Before YOU Backpack.com

Foam Camping mats

Aaron Bradford — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:40:43 +0000

photo from Flickr by: langleyo

When it comes to the great outdoors, nothing quite beats camping. People will often take great time choosing the right tent or particular kind of equipment to ensure the ultimate camping experience. But did you know a Packaging foam camping mat is probably one of the most valuable pieces of camping equipment you will ever pack?

Security against back pain

Foam mats will help travelers from damaging their backs on the hard floor which can consist of uneven terrain.

Security against the freeze

Camping can make you feel the cold if not supported on appropriate floor bedding. A acoustic foam mat offers insulation against the ice cold evenings when sleeping al fresco.

Availability of different mats

Foam mats come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit every kind of camper. Versatile and resistant they make the perfect traveling accessory.

The different styles

All in one mat

Simple to unfold and easy to tidy away, this is a fantastically simple mat to use.

Thick Travel mat

This is perfect for camping trips in chilly parts of the world. Durable against the weather and resistant against the wear and tear of the ground.

Is your mat big enough?

Nothing is worse for a camper than having a traveling mat that is too small. Aim for a mat that is the correct size for your physique. The bigger the better!
There you have it, my tips for the ultimate traveling mat. Did you enjoy these points?

Exercise Mats – travel sure?

If you love traveling and exercise then a travel exercise mat is the first thing you should pack. Forget packing your spare underpants, electric shaver or portable cooker, an exercise mat is the perfect travel companion. I have traveled the world and one of the first things I love is unfolding my backpack and getting out my foam exercise mat. A foam exercise mat will provide you with a soft and comfy area to exercise on no matter where you are in the world. I recommend that you go online and order packaging foam in bulk and then cut out a 6ft. by 3 ft. piece of fabric. The Internet is a great place to shop and also a lot cheaper than buying from a High Street store.

Types of Foam Exercise Mats

There are many types of foam exercise mats to contemplate buying. Each one can be used for various unique routines and exercises.

Heavy Foam Exercise Mats: These soft and durable mats are perfect for people who sweat a lot when exercising as the fabric absorbs any liquid. Similar to acoustic foam these types of mats make the ultimate travelling companion.

Pilate Mats: These Pilates mats are slimmer and lengthier, but their sleekness makes them perfect when travelling as they take up hardly any space in your suitcase.

Endurance Mats: Slightly heavier than your usual travel mats, these are easily folded up and can withstand the roughest of textures. I recently used one on a rocks face and the fabric lasted the whole holiday.

Two in One Exercise Mat: If you fancy yourself as the ultimate hard core traveller – think Bear Grylls meets Ray Meers – then this is the exercise mat for you. Not only can these be used to perform exercise routines on, they can also be used as a makeshift sleeping bag.

Exercise Mats Don’t Have to Cost the Earth

If you are thinking of looking at buying a travel exercise sleeping bag and do not want to pay a small fortune, then I recommend that you shop online and buy your materials in bulk.

Size: Your Exercise mat needs to fit you
· Luxury: Obtain fabric that is soft as your body will be in constant contact with it.
· Material: Make sure your material is durable and comfortable – foam is ideal.
· Grip: If you do a lot of balancing stretches or exercises where you rely on the grip of your exercise mat then you need to choose a material that provides the perfect texture .

Did you enjoy these tips? Do you recommend any travelling mats a camper should go for?

Foam Camping mats was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Considering volunteer work while backpacking

Fiona Tulloch — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:51:28 +0000

Photo from Flickr by USDAgov

Ok, so you have that ‘trip of a lifetime’ booked but you want to add a bit more substance to your vacation. Why not volunteer while you’re away? Below are 5 reasons why you might consider volunteer work while backpacking.

1. Make new friends

The idea of taking on the unknown and facing the world alone can seem very exciting when you’re stuck at home, but the reality can be a lot harsher. Many people who go travelling tell tales of lonely and sometimes unfortunate circumstances because they have no friends to look out for them. Volunteering is an ideal way to make friends and share those rich experiences together. They’re bound to be your friends for life!

2. Sense of achievement

Although it may not seem it now, after months of lounging around with no real purpose, you may start to feel a bit lost and ask yourself why you actually made this mammoth trip. Well, if you decide to volunteer, you can keep yourself busy by actually giving back to the country that you are choosing to explore. You can then go home with a real sense of achievement, make your parents proud and have even more stories to tell your family and friends.

3. Save some money

Travelling can be very expensive, with days on end of nothing to do except spend money. Eventually the ‘bank of mum and dad’ will dry up and you will be looking for ways to cut back on costs. If you volunteer with a company such as Original Volunteers, projects can start from as little as £35 per week including accommodation. This is less than you would spend on accommodation alone, plus you will be occupied during the day rather than spending all your cash – no brainer!

4. Great for your CV

When the time comes to face the real world and start your career, you are going to be looking for ways to differentiate your CV from the rest of the pile. What better way than to show a new side of yourself than bragging about your amazing experience teaching in Ghana or building a hospital in Malawi.

5. Learn new skills

From wildlife conservation, to teaching, building, or farming, your time to volunteer abroad will equip you with lifelong skills that you wouldn’t otherwise get. So what are you waiting for? Find out about volunteer opportunities right away!

Considering volunteer work while backpacking was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

The Oryx factor: all about South Africa’s resilient antelope

Aaron Bradford — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:44:21 +0000

Gemsbok: picture by Bill Adams

The factors which make the oryx so different to other antelope species

The opening four episodes of ITV’s Safari Vet School have already featured most of Africa’s most glamorous safari animals.

The 32 trainee vets – the cream of British universities – have been filmed operating on a lion, having an angry stand-off with a zebra, sedating a rhino and catching giraffe.

However, episode five concentrated on a rather more obscure animal – the Oryx, and specifically, the sub-species ‘oryx gazella’ or gemsbok. The beauty of this antelope species – its graceful movement, black facial markings and, in particular its lance-length horns – makes it a wonder it has stayed under the radar so long. Its cameo appearance on prime-time Friday night television should lead to a surge of interest in all things oryx-related.

The oryx which appear in Safari Vet School were filmed in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, not an area in which they are naturally found but it is still a beautiful region for an African safari. Travellers who are keen to see the oryx in it’s native environment should consider investigating the Gemsbok National Park while on a Botswana safari.

The trainee vets who have been living and working in this area know that oryx, understandably, don’t always welcome humans getting too close to them. Safari Vet School’s Thom, Nadia and Natalie soon found out that plans to capture and remove oryx to give them medical care can meet with very stubborn resistance!

Perhaps this was because oryx are very self-sufficient animals and are specialists of the more arid regions of the continent – the five sub-species cover the western reaches of South Africa and into Namibia, central Tanzania, northern-east Kenya into Somalia and Ethiopia, and Arabia. They can survive on very little water and food and this hardiness means they can be found throughout Africa’s arid regions.

The animal’s compact body houses a metabolism which is stunningly efficient at cooling down blood in the hottest of climates. If it does get too hot it just simply uses nasal panting and sweating to ensure a safe body temperature. This ‘safety valve’ body-temperature mechanism is something it shares with the camel but in fact the oryx, with its thick, strong neck more closely resembles the horse.

The similarity is also apparent when the oryx moves – sometimes with a prancing walk; sometimes a gallop.

Fighting

These bursts of speed are occasionally the prelude to grown males fighting, however, most of the fighting between oryx takes place between the young. The calves’ rough-and-tumble might seem like a game from a distance but they are vital at establishing the hierarchy in a group – and reducing the need for fighting later in life.

It is noticeable how few serious injuries develop from these fights between oryx but this doesn’t mean that their horns aren’t capable of inflicting lethal wounds on predators like lion.

Both male and female oryx have horns. The males can be distinguished from the females because they have thicker necks and horns.

Herd behaviour

Unlike other types of antelope, oryx often move in mixed herds with non-territorial males living alongside females and their young.

Although normally gregarious, the females do move apart from the herd when they give birth; hiding their young calves for two to three weeks.

When black markings appear on the brown fur of the calves’ faces, the mother knows it is time to introduce them to the herd.

Picture by Bill Adams of Safari Consultants

As mentioned earlier, oryx can survive for long periods of time without drinking any water. However, they do ensure that they receive sufficient water by eating early in the morning and late at night. This is the time when dewy plants can increase their water content by as much as 400 per cent; allowing oryx to maximise their hydration while absorbing vital nutrients.

Their eating patterns are habits which have served the oryx well in desert conditions and also, thankfully, help these wonderful creatures to thrive in the grasslands of the Eastern Cape.

Author biography: James Christie writes for safari specialists Safari Consultants

The Oryx factor: all about South Africa’s resilient antelope was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Thai Dive in the Andaman Sea

Aaron Bradford — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:43:33 +0000

photo from Flickr by: rumpleproofskin

Oft-ignored by the casual diver, Thailand may well be the diving community’s best kept secret. While the coastline’s incredible natural bounties have long-been appreciated by Southeast Asians – and hardcore international divers – it seems the masses have yet to catch up to the charms of not one but two stretches of water: the Andaman Sea to the west, and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. Part of the Indian Ocean, it is the Andaman which is most easily reached by foreign travellers, from the popular beaches of Phuket.

Getting there needn’t be too expensive. DialAFlight offer cheap flights to Thailand, and transport links to Phuket from Bangkok are excellent. Dive operations are growing in the area and, though you should research them thoroughly online before booking anything, most can rival the service delivered in other, well-worn diving hotspots. The most attractive aspect of diving in the Andaman Sea is the awe-inspiring marine life you’ll witness.

Always the sinister poster boys for marine biology, sharks are abundant in the area. But Shark Point, the country’s premier marine-life sanctuary, is not as ferocious as it sounds. Home to the docile Leopard shark, a diving expedition here will allow you to get close to these approachable beasts as they chill out on the seabed.

Situated around 25km east of Chalong Bay in Phuket, Shark Point was given official Marine Sanctuary status in 1992. Known to locals as Hin Musang (Shark Rock), this innocuous-looking outcrop hides an enormous underwater reef, teeming with life. It’s an exciting dive, an underwater adventure revealing dazzling schools of fish and ornate corals, with wafting sea fans waving ‘hello’ to new divers. The sheer density of life here makes it a must-dive location. Stay on your guard though – the waters around Shark Point often carry very strong currents.

Thai Dive in the Andaman Sea was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Backup your important travel documents easily

Aaron Bradford — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:00:55 +0000

Phot by: Robert S Donovan

Lost your passport and cash card? Who cares! There are some things you just cant plan for… and there are some things you can. Things like loosing bank cards and passports is one of the things that can go very wrong, in fact it’s one of those little things that requires almost no effort at all but can save your bacon when your off backpacking around Asia. Making sure your travel insurance covers this is only one step, sometimes they can take days or even weeks to help you out, that’s why you need to make sure you thoroughly compare travel insurance AND take your own personal precautions!

Due to the nature of backpacking and travel in general it makes sense to use an on-line email system like Gmail of Hotmail – because where there’s a backpacker trail… there’s an internet café.

With that in mind (before you leave home) scan a copy of your passport and email it to yourself, this will make sure if the worst does happen and you loose it, things will go much much smoother at the embassy when trying to get a new one. Copies of your passport are always handy to have and I would even go as far as saying keep one tucked away in your backpack somewhere.

Just as important are your bank details and insurance, again writing an email containing all the info can be a massive help if things get lost.

Important travel documents you should backup:

Card details
Bank account details
On-line banking codes and passwords
Savings account info
Lost or stolen card phone number

Also:

Travel insurance policy numbers
Copy of Travel insurance certificate
Emergency phone numbers
Travel jab info

This is where common sense must apply! When your using public internet café computers be aware of always logging out of your email account properly, leaving this info sitting around in the open is about as unwise as trying to cuddle polar bears… Enter common sense once again – make the subject of the email something generic and spammy like “Great travel offers from the gold coast” to ensure if people do get into it your not handing you important travel documents to them on a plate!

Following this advice has got me out out of a sticky situation on several occasions, particularly with banking – loosing cards and transferring money etc.
There are other options available though, I know that there’s an app on the iPhone for instance, but if you ask me this is the simplest and most universal way of backing up important travel documents because Gmail and Hotmail can be acessed from any computer connected to the web anywhere in the Aisa.

Backup your important travel documents easily was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Southeast Asia’s Top 5 Islands

Fiona Tulloch — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:04:41 +0000

Everyone loves a little taste of paradise. On a round the world trip you may be the most excited about those Fiji flights which will transport you to unspoiled isles, but Southeast Asia has its own gems that aren’t to be missed. Here’s my personal top 5.

1) Koh Rong, Cambodia

This is truly the paradise island of Southeast Asia and it’s only a matter of time before it’s well and truly on the backpacker map. The island is massive – the same size as Hong Kong – but at the moment there are only a handful of rustic guesthouses dotted along the shore. A 45-minute walk through the forest connects two incredible beaches. This is proper Robinson Crusoe territory. Too long here and you’ll be shouting “Wilsonnn!” before you know it.

A photo I took on Koh Rong two weeks ago

2) Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Leo DiCaprio has a lot to answer for. Since his frolics at Maya Bay in The Beach back in the early 90s, Koh Phi Phi and the surrounding National Park area have taken a battering from tourists looking to capture their own slice of paradise. Although, in fairness to the Thai government, Phi Phi still retains its jaw-dropping appeal and has been well preserved. Even the Tsunami tragedy of 2004 which wiped out the town hasn’t done anything to affect the beauty of this incredible area.

View from Koh Phi Phi main beach

3) Bali, Indonesia

Ahh, Bali. This island is all things to all men: 18-30s party zone, Hindu retreat, surfing mecca, scuba diving hotspot… pretty much everything. The beaches are astonishing in their variety and the marine life is spectacular. It’s the only place I’ve ever been snorkelling 10 metres from shore and swam with turtles. (Just by accident, too.) If you’re looking for an island that has it all, expect totally deserted beaches, then Bali is it.

Padang Padang, Bali

4) Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Does Vietnam really have islands? Yes. Phu Quoc is south of Cambodia, but actually belongs to Vietnam. The island has burst open to tourism in the last decade, with more than 70,000 people now living there. Despite the influx, there is something quite special about Phu Quoc in that it feels so peculiarly Asian (as opposed to the very Westernised islands of Thailand). Staying in a bungalow on Long Beach, with its high arching palm trees and gorgeous bay, makes for a very romantic getaway.

Photo of Phu Quoc from Flickr by ronancrowley

5) Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Just like tubing in Laos, there are some things that the Southeast Asian backpacker has to experience, whether they’re into that scene or not. The full moon parties on the island of Koh Pha Ngan are the stuff of legend, attracting up to 30,000 revellers each time. Haad Rin beach is a gorgeous sweep of bay which, although some would say is ruined by the heavy tourism, is still kept impossibly pristine by the locals.

Sunrise after a full moon party

Southeast Asia’s Top 5 Islands was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

How to Party Like a Pro in Ibiza

Fiona Tulloch — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:33:51 +0000

Photo from Flickr carolina naftali

Anyone who likes a good time knows that holidays in Ibiza are the ultimate party experience. Before you start packing your plastic sunglasses and flip flops, here are a few words of advice on how to get the most from your time on the white isle.

The island of Ibiza is divided into two main resort areas: San Antonio on the west of the island and Playa d’en Bossa to the east. San An, as it’s known, is the cheapest place to stay so tends to attract budget-conscious travellers. Think high-rise hotels, Union Jack flags and a lot of 18-year-old English lads eating sausages and bacon at street cafes. The atmosphere is highly charged around her, fuelled by an energy that comes only from teens on their first holiday.

Playa d’en Bossa is where the mid-twenties, slightly more discerning, cool kids hang out. For a taste of what the Ibiza party high life looks like, check out Bora Bora right on the beach. This is the scene of the island’s tiniest bikinis and Johnny Bravo types getting down to electro at lunchtime. Accommodation around here comes with a hefty price tag, though.

As the original party spot from back in the day, San Antonio is home to some of the island’s most iconic venues, including Café Del Mar and the Ibiza Rocks Hotel. If you’re staying east then it’s a 15-minute taxi ride over to the other side.

It’s easy to score tickets to the big club nights from any of the ticket sellers on the streets. It’s a good idea to find a seller when you first arrive then keep him as your go-to guy for anything you might want (ahem). Strike up a casual friendship with a seller you actually enjoy having a chat with. They’ll be an invaluable source of information about the hottest nights and what’s going on where.

As for the club scene, certain DJs will have set nights at the same venues every week (Sven Vath has been resident at Amnesia on Mondays for years). The biggest party of the week is always on a Sunday at Space. Huge-name DJs save the cream of their set for sunset, which is when the tunes are at their crowd-pleasing best.

You’ll have the time of your life, but it comes at a cost; expect to spend double your budget. Even if you don’t plan to go out to every night (although you probably will) everything is just plain expensive. Two years ago I parted company with €6 for a tiny Barbie-sized bottle of water and €17 for a vodka tonic in a club.

Finally, flights on budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet often leave and arrive at crazy hours of the morning, meaning delays and cancellations are common, especially on the last flight of the day. If you absolutely have to be sat at your desk on Monday morning, then catch an afternoon flight on Sunday instead of the latest night flight. (And yes, I was very late in my case.) It’ll be the most entertaining flight for people-watching, guaranteed. Oh, and don’t forget to wear those sunglasses on the way home. For everyone’s benefit!

How to Party Like a Pro in Ibiza was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

The Welsh Retreat

Jen Hoggett — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:22:49 +0000

Photo fome Flickr by John Wesley Barker

If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic retreat in the UK, you could do far worse than booking a cottage for a weekend break in the stunning Brecon Beacons. This mountain range in south Wales is immensely popular amongst tourists for many reasons. Whether you’re looking to curl up in front of the fire with your sweetheart, or get your heart pumping hiking out in the amazing scenery, you’re guaranteed a fantastic break in the Brecon Beacons.

There are plenty of charming little village pubs and inns where you can enjoy a well-earned pint of ale after a long walk and tuck into hearty Welsh dinner. There are also plenty of fantastic holiday lets to put you up in style for your break.

Luxury Cottages

If you’re looking for a seriously luxurious cottage, there are plenty to choose from in the region. We have hand-picked a selection of luxury cottages to choose from but get in quickly – they soon get snapped up! From exposed oak beams in small, countryside cottages to modern apartments closer to town, the type of cottage you require is completely up to you. You can choose from little 1 bedroom getaways deep in the heart of the countryside, or something in one of the gorgeous towns such as Abergavenny.

If you’re looking for a real treat, renting a cottage is the best way to make sure you get everything you want. Being fully equipped with charming kitchens and laundries, you can make yourself feel completely at home. Imagine cooking up a full English roast to tuck into with your beloved, in your quaint cottage’s kitchen/dining room. Wales cottages also generally feature cosy living rooms, often with a functioning fireplace to keep you warm and toasty as you cuddle up for the evening after a long day’s walking.

Usually all linen is included for your stay and you’ll be spoilt with comfortable beds in which you can crash out after your energetic day’s exploring! Full bathrooms and even en suites are available in some properties so you can relax in a hot bath to soothe your muscles after a long day. The Brecon Beacons is a stunning area to explore with magnificent scenery and beautiful old towns and from here the rest of Wales is on your doorstep too. With plenty of idyllic settings to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the perfect accommodation for your romantic getaway.

Romantic Activities in the Brecon Beacons

What could be more romantic than disappearing off together on horseback? There are plenty of dedicated trekking centres in the Brecon Beacons and some of them even offer overnight accommodation packages, so you could tack an extra night’s stay onto your weekend away. Explore the beautiful countryside with your beau beside you. Try Cantref Riding Centre for a good deal.

If you’re both into getting that adrenaline pumping, you might enjoy a canoeing or kayaking adventure together. There are plenty of waterways flowing through the area and you can choose from the exciting rapids of the River Usk or if you’d like something a little more tranquil, head for one of the beautiful lakes in the region such as Llangors. The waters are calm and peaceful and provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic paddle together.

Fancy heading underground? Caving is a fantastic way to explore the Brecon Beacons and the area is home to some of the most celebrated cave systems in the whole of Europe. It’s always advisable to book through a reputable company and you should certainly never attempt caving alone. It’s a fairly dangerous day out even with professionals, so be cautious!

One of the best – and cheapest – ways to explore the area is definitely on foot. So strap on your walking boots (if you don’t own a pair, there are plenty of places from which you can rent some) and get stomping! The breath taking views, gorgeous lakes and wonderful streams provide a gorgeously romantic background. Be prepared though – plan your route carefully and invest in area maps before setting out alone.

The relatively recent craze of Geocaching is big news in the Brecon Beacons. This worldwide treasure hunt is a great way to spend your day. The area has approximately 180 caches hidden within its nooks and crannies so crank up your hand held GPS unit and visit the Geocaching website beforehand to download your information and begin your quest together. If you’re not sure where to start, use the web to ask the advice of experienced Geocachers. You’ll soon be addicted!

Eating Out

There are some great places to eat in the region, from cosy, fire lit pubs all the way up to contemporary cuisine. Try the Blue Boar in Hay on Wye for truly hearty grub in a traditional and unfussy surrounding. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more special, there’s the Nantyffin Cider Mill in Abergavenny: a pioneer in fine dining in the region. Based in a 16^th century drovers’ inn, this restaurant uses delicious fresh local produce to create its simple dishes.

The White Swan in Brecon is the place to go if you’re looking for a cosy, traditional village inn. The dining room is candle lit and very romantic, so it’s perfect for that special evening you’ve had planned. Try the Welsh lamb – you won’t regret it. There are also daily fish and vegetarian dishes on offer for those who don’t fancy the (simply fantastic) meat dishes.

The Walnut Tree Inn in Abergavenny is regarded by many as one of Wales’ finest restaurants. Established back in 1963, the restaurant has slowly garnered the respect of locals and visitors alike and serves up a delicious blend of Welsh produce concocted into traditional Italian cuisine. The shoulder of lamb is always roasted to absolute perfection.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for some Indian cuisine, head to Bayleaf in Abergavenny. The best in the area by far, Bayleaf specialises in delicious Northern Indian cuisine and is the perfect place to raise your temperatures before heading back to your cosy, luxury cottage for a nightcap.

It is impossible not to appreciate the beauty of this area so be sure to pay it a visit.

The Welsh Retreat was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Downsizing: From 2-Bed House to Backpack in Three Months

Aaron Bradford — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:46:17 +0000

photo from Flickr by: Vinni123

Summer 2010 I decided That’s it, I’ve had it. I’m getting out of here.

My boss had just announced another round of pay-cuts and asked would I mind losing two grand a year? After two years of watching food and utility prices rise while my savings dwindled, actually, yes.

Politics aside, there comes a time in everyone’s like when they realise it’s now or never. The travel section of Waterstones had been having a magnetic effect on me all spring and this was just the push I needed.

But what are going to do with all your stuff? And the house demanded my Mother. Here’s what I did.

I made two piles: one of all the books I had read, the DVD’s I had watched, the CD’s I had listened to and the clothes I had worn and never intended to read, watch, hear, or wear again. I photographed everything that I thought would sell and I put it on Amazon. The rest either went to the charity shop, or into the recycling bin.

I got a lodger. Modern life in Britain in that means owning your own home, if you want to be taken seriously as an adult is expensive and financial commitments like a mortgage are the perfect excuse for never making that world-trip you’ve been promising yourself. In fact, I ended up with two lodgers; a couple. The rent covers my mortgage payments and they look after my furniture while I’m away for the next two years. There are lots of stories about how renting your property out can be a nightmare, especially while you’re away. I signed up with a letting agency who manages the property while I’m abroad. That way, I don’t have to think about anything.

I took voluntary redundancy at work and despite my Bosses suggestions about what travelling might do to my career; I took the money and ran. After ten years in a corporate environment, it’s easy to forget that there is anything else outside that world.

I signed up as a Healthy Volunteer for medical trials and lay in a hospital bed for two weeks while my blood pressure was taken every hour. It was the perfect opportunity to properly plan my trip. At this point my poor Mother thought I’d completely lost my mind, until I showed her the £2000 cheque I was given on the last day. I did a second clinical trial a month before I left.

My penultimate task was to pack everything I thought I’d need into one rucksack. Not an easy task for a single woman whose shopping habits can fill a two bedroom house easily; but I did it, after repacking seven times.

I sold my car, booked my tickets, handed over the house keys to my tenants and moved in with my Mother for the final ten days before I departed. At the time, it felt strange to have gone from modern life in a two bedroom house to a single rucksack in just three months. But, I did it, just in time for the Australian summer.

Sally South was once the quintessential modern woman who would usually require two large bags for a weekend break. Having left her job as a Senior Account Manager in Bristol, she can now be found somewhere on the East Coast of Australia living out of an 80 litre backpack.

Downsizing: From 2-Bed House to Backpack in Three Months was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Where to Stay for Hogmanay

Fiona Tulloch — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:35:29 +0000

Photo from Flickr by p_c_w

The world famous Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh attract thousands of visitors from around the globe to this fantastic city. Many see it as the hub of Hogmanay celebrations, with the capital of Scotland really turning into party central for the celebrations. The question is: where to stay? Below we’ll give you an idea of some of the best hotels and the option of renting a cottage too.

Hotels

Hotels are one option but they can be very expensive. The Balmoral in Princes Street is very popular with discerning tourists, being the height of five-star luxury. Based in Edinburgh’s main shopping area and only 25 minutes from the airport, this hotel is truly in the thick of the celebrations. If you’re looking for something a little less extravagant, you could book in at the Jurys Inn. Being part of a successful chain, you usually get exactly what you require from a stay at Jury’s: comfort, mod cons and a relatively affordable bill at the end. Beware – prices may well be hiked for the Hogmanay celebrations. Based on the famous Royal Mile, this brand of Jurys Inns is perfectly placed to take advantage of the partying that will be going on throughout the festive period.

On the real budget end of the scale is the Edinburgh House Hotel. Being a three-stay accommodation, it’s budget but quality too. There’s a lovely, homely atmosphere to the hotel and the staff are very friendly and welcoming.

The benefits to staying in a hotel are obvious – pretty much everything is done for you. You won’t have to make your bed, launder your towels or even cook for yourself. If you’re looking for fuss-free accommodation, hotels are probably the best way forward.

However…

Renting a Cottage

There is also the possibility of renting a holiday cottage. While hotels are the ultimate lazy choice, some people love the flexibility of self-catering accommodation, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re in a rental cottage, you decide when to get up, when to eat and when to roll in. Okay, you can roll in at any hours in a hotel too but in your own cottage, there’s no one to spot you!

The conveniences of cottage renting are fantastic. You can launder your clothes, meaning you don’t have to pack as much. You can do a shop in advance for your food for the week, saving a fortune on dining out. And while we’re talking about budgeting, renting a cottage often works out far cheaper than hotel accommodation. You can share the cost amongst friends and book for a block of nights to receive package prices.

Renting a cottage in Scotland is one of the best ways to see what the area has to offer. Scotland has a wide range of cottages to choose from, and many of these can be found within Edinburgh. Where better to place yourself for the Hogmanay celebrations?

Regions

There are certain areas of Edinburgh where it is advisable to rent a cottage. If you want to be in the thick of the Hogmanay celebrations, it’s best to place yourself in the city centre. Of course, this is the area in which prices will be at a premium, especially towards the end of the year. If you can, base yourself near to Regent Gardens or West Princes Street Gardens to ensure that you are as central as possible. Queen Street is a hub of activity with streets rich with bars, restaurants and cafes.

If you would rather place yourself a little out of the action, you could head up towards the Royal Botanic Garden. This is still central enough to ensure you can enjoy the sights that Edinburgh has to offer, but you won’t be in the thick of the revelling crowds. Holyrood Park in the south east of the city is another central yet less crowded region that you could target if you’re looking for a slightly quieter stay in the city.

If you’re looking for Scotland holiday cottages, be sure to enquire about the quality of the heating system (and presence of a working fireplace for sheer cosiness) as it can get pretty frosty in December!

Hogmanay Celebrations

Every year, Edinburgh pulls out every stop imaginable to make sure residents and tourists enjoy a rip-roaring time. Prior to the 31^st, there will be the traditional Torchlight Procession on the 30^th. The opening event will feature thousands of torch carriers creating a line of fire that will begin at the Royal Mile and extend all the way to the fireworks finale at Calton Hill. If you are looking for traditional Scottish fare, The Ceilidh is simply unmissable. Held on the 31^st,you can head to this traditional ceilidh to dance the night away. With a traditional ceilidh caller on stage, you’ll be directed through plenty of traditional Scottish dances and when you’re done, the location on Mound Precinct will provide you with the perfect platform from which to admire the fireworks.

On Hogmanay, a street party will kick off with 80,000 revellers enjoying the music provided by top music acts (last Hogmanay saw performances from the legendary Mark Ronson, Friendly Fires and The Vaccines). Probably one to avoid if you’ve got young kids, this is a hardcore crowd for hardcore partying! Set against the incredible backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this promises to be a breathtaking event. It’s always an incredible event and you will never, ever forget New Year’s Eve 2012 if you head to Edinburgh to ring in 2013. Have fun!

Where to Stay for Hogmanay was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips