Photo from Flickr by sean dreilinger

If you’ve been to Turkey before, you’ll know all about the turquoise water, amazing sea life and great hospitality by the locals. These are the reasons that many people (including me) return to the sun kissed shores each and every year. It really is a country where you can relax, explore, and immerse yourself in local culture, whilst still enjoying a full English breakfast now and again! The only drawback of Turkey that I can think of is that there are so many beautiful locations to choose from that it makes it very hard to narrow down your selection.

This became apparent to me a couple of years ago when I made the decision to buy a property in Turkey, but I was torn between a couple of resorts in the area of Bodrum. In the end I wrote a list of everything I wanted from my new holiday home and made my decision based on which location ticked more boxes! There really are some gorgeous places to choose from, so if you’re looking for a holiday home in Turkey, where should you look?

Bodrum for Villas

It has been said that there are no bad views in Bodrum – and this isn’t surprising since there are hillsides throughout the peninsula where villas are scattered. In fact, since building regulations only allow these to be two stories high, many of them enjoy beautiful sea views. This is perhaps why this area has been described as the St.Tropez of Turkey, with some villas advertising an asking price of over £10 million. If you don’t need 10 bedrooms and a helipad, you can find something a bit more reasonable at the £100,000 mark. You’ll be able to choose from town and seaside locations, and may even manage to get a swimming pool with your villa at the lower end of the budget.

Kalkan for Penthouses

120 kilometres from Dalaman Airport lies the area of Kalkan. It doesn’t attract the usual package holiday crowd which is perhaps why the town has retained its beauty and traditional Turkish charm. This high-end reputation means that property prices are higher here than other parts of Turkey, but this could make it a brilliant investment for a buy-to-let. If you’re looking to buy in Kalkan, make the most of the panoramic sea views with a penthouse apartment. The benefits of these properties is that many of them have roof terraces or extra-large balconies; the view from the top is seriously stunning.

Marmaris for Apartments

If you are looking to spend less on your holiday home investment, look at Marmaris and the nearby area for an apartment. Marmaris attracts those looking to spend their days at a swimming pool and their evenings at the bar, perhaps with a few water sports thrown in for good measure. There are a lot of repeat visitors to Marmaris each year, so if you were looking to let your property out you may end up getting some of the same people making the most of your space each summer.

About the author

India Leeward is a property blogger who bought her own Turkey villa after finding her perfect place on www.propertyturkeyforsale.com - she loves this site as the areas and property types are broken down making searching quick and easy.

Holiday Home Hunting in Turkey: Where Should You Look? was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

photo from Flickr

There’s something about a good race that still gets the blood pumping after all these years. I remember watching Oxford and Cambridge go at it for the first time back in 1973 (a younger man, back then!). I remember yelling at the TV as Sebastian Coe crossed the finish line. I was lucky enough to see Mo Farah win his second gold last year, though from quite far back in the stadium. I love the rush of physicality and competition.

Having taken in everything from Caribbean Yacht Regattas to the Malaysian Grand Prix in my years travelling, I can safely say that the Bintan Dragon Boat Festival is still a wholly unique experience, and one that anyone who enjoys their sport should take part in.

The History

In terms of heritage, no race (that I’m aware of) can match it. Having been part of Chinese tradition for more than 2500 years, the Dragon boat race is held each year on the fifth day of the fifth month. On my first time at the festival, I talked with a local about what made the date special: I was told that it was the day on which a legendary poet had drowned himself, and the boats racing across the water represented those that raced to save him from the waves.

To be honest, I’d initially dismissed the story as folklore, but a little research once I arrived back home revealed that the poet was a genuine historical figure named Qu Yuan, and that he really had committed ritual suicide in protest against the corruption of the era by walking into the Miluo River. The tradition of casting zongzhi (a small package of rice bound in reed leaves) into the water during the festival stemmed from the same event. After the poet had died, those who had boated to his rescue threw rice into the water as both a peace offering and in order to distract nearby fish so that his body would remain intact. The tradition has continued ever since.

Bintan Island in general

Bintan Island is found in the Riau archipelago of Indonesia, and is part of the Riau Islands province. The majority of tourists tend stay in one of the many villas in Bintan, as despite only being 900 square kilometres wide the island provides a multitude of accommodation. The secluded beaches of many resorts on the east of the island are around 28 miles from the capital city of Tanjung Pinang, where the race itself takes place.

The Race

Dragon Boat Race Bintan Island

The dragon boats themselves are extraordinary: they really do look like they’ve been plucked straight out of history, with the decorative Chinese dragon heads almost luminous in greens and golds and easily visible from the banks where the locals gather to watch the race. (It is possible to hire your own boat so that you can watch the action from right up-close, if you want to). The fact the boats look so genuine is no accident, but  in-keeping with the apparent regulations which state that all vessels used must be constructed entirely in the traditional way. I counted teams of twelve rowers (or paddlers, as they’re referred to in the rules).

Over the three days that we attended the event, we were able to take in the intriguing opening celebration, which is based around various ritual preparations including the wonderful lion dance performances, as well as the multiple firecrackers that are set off.

Before the races can actually take place, the locals pay their respects to the deities, making offerings such as peaches and bean paste pastries, as well as the aforementioned Zonghi. A local spirit medium and spiritual sedan are then invited to a floating shrine, which is set not far away from the arch where the races begin.

Though the races themselves aren’t too long (the distance is approximately 600m in the Tanjung Pinang event), there is plenty to be entertained by. The native drummers pound out a traditional rowing rhythm, and there’s a genuine sense of occasion when the first racers set off for the finish line. And boy do they set off. Unlike the rhythmic smoothness of traditional rowing, the teams power their paddles into the water in an almost brutal motion. I felt sore just watching it, so I’ve got no idea how their shoulders felt by the end of the three minutes or so they were racing!

If you’re feeling brave and fit (I wasn’t feeling either!) then you’re actually welcome to participate in the various races should you wish to form part of a team. As well as those that chose to get involved in the swimming on the final day, there were no end of locals using the water as a local diving spot – something keenly encouraged, if you feel like having a go.

Highly Recommended

If you’re in the Indonesia, and have a day or two to spare, I would heartily recommend you take the time to visit Bintan Island, and check out a dragon boat race. I’ve been back once already, and I’m aiming to get in at least another trip before retirement!

The Bintan Island Dragon Boat Race was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

Photo from Flickr by: *Crazy Diamond*

Istanbul is a perfect destination for backpackers. Budget travellers frequently praise the city as a cheap and fun place to visit, where English is widely spoken and the entire country seems to be catered to budget backpackers. Food, drink and accommodation are all very, very affordable, and hostels will compete to offer you the best rate.

If you can afford it, browse through some of the Istanbul hotels with Expedia before you make your way down there. Once you’re settled, you have to ensure you make the most of this stunning, culturally rich city. This guide will set you in the right direction.

Party in Sultanahmet

If you’re a hardcore backpacker, you may find that Sultanahmet is too full of tourists to be an authentic backpacker destination. However, it’s still the most backpacker-friendly place in the city, chock full of cheap places to stay and nice places to eat and drink, many with big terraces that offer splendid views of the city.

You shouldn’t spend all your time here of course, as there is so much more to see in the city. But Sultanahmet should serve as a good base for you and your fellow travellers.

The area is very close to a lot of the grander sights, including the Aya Sofia Museum, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. The nightlife is good too, and makes for an attractive place to come home to every night after sightseeing.

Photo from Flickr by: muhammad.ezzat

Taksim Square

If you manage to tear yourself away from Sultanahmet, visit Taksim Square on the other side of Istanbul. It’s filled with restaurants, hostels, bars, cafés and some of the best nightclubs in the city, which host wild parties of a weekend.

There are noticeably fewer tourists here than in Sultanahmet and the hostels and bars are more ‘alternative’ than what you can find elsewhere in the city. Expect a lot of late nights.

Getting around

Any visitor familiar with Istanbul will advise you to travel by foot. This is truly the best way of seeing the glorious sights of the city. As long as you avoid the hectic traffic on the streets, you should be able to enjoy the stunning views as you walk around the city.

If your feet are tired and sore, you can always pick up an Akbil, which is like an Oyster card. You can also assign multiple users to one card, which allows you use of public transport.

A Backpacker’s Guide to Istanbul was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

Photo from Flickr by press@bouf.com

Not quite ready to start yourself on the path to forever yet? Well, you’re not the only one. Thousands of gap year students will be heading out into the big wide world to try and gain a little perspective before they dive head first into this wicked little whirlpool called life. And there’s no better way to gain perspective than from a little adventure. But what should you take along on your adventure? Here are some tips on your gap year luggage.

Picking your suitcase or backpack

Take a suitcase if you must, but a backpack is much easier to carry if you plan to travel around. You’ll be spending a lot of your time seeking out hostels and chasing down transport, so ultimately, having your gear on your back will be much easier.

If you do opt for the suitcase option, make sure it has some good wheels on it that aren’t likely to break halfway through the trip. You’re likely to be dragging it over some rough surfaces, so it needs to be sturdy enough to take it. As far as size goes, 65 litres should suffice. You have to remember, you’ll be carrying this wherever you go for a good few months and anything larger (and heavier) is really going to become a pain quickly.

Clothes

It’s going to be very tempting to stuff your luggage with all your finery so you can look your best on those countless nights out. But remember, you have very limited space and clothes aren’t the only thing going in your bag. There’s also the slim chance that you might lose your bag or become the victim of theft. Think how devastated you’ll be to wake up and find your entire inventory of favoured threads gone.

Most backpackers head toward warm climates, so pack with that in mind: vest tops, shorts, skirts and thin dresses will serve you perfectly under the sun. For the evenings when it does get a little chillier and you are heading out to the bars, then maybe it’s worth having a couple of items for your ‘going out collection’. Some cheap but stylish skinny black jeans are a good option, as they aren’t likely to take up too much room and losing them won’t be such an issue, and a couple of nice tops. Also, thin cardigans and waterproofs are a good option.

Toiletries

I think the key here is to remember that throughout the trip, there will be chances to buy more! Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, etc are all great ways to start off. As you progress, you’re bound to find shops that can supply you with some new toiletries. Plus, you can always borrow from your fellow travellers.

First-aid kit

You can buy readymade traveller’s first-aid kits from various chemists like Boots, but if you’d rather make your own you want to remember the basics: paracetamol, ibuprofen, Immodium, antiseptic, insect repellent and bite cream, antihistamines, sanitary products and any prescription drugs you require. You might also require things like malaria tablets, depending on where you’re going, but speak to your travel nurse or pharmacist.

More advice

For more detailed advice on preparing for your gap year trip, visit Gap Year Advice.

Gap Year Travelling? What to take in your Suitcase was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

Photo from Flickr by Mukumbura

It’s no surprise that, year after year, Cornwall remains one of the top three holiday destinations in England. The coastline, jutting out into the Atlantic like a finger pointing westward to the New World, is, of course, its biggest attraction and the setting for numerous novels, films and TV programmes.

Anyone who has not visited the county before would be able to drive around the whole of the coastline within a week or so but they wouldn’t feel very refreshed at the end of it. However, by basing yourself in the right area, it is certainly possible to take in most of the sites within a reasonable timeframe. The two towns of Wadebridge on the North coast and St. Austell on the South coast are only 17.5 miles apart and they both have numerous “ Must See “ locations within easy reach so finding a spot near either is going to stand you in good stead when it comes to touring around.

Wadebridge marks the beginning of the Camel River estuary which opens out towards some of Cornwall’s most famous beaches like Polzeath and Harlyn. Rick Stein’s Padstow is also on this estuary although it is best avoided at weekends and Bank Holidays if possible. The same goes for the nearby fishing village of Port Isaac which poses as Port Wenn in the hugely popular Doc Marten TV series. King Arthur’s Tintagel and the surfing mecca of Newquay are also only a few miles away and well worth a visit. Nor would any visit to the Wadebridge area be complete without stopping at the millionaire’s playground of Rock and Sir John Betjeman’s beloved Trebetherick.

St.Austell, by contrast, is the gateway to attractions on the South coast which is better known for quaint fishing harbours and sailing centres than wide sandy beaches. Within a mile or two of here are the famous Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan from which you can walk or drive down to the working fishing village of Mevagissey.

The yachting centre of Fowey is also close enough to visit although, you might consider using the ferry from Mevagissey to avoid a rather tortuous winding drive. Fowey is well known for its wonderful shops and restaurants while its association with the novels of Daphne Du Maurier who lived there draw romantics from all corners of the globe.

Visitors should never forget that, at the end of the day, Cornwall relies as much on agriculture and food production as it does on tourism. So, although there are a few hotels in both the Wadebridge and St. Austell areas, most visitors tend to seek out  self-catering properties or stay on one of the many working farms that offer high quality accommodation.

For more information on Holiday breaks in Cornwall – please visit: http://www.cartwheelholidays.co.uk/cornwall/cornwall-holidays.html

Where to base yourself for a holiday break in Cornwall was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

Photo from Flickr by Kartik Malik

Picture the scene. You’re sitting on a beach, the sun gently warming your toes, cocktail/ ice-cold beer on the table next to you. Your laptop is in front of you and you’ve just earned enough money in an online game of poker to enjoy your next week in the sun.

Sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well, it is, kinda. Turning a hobby into a profession that can bankroll your travels is a little bit more tricky than sitting down, placing a couple of bets and then spending several days enjoying your winnings. But if you think you really do have what it takes, and you are prepared to work hard to become a professional, it is possible to make enough money to support you while you travel. And with the increase in online gambling sites such as www.androidcasino.com.au it’s easier than ever to join a game where ever you are in the world. Here are a few tips from people making a living in the sun, through professional gambling:

Decide on your game

Whether you’re an ace at Poker or Blackjack, or if online Backgammon is more your thing, you need to decide on what you’re best at, and stick to that. Being a professional gambler means honing your skills just like any other career, so you need to focus.

Be patient

You’re not going to make millions overnight. You need to be prepared to work hard and keep at it, even when you lose, before you can start making a profit.

It’s still a job

You will have to work at being a professional gambler. Just because you used to beat your mates every Friday night doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll earn a fortune online. Professional players work hard, concentrating whilst playing against other players, analysing the game afterwards, and studying how they can get better. There’s even software you can download to analyse every move you and your opponents make to help you improve. Taking up online gambling professionally is usually a full time job, so you have to be committed to make it work for you.

Organise your finances

You want to keep your ‘bank’ separate to any other finances you have, but you should have a dedicated betting bank if you want to go pro. Once you’ve decided on how much you have to invest into your gambling career, you need to keep track of it. Most professionals track every game they play and every bet they make in a spreadsheet, so they can keep track of how much they are up (or down) overall. Also, don’t bet everything on one game- it’s a guaranteed way to end your career before it’s even begun.

Think about the negatives

The pros to being a professional gambler go without saying- freedom to travel anywhere in the world (that has access to online gambling), not being tied to an office, not having to work a 9-5. But there are cons that you should consider too. For example, if you’re living on one side of the world, but are playing poker with professionals on the other side of the world, you might find yourself sitting up all night to finish a game. Professional gamblers often keep antisocial hours, especially if you are travelling through different time zones.

Don’t drink

This is a very important rule for going pro- don’t drink and gamble. If you have visions of yourself lounging by the pool, beer in hand, betting away on your phone, think again. Drinking means betting more than you normally would, taking bigger risks and probably ending up bust. Think about it: you wouldn’t expect a lawyer or a nurse to be able to have a few beers on the job, so as a professional, neither should you.

If you reckon this all sounds worth the effort, and you’ve been practicing your poker face in the mirror for weeks (figuratively speaking, of course) then good luck! Go join the team of professional online gamblers living and travelling all over the world!

Fund Your Travels With A Poker Face was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

Photo from Flickr by Phillip

Since the 1880s, the Brits have been climbing inside mobile homes and taking to the dusty roads to escape the humdrum of daily life. If you need a quick getaway, forget rummaging around the house to round up your dusty camping gear – check out a caravan holiday instead.

Holidays on offer from UK camping operators can often tick all the right boxes when it comes to short holiday breaks. Affordability combined with a level of comfort you just can’t get while camping may be something of a revelation.

When you actually break it down, cheap caravan holidays can work out to be less expensive than camping, after you factor in the cost of all the camping gear required.  In addition, hot running water, a fully functioning kitchen, and proper toilet comes as standard in the average static caravan – all of which will be covered by static caravan insurance in case something stops working.

With established caravan parks across Britain, you can choose just how far you wish to travel to get to your holiday accommodation.  Those with small children will be well aware of the advantages of travelling by car, in terms of flexibility, when compared to taking a flight to your holiday destination. In fact, multi-destination holidays are perfect for families, with touring caravan insurance giving you peace of mind in case something goes wrong.

Many caravan parks are understandably located in areas of great natural beauty. This is if course true of many B&B options across the country, but the advantage of the average caravan park is capacity.  Put simply, you can often make short work of booking in an area that you’ve targeted if you focus on caravan parks. If you are looking for some proper seclusion on your short break, an isolated B&B may be more like what you are after.

Short holiday breaks can present the perfect opportunity to try new outdoor pursuits and sports like canoeing, bouldering or mountain biking.  If you generally have a sedentary lifestyle during the normal working week, a long weekend away, perhaps walking in the highlands of Scotland, can supply a refreshing jolt of exercise.  The compact nature of the break can also ensure a sensibly limited exposure to strenuous activity, so that you are not crippled with aching muscles for the rest of week on your return!

At the end of a hard days cycling or climbing, the benefits of having your own hot shower on hand, rather than having to rely on communal facilities, will soon convert many die hard campers to the advantages of cheap caravan holidays.  And that’s before we consider the benefits of a properly fridge cooled beer…

If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and investing in your own caravan – good for you! – then remember caravan insurance doesn’t have to be sky high, especially if your mobile home is a few years old. Do your homework, save some pennies and you’ll be able to take her out whenever you like. Instant holiday!

Cheap caravan holidays – a superior solution for short holiday breaks? was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

Photo from Flickr by Mr T in DC

While you can happily scrub around Southeast Asia with nothing but a pair of wrong-sized flip flops and a taste for cheap beer, head to anywhere else and you’ll thank yourself for investing wisely in a few key items before you go. Getting your gear together isn’t cheap, so if you’re short on funds then do yourself a favour and take a loan from someone like cash window.

This is the gear it’s worth spending the extra cash on before you leave home.

1. A Quality Backpack

They all look the same, right? True. Ask anyone who’s been on the road for more than three months how they feel about their backpack and you’ll only get one of two answers: love or hate. If you’re going for more than three months, don’t spend less than $150 on a backpack; make sure it has a zip-off day pack  and that you can access you stuff quickly. The cheapie ‘top loaders’ – the bags where you can only get inside by plunging your hand into its murky depths – are super cheap, and only advisable for short trips where your bag won’t be bursting with stuff.

Tip: Make sure your straps are fully adjustable, as when your bag fluctuates in weight, you’ll be glad that you can relieve your aching back by tweaking the setting.

2. A Smartphone

Three years ago this wouldn’t have made the list but truth is, these days it’s a backpacking essential. Lost? Never again. Google Maps will see to that. While I’m a strong advocate for the oversized paper tourist maps stuffed into a back pocket, the information accessible on a smartphone – more than any guidebook could ever tell you – is invaluable. Online banking, hostel addresses, up to date phone numbers, weather reports…. The list is endless. Just remember to do yourself a favour and turn it off now and again.

3. An iPod

Walking around a big city listening to some foot stomping tunes or taking in ocean views while a gentle melody tickles your ears are some of the best moments imaginable when you’re travelling. But an mp3 player, fill it up with as much new music as you can (preferable 64GB) and you’ll have days, months, of entertainment on long bus rides and quiet times.

And last of all….

Books

No, a Kindle is not the same thing. Real books are a traveller’s best friend. Buy some before you leave and you’ll have credit in the worldwide network of hostel book exchanges. They are talking points with strangers, your best friend on the beach or public transport and the key to finding all kinds of weird and wonderful books as you exchange them on shelves around the world as you travel. Definitely a travel essential.

3 Things Every New Backpacker Should Invest In was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

Photo from Flickr by bullettniko

If you want a holiday which does more than take you from a to b, then you may want to think about alternative methods of transportation. Avoid motorway stress and congestion with these five ways to explore the great outdoors.

Sailing

Travel to the coast for the freedom of the open sea or amble down rivers and estuaries on a warm summer’s day. The network of rivers and open water in the Norfolk Broads provides a safe haven for beginners whilst the vibrant atmosphere at Brighton Marina along the Sussex coast provides ample people watching and colourful views. For experienced sailors, the open waters in The Solent provide a challenging yet beautiful location between the south of England and the Isle of Wight. Further afield are the choppy waters around Northern Ireland. Try the Antrim Coast, home to the Giants Causeway or follow the River Corrib to the large port in Galway.

Horseback

Take in Britain’s natural beauty from the back of your very own horse. It is worth noting that a holiday via horseback will need some horse insurance. Look online for a free horse insurance quote to find the best deal. As horse riding holidays are becoming more popular in the UK, more rural accommodations are catering for people as well as their equine friends. Try The Bailey Mill in Cumbria to sample the lush Cumbrian countryside or head south to the New Forest’s Granary Mead Cottage for woodland walks with a 30 minute car journey to the Devonshire coastline.

Steam train

Forget overpriced, crowded national train services and hop on a steam train to gaze out at the British countryside. Some of the best in the UK include the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways which travel through the welsh valleys, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway which runs from Cheltenham Racecourse to Winchcombe and the South Devon Railway which offers stunning coastal views. There is also the North Norfolk Railway which tours around the English countryside as well as a wonderful steam railway in the Isle of Man.

Campervan

Take your family on an all-inclusive holiday in a campervan. What better way to explore the UK than from your own miniature home complete with mod-cons and beds? From camping parks next to rugged coastlines in Devon and Cornwall to open green grasslands in Wales, a campervan offers a freedom unlike most other holidays. Camping hotspots include the quiet welsh seaside town of Aberdovey, parks in the rolling hills of Cumbria and the picturesque towns in Cornwall.

Bicycle

Put some power behind your pedals for a great biking holiday in the UK. From hair-raising descents, to treks along the coast, the UK has some of the best biking trails in Europe. If you live in London, take a break from city life on the Wandle Trail which crosses green parks and riverside routes from Wandsworth to Croydon. There is also the Five Pits Trail in Derbyshire which crosses through woodland and five former collieries. The family-friendly Cuckoo Trail in East Sussex is a traffic-free haven which runs through forests and grassland whilst the Mary Towneley Loop in Lancashire and Yorkshire is a tough off-road track for adrenaline junkies.

5 Alternative Ways to Explore the UK was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

Photo from Flickr by hao520

Times have changed and the modern-day traveller is a different breed to that of ten years ago. Even those budget-backpacking the globe, opting for the shelter of a hostel bunk over a luxury residence have access to a plethora of tools which can enhance their journey. What essentials, then, should the modern-day traveller keep with them?

A smartphone

There is no more essential device to the modern traveller than a high quality smartphone. The iPhone 5 is currently the leading industry model, capable of conducting everything from a scan of the local dining facilities to checking your flights are running as scheduled. It will also act as a high quality camera, an audio/video player, a personal organizer and even as your morning alarm. Not only that, but the sheer depth of Apps designed to help any traveller is exhausting, with everything from translation programmes to Skype’s video chat available to make your trip easier. A wealth of information and an all-in-one technological solution, the modern smartphone is without doubt the best travel tool money can buy.

A portable speaker system

Whilst headphones might have to be endured when you’re in public, anyone passionate about their music should definitely invest in a portable speaker system to ensure that they can enjoy their chosen tunes whatever their location. Speakers are a particularly good conversation starter allowing music to blend cultures and merge friendships in the most obscure surroundings. Fortunately, there are a wide range of sets that can offer superb sound quality without being cumbersome, and without presenting the discomfort that some headphones bring. The JBL On Stage IV, Harmon Kardon Go Play and the Pioneer XW are all highly recommended for high quality sound in a smaller package.

Quality footwear

Of course, these aren’t strictly a necessity if you’re planning to spend the majority of your vacation sipping cocktails on the beach, but for anyone who’s looking to get up and explore their new surroundings, high quality walking shoes are essential, especially if the local terrain is on the rough side. Nothing can spoil and hinder a travel break more than sore feet and blisters so quality footwear should always be considered. The main characteristics you should look for are breathability, water-resistance, a light weight, a strong grip and of course, style! There are a few brands that offer all of this: visiting a specialist shop is the best option to take, and their staff will be able to help you choose between some of the most renowned makers such as Salomon and Brasher.

An electronic tablet

In a similar vein to the smartphone, a tablet device such as the iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab is well worth packing for those longer trips, offering as they do certain apps and services that aren’t as effective on the smartphone’s smaller screen. Many of the most popular reading apps are far more comfortable to use, such as the various national newspapers (The Times app, in particular, looks stunning) and the traditional Kindle app (an app that will save you investing in a Kindle itself, useful for any heavy reader).

Anyone who likes to wind down whilst watching videos would also be well served to invest in a tablet, as both those directly downloaded from iTunes and streamed online are far more enjoyable to watch on the larger screen. Essentially a leisure purchase, a tablet is nonetheless a solid spend for any modern traveller seeking to be entertained on the move, connect on social networks and blog their travels.

Home comforts

Even when on the most exciting adventures, some days can be long, tiring and uninspiring. At these times nothing helps to lighten your mood more than some home comforts, whether it’s your favourite chocolate, sweets or drink. Packing some home comforts can help you relax, keep the homesickness at bay and enjoy your travelling experience.

The Tools of a Modern Traveller was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide