Ayngelina from “Bacon is Magic”
Blog: http://www.baconismagic.ca/
About Ayngelina:

“I’m Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I’m creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.”  To find out more about Ayngelina, please click here.

When it comes to traveling, Ayngelina says:

• “Pack enough clothing for one week not every foreseeable situation. You will want to buy clothing wherever you are anyway.”
• “You do not need fancy travelers clothing. You spend a lot of money on it and it’s all the more painful when you lose it or someone steals it. Unless you plan in alpine hiking, your regular clothes will do.”
• “Don’t plan too much! There’s nothing worse than realizing you will miss out on something great because you booked 6 months of airline tickets      in advance. It’s much more liberating to buy a one way ticket and let the spirit of adventure guide you.”

Rob from “Adventure Rob”
Blog: http://www.adventurerob.com/
About Rob:

“My name is Robert Fitzsimmons and I am a twenty-something year old from Portsmouth in England. I left my job at Christmas 2008 and started travelling and writing this blog early 2009. This website is my personal blog documenting what I do, the places I visit, my thoughts, photography and advice on things as well as the odd random musing. I hope it inspires others to leave the rat race like I have and travel!” To find out more about Rob, please click here.

Rob’s travel tips:

• “To sum up in one sentence, I’d advise you to pack light, plan a little (like I want to go to xx country and see xx) but don’t go deeper than that (like day-to-day planning).  Just do what you want to do! Don’t follow a book/blogger’s path…just feel free to use them for inspiration in your own travels.”

Shannon of “A Little Adrift”
Blog: http://alittleadrift.com/
About Shannon:

“Shannon O’Donnell here, I’m the chief (and only) traveler and storyteller here on A Little Adrift. I’ve circumnavigated the globe a few times now, and my perpetual travels started in the fall of 2008 when I set off  on a full-year traditional round the world trip. This blog started as a way to chronicle my personal round the world travels, and while it does still function like this I craft stories to inspire the arm-chair travelers out there, lend advice and inspiration for others setting off on RTW trips, and occasionally share resources and thoughts on location independence.”  For more information on Shannon, please click here.

Travel tips from Shannon:

• Pack lightly! “Pack Lightly and Enjoy Yourself! When I left to travel abroad for the first time, I was overwhelmed by the experience and a little stressed pre-trip about all of the details. Work through that, because once you leave it’s all an adventure from that point forward. You’ve heard the advice before, but I cannot stress enough that you should pack lightly and use a backpack rather than a roller suitcase if you plan to move around a lot. Then, once you’re over there, don’t cheap out on all of the experiences; although it’s easy to blow through a lot of cash because of the exchange rate, also keep in mind there are experiences (churches, train rides, hikes, tours, etc) that you may never again have the opportunity to experience — so do them! “

Emily of “Maiden Voyage”
Blog: http://maiden-voyage-travel.com/
About Emily:

“I’m Emily Starbuck Crone (formerly Emily Starbuck Gerson–just got married), a 20-something travel junkie and professional writer.  I’ve sailed to Santorini, strolled through the red light district of Hamburg, gawked at glaciers in Alaska, bathed in a hammam in Istanbul, explored ruins in Belize, and embarked on a variety of other adventures.”  For more on Emily, click here.

Tips:

• Expect the unexpected. “When you embark on world travel for the first time, prepare as much as you can, but expect the unexpected. One attitude I used to have been that I had to make a very detailed itinerary, and I would get upset if things deviated. While I believe that thorough research, especially about transportation and finances, is vital in advance, I’ve learned that you have to accept the fact that things won’t always go as planned. I arrived at a hotel in Istanbul, and even though I booked it months before, they lost my reservation and were overbooked. They had to send me to another nearby hotel that was nowhere near as nice. One time I ended up staying alone in Paris for a few nights because the friend who was supposed to be in town at the same time got mixed up and wasn’t there when I was there. I got really sick to my stomach in Windermere, England and missed exploring a part of the Lake District I had planned to see while I was there. And the list goes on. There will almost always be disappointments in something as logically complicated as world travel. But travel abroad also comes with endless great surprises. You’ll walk down a road and end up with breathtaking views you didn’t know were there. A local will suggest a no-name restaurant and you’ll have the best dining experience of your life. You’ll meet someone on a train who tells you about an amazing museum the guidebooks don’t even mention.”

• Carry a cheat sheet! “If you are going to a place that speaks a foreign language, it is always prudent to buy a pocket-sized guidebook to take with you. You may think that’s nerdy, but it’s honestly so helpful. Before you go, spend a little time learning the basic phrases that you will likely need to use. Locals are generally more likely to help you if you show an effort to try to communicate in their language–especially in certain countries such as France.”

• Understand important foreign traditions and customs. “Before you travel to another country, do some research to make sure you’re aware of important customs or traditions. For example, I learned in Italy that if you want to go inside one of the historic cathedrals, women are required to have their shoulders covered. It’s better to know some of these things in advance so as not to offend locals and appear ignorant. So many cultures already view Americans as ignorant–please don’t further that stereotype!”

• Take advantage of easily available resources, especially blogs! “When I was younger and started traveling, I didn’t know much about blogs. Now, there are countless travel blogs filled with priceless advice and tips from those who have been around the world. So many of these blogs are written by people in their late teens and 20s (including mine!), so they offer excellent tips for young people and those on a tight budget. Take advantage of them and do lots of reading before you go!”

Jason from “Life After Cubes”
Blog: http://www.lifeaftercubes.com/
About Jason:

“This site chronicles our path into our life after cubicles — we share our travel stories, travel tips & tricks, and our entrepreneurial attempts to sustain our life after cubes lifestyle.  Sharon and Jason went to the same high school (Folsom High School), but ironically never knew each other. They met in college, at the University of California Santa Cruz (go Slugs!), but didn’t start dating until after college when Sharon obsessively followed Jason to San Jose (in actuality, Sharon moved to San Jose for a job). After spending nearly 5 years toiling away for big companies in cubicles, they decided it was time for a change. October 19, 2009 began their life after cubicles with a one-way flight to Hong Kong.”  For more information on Jason, click here.

Jason’s travel tips:

• Don’t let packing stress you out!  “Don’t over think or stress about packing. You can always buy what you need at your destination. And in fact, purposefully under-packing and buying things there is a great way to learn about a new place and get some useful souvenirs.”
• Step outside of your comfort zone!  “Don’t be afraid to try new food or experiences. Make your default response, ‘yes’.”

Laura from “A Wandering Sole”
Blog: http://www.awanderingsole.com/
Bio:

“I am a twenty-something southern girl with a background in design. I’m a runner, a volunteer, an Africa enthusiast, and a bit of a free-spirit. I graduated from college in 2008, took a 10-week trip to Africa, and returned home to a crappy economy with $200 in my pocket. My sister and brother-in-law graciously let me move in with them, and shortly after, I found a job. And then I got antsy. So instead of waiting for the economy to turn around and for that dream job to appear from thin air, I took things into my own hands. I pulled out my travel guides and started planning”  For more information on Laura, click here.

Travel Tips from Laura:

• “Go prepared. If it’s your first time overseas, it will be less stressful if you have planned ahead. Have directions to your accommodations, know how to get from Point A to Point B. And, take a map!”
• “Give a friend or family member your itinerary with details of how they can get ahold of you, and let him/her know if something changes.”
• “Depending on where you are going, register with the US Embassy to receive travel warning updates.”
• “Know the emergency telephone number for the country you are visiting (unfortunately it’s not 9-1-1 in every country).”
• “Always carry US dollars on you for emergency situations and know where, and how often, you will have access to an ATM to withdrawal local currency.”
• “Once you’ve packed, remove about half of it. As long as you are prepared for the weather, I promise you don’t need to lug as much as you think!”
• “Bring an adaptor for your electronics!”
• “My first couple of trips overseas were either with school or family, so there was little stress and planning on my part. My first independent trip overseas was to Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania. For the most part, things went pretty smoothly. However, when I got to the Tanzanian border (I was traveling by bus), I did not have enough money for the visa. It had just doubled in price about a month earlier, and I didn’t know about it! I did a lot of begging and gave them all of the local currency I had to make up for what I lacked in US dollars. Finally, they agreed. It never hurts to double check things like the visa price right before you leave for your trip!”

Candice from “Candice Does the World”

Blog: http://www.candicedoestheworld.com/

Bio:

            “ My name is Candice Walsh. I’m a 20-something female dangling precariously on the edge of eastern Canada, in St. John’s, Newfoundland. You may recognize me as the angry redhead. My first travel experience occurred two years ago, when I left Canada for the first time and studied for six weeks in England. In that time, I hopped to Scotland, Ireland and Holland. This year, I’ve navigated Mexico and France. Ironically, now with the launch of my new travel writing career, I remain motionless. My current financial situation has me rounded indefinitely, until I plot world domination, win the lottery or marry a sugar-daddy. Or hey, maybe I’ll just pay off my student loans.” For more information on Candice, click here.

Candice’s Travel Tips:

• “Stop buying everyone a souvenir, and use that money for a new experience. The first time I studied abroad in England, I felt like I just HAD to buy a little something for all my friends and family…and the cost added up. Plus how original can these souvenirs be? I remember my friend bringing home a coffee mug from Paris for me, and on its underside, the words “Made in China” were engraved.

My souvenir of choice? Either a bottle of wine/alcohol from the country to share with my friends, or a postcard made from one of my original photos. Affordable and fun!”

About the Author: Brittany Sozak is a contributor for America By Rail, offering train tours and vacation packages across North America.

August and the Edinburgh Fringe has now established itself as one of the greatest

comedy festivals. But beyond both of these contrasting cultural experiences there

are many other events around Edinburgh which do not involve quite the same

throng but still offer the chance to see some memorable comedy, literature, music

and art. Mackays has some wonderful Scottish cottages nearby from which to enjoy

the shows.

The Pittenweem Arts Festival that is held in this pretty fishing village of winding

streets. The festival uses this back drop to showcase drawings, millinery along with

over a 100 artists exhibiting all around the village. Almost every other house,

garage and garden will be a makeshift gallery.

Nearby Arncroach is a peaceful place within easy reach of Pittenweem, sandy

beaches and picturesque the fishing ports along the coast. Here Mackays offers a

charming Scottish holiday cottage with has beautiful views over the coastal villages

to the sea and the Isle of May. This is a large property sleeping 10 so why not bring

the family and enjoy area together?

Alternatively why not try the Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick. Combining comedy

with music the week of events is a breath of fresh sea air to the Edinburgh Fringe.

So as well as Eddi Reader you can also see Gervais Fin, Capercaillie and Phil

Cunningham in this pretty East Lothian town.

Mackays self catering Scotland has two excellent Scottish cottages that are ideally

situated for family holidays just a few miles down the coast from North Berwick.

They are within a few minutes’ walk of the village centre and the long sandy beach

for which Gullane is renowned. The owner would be pleased to organise golf on

various local courses by prior arrangement. The surrounding area offers excellent

leisure and recreational facilities for all ages and abilities.

Within 30 miles of Edinburgh the Innerleithen Music Festival is the place for celtic

music with two big concerts to enjoy along with lots of up and coming Scottish

musicians. Mackays self catering Scotland has a delightful, detached stone built

Scottish cottage less than five miles from Innerleithen. Over 100 years old the

cottage stands in its own garden which has a private driveway and lovely raised

patio with chiminea and garden furniture. The cottage retains much original period

character and the compact rooms are freshly decorated, light and sunny with most

attractive and comfortable furnishings. The cottage is warm, cosy and welcoming,

ideal for a break at any time of the year.

Mackays self catering Scotland has many Scotland holiday homes near

Culloden. To find all their cottages in Scotland visit www.Mackays-self-catering.co.uk

photo credit: tenerifeparadisepark.ie

A few of the charming towns you should visit are Santa Cruz, La Orotava, and Garachico. Santa Cruz is the capital of Tenerife, where the town is a bustling and busy tourist destination in Spain. The top two attractions to see in Santa Cruz is the Plaza de Espana, which is located on the seafront and consists of the best shopping places. The second is taking a stroll around the city to capture the lovely architecture the island holds. La Orotave is one of the old towns on the island that is famous for it’s botanical garden called “La Hijuela del Botanico”. It consists of 3,000 or more different tropical plants. As for the small fishing port town called Garachico. It’s main attraction is the 1706 fishing port that includes a very unique architecture style. These three towns are always busy during the summer months, welcoming over 7 million.

Tenerife by night is a different scene compared to the day . The towns become much more alive and tourists fill the streets to find the best or nearest nightclub. The best night clubs to adventure off to are mainly in the south, the famous Playa De Las Americas and Los Cristianos are the top two clubs to experience. The music in Tenerife is not what you expect; it is a range of house, to 80’s. Therefore you could never get bored.

The island of Tenerife is a place that includes everything, all-inclusive hotels, lovely beaches, hiking, water sports, and a great nightlife.

Today was the day that I have always dreamed of, seeing Machu Picchu! I was so excited that waking up at 5am felt like nothing. All I wanted to do was get up to the site and start exploring.

Konrad and I already booked everything prior to this day since we knew getting tickets for Machu Picchu in the village of Aguas Calientes would be trouble. Once we reached the site, our climb to reach Machu Picchu was about 20 minutes long. But once we reached the top, the two of us were mesmerized, by how incredible beautiful Machu Picchu was. It took us about a minute to actually say a word since staring over white fluffy clouds and bright green rainforest mountains in the background was breathtaking.

I booked the ticket to Machu Picchu that included an extra fee for climbing the Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu. Only 200 people are allowed to climb this mountain during certain time slots. I booked our time-slot between 7 and 8am. So as far as I knew, we started to climb one of the mountains, not realizing that it was the wrong one. About an hour into the climb I decided to stop, because the only thing you could see was white fluffy clouds. Konrad looked a little worried, which at the time I didn’t know why. But we decided to turn back and see what other mountains we could climb. As we continued to explore the sites of the ruins, we finally made it to the other end of the park. There was a small gate, which happened to be the entrance of Wayna Picchu. I couldn’t believe we were lucky enough to stop climbing the other one since it was the wrong one, Machu Picchu Mountain. The park guides told us we were two hours late, since our time slot was supposed to be at 7am. But with a strike of luck, they happened to let us in.  Once we started the climb of 1400 steps vertically high, the rain started to pour heavily. I was thankful I brought my gore-tex jacket, but at the same time the steps were so narrow that climbing on wet, small steps made it even more of a challenge. Although, Konrad kept saying to me, “this is going to be a life changing experience.” “Ya”, was all I could say, “Yes it will be if I fall!” Once we reached the top, the clouds were starting to disappear, which was lovely. The view of Machu Picchu became clearer as time passed. I was so excited to see Machu Picchu from such a height that I couldn’t stop taking pictures. It wasn’t until I realized how cold I was, that I immediately wanted to go back down. But as I was mentioning how freezing I was to Konrad, he suddenly went down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I was in shock, so of course no words came out of my mouth for that second, but as I saw the ring I knew I was not in a dream! I said “YES of course” and was so happy that the remaining of the day spend seeing Machu Picchu was even more exciting than seeing it for the first time!!

Chamonix is one of those ski resorts that can accommodate different types of travelers. You’ll find your regular skiers who visit Chamonix to hit the slopes, have a few beers in the evening and relax at a b&b. Others rather enjoy their stay at a luxurious hotel and spend their time in thermal baths. And another small portion of them are camping on the mountain because they are on some winter expedition. Chamonix has lots to offer, it all depends on what you’re looking for! The number of activities are countless (or almost!).

Now, you’re probably wondering how to get there. If you’re flying, the most accessible airport is Geneva. From there, you can hop in a taxi, bus or collective van. Regardless of where you are coming from, you’ll be able to easily hop on a train or bus to get to Chamonix since it’s very well-developed resort. This being said, avoid the high season. It will cost more and it’s crowded. If you’re going to ski t one of the most beautiful places in the world, might as well do it right!

]]> http://offtrackbackpacking.net/2011/11/14/spending-a-day-skiing-in-chamonix-france/feed/ 0 http://offtrackbackpacking.net/2011/10/26/the-ultimate-experience-in-the-jungle-anaconda-lodge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ultimate-experience-in-the-jungle-anaconda-lodge http://offtrackbackpacking.net/2011/10/26/the-ultimate-experience-in-the-jungle-anaconda-lodge/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:21:40 +0000 naradb http://offtrackbackpacking.net/?p=5324 A few weeks ago, my fiancé and I took a journey over to the jungle area of Puerto Maldonado, Peru. We had no idea what to expect, but once we reached the riverside of Madre De Dios we were mesmerized by how vast, magical, and colourful the region appeared. We passed by indigenous communities, palm-thatched huts, and dozens of local food stands. We were so amazed that as we continued up river and deeper into the forest by bus, we knew that this was going to be an extraordinary experience.

The place we stayed at was called Anaconda Lodge. It is located fairly close to all the major tourist attractions in Puerto Maldonado, and they arranged our kayaking trip into the jungle. We wanted a jungle tour that would offer us the ultimate experience of seeing various wildlife and giving us the chance to indulge ourselves in an outdoor adventure. We found out that the Anaconda lodge offered just that with its experienced expeditions that focused towards independent guided tours to several of the best parts of the jungle within the Puerto Maldonado region. The kayaking tour contained an all-inclusive package that contained two guided tour leaders, two nights of accommodation (one camping and the other in the eco-lodge), all meals and transportation to and from the airport.

When we started our guided kayak trip onto the river, we both were a bit nervous since it was our first real wildlife outdoor adventure. The tour leaders were so amazingly helpful and skilled, that within an hour of kayaking we felt so lucky to have been led into the JUNGLE! We were spotting caiman, monkeys, and flocks of parrots, parakeets and macaws. Sitting in our kayaks, we were soaking up the sounds of the wildlife which was one of the best feelings I have ever experienced on my travels. As we paddled for a few more hours, the tour leaders finally found a great spot to pitch the tents for the night. It was an island made up of mostly sand and a few rocks. We were located right in the middle of the river. The plan was to

have the camp set up before sunset at 6pm and then later in the evening go back out on the kayaks to spot more caimans, since caimans usually come out during the night. But before camp set up, we decided to try a bit of fishing. I found it difficult to catch anything, but it was fun to go fishing in the jungle. And as the evening came around, we went out searching for caimans. It was such a thrill, that all my nerves disappeared and as the evening came to an end, we both knew that the adventure was already one of the best! The next morning the tour leaders woke us with hot coffee, and a great little breakfast to get us started for our journey back into the city. But once we started our journey down the river, we couldn’t believe how fast the river was moving. It felt like we were gliding across the water. It was only once we looked at the shore, did we realize how relatively fast we were traveling. We did stop a few times to parrot watch and listen to the jungle sounds. It was incredible how many parrots there are in the jungle and each of them are so colourful.

The kayak journey down stream didn’t take us very long and by the time it was lunch we were back in the city limits. Our guides took us back to the lodge and as we arrived our lunch was ready for us. It was amazing how friendly, nice, and quick the staff was at the Anaconda lodge. The staff was always there to help you with any needs or anything at all. It was great to feel so welcomed and relaxed. Once we finished lunch the staff generously helped us carry our bags over to our private lodge. “WOW”, was my first impression when I saw the private lodge. It was gorgeous. Not only did it include our own balcony with hammocks, but also a private tiled very clean bathroom. Everything was exquisite and comfortable. The mosquito net engulfing the bed also made it very relaxing to fall asleep. Every time I went to explore the lodge and its surroundings, I was renewed in my feelings of relaxation with nature.

Anaconda lodge includes great service, an outdoor pool, local monkeys (who are so friendly and who enjoy playing with humans), great Thai food (Actually the best Thai food I have ever experienced), but also one of the best places to get away from the busy and bustle. The lodge accommodation didn’t only offer modern comforts, but with its mosquito netting throughout the private cabins, everything was quite charming. With each private lodge including a private balcony and lovely clean tiled showers it was all above and beyond my expectations. For me it was what I called a real place to have a true holiday. 

After finally reaching our hostel called Pariwana hostel we decided to take a small stroll around the main city’s tourist attractions. Yet, after a few steps going up very small hills, we suddenly felt completely out of breath and exhausted. Forgetting about the altitude of  3,800 meters , we soon got really bad headaches. It never really occurred to us how the high altitude would affect us. It caught us off guard, but with some quick luck we found a semi cure. Cocoa leaves! Eating or drinking cocoa leaf tea helped unbelievably, plus ibuprofen also worked. After getting lots of meds into us, we continued to explore Cusco. Since it was already late in the afternoon we headed towards a well-named pizzeria. It was called Carlos Pizzeria. Oh this place was incredible cute!!! It was a hole in the wall with a small little oven. The kitchen was open to the dinning area that included three small tables, just enough to fit about 8 people. The chef/server made up a home-cooked pizza that tasted extraordinary. It was a restaurant that you just wish every city had, something charming that included yummy food and a great price. After our stomachs were full, we knew it was time for a nap or even bed time for the day, since the 24 hours of traveling to Cusco made us completely exhausted. But we first headed over to the bus station to purchase our bus tickets to Puno. Our plan was to visit after our Machu Picchu adventure, which was in two days. The bus station was an experience in itself. Locals from every angle of the station were running up to us, talking loud in Spanish, and sometimes grabbing us only to encourage us to purchase a ticket with their bus company. We decided very quickly to go where all the other tourists were going to get their tickets too. We purchased our return bus tickets from Cusco to Puno and back for only $40USD in total for the both of us. Very cheap and the buses are actually much better than North American buses. They are double-decker with lazy boy chair styles, very comfortable .

Since the bus tickets were purchased and the plan for tomorrow was already set, our bed time turn out to be 7pm. It was the best feeling, laying on a bed and not experiencing any sort of light-headedness.  We both slept through the night and woke up feeling amazing. Today was the day we were off to start our adventure to the village of Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu was only one day away now!!! …. See NEXT post!

When it comes to the incredible range of National Parks across the country, there is no doubt that the gold standard has to be Yellowstone. In the summertime, tourists from all over the States – indeed the world – descend on the famous park and pack into its boundaries. However if you take a trip in the winter, you’ll find it incredibly peaceful, with great opportunities to discover local wildlife, try your hand at skiing and snow-shoeing, even perhaps find yourself treated to a view of the park’s thermal features all by yourself.

However for somewhere far less well-trodden, why not head over to Utah? Among the state’s raw quintet of desert parks is Capitol Reef, one of the least well-known.  Attracting nothing like the kind of crowds that Yellowstone or the large national parks bring in year on year, you’ll enjoy the relative tranquillity of the sublime landscape, and get to enjoy days of hiking whilst you’re there. The Upper Muley Twist comes highly recommended by seasoned backpackers.

Elsewhere in Utah is the Zion National Park, well-known for the Narrows hike along the Virgin River, taking in its awe-inspiring gorge. A popular day hike among those in the know.

For a profoundly different landscape however, head to the Glacier National Park in Montana – your best chance to find a grizzly bear on mainland USA. With the most impressive part of the Rocky Mountains outside Canada, you’ll get to enjoy a great hiking experience here.

Down in the American southwest meanwhile, head for Canyonlands National Park where you’ll get to see the iconic image of the stark deserted Wild West and go walking through the unique atmosphere it offers its visitors.

Image courtesy of Matt

There are loads of free attractions like the National Science Museum and the Tate Art Museums and a hundred other sights and walks to see and do. You can have a picnic in Hyde Park one minute and weave your way down Oxford Street the next. You can sit atop a lion in Trafalgar Square by day and admire the dazzling lights of Piccadilly Circus by night. As you well know, there’s a lot to get through in London – you’ll never do it in a day.

But what a lot of backpackers debate about is the best way to get to and from these sights and sounds. The world famous Underground, an unbelievable feat of engineering in itself, is by far the most convenient way to get around, but some argue that the Tube deprives you of the full visual charm of London. Others say that the Tube is part of the charm of London and, while you may not agree during rush hour when your face is squashed against the window of a train, this is hard to refute. The London experience is incomplete without a ride on the Tube.

Of course, if you’re pressed for time, then the Tube is often the best way to get between points of interest that are beyond walking distance. If you’re staying for more than a couple of days and you think you’ll make quite a few trips via the Underground, then be sure to bag yourself an Oyster card – you’ll save a small fortune on fares to spend on essentials like food and drink.

LondonNights.com offers discounts on hotels all over the capital for a place to stay, even if it’s just for a night. Pardon the cliché, but there really is something for everyone in this city; from every type of cuisine you could imagine to a bar or club for every type of music put there.

It is, like most cities, a very busy place, so you will need to keep your wits about you, backpackers. This is especially true during busy spells on the Tube, so it would perhaps be worth your while to have your backpack as a frontpack on there. This shouldn’t, by any means, serve to put you off London, since every city has its dangers: it does you no harm to be extra vigilant for both yourself and your mates.

The streets of London can be, in parts, as busy as the Tube, but it is really up to you how you travel and what you want to see. Your itinerary of places to see will inevitably dictate how much time you spend underground, so it is always advisable to plan your visit in advance. If you can walk it, walk it. If it’s too far to walk it, tube it. Either way, you’ll get to experience London at its exhilarating best.

Here is just one glimpse of my 2005  - 1 year spent in Europe – Journal!

May 29, 2005 – 1^st day in Sicily, Palermo

After a very long train rides from Rome, I finally arrive in Palermo, Sicily at 8am on May 29^th. It was a very uncomfortable journey due to this one guy sitting across from me chewing gum the entire trip, like it was horsemeat. It was so annoying! So I didn’t get any sleep and my first thought was to find a BED! I didn’t book at hostel, since I thought that I could find one within the city limits somewhere. Plus I heard from other backpackers that there was this amazing hostel located right on the waterfront that included a beach. After two buses and not knowing where I was really going I finally found the hostel that everyone was talking about. It was located about 25 minutes outside the city, but it was totally worth asking the locals and getting the bus driver annoyed. It was a little green cabin looking hostel that I thought was so cute. I arrived at the hostel at 1:30 in the afternoon, but  had no idea that the hostel locked all doors at noon until 3pm. I had to wait for a few hours, in the boiling hot sun. I wanted to die, it was so incredibly hot with no shade around that I felt like I was melting. I tried to find shade near this big rock, but it wasn’t the greatest. Finally when they opened I came in thinking OH MY I need a swim or a cold shower! The hostel (International hostelling) only came out to 72EUROs for four nights. It was super cheap! It even included breakfast.

After I dropped my bags off in the room, I hopped into the sea! It was such amazing feeling, cool water and hot sun! I felt like I was now on holiday!! I spent the rest of the day swimming and napping on the beach. Later that evening I bumped into a few South Americans and Italians who were traveling around the Island also. The evening was spent dancing on the beach around a fire and surrounded by tones of beer and amazing food! It was one of the best feelings, to meet new people and have just a fun night! It was even more exciting when one of the Italian guys cracked open some fireworks. It was one great hostel/beach party!

This was only one of my days spent out of my Europe Trip, that was amazing! There were some downfalls, like getting no sleep on a train but in the end it couldn’t have ended up any more lovely! Backpacking I find is always like this, it has its twist and turns!