Photo from Flickr by g_witzel_lucky

London has one of the most multicultural populations in the world. For visitors, it is packed with exciting things to do and see: from the stately walls of St Paul’s Cathedral to spine-chilling scenes in the London dungeons. It’s one of those cities that gets under your skin, so that you want to go back again and again, and every time you do, it’s exciting, entertaining and different from the time before.

One of the most unique things about London is its history, which not only involves some of the great figures of the world but which is bloody and tragic at times as well. The London Dungeons features various moments in the city’s past, including the Great Fire that began in Pudding Lane and engulfed most of the inner city, killing what is thought to have been around 80,000 Londoners. Other segments feature the mysterious serial killer, Jack the Ripper, and Bloody Mary or Mary Tudor I, who burned 280 religious dissenters at the stake.

If you’re eager for a change after the stomach-churning sights of the dungeons, pay a visit to the Tower of London, which is on the north bank of the River Thames. This castle has played a big part in the city’s history, having served as an armoury, treasury, menagerie, Royal Mint and records office over the years. Now home to the Crown Jewels, it’s one of the prime attractions for visitors to London. Look out for the Beefeaters, who are the guards wearing the iconic bearskin hats.

It’s no secret that London sightseeing can be expensive; save some money by searching for voucher codes that will give you discounts on your tickets. You can get up to 20 per cent discounts for London attractions simply by signing up to voucher sites and applying for saver codes.

The Breathtaking Historic Sights of London was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

While we were backpacking around Asia we found plenty of places we could settle down for a while but after a couple of weeks we always got the itch… The itch to move on, see more and tick something else off the list. But for us at least that was an unsustainable way of life – Don’t get me wrong we’ve learned to save money, how to get cheap flights and travel insurance, how to do it like a local and move slowly (the key to stretching a budget) but that’s a different ball game from making cheap holidays into a way of life. So with all that in mind we made the decision to pick a place and have a go at living there – Use it as a base – And travel further from there but in a different way all together.

That brings us nicely to Sihanoukville, a beach town in Cambodia. Life is cheap and the tourist trade is fat enough to suckle us pair of vagabonds for as long as we need.

Since we’ve been “living” here we’ve been privy to some pretty super savings which I felt I had to share…

Accommodation:

Living in hotels is fine BUT it will work out expensive for any stay longer than about 2 weeks, don’t get me wrong there are plenty of hotels that rent cheap, clean rooms for weekly and monthly rates and probably have many benefits but renting a house for 6 – 12 months will save and even MAKE money. (Yes people we’re talking sub-letting).

Food:

Food is probably the easiest way to save cash, especially here in Asia as there are so many options to eat away from the guest house or hotel for much less than $1…. I’ll say no more.

Transportation:

This is a big one – We recently bought a little 100cc motorcycle for $340 (all above board and legal) which although slow would allow us to get around for next to nothing. You do the sums… 10 x Tuk Tuk’s at $2 a piece = $20. That soon mounts up across a whole country, I know it can seem like a hassle but really… It’s not! Plus you’ll see much MUCH more of a country if you do it this way!

Jobs:

I’ve been through this time and time again but I’ll do it again…. There are a million skills you probably have that you never thought would pay those casino bills (see my post about – Making money while you travel) but the truth is your WRONG! I’m not a web designer BUT out here my tiny skill set has turned into more than a full time job. Also great skills I’ve seen go wasted are: Hairdressing, Graphic design and Photography. Add to that current opportunities for working in a Sihanoukville bar etc… Actually making money is a real possibility.

Shopping:

Buying your crap at 7-11’s may seem cheap but it’s not – There are always cheaper supermarket type places that will save a fortune – Pay attention… Here in Cambodia a pack of cigarettes costs $0.75 at a bar, now that’s nothing BUT at the supermarket they are $2.50 for a carton of 200… That’s a huge saving, and trust me it doesn’t stop at cigarettes!
I could clap on all day about the benefits you’ll have when you move so slowly it’s barely moving at all but I won’t because I know many people will never do it – they want to but then they get the itch, the same one that dragged them away from home in the first place and away they go… For us it was the next logical step, take what we love – traveling and turn it into a life properly.

Getting off the trail was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

photo from Flickr by der Knut

The medical world now accepts that the winter months can cause depression. They’ve even got a name for it: Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD (you can see what they did there).

All right, so it might not always be a serious form of depression, but it at least gives you a good excuse to fly off somewhere to avoid those winter blues. Now, one way to do just that is to seek out more sunlight, and another is to stimulate those endorphins in the brain by taking part in plenty of physical exercise. Do both of these and you’ll be as happy as Larry. (Though who Larry is and why he should be so happy is a moot point.)

Skiing, of course, ticks both boxes. The winter sun that’s reflected everywhere by the snow, provides lots of lovely sunlight, and skiing, which involves the use of countless muscles, is excellent exercise.

If you’re a novice, don’t be deterred from the sport. I nearly was when I first tried it at the French resort of Avoriaz with a large group of seasoned skiers. That, of course, was my first big mistake. Whatever you do, don’t go with a large group who have been before. Know your limitation and stick to the junior slopes with other fledgling skiers (or non-skiers). And for heaven-sake, don’t take part in a torch lit procession by night, no matter how easy they tell you it is. It isn’t. Fortunately, I had the good sense to give this a wide berth. But one poor chap came back on a stretcher, having sustained two broken ribs and several nasty bruises where he had failed to get out of the way of the odd pine tree.

My other big mistake was not going to that other resort in the French Alps, Les Arcs. Because this is the place where a very sensible and effective method of teaching skiing is employed; it’s called Ski Evolutif. And basically it involves starting out on very short skis, which are wonderfully easy to manoeuvre in. So from word go, you learn how to parallel ski without tripping over your own full length skis that are taller than you. And as your confidence grows, your instructor will issue you with slightly longer skis. By the end of week one I was skiing properly on full length skis. And believe me, when you do get the hang of it, it comes naturally, and is most exhilarating to feel yourself sliding along at some considerable speed.

Les Arcs itself isn’t especially pretty. It’s a purpose-built resort for skiers so the place is filled to the gills with shops selling every conceivable piece of skiing paraphernalia you could possibly need. But then, if you’re only here for the skiing, it really doesn’t matter. Indeed, many experienced skiers prefer such resorts because the ski slopes and ski lifts are quite literally on your doorstep.

I have since tried to persuade my wife to try skiing on numerous occasions but have failed miserably. Yet I still live in hope that perhaps one day she will see the light.

Alex Pearl is a freelance copywriter and is the author of ‘Sleeping with the Blackbirds.’

http://alexpearlmini.carbonmade.com  http://sleepingwiththeblackbirds.co.uk

Be As Happy As Larry was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

Photo from Flickr by guillen perez

Tuscany is the Italy of Hollywood movies and romantic daydreams. It is one of the most spectacular areas of the country, filled with green hills, mountains and astounding scenery. There are enough quaint towns and gelato stands to satisfy the most culture-hungry traveller. Whether you’re an adventurous nomad or there for a break in a luxury Tuscany villa, it’s easy to spend a lot of time exploring the region. If your time is short, centre your trip around Florence.

As a former capital of Italy and the centre of the renaissance movement, Florence is rich in ancient history. Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli and Dante are just a few people to come from here. Florentines are proud of their city and  are passionate about art, food and beauty. As such, it’s a must-see for all visitors to Tuscany.

The famous Duomo and Baptistery are stunning but forever crowded with tourists, as is the city’s large piazza. However, the bustle adds to the vibrance of the city. The Galleria Dell Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture David, is particularly worth visiting. If you’re not staying in your own luxury villa in Florence, you can at least get taste of how the rich used to live, by checking out the palaces and gardens of the Medicis, Italy’s most infamous family.

Something a bit quirky is the collection of ‘love locks’ on the Vecchio Bridge. Lovers over the years have covered the bridge in padlocks of all shapes and sizes. Leaving a lock here is said to ‘lock’ your current love forever. The Italians, they’re so damned romantic…

The AFTA bus service around the city is excellent, although be warned,  have to buy tickets before you board and there is a fine if you don’t have one. Florentines love to get on their bicycles, so that’s another option for getting around. It might make you feel like a local, too.

And finally…

How often do you get to marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World? The leaning tower of Pisa is a strange attraction, but if you’re in the region, it’s worth jumping on the train to make the half-day trip to Pisa. Just to take one of those ridiculous photos if nothing else!

A Taste of Tuscany was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

Photo from Flickr by DoctorWho

When picturing a Mediterranean island holiday one often thinks little further than lying on a beautiful beach, and while this is definitely one way to spend your time on your holidays to Malta there is a wealth of other things to do here too. Here is a top five must sees for you to consider:

1. The Megalithic Temples

These pre-historic temples are spread throughout sites across Malta. Seven of these sites are listed as UNSCO world heritage sites and the temples are thought to be some of the oldest freestanding man-made structures in the world. Of all the temple sites to visit the Tarxian Temple Complex (which comprises three temples) is possibly the best, with beautifully crafted stone reliefs and stunning design.

2. Valletta

The capital of Malta, Valletta is a gorgeous city. Wonder through the streets and take in all the beautiful Baroque architecture on offer. This city is filled with little bars, cafes and shops and makes for the perfect location for an afternoon away from the beach.

3. St John’s Co- Cathedral

Located in Valletta, St John’s Co- Cathedral is a site to behold. Resplendent in its design and decoration and filled form ceiling to floor with stunning art work and breathtaking tapestries, this cathedral is truly spectacular.

4. The Grand Harbor

The Grand Harbor in Malta definitely deserves its name. This vast natural harbor carves its way into the land and has served as a port for centuries. Exceptionally beautiful with perfectly maintained docks and wharfs running along most of it, finding a good vantage point to gaze down on all the activity is a brilliant way to spend a few hours. A site not to be missed.

5. Marsaxlokk Market

This busy Sunday market has been running for decades. Originally a fish market, it has now grown and all nature of delicious local produce can be found here along with souvenirs and clothes.  Head down early to experience the true buzz of the place, collect up a few delicious items to make up a pick-nick and head out to the beach for the rest of the day. Perfect.

Malta has such a wide variety of things to see so make sure you pack some of them in on your trip.

5 Places You Should Visit on Your Trip to Malta was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

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photo from Flickr by: Vivian Chen [陳培雯

One of the first things to do is plan.

Make a list of all the items that might be needed and then consider it carefully. That dress might be a great outfit for a night out but will it only be worn on one occasion? Can another outfit double up for evenings? If the answer to both of these is yes then the dress should be left at home. Many people like to read while on holiday, especially by the pool or on the beach. How many books is it practical to take along? Not only can they be bulky items but also they are heavy in the suitcase. Investing in an e-reader, such as a Kindle, can be the answer to this. E-readers have up to a month of battery life, depending upon the model bought, and can store thousands of books in their memory. This is a lightweight alternative and making use of voucher codes to save money on the purchase in the first place will leave extra spending money while away.

Shopping should be done carefully too.

How often do we pick something up in a shop because it might come in useful while we are away? How often does that item never make it out of the suitcase? This is not only a waste of money but it can also leave us with a whole pile of things that are officially useless. If there is something that really might come in useful, but only on holiday, try borrowing it from a friend. That way money has not been paid out for it and it can be given back afterwards. In addition most hotels provide essentials such as hairdryers and toiletries, so there is often no need to take these along. Those who are staying in budget accommodation might need them but luxury hotels are famous for providing all kinds of extras, including bathrobes and slippers.

It helps to have the right bag to pack things into.

Have a look online to see what the options are. Backpackers need to choose a rucksack with plenty of compartments, but also one that does not add a lot of weight. Suitcases come in a variety of sizes, colours and designs now, so finding something to suit should be an easy task. Cost can also be kept low with the use of voucher codes. There are voucher codes for many retailers on a variety of items, so saving money on all aspects of holiday planning can mean a lot more spending money. It is important not to forget that a bag for hand luggage is also needed.

Plenty of people go on holiday and bring back souvenirs. Remember that some retailers will be happy to post items home and it is a good idea to take advantage of this where possible; this will save the weight in the suitcase from adding up to a charge for excess baggage.

Smart Packing: Things You Really Need While Travelling was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

Backpacker Planning – Dream the Dream.

For many this is by far the biggest hurdle. Just thinking about leaving everything behind for an extended period has probably quashed many a travellers dream before it even begun… Well don’t let it get you too. Read the articles below and understand that you’re giving up nothing.

1. How to get to Southeast Asia for less than £100
2. Planning a RTW trip in 23 steps
3. Ultimate Directory of Top Green Travel Destinations
4. 15 Reasons to Travel Green
5. 7 reasons why you should take that round-the-world trip and travel now!
6. Planning a Round-the-World Trip: 15 Things NOT to Forget
7. Ultimate packing list for travel
8. Notes from the Homefront: How much is Too Much (Planning)? Plus! My Itinerary
9. Six Things To Leave Off Your Packing List
10. 15 Tips On How to Pack Light, Save Money, & Travel Stress-free
11. How To Get From Your Desk To All The Places You Want To Travel
12. How being boring can help you go backpacking
13. The Clock is Ticking. How to Save Time and Money Booking Your Travel
14. Pre-departure Checklist
15. Awesome Independent Travel Guides-Best travel eBooks

Before you Backpack – Make it Happen.

Now you’re sat on the fence staring down, on one side the familiar… On the other… The great unknown. It’s at this point you could start making excuses even to yourself. The articles below are intended to help you take the guesswork out of backpacking and extended travel.

16. How to Overcome Your Fears
17. How I Just Saved Hundreds on Travel Shots
18. Excuses Not To Travel
19. Warning: Selling everything sometimes sucks
20. Four Ways to Save Money Now So You Can Travel Later
21. 10 Secret Items to Pack as a Woman on Your Next Trip
22. 29 life lessons learned in travelling the world for 8 years straight
23. How to Find Green Accommodations
24. Five Tips for Finding the Perfect Travel Companion
25. Packing: what to put in your toiletries kit
26. First Time Backpacker Essentials
27. 33 Photos that Will Inspire YOU to Jump Out of Your Chair and Travel
28. 5 Things My 86-Year-Old Grandmother Taught Me About Travel
29. Ten travel essentials every traveller should know about

On the Road – Live the Dream.

If you’ve got this far then you’re probably having far too much fun exploring new cultures and meeting new people to come round here and read my blog. But just in case you’re not, here’s a bunch of great articles and resources from those who’ve been there and decided to share the knowledge.

30. 3 Best Kept Travel Secrets
31. Be a better travel photographer
32. How-To Say Thank You in 14 Different Languages
33. Extended travel 101
34. How To Get “Off the Beaten Track”
35. 28 Tips for Traveling With a Laptop and SLR Camera
36. How to Attend a Black Tie Event While Backpacking
37. Real World Travel Tips
38. Not seeing it all is okay for me
39. Travel The World – With These Annoying Travel Types
40. 100 Days of Travel & 100 Reasons to Love It!
41. DIY Rubber Band Travel Clothesline
42. How Long Things Last on the Road
43. The 12 of the best free apps that will make traveling a breeze!
44. 11 MORE of the best free travel apps that will make traveling a breeze!
45. Legal Nomads Ultimate TravelResources
46. Eight Essential Tips to Master the Art of Traveling Lightly
47. Couchsurfing Alternatives
48. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Travelers
49.Hackpacking: Vodka’s many uses
50. How to Avoid Backpacker Burnout
51. The Art of Squatting: A Guide to Using Squat Toilets

General Travel Articles and Tips.

You’re on a beach, it’s pouring with rain, it’s just you and the 4 walls of your budget beach hut… Bored??? Nah you’ve got these articles to kill the time.

52. Ten Best Places to get Stoned Around the World
53. How Travel Helps You Keep Life in Perspective
54. Famous Overland Travel Routes
55. Top Gear Series, Specials and Challenges – Funniest Road Trip Episodes and Videos
56. Language hacking links
57. Technology Kills the Travel Experience
58. The Limits of Long-Term Travel: It Doesn’t Fix Everything
59. Ten Murphy’s Laws of Travel
60. The Fastest Way to Board a Plane
61. The Ultimate Travel Hacking Guide
62. Ten Excellent Reasons to Dump Your Boyfriend… While Backpacking Together
63. Advantages of Solo Group Travel
64. Funny Shopping Products Found When Travelling
65. Just Your Regular Ordinary Pigmobile
66. Tourist Trap – The Top 10 Signs That You’re Caught in One
67. Almost Fearlees eBook Collection
68. The Unmissables
69. Get fluent in any language in 3 MONTHS
70. How to Keep Your Social Life Alive In A Long-Distance Relationship

Stay on Budget & Money Saving tips.

I can absolutely guarantee that long term travel or backpacking will go one of two ways. 1. You’ll be nearing the end, budget running low, missing the family back home and can’t wait to get back to the office rocking that golden tan and tie die shirt. 2. You will spend every waking moment trying to figure out how to make money on the road, stay travelling and make $1 last all day long… Here’s a load of articles by people who did just that!

71. Ten ways to save money when travelling
72. How To Make Money while you Travel
73. The Ultimate Guide to Budget Airline Charges (… and how to beat them!)
74. Cheap Places to Travel on the US Dollar
75. Unusual travel saving tricks
76. What Does a $4 Bungalow Look Like?
77. Four Travel Tips That Will Save You Time and Money
78. Five Money Saving Travel Tips
79. How to budget travel
80. How to Eat Well on a Shoestring Budget

Mobile Lifestyle & Working Abroad.

Further to the last lot of articles… Here’s a few thoughts on how to make money that travels with you. A rare and illusive thing to those who don’t fully understand it. The internet is littered with outlandish success stories like “How to make a million dollars from Twitter is 6 hours”… Well these articles are more ‘realistic” shall we say.

81. Become a Travel Expert and use Frequent Flyer Rewards to go anywhere in the world
82. Ten Digital Nomad Success Stories, and How You Can Learn From Them…
83. Mobile Lifestyle Resources
84. 21 Resources for Volunteering Abroad & Why You Should Do It
85. Ten Things I Wish I’d Known Before Volunteering Abroad
86. Great gadgets for travel
87. How to Use Twitter for Travel Planning
88. 11 Things to Know Before You WWOOF
89. Five Steps to World Travel and Getting Paid to Do What You Love

Travel Health and Safety.

101 of extended travel… Keep safe and look after yourself. Don’t be strolling the streets of Phnom Penh in your bare feet because you think your some sort of hippy… You’re not! And when your dorm buddies have to drag you to some shady backstreet clinic because you’ve pulled a 3 day whitey from all that happy pizza – Just think.

90. Drug Smuggling Tips
91. 5 Easy Ways to Die in Argentina
92. How To Avoid (And Deal With) 5 Common Travel Diseases
93. Ten Ways To Get Yourself Mugged While Backpacking…
94. Travelers Beware: Five Most Common Transport Scams
95. Couchsurfing for Solo Women Travelers, Good or Bad?
96. How traveling improves your quality of life
97. How to Travel Without Hugging the Bowl: 10 Tips for Staying Healthy on the Road
98. Your Essential Travel Personal Hygiene Tips
99. How to Play it Safe in an Internet Café
100. Travel Safety 101 – A complete guide to staying safe on the road
101. The World’s 10 Worst Travel Diseases

Now I’m sure there are a thousand more articles just like these that are knocking about but I bothered to read them all and put them together so I get to pick! But if I truly have missed a corker then tell me, I’ll have a look and if it promises to save my life, make me rich or inspire me to climb a mountain then I’ll not only update this list with it but I’ll but you a present… A little something to say thank you.

Leave any suggestions in the comments section and I’ll buy the good ones a book, digital or made of good old fashioned paper… It’s up to you

101 Ultimate Backpacker Resources – Zero to Hero was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

Photo from Flickr by Sharkey

The third largest metropolis in the country, Aberdeen is found on Scotland’s Eastern shores facing the North Sea. The two prominent rivers are the Rivers Don and Dee. Several sections of the city resemble historic villages, and there is evidence of settlement in Aberdeenshire since pre-recorded history. Those who visit the city and region will find a growing and economically successful metropolis with much to see and do as well as ample accommodations supplying some of the best hotels, hostels and holiday cottages in Scotland.

Sites and Activities

Aberdeen offers museums, restaurants and the grand architecture of its famous university buildings. Right off the Esplanade, the Beach Leisure Centre offers a variety of sport activities and pools for swimming and water sports. Here are some of the most popular places and things to do in the lovely city of Aberdeen:

Aberdeen Art Gallery 

On Schoolhill off Denburn Road, the art gallery’s impressive building is an example of the architectural style of the late 1800s. Entrance is free of charge. Inside the museum is a collection of both modern art as well as traditional paintings of Scottish culture. Visiting art displays are of interest, and the cafe serves lunch and snacks.

Duthie Park

All around the year, Duthie Park is a pleasant place for a stroll. The winter gardens are dressed for the season and the flowers of springtime are magnificent. The park is located on the edge of the River Dee on Polmuir Road.

Footdee

If spelled in English as pronounced, the spelling would be “fittie”. A historic fishing village close to the port and Esplanade of Aberdeen, people enjoy walking about this charming town of living history. Less than thirty minutes are needed to walk through the lanes and streets admiring the traditional architecture. Today, many artisans and surfers make Footdee their home.

Provost Skene’s House

This house near the heart of Aberdeen resembles a palace or a castle. Completed in the mid-1500s, the home has been open to the public for a small fee since 1969. The grounds, exterior and interior are all well-maintained. The history of the home is apparent in its well-preserved rooms.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

A superb Scottish golf course on Links Road in Bridge of Don, the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is an extreme and professional course that challenges golfers of all levels. The club has a marvelous history.

Places to Stay

Those who want to visit and enjoy the Aberdeen experience for themselves will find some of the finest UK cottages and other accommodations such as hotels and hostels. Here is a selection of top choices:

Aberdeen Youth Hostel

On Queen’s Road, this inexpensive hostel does not usually put more than two people in one room. The restroom has a shower and is kept clean and neat. The kitchen is large and the staff members are friendly and helpful.

Skene House Whitehall

Union Street and the heart of Aberdeen is just about ten minutes away on foot from Skene House. The affordable rooms at this hotel are comfortable, and they are much like apartment suites with a sofa for two, full kitchens, bathrooms with large showers and TV and other amenities. A bountiful breakfast is served.

Cottages for Rent

Throughout the city delightful and welcoming cottages are available. These rental properties offer rooms, suites and entire homes with space for two or more people. Designed for extended stays, many require a minimum rental of three nights.

 Visitors can find a perfect holiday cottage in Scotland near the main sites they wish to see during their time in Aberdeen. It is a city soaked in history, with plenty to offer the weekend visitor.

Visiting Amazing Aberdeen was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

Photo from Flickr by The Travelling Bum

Traveling the world can be the greatest experience of your life, meeting new people and having adventures you will remember forever. There are however a few easy pitfalls that unless avoided can put a definite dampener on your trip. Here are 5 huge mistakes that you should avoid making at all costs:

1.      Making too many plans

Before you leave home it is easy to get excited and plan all the things you want to do and see. You’ve booked your Bali flights, planned your route through Asia and have it all sorted in your head. Be wise, don’t stick to any plans you have made back at home too rigidly just because you have told yourself this is what you’re doing. It often leads to missing out on something that could be way better. You meet so many people who fall in love with a place and are having a brilliant time being there but ‘have’ to leave, as they had only planned to spend so many days there so they need to move on. Why? It is far better to make the most of a place you really enjoy, don’t worry if you miss things, there is always next time. Otherwise you go to all these fantastic places to tick them off your list but don’t have any time to really appreciate or enjoy them. What’s the point? Take it easy, do what you want not what you planned.

2.       Spend the whole time on Skype

 Beware the day destroyer that is Skype. Due to time differences crucial Skype times normally co-inside with early afternoons, completely interrupting your day. It’s natural to miss people at home, especially boyfriends or girlfriends that haven’t made the trip with you, but you don’t need to talk to them all the time, drop them a message, tell them you are safe and leave it at that. If they are someone that loves you they will want you to make the most of your time away and not waste it sat in internet cafes, if they demand that you call them all the time then they don’t have your best interests at heart and they are best ditched anyway.

3.      Worrying too much over safety

 I am not advocating reckless traveling here, obviously be aware of your surroundings and look after yourself. Don’t however become one of those people who is suspicious of everyone, too afraid to step one foot out of the tourist districts and clings haplessly to their money belt at all times. Yes you are somewhere new and it is good to be weary but you need to have a balance otherwise you will have absolutely no fun.

4.      Sticking to guide books

 This goes somewhat hand in hand with planning too much. Sticking to what guide books tell you is easy, where to eat, sleep, visit and while this is useful, guidebooks are often a little outdated and only give you one perspective. Make the most of other peoples advice, if people tell you they stayed somewhere check it out. If locals tell you of restaurants, give them a go. It’s   the only way to find those undiscovered gems.

5.      Going home

Unless you really have to,  just don’t do it!

5 Mistakes to Avoid Making While Travelling was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

Our planet is made up of almost 80% water. This water manages to form into enclaves and holes to create superb features such as rivers, waterfalls, oceans, seas and lakes.

Below, Travel Supermarket takes a look at 10 lakes around the world that stand out from the rest:

Lake Baikal, Russia

First, venture back in time to a world long forgotten and discover one of the Earth’s earliest lakes. Lake Baikal is situated in Russia. Commonly known as the “Blue Eye of Siberia”, it is not only the oldest (at 25 million years old), but also the deepest lake (at 1637 metres deep) on the planet. Think of all of the water contained in the Great Lakes of North America – Lake Baikal holds more water than all of those massive lakes combined.

Lake Baikal is also the largest freshwater lake by volume. In fact, it is said to hold 20% of the world’s entire storage of fresh water. It is shaped by ancient valleys and takes a crescent-like shape from above. It is said that over 1700 species of animal and plant life call Lake Baikal their home. In 1996, it was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Crater Lake, USA

From the deepest in the World to the deepest in the United States, Crater Lake is an unusual lake that is situated in Oregon. It was formed by the collapse of a volcano called Mount Mazama in 5677 BC and takes the form of a crater – hence the name.

Crater Lake is deep, measuring at 594 metres and it has no streams or tributaries forming from it or joining the lake. This makes the water at Crater Lake unusually clear and clean. In fact, its waters are considered to be some of the world’s most clean and clear waters. Postcards from Crater Lake show off this property with fantastic reflections to the sky above being undisturbed due to its mirror-like properties.

Lake Karachay, Russia

From one very clean lake to the most polluted place on the planet. Situated in Western Russia, Lake Karachay is a comparatively small lake, located in the Ural mountains. From 1951 onwards, the Soviet Union dumped radioactive waste in the lake from a nearby nuclear facility, near to Ozyorsk. It has been reported that Karachay is the “most polluted spot” on Earth by the Worldwatch Institute. Throughout the Cold War, the lake became more and more radioactive, resulting in recent readings of 4.44 exabecquerels of radioactivity. When comparing to previous nuclear disasters, including Chernobyl, this is not far from the smaller radioactive levels found at that site.

Wuhua Hai, China

From Russia to China, to one of the most beautiful, picturesque lakes in the world. The Wuhua Hai (translation: Five Flower Lake) is situated in the Jiuzhaigon National Park, China. It is very shallow and has many different shades of blue, from baby blue to turquoise and everywhere in between.

The water in the Wuhua Hai is renowned for its clarity, which is partly caused by the thousands of tree trunks that are on the lake bed, filtering any impurities and creating very unusual patterns. The lake is located at 2472 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes in the world. It is situated between the Pearl Shoal Waterfall and Panda Lake.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

A superb and vibrant set of waterfalls connect a group of sixteen lakes known as the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, Eastern Europe. As with some of the other lakes on the list, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is populated by a vast array of wildlife, from rare birds to deer, wolves and boars.

The Plitvice Lakes constantly and rapidly change colour, depending upon the concentration of organisms or minerals in the water as well as the angle at which the sun hits the lakes. These colours range from a distinctive green to grey, different shades of blue and even on some occasions, a reddish hue can tint the water. The lake is popular with tourists who holiday in Croatia and it’s easy to see why.

Red Lagoon, Bolivia

A further lake worthy of mention due to its colour is the Red Lagoon in Bolivia. The Laguna Colorada (translated: Red Lagoon) is a salt lake, situated in the southwest of Bolivia, close to the country’s border with Chile. The Red Lagoon is a stunning lake and its shallowness adds to the attraction by providing a stark contrast against the white borax islands and the reddish sediments and pigmentation of the algae within the water.

Boiling Lake, Dominica

Dominica holds a secret spectacular lake in its surroundings. A World Heritage site, the Boiling Lake is within the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. It is a very unusual lake, in that it is called a flooded fumarole, which means that it is a hole within the surface of the earth. It is approximately ten kilometres from Roseau. The Boiling Lake provides breathtaking photographs for the opportunist. It is filled with blue-grey water which bubbles from the surface, resulting in an enormous vapour cloud that rises from the surface of the lake. It is humid and hot, but a wet place to go to. The lake is approximately 65 metres across at its biggest.

Lake Titicaca, Bolivia & Peru

Not too far from the Boiling Lake is Lake Titicaca, which is situated on the Peruvian-Bolivian border. It is the largest lake in the continent of South America and is also the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at 3812 metres above sea level. The lake itself receives its water through rainfall and ice water which melts from nearby glaciers on the Altiplano.

Caspian Sea, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran & Turkmenistan

The penultimate lake to be discovered is the Caspian Sea in Russia. This particular lake is one of the few recognisable lakes that can be seen from space. Its surface area is larger than the combined surface area of the next six largest lakes in the world and has been measured at 394,299 square kilometres. It is the largest lake in the world and it is said to hold approximately 40% of the total lacustrine waters in the world.

Dead Sea, Jordan, West Bank & Israel

Finally, from the largest lake to an unusual and historically important lake. Mentioned within the Bible and other major religious books, the Dead Sea has an unusually high salt level. It lies between Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. It is unusual in that its shores are said to be the lowest point on dry land on the Earth’s surface at 420 metres below sea level. It is 330 metres deep and described as a hypersaline lake because of its salty nature. Although not as salty as Lake Assal in Djibouti, it has a 30% salt content. It is said to be almost nine times saltier than any ocean.

This environment makes for an inhospitable place for animals and plant life to survive in. Boats can also not pass across it. It is 67 kilometres long and at its widest is 18 kilometres wide. The Dead Sea attracts visitors from all over the world and has done for thousands of years. It was said to be a place of tranquillity for King David and became notorious for its recognition as the world’s first health resort by Herod the Great. Its water has been used in embalming processes for thousands of years because of its salt content. You can also float on the surface of the Dead Sea due to its salinity.

10 stand-out lakes around the world was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog