“]

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

Photo from Flickr by Andrew Stawarz

The Lake District is full of breathtaking scenery, thriving wildlife and interesting things to see and do. I recently went on holiday to the area with my family and it really was an experience like no other. My husband, my three children and I decided to stay in one of the traditional Lake District cottages. We booked on the Owners Direct website where there were so many to choose from that we found quite a few that fit both our budget and our family size.

Our Luxury Cottage

As we decided to stay in the UK for our holiday this year, we decided to go all out and stay in one of the many luxury cottages. The great thing about Lake District cottages is that they are all so traditional that they really do make the whole holiday experience something that is completely unique. Our specific cottage had a beautiful log fireplace, a large garden which was great for the kids and all the amenities that you would expect from a holiday rental and more. Even though we chose the winter season to holiday in, we were more than happy with our accommodation and couldn’t have wished for anything better.

The Lake District

Our decision to stay in one of the luxury cottages was just the icing on the cake, as the Lake District itself is such a beautiful holiday destination that we spent much of our time outdoors. Our days consisted of hikes and cycling around the beautiful lakes in the area.  Of course, we spent a lot of time at Lake Windermere, but we also visited some of the lesser known lakes including Derwent Water and Ullswater. Water sports activities were available, and my husband even headed down to Windermere Golf Club for an afternoon, which he said he thoroughly enjoyed.

Our children loved it when we went into the traditional Lake District towns, too. They were so different to where we live in the city that the kids were really amazed. The atmosphere of the towns was something like we had never experienced before and the local people were really friendly. We loved visiting the traditional pubs in the area (which were child-friendly) and had some fabulous meals. As we had booked one of the many self catering Lake District cottages we also had the option of eating in, which we did on more than one occasion. Believe it or not, there are even some Michelin-starred restaurants in the area, which we definitely would visit if we head back to the Lake District in the future.

Highly Recommended

Although you may enjoy travelling abroad for your holidays, I would urge you to think about holidaying in the UK this year. There are dozens of luxury cottages available in locations throughout the UK, and our stay in Lake District cottages has been one of our most treasured family holidays to date. So much more interesting than a beach holiday, the Lake District really opened our eyes to what a family holiday can be like. My husband, myself and the kids are all agreed that we will be looking into luxury cottages again next year with the hope of having another amazing experience!

The Perfect Lake District Holiday Cottage was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

photo from Flickr by: liam_101

Blessed with rolling countryside, quaint old-fashioned pubs and cottages and plenty of wide open space, Ireland has been a firm favourite with film makers for years. And of course this popularity with the people behind the cameras, has translated to popularity off camera too, as fans of some of Ireland’s most famous films flock to its shores to see the spot the movies were made. Follow in the footsteps of the stars, by booking flights to Ireland and checking out the locations of top movies.

Wicklow

The majestic granite faces of the peaks of the Wicklow Mountains, which occupy the whole centre of County Wicklow, and the blanket bog, heath and grasslands found on the uplands have made this a prime spot for film crews. Blockbusters such as Michael Collins, Excalibur and even Scottish flicks Braveheart and Lassie chose this scenic spot as a backdrop.

Cecelia Ahern’s more contemporary P.S. I Love You took advantage of the green hills and secluded valleys of County Wicklow to film parts of its box office smash. Often referred to as The Garden of Ireland, Wicklow’s scenic terrain is likely to continue to appeal to filmmakers looking for natural beauty.

photo from Flickr by: final gather

Kerry

The Dingle Peninsula in Kerry, known for its spectacular views and popular with tourists looking for a quiet chance to gaze out to sea, shot to fame back in 1970 with the filming of Ryan’s Daughter. The film boasted big stars of the day, including Robert Mitchum, Trevor Howard, John Mills and Sarah Miles, and set in the wake of the 1916 Easter Rising. Then in the early 90s, excitable superstar Tom Cruise and then wife Nicole Kidman shot Far and Away with brooding shots of Dingle Peninsula.

Dublin

Of course, Dublin itself is a highly desirable spot for directors and you’ll find plenty of familiar sights from the movies on a trip. Book flights to Dublin and keep your eyes open for places you’ve seen on the silver screen. Films with scenes shot in Dublin include In The Name of The Father, Educating Rita, Circle of Friends, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold and, more recently, the 2010 romantic comedy Leap Year makes use of the lovely castle.

Belfast

A recent addition to Ireland’s long line of film credits came from Killing Bono, with scenes shot in Belfast in 2010, encouraging U2 fans from around the world to book flights to Belfast to check out the supergroup’s roots for themselves.

James writes for Skyscanner, a cheap flights comparison site based in Scotland. For more information about Skyscanner, check out the Skyscanner page on Crunchbase.

A Film Lover’s Guide to Ireland was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

photo from Flickr by: Photohunny

After all the excitement of Christmas, the dull grey skies and chilly temperatures of January and February can seem interminable. A mini-break can be an ideal way to relieve the monotony, as well as giving you something to look forward to. However, Christmas is an expensive time, leaving most people with little disposable cash to spend on going away.

The good news is that there are plenty of great deals available to help people on limited budgets. January and February are traditionally slow months for the tourist trade and so many hotels offer attractive deals to encourage visitors. There are other benefits to travelling at off-peak periods as well. Museums and other attractions will be much less crowded and you can avoid queues. It should also be easy to get a table at a restaurant, even popular city-centre ones.

A city is an ideal place for a mini-break in January and February. Many of the places to visit will be indoors and there will be plenty of choice when it comes to hotels and restaurants. A good idea is to visit towns and cities that are very popular with tourists during the summer months. You will get to see the same sights but without the crowds. This makes cities such as Edinburgh, York, Bath, Harrogate, Brighton and Oxford popular choices. Ideally, pick a city which is small enough to walk around easily, such as York or Bath. York, in particular is an ideal choice for a short winter break. Hotels in York city centre make an excellent base for exploring this delightful town.

York is a walled city dominated by the magnificent York Minster. You can walk around the city walls before indulging in refreshments in one of the many pubs or tea rooms to be found in the city. The city centre is largely pedestrianised and this is where you can find the Shambles, a narrow medieval street which has been voted one of the most picturesque in England. You can also visit the award winning Jorvik Viking Centre, which amongst other things recreates the layout of a house typical of the period of the Viking occupation. For those looking for something more up to date, the National Railway Museum has a huge variety of trains from the past and the present.

If you are interested in a town in the south of the country, Bath is a good choice. It is internationally famous for its architecture and attractions such as the Roman Baths and the Pump Room. Again, the city centre is pedestrianised and is an attractive place to wander around, with many cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Another style of mini-break which can seem attractive after the excesses of the Christmas period is a visit to a spa. There are several hotels around the country, both in cities and in the country, that offer spa deals. You could either choose one close to you or use it as a chance to explore another part of the country.

A little research will show that it is possible to take a refreshing and relaxing break in the grey months ahead without blowing the budget. Stay in a four- or five-star establishment at a very reasonable rate and explore cities as the residents see them, without the crowds and tourists of the summer.

Hottest Hotel Deals this winter was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

Photo from Flickr by ronancrowley

No matter how you end up in Asia one thing is certain: you’re going to drink a lot of beer. There’s something about the combination of humidity and craziness that requires every successfully completed task to be rewarded with a nice sit down and an ice cold beer.

With that in mind, here are my top 5 beers of Southeast Asia. These aren’t necessarily the most popular or the tastiest, but they are the ones that in 40 years time I’ll remember having in my hand with a smile on my face. Good times make even a bad beer taste great.

Chang, Thailand 6.4%

Chang in Thai means ‘elephant’. What it really means is that drink more than two of these mega bottles and the next morning you’ll feel like an elephant is repeatedly stamping on your head. There’s also the Chang roulette myth; backpackers throughout whisper to each other almost each batch  of Change is brewed to an unknown percentage so you never know how much damage the bottle in your hand will do to you the next day. Completely untrue.

Klang,Cambodia, 7%

Another language lesson for you: Klang in Khmer means ‘strong’. At 7%, they’re not wrong.

“Klang Beer is a perfect drink for all kinds of celebrations,” reads the can, “and it can be savoured at any time of the day. Mind you, it’s a very strong beer, but go ahead and take the challenge!”

There is no middle ground with the humble Klang: you’re a lover or a hater. Only available in cans, it seductively slips into a sweaty palm providing coolness and refreshment instantly.

Beer Lao, Laos, 4.5%

There’s something special about Beer Lao. The label wins hands down for understated cool. Drinking a lot of it doesn’t give you a hangover. It tastes clean, light and is very drinkable. It’s most likely down to the key ingredient missing in most beers: polished rice. The Laotians are onto a good thing here. This is the beer most likely to make you well up with happy memories if you happen to stumble across it somewhere unexpected.

Bintang, Indonesia, 4.75%

No 18-year old Aussie male has ever returned home from his first lads’ holiday to Bali without the compulsory Bintang singlet. It isn’t just a beer, it’s a way of life, a logo slapped across every lamppost, towel and souvenir. There’s little competition from other brands, so the fact that Bintang means ‘star’ in Indonesian is fairly apt. It IS the star of the show. Its Heineken-esque flavour makes it popular for everyone from binge-drinking teens to European expats.

Bia hoi, Vietnam, 3%(ish)

The Vietnamese do everything differently. While they do produce bottled beers, it’s all about bia hoi: street beer. Kegs of beer are made fresh every night, then consumed throughout the next day by groups of people slung into low plastic chairs that wouldn’t look out of place in a child’s play area. The last drop is usually gone by about 7pm every day. It’s not strong, it’s always cold and at about 20 US cents a glass, just might be the cheapest beer in the world.

If this post has inspired you to visit Asia and try these beers in their native environment you can get a great deal on a late holiday at http://www.teletextholidays.co.uk/. If you do go, please stop by on your return and let us know how you got on.

5 Iconic Beers of Southeast Asia was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog

photo from Flickr by: saraflorence

Backpacking in Wales can be an exhilarating experience for the first time trekker or the backpacking expert. A hiker’s map is a great item to start with, as some trails can be confusing, unmarked, and just plain inconvenient. Prepare ahead to avoid frustration later.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is 186 miles of amazing scenery and over 40 ruins to explore. See stone circles from prehistoric times and Norman castles from the 11th century on your hike. Pass through pastures of cows and rest at overlooks with breathtaking views of the sea.

Snowdonia National Park is hiking at its best. Across the Glyders is an awesome route that takes you 2,000 feet above the valley floor and over the nine mountain tops before you. When you arrive at the giant slate quarry, you will know you have almost reached the end. This is more of a day hike, since the winds on the ridge tend to make camping quite impossible. On your amazing journey you will pass through tunnels, over cliffs and gaze at some amazing ruins. One such ruin was once known as the world’s largest cavern made by man.

Snowdonia also offers some excellent rock climbing. Beginners and experts alike can get the most out of their climbing experience. There are some qualified instructors available for the first timers, and even for those more advanced. You can always learn something new. The picturesque landscapes that will open up before you will make your whole climbing experience worth every minute.

Water sports are not only great exercise, but a great way to spend your day. Wales offers endless ideas for your water fun. If you like surfing but want to try something different, check out kite-surfing. Balance on your board while holding onto a large kite that will catch the wind and pull you along, waves or no waves. Paddle boarding is similar to surfing, but when standing up and paddling, you can catch many waves that the regular surfer cannot.

Scuba diving can be extremely rewarding. The Blue Lagoon at Aberieddy is an awesome place for a dive. This old quarry holds some beautiful treasures. Cliffs, deep blue waters, and the chance to dive with a seal are excellent reasons to dive here.

Sailing and power boating are also big in Wales. Hop on a boat and sail one of Wales’ majestic lakes. Or if you want more speed, try power boating for a total adrenaline rush.

Cottages in Wales are located everywhere. Choose from garden cottages, beach cottages, self catering or full service to be totally pampered. Stay on a hillside with breathtaking views, or right at water’s edge to doze off to the waves lapping the shore.

Country cottages can include log cabins for a cosy stay, weekend retreats or romantic getaways. Stay with a group in cottages that hold 9 or more people. The accommodations you seek are readily available in Wales.

Sightseeing won’t disappoint, as there is so much to see and do. If you live for sports, check out these awesome stadiums. The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff holds 74,500 people and can entertain you with football, rugby, racing and boxing. Cardiff City Stadium and Liberty Stadium are also available for football and rugby union. For some Cricket, head over to SWALEC stadium, and Cardiff Bay Ice Arena offers ice hockey. Wales also has some of the best golf in Britain and Europe.

Backpacking Wales is an excellent way to see it all. The majestic mountains, pristine beaches, and all that lies in between await you when you plan your holiday in Wales.

A very Welsh Adventure was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Backpacking travel blog