**Guest post by Asia-loving traveller – Paul Sullivan**

As any experienced traveller will know, the best laid plans often go to waste. When I finally landed in Bali, I found I had only 6 days there rather than the 6 weeks I had originally planned. As a result, I decided to base myself in Kuta and party my time away around the winding alleys of Poppies I and Poppies II.

With great nightlife and cheap accommodation, Kuta is an essential stop on any backpacker’s itinerary. It operates on the more hedonistic side of life – think lazy beach days and drunken evenings. Although Kuta is to the Australians what Magaluf is to the Brits, don’t be put off – it’s hard not to have fun there.

Here are a few crucial stops you should make if you find yourself in this crazy place.

Alleycats

This little gem is tucked away just off Poppies II. An English-owned bar/restaurant, Alleycats serves big meals at low prices. The Swedish meatballs with lingonberries comes highly recommended by my Swedish friend Jesper (and he should know).

This is a great place to start a night out, either with a few games of pool or just hanging out in the courtyard. Be wary of the infamous double doubles (double vodka/redbulls) at a whopping 10,000 Rupiah (80p), as a few too many of these could send you home early.

Greenbox

With standing room only, the Greenbox bars dotted around Kuta are tiny, but give you a chance to sample the local poison arak with a variety of different mixers. The lime arak attack is a winner in my book. You can buy a tray of 20 shots at a ridiculously cheap price although some are definitely more palatable than others.

The Bounty

Bounty is the backpacker club in Kuta. Set up like a pirate ship (what’s not to love about that?) this place doesn’t getting going til late at night. By the time you arrive the patrons are suitably inebriated on cocktails served in jam jars and fishbowls. The music is your generic club fare but who cares when you’re partying on a pirate ship!

And for something a little more chilled out…

Waterbom

An oasis in the middle of the Kuta stretch is the splash park Waterbom. Exciting water slides dissect the 3.8 hectares of landscaped tropical parks, providing hours of fun. It’s best to get there early to make the most of it as the entrance fee is a touch pricey. May I suggest the lazy river if you’ve had a few too many the night before. And definitely don’t forget the sunscreen.

Arak Attack! The Best Spots in Kuta, Bali was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you

Photo from Flickr by rakastajatar

Many cities tell a story, and Berlin is no exception, which has undergone redevelopment since the “fall of the wall.” With a lively youth and artistic culture, it professes over 170 museums, hundreds of music clubs and many outdoor public gardens.

In between from enjoying trendy bistros, street festivals, museums, rock concerts and/or shopping at the cutting-edge boutiques, a visit to the historical sites is in-order.

Berlin Wall

The historic remains of Berlin Wall divided West and East Berlin during the Cold War. It sits east of the city centre along the River Spree and is now considered an international memorial for freedom. Paintings from world-wide artists are featured on the eastern side of the wall, known as the “East Side Gallery.”

 Brandenburg Gate 

The Brandenburg Gate is a ‘symbol of unity’ and is one of the few original surviving structures from the bombings of WWII. Constructed in 1791, it was custom-built to mirror Athens’ Acropolis. The gate prevailed as the national image during the Nazis regime.

Checkpoint Charlie

During Berlin’s Cold War history, Checkpoint Charlie was the document check point to enter between West Germany and East Germany. A replica wooden sentry shed now stands in its place.

Holocaust Memorial

Pay homage to those who lost their lives during the Nazi regime at the Holocaust Memorial which opened to the public in 2005. The Memorial contains collections of artwork and a sectional underground museum which recounts the terrifying tales during this dark period.

Siegessäule

Constructed in 1873 to honor the Prussian victory in the Danish-Prussian war, this 196 foot high monument is also known as Victory Column. It has a gilded figure atop depicting the Goddess of Victory. Walk up to the observatory for a panoramic view of Berlin.

Planning a Trip

Tegel International Airport (TXL) is the arrival airport servicing Berlin for scheduled flights arriving from numerous world-wide destinations.

Hotels in Berlin are pricy. Instead rent an affordable holiday apartement that offers more elbow room and allows a visitor to live like a native. Check Craigslist or HolidayApartments.net  for available flats.

Berlin can easily be explored by bike on paths designated for touring on your own. Another option is its fine public transportation system (S-Bahn and U-Bahn).

Berlin is Pure History in Full View was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you

Photo from Flickr by Ryan.padilla

Once home approximately 3,000 years ago to the Serrano Indians, Big Bear Lake, California is a picturesque getaway waiting to renew the spirit. This is premier destination is situated in the 800,000 acre  San Bernardino National Forest and is within close proximity to other west coast attractions.

Originally considered foremost as a summer destination, Big Bear is a hot spot for skiers during the winter months. Skiing opportunities and facilities are available for the novice skier up to pro.

The ski area has added snowboard-free-style parks. This venture proved so successful that Snow Summit now plays host to ESPN’s “Winter X Games” and MTV’s “Snowed In.” However, the slopes are not the only draw in Big Bear.

The changing of the leaves in autumn is considered unparallel and offers nature´s palettes of autumn hues at its best. Spring naturally brings the first signs of the awakening of the lush vegetation with blooming wild flowers.

Grab a backpack and do some discovering on your own on the many hiking and biking trails. There are the many guided or narrated tours available. Options include sailing on the lake, safari-style zipline tours over the tree-tops, or riding a segway with a guide through the forest paths.

Whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall, a visit to Big Bear Lake region is an all-around holiday haven with picture-perfect vistas for all. Even the Hollywood crowd will agree, since Big Bear has been used as a backdrop in many films for over a hundred years.  Films and TV productions include “Paint Your Wagon,” “Gone with the Wind,” “The Parent Trap,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Bonanza.”

Other pursuits for visitors during various seasons include horseback riding, water skiing, golfing and fishing. Lodging opportunities are abundant and range from basic camping areas to luxury resorts.The best way navigate Big Bear Lake is by auto.

Besides Big Bear Lake, visit other points of interest in California with a day trip by a rental car to nearby Palm Springs, San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Check CharpCarRental.net for affordable cars.

Big Bear Lake is a Stunner in Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you

Photo from Flickr by stusmith_uk

Something strange happens to London in summertime. When the sun hits the sky, suited executives swing their briefcases in the street and people even smile at each other on the tube. The entire city opens itself to the great outdoors giving foreign visitors dozens more options for things to do than the usual museum/gallery/landmark checklist. This summer is even more special, as millions of people will be visiting the capital for the Olympics. So here it is: a Londoner’s guide to summertime in the capital.

Summer Days…

If you’re new to the city and can’t tell your Arsenal from your Bow, try a cycling tour. It’s the best way to see the major sites of the city on a sunny day. The London Bicycle Tour offers a great route from Buckingham Palace to the Southbank via Hyde Park. If you’re feeling lazy, buy an open ticket for the City Tour bus and peek below from the top deck.

You may have heard of the city’s most famous markets – Portobello Road, Spitalfields, Covent Garden – but the best in peak season is Borough Market. The artisan food is eye-wateringly tasty (just ask Jamie Oliver, he’s regularly spotted here). Make yourself a gourmet picnic and devour it in the grounds of iconic Southwark Cathedral just behind the market.

Now, while they may sound like they’re just for geeks, historic walking tours of the city are actually very good. Honestly. The London Ghost Walk is perennial favourite as it’s interesting but also seriously creepy. Walks are free, run by donation.

Summer Nights…

Open air theatre is huge from June-October. Regent’s Park boasts a beautiful amphitheatre where you can watch magical Shakespearean comedies in the twilight. If your budget can’t stretch to the ticket price (it’s a bit steep) then try The Globe theatre as an alternative. Outdoor standing tickets here cost just £5.

A bit less highbrow is More London’s outdoor movie screenings. Their double bills draw the young professional crowd out from their desks after work hours. Sit back and join the ranks eating reduced-to-clear sandwiches from the local supermarkets and sipping pear cider.

Ready For the Weekend…

When the working week’s over, Londoners love nothing more than to head straight to the city’s parks. Clapham Common sees semi-naked young professionals throwing Frisbees and checking out the opposite sex while Hampstead Heath offers excellent views of the city and a place to spot nannies pushing A-lister babies in designer strollers. Simple, honest fun and totally free.

If you’re looking to visit the capital for more than a few weeks, it’s much more economical to look into short-term rental of a room or apartment. Being so steeped in history, you can rent really unique apartments along the riverfront or bang in the city centre. Wherever you stay, there’s nothing quite like being in the capital when the sun is shining.

London in the Summertime was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you

Photo from Flickr by irene

The Gold Coast of Australia is waiting for you. Quickly becoming the tourist capital of Australia, the Gold Coast immediately brings to mind sun, surf, and sand. But that is not all you will find at the holiday hot spot. The Gold Coast is home to dozens of exciting activities for the entire family.

The Hinterland is Your Land

If you are searching for rainforest paradise the Hinterland is the answer to your dreams. The Hinterland of the Gold Coast allows you to immerse yourself in nature. Mount Tamborine is home to the most picturesque trails in all of Australia. You will discover waterfalls and hidden pools where you can swim.
Wildlife watching is popular pastime of visitors to the Hinterland. Wildlife of all kinds call this tropical paradise home. The Currumbin wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect spot to get up close and personal with koalas and tropical birds.
While visiting the Hinterlands you can stop by one of country’s famous wineries located on the winery trail. Plus, homemade pastry and cheese shops and fresh produce from the farmers markets will tempt your taste buds.

Beautiful Beaches and Whales

The beaches of the Gold Coast are dazzling and offer a multitude of activities for everyone. Visitors will find everything from surfing, sunning, and kayaking.  The coastline offers sandy and sunny beaches and rocky shores. Rainbow Bay, a beautiful beach secluded between tow rocky outcroppings, is one of the most popular beaches on the Gold Coast.
The waters off of the coast are an excellent place to watch whales. Humpback whales can be seen off the Cold Coast two times a year during migration season. If whale watching is on your bucket list plan to visit between the end of May and November.

Coasters and More

Thrill seeking tourists will want to visit one or more of the fabulous theme parks located on the Cold Coast. Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild, White Water World, Dream World, and Movie World await everyone looking for daring adventure.

Fishing

Fishing draws many tourists to the Gold Coast. A variety of fishing charters are available including the famous catch-a-crab charters and cruises.

Dining and Accommodations

Restaurants situated along the beaches of the Gold Coast serve fresh and delicious seafood. You can enjoy local favorites caught the same day.  Lobster, snapper, grouper, and flounder are specialties of the area.
There are over 500 choices when it comes to accommodations in the area. Visitors can choose excellent Gold Coast deals on accommodation that fit their budget. Hotels, inns, and apartments are available with seaside views and with lush mountainside vistas.

Whether you are searching for an adrenaline rush zip-lining through the Hinterlands or want to soak up the sun on the beach, the Gold Coast of Australia is the place for the ultimate holiday.

5 Reasons You’ll Love the Gold Coast, Australia was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you

Photo from Flickr by Your Girl in Portland

Paris. Midnight in Paris. Gay Paree. The City of Lights. The City of Romance. Need I carry on? Everyone knows the glamorous Hollywood version of France’s capital city. So much so that there have been reports of Paris-induced depression, suffered by disappointed tourists who arrive to find that the streets aren’t filled with mimes, no-one really wears a beret, and the Champs-Elysées is more super-cher than super-chic.

While you can hunt down the old Parisian stereotypes if you’re really desperate to find them, why not go in search of the more contemporary city? When you look for a place to stay, it’s always more interesting to go off the beaten track. And the same applies to sightseeing. Here are three spots you probably won’t find in every guidebook.

Take a Pissoir

Paris wasn’t always the sophisticated centre of civilisation you might think it is now. In fact, it wasn’t so long ago that Parisians (the men at least) didn’t think twice about relieving themselves en plein air – that is, out in the open. Find your way to the La Santé prison on Boulevard Aragó, and you can gawp at the last remaining pissoir, or outdoor urinal, in Paris. You can even indulge in this age-old Parisian tradition yourself, if the mood takes you – the last of the 1,200 conveniences that once dotted Paris’s streets was fully functional at the time of writing.

Shop for charity

If you fancy bringing home some unusual and inexpensive souvenirs, or you simply want to treat yourself (why not?), then Neptune is where you need to go. Take the Métro to Mairie de Montreuil to find yourself within walking distance of this bargain-hunter’s heaven spread over two buildings. You’ll find all manner of weird and wonderful objects. Always wanted a brightly-coloured espresso set? You might just find it here. What about a brilliantly tacky parrot-themed lamp? There’s a good chance of that too! But in amongst the trashy fun items, there are plenty of real gems at rock-bottom prices. And the best part? It’s all for a good cause – Neptune’s revenue is spent on helping the socially disadvantaged get back on their feet.

Mourn the mutts

In the Cimetière de Père-Lachaise, you’ll find a host of illustrious permanent guests, including the likes of Kurt Cobain and Oscar Wilde. But if you’ve already visited the graves of the great human heroes, why not swing by the Cimetière des Chiens near Métro Gabriel Péri to pay your respects to some dearly-departed canine companions? As well as being full of extravagant and zanily-decorated tombstones, the burial ground is home to some of the world’s most famous dogs. Barry, a St Bernard who saved over forty people in the mountains, rests here, as does Rin Tin Tin, the Hollywood showdog who reputedly died in the arms of film legend Jean Harlow.

 Written by: Ahmed Ahmed

The Other Side of Paris was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you

Photo from Flickr by vavva_92

Choosing a destination for a quality stag do can often be tricky. After all, there are bound to be a lot of competing interests and needs in a group of red-blooded males all out to celebrate one of their friend’s last few days of single life. But if you are stuck when it comes to planning a good stag outing, then five of the best destinations are listed below.

Edinburgh to Amsterdam

The capital of Scotland has long been a destination of choice for stag parties. As well as its more civilised charms, there are some great pubs to explore, especially in the Grassmarket and close to the Castle. Scotland is, of course, also the home of golf and St Andrews in Fife is a short hop over the Firth of Forth. Rugged terrain in the rural hinterland also means that outdoor treats such as clay-pigeon shooting and white-water rafting are also easily found north of the border.

The charms of Amsterdam are legendary. One of the most liberal and permissive cities in the world, almost anything goes in this part of the Netherlands. Brown cafes offer alternative forms of relaxation should anyone become tired of the excellent lager in this corner of Europe, while the Red Light District is justifiably famous for its atmosphere of all-inclusive decadence.

From the Mersey to the Baltic

England’s North West has a great deal to offer to any stag party. While the seaside is never far away, the city of Liverpool also has a thriving nightlife scene, whether you want to enjoy a few pints of Guinness in an Irish music bar or dance like a maniac at Cream. Nearby Cheshire also offers up a good range of the usual outdoor activities, with go-karting and white-water rafting always popular options.

Heading further afield to Eastern Europe has also become very popular in recent years. Prague is one of the most picturesque capitals on the entire continent, with a host of wonderful streets to explore. The castle looms over all, while the local female population is also eye catching. Superb mountain scenery outside the city gives any paintballing expedition a real feeling of adventure, though urban facilities are close enough not to require backpackers insurance.

Heading even further east, Riga in Latvia offers one of the fastest developing nightlife scenes in Europe. One great way to mark a trip here is arrange one of the ‘arrest’ packages on offer locally. This is where the stag is the victim of a mock arrest by Russian security forces, who accuse him of drug trafficking. Of course, there is a happy ending to the story, but not until he has faced an ‘ordeal’ at the hands of his captors.

Now for the serious bit: in the excitement during the run up to the stag do, don’t forget to do your homework to make sure you’ve planned for every possible eventuality and make sure you get a comprehensive travel insurance policy to give you that extra peace of mind; above all though, make sure you enjoy yourself!

Top Stag Do Destinations was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you

Photo from Flickr by kozumei

Spanish is not the trickiest of languages to learn. A por favor here, a gracias there… if you’re learning Spanish, it’s amazing what you’ll know without even realising it. (I incidentally learnt a lot from that Spanish bumble bee character in The Simpsons, as it goes.)

Whether you’re learning the lingo for a short stay in the Costas or you’re interested in holiday apartments for rent in Barcelona, it goes without saying that you should learn a few basic words and phrases – hello, please, how much is this, etc.

If you’re properly learning the language, you’ll probably start out by being able to say ‘the car is red’ and other inane and useless phrases. When it comes down to it, there are a few key phrases that you’ll use a LOT but they won’t be listed as top priority in any Spanish phrasebook.

Here’s how to look like you know what you’re talking about (when really you don’t).

Situation 1: The Takeaway

You’ve ordered food in a cafe. You see them putting it on a plate but really you want a takeaway. You have around 10 seconds to think of an appropriate arm gesture to say ‘no not on a plate, in a box and preferably in a plastic bag with some cutlery please’.

You say: Por favor… para llevar
[por fav-OR, para yeh-BAR]

Translation: takeaway please!

Situation 2: The Brush-off

You’re in a club dancing. Whether you’re a guy or a girl, the Spanish love to flirt, whether it’s an ‘accidental’ stroke of the arm when dancing or a full-on smacker on the lips if it’s carnival time.

You say: Gracias, pero tengo novio/novia
[GRASS-ee-ass, perro TENgo NObio/NObia]

Translation: Thanks, but I’ve got a boyfriend/girlfriend

Situation 3: Leaving Things Somewhere

Whether you’re checking in and out of cheapie guesthouses or nice hotels, you’ll often want to ask if you can leave your backpack/luggage somewhere. Rather than construct a long sentence involving several words, you can quite politely point to your bag and then anywhere in the distance, asking:

You say: Puedo dejarlo ici?
[PWAY-doh deHAR-lo EE-see]

Translation: Can I leave this here?

Situation 4: The Embarrassing Solo Photo

Ahh, the perils of being a lone traveller. It’s always the case that your travel photos end up being about 70% scenery, 25% other people and perhaps 5% of yourself. It’s awkward enough asking someone else to take a photo of you with your own camera but you can make life that bit less embarrassing by at least asking correctly.

You say: Puede sacarme una foto?
[PWAY-doh sa-CAR-meh OOna foh-toh]

Translation: Can you take a photo for me?

As a last tip, if you’re properly learning Spanish then try out some audio CDs. I wasted hundreds of dollars on a classroom course but the audio CDs were by far the best way to learn. Give it a whirl. Buena suerte!

4 Spanish phrases for (nearly) every situation was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you

Photo from Flickr by messycupcakes

As a proud Londoner, it saddens me to admit that it’s no longer Europe’s clubbing capital. Brits in search of a full-on club experience have finally woken up to Berlin. Get a cheap flight, find a deal on accommodation on http://www.oh-berlin.com/ and you’ll find yourself in the dark heart of club land. Regardless of your musical taste, there’s only one club to get yourself into: Berghain.

Berghain is what Hollywood had in mind in the movie Blade. Housed in a converted power station on the border of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain (Am Wriezener Bahnhof) the cavernous club has two dance areas. The main room, Berghain, throbs to minimal techno while the upstairs Panorama Bar plays mostly house. The 30-metre ceilings, interior decor of steel and concrete combined with a dizzying layout make you feel as if you’ve gone down the rabbit hole and may never see daylight again.

This is no normal clubbing experience. DJs often pull 8-hour sets and Saturday nights are usually still going strong on Monday. As well as being world renowned for hard techno, the club operates a liberal anything-goes policy. This isn’t a gay club, but it is gay-friendly. Which, Bergain style, means there’s a men’s-only club on the first level called Lab.Oratory, and a smaller club with a separate entrance called Kantine. We’re talking sex acts to the soundtrack of a pounding bass line.

There’s no VIP section and the guest list is limited to DJs and staff. Entry is permitted at the discretion of the doormen. They can be fierce (especially the one with the tattooed face) and seem to operate a totally random entry policy. You can be partying one week and denied entry the next.

Here’s how to maximise your chances of getting into the world’s best club:

• You need to look over 25 (even if you’re not).

• Do not talk whilst queuing. Don’t say a word.

• When you get up to the door don’t act too anxious. This is the one time where playing it cool really counts.

• Don’t turn up drunk or obviously on drugs. An instant no-go.

• Speak German. When the bouncer asks how many of you there are (Wieviel sind Sie) reply Wir sind zwei (we are two people) or Wir sind drei (we are three people). Never try getting in as a group of more than three.

Finally, if you don’t make it through those iron doors then you can always head to Bar 25, Sisyhpos or Wilde Renate for an alternative club experience. Better luck next time. Because there definitely will be a next time.

Techno, Sex and Daylight Raving: This is Berghain was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you

Photo of Angkor Wat: From Flickr by Bruno (BRA)

**Guest post by Cambodia’s best-loved expat – Zack Hofelich**

I was supposed to be going to Australia. It was the winter of 2005. Now it’s the rainy season of 2012 and I’ve been living in Cambodia since 2006.“How did this happen?” you ask.

I’m not entirely sure, but trust me when I say the sentences that would lie between those two statements would be surprisingly dull. Just accept that it happened and you’ll be spared the tedium.

So here I sit, watching an off-white sky in between rain showers, trying to figure out why I ordered a coffee and was served toast with Marmite. Actually, that’s a lie; I’m not trying to figure it out. I’ve given up figuring. I’m just wondering how I’m going to get this Marmite down. As an American, I can eat nearly anything, as long as it’s artificial and died a jaunty (jaundicy, perhaps) yellowish colour. Marmite is just a bit too, well, Marmitey for me.

“Why would you eat marmite on toast when you ordered a coffee?” you ask. And who could blame you for asking such a ridiculous question if you haven’t spent at least a season in the Kingdom of Wonder. Because, I say, it’s less painful trying to explain that I wanted a coffee, and Americans don’t eat Marmite. In the past, when I was naïve enough to try to salvage my coffee, I would be told, “No problem, English guy like the Marmite.” “I’m not English, I’m American, we don’t eat Marmite, we eat yellow cheese.” “Aahh,” would respond my server, with a look on their face that belied the understanding in their voice.

The truth is, it’s my fault. After nearly six years in the country it would be safe to assume I’d have some proficiency in the local vernacular. I don’t. Khmer, the language of Cambodia, lacks tones (a distinction that sets the country apart from its neighbours) and most of its words are two syllables. It is almost impossible for Western ears to discern the difference in the plethora of vowel sounds contained in the language.

(To be fair, I do speak a bit of Khmer. I’m nearly fluent in cursing. I can swear in Khmer as good as any ah choi mai. This isn’t particularly helpful in a country full of polite people. Needless to say, it leads me to many problems.)

A friend of mine was once trying to source out some plastic zipper bags. He took one with him to the local market, found a housewares stall, held up the little bag and asked the very young stallholder, with as polite a tone possible, “Choi knyom?” Chuay is what he should have said. Chuay means ‘help’. Choi, on the other hand, is a word that means something that very young Cambodian women don’t do before their wedding day.

Needless to say he didn’t ever find any zipper bags. Her surly cousins found it quite amusing when they realised what he was getting at, and decided to spare his life.

On another occasion, I was asked by an inquisitive young Cambodian, “What payday UK?” Considering the accent, lack of correct syntax, and my knowledge of Khmer being mostly limited to swearing, I thought she was referring to the fact that my clothes made me look like a UK-style drag queen (b’dey is just one Khmer word for transvestite). I was more confused than offended, and by the time I realised she wanted to know how one got paid out in the UK, I didn’t even bother explaining that I wasn’t British. I simply told her (assuming that the British system works much like the American one) that your boss gives you a piece of paper called a cheque, which is worth a certain amount of money, that you can’t use to buy anything with without first going to another place called a bank, and changing it for actually money.

“Why so crazy?” she responded. “My boss him just take the money, put in my hand.”

Yes, well, that works too.

My Life in Cambodia was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Learn how to make money travel round the world with you