Guest Post: 5 Reasons Why A Travel Company Might Be Right For You

Posted on January 5, 2012 by admin

This is a guest post by Peter Cresswell, of the Always Twirling blog. He and his wife are on an around the world adventure, and they got help planning their trip right here with the Adventure Travel Company.

Planning a trip around the world, or any multi-stop trip, can be a bit of a trick. There is lots of advice out there on how to plan it on your own. To be completely honest, for a lot of experienced travelers, that’s the best route. For us however, this is our first year long trip. We will be visiting at least 20 and likely a lot more countries. Our flights take us to London, Bangkok, Indonesia, Sydney, Rome and Cape Town to name a few. While we could have booked it all ourselves, we opted to go with The Adventure Travel Company in Toronto. Here are my top five reasons why you might benefit from working with a travel agent.

They Have Ideas

Jeff, our travel agent, took our nebulous ideas of traveling in South East Asia and Africa and gave them concrete plans. He had spent some time in South East Asia and helped give us ideas on what to do and when to travel there. We also knew that we wanted to travel in Africa but weren’t sure how. Jeff pointed us to a Gap tour that fit our objective and helped give us a sense of security while traveling in a region we were not completely comfortable doing on our own.

They Can Save You Money

While we could have spent a bunch of time looking around and watching for fare discounts, Jeff had enough experience to point us away from the Round the World ticket strategy and onward to a non traditional round trip ticket. Doing a price comparison to the RTW tickets, Jeff easily saved us thousands of dollars we might have spent on a RTW ticket.

Things Change

Since we have booked our flights and made our arrangements, Jeff has pinged me at least four times to update me on slight changes to our schedule and to talk about the flooding in Thailand and options. It is great having someone you can quickly reach out to and get some last minute help.

They Help In The Small Details

There are a lot of little details that go into traveling. Visa applications, vaccines, insurance. You should look into all of these. Since Jeff has traveled around a lot, he knew what needed to be done. While I had a checklist already built, Jeff was a second backup, reminding me and making sure I had the important stuff checked off.

They Are More Than an Expedia Replacement

There is a lot more that a proper travel company can offer beyond just flight arrangements. The Adventure Travel Company for example hosts talks on some subjects such as traveling to Africa and, conveniently for us, planning a trip around the world.

Today, travel companies are often passed over in place of online travel booking websites like Expedia or Kayak. And indeed, if all you need is to book a single flight, then that’s probably best for you. But if you are like us – taking an elaborate trip that stretches your previous travel experience or simply looking for ideas and need some advice – then you are probably looking for something more. If so, don’t ignore the value that a travel agent like The Adventure Travel Company can add.

>> Follow Peter and Sue as they travel the world at www.alwaystwirling.com

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Amazing South America

Posted on January 4, 2012 by admin

Amazon River - South AmericaSouth America is home to dramatic landscapes, archaeological splendours and a dizzying variety of wildlife – the largest collection of plant and animal species on earth, in fact. For the sheer awe factor, it’s hard to top seeing Incan ruins through mist-covered cloud forest, spying monkeys and toucans in the Amazon or trekking past topaz-coloured alpine lakes and snow-covered peaks in the Andes. Comprising 13 countries, and home to dozens of indigenous cultures, South America has all this and much more.

Here’s a roundup of top places to see on a journey to South America.

1. The Andes

The massive peaks – the world’s longest continental mountain range – stretch for nearly 8000km from Venezuela to southern Patagonia. There are fantastic trekking opportunities from gateway towns like Huaraz, Peru and Bariloche, Argentina. For those who want to explore indigenous villages among fantastic scenery, the options are near endless in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

2. Machu Picchu

Prior to the Spanish arrival, the Andes were the home to some of the hemisphere’s most advanced civilizations, which reached their peak under the Incas. The mountain citadel of Machu Picchu – whose exact purpose still remains unknown – was first brought to the world’s attention in 1911 by American explorer (and later US senator) Hiram Bingham III. Visiting ‘the Lost City’, with its dramatic setting amid cloud forest and craggy peaks is spectacular, particularly if you’ve arrived on foot along the popular but challenging 4-day Inca Trail. Buying entrance and train tickets in advance is key.

3. Galápagos Islands

The chain of volcanic islands lies roughly 1000km west of Ecuador and holds a strange and wondrous collection of wildlife, from gigantic tortoises and blue-footed boobies to marine iguanas and insatiably curious sea lions. These creatures proved inspiration to Charles Darwin (who visited in 1835) and his later, groundbreaking work on natural selection. Travel here is pricier than elsewhere in South America, since the only practical way of seeing the Galápagos is on a cruise vessel, visiting different islands on a 5- to 10-day circuit. But for the once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s well worth the investment.

4. The Amazon

The largest rainforest on earth is home to a stunning array of plant and animal life. You can watch the green landscape glide slowly from the hammock-packed deck of a puttering riverboat (the buses of Brazilian Amazonia) or take a trek deep into the wilderness. Swimming with piranhas, gliding across flooded forests by dugout canoe and taking edifying walks with naturalist guides are all essential parts of the Amazon experience. Manaus in Brazil is the most popular gateway, with dozens of agencies offering private tours, while a bevy of nearby jungle lodges provide a base for exploring. Other good entry points to the Amazon include Cuyabeno Reserve, Ecuador; Leticia, Colombia; and Iquitos, Peru.

5. The Pantanal

This vast wetland area, which spreads across parts of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia, may be less famous than the Amazon, but the wildlife watching here is superb, with over 650 bird species and 80 mammal species, including capybara (the world’s largest rodent), giant otters and various monkeys. In fact, owing to the dense concentration of species, your chances of seeing animals here is generally better than in most parts of the Amazon. The key is to visit during the dry season (April to September). Visitors typically stay in lodges (from rustic to lavish) and take day trips on horseback, by boat or on foot in search of wildlife. Cuiaba and Campo Grande, both in Brazil are top places to enter the Pantanal.

6. Iguazu Falls

Set deep in the rainforest, the massive and thundering falls are not one but many (some 275 in all), which straddle both Argentina and Brazil. Catwalks meander through biologically rich forest (keep an eye out for wildlife) and past the deafening waterfalls. While Brazil has the grand overview, Argentina gets the lion’s share of Iguazu – and from here you can take a (very wet) speedboat trip to just beneath the roaring falls. If you plan to visit the Brazilian side, you’ll need a visa (best arranged in advance). Go early in the morning to see abundant birdlife and to beat the crowds.

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10 Stops for Your First Time in Costa Rica

Posted on January 4, 2012 by admin

Costa Rica BeachThinking of a trip to Costa Rica, but not sure where to start? With volcanoes to hike, legendary surf, miles of beaches, and endless wildlife spotting, Costa Rica rewards repeat visitors. But if you’re just starting your explorations of one of Central America’s most beautiful countries, these 10 stops will steer you in the right direction:

1. Monteverde and Santa Elena

The neighboring towns of Monteverde and Santa Elena, which edge iconic cloud forests, are the birthplace of the country’s ecotourism movement. Here you can go trekking at high altitudes, search for rare resplendent quetzals and straddle your feet across the continental divide.

2. Volcán Arenal

By day you’ll hear it rumbling and quaking, and if the smoke clouds above clear, you can gaze precariously at its near-perfect conical shape. But it’s during the night that Arenal reveals its true power with almost constant eruptions of red-hot lava and tumbling avalanches of flaming rocks.

3. Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

One of the country’s most famous national parks, Manuel Antonio, is the Costa Rica you imagined in your dreams. Here you can watch all manner of monkeys bounding through the forest canopy as you take leisurely hikes along palm-fringed shores lapped by tropical waves.

4. Reggae in Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is where you can feast on coconut-scented rice and spice-rubbed jerk chicken, then burn off the calories while dancing the night away to reggae beats. This is the so-called ‘other Costa Rica,’ where English trumps Spanish, Rastafarians praise I and I, and Afro-Caribbean culture thrives.

5. Parque Nacional Tortuguero

One of Costa Rica’s unrivaled eco-destinations, Tortuguero is an elaborate network of narrow canals that wind their way through pristine jungle and coastal wetlands. From the safety and comfort of your own canoe, you can paddle along these shrouded waterways in search of hidden wildlife.

6. Mal País & Santa Teresa

At the tip of the Península de Nicoya is this destination duo, which offers some of the country’s best surf. Mal País and Santa Teresa were once far-flung locales that took serious determination to reach, though better road access and improved tourist infrastructure have brought about an increasingly sophisticated scene.

7. Central Valley thrills

The tiny town of Turrialba in the Central Valley might not look like much on the map, but the surrounding area is home to some of the most intense white-water rafting in the whole of Central America. If you’re searching for a serious adrenaline rush, a day of fierce paddling should definitely be on your agenda. If you prefer caffeine to adrenaline, visit Café Britt Finca in Barva if you want to drink some high quality Costa Rican coffee right from the source.

8. Playa Sámara

Among the country’s most picture-perfect beaches, Sámara is an angelic strip of powder-white sand that lies between gently rolling turquoise seas and a string of trendy restaurants and cafes. An ideal destination for vacationing families in search of a quiet retreat, Sámara is peaceful yet sophisticated.

9. Montezuma

A terminally relaxed, hippie beach town at the tip of the Península de Nicoya, Montezuma is the sort of place you work hard to get to, then quickly dismiss the idea of ever leaving. Days here revolve around a blissful cycle of sea, sun, sand and sleep. If this is your first stop, you might just scratch the other nine off the list and leave those for your next trip.

10. Cerro Chirripó

From the lofty heights of Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó, you can bask in panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Of course, if you want to enjoy this visual feast, you’re going to have to endure the arduous – but highly rewarding – slog to the top.

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G Adventures in Peru

Posted on December 19, 2011 by admin

Julio Risco, CEO of G Adventures Peru

When most travellers think of Peru, many words come to mind to describe this incredible country of mine, but only one truly captures Peru in all its essence – diverse. Whether speaking of Peru’s varied natural landscapes, our assorted cuisines or our mixture of ancient and modern cultures, there is simply no other country on earth as diverse as this one.

Over the past 5 years, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a CEO for G Adventures in Peru has been the opportunity to introduce people from all over the world to all that my country has to offer.  A journey through Peru will take you from the cool, coastal region of Lima into the intense mists of the Amazon, over the peaks and highlands of the Andes, through arid desert land and finally let you relax and unwind on the beaches of the north – all in a matter of a couple of action-packed weeks.

Many travellers arrive in Peru excited to hike the infamous Inca Trail which is an incredible journey to be sure, but over the years I have formed a preference for the lesser known trail – the Lares Trek.  Similar to the Inca Trail, the Lares Trek was once used by the Inca people as a connection between the Sacred Valley and the local communities, but this 3-day trek takes hikers on a more picturesque voyage as the trail passes through remote mountain communities filled with awe-inspiring lagoons, wildlife and flora.  For those who set their sites high, the Lares Trek doesn’t disappoint as day 2 takes hikers to a peak of 4,600 metres above sea level – 400 metres higher than the Inca Trail’s uppermost point.  The journey finishes up in the quaint and welcoming town nestled at the foot of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes.

No stranger to intense flavours, one of the most exciting learning experiences for travellers visiting Peru is the introduction to the amazing cuisine that only my country can offer.  While many people know of Peru’s famous specialty dishes including Peruvian ceviche, I like to introduce my travellers to new and lesser known Peruvian cuisine like Papa a la Huancaina – a mouthwatering salad of boiled potatoes (Peru has over 4000 varieties of potatoes) in a spicy sauce made from cream, cheese, milk, crackers, yellow chili and a dash of egg white.  To wash things down, many of my travellers ask for the traditional Pisco Sour which I’m happy to provide, but I also like to familiarize them with a fantastic Peruvian specialty known as Algarrobina – a delicious and sweet alcoholic drink derived from the syrup of the Black Carob tree. Peruvians like to mix this syrup with Pisco Brandy to be served with desert or mixed with milk, fruit and sugar and served up as a delicate smoothie.   A must try when you visit!

21st century Peru is an incredible mix of old and new.  Our Ancient Inca culture found in historical cities like Cuzco mixes beautifully with the contemporary hustle of modern day Lima.  Journeys along the high altitude Inca Trail and Lares Trek allow you to push your body to its limits while a trip to the Amazon returns you to nature’s ecosystem.  This is your Peru – you really should come see it sometime!

-Julio Risco

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Top Three Epic Moments in Tanzania

Posted on December 14, 2011 by admin

Katie Berry at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro

One of our very own Adventure Specialists, Katie Berry, recently led The Adventure Travel Company’s first Epic Journey to Tanzania to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and spot the Big 5 on safari. Here’s what she had to say about her epic experience.

When most people dream of Africa, it’s the plains of East Africa that capture their imagination, and I’m no different.  Landing in Tanzania for the third time, I’m still just as excited as ever!  Tanzania is home to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, the amazing tribal culture of the Masai, and some of the best National Parks in Africa.

Epic Moment #1:  Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro
Summit of Mt. KilimanjaroNothing will ever compare to the feeling of accomplishment as I was standing on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, affectionately known as ‘Kili’.  Six days of trekking, camping, gaining altitude, and cold weather all became worth it the moment the sun began to rise, and I saw the iconic sign announcing my arrival at the summit. That being said, the seven hours hiking through the dark up a steep slope to the summit is serious stuff. While Kili is a feat most people in relatively good shape can easily accomplish, at 5,895 m, it is not a mountain to be taken lightly. By our third day, we were starting to feel the effects of altitude.  I was getting slight headaches, nausea, and lost my appetite.  Every step I took on our overnight summit attempt seemed to take more and more effort.  Just when you think it will never end, the sun starts to peak over the plains below, and when the first rays start to warm you, it’s an instant burst of energy!  Nothing will ever compare with the beauty of the sunrise over Mt. Kilimanjaro – when you’re overwhelmed with feelings of accomplishment mixed with exhaustion and awe.  I don’t know if it’s the excitement of standing on top of the mountain, the beauty of the ice caps, or the colours of the sunrise itself, but it makes the whole experience magical!

Epic Moment #2: Masai Village
Masai WarriorsMasai Warriers are an iconic image of Tanzania. One of our first stops was at a traditional Masai Village. One moment, we were standing beside our truck all alone, and the next moment there were 50 Masai men and women coming out of the village singing and dancing!  They welcomed us into their village, where they had more singing and dancing in store, but this time they insisted that we join in.  I had the world’s biggest grin on my face as I stood next to traditionally dressed Masai women, trying to jump as high as I could, to the delight and amusement of the women around me.  What an amazing day!  We explored some of the local homes made of cow dung and straw, saw their village school, and shopped for some hand-made crafts. This was a cultural exchange I won’t soon forget!

Epic Moment #3:  Spotting the Big 5
The Big FiveIt’s the wildlife that draws me back to Africa time after time.  I had spent four months travelling through Africa before this trip, and I still haven’t seen all of the ‘Big 5’.  I have previously seen the buffalo, elephant, lion, and rhino, but the leopard has always eluded me.  As we headed into the Serengeti, I had big hopes!  I knew it was going to be a good safari when we saw a pride of lions about 20 minutes into the park…I was not disappointed!  During our time in the park, we ended up seeing herds of elephants, parts of the great migration, and more cats than I could ever have imagined!  We saw over 50 lions, including lions with kills, lions mating, and even lions in trees! Then finally, after months of searching, I saw my first leopard.  Two of them were hanging out in a tree just off the side of the road.  I could have cried!  Just when I thought the trip couldn’t get any better, we saw a few trucks stopped at the side of the road, so we stopped to have a look as well, and managed to catch a glimpse of a cheetah stalking gazelles in the grass.  Moments later, it took off running into the herd.  It was an unsuccessful hunt for the cheetah, but it was a memory that I will treasure forever!

Find out more about our upcoming Epic Journeys.

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Panama Awaits: 10 Great Highlights

Posted on November 30, 2011 by admin

Sendero Los Quetzales - view from the trail

Sitting at the heart of the Americas, Panama has been mostly known for the Panama Canal for the last century. The next century could be defined by what awaits beyond the locks. Pristine beaches, lush rainforest and big city nightlife give a taste of the country’s outstanding assets.  The US legacy means a mix of juxtapositions; English is widely spoken, yet one hour outside the city you’ll find indigenous Emberá paddle dugout canoes.

1. Panama City

Panama City is high-octane Latin America with ceviche, casinos and stacked skylines. But don’t miss the historical neighborhood of Casco Viejo, with its crumbling convents and cobblestones. It’s as much about today’s urban mix as the energy.

2. Panama Canal

One of the world’s greatest shortcuts, the Panama Canal cuts right through the Continental Divide, linking the Atlantic and Pacific. Just as stunning as the huge steel container ships passing through the locks are the legions of creatures watching from the jungle fringes.

3. The Highlands

Whether you came to see a resplendent quetzal, paddle a river, climb a volcano or pick coffee berries fresh from the bush, there’s magic in Panama’s misty highlands. Fuel yourself with mountain-grown coffee in Boquete, the town of eternal spring, climb to the top of Volcán Barú where views of both coastlines await, and hike through the cloud forests of Sendero Los Quetzales in search of the elusive creatures.

4. Parque Nacional Coiba

Once a penal colony, Coiba Island is now a national park teaming with life. Get up close to humpback whales and their calves, and see a massive variety and number of tropical fish while snorkeling. Add to that flocks of the vividly colored scarlet macaws which exist only in a few places in the world.

5. Parque Nacional Darién

The Darién represents the triumph of nature over human power. It was the first place in the mainland Americas to be colonized by the Europeans, but it’s now one of the wildest places in the hemisphere, even after hundreds of years.

6. Sailing Archipiélago de San Blás

Sailing through the Kuna Yala is a wonderfully calming experience, with just sand, water and sun found in every direction.

7. Archipiélago Bocas del Toro

It’s Panama’s number one vacation spot, and for good reason. Turquoise waters, dazzling corals and giant starfish wallpaper these laid-back islands known for fun and sun.

8. Fantastic Creatures

With more than 300 mammals and 900 bird species, Panama is crack for naturalists. Scarlet macaws, toucans, sloths and squirrel monkeys are just a few local stars. As a spectator sport, wildlife-watching is nothing short of thrilling, but it’s the calls, cries and rumbles of the rainforest that will stamp your memory forever.

9. Lost Beaches

Take your pick from ripping surf breaks to pristine tropical isles, Panama has thousands of beaches to suit any mood from escapist to hedonist. But many of these sandy stretches belong to the sea turtles come hatching season.

10. Indigenous Cultures

Panama’s native cultures are dynamic communities who have persevered through changing times. On the Caribbean, the Kuna boast the highest degree of sovereignty in Latin America. Emberá and Wounaan inhabit Panamá Province and the Darién. To the east, the Ngöbe-Buglé number in the hundreds of thousands, while the Naso has one of the few remaining monarchies in the Americas.

P.S. – Visit Panama and Costa Rica with us in February 2012. Click to learn more.

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Nicaragua: Now Open for Adventure

Posted on November 29, 2011 by admin

Ometepe, Nicaragua

Nicaragua today is like Costa Rica was 30 years ago: a pristine Central American country that’s easy to reach—and virtually empty. It doesn’t have the vast national parks of its neighbor, but you won’t find the crowds either. Not only is the country safe to visit, but  Nicaraguans aren’t jaded to tourists either.

Adventures Await
Go for a bike ride to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Old León and a guided paddle through Lake Nicaragua’s 365 islets. On Ometepe, kids can check out petroglyphs or join in on a challenging hike up the perfect cone of dormant, 1,394-meter Maderas Volcano. Ometepe is like another world, frozen in time; you’ll see more horse carts than cars and women washing clothes in the river.

Bottom line
Nicaragua is an up and coming overseas adventure travel destination that’s beginning to develop its eco tourism. You won’t find the crowds like you would in Costa Rica, so if you like a more quite, relaxed environment you should give Nicaragua a try.

Posted in Adventure, Central America | 1 Comment

How to: Put Together a Good First-Aid Kit

Posted on November 29, 2011 by admin

Whether you are driving a few hours for a weekend away or travelling across the globe, a good first-aid kit is a must. You should include most of the following items:

  1. Antacids
  2. Gravol or motion sickness medication
  3. Fiber supplements, laxatives & diarrhea medication
  4. Cold suppressants and decongestants
  5. Antibiotic cream
  6. Anti fungal skin cream
  7. After sun lotion
  8. Hand sanitizers
  9. Antiseptic wipes
  10. Bandages of all sizes
  11. Tensor bandage
  12. Sterile gauze pads to put over wounds
  13. Adhesive tape
  14. Disposable non-latex gloves
  15. Scissors, tweezers & safety pins
  16. Thermometer
  17. Single use ice packs
  18. Vitamins you would normally take
  19. Prescriptions in the original pack
  20. Copies of passport, insurance papers, emergency contacts.
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Top 10 Short Breaks to Central America

Posted on November 21, 2011 by admin

Top 10 Short Breaks to Central AmericaCentral America is a great way for Canadians to pick up some big excitement for a small investment. Sea turtles, volcanoes, rainforests, and sunshine are all at your fingertips whether you choose to trek across Mexico, Belize, Cuba, or Guatemala. The Adventure Travel Company is pleased to offer this selection of ten short breaks to Central America.

  1. Panama City and Canal
  2. Antigua, Chichi and Panajachel
  3. Mexico City Package
  4. Volcano, Hotsprings and Cloudforest
  5. Turtles and Tortuguero
  6. Cuba Libre
  7. My Style Antigua Comfort
  8. Mexico Day of the Dead In Oxaca
  9. Kayak Belize
  10. Western Guatemala Highlights
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Tips for your Backpacking Adventure

Posted on November 16, 2011 by admin

  1. Get a Guidebook or Two but Don’t Plan Everything
    Do some research and have an outline of your backpacking trip and possible places to stay (hostels are the best for meeting up with other backpackers and like-minded travellers) but aim to go with the flow and don’t pre plan your trip too much. Don’t try to pack in too many places. Backpacking Europe does not mean you have to visit every European capital in four weeks, or even four months. Relax, taste and feel the different culture, get to know the locals and immerse yourself a little.
  2. Get Travel & Medical Insurance
    Be covered for those accidents. You never know when you’ll need it. There are many specific backpacking insurance plans available for young adults which are competitively priced.
  3. Carry Little Cash & No Valuables
    Experienced backpackers leave the bulk of their cash in the bank and their valuables at home. Spread your cash across 2 or 3 bank accounts and take 2 or 3 debit or credit cards in case one card malfunctions and refuses to dispense cash, or is lost or stolen. Don’t keep all your cards together in one place.
  4. Travel Light
    Backpacking is hard work! Whatever you take with you on your backpacking trip will be carried on your back for the duration. Obvious? Yes but its amazing how heavy that backpack can become after you’ve lugged it on and off buses and trains numerous times. Travel light. Really really light. Wear a pair of comfy shoes and pack one more pair. One jacket, a couple of jumpers and t shirts, an extra pair of jeans, shorts, swimwear, towel. You shouldn’t need much else.
  5. Get the contact number of your Embassy
    If you get into trouble (for example with the police, crime, lose all your money/cards/passport) contact your country’s Embassy in the country you are in. They can help make emergency arrangements and get you back home if need be (although they cannot pay for it).
  6. Let someone know
    Often people make the mistake of taking off on a trip and not telling family or friends. Even if you don’t want Mom and Dad breathing down your back, it’s a really good idea to let someone back home have a general idea of where you are going and how long you will be gone. Also have a way of getting in touch with you. The last thing you want is for some emergency on your end or at home and having no means of communication.
  7. Get a hostel with a kitchen
    When you are booking a hostel check to see if they have a communal kitchen or complimentary breakfast. Often there is a kitchen available for use with some utensils and cooking items. Making a couple meals at your hostel will save you and your friends a lot of money in the long run.
  8. Buy a train pass
    If you know you will be backpacking in one area, such as Northern Europe, Southern Europe, or Asia, then you can pre-purchase a train pass that allows you to travel within certain countries for a set amount of time. This elevates the stress of waiting in long lines at train stations. Plus you will end up saving money because you bought in bulk. Just be sure to
  9. Talk to your fellow travellers and invite people to tell you about their experiences, but always remember that everyone sees things from their own perspective. Use other people’s experience. Ask them where they went, what they did, what was good and bad. Check that information though against the advice of hostel owners and managers and look for the balance. What someone else disliked, you may love, and vice-versa. So take the information, and then make up your own mind.
  10. Safety first
    Always let someone who cares know where you are going and when you will return or arrive. Travellers are often a little vulnerable as you may not be familiar with your surroundings and may not be sure who to trust. Be sensible and go with your gut feelings – if a situation doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and take the safe option. For example, think carefully before getting into cars with strangers, walking alone late at night etc. Don’t get so drunk that you don’t know where you are or where you are going, especially girls travelling alone!
  11. Ask hostel staff about ‘backpacker specials’
    People who work in the Tourism Industry look out for the special offers, particularly when it comes to deals with pubs, nightclubs and restaurants, plus they usually know about any tour discounts and promotions. They will be happy to tell you.
  12. Take photos or keep a journal
    The more you travel the more amazing things you will see. Often the names and places can slip from your memory, so it’s great to keep a few reminders and souvenirs of your adventures. The advent of digital cameras has made this so easy, but don’t forget to make backup copies in case you lose or damage your equipment. One good idea is to back them up to a disc and mail them back home or upload them to a travel blog on the internet.
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