Most tourists rely on guides to take them around the place they are visiting, but for many travelers, guides are only a waste of time and money, not to mention that they spoil the sense of adventure. However, smarter travelers know that guides, especially the local ones, are of great help.

Below are some of the ways in which you will benefit from a local guide:

Photo by meryddian

1. You have someone to teach you how to be street smart. Local guides usually teach you how take public transport, eat local food and enjoy each place you check out not as a tourist but just like a local. Guides don’t just give you directions; they can teach you how to live like them and experience things that many travelers don’t.

2. You get a friend for keeps. If you are planning to stay in the place you’re visiting for a long time, hiring a guide is a must, as you instantly have a friend to depend on. In certain situations knowing you have someone you can call to help you out can be a very good thing!

3. Guides tell you where to and not to go. Each country has dangerous area. Some cities or neighborhoods are high in crime, while others are areas of political turmoil. Guides can inform you about the safety rules and precautions that are a good idea in their area, so that you know how to keep yourself safe and alive during your stay.

Photo by slaaty

4. They introduce you to various opportunities. Your everyday strolls with the guide you hired can lead not only to fruitful travels, but also wonderful discoveries. Through the places you go to, you get to find good opportunities for living and business, things you usually don’t find when you travel alone.

5. Local guides keep you from getting lost. Even if you have a map, it is best that you have someone to show you the way. Guides can pick you up straight from your hotel and take you to the famous tourist traps, but they can also accompany you to more interesting areas as well serve as translators during transactions with the locals.

6. They are people you can contact during your next visit. Guides easily become good friends for travelers. You will have a point of contact during your next visit, in case you plan to check out that country later on. They can also organise anything you need before you arrive the next time.

Photo by Dave_B

Local guides that you find yourself are usually cheaper than those offered by a hotel or tour company, and most of them offer first class service not just in guiding you around the place, but in taking you through the ins and outs of local society. You can find local guides on the internet if you need to – just ask on travel forums. That allows you to make arrangements with them before you arrive in the country you plan to check out (though it is often cheaper if you sort out finding someone when you arrive).

Ask other travellers locally or online for personal recommendations and you will be sure to find someone good.

Traveling is never complete without the photos, and it is best that you know how to take good shots of the destinations you’re in, otherwise your travels are left kept in the back parts of your memory (that is, until you have them erased forever as you grow older). But unlike other photographs, travel photos should be clearer and crisper, as these pictures not only talk about you, but more importantly the places you’ve been in.

Thus, if you are an amateur travel photographer, or if you simply want to take good photos of the places you’ve visited as well as those you’re planning to go to, then you might enjoy checking out these blogs which focus on travel photography. They can teach you a thing or two about taking pictures, especially when you’re on the road.

1. The Travel Photographer (http://thetravelphotographer.blogspot.com)- Owned and updated by Tewic El-Sawy, the blog focuses on his travels around the world, and it as well offers highly useful tricks in taking travel photographs. El-Sawy is also part of the Foundry Photojournalism Workshop, a group of photographers who offer lessons in photojournalism to interested individuals across the globe.

Photo by Stuck in Customs

2. Footstops (http://footstops.com)- Footstops meanwhile is more of a community blog, where people can contribute photos and videos of their travels. This blog comes handy especially when you want to look for destinations to go to, as well as read write-ups and commentaries from the people who took those photos. If you have your own photos to share, you can upload them as well, so that you can strike up meaningful conversations and even get more personalized advice from travel photographers and globetrotters who have already been to the different parts of the world.

3. Bob Krist Photography (http://bobkrist.com/blog)- Bob Krist is an American travel photographer who shares his own adventures in his blog. He not only discusses about his travels, but as well opens up about the techniques he uses in taking photos, from the right angles and timing, and the equipment he brings along. He also gives a quick review of the useful gadgets in travel photography, such as cameras, lighting and other photo gear.

Photo by Wandering the World

4. Mitchell K Travel Photo (http://mitchellktravelphoto.wordpress.com)- this blog is owned and updated by someone known as Mitchell K, who is a big fan of travel photography. Mitchell offers various advice in photography and traveling (and both), as well as side trips and other related topics. You can find podcasts, tunes, e-books and discussions both regarding traveling and photography, which prove to be helpful in your own adventures and escapades.

Photo by laurenz

5. Momentary Awe Photography (http://momentaryawe.com/blog)- this blog meanwhile is managed by a photo studio based in Dubai, and its photographers offer various insights about the places they’ve covered and their photography techniques. They also bring in a string of camera reviews so that their readers would have a good judgment on which cameras to purchase in case they plan to take quality pictures on their own.

Marco Polo is probably the most reliable explorer in the world, as he was able to make the East and West meet, and eventually gather them together for an exchange of cultures. In his travels he was able to come up with many valuable lessons which the modern traveler can not only learn from, but also use in his upcoming adventure trips.

Thus, if you want to follow the footsteps of Marco Polo, then below are some of the things you can learn from the historical legend:

Photo by anna_t

1. Record your travels. Even before Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan set sail to America and Asia, Marco Polo already took on his own expeditions, and he recorded his adventures through his writings. Nowadays, thanks to modern technology, you can not only take pictures but also videos of your travels and upload them right away on the internet, and that’s something you should take advantage of especially if you plan to chronicle your trips.

2. Taste the food. We all know that pasta hails from Italy, but the noodles actually came from China, and it was Marco Polo who brought the dish to Venice, and the rest was history. If you want to make your adventure more meaningful, taste the local dishes and cuisines-they tell a deeper story than just the taste.

3. Spend more time with the locals than fellow foreigners. During his time exploring, Marco Polo not only sought for trade and commerce, but also socialization. He spent time making friends with the people living in the places he visited, and among them was Kublai Khan, the reigning Mongol emperor. He became good friends with Kublai, and he was even allowed to live in the emperor’s houses during his stay.

Photo by Bandido of Oz

4. Log your routes. Travelers are different from tourists, as they don’t follow an itinerary; they create their own. Just like Marco Polo, who searched for his way to China and back, it is a must that you record the routes you took in order to get to your destination. You will find a lot of interesting side stories and discover various new spots not included in travel packages, and these can definitely add more meaning to your trip.

5. Explore the rides. You cannot just ride a cab to take you to the places you want to visit, as that would be very boring. When you are in a foreign country, ride on their different modes of transport. This way you will see how it feels to live like a local, and not just as a mere visitor.

Photo by Bergi Shot

6. Finally, enjoy your stay! How do you think Marco Polo was able to live in China for 17 years? He enjoyed his stay in the country, and even took part in the Kublai’s social festivities.  Your visit in your target destination may be shorter, but enjoying the time you’re there would definitely change your views not just in traveling, but more importantly in living life to the fullest.

Tropical islands and beaches are among the best destinations to visit, particularly if you are looking for a wild, nature-inspired adventure. Indeed there are a lot of resorts that have sprung out of nowhere during the recent years, but these are already crowded by tourists and commercial establishments. Thus it is way better to check out places which haven’t been explored yet by commercialization, as these retain not just their natural beauty, but as well as rich local culture.

Below are ten tropical destinations you should check out before they are introduced to the rest of the world:

1. Capul Island, Samar, Philippines- Capul is a small island located in the northwest part of Samar, Philippines. It is known for its serene community and white sand beaches, clear waters and distinct culture, as its inhabitants mostly come from the nomadic peoples of Samal, which hails from the southern regions of the country. If you want not just a tropical haven but a true piece of home, then this is your place for refuge.

Photo by DaRoiT

2. Sipadan Island, Borneo- At the northern part of Malaysia is Sipadan Island, a tropical hotspot that’s fast becoming popular for its clear blue waters, coral reefs and wildlife. If you are a fan of animals, then you will enjoy the company of sea turtles, eels, reef sharks and manta rays during your stay on the beach.

3. Lombok, Indonesia- Just two hours away from Bali is Lombok, which offers not just untouched beaches, but also an array of hills and idyllic atolls which add more life to the island’s panoramic beauty.

4. Tayrona, Santa Maria, Colombia- Meanwhile, if you are exploring the shores of South America, then you should visit Tayrona. It is a ground not just for swimming and sunbathing, but also for hiking, making it a haven for travelers looking for a pit stop to relax.

5. Hon Chong Beach, Vietnam- Located in the border of Vietnam and Cambodia, this beach spot is home to seductive beaches and interesting rock formations. It is accessible by boat from Ha Tien.

6. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka- Hikkaduwa is a small coastal town in Sri Lanka, and there you can witness not just fancy waters which are ideal for surfers, but delectable cuisines coming from the mingling cultures of Persia and India.

Photo by KTRawlings

7. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand- Lying in between the Thai mainland and Phuket, this island paradise is well known for its serene waters and peaceful environment, as it has only a few local inhabitants and rich wildlife resources.

8. Halong Bay, Vietnam-If you want to capture a beautiful sunset and a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, then this is the place to visit. Halong offers not just the pristine waters, but also a wonderful landscape of hills and trees surrounding the bay.

9. Canigao Island, Leyte, Philippines-Canigao is a small island that boasts white sand beaches, vast tropics and remnants of the Spanish era. It is a good campsite by night, as it has no electricity apart from the old lighthouse that gets its energy from sunlight.

Photo by Andrew Hux

10. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia- Near the Thai border is this set of islands rich in wild and marine life, together with crispy trees and foliage. The islands can only be reached by boat, and they remain relatively unexplored due to the lack of adequate roads for traveling. However, they are still popular among campers who want to get away from the urban city life.

One of the dangers foreigners are exposed to while traveling is getting robbed. Losing your belongings to thieves totally ruins your trip, as these are the valuables you’re going to use all throughout your adventure. There are times however, in which you fall prey to robbers, and when this happens, here are some of the things you should do:

Photo by SilentDAN

1. Report the incident to the authorities immediately. If you have been robbed by means of snatching or holdup, report the incident to the nearest police station right away. Petty street thieves are usually territorial, thus reporting the place where the crime took place will allow the cops to track down your suspect.

2. Report the incident to the embassy. The embassy of your home country is also helpful in such situations. They have persons who can assist you in contacting your loved ones as well as other people who can provide you with immediate help, such as processing your credit cards and sending you emergency money as you have lost your belongings in the theft.

Photo by conner395

3. File an affidavit of loss. You may also want to apply for an affidavit of loss which you are going to submit in the embassy and the foreign affairs office stating that you were robbed of your belongings, including your passport. This way you will be given further assistance such as temporary replacement papers and other documents that would keep your stay legal until such time that your case has been resolved.

Foreigners who fall prey to robbery and theft usually have low chances of getting their belongings back, especially if they are in countries which are known for high crime rates. It is best that you do a research on the country you’re going to visit first so you know how to stay safe once you’re there.

At any rate, the best way to avoid getting robbed while traveling is to take care of your belongings. Below are some of the effective ways on how to keep them secure while you’re on your adventure.

1. Keep all the necessary papers and documents in one pouch. Gather your passport, credit cards and other papers in just one bag and carry it with you at all times. Most travelers usually place these items on belt bags as these are difficult to snatch.

2. Do not carry big amounts of money. When traveling, you should rely on your credit cards, not only because they are handy, but also they are safer than hard cash. Bring just enough amounts of cash on your wallet, so that in case you get robbed you won’t lose that much money.

Photo by colin.brown

3. Stay away from dangerous places. As much as possible, do not frequent crowded places, or desolate outskirts and side streets unless you already are familiar with the surrounding neighborhoods. These are places in which criminals usually thrive, and they’re just waiting for the right timing to prey on their potential victims, most of which are foreigners.

Going on an adventure trip can be truly exciting as you will be facing new sights and meet new cultures, but wouldn’t it be better if you get to make friends at your next destination as well? Having friends from just about everywhere will help you not only appreciate the place you are visiting, but as well have a deeper understanding of how people celebrate life to the fullest. Hence, below are seven ways on how to meet locals on your next adventure:

Photo by giggle1025

1. Join social networks and online communities. Probably the best way to meet friends in the place you’re going to visit is by finding them online. There are regional online communities such as chat rooms, social networks, forums and blogs where you can interact with people living in the area you are planning to check out on your upcoming trip. Once you have established good friendship ties with them, they will be more than glad to accommodate you on your visit.

2. Take part in fiestas and other local festivities. If you already happen to be on your destination, then one of the ways to meet new local friends is by joining festivities and community celebrations. You can ask what the extravaganza is all about and from there create rapport with the people you meet.

3. Attend churches or places of worship. You can visit churches or temples during your stay, and you can interview the people active in religious activities. They would be happy to accommodate your inquiries and even tag you along with their activities so that you can experience them first hand.

4. Eat in local restaurants. Rather than spending time in cozy coffee shops and restaurants, why not go to places which serve local cuisine? The managers, waiters and waitresses would be more than happy to introduce you to their cuisines, not to mention tell you more about the place you’re currently staying in.

Photo by Lon&Queta

5. Enjoy the nightlife. If you are with a bunch of friends, then you can create a bigger group by going to party places, such as bars and clubs. There you will meet a lot of fellow party animals, which you can befriend and have fun with. Just be careful though, as some people in these places can lead you to danger.

6. Live in a foster family. In case you’re staying in a place for more than five days or so, then it’s recommended that you spend time living with a foster family. This way you can build a good relationship not just with the family members, but also with their friends and neighbors too.

Photo by Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival

7. Hang out in places where both locals and foreigners stay. There are some coffee shops, restaurants and cozy places where you can find both locals and foreigners hanging out. These are places where striking up conversations are not awkward, and by making the first step you would actually meet a lot of people and be good friends with them in the long run.

So, you’re thinking of moving to the Philippines? Chances are you will be considering calling Manila home. Not a bad idea at all! The capital of the Philippines, offers a lot of valuable, if not profitable opportunities to foreigners. Not only is the city home to rich culture and heritage, it also a haven for various investments and businesses. You can easily make a big fortune in this city, not to mention the fact that it is among the most inexpensive places in the world. If you are planning to move to Manila, below are some of the things you need to know:

Photo by Skitch

1. Rent. Most foreigners, particularly those who have offices in business districts, prefer to live in condominiums or flats since these residential area are usually located near the business area. Rent usually costs somewhere between $300 to $700 depending on the place, floor area, amenities and proximity to the work community.

2. Everyday living. A lot of foreigners enjoy staying Manila not only for its sights and sounds, but because of the various amenities the city has to offer. The people are hospitable and they speak English. A lot of international establishments such as coffee shops, lifestyle outlets and stores are found in the city, and they sell their goods and services at relatively cheaper rates. You can find almost anything that you can back home.

Photo by Oscar Paphaorum

3. Food. There are a lot of groceries and convenience stores located in almost every corner of the city. Food is cheap in Manila, and you can enjoy a good meal for as little as $4 to $5. Fast food meals like McDonald’s is even cheaper. You may also want to do the groceries on your own and cook your meals at your place. Shopping for groceries has been made easier as grocery stores are now located inside malls, and offer wet, raw food at the same prices as that in the markets.

4. Transportation. If you live in a place which is a bit far from your office or work area, then the most convenient ways of transport are rail and taxis. Taxis charge by the meter, while trains are fast and are linked to commercial areas such as malls. Manila is plagued by heavy traffic just about every single day, especially during rush hours.

Photo by Got Root?

5. Safety. If there are two things you need to do to ensure your own safety in Manila, these are looking after your belongings and stick to the traffic rules. Keeping your belongings in a safe place reduces risks of theft and robbery while obeying the road rules will keep you from the hassle of traffic violations (a lot of fatal incidents involving foreigners take place on the road because of arguments).

6. Communication. When living in Manila, it’s best that you have a cell phone to keep in touch with your friends, colleagues and peers. Most people in the country use cell phones, together with the internet. A lot of companies now offer free Wi-fi in their establishments, as a way to accommodate modern living. Hence, having a laptop or notebook is also handy.

Photo by Paul David

Moving to Manila can be a ton of fun. If you’re on the fence about it, you really have nothing to worry about. Just do it and enjoy all the perks of being an expat in one of the most exciting cities in teh world!

Without doubt, one of the last great adventure travel trips for intrepid travelers is along the old Silk Road. Depending on which route you choose to follow, you may end up starting as far west as Lebanon and ending in China. Some start north in Turkey and others further south. Which ever route you choose, you’re sure to have a wild ride. Here is a collection of photos that might get you inspired for the trip.

Travelling in the third world takes patience and a certain acceptance of hardship. While the rewards outweigh the sacrifices significantly, there are a few things that you’ll need to get used to if you’re going to spend any length of time travelling in the third world. Here are a few you should watch out for.

1) Eating Mystery Food – You probably won’t know what it is and truth be told, that’s probably for the best, but you will certainly put that mystery barbequed object on a stick into your mouth. You’ll probably even enjoy it, but never ever ask what it was!

Photo by Mulling it Over

2) Ad Hoc Sleeping – You end up sleeping where you can and when you can. Sometimes it’s a chicken-bus on an overnight red-eye or sometimes it’s an opulent king size bed in the local mayor’s guest room, but you can never be sure which. If you are a fussy sleeper, you’re going to experience some pain as a regular or long term third world traveller.

Photo by Hamed Saber

3) Sporadic Power Supply – Brown outs, black outs, petrol generators – these are all going to be part of the fun. But don’t make any plans to always have your iPod or laptop charged because unless you have made very detailed and specific arrangements for that, then you will probably be disappointed at some stage.

4) Cold Showers – Steaming hot showers just aren’t a priority in some places where the local wage is $2 a day. Go figure.

5) Dirt – It will get on your skin, under your fingernails, in your eyes, between your toes and it will probably be there for days rather than hours. Get used to it.

6) Uncomfortable Transport – Whether it’s the roof of a train or the back of a pickup truck on a dirt road, there just aren’t that many options for luxury transport in many isolated areas of the world.

Photo by Edge of Space

7) Having Small Change – When you pull out a US$50 to pay for a pack of gum… well, you’ll soon get the picture. Day to day payments for essentials like a pack of gum or smokes are usually measure in the local equivalent of cents rather than dollars. Make sure you have small change or very small notes.

Local Time – Stuff takes time to happen in the third world. Stuff happens when it happens. The bus comes when it comes. Your visa arrives when it arrives. You can spend your time getting upset about this inefficiency or you can learn to accept it and relax.

9) Hospitality – In most cases, you are going to be smothered with offers of hospitality. Whether it’s joining someone for tea or staying at their place there will be hundreds of offers. Don’t be afraid to accept when you feel comfortable because this is what we travel for!

Photo by awker

10) Less Security – Stuff gets “borrowed” remarkably often and if you have good stuff then it gets borrowed even more often. Keep your wits about you. Keep the ostentatious displays to a minimum and don’t take anything that you’re not prepared to live without.

11) Lack of Communications – You’ll almost certainly find yourself hours from a phone and depending on where you are that might be days. Let people know where you’re going before you go and when they can expect to hear from you again, because there won’t be any way to contact them from some places.

Photo by Daveness 88

12) Ad Hoc Transport – Public transport is great. When it exists. If you’re going a little further afield then you will probably be doing a bit of hitching, a bit of walking and a bit of riding.

13) Micro Managing Your Health – Stuff happens to bodies that aren’t accustomed to third world conditions. You’ll get dysentery, you’ll get mystery temperatures, you’ll get mystery hives and allergic reactions. Pack a decent first aid kit and get used to it. It’s just the way it is.

Many times, experienced third world travellers can tell other experienced third world travellers just by watching them. They don’t over-dress, they have basic gear, they’re noticeably patient and carry themselves in a relaxed manner. That’s because they’ve come to realise that many of the above tips are correct (and usually learned through experience only). You can get upset, or you can accept and relax.

After all, if we wanted a standard holiday, we’d go to Disney Land.

Travel safety isn’t rocket science. In fact, when most people get into trouble or get hurt overseas it seems to be because they were doing something silly rather than any inherent danger. But some taboos are worse than others. Here are our 7 deadly sins of travel safety.

Wearing Too Much Bling – We’ve all seen them. They pull out their iPod to listen to some tunes while tapping away on their laptop which is downloading some great shots from their Nikon D1X. The funny thing is that they seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are flaunting more wealth than many of the folks in the third world make in two years. Taking this stuff is no problem, but be a little bit sensible. Make it a bit ugly with some gaffa tape. Try not to take it out in full view of anyone who cares to look in your direction. In short, be a little discreet. Personal security is about making yourself less of a target than the next guy.

Photo by Prawnpie

Not Wearing a Seatbelt – If you’re going to die in a foreign country, then it will probably be when your head gets smashed against the metal of a car over and over again. Sorry for the graphic, but it amazes me that westerners travelling in the third world seem to want to ‘go native’ when it comes to cars and taxis. Not wearing a seatbelt when you’re in the third world is dumb. Even if you survive the car accident, you will then have to contend with a third world hospital. People who wear seatbelts often walk away from car accidents that claim the lives of people who weren’t wearing one.

Photo by Robbie Howell

Not Wearing A Helmet – Same as the seatbelt thing, but even dumber. The chance of dying on a motorbike in the third world is about 20 times that of dying in a car for the amount of hours exposed to that form of transport. And foreigners just love hiring motorbikes.

Photo by Dr Burtoni

Not Doing Your Research – I’d probably put this up among the biggest safety factors, but it is a general comment. Where are the dangerous areas of the city you are going to? What are the main dangers? Crime? Health? What is your plan for when you get injured? What is the number of your embassy? These are all common sense things you need to know about a place, preferably before you land there. Do a bit of reading. Ask people on travel forums. Know what you’re doing!

Wandering Alone at Night – If you’re going to get robbed, then you’re giving yourself the maximum chance of that happening when you’re alone at night. I’m not saying don’t do it, but at least research where the bad areas are a try to avoid them. If a local advises you that it’s a bad idea, then take their advice.

Not Taking a Basic First Aid Kit – A few bandages, plasters and disinfectant will make your life a lot more bearable if something goes wrong. You can buy basic first aid kits at most chemists or you can make up one for yourself even cheaper.

Photo by Telstar Logistics

Keeping People in the Dark – A big part of safety anywhere is simply letting people know where you are. Does your family know what city you’re in? Do people you know in the city know which bar you’re drinking at tonight? It’s no big deal, but mention to people where you’re going and when you plan to be back. At least if you get into trouble, somebody might think to send the cavalry in after you!