Before YOU Backpack.com

Take a Break From Travel and Study English in New York

Jen Hoggett — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:26:02 +0000

Photo from Flickr by ♪ Sleeping Sun ♪

Intrepid backpackers will surely love the vast countryside of the USA, from its mountainous peaks to its sun drenched beaches. Beforeyoubackpack provides travel advice to backpackers on how to get the best out of their trip. One-way of having more meaningful experiences is to combine your travel with a little bit of learning. So while gallivanting through the States why not stop and take in a language course?

Those not so familiar with English or those with a yearning to learn more, may well find it worthwhile to take an English course. ESL Language Study Abroad has bases in more than forty countries worldwide and provides excellent opportunities to study. ESL has long had footprints in the US through ESL partner schools, located from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale, from New York to Los Angeles. Of course there are alternatives and if the American lifestyle isn’t your thing why not consider stopping off in one of the ESL schools in England or Australia?

Of all the locations in the US, New York has a charm of its own. The Big Apple is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world, it never sleeps and it is the financial center of the US. Even as you finish your day’s class in the English schools, New York City beckons you to explore its streets and cultural attractions. The duration of each class is only 3 to 4 hours so as a student you have plenty of leisure time. With a number of English schools New York is the perfect destination to take a break from your travels and immerse yourself in study.

Though there are plenty of English schools all around the world, English school USA have the advantage of being tailored to your specific location. Courses are structured into standard, intensive and business courses with levels starting at the elementary and going all the way up to advanced. While schools all over the USA adhere to a very high standard, the 6 English schools New York attract people from all over the world and have a reputation that they are justifiably proud of. Whether you choose to learn English in Denver or in New York you are guaranteed a uniform method of teaching of world-class standard across all ESL partner schools.

Take a Break From Travel and Study English in New York was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

The 5 hottest backpacker beach party spots

Fiona Tulloch — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:40:09 +0000

Photo from Flickr by Sun International South Africa

Backpackers generally love a good time and a party. If you’re lucky enough to be on a long trip, it’s easy to get a little overexcited when it comes to ‘beach time’. Get some sun on your face and a beer in your hand and head for these backpacker hotspots.

Goa, India

The word Goa conjures images of charas-smoking hippies getting down to techno on pristine Indian beaches. To be honest, this is pretty much exactly how it is. Cheap holidays to Goa have made it possible for budget travellers and holidaymakers alike to sample India’s only real area of Western nightlife. Visitors to the Christian coastal strip can eat beef and drink alcohol, taking a break from ‘real India’ and the tough travelling that it often entails.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

A fairly recent stop on the backpacker trail, Sihanoukville is the emerging star of the Southeast Asian beach party scene. There may only be a handful of venues near the main beach, but something about this ramshackle town keeps people coming back for more. Friendly locals and an anything-goes mentality are a welcome change from the usual backpacker party scene. Worth checking out before the 7-11s and pancake vendors make their move on the town.

Bali, Indonesia

Not so much of an event as one summer-long frolic enjoyed by visitors from around the world. Bali’s perfect sunsets and abundance of nightlife choices make the island the perfect place to party. The impossibly confusing alleyways of Kuta are home to most of the action, with bars and clubs to suit all tastes. Six-floor mega clubs with neon lighting? Check. Hidden gems with great beers and Swedish food? Absolutely. July and August are bang in the middle of high season.

Bondi, Australia

Watch Bondi Beach Rescue and you’ll get the idea: scantily clad tourists being saved from muggings and near-death experiences by hunky young lifeguards. This is all the best bits of Baywatch and Neighbours combined. Bondi beach is a backpacker mecca, a gorgeous sweep of beach complete with a skate park. The bay is lined with some trendy bars and fruit shake stalls, making this a bit more of a classy beach party affair.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Southeast Asia’s iconic party spot, Koh Phangan, has kitted out backpackers with drunken tattoos and wardrobes of fluorescent clothing for the last 20 years. Unlike the full moon parties of Goa, Koh Phangan has a stronger Western feel. Think beach volleyball and is-she-looking-at-me-oh-she-totally-is sunbathing by day and partying by night. Everything Leo went to the island to avoid in The Beach but very good fun.

The 5 hottest backpacker beach party spots was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

What You Need to Know About Anti-Malarials

Jen Hoggett — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:33:03 +0000

Photo from Flickr by Tarek_Mahmud

Malaria is a growing a present problem in many parts of the world. While traveling it is something you have to be aware of, as in areas of Asia, Africa, South and Central America it is something that you may well be exposed to. Balancing the danger of contracting the disease however is the sometime extreme side effects and damage to your health that can be caused by anti-malarials.

So, once you have booked your flights to Thailand and are busy getting ready, here is some information on the most common anti malaria tablets for you to digest:

Doxycycline

Doxycycline has to be taken for two days before you enter a malaria area and for four weeks after your exit. Dosage is one tablet a day, which is best taken with food as the tablets are very strong and otherwise can cause painful stomachs and throats. Other side effects include increased sensitivity to sunlight (especially a problem when traveling in very hot areas of the world), heart burn, nausea and yeast infections in women. You should also be aware that Doxcycycline can interfere with the contraceptive pill. On the plus side it is the cheapest anti-malairal and readily available.

Malarone

Taken once a day, starting 2 days before entering a malaria area and continuing for one week after you leave. The most common side effect is slightly disturbed sleep and vivid dreams, it has also been known to cause headaches and nausea. It is a newer drug so its side effects are less well known and because of this it can only be take for a period of three months at a time. It is also the most costly anti malarial.

Chloroquine (Avloclor tablets)

Avloclor tablets need to be taken one week before entering a malaria risk area and continued for four weeks after your exit. They can cause nausea, a bitter taste in your mouth and rashes on your skin. People have also often reported a blurring of vision after the tablets are consumed. Chloroquine is a fairly old anti malarial and resistance to it is now fairly high, this means it is only suitable to take in a few areas.

Lariam

Probably the most well known, Lariam needs to be taken for two and a half weeks before and one month after being in a malaria area. Side effects can be severe and include headaches, nausea, dizziness anxiety and panic attacks, depression, disturbed sleep and hallucinations. This is a strong drug and its side effects may continue to be present up to one month after you have stopped taking the tablets.

No drug is 100% effective and due to growing resistance to drugs the type of anti-malarials that are effective varies from place to place. Because of the strength of the drugs and the side effects they can have many people choose not to take them, preferring to try to prevent mosquito bites occurring. Whatever you choose be sure to discuss it full with your GP before leaving home.

What You Need to Know About Anti-Malarials was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

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?

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