Photo from Flickr by Mike McHolm

Surfing in Hawaii

Hawaii is a great place to take a vacation, whether you go with your family or friends. In Hawaii, you can sunbathe in the sand, swim in the ocean, drink relaxing cocktails and do plenty of other fun activities. A very popular activity to do in Hawaii is surfing. Hawaii is very warm and has waters with high waves, offering the best conditions for surfing. Whether you are a beginner or expert surfer, you will have fun doing this activity in Hawaii.

Surf Seasons

In Hawaii, there are two different surf seasons. The winter season lasts from November to March while the summer season lasts from April to October. The summer season brings better surf conditions, so it is best to go during this time if you are just a beginner. The winter seasons bring on massive waves, which might be very dangerous for beginner surfers. However, you should understand that prices and crowds will increase during the peak surfing season.

Best Surf Spots

Hawaii is filled with several different islands, providing you with plenty of spots to surf. If you are bringing your young children along, Maui is one of the best places for your family to surf. The waves on this island are pretty small, which makes it safe for children. The beaches of Waikiki are also great surfing spots for families. If you are an experienced surfer, you might want to check out the island of Kauai because it offers more challenging surfing spots.

Climate

When you are surfing, it is important to consider the climate. Hawaii is known for having warm temperatures throughout the year, but it rains considerably more in the winter. If you plan on going surfing in the winter, you will want to bring the appropriate gear to make your experience as pleasant as possible. In the summer, the climate is very humid in the north-eastern islands and pretty dry in the south-western islands.

Hotels to Stay in for Surf Trips

If you want to do a lot of surfing during your stay in Hawaii, you will want to stay in a hotel that is close to the beach. Luckily, there are plenty of great Hawaii holiday deals on hotels available that are right by the beach. If you are visiting the island Oahu, for example, you will want to stay at the Turtle Bay Resort. This hotel is just 10 minutes away from the best surf beaches and features almost 400 rooms. The hotel also offers a spa, golf course and pool.

Have fun while you surf, but also remember to stay safe. Never go surfing alone and don’t surf in isolated areas. If you haven’t surfed before, start with small waves before you try to tackle the bigger ones.

Surfing in Hawaii was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Photo from Flickr by -Gep-

Asia certainly boasts some of the world’s very best beaches. With their white sands and palm trees, they are perfect for relaxing holidays. If you haven’t visited Asia before, then book your flight, organise your long stay travel insurance and prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

Here’s a look at the five most beautiful beaches Asia has to offer.

Sao Beach, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Located off the east coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, the island of Phu Quoc is gaining popularity, so it’s worth visiting sooner rather than later. Sao Beach is considered the most beautiful one on the island, not least because it is one of the most secluded. Hard to reach but worth it when you do, Sao Beach resembles something from a holiday brochure. It is surrounded by a thick dense forest, offering a more than remote experience.

Tanjung Rhu, Langkwai, Malaysia

The island of Langkwai is one of Malaysia’s treasures and Tanjung Rhu Beach is often cited as being its most stunning beach. Only accessible through the jungle, it also offers a chance for true seclusion, silence and tranquillity. The perfect scenery is broken up beautifully by craggy limestone rocks.

Puka Beach, Boracay, Philippines

In a country with as much coastline as the Philippines, this is not the only beach resembling paradise but it’s definitely one of the very best. Borocay Island is located in the centre of the Philippines, about an hour by plane from Manila. The White Sands beach is the most popular on the island but Puka Beach is the often overlooked but more beautiful younger sister. The whole island is famed for its white sands and crystal-clear blue waters.

Patnem, Goa, India

The fabulous beaches of the Indian state of Goa have been enticing tourists for over fifty years and with good reason. But while much of the coast has become built up, Patnem Beach retains the air of a recently discovered secret. Close to Palolem Beach, which is regularly said to be the most beautiful in India, Patnem is smaller, quieter but just as attractive. Surrounded by palms and with warm seas, this whole coast is heavenly and worthy of a spot in the list of best beaches.

Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

Maya Bay can be found on the uninhabited island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, near to Krabi in southern Thailand. Thailand is particularly famous for its islands and coastline and is frequently referred to as possessing the best beaches in the world.

While it’s hard to decide upon the best beach on Thailand, the fact that this was the chosen location for the film adaptation of Alex Garland’s ‘The Beach’ helps bring it into the limelight. Unlike the characters in the book, however, be sure to behave yourself whilst you are here so you can enjoy this paradise without any unexpected mishaps. The pristine waters, secluded bay and craggy rocks certainly do it justice as one of the most beautiful places on earth.

The 5 Best Beaches in Asia was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Photo from Flickr by: 3n

There are a few essential items for any trip away: passport, money, sun cream and a really good book. A good read can act as a companion to single travellers on Med cruises or a diversion for backpackers with hours to kill in airport lounges. Here are my five favourite books that have kept me company on my travels so far.

South of the Border, West of the Sun

by Haruki Murakami

Reading any of Murakami’s books means stepping into a dreamlike world filled with an array of colourful characters and off-the-wall scenarios. The narrative leads you on a magical journey as his random tale unfolds. This is a book about past loves and the inability to commit to the here and now, which perfectly captures the feeling of being unsure of which of the many paths before you to take. It is a brilliant read and offers the reader true escapism inside its pages.

Things Fall Apart

by Chinua Achebe

This book marked the beginning of African literature being available globally. At its core, the book focuses on family dynamics, how these change and shift and the impacts this has on the characters involved. On a wider level, it looks at the spread of Christianity and the encroachment of Western culture in Nigeria and the African continent. This makes for a story that is both engrossing and challenging. Incidentally, legendary hip hop band The Roots used this book title as the name of their 1999 album.

Half of a Yellow Sun

by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Set to the backdrop of the Nigerian civil war, it tells the story of two couples, their passions, ideals and doubts about the new Republic of Biafra in the south-east of their country. It follows the characters as they fight to turn their ideals into reality. It touches on issues of race, morality and independence, but never loses sight of the love stories at its centre. Adichie writes in a simple and unfussy style which is nonetheless beautiful and allows the reader time to digest the many elements of the tale.

The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini

Now a Hollywood blockbuster, this is the captivating story of Amir and his childhood in Afghanistan set against the background of the Soviet invasion. In a heartbreakingly honest portrayal, Amir (our narrator) is a flawed character, which makes the challenges he faces seem all the more real. The book draws you in as you follow the interweaving lives of the characters and the brutality they are sometimes subjected to. Hosseini’s following book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, is equally brilliant and I would recommend them both highly.

In Cold Blood

by Truman Capote

The ground-breaking book tells the story of the real-life murders of the Clutter family in 1959. Capote spent years researching the crime, conducting extensive interviews to ensure an accurate recording of the events that took place. The result is a psychological study of the two criminals involved and, as a result, the book is a reflection on the complexity of human nature. Though the fates of the Clutter family are known from the outset, Capote manages to create a book full of suspense and mystery, which makes for a fascinating read.

I loved all of these books, the different styles they are written in and the stories they tell, so would strongly recommend that you make room for at least one of them in your backpack.

5 Books to Break Up Your Next 12-Hour Bus Journey was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Photo from Flickr by Sun Internaional South Africa

**Guest post by Aussie nomad – Josh Geelen**

Thailand is an amazing country to travel around. It’s cheap, easy travelling with plenty of decent guesthouses and bargain eats. Airline competition is stiff, meaning you can get great deals both internationally and domestically on Thailand flights.

One of the country’s biggest backpacker attractions – the infamous Full Moon party on the island of Ko Pha Ngan – also happens to be one of its most dangerous. The full moon extravaganza, and the days leading up to it, are unbelievably fun and an experience like no other. Unfortunately, some young backpackers tend to take advantage of the party lifestyle in Thailand and believe that normal Western rules don’t apply. Travellers with this attitude are the ones who tend to fall into bad situations, turning their dream getaway into a living nightmare. As with tubing in Vang Vieng in Laos, there is the stigma of danger and trouble attached to Thailand’s Full Moon parties. The horror stories are true, but bad situations can be easily avoided, given the right mindset.

As someone who’s attended three Full Moon parties in the past year and a half, I understand how easy it is to get caught up with the festivities and get a little carried away. Drug-taking is rife as you’ll soon see when you are frequently offered them. They are illegal and the penalties for being caught are harsh. Alongside this, criminals take advantage of the drunken debauchery and promiscuity by roaming the beach looking for unsuspecting victims. Party-goers may have their drinks spiked or be pickpocketed. The culprits are usually held unaccountable for their crimes, which is why you need to be wary.

5 Tips for Avoiding Trouble:

1. Stick with your friends as it’s easy to get lost in a crowd of 50,000 people
2. Girls shouldn’t walk back to their guesthouse alone
3. Don’t take valuables with you – take just enough money and keep it in your front pocket
4. Keep an eye on bartenders pouring your drinks and don’t leave them unattended
5. If you’re not staying on Haad Rin beach itself, don’t be tempted to drive a hired motorbike back to your guesthouse

As a general note, the roads on Ko Pha Ngan are dangerous and the drivers are ruthless. (Take a look at any of the hundreds of backpackers bandaged up and hobbling around after a motorcycle ding.)

The beauty of the white sands, crystal waters and the beaming sun can mask the dangers of Ko Pha Ngan. When you hear horror stories of people being drugged and even going missing it puts into the party scene into perspective. Stay safe, keep your things secure and have an amazing time.

The Dark Side of the Full Moon Party was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Photo By: HappytimeBlog

Want to know how much it costs to be a backpacker in Thailand for a day? Why not ask someone who knows what they’re talking about! Working out a daily budget can be a little tricky when you’re the other side of the world. While the guidebooks can help out to a degree, they’re not always up to date, nor do they give you the info you’re looking for.

The best way to plan your daily Thailand budget is to look what others are spending there TODAY – people just like you, who might want a beer or two with lunch, to take a moto taxi instead of walking or just want a bit of air con in their guest house.

Our daily budget for Thailand reflects what most backpackers will spend day to day and covers the areas where a few people might choose to splurge.

Daily Thailand budget:

Sleep (Khao San Road):

• Dorm Bed (fan, shared bathroom) – 120-150B
• Basic single room (fan, shared bathroom, possibly without a window) – 180B
• Guesthouse double room (fan, private bathroom, TV) – 400B
• Hotel double room (air con, hot water bathroom, TV) – 800B

Splurge! Hotels on Th. Sukhumvit in the city centre start from around 1500B for a luxury room in a great hotel with pool, maid service, etc.

Check for rooms with Hostelbookers.com

Eat:

• Small street snacks (BBQ meat, pork dumplings) – 20B
• Cheese and ham toastie from 7-11 – 25B
• Street pad thai with egg – 30B
• Chicken green curry with rice – 40B
• Croissant from European coffee shop – 90B
• Indoor restaurant with air con – meal + drinks around 150B
• Fancy restaurant – meal + cocktails around 500B

Splurge! Having a meal in a fancy restaurant, with a cocktail and a drink or two, costs around 500B per person.

Drink:

• 1 litre water from 7-11 – 18B
• Coffee from US style coffee shop – 60-85B
• Big bottle of Chang from 7-11 – 50B
• Big bottle of Chang in a bar – 100-150B
• Spirit + mixer – 150B
• Cocktail in a fancy bar – 250B
• Whisky bucket – 250B

Travel:

• Public bus from Bangkok (Ekamai Terminal) to Trat – 248B
• International bus ride (Bangkok to Phnom Penh) – 600B
• Skytrain from airport to Phayathai (into city centre) – 45B
• Taxi from Phayathai to Khao San Road 100B
• Taxi/tuk tuk ride 20 mins – 100B
• Skytrain ride 8 stops (20 mins) – 35B

Splurge! A taxi from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport to Khao San Road/city centre costs around 300-350B.

Other:

• Internet 1 hour (free wifi widely available) – 30-60B
• Entrance fee to Royal Palace – 400B
• Entrance fee to Reclining Golden Buddha – 100B

If you’re doing the Southeast Asia ‘loop’ then check out our up-to-date daily budget for Cambodia as well.

Daily Thailand Budget – April 2012 was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Photo from Flickr by tiny pig

Some people were born to be campers – those fit, outdoorsy types who make an anorak seem vaguely cool. Then there’s the rest of us. Occasional festival-going city dwellers that can’t tell a yard stick from a tent pole. This guide is for people like us…

Get geared up

Whether you’re dossing by the beach for a weekend of surf or having a girly glamping weekend, one thing’s for sure – you need to get the right gear. As a newbie, it’s best to borrow a good quality tent from someone who’s a keen camper. Cheap tents, those pop-up ones without the proper ‘inside bit’, sound all well and good but you’ll be sorry if it rains. Very sorry.

A friend of mine once turned up for a camping trip with his ‘budget tent’ – a canary-yellow wendy house. Luckily for him the rain held off but he woke up with his feet frozen solid, seeing as they were sticking out from one of the windows of his ‘house’ for the entire night.

Prepare for The Arctic

Even if you’re camping in the Egyptian desert, there’s one indisputable camping fact: it’s always freezing at nighttime. Bring a decent hoodie and as much snug bedding stuff as you can carry/cram into the boot of your car.

The lowest point my boyfriend and I ever experienced in our early camping days was a 3am tug-of war over an emergency aluminium foil ‘space blanket’ we brought with us as a joke. It turned out that our lives depended on it (at least, that’s how it felt at the time). It wasn’t fun. Not fun at all.

Take a penknife. And a torch

Take a penknife camping and you’re guaranteed to be able to deal with about 80% of any tricky situations that crop up, from needing to open a tin can to fixing the chain on your rental bicycle (I did do this once, in Amsterdam!). As for a torch – well, try camping without one. It’s pretty much impossible.

Bring alcohol

Now, not everyone goes camping just to sit around a fire get a bit tipsy. But when you’re living the outdoor life it’s nice to have a cockle-warming drink or two. No matter how much you bring, you’ll always run out of booze sooner than you think. Always bring a little bit extra. Camping usually means that you’ve set yourself apart from civilization i.e. from the nearest shop by some unfathomable distance. If you’ve booked one of the camping sites from Pitch Up then you’ll at least know what amenities you’ll have and how far away the nearest shop is.

Don’t try to be Gordon Ramsey

It’s easy to get lost in thoughts of dining al fresco, barbecuing the perfect steak and washing it down with an icy cold beer. Be warned: this never happens. Even if you’re a real foodie (as I am), you’ve got to be realistic and work with whatever equipment you’ve got. If it’s the usual basic stove then you’ll unfortunately have to curb your culinary enthusiasm for a day or two.

Top camping tip: make decent food before you go, freeze it, then let it defrost on the journey to the campsite. Make a big batch of tasty chili con carne, throw some corn chips or crusty bread in the mix and hey presto! Meals frozen in plastic tubs will act as portable ice blocks as well, handy for keeping drinks cool.

No matter how much experience you have, camping – like many things in life – gets way more fun the more you do it!

A Blagger’s Guide to Camping was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Photo from Flickr by: Free Pictures / Railay Bay

Thailand, the gem of Southeast Asia, remains at the top of the backpacking wishlist for most first-time travellers. With friendly locals, year-round sunshine (okay, and a bit of rain now and again) and tropical islands, it’s a country with so much to offer. It’s a long country that takes a considerable length of time to cover, so be sure to fit these top 5 attractions into your itinerary.

Bangkok

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Photo from Flickr by: Bruno [BRA

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, about 12 hours north of Bangkok, is the spiritual heart of the country. With over 300 temples in and around the city, it’s the best place to hire a bicycle, charge your camera battery, and go off exploring. The old city centre has retained its ancient wall, giving you a real feel for the area’s history. The temples here welcome the tourist population to try their Buddhist meditation methods from anything to a few hours to several weeks’ stay, all done by donation.

Ko Samui

Nestled in the south of the country, Ko Samui is the third largest of Thailand’s stunning islands. It’s also the most well equipped for tourism, being home to some of the most impressive beach resorts as well as the more budget end, for those looking for a comfortable bed and breakfast at a low cost. The beaches are long and sandy, the water crystal clear and a prime spot for snorkelling. As one of the larger islands, it’s also very popular, meaning that in high season things can get a bit crowded. Don’t let that put you off though – it really is stunning.

Ko Pha Ngan

Ahh, the stuff of backpacker legend. The gorgeous island of Ko Pha Ngan is the site of the world-famous full moon parties. Thousands of young revellers descend on Haad Rin beach every month for the celebration to end all celebrations. This is one of the rare times that it’s worth spending time to research cheap holiday accommodation as those who leave it to the last minute are usually faced with the prospect of a messy night sleeping on the beach!

Photo from Flickr by: bonbongirl

Siam Water Park

Okay, so it’s not the most cultural thing to do, but it’s undeniably enjoyable on a scorching hot day. Who doesn’t love splashing around at a water park?! The Siam Water Park near Bangkok makes a great day out for families, where kids can frolic in the wave machine, slides and waterfalls. Expect to see a few over-enthusiastic backpackers making the most of the slides!

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

Photo from Flickr by By Rafa http://www.micamara.es

In recent years prices have gone up through Western Europe and weekend breaks end up breaking the bank. A few days in Paris costs nearly as much as flying to Asia, but luckily there is an alternative, Eastern European countries remain relatively cheap in comparison but are often overlooked as holiday destinations.

One of the forgotten gems is Bulgaria, a dazzling country with ancient cities, snow-capped mountains, azure lakes and a bounty of beaches lining the Black Sea coast. In fact Bulgaria holidays couldn’t fail to excite even the most hard to please of customers. With a vibrant and colorful culture that invites visitors in.

One of the largest draws to the country are the inexpensive skiing trips that can be found. Mount Vitosh has a vast number of slopes for all abilities, and with large hotels to log cabins, accommodation is plentiful. The mountain itself is stunning, stretching out into the distance, with a national park covering most of its base, so if you wanted a break from skiing there are a multitude of hiking trails through its beautiful forest areas to keep you entertained.

Nestled just beyond its base is the capital Sofia. A wonderfully green city which seems to have almost as many trees as it does buildings. Like much of Bulgaria, due to its muddled past, Sofia displays a wide variety of architecture which is sometimes lacking in symmetry but can be nonetheless beautiful. The city holds such treasures as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its magnificent domed roofs and the ancient Church of Boyana, now a UNSCO World Heritage Site and quite unlike any other church you will see.

To the East of the country you will meet with the Black Sea and its stunningly calm waters. Already a popular holiday spot with bargain hunters much of the cost is now highly developed with large hotels, and beaches crammed with water sport bases and sun loungers.  It is still easily possible to escape the crowds by heading away from the centre to either the North or South where development has not taken hold and the beaches still remain largely unspoilt. Now is the time to visit however as this underdevelopment will not last long.

Why to Visit Bulgaria was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Photo from Flickr by Alexander Andreev

Egypt is one of those places I always wanted to go. Its always taken my fancy just because of the culture this country has to offer, not mentioning the Great Pyramids and the river Nile Cruises. There is just so much to see and do here its unbelievable. But you might want to do something that the average tourist  doesn’t, so here are some of the things I would do to keep myself busy whilst in this stunning country they call Egypt.

 Ride a Camel

What better way is there to enjoy the Egyptian culture than riding a camel? If you go to see the Great Pyramids of Giza then you must try out the camel ride around them. As far as the best ways to view the ginormous man-made wonders of the world are most definitely by The Nile Cruise and of course on the back of a camel.

Ancient City of Alexandria

Alexandria also know as Alex is in a very special location, being on the Mediterranean sea whilst also on the Nile valley, so the beach life here is very popular. The beaches here is incredible as you can rent out Jet Skis and even go on a parasailing trip, but if you want to just lay around on the beach eating fresh fish and fruit all day you can. Alexandria was also a big part of the Roman Empire and being an ancient city there is a lot to go see such as The Pompeii Pillar, this is an important ancient landmark. Built between 280-305 A.D. as a memorial to Emperor Diocletian’s saving of the city from famine, Pompeii’s Pillar is also the tallest memorial pillar in Egypt and is most definitely worth a look.

Go Diving in the Red Sea

Diving in the Red Sea has a worldwide reputation for one reason, because it deserves it. As its filled with amazing coral and huge drop offs there is always something to see in there. Gorgeous marine life of thousands of species of fish and coral in crystal clear waters might just be exactly what you need on your visit to Egypt, one minute you could have you head stuck in a reef then the next minute a sheer drop into the dark deep abyss, this is why the Red Sea is one of the seven wonders of the underwater world.

Exciting Egypt was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips

Photo from Flickr by seeveeaar

I am off to India next month which I am very excited about, but I have run into the same problem yet again. What to pack? What to choose? What will I need? Packing your bag for a trip is often very difficult.

Less is always best, there is nothing worse then carting around copious amounts of luggage – not only is it heavy but can cost you alot more in fees if you fly with low cost airlines. It also leaves no room to pick up new nick nacks along the way to remember your travels by.

5 tips to think about for Smart Packing to India

1. Always check the weather in each area. India is a very vast country and the temperature can dramatically change from one area to the next. The north of India is considerably colder than the south.

2. Be respectful. In some parts of India it is very disrespectful to show your ankles and the back of your neck, you will be labelled as a ‘creature of the night’ and it will encourage unwanted attention and possible unwanted gropping.

This is not a personal thing but it is the culture and the way some Indians have been brought up. It is very important to always be aware of these traditions and respect the country that you are visiting. A light scarf or sarong is always a good option to have when travelling to India.

3. Think about what kind of trip you are planning – whether you will be spending most of your time in beach destinations, focusing on religious sights and a religious experience, or you choose the hiking outdoors experience. Evaluate the trip you have decided to embark on; this will allow you to dechiper which materialistic

clothing pieces to bring on your travels. For example you will not need tiny shorts if you choose a religious India experience (see point 2)

4. Things that you may only wear once or use only once do NOT pack, remember less is always best. There are always options to hire items for one time uses.

Erento is a great website to check out for all your renting needs.

5. Insect repelent is also a must when traveling to India. It is avaliable there but the brands that are avaliable in your country of residence are generally trusted and guarnteed. Also get your hands on Malaria tablets before heading off; these can be brought from your local pharmacy with a prescription from your GP.

6. A slip is a necessity when travelling to India. Everytime you sleep anywhere, be sure to have your own slip to place in between the supplied linen. This will reduce the spread of germs and sickness from the previous occupant of the bed you sleep in. You never know how clean the bed linen is in different hotels, hostels and guest houses.

I would recommend a silk slip as they are light, dry easly and also perfect for hot weather conditions.

Packing for India was originally published by BeforeYOUBackpack.com - How to: Backpacking around Asia - Asia travel tips