, and Berlin and these energetic and fun walking tours are free.

The tour guides work for tips, which are not compulsory, but almost always deserved.

Otherwise, try a city-based discount card. Many cities in Europe offer discount passes for visitors intending to see multiple tourist sites.

For example, the London Pass costs £52 ($65) for two days and offers free entry into around 50 of the city’s major tourist sites.

While the initial outlay for these passes may seem expensive, when the entry fee into many of the major sites is taken into consideration, the passes are often very reasonable.

Pastry in Milan train station (photo: David Lee)

Eating on a Budget

While eating out is part of the fun when traveling, it’s rarely cheap and will quickly drain funds. Purchasing food from supermarkets is one good option to save money.

Throughout Europe, the ‘Aldi’ supermarket brand is found in most countries and is a budget brand supermarket.

Otherwise, bakeries are usually cheap in Europe, and local food markets, such as La Boqueria in Barcelona offer cheap local food.

Traveling in Pairs

Finally, a great money saving tip for Europe is to take a friend. Twin rooms in hostels are cheaper than private rooms and may be less expensive than two dorm beds.

Groceries will also be cheaper if the expenses are shared.

Traveling with a friend is also safer, and having two or more travelers in a group means less work for the individual regarding navigating and problem-solving.

Plus, traveling is something best shared and appreciated with others – having a friend around can be more motivating and stave off the loneliness.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Budget Boost.

Chianti Wine Tour: Origins of an Italian Wine in Tuscany

Hiking in Chianti — Hiking in the Chianti region

Chianti, one of Italy's best-known wines, was born out of central Tuscany. Following my week of walking on the Via Francigena, I had the opportunity to spend a day on a Chianti wine tour, learning about the origins of this famous wine.

The tour departed Montecatini Terme, where I was staying, by bus on a Monday morning in October for the one hour and forty-five-minute drive south toward Ricasoli winery.

It's a shorter one-and-a-half-hour trip from Florence and just 45 minutes from Siena.

The Ricasoli family has a long and storied history in the Chianti region.

Written records exist as evidence they owned Brolio Castle, a symbol of the region, and produced wine as far back as 1141.

However, it wasn't until 1872 when Baron Bettino Ricasoli, two-time Prime Minister of Italy, came up with the original formula for Chianti wine, now known as Chianti Classico.

Our tour began with a one-hour hike through the forest surrounding the castle.

It was an easy way to get some physical activity into a day otherwise devoted to eating and wine tasting.

Our guide mentioned the trend of increasingly warm autumns and drier rivers in the region as we passed by a small stream and an old stone mill that was no longer in use, a reminder that global warming is affecting wine regions.

Lunch

On a lighter note, once we'd worked up an appetite, it was time for a traditional lunch at Brolio Castle's restaurant.

The interior was open and spacious, with large windows allowing lots of natural light.

We were offered a Brolio Chianti Classico 2016 and an Albia white wine from the estate.

I was excited to be drinking Chianti on the land where it was first developed.

Lunch began with a pudding covered in cheese sauce, followed by a main course of pasta with rabbit ragout and pistachio semifreddo for dessert. And espresso, of course.

Exploring Brolio Castle on a Chianti wine tour in Tuscany. — Brolio Castle

Touring Brolio Castle (Castello di Brolio)

Following lunch, we began a tour of Brolio Castle, the second oldest family winery in the world.

Castles always fascinate me, and this one was in excellent condition, though it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over its 900-year history.

I especially liked the contrast of the thick grey outer defensive walls with the thinner red walls of the upper levels and interior structure.

Related: Napa Valley Wine Train

We entered through a large portal and walked further in until we reached the Chapel of San Jacopo.

Beautiful golden frescos cover the upper walls and ceiling.

Beneath the chapel is the family crypt, with a large metal cross and at least 20 members of the Ricasoli family lying in rest.

Next, we visited several interior rooms of the castle, which their elegant wallpaper.

There was at least one old portrait of Baron Ricasoli and many display cases with his mineral and fossil collection from the region. No photos are allowed in these rooms.

Exterior of Brolio Castle in Chianti — The exterior of Brolio Castle

View from Castello di Brolio — View from the castle

The tour continued with a gorgeous view south over the estate, which covers 2,965 acres, of which 593 acres are vineyards, and another 64 acres are olive trees.

Ricasoli winery produces three million barrels of wine per year!

Related: Working in an Italian Vineyard

Wine tasting at Enoteca del Castello di Brolio

Our last stop on the Chianti wine tour was a wine tasting in the Brolio Castle's wine shop, a short walk downhill from the castle itself.

We tried three of their award-winning wines, all Chianti Classico:

Castello di Brolio 2015 - made of Sangiovese 90%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%, and Petit Verdot 5%, and aged 18 months. It was bottled in June 2017.

Brolio Riserva 2015 - made of Sangiovese 80%, Merlot 15%, and Cabernet Sauvignon 5%.

Brolio Classico 2016 - the same that we had with lunch, made of Sangiovese min 80%, Merlot 15%, and Cabernet Sauvignon 5%.

I didn't take notes on which I liked best. However, I'm also not the most discerning wine drinker.

The wine tasting, for me, was just one part of the overall tour. I was there for the experience as a whole, and it had been a wonderful day trip.

Tip: Brolio Castle can't be visited using public transportation, so unless you're renting a car, it's best to pick a tour that includes it on the itinerary.

My Chianti wine tour was arranged by S-Cape Travel in partnership with the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Toscana Promozione Turistica.

A Sneaky-Affordable Trip for Backpackers: A Luxury Cruise

I know what you're thinking-this is a backpacker's site, and a luxury cruise is anything but budget traveling. That was my thought until I ran into Celebrity's cruise deals, which are an efficient and cost-effective way of seeing multiple destinations on one trip.

Celebrity Silhouette, a luxury cruise ship in Malta (photo: Steven Straiton). — Celebrity Silhouette in Valletta, Malta (photo: Steven Straiton)

Imagine yourself, the typical backpacker, used to sharing a room with twelve other people, carrying a few changes of clothes, and sometimes going too long without a shower, on board a luxury cruise set to see some of the most beautiful destinations around the world by sea.

You are missing out if you've never been aboard a cruise ship. It feels like you've instantly been transported to an island, and there is no world outside of that ship.

Not every cruising experience is like the Titanic, where fancy people dress in fancy clothes and are served their every demand.

The great thing about cruises is that you can make it whatever experience you'd like! Every passenger has a different experience tailored to their type of traveler. I will tell you how I managed to still feel like a backpacker aboard a luxury Celebrity Cruise.

Table of Contents

How Can Cruises Be Affordable for a Backpacker?
Who to Bring
What to Pack
Managing Excursions Cost-Efficiently
Celebrity Cruises Backpacker-Friendly Budget Deals

How Can Cruises Be Affordable for a Backpacker?

Have you ever wanted to island hop around the Caribbean Sea or check out the Mediterranean? Well, here's a bit of reality: it's not cheap.

Flights between islands are usually expensive, as most island destinations have small airports. Boats and ferries between the islands can be few and hard to come by.

Cruising affords you the possibility to see multiple destinations in some of the most beautiful and well-maintained areas of tropical regions.

The best part is that you only have one fee, and cruise lines, like Celebrity Cruises, have found a way to make their packages so affordable that they will blow your mind.

Some places in the world are impossible to travel to on an extreme budget. Cruises have changed that reality, at least a little.

Who to Bring

The first thing you need to decide after you've booked your cruise is who to bring with you. It's not completely necessary to bring anyone, but it's always comfortable to take on a new experience with a friendly face by your side.

I do not typically like to travel with others, but when on a cruise, it helps to have someone around as you're trying to meet new people. It's not always as easy as walking into a hostel and making friends with your bunkmate.

Finding other solo travelers or backpackers aboard cruises takes patience. However, if you can't find a friend to tag along, don't worry-you're bound to find friends aboard the cruise.

What to Pack

Most people suspect you cannot travel with a backpack when you go cruising. This is completely untrue. I've now gone on several cruises with nothing but a backpack.

It's true that most cruise lines have a dress code for dinner, but depending on which cruise deal you choose, the etiquette is usually very laid-back.

On the cruises I've been on, khaki shorts and a collared shirt were all that was required - hardly difficult to fit in your backpack when you're literally in your swimwear the entire week and don't need to remember nearly as many clothes as when you're backpacking regularly.

Remember sunscreen! It can be expensive (it's costly anywhere, but particularly on secluded island destinations).

Managing Excursions Cost-Efficiently

The most expensive part of cruising is the excursions, which are typically not included in the price of your boarding pass.

Don't sweat it; you're not required to spend any money on excursions. You're a backpacker, after all - when do we splurge on fancy excursions?

Isn't walking around the city and finding the alternative, more affordable ways to experience the culture what we're good at? Here's what I suggest.

Take advantage of the free food aboard the cruise ship (yes, free). Have a meal before you get off the boat and (if you're very budget-conscious) don't eat while you're at your destination.

Instead, save your hunger for when you get back on board-this usually takes no more than seven or eight hours. It's highly doable if you're focused on saving money.

If you're savvy, you may never spend a penny on excursions. Compared to other cruisers I've talked to, I hardly spent any.

Celebrity Cruises Backpacker-Friendly Budget Deals

Visit the Celebrity Cruises website for the lowest prices and the easiest way to book your trip. To cruise as a backpacker, you need some flexibility and spontaneity. Luckily, that's what we are good at.

Good luck finding a price that fits you. If done right, cruising as a backpacker is absolutely affordable and even budget-friendly.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Celebrity Cruises.

Via Francigena: The Ultimate Walking Tour in Tuscany

My return to Florence after 20 years allowed me to revisit one of Italy's most beautiful cities. However, it was only a prelude to the main event: a one-week tour of Tuscany along the Via Francigena. The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that runs from Canterbury, England, through France, Switzerland, and Italy and ends in Rome.

Montecatini Terme, with old town visible on hilltops — Montecatini Terme, with the old town visible on hilltops

Tuscany is home to 400km of the Via Francigena, offering visitors the chance to experience the countryside as pilgrims have for over 1,000 years. My week on the Via Francigena was organized by S Cape Travels in partnership with Tuscany Tourism and the Adventure Travel Trade Association as part of my attendance at the 2018 Adventure Travel World Summit in Montecatini Terme.

Our guides included the wonderful Ottavia of S Cape Travels Italy and knowledgeable Roberta Ferraris, author of the official Via Francigena guidebook. As you'll see, the itinerary they created for us included time spent on the Via Francigena in northern, central, and southern Tuscany. We relied on van transfers to bridge the gaps.

Table of Contents

Walking the Via Francigena
Final Thoughts on the Via Francigena

Walking the Via Francigena

Day 1 - Arriving in Montecatini Terme

Our tour began in Montecatini Terme, an 18th-century spa town in central Tuscany, a little over an hour's train ride west of Florence. Arrival day would be the easiest of the trip, as we only walked from Hotel Tuscany Inn by the train station to the 19th-century funicular for a ride up the hill to Montecatini Alto.

The original town was located on a hilltop, which made sense in medieval times, as it was easier to defend. At Ristorante La Torre, we had the first of many delicious meals highlighting regional Tuscan cuisine.

Courses included bruschetta (tomatoes, basil, and olive oil on bread), vegetable soup, Tuscan peasant food (made by mixing leftover bread with tomatoes into a mushy consistency), and various kinds of cheese and ice cream. There was plenty of red and white wine, as was the norm for us at the following lunches and dinners.

Tip: A room with a view doesn't have to cost a lot. Check Booking.com for last-minute deals. I recommend getting a hotel with a view north toward the old town. I did this for a night after the conference and was so glad I did.

Day 2 - Lunigiana to Pontremoli

Walking tour in Tuscany — The author is crossing a bridge during his walking tour in Tuscany.

The following day, we were up early for breakfast and a van transfer to Cavezzana d'Antena, in northern Tuscany, near the Emilia-Romagna border. We were dropped off just shy of 11 a.m. local time. We followed the well-marked Via Francigena route through olive farms, the dirt trail hugging the hillside.

Our guides informed us that northern Tuscany is less visited than the south, and I could understand why. We were immersed in the forest much of the day, not walking amongst the rolling vineyards so commonly associated with this region of Italy.

However, the trail and scenery were at their most varied on this day, something we'd only come to appreciate by the end of the tour. One moment, I'm taking a photo of Roberta in what looks like a lush green forest, and no more than ten minutes later, we're walking through multi-colored fall foliage, chestnuts crunching below our feet.

Fall walking tour in Tuscany, along the Via Francigena — Fall foliage

It was also our most physically active day. There were a handful of short but steep inclines, and I was huffing and puffing up all of them. Using my Fitbit Versa, I tracked our daily hikes and the total distance traveled.

On our second day, we walked 9.58 miles (15.4 km) over five hours and twenty-two minutes (including an hour break for lunch) on the trail. This amounted to 21,000 steps, about three to four times my average daily step count at home.

We were all grateful when we reached the spot for our picnic lunch overlooking the valley. Ottavia and Roberta got to work slicing bread and unpacking all the food we'd brought, including plenty of cheese, prosciutto, olives, grapes, and tomatoes. After an hour of chowing down and resting our feet in the sun, we packed up for the final downhill stretch to the medieval town of Pontremoli.

Pontremoli

Pontremoli means "trembling bridge" in Italian, a name it got from a bridge that once crossed the Magra River, which runs through town. The most dramatic entrance into town is the Porto Parma, which we walked through on our way to the 1,000-year-old Piagnaro Castle.

Statue Stele Museum

Ancient stone sculptures on display at the Stele Statue Museum — Ancient stone sculptures

The castle houses the Statue Stele Museum, which has become a repository for ancient stone statues found in the region, some dating back to 4,000 BC. Following a brief museum tour, we walked further into town to the main square before being scooped up by our van for the 15-minute ride to the hotel.

Dinner at the hotel highlighted regional favorites, including Lunigiana testaroli with pesto, beef tagliata with rocket and parmesan, and apple cake with hot cream for dessert. Exhausted from a long day two of our walking tour in Tuscany, I fell asleep quickly after dinner.

Day 3 - Filetto, Pietrasanta, and Lucca

On our third day, we woke up to grey skies and light rain. Following breakfast at the hotel, we took the van to visit Pieve di Sorano, a 10th-century Romanesque church in Filattiera.

Pilgrims would stop in churches like this as they traveled south on the Via Francigena to Rome. This particular church has been robbed in the past, so the interior can only be viewed by appointment.

Due to the rain, our guides offered us the choice of spending the rest of the morning doing an olive oil tour and tasting. We didn't have time for the second day or to walk a short section of the Via Francigena as planned. I chose the olive oil experience, as it's a product I use almost daily to cook with at home.

Olive Oil Tour and Tasting

Perched above Pontremoli, along the section of the Via Francigena we'd hiked the day before, is Francesca Ferrari's olive farm, which she runs with her husband Paolo (and adopted dog Homer).

After they purchased the old stone house and property in 2005, it took the couple several years to clean it up as it had been left in terrible condition. In 2009, they began using the basement and former wine cellar as an educational and training space, and in 2011, they started renting four guest rooms to visitors.

At just nine hectares, it's a small family-run business that prioritizes quality over quantity. They do everything on-site, from growing and pressing the olives to packaging the extra virgin olive oil. We visited a few weeks before the annual harvest in early November.

Honey chestnut bread with extra virgin olive oil

While outside, Francesca told us about the company's history, Lucchetti Ferrari, and then led us into the basement, where she explained the olive oil-making process. We first sipped the extra virgin olive oil straight from a clear shot glass. Then she presented us with homemade honey chestnut bread drizzled with oil and a small container of their oil to take home.

Lunch in Filetto

Once the tour was over, we reunited with the rest of our group for lunch at Alla Piazza di Sopra, a charming spot in the town of Filetto just south of Filatteria. As you can tell from the photo above, lunch consisted of many little things, including various local cheeses (always my favorite), pastries, and colorful grilled vegetables. For dessert, we were served warm almond-flavored cake.

Pietrasanta

Following a relaxing lunch, we left Filetto by van for the one-hour drive south to Pietrasanta, an ancient Roman town located a few miles inland from the coast at the base of the Apuan Alps. During the drive, we saw evidence of the marble quarries carved into the mountains. The region was an essential source of marble for artisans during the Renaissance.

At the center of Pietrasanta is the Piazza Duomo, a historic plaza lined with churches and museums. The plaza is regularly used to display art, such as the collection of sculptures depicting heads in various forms and materials pictured above.

Marble Studio Tour

In keeping with the region's reputation, we had the opportunity to tour a working marble studio. Cervietti Franco S.N.C. has been a family-run business for generations. Walking through the warehouse with the owner, training his son to take over the family business, was a novel experience. The studio uses local marble and traditional and modern methods to serve clients worldwide.

The sizes of the sculptures they produce range from small to monumental. Many were religious figures, though I spotted the face of Michael Jackson, too. Raw marble is also exported worldwide, and we were told a handful of powerful families control the mines.

Dinner in Lucca

We left the marble studio for the walled city of Lucca, a UNESCO World Heritage site 40 minutes away. After checking into our hotel just outside the city walls, we walked into the old town for dinner at Ristorante Mecenate.

On the menu tonight are a delicious caramelized onion tart, prosciutto, a red pepper pudding you smear on bread, testaroli pasta with pesto, breaded and fried beef topped with tomato sauce and capers, and custard for dessert.

Day 4 - Lucca to Gambassi Terme

Guided tour of Lucca

Our morning began with a guided tour of Lucca, a city that became a Roman colony in 180 BC. The three miles (five kilometers) of walls were built for defensive purposes in the 16th century. When the need to defend the city passed, the tops of the walls were repurposed as streets and pedestrian walkways.

Highlights of our walk included:

Lucca Cathedral
Chiesa di San Michele in Foro (church) and Davino, the mummified remains of an 11th-century pilgrim from Armenia enshrined at the altar
Basilica di San Frediano Lucca (there's a beautiful gold mosaic on the facade)
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a plaza at the center of an old Roman coliseum that once sat 10,000 people
12th and 13th-century towers

Lucca is a city I could easily spend a few days exploring.

Tip: Lucca is an easy day trip from Florence. Check out Get Your Guide for tours of Lucca.

Lunch on an Organic Farm

It was an hour's drive southeast from Lucca to reach our lunch spot, The Doctor's Cheese in Coiano. Since 2009, Guido and his wife Stefania have produced high-quality organic cheeses using cow, goat, and sheep milk.

They welcomed us with big smiles and an even bigger spread of their cheeses, including an earthy truffle cheese (my favorite) and ricotta with honey (I had more than one serving of that, too).

Since humans cannot survive on cheese alone, they also provide bruschetta, raw wild boar marinated in olive oil, boar sausage, and bruschetta. The setting for lunch was idyllic-a few picnic tables in front of the farmhouse with views of the surrounding hills. It was one of the many "pinch me; I can't believe this is real" moments from our walking tour in Tuscany.

Read more about my lunch on an organic farm in Tuscany on Feastio.

Walk from Coiano to Gambassi Terme

After lunch, we had to put in some miles on the Via Francigena. Roberta opened her map and briefly briefed us on our afternoon walk from Coiano to Gambassi Terme.

We set off on foot from the farm, walking uphill through olive trees until we reconnected with the trail. Soon, we walked briskly along ridges with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.

It was a reasonably easy and relatively flat stretch of the Via Francigena, ending with walks through several vineyards. But I worked up quite a sweat between the warmer-than-usual weather and sun exposure. We covered 6.4 miles (10.3 km) over two and a half hours.

Pieve of Saint Maria

Pilgrim on the Via Francigena — A pilgrim and his passport

We hopped in the van for the 15-minute drive to Pieve of Santa Maria, another Romanesque church visited by pilgrims on the Via Francigena. Adjacent to the church is Ostello Sigerico, a hostel where we met an Irish pilgrim walking the length of the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome. He estimated that he would need another two weeks to finish, making his full traverse of the trail a three-month affair.

We couldn't help but notice he was using the official guide for the Via Francigena, written by our guide, Roberta. We brought this detail to his attention, which delighted him, and he then asked for her autograph.

He also showed us his Pilgrim Passport, an informal ID that serves as a souvenir and a way to identify one's pilgrim status on the Via Francigena. Carrying the Pilgrim Passport can help you gain access to churches and monasteries and receive discounts from some hotels, B&Bs, hostels, and restaurants.

Meeting this gentleman brought the whole experience to life in a new way. The Via Francigena wasn't just a trail used a thousand years ago. It's alive and well today, too.

View from my B&B room in Tuscany — View from my B&B room.

Our accommodation for the night was Tenuta Sant'Ilario, a gorgeous family-run agriturismo hotel in an old stone farmhouse. The hotel produces olive oil and wine. We ate a delicious three-course dinner at a small restaurant on the property (ricotta cheesecake, pork loin, and pannacotta).

Day 5 - Pieve di Cellole, San Gimignano, and Siena

The Via Francigena is well-marked in Tuscany.

On our fifth morning, we began walking straight from the hotel after breakfast. It was nice not having to get in the van, and I much prefer walking in the morning when the sun isn't so high in the sky. The weather was beautiful, and the trail was pretty flat that day.

We mainly walked along dirt roads past vineyards, precisely the kind of imagery I had in mind when I decided to attend the Adventure Travel World Summit in Tuscany.

We even encountered some men picking grapes by hand in one vineyard (and they were okay with us taking photos of them, too). These scenes always remind me of the I Love Lucy episode, where Lucy smashes grapes in a barrel with her feet.

We walked down cypress-lined roads, past old stone homes now rented out on Airbnb. I know this because one owner was in his yard and all too happy to come out and chat with us. We also passed hunters out with their dogs searching for wild boars, rabbits, and other game.

We walked just shy of three hours, covering 7 miles (11km) at a 25-minute pace. As some in our group (me!) felt knackered, we hopped in the van for the final stretch to a thousand-year-old church.

Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Cellole

The Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Cellole is another church along the Via Francigena that pilgrims visited en route to Rome. It's now part of the Monastery of Bose, which was built around it. When we peeked into the church around noon, monks were praying and chanting, so we couldn't enter.

Visit San Gimignano (UNESCO)

The church and monastery are on the outskirts of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 35 miles (56km) southwest of Florence. The city was an essential pilgrimage stop and an easy day trip from Florence.

The ruling families who once oversaw San Gimignano built towers as signs of wealth and power. It's estimated there were once 72 such towers in the town, though only 14 remain standing today.

Before touring the town, we had a relaxing and well-deserved lunch at Ristorante Osteria Delle Catene, featuring local wine, bread, cheese, soup, and incredibly delicious white beans. For dessert, a cake smothered in lemon cream. And a cappuccino, because this is Italy.

It was also recommended we try the gelato in the main square. There are two popular options: Gelateria Dell'Olmo, which bills itself as the best gelato in the world above the door, and Gelateria Dondoli, owned by Sergio, a world-champion gelato maker.

The latter had a longer line, but our guide, Ottavia, recommended the former, so I went there. I can't recall what I ordered, but it was chocolate, and the other flavor was vanilla or mascarpone. It was delicious.

A sign of high-quality gelato is that it melts slowly, even in the sun or warm weather. This is good news for those of us who are trying to take photos with our phones before we make a mess!

Powered by coffee and gelato, it was time to climb the 177-foot (54m) Torre Grossa. The top offers spectacular views of the town and countryside. I highly recommend it!

Tip: If you're based in Florence, you can visit San Gimignano directly or as part of an extended day tour with additional stops in Tuscany. Check out Get Your Guide for options.

Dinner in Siena (UNESCO)

We left San Gimignano by van around 5 p.m. for a one-hour drive to Siena, another UNESCO World Heritage city. With less than two hours to spare between checking into our rooms at La Villa di STR and dinner, I showered and went for a walk on my own to see the impressive Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) and iconic Piazza del Campo (above).

The plaza hosts the Palio di Siena, an annual horse race where dirt is laid down, and jockeys ride bareback around the track for three laps. The competition lasts about 90 seconds. Such events date back to medieval times.

As much as I wanted to see Siena by day and spend more time there, I have to admit it's incredible by night, and I'm glad to have had at least a small taste of it. Along with Lucca, I'd love to go back one day.

Speaking of taste, we dined al fresco at Il Pomodorino, with views of the cathedral in the distance. An enormous amount of antipasto (mixed meats, cheeses, olives) and pizza was served. My mouth waters just looking at the photo of the white pizza above.

Day 6 - Walk San Quirico to Bagno Vignoni

San Quirico d'Orcia

Our final morning of the trip began with breakfast at the hotel and a one-hour drive south to the quaint little town of San Quirico d'Orcia. We walked down the main street and ducked into the pretty Community Gardens (Horti Leonini). On our way out, we ran straight into a parade from the opposite direction.

Walk through Val d'Orcia from San Quirico to Bagno Vignoni (UNESCO)

Val d'Orcia landscape, Via Francigena - Tuscany — Val d'Orcia landscape

Once the parade had passed, Roberta led us out of town to rejoin the Via Francigena. On our sixth and final day, we walked 6 miles (10km) through the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Per UNESCO:

The landscape of Val d'Orcia is part of the agricultural hinterland of Siena, redrawn and developed when it was integrated in the territory of the city-state in the 14th and 15th centuries to reflect an idealized model of good governance and to create an aesthetically pleasing picture.

The landscape's distinctive aesthetics, flat chalk plains out of which rise almost conical hills with fortified settlements on top, inspired many artists.

Once again, we were walking on relatively flat dirt roads.

Related: Walking the Camino de Santiago

We stopped in a picturesque hamlet for a picnic lunch on the steps of the small San Biagio church. A friendly cat quickly endeared himself to everyone as we gobbled down our last helpings of bread, cheese, prosciutto, and fruit from the tour.

Bagno Vignoni

Our walk concluded in Bagno Vignoni, known for its thermal pool in the central plaza. There wasn't much to see beyond the pool, which would be a sweet spot to grab lunch, so we mainly hung out in a gelato shop. I broke with tradition, ordering strawberries instead of chocolate.

Wine Tasting at Casato Prime Donne

Our last stop was a wine tour and tasting at Casato Prime Donne in Montalcino, a 30-minute drive north of Bagno Vignoni (about 50 minutes south of Siena). Casato Prime Donne was Italy's first all-female winery, and artwork by women featured inspiring quotes on the grounds. The land we were on has been in Donatella Cinelli Colombini's family for 500 years.

The tour began with our first tasting in the gift shop. Afterward, we left the main building to taste our second wine, next to the Tinaia "del Vento" or Windy Fermentation Room. Eight stainless steel vats under a shed-like roof face the vineyards from which the grapes are grown.

According to their website, this area was designed to "experiment with indigenous yeasts out in the open." Our third tasting was in the wine cellar, where we saw something I'd never seen before in a fermentation room-concrete vats. I learned concrete was used long before stainless steel to make wine.

As classical music plays, Roberto Turchi, a painter, is projected onto the vats and a screen. The history, music, and visuals made our visit to Casato Prime Donne one I won't soon forget. Our tour ended with a two-and-a-half-hour drive back to Montecatini Terme, where it all began.

Final Thoughts on the Via Francigena

As this article grew by the day, I debated breaking it into several smaller stories. I stuck with one to demonstrate how much there is to see, do, and eat if you go for a walking tour in Tuscany along the Via Francigena. My week was rich in landscapes, culture, history, food, wine, and new friends.

One thing I haven't mentioned yet is the trail markings. They were everywhere on the sections we walked. Tuscany has taken the lead in improving and promoting the Via Francigena in Italy, and it shows.

I have little experience hiking without a guide, especially on multi-day trips. However, based on what I saw, I would feel comfortable stretching my comfort zone and hiking solo using the official guidebook. More experienced hikers and trekkers would likely find it easy.

Another option is the self-guided trips offered by S-Cape Travel. The tour price includes logistical support, hotels, and a mobile app that provides your GPS location on the trail.

8 Places in Norway to Add to Your Itinerary for a Christmas Getaway

If you are planning a winter vacation, there is no better place to visit than Norway. While Norway is a Christian country and does have a lot of influence from other European countries, they have their own culture and did not celebrate Christmas till the 10th century. Even today, the people of Norway refer to Christmas as Juletid.

You can book train tickets from Bergen to Oslo and easily explore many places in Norway. To get a feel of the blend of old traditions and new, visit these eight places in Norway for the perfect Christmas experience.

Table of Contents

Destinations in Norway

Destinations in Norway

1. Alta

Christmas feels incomplete without the cold and the snow, so if you want to enjoy snow-capped landscapes and pretty views of the mountains, then Alta is the place to go. However, make sure to pack your warm clothes as the weather does tend to get pretty cold. Due to the cold, it's the perfect place to go ice skating and build snowmen.

2. Tromsø

Norway is most famous for the Northern Lights, a beautiful natural phenomenon that occurs in the country during the winter months. The best place to view the Northern Lights in Norway is in Tromsø, so if you are in Norway, please make sure you make some space in your itinerary to witness this natural wonder.

3. Finnmark

Every year during the Christmas season in the town of Finnmark there takes place a dog sledding festival called the Finnmarksløpet, which is also Europes longest dog sled race. It is entertaining to watch, and later you can even hire a dog to take you around on a sled, which is an enjoyable experience, especially for children!

4. Sorrisniva hotel

Sorrisniva is a hotel situated in Alta, Norway, where you get a one of a kind experience of staying in a hotel made entirely of ice, and we mean everything! From the walls to the beds and the furniture, every part of the hotel has been sculpted from blocks of ice. This is a seasonal hotel that only works in the winters and lasts until the first signs of spring in March.

5. Notodden

Located in Notodden is the largest stave Church in Norway, called the Heddal stave church. Every year in winter, on Christmas Eve, there is a mass that happens in the church in honor of Christmas, or as the people of Norway call it, Juletid.

The service is extremely beautiful, with rich decorations and lovely music from the choir, and even if you are not religious, you must make time to witness a Christmas service at any of the churches in Norway.

6. Røros

Roros is one of the oldest towns in Norway and also one of the most beautiful ones. The specialty of this town is that most of the houses are made of wood. During the Christmas season, especially, it's quite a sight to see the rustic wooden houses against the white of the snow.

Not only that, but most of the houses and buildings in town light up on honor of the festive season and there is a spirit of festivities and joy in the atmosphere that is quite unlike any other city in Norway.

7. Oslo

The capital of Norway, Oslo, is one of the best places to visit during the Christmas season because of the Christmas fair that takes place here and goes on for almost a month, starting from November.

The fair, known as Winter Wonderland, is a combination of a number of stalls, serving some of the most delicious food, selling unique handicrafts and there are even some games and activities conducted for the children. The highlight of the event is the giant ferris wheel, which lights up on Christmas and grabs all the attention of the visitors!

8. Lillehammer

Lillehammer is another town in Norway where you can have the best small town Christmas experience. They conduct a Christmas market like any other town, but unlike other cities, they hold many interesting events like cookie-baking workshops, gingerbread-making workshops, and Christmas card-making workshops.

Apart from these, there are around 120 other stalls selling food, drinks and other handicrafts that you can bring back home as souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family. Though people love visiting big cities, they can never match the charm of smaller older towns.

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you haven't made any plans yet, Norway is the perfect destination for your next vacation. All that's left to do is book your tickets and pack your bags, and get ready for your next big adventure with Norway winter tours!

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Rail.Ninja and Firebird Tours®

Florence, Italy: Highlights from a Return Trip 20 Years Later

Twenty years ago, I arrived in Florence by train with three of my best friends from college. We were 21-year-old, fresh-faced backpackers, a somewhat clueless but innocent group of American guys bumbling across the European continent.

About ten days into our two-month backpacking trip, it became apparent we had different priorities in Florence.

Dave in Florence, Italy (2018) — Dave in Florence, 2018

I loved Venice. A few didn't think much of it, leading us to head for Lake Como earlier than I would've liked. I wanted to explore every church and museum in Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Two of my friends were content to spend an afternoon reading and sleeping in our hotel room, while I used the time to visit the Palazzo Medici and Santa Maria Novella church.

Despite our high points being on the ground in Paris the night the French beat Brazil to win the World Cup on their home turf and partying in Amsterdam and Prague, our travel group was coming unglued.

A few guys missed their girlfriends at home, and another had money issues. These concerns were aired in Florence, and decisions were made. My three friends altered course to fly home early while I remained in Florence before going to Rome, Nice, England, and Ireland.

Continuing the trip was a no-brainer for me, even if it meant traveling alone. By deciding to travel solo, I experienced a newfound sense of independence and self-reliance.

After all, it was my friends' idea to spend the summer after college graduation backpacking in Europe, not mine. I was the friend who didn't want to miss out.

Friends at Duomo 1998 — My friends reading at the Duomo, 1998

Fast-forward five years, and I set a more glorious goal: to save for a trip around the world. Five years later, I'd met my savings goal, resigned from a customer service management job, and was busy living my dream.

Two decades after that decision to stay in Europe alone, I've traveled to nearly 70 countries (almost all solo) and turned my passion for travel into a career as a travel blogger.

This month marks the 11th anniversary of quitting my last job to pursue my passion for travel. When I joined the Adventure Travel Trade Association earlier this year and applied to attend the 2018 Adventure Travel World Summit in Tuscany, I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the organization, its members (primarily tour operators), and Tuscany, and as a chance to revisit Florence.

Table of Contents

Florence 2018
Where To Stay
Side Trips

Florence 2018

Arrival and Accommodations

Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence — Basilica of Santa Croce, which houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo

Stepping off the high-speed train from Milan, I arrived in Florence in chilly rain. The taxi queue was at least a hundred people long, and I didn't have the patience to figure out the buses.

Google Maps suggested it was a 20 to 30-minute walk to my hostel. I took off, hoping to flag a taxi once I got away from the train station, but there were practically no taxis in the streets.

Still tired from jet lag, now wet and increasingly grumpy, I took shelter in a random restaurant in an alley. Once seated, the tables offered a direct view of the Palazzo Vecchio, a block away.

I toured the palace in '98, though I remember it more for its iconic exterior than interior. I ordered overpriced lasagna, drank a hot cappuccino, and carried on the last little bit to my hostel.

When I checked into my dorm room at Riverbank's Hostel, which had four single beds and a queen-size bed with barely enough room to walk between them, I had flashbacks to when I was younger and didn't mind the random company of strangers.

At 42, I'm technically still welcome in most hostels but less willing to sacrifice privacy and a peaceful night's sleep to save money. Although I was still game to try it, it didn't last long.

In addition to three young guys already in my room, I was informed that two women were sharing the large bed, making for six people in what was supposed to be a five-person dorm.

Between having trouble falling asleep due to jet lag and then, once asleep, being woken up by two young women being loud in another room, and later by a guy in my room leaving at 4 am for an early flight, I gave up. I took a loss for the dorm and booked a small room near Sani Tourist House for my last two nights.

Over the next few days, I revisited some of Florence's most beautiful landmarks while quietly reflecting on my decision to stay in Europe 20 years ago and how that experience has impacted my life ever since.

I enjoyed a few things I couldn't afford as a backpacker, including a refreshing cocktail at Locale Firenze bar and dinners at La Leggenda dei Frati and the new Gucci Osteria.

Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

Florence's 13th-century cathedral, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Italian Renaissance.

In the humble opinion of this former art history student, the white, pink, and green marble exterior makes it the most beautiful church facade in the world.

It's also the fourth-largest cathedral in the world. Milan's cathedral, which I visited a few days earlier, is number three.

Travel Tip: Buy your Milan Duomo ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line upon arrival.

I was as enamored with its aesthetics in 2018 as when I first saw it in 1998. Back then, I went inside (which is still free today) and climbed the curved stairs around Brunelleschi's dome to the cupola at the top. Today, access to the dome requires a timed ticket.

The 278-foot-high Campanile (clock tower) by Giotto and the 11th-century Baptistry add grandeur to the cathedral complex.

Tourism-wise, there seemed to be more people around the cathedral in October 2018 than at the peak of summer, July 1998.

Once you get away from the historic center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the crowds are not so overwhelming.

Travel Tip: Get Your Guide offers a popular one-hour dome climb with an English-speaking guide and priority entrance.

Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria

The Palazzo Vecchio is a highlight of any visit to Florence. — Palazzo Vecchio

In addition to visiting Florence in shoulder seasons, like spring and fall, walking around at night is another good way to see the historical landmarks without the crush of tour groups. I was reminded of this while walking back to my room after dinner on my second night.

The Palazzo Vecchio ("old palace") was the former town hall of Florence. It overlooks Piazza Della Signoria, which features a copy of Michelangelo's famous David statue. The sculpture is based on the biblical hero David, who inspired my first name.

The original Michelangelo sculpture has been housed in the Accademia Gallery since 1873. The first time I was in Florence, I paid to see it. This time, I was happy to revisit the replica.

Travel Tips: Plan with a skip-the-line ticket for the Palazzo Vecchio and a timed entrance ticket to see the original David.

Santa Maria Novella

Far more diminutive than the Duomo, the 15th-century Santa Maria Novella has always stuck with me as another gorgeous church facade in Italy.

Given its proximity to the station, most travelers arriving or departing by train will pass by Santa Maria Novella. I clearly remember walking through the church's plaza with my friends when we first arrived in the city 20 years earlier.

If you see the Duomo first, the simple interior of Santa Maria Novella will seem plain by comparison. However, some incredible works of art make the $6 (€5) admission price worthwhile.

One of my favorite works from the Italian Renaissance is Masaccio's Holy Trinity, historically significant for his mastery of perspective. Aside from the Duomo, I was most excited to see this fresco again.

At the bottom, the inscription above the skeleton, representing Adam, states, "I was once what you are, and what I am you will become." This quote is an ancient reminder to live every day to the fullest, as we all share a common fate in death.

And then there's the beautiful pulpit, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi (the same guy who designed the Florence Cathedral's expansive dome).

Travel Tip: Go beyond the church's interior and stroll through the outdoor crypt and covered arcades of the adjacent cloister.

Ponte Vecchio

The 105-foot-long Ponte Vecchio ("old bridge") spans the Arno River at its narrowest point. A bridge has existed in this area in one form or another for over 1,000 years, though floods and wars have damaged various versions over the centuries.

The bridge is interesting because it's lined with shops, which were more common in the past. Originally lined with butchers, today, you'll find souvenir and jewelry shops instead.

Travel Tip: The bridge is narrow, so enjoying walking across it during the day can be challenging. Go at night to avoid the crowds. Musicians often perform on the bridge. When I walked across it one night, tourists danced in the street.

Uffizi Gallery

A stone's throw east of the Ponte Vecchio is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's largest and most important museums. The Uffizi Gallery is to Italy as the Louvre Museum is to France.

In 2016, two million people visited to see priceless works of art from the Italian Renaissance, including Botticelli's famous Birth of Venus. The museum was initially created when the Medici family, who long ruled over Florence, began to die out. Initial art was donated to the city from their private collections.

Travel Tip: Buy a timed-entry ticket to the Uffizi Gallery to avoid long lines, which can last for hours.

Medici Chapel

Speaking of the Medicis, this powerful Florentine banking family was critical to the artists working during the Italian Renaissance. They commissioned many vital works and even supported Galileo, the famous Italian astronomer. They also knew how to build themselves an incredible chapel.

The Medici Chapel was even more stunning than I remembered, especially when I looked at the painted dome. I didn't recall seeing the tombs 20 years ago, so I was happy to see them this time. Lorenzo's tomb (above) is another example of Michelangelo's work.

Where To Stay

Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy and, therefore, full of hostels, guest houses, B&Bs, and hotels. The closer you are to the historical center, the higher the cost.

Due to the city's popularity, book ahead for a chance to stay at the best-rated hostels. Below are a few recommendations from Hostelworld:

Hostel Gallo d'Oro - Modern hostel, a 20-minute walk east of the train station. High 9.2 rating through 3,000+ reviews; however, it's a good distance from the historic center-dorms from $28.
Leonardo House - Located in the middle of the historic center, between Santa Maria Novella and the Duomo, you pay for convenience when you stay here-dorms from $22.
Archi Rossi Hostel - A few blocks from the train station and boasting an 8.9 rating through 6,000 reviews, Archi Rossi is a perennial favorite-single private ensuite rooms from $45.

See all the hostels in Florence.

Side Trips

If you're extending your time in Tuscany, a day trip from Florence to Pisa is a classic choice. For a more relaxed experience, Daytrip offers private, door-to-door transfers with local drivers and optional sightseeing stops along the way. It's a great way to explore more of the region without the stress of public transport.

One Day in Milan: A Quick List of Things to Do

"One day in Milan is enough," my Italian Airbnb host shared as I peppered her with questions upon check-in.

I was excited to hit the ground running, having spent the last two days at airports and up in the air with Norwegian Air and another budget carrier.

It was a friend's wife who'd given Milan a positive plug when I mentioned I was heading back to Italy for the fourth time. She'd studied there when she was younger.

At a minimum, I knew Milan's cathedral was one of the largest in the world, and so with a personal recommendation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit, I gave myself a few nights in Italy's fashion capital before continuing to Florence, Tuscany, and Bologna.

Due to jetlag, I ended up needing two days to see what I mentioned in this article. However, I'm confident travelers already in the region can comfortably see everything in a single day.

The historic area is walkable; however, to get there, you'll likely want to take the metro train as most hostels and budget accommodation is outside the center.

If you plan to stay further away or explore the surrounding region, you may want to consider renting a car in Milan.

The "Duomo" station on the #1 red line is the easiest place to start your day.

Table of Contents

Attractions in Milan

Attractions in Milan

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Exterior View

The Milan Cathedral, or Duomo for short, is the symbol of the city.

Construction on Italy's largest cathedral began in 1386, and it wasn't completed until 1965, nearly 600 years later.

Isn't St. Peter's Basilica more enormous, you may be asking?

Yes, it is. However, it's located in Vatican City, which isn't technically part of Italy.

Overall, Milan Cathedral is the third-largest in Europe and the fourth largest in the world.

The view of the ornate facade from the Piazza del Duomo, the plaza in front of it, is simply stunning.

As incredible as it is to view the cathedral's exterior, the ability to walk around much of the roof is what sets Milan Cathedral apart.

Walking under the flying buttresses that hold up the building gives one a genuine appreciation for the engineering and ingenuity required to construct such structures long before the use of modern technology.

Milan Cathedral roof — Hanging out on the rooftop

Roof View

While seeing the cathedral's interior is entirely free, I highly recommend purchasing a ticket that includes roof access (referred to as "terraces").

As of 2018, ticket prices that include the roof are:

$14 (€12) - Stairs to the roof, plus Cathedral, Duomo Museum, San Gottardo Church, and Archaeological area
$18 (€16) - Elevator to the roof, plus Cathedral, Duomo Museum, San Gottardo Church, and Archaeological area
$28 (€25) - FAST TRACK: the fastest way to the roof via separate security line and elevator, plus Cathedral, Duomo Museum, San Gottardo Church, and Archaeological area

To save time, check out the Cathedral ticket options on Get Your Guide, some of which include guided tours.

Regardless of how you get there, once you reach the roof, you're in for an experience unlike any other as you wind your way around the perimeter.

You'll see sculptural work up close and get a sense of the level of detail the artisans and architects aimed for that's hard to appreciate from the ground. I tried to take it all in, but it was overwhelming.

My favorite moment was standing atop the nave near the front facade (pictured above).

I've visited a lot of cathedrals in Europe. I can't recall having as much space and freedom to move around atop any of them as I had at the Milan Cathedral.

Interior View

If you're like me, you'll head straight for the roof first and walk through the interior on your way down.

The cavernous space created by the 354-foot (108m) high nave is spectacular.

Walking around, feeling mighty small amidst such soaring arches, reminded me of my visit to St. Peter's Basilica 20 years earlier.

The grandeur of such holy spaces has a way of putting our size as individuals into perspective.

The beautifully preserved stained glass windows allow plenty of natural light to enter while adding much-needed color to the walls.

According to Wikipedia, Milan Cathedral has a 40,000 person capacity. Incredible!

Night View

Before we move on to my other recommendations for spending one day in Milan, I also want to suggest stopping by the cathedral at night.

There will be far fewer people, and you'll see the facade in a whole different light.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Once you've seen the cathedral, going for a quick walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest active shopping mall, is another popular thing to do.

You probably noticed the central arch when you arrived at the cathedral, as it faces the Piazza del Duomo.

"Only in Italy," I thought as I walked down the ornate 19th century, glass-covered arcade.

The mall is full of cafes, restaurants, and luxury shops like Louis Vuitton, as well as the mundane, including a TIM shop where you can buy a SIM card for your phone (passport required).

At the north end of the mall is a small park with a monument to Leonardo da Vinci, worth a quick look.

There's also the Leonardo3 Museum dedicated to the inventions of da Vinci. However, the reviews didn't look too good, so I skipped it.

Across the street from the park is the rather plain-looking Opera House.

View from a courtyard inside the Castello Sforzesco — View from a courtyard inside the Sforza Castle

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)

A 15-minute walk (5-minute metro train ride) northwest of the cathedral is the 14th century Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco), Milan's other major historical landmark.

Adult admission is just $5.60 (€6), with free access on the first Sunday and the first and third Tuesday after 2 pm every month.

Inside the massive walls and towers are lots of art galleries and collections.

Michelangelo sculpture — Pieta, an unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo

If you're running short on time or energy, head straight for the highlights, works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Leonardo's artwork is on display in the Sala delle Asse, Room VIII in the Museum of Antique Art.

You can also see a painting by a student of Leonardo da Vinci (which has da Vinci's signature on the back of the canvas, dated 1515).

The second highlight is Pieta, Michelangelo's last unfinished sculpture before his death (pictured above), depicting Jesus dying in Mary's arms.

It's a haunting work and one worth taking the time to enjoy. Several seats are available to admire the sculpture or rest your feet.

End the Day with Aperitivo

When you've wrapped up sightseeing, take an hour to unwind with the Italian tradition of aperitivo in Milan, a pre-dinner drink enjoyed with light finger food.

The popular custom started in Milan during the 1920s and has slowly spread south over the ensuing century.

Typically from 6 pm to 8 pm, aperitivo is similar to happy hours in the US, only instead of drink discounts, you're likely to pay regular price for a cocktail and receive complimentary food.

The food is either brought to your table or available at a buffet.

This is an excellent time to try one of several classic Italian cocktails:

Negroni - gin, vermouth, Campari, garnished with an orange peel
Negroni Sbagliato - sparkling white wine, vermouth, Campari, garnished with orange
Aperol Spritz - Prosecco, Aperol, soda water

All three of the above are made using bitters, either Campari (which is originally from Milan) or Aperol.

I chose Bar Brosso (via Plinio 39) for my first aperitivo experience as it's where the Negroni Sbagliato was invented when a bartender accidentally added sparkling wine instead of gin to the Negroni he was mixing up.

The bar has been serving drinks since 1947 and currently boasts a cocktail list of more than 500 drinks!

Taking a seat on the sidewalk, I ordered their signature cocktail, presented in a wide glass. The bitterness was a bit too much for me, and I didn't finish the drink.

Small plates of green olives, potato chips, and little pizzas squares were provided. The total cost was $11.50 (€10).

A few days later, I tried a regular Negroni in Florence and also didn't like it too much. The lighter, less bitter Aperol Spritz, on the other hand, I enjoyed.

I also highly recommend checking out Nottingham Forest bar for its experimental drinks if you have the energy.

The Last Supper in Santa Maria Delle Grazie church

Bet you didn't know one of the most famous frescoes of the Italian Renaissance, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci (1498), can be found in Milan. Yes, Milan!

Access to The Last Supper in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church is tightly restricted. Only 25 people are allowed in the room at a time, and for a maximum of 15 minutes. I didn't plan for it, so I missed the opportunity.

Since you can't just show up and expect to get in, booking a brief tour through a third party is your best bet.

Check out Get Your Guide's well-reviewed 30-minute Last Supper Guided tour.

Where to Stay

The historic area of Milan lies at the center, and the city radiates outward in all directions.

Most hostels and budget accommodation are at least a few metro stops away. If you only have one day in Milan, consider these options.

Queen Hostel: For the cost and proximity to the center, this is a good option. A 10-minute walk and two metro stops later will have you at the doorstep of the Duomo. I stayed at Queen Hostel my third night in the city. $29 dorms.

Ostello Bello: Centrally located and within walking distance of the Duomo and Castle, Ostello Bello is an appealing option with a superb 9.7 customer rating through 5,000 reviews. $46 dorms.

Norwegian Air 787 Premium Class (Austin to London)

Spoiler alert! I've been a HUGE fan of the Norwegian Air 787 experience since flying with them for the first time on an economy ticket from London Gatwick to Miami.

Booking an Austin to London flight two and a half weeks in advance, I paid $400 for the base fare, plus another $81 for a hot meal, seat reservation, and checked bag (the last of which I didn't need as I was traveling with a carry-on size backpack).

Red and white Norwegian Air 737 at Barcelona airport — Norwegian Air 737 at Barcelona airport

A one-way flight for $481 isn't ultra-cheap, but I was also paying for the chance to fly on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. As advertised, the latest airplane tech makes for a noticeably more comfortable ride, a difference I could feel after the nine-hour flight-more on those features below.

Table of Contents

Flying Norwegian
Packing for Long Flights

Flying Norwegian

The Cost of Norwegian Air 787 Premium Class

Norwegian Air 787 Premium seating cabin — Norwegian Air 787 Premium class seating on Austin to London Gatwick flight

When the opportunity arose to return to Europe for the first time in three years to attend the 2018 Adventure Travel World Summit, I looked to Norwegian Air first. I discovered they began a direct nine-hour flight from Austin, TX, to London Gatwick. Score!

While I didn't screenshot the October 2018 fares, I do recall the base economy fare being around $200 one way. Add another $80 for a hot meal and seat choice, and it totaled about $280. Incredible, I thought.

As I was fawning over the cheap cost of a trans-Atlantic flight, my eyes shifted to the right on the rate chart. For another $400, I could upgrade to Premium with all the added benefits and still pay less than $700, comparable to Economy seats on major airlines flying similar routes.

I was thoroughly happy with my Economy class experience in 2015. Still, only days after that flight, I learned I had a PE (pulmonary embolism) blood clot in my lungs, likely due to DVT (deep vein thrombosis) from flying.

Since that health scare, I've spent the extra money on flights for Premium Economy seating that offers more legroom to stretch my legs. I decided to go for it and booked a one-way Norwegian Air 787 Premium class ticket for $680.

Premium Class benefits include:

2x checked bags, plus up to a 10kg carry-on bag and personal item
Lounge access (not available in Austin, unfortunately)
Priority check-in line at the airport
Priority boarding (yay!)
Comfortable seat with up to four and a half feet of legroom, USB charger, and power outlet
Hot dinner and pre-landing snack, plus complimentary drinks throughout the flight

It was the last three bullet points above that mattered most to me, not to mention it was another chance to fly the Dreamliner, with all its built-in comforts.

Norwegian Air Premium seating — The spacious 787 offers easy-to-use overhead bins (Premium cabin)

Why the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is Awesome

Why do I love Boeing's 787 Dreamliner? Let me count the ways.

Lower carbon emissions

It's built from composite material, making it lighter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessors. It has 20-25% lower CO2 emissions. Choosing to fly modern planes like the Dreamliner reduces my carbon footprint.

Lower noise levels in the cabin

Back in 2015, I would fly with a pair of Beats wireless noise-canceling headphones. I loved the quieter flying experience they offered, and they were useful. However, I travel as lightly as possible, and they take up a lot of space in my daypack.

The Dreamliner is designed for a quieter in-cabin experience, so to test this claim, I didn't use my Beats headphones for the entire nine-hour flight. Sure enough, I didn't feel the need to take them out to watch movies or listen to music, as the jet engines were noticeably quieter than those of older planes.

Better cabin experience - air quality, space, and lighting

The biggest reason I'm a fan of the 787 Dreamliner is how I feel after a nine-hour flight. HUMAN! The Dreamliner is designed to provide a more comfortable in-cabin passenger experience regardless of where you sit on the plane. The cabin altitude is lower, the humidity is higher, the air you breathe is cleaner, the temperature is better controlled, and the sound system is more refined.

Combined, this is the most significant selling point for me. I felt noticeably better at the end of a nine-hour trans-Atlantic flight versus ragged and worn out, dry, flaky skin on my face, looking and feeling like a zombie. Beyond improved air quality, the Dreamliner is more spacious, too, with increased headroom above and legroom below.

The LED lighting system dims and brightens gently around takeoff, sleep time, and landing. It can put on quite the technicolor show at times. I love it. The windows are significantly larger than average and are easily dimmed with the touch of a button. Considering all this, I believe the economy seats are the best value currently available for trans-Atlantic flights.

Norwegian Air 787 Premium seat legroom — Plenty of legroom

My Norwegian Air 787 Premium Class Experience

Check-in and Lounges

The benefits of flying Premium begin at the airport. I had to check in at the counter for my international flight, and while the regular line wasn't that long, it was nice to have a dedicated agent and no line.

Once I checked in, I passed through TSA Pre-check and got a bite to eat while waiting for my flight. Premium ticket holders get lounge benefits, but only at select airports, which doesn't include Austin.

Priority Boarding

Austin has a great airport, though. It is modern, spacious, has plenty of natural light, offers free Wi-Fi, and has good restaurant options. The time passed quickly, and I benefited from priority boarding to be the first on the plane.

Legroom

The seat pitch in the Premium cabin is 43-46" (109-117cm), and in Economy, it is 31" (78cm). So you get an extra foot of space, which is more than enough for me at 5'8" to stretch my legs out fully.

Seats

The seating configuration in Premium is 2-3-2, whereas it's a more crowded 3-3-3 in Economy. The most significant difference with the Premium seats is that you have a leg rest to pop up.

Combined with the recline, you won't get to a lie-flat position as you look for in Business class on other carriers. However, it does provide added comfort over the Economy seat.

Another difference between the seats is the location of the in-flight entertainment systems. In the Premium cabin, the touchscreen HD TVs are pulled out of the armrest, while in Economy, they are on the back of the seat in front of you.

This makes sense, given the added space between seats in the Premium cabin. However, it also means you can't use the entertainment system during takeoff and landing as you can in Economy. This didn't bother me.

Lastly, every Premium seat has a dedicated USB and electric outlet; in Economy, there are two outlets for every three seats. I rarely, if ever, use electrical outlets on flights as I charge my phone by USB.

In-flight Entertainment

Speaking of in-flight entertainment, I've flown three nine-hour flights with Norwegian Air now, and so far, I've enjoyed using their TVs. I can watch three to four movies in this amount of time.

You can also access a real-time map to track your flight's progress and estimated arrival time. All passengers have access to the same entertainment system and media library.

Hot dinner after take-off — Hot dinner after takeoff

Drink Service

Before takeoff, we were offered water or juice, and the drink offers in the Premium cabin continued throughout the whole flight. I was super impressed with the frequency with which the cabin crew would walk down the aisles with trays of water.

I felt more attended to on this flight than on any other flight aside from my business class experiences with Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways. Staying hydrated is a huge help when it comes to feeling good after a long flight, and it's also the number one thing you can do to protect yourself from blood clots.

Meals

A Norwegian Air 787 Premium ticket (an $80 value) includes meals. After takeoff and the initial drink service, the food was served. I got the chicken with mashed potatoes, which came with a healthy side of cheese, quinoa salad, and bread.

This is the same meal served in Economy, so you're not getting anything fancier in the Premium cabin. And, frankly, the food is average. I've had hot meals on all my Norwegian Air flights, which is what you can expect. Following dinner, the cabin crew offered passengers complimentary alcoholic drinks, including Bailey's.

Snack service before landing at London Gatwick airport — Snack service before landing

Before landing at 7:15 AM in London, there was a second food service with cold pasta, ham, bread, and cheese. It was fine for nibbling on, but nothing special. I used my six-hour layover between London and a connecting flight to Milan to eat a proper breakfast at Gatwick Airport.

Bathroom

To stay hydrated and protect against blood clots, I drink water like a racehorse. This also means I get up to stretch my legs and use the bathrooms every one and a half to two hours. Sitting in the smaller Premium cabin means accessing the bathrooms frequently, which isn't an ordeal. I don't have to be on high alert to try to time my walk down the aisle.

The Dreamliner's bathrooms are modern and well-designed. I appreciate the tiny detail of the slight plastic protrusion on the bottom of the toilet seat. It makes pulling up and putting down the toilet seat ever so slightly less gross.

Disembarking

We arrived on time at London-Gatwick Airport at about 7:15 AM. It was a long, smooth ride over the Atlantic. Having extra space in the Premium cabin when getting luggage out of the overhead bins and everyone jostling to get off the plane first is a minor thing, but it is still worth mentioning.

Conclusion

As mentioned, I became an instant fan of Norwegian Air with my first Economy flight in 2015. The Economy experience on a Dreamliner is a step above Economy on any other plane. That said, I found the Premium experience worth the extra money in terms of added value, comfort, and service.

When it came time to fly home after my month in Europe, I booked the nine-hour Norwegian Air 787 from Barcelona to Newark, NJ. The cost of Premium class for that flight, reserving only a few weeks ahead, was even cheaper at $602.

Between my health concerns since 2015 and the fact that I only visit Europe on average once every two years, these recent flights have solidified my desire to continue flying Norwegian Air 787 Premium class.

Packing for Long Flights

Long flights can be tedious. Here are a few things I've found that can make the ride safe and a little more comfortable.

Apple AirPods Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

These are a game-changer for iPhone-carrying travelers. They're tiny, hold a long charge, and offer good sound quality. When the AirPods came out in 2017, they became my daily headphones at home and abroad. I also find they're OK on planes, especially quieter ones like the Dreamliner. Available on Amazon

Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones

If you still prefer the ultra-quiet experience of over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones, I recommend the Beats Studio3. I had a pair in matte black I wore from 2013-15. I quickly found they weren't just excellent for blocking jet engine noise; they were also wonderful to have in often-loud departure gates. Available on Amazon

Compression Socks

The longer your flight, the greater the risk of getting a potentially fatal DVT blood clot. Compression socks are constructed to constrict your lower legs and feet to help keep blood circulating. As they've grown in popularity, there are more playful colors and patterns. Available on Amazon

External charging device

I don't know what it is, but I'm perpetually afraid of losing a charge on my phone, even when I have plenty of built-in options with my airplane seat. Sometimes, it's easier to pack consistently, so you don't have to keep track of which planes offer outlets and USB ports. Available on Amazon

SUAVS shoes

I was recently gifted a pair of SUAVS shoes from a company based in Austin, TX. They're so lightweight and comfortable; you won't want to wear socks. I tested them on my nine-hour flight to London and didn't feel any need to take them off. This saved me from the usual hassle of taking my shoes on and off whenever I wanted to use the bathroom. Plus, they're easy to compress, so they won't take up much space in your bag. Available at suavshoes.com

7 Beaches in Corfu That Will Leave You Speechless

Your trip to Greece will be incomplete if you do not visit the mesmerizing beaches in Corfu.

Many Corfu beaches have received the Blue Flag status for maintaining cleanliness and providing fantastic facilities for tourists.

Below are seven beaches in Corfu that will leave you speechless.

Palaiokastritsa beach, one of many beautiful beaches in Corfu. — Palaiokastritsa beach

Table of Contents

Corfu Beaches

Corfu Beaches

1. Paleokastritsa Beach

The village of Paleokastritsa is 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) northwest of Corfu Town. It offers six clean and scenic beaches with pebbled sands and crystal clear waters.

The beautiful scenery of the olive groves surrounding the beaches will make you fall in love with the place.

Several boats are available that you can book to reach the nearby isolated beaches. Many restaurants, bars, and hotels near the beaches offer authentic Greek cuisine.

The fascinating beauty of Paleokastritsa beaches attracts innumerable tourists each year, so you should add this popular holiday beach to your Greece travel itinerary.

2. Agios Gordios Beach

Located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) southwest of Corfu Town, the Agios Gordios beach is one of the most popular beaches around the city.

Visitors enjoy spending their time in the Agios Gordios beach as it is surrounded by lush green mountains, olive tree forests, vineyards, and remarkable rocks.

The clear blue shallow waters are ideal for swimming and participating in water sports.

Make sure you carry your water sports accessories in the best travel bag. There are special travel bags that will help you organize, protect and carry your gear comfortably.

The Agios Gordios beach is perfect for adults and kids, making it an ideal summer destination in Greece.

Canal D'amour in Corfu, Greece — Canal D'amour (photo: Rok Rok)

3. Canal D'amour

Also known as the Channel of Love, the Canal D'amour is one of the most famous Corfu beaches.

It is located between Sidari and Peroulades villages and is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) away from Corfu Town.

This crowded yet romantic and amazing beach got its name from a traditional story, which states that all couples who swim on the beach will remain in love forever.

This is why Canal D'amour attracts innumerable visitors each day and can get a bit crowded in the peak tourist season.

4. Halikounas Beach

If you want to visit one of the more secluded beaches in Corfu, head straight to Halikounas Beach.

Beautiful gold sandy beaches and clear blue waters make Halikounas a favorite tourist spot. Visitors feel relaxed and rejuvenated after reaching here.

The beach is located on the southwest coast of Corfu and has several sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. It's one of the best beaches for a quiet getaway.

You can even learn to kitesurf by visiting the kite surfing club near the beach. It's also a perfect beach for those who enjoy strolling on clean sand.

5. Myrtiotissa Beach

Myrtiotissa is officially the only nudist beach on the island, but the nudists are respected, and single males searching for fun are not accepted.

It's located about nine miles (15 kilometers) from Corfu City in a small bay that offers privacy, surrounded by sand dunes and lush greenery.

The water is crystal clear, with few rocks in some areas, and the sand is soft and clean. A kiosk offers yummy sandwiches and drinks at a reasonable price.

It is the most crowded beach in Corfu, so if you're traveling during peak tourist season, go early in the morning or late in the evening to enjoy the beach's scenic beauty.

Moreover, that will make it easier to find a place to park as there isn't much space to park vehicles.

6. Rovinia Beach

Do you want to go to an unspoiled and untouched beach in Corfu?

A visit to Rovinia Beach will provide a remarkable, unique experience compared to the other beaches of Corfu.

With crystal water and a long sandy beach, it's one of the best things about the island-a beautiful place to enjoy a quiet early morning.

You'll have to make a boat trip to get there because Rovinia Beach is accessible only by small boat.

To reach there, you need to hire a boat from the fleet of taxi boats and then hike about 1,969 feet (600 meters), making a trip to this beach unsuitable for small children.

The turquoise sea, fine sand, and mesmerizing harbor along the shore make Rovinia worth a visit.

There are several species of colorful fish near the rocks, so you will undoubtedly enjoy scuba diving.

It is a secluded and small beach, so you won't find restaurants or shops. Ensure you carry the essential beach items and drinking water in your travel bag.

Related: Best Beaches in Bulgaria

Glyfada Beach in Corfu — Glyfada Beach (photo: Falco Ermert)

7. Glyfada Beach

The Glyfada beach is covered with magnificent golden sand, high hills, and olive trees, making it one of the most beautiful beaches on Corfu Island and, indeed, on all the Greek islands.

As the crystal-clear water does not deepen abruptly, this quiet beach is popular for families with small children.

Due to the clean shores and water, Glyfada Beach has been awarded Blue Flag status.

You can hire parasols and lounge chairs to relax on the soft sand or rent a boat or canoe to visit various secluded beaches nearby.

Tourists even engage in several water sports and enjoy playing beach volleyball. Several hotels, bars, and restaurants on the beach offer various cuisines.

In sum, add one or more of these fantastic beaches in Corfu to your Greek vacation and have an enjoyable and relaxing stay on beautiful Corfu Island.

Top 10 Things To Do in San Diego

For the first half of my life, growing up in the northeast United States, California seemed as far away as Thailand. Much of what I knew came from skate videos and TV.

In spring 2010, I visited my friend Stephanie in Los Angeles for a long weekend. At my request, we went celebrity-spotting and visited famous spots, including the Sunset Strip, Griffith Observatory, Beverly Hills, and Malibu.

It has taken me eight years, but I finally returned to California to explore San Diego, another city I've long been curious about. Once again, I could stay with a friend, saving money and benefiting from a local's knowledge of the city. To get around when he wasn't available, I used Uber.

Here are my top ten things to do in San Diego, plus a few hostel recommendations if you don't have someone to stay with.

Table of Contents

San Diego Attractions
Getting Around in San Diego
Where To Stay: Hostels

San Diego Attractions

USS Midway Museum

Visiting the USS Midway is one of the top 10 things to do in San Diego — F-14 Tomcat on the deck of the USS Midway

Anchored at Navy Pier in downtown San Diego, the immense USS Midway is a must-see attraction for first-time visitors of all ages. Built over 18 years without the aid of a computer, it was the United States' longest-operating aircraft carrier of the 20th century. It was in service from 1945 to 1992 and opened as a museum in 2004.

Adult tickets cost $21 online, and you'll want to allow at least a half-day (3-4 hours) to explore this floating city, including the airplanes on the flight deck, control tower, and cavernous world below deck.

Among the many events hosted at the USS Midway each year are Top Gun movie nights, where viewers can watch the classic movie on the flight deck. I'd love to go back and experience that one day.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Star of India as seen from a Russian B-39 submarine — The Star of India, as seen from a Russian B-39 submarine

A few blocks north of the USS Midway is the Maritime Museum of San Diego, a floating museum of nine ships and two submarines.

I've never been on a submarine, so it was with great curiosity that I bought a ticket ($18 for adults) and boarded the 300-foot Russian B-39 submarine, which once carried a nuclear warhead as close to the US as Cuba during the Cold War.

The experience of crawling through the four large portholes of the diesel-electric sub was worth the price of admission alone. Seeing the bunk beds just feet from torpedoes gives you a sense of the confined living space and how uncomfortable it must've been to spend weeks down there.

I also toured the USS Dolphin, an American research submarine, and the Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship (built in 1863).

Related: Visiting Pearl Harbor

Balboa Park (Japanese Gardens)

Visiting the Botanical Building in Balboa Park is one of the top things to do in San Diego. — The Botanical Building at the heart of Balboa Park

Balboa Park is to San Diego, as Central Park is to New York City. Home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, over a dozen museums, and many gardens, it'd be impossible to see it all in a single day or even several days. I began my visit to Balboa Park with a leisurely walk around the iconic Botanical Building.

I also visited the Timken Museum of Art (free) and the more extensive San Diego Museum of Art ($15) before stopping for a casual lunch at Panama 66, which has a nice view of the latter museum's sculpture garden.

After lunch, I continued west to see the exteriors of the Old Globe Theater, the San Diego Museum of Man, and the California Tower. Usually, I'd climb any tower for the view. However, I was getting the sense this could turn into a costly day if I didn't skip some attractions.

I walked through the Alcazar Garden and then headed south to the Japanese Friendship Garden, which I had been looking forward to experiencing ($12 adults). It was an even more peaceful park within the larger Balboa Park, full of bonsai trees, koi ponds, and waterfalls.

There's much I didn't get to see, including the zoo and the San Diego Air and Space Museum. Next time!

Hotel de Coronado

The beautiful beachfront Hotel del Coronado is a National Historic Landmark and is reportedly haunted. Opened in 1888, it has hosted multiple U.S. presidents, celebrities, and foreign royalty.

Just because it's beyond the backpackers' budget doesn't mean you can't walk around the grounds, including the central courtyard, and grab an ice cream, beer, or bite to eat. The hotel also offers direct access to Coronado Beach, where you can go for a walk.

La Jolla Cove (Sea Lions)

Seeing sea Lions in La Jolla is one of the most popular things to do in San Diego. — Sea Lions in La Jolla

Swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos is a wildlife highlight from my years of travel, so I didn't want to miss the opportunity to see these marine mammals in La Jolla Cove.

I wasn't alone. Onlookers got close to them on the beach and along the sandstone cliffs. The constant attention probably stresses them out, so I gave them plenty of space.

San Diego whale watching tours offer another opportunity to spot sea lions, as well as gray, blue, minke, and fin whales.

View from Mister A's rooftop bar — An American Airlines plane comes in for a landing

Happy Hour at Mister A's

My friend Christine Amorose, a San Diego local, recommended drinking at Mister A's for the rooftop views. I expected a nice view of the skyline. However, I was also surprised to find you have a perfect view of planes approaching and landing at the airport!

The outdoor patio is well worth a visit. I dropped by mid-afternoon, which meant it wasn't crowded, but the sun was intense. Be sure to check the dress code on their website before you go.

Dinner in Little Italy

Located downtown, the historic neighborhood of Little Italy is at the epicenter of San Diego's dining scene. Restaurants like Born & Raised and Kettner Exchange attract both locals and visitors.

If you can't find a restaurant that appeals to you, go for a coffee and people-watching or ice cream at Salt & Straw, the famous Portland ice cream shop.

Drinks in Gaslamp Quarter

Once you've got your delicious food in Little Italy, it's a short walk to the Gaslamp Quarter, where bars and nightclubs draw everyone in for a drink (or three).

I only had one Saturday night in San Diego, and my friend made sure we took advantage of it by taking me to the Gaslamp Quarter for drinks, first at a rooftop bar and then across the street at Prohibition, a 1920s-style speakeasy.

Read more: Best Speakeasies in San Diego

Beaches: Pacific Beach Pier, Mission Bay

Beach culture is a big part of what makes San Diego an attractive place to visit and live. There are plenty to choose from, and while I didn't go swimming (or surfing) during my stay, I did enjoy a walk down the Pacific Beach Pier and boardwalk late one afternoon.

There's also the nearby 4,600-acre Mission Bay for watersports fans, where you can learn or practice your stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, and more. Mission Bay is also home to SeaWorld San Diego.

Related: Hiking California's Lost Trail

Explore Point Loma

Point Loma, San Diego (photo: Kip Evans)

The Point Loma peninsula is further south along the coast from Pacific Beach and Mission Bay. Home to lighthouses, tidal pools, and scenic sunset views, it's most easily accessible via car, though public buses can also get you there.

For Top Gun fans, the new Point Loma Lighthouse at the southern tip of the peninsula is where the scene with Maverick visiting Viper after Goose dies was shot. The nearby cottages house members of the Coast Guard, so you'll have to view the whole complex from afar.

Getting Around in San Diego

Driving is one of the easiest ways to explore San Diego, but it comes with the usual big-city challenges: traffic, tight parking, and the occasional fender bender.

Public transit, rideshares, and walking are great options in specific neighborhoods, but if you're behind the wheel, it helps to be prepared. In the event of an accident, having a reliable car accident lawyer you can call on will give you peace of mind while traveling.

Where To Stay: Hostels

San Diego is a sprawling city. While I stayed in the north with a friend, if I were traveling solo, I'd have chosen a hostel near the beach or downtown. Below are my picks from Hostelworld.

USA Hostels Ocean Beach: 2 blocks from the beach, free shuttle downtown, and a 9.6 customer rating through 2,000+ reviews. $31 dorms.
USA Hostels San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter. This is a good option if you want to walk to the city's best bars and clubs. 9.2 customer rating with 2,700+ reviews. $29 dorms
HI San Diego Point Loma: Further inland than USA Hostels Ocean Beach, but still walking distance to the water. 9.5 customer rating with 950 reviews. $25 dorms.

Are you planning to turn your visit to San Diego into a permanent stay? A smooth transition is essential. Look no further than the best movers in San Diego, your reliable partner in embracing the vibrant California lifestyle. With their professional help, you can focus on exploring your new city instead of the hassles of moving.

Are you ready to embark on your San Diego adventure as a visitor or resident? Embrace it, and let your new Southern California story unfold.

Top 5 Beaches of Bulgaria You Must Visit

The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast offers more than 236 miles (380 kilometers) of superb, sandy beaches, which attract millions of tourists. Some of the best beaches in Europe are in Bulgaria.

The popularity of Bulgarian beaches has grown considerably; travelers love visiting them year after year.

Several popular resorts are along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, as well as water parks, amusement parks, fantastic beach bars, and loads of opportunities for fun activities like water skiing-all at affordable prices. Perfect for a relaxing summer vacation!

Some of the resorts offer apartments and villas for sale, while others have hotels that can be booked according to your requirements. However, a common thing that all these resorts have is blue waters and golden sands.

Travelers usually book a room in the resort to spend time with their loved ones on clean, well-maintained, and secluded beaches.

Some of the beaches are appropriate for families, while others are perfect for couples. Depending on what ambiance you require, you can select the beaches and add them to your itinerary.

Below are the top five Bulgarian beaches you must visit; review them before planning your trip.

Table of Contents

Bulgaria Beaches

Bulgaria Beaches

1. Sunny Beach

Located near Burgas, Sunny Beach has a six-mile-long tourist strip. It is the largest and most esteemed beach resort in Bulgaria. Innumerable bars and restaurants happily serve their clients until the early hours of the morning.

Tourists visiting Sunny Beach often try various water sports, including sailing, surfing, yachts, scooters, paddle boats, water skis, parachutes, and beach volleyball. Moreover, several events are held regularly for visitors. From May to October, the beach is jam-packed with tourists.

https://youtu.be/LG7Wb_le4F0

2. Golden Sands Beach

The beaches at Golden Sands are clean and free of pollution, which is why they have earned a Blue Flag status.

The resort is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Varna and an international airport on the north coast. It is famous for having the purest sand on the Black Sea Coast.

It is a magnificent area where you can book budget hotels, as well as luxurious ones. There is a hotel for every type of traveler.

Popular with young people and known for being one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria, the central beach can be a bit crowded in high season.

The resort is built on 4,448 acres (1,800 hectares) of land and provides all the desired amenities and facilities.

Once you're here, remember to inquire about various boat cruises and water sports that will make your holiday memorable.

3. Rusalka Beach

Rusalka is a seaside resort located about 56 miles (90 kilometers) northeast of Varna. Travelers prefer staying in Rusalka because of its picturesque caves and small, beautiful, walkable beaches.

The Rusalka beaches are comparatively cleaner than other larger Bulgarian beaches. They are covered with fine sand, small pebbles, and clear water.

The resort consists of about 600 luxurious one-story villas with amenities such as a tennis court, volleyball court, yachting, horse riding, and scuba diving.

4. Golden Fish Beach

The Golden Fish Beach is about 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) north of Sozopol. Compared to other beaches, this one is calm and serene. The beach charges a small fee for entrance, camping, parking, and renting tents.

Travelers usually visit the beach for surfing, as a surf school nearby offers windsurfing equipment for rent.

There aren't many restaurants or snack bars near the beach. The beach is desolate most of the time, so if you want to visit a private beach, then you should head straight here. It's an apt beach for adventurous youngsters, couples, and honeymooners.

5. Saxa Beach

Saxa Beach is one of many Bulgaria beaches. — Hanging out on Saxa Beach

Saxa Beach is one of the most extensive beaches in Bulgaria, covering more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) in Burgas city.

Several restaurants and nightclubs in Saxa Beach are packed as visitors book them for celebrations, such as bachelor parties, graduation balls, private parties, etc.

Most of the restaurants serve multiple cuisines, including Mediterranean, European, and International.

During the day, tourists enjoy lying on the sunbeds and parasols, which can be rented for a small fee. In the late evenings, the beach is heaving with locals and tourists who come there to drink cocktails, enjoy the ambiance, and hear good music.

If you want to enjoy these beaches to the fullest, you should try the many water sports.

The stretch of coast between Varna and Burgas has several ideal snorkeling spots, where you can find lots of marine wildlife, including turbot, seahorses, sole, and grey mullet. Ensure that you carry your snorkeling gear with you.

Breathing underwater with a snorkel is a tough task, so buying a full-face snorkel mask is a better choice. It will let you breathe underwater as easily and naturally as you do on land.

However, many low-cost duplicate masks are available in the markets, which are dangerous as they are made of poor quality. So, it is necessary to read the full-face snorkel mask reviews and select the best one.

Now that you've read about the top five Bulgarian beaches, pack your bags and have a fantastic time!

Bulgaria is one of the best places for nature lovers and summer holidaymakers alike. It has clean waters, unblemished dunes, soft sand, warm water for swimming, and a rich history, complete with a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Come to soak up the history of an old town or simply to sunbathe with a good book-either way, Bulgaria's major resorts and top beaches are great places to spend the summer months.

Meet Adam Cheshier: Go Backpacking's First Community Manager

Adam Cheshier in Zakynthos, Greece — Zakynthos, Greece

Meet Adam Cheshier, Go Backpacking's first Community Manager!

Adam is taking the lead on all things social media, starting with Pinterest and Facebook.

In the coming weeks, he'll also be firing up our new accounts on Instagram and Twitter.

Our goal is to kick things up a notch and start sharing stories from the road more frequently, and with fresh perspectives, travelers are looking for inspiration and asking for advice.

Adam is 24 years old and has been living around parts of Europe and Africa for the past three years.

He likes to tell his best stories from the road on his blog, Wanderwayer.com.

He was born and raised an American, but following his decision to study abroad in his third year of university, he's decided more time abroad is in order.

What better way to get to know Adam than to ask him some questions about his experiences traveling.

Go Backpacking: When did you start traveling?

Adam: From a young age, my family would travel around the United States at least once a year. It wasn't until I got to college, though, that my love for solo travel arrived.

I was 20 years old the first time I went on a trip by myself. I'd always dreamed of a Californian summer, but growing up in the Midwest, I was about the furthest thing from it.

Then, one summer, I decided I had to do it. I rigged a bed (somehow) in the passenger seat of my 1998 Nissan Altima and took off for a summer on the road.

From the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, all along the west coast, plus some side trips, in addition.

I slept in my car every night and ate cold canned soup almost every meal just so that I could afford to stay on the road longer.

I lost twenty-five pounds that summer which was probably not the healthiest thing for me.

I loved it so much; I decided to do the same thing the next summer, except this time I had my passport and kept going through British Columbia and Alberta.

In total, I racked up about 20,000 miles on the road during those two trips.

Adam Cheshier , Go Backpacking's Community Manager

Go Backpacking: What is your favorite place you've ever been?

Adam: I've been to a lot of cities that I was surprised by.

Paris, New York, Berlin - big cities like these I thought I'd have no interest in but ended up liking all three a lot.

Budapest and Tbilisi, the capital of the country of Georgia, are two of my all-time favorites. The Faroe Islands was such a fun trip.

Even the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. always seems to pull out a sense of adventure in me.

I also hold my summer in Sub-Sahara Africa with my 76-year-old grandfather, very dear to me.

However, there's one place that will always be #1 in my heart. A small (I mean really small) island country in the middle of the Mediterranean; Malta.

It was the place I studied abroad, and I loved it so much, I stayed for two more years.

I made incredible friendships and memories which I will never forget. I suggest everyone travels to Malta at least once!

Go Backpacking: What's your favorite travel story to tell people?

Adam: Well, it's not my favorite story to tell, but I've certainly told it the most. It was actually the most difficult day in my life.

Long story short, I'm now banned from 26 countries. I regret the stupid decision that led to those consequences, but I must deal with it now. You can read more about that story later.

Go Backpacking: When did you start writing/blogging?

Adam: I've had a passion for writing for years. It started with baseball writing. Once I started traveling, though, I couldn't stop writing about it.

About three years ago, with the help of Travel Blog Success, I began Wanderway and have yet to stop writing.

Now, I've moved on to the next phase of my career as a writer. My debut travel novel, Summer of '92, will be published at the end of the year, and I can hardly wait to share it.

I put together a few things so anyone who is interested in learning more about it can get in the mood for its release.

Go Backpacking: Where to next?

Adam: I could never give a straightforward answer to that question. It's much more complicated than a single answer.

Right now, I'm in the Charlotte International Airport, about ready to head to Croatia.

I'd like to spend some time traveling the coast of Croatia and, after, I hope to see parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina that I've always had my eye on.

However, take that answer with a grain of salt because my plans change so often.

At some point, before too long, I want to make it to South America. That'd be taking on a whole new continent, for me.

Go Backpacking: Check-in or Carry-on?

Adam: Carry-on all the way. There's no other way to do it.

Go Backpacking: Hostel or AirBnB?

Adam: Hostels will always be my favorite part of this kind of lifestyle. There are too many good stories waiting to be told in hostels.

Go Backpacking: Favorite travel writer? Favorite book?

Adam: No contest, it's Jack Kerouac. He will always be my idol. On the Road is my Bible (like so many others would say).

You can reach Adam by commenting on Go Backpacking's social media feeds.

Why Low Season is High Time for a Visit to Bali

Ask 10 people to name an example of a tropical island paradise, and chances are, at least half of them would suggest a visit to Bali in Indonesia.

It has a warm climate, with plenty of beaches, amazing landscapes, and some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet.

Temple in Ubud, Bali — Temple in Ubud (photo: David Lee)

This very reputation causes many to shy away from going.

They think it is a tropical paradise for people who can afford a tropical paradise, not for us regular folks.

Surely it will be too expensive, crowded, and touristy.

To a certain extent, they have a point. In peak seasons, prices go through the roof, and the roads around Denpasar and Seminyak are as congested all day long as Los Angeles or Mumbai in rush hour.

That's why a visit to Bali is all about timing.

Head there between June and September, and you'll get scorching temperatures, but you will pay for it with the bigger crowds and higher prices.

But, from November to March, the island returns to being a tropical paradise. Here are some of the highlights of a low-season visit to Bali.

Enjoy the genuine experience

What could be worse than jostling with other tourists to try and get a photo of a rice paddy or a temple?

The whole experience feels artificial, but that's what you'll be faced within the high season.

There are tourists in Bali all year round, but later in the year, things are far calmer.

You'll be able to see the sights for what they are and capture some great photos in peace - ideal for creating a stunning canvas to remember your holiday long after you have returned home!

Fabulous accommodation at reasonable prices

Bali has a wealth of luxurious villas around its coastline, from those in the main tourist areas near Seminyak to more remote getaways along the north coast between Bubunan and Singaraja, the former capital.

In peak season, these are rented out for eye-watering sums, but you would be surprised at the deals you can strike in the low season.

This is particularly the case when you negotiate with private owners via platforms like Airbnb.

If you are searching for something more modest, there are plenty of homesteads in the Ubud area that will rent out a private annex.

These can best be compared with the western concept of "granny flats" as in Balinese culture, it is typical for all generations of the same family to live together, but under their own roofs.

As such, there are often additional annexes available for guests to rent, and in the low season, these can be as little as $200 per month.

Check out the durian

Durian must be the world's most controversial fruit.

People seem to be in one of two camps, in that they think it is either the most delicious foodstuff on the planet, or they despise it.

Make up your own mind, as you'll see them being sold at the roadside wherever you go in Bali during the low season.

And at only around a dollar for a durian that will feed at least two people, it's worth a try!

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This story was published in partnership with Hello Canvas.

5 Best Things To Do In Eilat

Things to do in Eilat, Israel — Eilat, Israel (photo: Xiquinho Silva)

One of the best Israeli cities to visit is Eilat, located at the southernmost tip of Israel on the shore of the Red Sea.

This beach town is famous for many things: water-sports, duty-free shopping, and the glorious sun. Here are some fun things to do in Eilat during your stay.

Table of Contents

The Ice Mall
The Red Canyon
Dolphin Reef
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
The Beach

The Ice Mall

This circular mall will keep you busy for hours. The duty-free shopping and the food options alone are enough of an attraction, but this mall also boasts an ice-skating rink in the center, which will give you a good respite from the heat of the day.

You can also enjoy the arcade and the virtual reality attractions that this mall has on offer.

The Red Canyon

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and take a hike in the most beautiful canyon in Israel.

Observe the unique flora and fauna of Israel’s South and don’t forget to take lots of pictures.

The Red Canyon hike has many shaded spots, but make sure you bring a hat and more water than you think you’ll need.

Kite surfer in Eilat (photo: Stanislav Vitebskiy)

Dolphin Reef

At Eilat’s Dolphin Reef, you can watch the dolphins frolic in the sea and sit on the deck and feel them move under your feet. You can also jump into the pool and swim right alongside them.

There is also a bar for relaxing and enjoying your favorite cocktail while the children play.

Underwater Observatory Marine Park

The classic Eilat activity, this site is not be missed. Here, you will see the shark movie that feels like real life up on the big screen and go for a ride on the glass-bottomed boat to see the sea life in its natural habitat.

You will also go down several meters into the sea via a glass-encased observatory and watch the fish, and other sea animals swim around.

The Beach

Of course, the best thing to do in Eilat is to simply soak up the sun after a full day of touring.

The coral beach is the place to snorkel, swim, suntan, or just read a book in the shade. You can rent a pontoon boat or a banana boat for some sea fun.

Whatever you choose to do, use car rental Israel service so you can get to see everything worthwhile in Eilat.

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This story is brought to you in partnership with Shlomo Group.

Traveling on a Shoestring Budget

Getting the urge to travel happens to all of us at some point or another but, in reality, it’s not as easy as packing a backpack and heading off on an adventure – at least, not for most of us.

While the investment is worth it, there’s no denying that travel costs a lot of money, particularly if you’re dreaming of far-flung places and exotic locations. But there’s good news.

There are ways to travel on a budget and not have it drain your bank account entirely. Saving money doesn’t have to mean a bad holiday experience. It’s all about how and when you travel that makes the difference.

By planning and making use of a few cost-saving travel hacks, you can travel the world on a modest budget and still have a fantastic time abroad.

Whether it’s shopping around for the lowest rates for your accommodation, finding a great deal on a package holiday, carefully planning when you travel for the cheapest airfare and cutting your food costs by eating at local hangouts instead of pricey restaurants – you can travel for cheaper than you may think.

And your trips don’t have to be packed with pricey excursions either. Some of the best activities you can take part in when visiting other countries are free, such as cathedrals and museums or walking tours.

Why not speak to the locals and ask about the best things to do in the area?

Some countries offer free entry to attractions on certain days of the month, such as Sundays, which can help you to stick to your budget.

Cutting costs can even be as easy as skipping the taxi and walking to the nearby attractions for a free way of getting around that also enables you to see more of your surroundings.

While staying in fancy hotels and eating at Michelin-starred restaurants is great, it limits the amount of travel you can enjoy.

Foregoing some of the everyday travel luxuries in favor of more travel time can result in surprising and enriching experiences. Traveling cheaply is all about being more creative with your trip and seeking out the more unique attractions or culinary options to save some extra pennies.

If you’re not tied to an expensive itinerary, you have more time to be open to spontaneous experiences, and these are ultimately what makes travel so exciting.

Here are some ways you can travel on a shoestring budget and enjoy other destinations for less.

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This infographic was brought to you in partnership with Kayak.

Summer in Austin: Staying Cool with Columbia Sportswear

Thank you, Columbia, for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Columbia, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Staying cool in Austin with Columbia sportswear on a walk around Ladybird Lake — Mid-day walks around Ladybird Lake

Since moving to downtown Austin, Texas, one of my greatest pleasures in 2016 is my walks around Ladybird Lake.

The hike and bike trail encircling the lake (technically a tributary of the Colorado River) is well-used by locals looking to get outdoors and exercise (or send their dogs jumping into the water to play fetch).

That summer in Austin starts early and ends late is an understatement.

Austin feels like it has little room for Spring or Fall, jumping straight to daily temps of 90+ degrees as early as May and lasting through September.

Heatwaves lasting a week or more with 100+ degree temps are typical.

August is peak heat in the Texas capital, so I welcomed it when Columbia offered me the opportunity to try some of their clothes to help me stay cool on the trail.

Table of Contents

Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear

Performance Shirts

Columbia's website is easy to navigate, which allowed me to quickly hone in on what I was looking for -- short sleeve athletic shirts that would keep me as cool as possible while offering protection from the intense Texas sun.

There were plenty of positive customer reviews for each item I ordered, giving me greater confidence that I made good choices.

My first pick was the Men's PFG Zero™ Rules Short Sleeve Shirt in vivid blue ($40, pictured above). Soft, lightweight, and with some stretch to it, I barely felt like I was wearing a shirt at all.

This shirt features Omni-Freeze™ ZERO, with little circles stitched into the fabric that works to wick moisture (i.e., sweat) away from your body.

That it's designed for fishing wasn't something that registered until I received it and saw "PFG (Performance Fishing Gear)" on the back.

Thistletown Park™ Crew (color: red spark) — Thistletown Park™ Crew and Silver Ridge Stretch™ Shorts

I also tried the Thistletown Park™ Crew ($19.99, pictured above) in a more bold color -- red spark heather.

Unlike the PFG Zero™ Rules shirt, which is 100% polyester, the Thistletown crew is 67% polyester and 33% cotton.

It feels heavier, although not by much, and still features moisture-wicking and sun protection.

Both shirts feel plenty comfortable in the 90-degree heat.

One mistake I made in ordering was choosing large. I'm 5'8" and 175lbs, and both shirts were too big on me. Medium would fit me better.

Lightweight Hiking Shorts

Thankfully I got the correct size for the shorts I picked, the Silver Ridge Stretch™ Short ($50, black, 34" waist, 8" inseam).

Working from home, I don't always want to wear regular street clothes if I'm not planning to leave my apartment, so I wore these at home for a few days before taking them outdoors.

They're incredibly lightweight and comfortable.

On the trail around Ladybird Lake, in peak Austin heat, they were just as enjoyable.

They look great, and the fit is perfect. The shorts have some stretch to them, allowing freedom of movement.

There are two front pockets and two rear pockets, with a fifth on the left leg that has a zipper closure.

This is a feature I'd use if I were hiking or climbing and wanted to make sure my wallet or keys didn't slip out.

Plus, they've got a water-repellant tech (which I have yet to test in a rainstorm) and UPF 50 sun protection.

Columbia's Titan Peak™ Ball Cap — Columbia's Titan Peak™Ball Cap

Hat and Socks

To round out my order, I picked up a Titan Peak™ Ball Cap ($24.90, size large, color: carbon) and a 3-pack of no-show white socks ($10.99).

For the last few years, I've worn traditional baseball caps on my walks, and they inevitably get sweat stains pretty quickly, leading to discoloring and generally making the hats look rather ugly in a short time.

The heavier material they're made of also makes me feel hotter when my goal is the opposite.

What attracted me to the Titan Peak hat, precisely, was the stain block technology that is supposed to diffuse sweat through the underside of the visor, thereby preventing stains on top.

I haven't used the hat long enough to say for sure whether this works as it should. However, we still have a few more months of summer in Austin, so I'll find out soon enough.

One minor design change I'd like to see is a change to the glossy "T" logo on the hat, as it doesn't hold any significance to me or anyone who'd see me in the hat.

If anything, I'd rather have a small, simple "Columbia" logo in the same color fabric as the rest of the hat. But that's a minor thing.

Summary

I've adopted the PFG Zero™ Rules Shirt, Silver Ridge Stretch™ Shorts, and Titan Peak™ as my new walking outfit as they're noticeably more comfortable than what I'd been using before.

Plus, they'd work just as well for kayaking on the lake.

As they're all lightweight and easily packable, I wouldn't hesitate to take any or all three items on my next trip abroad either.

Like what you see? It's easy to save with Columbia as they offer free shipping all the time.

Sign up with the Columbia Greater Rewards loyalty program to earn points for every purchase, receive free shipping on every order, and benefit from member-only offers.

And don't forget to check out what's on sale now! And, receive even deeper discounts on select Columbia styles here with code: COLBACK2SCHOOL through 8/28/2018.

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*This article includes affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, which allows us to continue providing helpful travel stories.

5 Things to Know Before Visiting Cornwall

Bedruthen Steps in Cornwall (photo: Ed Webster)

Cornwall has been a popular holiday destination for people across the UK for generations. From families looking for a seaside holiday with the kids, to couples after a romantic retreat, Cornwall has plenty to offer for every type of trip.

The fantastic beaches on both the north and south coasts, picturesque towns and villages, and stunning inland scenery have made Cornwall a firm favorite when it comes to summer holiday destinations.

While Cornwall has a vast range of things to do and places to see, there are also a few things that most people don’t know. We’ve teamed up with Stay in Cornwall, a leading provider of holiday cottages throughout Cornwall, to bring you some of the top things you should know before visiting Cornwall.

Table of Contents

Summer Traffic
Explore Lesser-Known Beaches
Visiting St Michael's Mount? Check the Tide Times!
Bring Your Wet Weather Gear
Pasties are Delicious

Summer Traffic

Summer, particularly the school holidays, is Cornwall’s busiest time regarding visitor numbers, so it’s not a surprise that traffic is bound to increase.

Like Devon, this county has many small, narrow lanes, not built to deal with the influx of people and cars.

When visiting smaller towns and villages in the county, make sure to leave extra time to accommodate for the potential traffic levels.

Explore Lesser-Known Beaches

One of the main reasons people come to Cornwall are the amazing beaches that line the north and south coasts.

Cornwall benefits from some of the best beaches in the southwest, but during the summer months, they can become tourist traps.

If you don’t mind the extra people, then, of course, these beaches are perfectly fine, but for those looking for a quieter break, there are plenty of beaches throughout the county, lesser-known but just as beautiful.

Visiting St Michael's Mount? Check the Tide Times!

While you can visit the famous St Michael’s Mount via a boat departing from Marazion, the best and most authentic way is via the causeway.

Only accessible at low tide, the ancient cobbled causeway stretches from Marazion beach to the island and allows you to get the best views of St Michael’s Mount from sea level.

Bring Your Wet Weather Gear

As we know, the UK is not renowned for having long, hot summers, and while the recent weather has been very warm, at some point, there is a strong chance we will have a downpour of rain. If there is anywhere in the country where this is most likely to happen, it’s Cornwall.

Being right on the Atlantic, Cornwall gets the brunt of incoming weather systems, meaning that it can very suddenly change. So, wherever you’re going in Cornwall, at whatever time, make sure you’re prepared for any sudden weather changes.

Pasties are Delicious

If you’ve never tried a pasty before then you are seriously missing out. The pasty is a savory pastry food that originates from Cornwall and is one of the things the county has become famous for.

In the same way that pasta tastes better in Italy, pasties taste better in Cornwall, and whether you’ve tried one before or not, no trip to this county is complete without having a pasty.

Cornwall is a magical destination and well worth a visit. Whether on a family holiday or a romantic trip with your partner, Cornwall has so much to see and do. It is a beautiful county full of wonderful beaches and stunning scenery, all waiting to be explored.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Stay in Cornwall.

The UK's Best National Parks for Hiking

The UK is one of the best countries in Europe for hiking. Thousands of walking routes can be found across the country in many beautiful spots.

National Parks such as the Peak District, Exmoor, and Snowdonia offer incredible hiking routes and give lovers of the outdoors some of the best places to enjoy a walk in the countryside.

If you're looking at enjoying the best natural beauty the UK has so offer, exploring some of these areas is a must.

So, where are the best places for hiking in the UK? Well, we've teamed up with Peak Cottages, a travel company providing stunning cottages throughout the Peak District, one of the regions we've picked, so look at some of the best destinations in the UK for hiking.

Snowdonia National Park

One of, if not the most well-known region in Wales, Snowdonia National Park has been a firm favorite for walkers and adventurers for generations.

Overlooked by the impressive Mount Snowdon, this National Park has plenty of things to do, especially for walkers.

The many routes throughout this area are simply stunning, taking in breath-taking views from every angle.

Glacial landforms and rugged landscapes dominate this landscape, providing plenty of scenery to explore.

If you're looking for some of the best hiking routes in the country, Snowdonia is a fantastic place to start.

Views of the Dark Peak area from Bamford Edge (photo: Simon Harrod)

Peak District National Park

A picture-perfect destination in the heart of the North of England, the Peak District is a mix of mystical forests and moorland plateaus, providing some of the best walking routes in the country.

Hiking is one of the most common pastimes in this area, and it's easy to see why.

With so much stunning scenery to explore, spending a lot of time here is easily done.

The difference between the steep limestone valleys that make up the southern White Peak and the dramatic gritstone ridges in the northern Dark Peak is what makes the walking routes in this region so spectacular.

Exmoor National Park

Making up a large part of North Devon, as well as stretching into Somerset, Exmoor National Park is home not only the native Exmoor Pony but also some of the best hiking routes in the southwest.

Dominated by hilly open moorland, it has a range of trails throughout the park.

From routes on top of hills in the region to coastal paths taking in some of the most picturesque towns and villages in the county, Exmoor has plenty of choices when it comes to walking.

Northumberland National Park

Offering a stark contrast in the landscape between the Tyne and Scottish border, Northumberland National Park is a diverse area perfect for keen adventurers and hikers.

Amazing valleys are the ideal place to start your walk from, and while some have restricted access, the ones that don't are staggeringly beautiful.

It's the largest county in northeast England and benefits from a great range of hiking routes, whether inland or along the coast. This is a National Park best explored on foot.

While these are some of our best picks, truth be told this list could have been a lot longer.

The UK has a fantastic range of scenic places to hike, and it's worth spending some time exploring these areas.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Peak Cottages.

5 Underrated Destinations in the UK

Whitstable Oyster Co Boat (photo: PughPugh)

As the warm weather of summer continues, there’s a good chance your thoughts are on your next trip.

Just before the start of school break in the UK, now can be an excellent time to get some last-minute deals on cheap flights and hotels.

While there is a long list of great destinations to visit across the UK if you're in the mood for a quieter holiday, why not head to one of the lesser visited destinations in the country?

We’ve teamed up with Cottages in Northumberland, a holiday cottage letting agency specializing in providing high-quality cottages in Northumberland, to look at some of the underrated destinations across the UK to consider for your next trip.

Table of Contents

Whitstable
Sheffield
Lincolnshire Wolds
Cannock Chase, Staffordshire
Quantock Hills

Whitstable

Located on the Kent coast, Whitstable is often forgotten about as a summer holiday destination but has plenty to offer those who do choose to visit.

A charming town less than two hours from London, Whitstable boasts a glorious coastline, narrow streets lined with traditional buildings and delicious fish and chips, not to mention the famous Whitstable oysters.

A shingle beach is great for evening walks, and a selection of restaurants serve delicious, locally sourced food.

Sheffield

Generally not considered as a holiday destination, Sheffield could be another good option for your next trip.

Perhaps one of the biggest draws this city has is its location. It is situated right on the edge of one of the most beautiful places in the UK, the Peak District National Park.

Known for its stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes, the Peak District is a must visit for lovers of the outdoors, with walking and cycling routes throughout the region. Sheffield is the perfect base for exploring this fantastic place.

Lincolnshire Wolds

A lot of people may never have heard of the Lincolnshire Wolds, but this Area of Natural Beauty is the highest area of land in eastern England and one of the most beautiful.

Playing host to the unspoiled countryside, hidden valleys and gentle streams winding their way through the landscape, this region has some outstanding scenery all waiting to be explored.

Villages and towns throughout the region offer a vast range of places to stay in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

A haven for mountain bikers, adventurers, and backpackers, Cannock Chase is a gem hidden away in the UK.

Forests make up a large part of this area, making it perfect for exploring, with trails winding their way throughout the woodland.

The region is also home to around 800 fallow deer, not to mention a fantastic array of rare and endangered birds. Within easy reach from Birmingham, it is the perfect place to let your adventurous spirit run wild.

Quantock Hills

Often just driven past on the way to Exmoor or Dartmoor in Devon, the Quantock Hills is a stunning Area of Natural Beauty in Somerset oozing with stunning scenery. If asked to find the Quantocks on a map, a lot of people would struggle to find it.

As such, it’s an unspoiled area ideal for experiencing the great British countryside. The likes of Klive Beach and the Somerset Levels define this region with incredible natural beauty.

So, while popular destinations in the UK are popular for a reason, if you're open to an alternative holiday to somewhere a bit different, these destinations are perfect. Quieter, but just as beautiful, why not visit one of these five underrated places on your next holiday?

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This story was published in partnership with Cottages in Northumberland.

Top 7 Things to Do in Vancouver

Dragonboats and Science World (photo: Ruth Hartnup)

Are you planning on traveling to Vancouver this summer? If so, you are in for a treat, because the coastal seaport city has a lot to offer visitors of all ages.

One of the first things you should do to make sure you are fully ready for your upcoming trip is to create an itinerary.

Your itinerary will help you throughout your trip, by providing you with pertinent information that you have collected along the way. Below, are a few ideas to get you started.

Table of Contents

Bike Through the City
Visit Stanley Park
Take a Photo in Front of a Steam Clock
Tour the Vancouver Aquarium
Shop on an Island
Watch Standup Comedy
Jog along the Seawall

Bike Through the City

There's no more exciting way to experience Vancouver than by cycling the streets. There are several bike rental services located throughout the city.

These services include:

Bazooka Bikes
ezeeRIDERS
Stanley Park Cycle
Bayshore Bike Rentals
JV Bike
Tikki Tikki Pedicabs

If you believe your health will not endure a strenuous bike ride, you can always rent an electric assist bicycle from JV Bike.

Renting a bike is a great way to see the city. Also, it is cheaper than traveling by taxi or public bus. There's a bike for everyone, so get out there and pedal your heart out.

Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC — Stanley Park (photo: Sébastien Launay)

Visit Stanley Park

A favorite activity for the locals is to visit the park. Now, this is not just any park, but the Stanley Park, which just happens to be Vancouver’s most popular attraction.

While you are in the park, you can have a picnic, toss a Frisbee, bird watch, and take a stroll. Make sure your Canada ETA is up-to-date so that you can enjoy Stanley Park and the other wonderful Vancouver attractions listed here.

Take a Photo in Front of a Steam Clock

Another popular attraction is the steam clock in Gastown. The clock is located on the corner of Water Street and Cambie Street.

What makes the clock so unique is it is vintage, and it still blows out a puff of steam every 15 minutes. This is a great place to capture a few memories with your phone or camera.

Tour the Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is an excellent place for visitors of all ages. The aquarium features thousands of aquatic life and ocean species.

Since the aquarium opened in 1956, 40 million visitors have walked through its doors, with some of these people being returning visitors.

Downtown Vancouver (photo: Randy Landicho)

Shop on an Island

If you have never had the opportunity to shop on an island, you should take the opportunity to do it during your visit to Vancouver. The Granville Island, in South Granville, has a variety of shops and markets that are filled with interesting souvenirs.

Watch Standup Comedy

Standup comedy is extremely popular in Vancouver. Laugh has three clubs that host regular events with some of Canada’s most popular comics. You can even catch some of the best up and coming newbies in the comedy world.

Jog along the Seawall

Another top-rated attraction is the Seawall, beginning at Canada Place, wrapping around the Stanley Park and following along False Creek on the north shore. If you don't feel like walking along the Seawall, you can walk, Rollerblade or bike instead.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with ETA Canada.

Now Hiring: Virtual Assistant

Go Backpacking is looking for a Virtual Assistant (VA) to help with the day-to-day activities required to help grow the business.

Our most significant demographic is US readers (and I, Dave, am based in Austin, TX); therefore, I'd prefer candidates based in North or South America for the majority of the year.

This is a part-time contract position with the potential for growth in responsibilities and compensation.

Table of Contents

Responsibilities
Requirements
Desired Experience
Time Commitment and Pay
What It's Like Working with Me (Dave) on Go Backpacking
How to Apply
The Application Process

Responsibilities

This role's primary purpose is to provide administrative support for Go Backpacking.

The VA's primary responsibility will be to help grow Go Backpacking's social media channels to increase engagement and traffic to the website.

In order of priority, these channels are:

Except for Facebook and, to a lesser degree Pinterest, they will be developing these channels from scratch, meaning it will take a concerted effort to gain followers and engagement in the beginning. However, they need not all be developed at once.

Additional responsibilities may include a variety of other tasks, such as updating the media kit, assisting with the email newsletter, creating a workflow for guest posts, invoicing advertisers, acting as an extra set of eyes for improving the website, etc.

I want to use Slack for written communication and video calls, Teamwork for task management (if necessary), and 1Password for password management (I'll cover the cost of this app if you don't already use it or another password management app).

Requirements

1. You must be familiar with Go Backpacking. If you're arriving here because someone thought you'd be a good fit for the job, please spend some time on the site before applying.

2. You're at least 21, English is your native language, and you have strong writing skills.

3. Your preferred method of travel is with a backpack, and your style of travel is congruent with the ethos of Go Backpacking.

4. You have experience managing multiple social media channels for a blog or business that is not your own. You are up-to-date with the latest features and growth/engagement strategies.

5. Familiarity with Canva.com or another app that can create original imagery for social media and blog use.

6. Working knowledge of WordPress.

7. Strong communication skills. You're able to take direction and run with it.

8. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Desired Experience

Actively involved in travel blogging
Facebook ads
Affiliate marketing
Going on press trips
Working with brands/influencer campaigns

Time Commitment and Pay

I'm budgeting for 3-5 hours per week; the exact number depends on the person's hourly rate. Please include this info when applying.

Payment will be made monthly via PayPal.

What It's Like Working with Me (Dave) on Go Backpacking

"Over the past year and a half it has been a real pleasure and a great learning experience to work with Dave and GoBackpacking.com. While deadlines are important (in anything you do, especially writing), Dave is flexible and conveniently allows for writing and scheduling posts ahead of time.

Besides gaining extra traffic to my own personal blog by receiving exposure from GoBackpacking.com, I've been able to learn a lot about blogging strategy and get helpful personal tips.

Dave is not only knowledgeable about travel blogging, but he's just a nice guy that's willing to answer questions and offer valuable advice."
-- Mark Wiens, Migrationology (Contributor from 2012-2014)

"Working on GoBackpacking this year has been an absolute pleasure. Not only is Dave really easy to work with, but the position is generally flexible, which has been great considering I've spent a lot of this year on the road.

I've really enjoyed being able to share my writing with the much larger and more diverse audience of Go Backpacking, including tales of my time in Kyrgyzstan.

Getting people who pop over to comment on my blog or send me emails because they found me on Go Backpacking has become a normal occurrence, as well as seeing a steady flow of referrals to my blog in Analytics!"
-- Brooke Schoenman, Brooke vs the World (Contributor in 2013)

How to Apply

Interested? Please email a cover letter describing how you meet the requirements and why you want to work with me on growing Go Backpacking, including a copy of your resume, LinkedIn profile, or relevant work history [email protected].

Please include "Virtual Assistant" in the subject line.

The Application Process

Phase 1

All applications are due by 5 pm (Central Time), Friday, June 29, 2018.

Anyone interested should send their information as soon as possible. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be read.

Phase 2

Qualified applicants will be invited to a Skype interview where we can get to know each other better.

If you have questions, please send them via email to [email protected].

Thank you in advance for your interest!

How to Promote Your Favorite Travel Spots

The world is full of incredible destinations that offer a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

It’s inevitable, therefore, that you would have spots that you would consider your favorite. If those spots are not as well-known as you might like and want to give them some exposure, there are ways for you to promote them.

Now, it’s worth noting that not every beautiful travel spot would benefit from an increase in traffic. More travelers inevitably mean more environmental destruction.

However, if you do it right and coordinate with the proper authorities, you might provide such destinations with the exposure they need along with some much-needed government protections.

Make a Blog or Website About It

These days, one of the best ways to bring attention to a particular subject, whether it’s a person, a place, or an object is to create a website about it.

On that note, if you really want to bring attention to your favorite travel spots, it can’t just be any website. It needs to be eye-catching, and this means that you’ll need the best website builder tools for the job.

A huge reason for this is because many aspects need to work together to make a site worth paying attention to.

For starters, the design needs to be intuitive so that visitors automatically know where to go and what to look for. The images you take should also be eye-popping and from a unique perspective.

Consequently, the content needs to be strong and should give valuable information.

Get these aspects right, and you’ll be more likely to bring more exposure to the travel destination of your choice.

Naturally, there are a lot more important factors that you might want to take into consideration, so be sure to take a look at those as well.

Word of Mouth

If you don’t want to go through the effort of building an entire website to promote your favorite travel destination, you can always pass the word along to other travelers. The quality of a travel spot will always show.

If your favorite destinations are as good as you think they are, other avid backpackers would be more than happy to pass the message along.

You can also encourage your family and friends to give those destinations a chance, or perhaps just people you know. It can be your co-workers, classmates, friends of your friends; the list goes on and on.

The critical part of this discussion to keep in mind is that there is a reason why you are trying to promote those spots that you love. Use that reason to give them the exposure they deserve.

Social Media

Of course, we can’t forget about social media when it comes to spreading the word about something.

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat can be convenient when it comes to sparking a movement. Unfortunately, they can also be finicky, especially if you are not already a celebrity of some renown.

If you’re just an ordinary person who wants to gain attention on social media, your options can be a bit limited.

Fortunately, there are still ways for you to bring attention to the subjects that you want to promote.

You just need to do some research on social media marketing, connect with more prominent influencers on major platforms, and work your way forward.

Partner with Travel Agencies

Finally, some travel agencies recruit travelers to do a bit of promotion for them.

If you have an exciting destination in mind, you can get in touch with travel websites or agencies and see if they are willing to add them to their promotional materials.

This comes at the risk of funneling the wrong sort of tourists to the destination that you are so fond of, but it’s an option worth noting.
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This story was brought to you in partnership with Alternatives.co.

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