Backpacking

South Australia Known as the Opal capital of the world, this mining town is located 850 kilometers north of the south Australian capital city and is regarded as a backpackers paradise. Ireland Due to its relaxed culture, old and established historic traditions and, of course, its love of Guinness, Ireland is renowned for being a favorite with travelers. Egypt With camels, the Sphinx, the Nile and the pyramids Egypt is a country full of wonderful things to explore. Chernobyl While it seems like an unlikely backpacking destination, the natural charms of Ukraine are slowly shining once again, despite the tragedy of Chernobyl. NSW, Australia Australia is an incredibly cosmopolitan country whose sheer size offers backpackers years worth of travel. New Zealand New Zealand is an excellent backpacking or budget travel destination either as part of a larger Australia based tour or on its own. Thailand Over recent years Thailand has positioned itself as the backpackers gem of south-east Asia offering everything from crowded markets and bazaars to ancient temples, to busy nightlife and some of the best scenery in the region.



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Backpacking in Thailand - How to Get Off the Beaten Track

If you're thinking about traveling-on-a-budget (or backpacking) in Thailand then here's a really good reason why you should get right off the beaten track. The experience will grow you as a person - and be something that you can talk about happily for hours when you're safely back home! (Or having a few quiet drinks with the boys!)

It's also good (as much as possible anyway) to go where others don't tend to go. After all, this is the whole purpose of traveling to a new country right? You go for the experience, to check out the culture, and to see if you can do it too. But, how on earth do you get off the beaten track a bit? Here's how.

Firstly you need to get right away from the tourist hangouts. You don't need to do the island trips, Bangkok's nightlife, or Khaosan road. That's where every fresh faced backpacker heads and where every Tuk Tuk driver will take you. Instead, catch a train to Chiang Mai in the far north or Krabi in the south. Or heck, go where the Thais go for holidays too.

Another way to do it is to come to Thailand to actually learn something. No, I don't mean drink beer. I mean actually go and study Thai until you can converse well. Or do a PADI scuba course until you have your license sorted. You know what I mean! By coming to learn you give yourself a reason to be in Thailand. You have a purpose now.

And yet another approach is to point your finger at a location on a Thai map and just go there. It may end up being a weird trip, but it also may end up being the best thing you ever did! You won't know until you give it a try. This is why getting off the beaten track is a good idea. Like I said, it'll grow you, so make sure you do it.

Martin has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. His latest website over at photography lighting kits gives advice about photography studio equipment for photographers who want to start up their home photography studio or product photography business.

Backpacking in Southeast Asia - Designing Your One Month Southeast Asia Itinerary

If you are thinking of backpacking Southeast Asia, there are many things that you will want to consider while building you itinerary, but the most important are what type of sights you wish to visit, how you are going to get around, and how much money do you have to spend? Below are some things to consider when building your itinerary.

Sights:

The first thing you need to decide is what types of sites or activities you want to see as there are an endless variety of attractions in Southeast Asia? From spending time on the beach, to visiting ancient ruins, to experiencing the craziness of Ho Chi Minh or Bangkok, you will need to decide what is important to you on your trip. Below are a few examples of different sights available to consider when planning your itinerary.

Below is a list of some if the major sightseeing sights in Southeast Asia.

- Siem Reap, Cambodia - Some of the best ancient ruins in all of Southeast Asia.

- Bangkok, Thailand - Sites such as Wat Pho or the Grand Palace.

- Hoi An, Vietnam - My Son Ruins

- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Petronas Towers

- Hanoi, Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

If you are thinking of spending most of your time relaxing on the nicest beaches Southeast Asia has to offer, here are some of the places you may want to consider visiting:

- Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

- Mu Ne Beach, Vietnam

- Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

- Ko Samet, Thailand

- Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand

- Phuket, Thailand

If you would like to try something a little different from your lifestyle, check out these:

- Chiang Mai, Thailand - Jungle Treks

- Borneo, Malaysia - The Headhunters Trail Borneo

- Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, Laos - Slow boat trips down the Mekong

- Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam - The Cu Chi Tunnels

- Chiang Mai, Thailand - Elephant Jungle Rides

Travel:

Once you have decided what you are interested in seeing, you will need to decide how you are going to get around? If you want to see several countries in one month you will most likely need to budget some money for flying. Luckily, Southeast Asia has a few quality discount airlines, such as Air Asia, that offer cheap flights.

If you plan to only travel one or two countries, you can likely get by will local buses and trains.

Budget:

The last thing you will need to consider is how much money you have to spend? Cost of travel for the same standard varies throughout Southeast Asia. In general, Vietnam and Laos, tend to be the cheapest countries to visit. Thailand and Cambodia are a bit more expensive, but are less expensive that Malaysia. Knowing how much money you have to spend, will make your trip more enjoyable and will let you avoid scrounging up every last dollar towards the end of your trip.

When designing your Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary, if you consider these three main factors, you will get the most out of your experience.

Are you planning a backpacking trip to Southeast Asia? If so, check out http://www.timetogobackpacking.com to create your free itinerary for backpacking Southeast Asia. Also, checkout the backpacker's checklist or chat with our travelers in the backpacker forum.

Backpacking in Thailand - The Best Gear to Travel With

What is the best gear to travel with if you're planning to backpack through Thailand (or travel on a budget)? Well, it depends of course on where you're heading. If you go north, then pack for cool nights and mountain climbing. If you head south, then prepare for magnificent ocean adventures.

Firstly, if your plans include Chiang Mai or north then keep in mind it gets kind of chilly and you'll need warm gear and the right kit (ie. strong walk boots) for doing some trekking or exploring. However if you're going to hit the oceans on your Thai journey, then let's look at what you'll need.

OK, first up, the ever trusty waterproof 'sea' bag. These colorful little creatures will save your bacon in more ways than one, especially if you're a water baby and you love to be immersed in the sea all day. With your essential belongings safely enclosed in one of these you can explore ANY remote beach and still pull out a camera to capture the fun. An essential piece of ocean travel kit.

Next up is the go-anywhere sea sandals. You know the type - they embrace your feet and let you walk on sharp rocks and swim without worrying about what's down there. Then wear them down the street to get your Pad Thai. A good quality pair of these will last you forever and are essential for a good and safe Thailand adventure.

You'll need a quality jacket too, for the odd storm that steals in out of nowhere. Heaps of choices available, so get something that's lightweight and strong that'll cope with the wear and tear of being stuffed in your backpack and used frequently. It's Thailand, so it won't need to be too warm. In fact, the more breathable, the better.

Well, that's it in a nutshell. There's other gear that'll you want to bring but having those three pieces of kit will keep a smile on your face as you backpack through Thailand and have the adventure of your life!

Martin has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. His newest interest is in postcard marketing. So come visit his latest website that discusses everything about postcards such as postcard marketing and postcard printers for your small business marketing adventures.

Thailand Travel Backpacking Montage

Photo and video I took while travelling in Thailand for two months. 07/08



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Backpacking in Thailand - What You Can Get Out of It

Take a look at any list of the top travel destinations in the world, and you'll see Thailand right on top (or at least, close to it) - and for good reason. Whether you're a seasoned traveler, or a newbie to backpacking, Thailand has something good in store for you.

1. Smiles.

Over the years, Thailand has aptly earned the moniker: the Land of Smiles. The people of Thailand are known to be among the nicest, friendliest, and most helpful folks on Earth, and you're sure to be greeted with warm smiles and friendly banter wherever you go. If you're new to backpacking, Thailand is definitely the place to go because you can rely on help from the locals anytime, with a smile.

2. Sun.

Without a doubt, Thailand has among the most ideal climates in the world; hence, why visitors from the colder regions of the west visit the country in droves. Thailand enjoys sunshine all year round, even throughout the so-called rainy season. So do pack the right stuff while backpacking - Thailand gives you the opportunity to show some skin!

3. Sand and Sea.

For most people, beaches are a must in backpacking. Thailand is probably best known for its numerous fantastic white sand beaches and virtually untouched aquatic wildlife, so it's a match made in heaven!

Of course, the 'different strokes for different folks' adage apply. The many beaches of Thailand each has their own distinct personalities that cater to the varied preferences of their discerning visitors. For example, scuba divers and snorkelers looking to enjoy an unspoiled water world frequent Koh Tao and the Similan Islands. Ravers can't get enough of the full moon parties of Koh Phangan, or the regular beach parties at neighboring Koh Samui. The nature-tripper will have much to gush about in Krabi's Phi Phi Islands and Trat's Koh Chang. The pleasure-seeker will never want to leave Patong or Pattaya Beach. And if you just want to spend the day baking under the sun, well, take your pick and go visit one - or all!

4. Sex.

Possibly the main reason why most travelers (men, to be entirely accurate) frequent Thailand is the country's famous sex industry. In Bangkok alone, a farang (Western) man - and in some cases, woman - can indulge in forbidden pleasures by simply visiting areas like Patpong, Nana, and the infamous Soi Cowboy. Such pleasures can also be found in the go-go and coyote bars that litter Pattaya's famous Walking Street and Phuket's Patong Beach. Tastes ranging from the conventional to the slightly askew to the downright sleazy are sure to be satisfied in any of the sex areas that can be found in most of the country's tourist haunts. Whether you're into skinny, bowlegged chicks, or the more voluptuous pre and post-op trannies, Thailand has it all.

Of course, this is probably not the whole point of your backpacking. Thailand, however, has a way of luring unsuspecting travelers into its raw sexual energy, and this has become the downfall of many a hapless farang who end up with empty wallets (all thanks to seemingly angelic bargirls who need 'rescuing'), or worse, a plethora of undesirable diseases due to general carelessness. Know that by indulging in Thailand's most famous industry, you are treading in dangerous waters, so do tread carefully.

5. Shopping.

Without a doubt, Thailand offers excellent shopping, definitely one of the best in the world. Bangkok itself plays host to numerous shopping districts where one can get anything from designer labels to cheap knock-offs. Those with heftier wallets frequent the Ratchaprasong area and its upscale malls with their numerous designer boutiques. The more budget-conscious, however, can be found haggling their way through nearby Pratunam, the Lumphini Night Market, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and Bo Bae, Asia's wholesale mecca.

Most of the time, shopping is practically unheard of while backpacking. Thailand, however, sells everything from clothes and accessories to the latest gadgets at incredibly cheap prices. Haggle like there's no tomorrow, why don't you? That's part of the fun!

Indeed, there's much to learn in backpacking. Thailand is an excellent teacher. No wonder newbies flock to the country by the thousands, and the veterans just keep on coming.

Iris Clamor is the co-founder of WomenWhoWrite.net. Visit them today for your writing needs.

Backpacking in Thailand - How to Travel Super Cheaply

A great way to get amazing results from your backpacking or traveling-for-low-cost budget is by booking a ticket to Thailand and preparing to explore to your heart's content - cheaply of course. Don't think it can be done? Wait until you've read this article and you'll be ready to book your ticket and go!

Now most budget travelers or backpackers would know this anyway - but in case you don't, the simple fact is that when it comes to low cost travel, Thailand takes the cake, and allows you to eat it too. (By the way, Thailand's neighbors are even cheaper to travel through than Thailand!) So let's find out how to do it.

Firstly understand that you can basically catch trains, buses and vans (boats too, depending on where you're headed) to almost anywhere in Thailand. Pretty much wherever there's a road, there's transport. You'll also have a few choices about what style you want to travel in... You can go local style and pay the local fares, or you can go VIP and pay top dollar (for Thai standards).

As an example, a VIP 24 seater bus with air conditioning (think of it like a fridge on wheels) will cost you the top end of your traveling budget, but give you a very comfortable trip (albeit a cold one). Whereas you can also find a local bus or van doing a similar route and pay less than half the VIP price. You still get to where you're going though!

So, to do Thailand on a really cheap budget is more than possible. The trick is to catch the local buses and vans, and do what the local Thai people do. I've seen folks sit in low-cost seats all night to ride 12 hour train trips, rather than fork out the extra for a bunk bed to sleep in. 

Actually you'd be amazed at how cheaply you can travel Thailand for. For under US$10 you can do a picturesque 5 hour journey to a whole new part of Thailand. OK, so the bus might be full, and the driver a maniac, but you still get to where you're going, right? So, go book that ticket right away!

Martin has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. His newest interest is in postcard marketing. So come visit his latest website that discusses everything about postcards such as postcard marketing and direct marketing postcards for your small business marketing adventures.