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5 Places to Visit in Bangkok

Guest Traveler — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:39:58 +0000

The streets of Bangkok

It’s very easy to visit Bangkok and limit oneself to the tourist cliches. Yes, One Night In Bangkok can be filled with reclining Buddhas, sequins and show tunes, Singapore slings and slingbacks.

Thankfully, there is much, much more to the real Bangkok than the tired tourist routes. And, thankfully, it’s also very easy to slip away and discover it for yourself.

So, to really get to know the city the tourists don’t see, stick to these five streets, and unravel a city of charm, leafy canals, tiny cafes and hidden sois (the name they give to backstreets in Bangkok!).

Klong Toei

Klong Toei is something of an enigma – central Bangkok’s largest surviving shanty town: looking like a filmset straight out of Bladerunner. It’s situated alongside the Chao Praya River, and is a huddled jumble of old wooden houses, narrow lanes, teeming markets and cheap souvenir stalls. It’s full-on and not for the squeamish, but a real slice of (disappearing) Bangkok life.

New Road

Few other thoroughfares in Bangkok can hold a candle to New Road for its atmosphere. Yes, this Old Town route is on the tourist trail, but the warren of alleyways, hidden courtyards and impossibly narrow streets that criss-cross it are excuse enough to slip out of the slipstream and discover enticing food stalls, gold shops, weird and wonderful merchants selling all manner of esoteric bric-a-brac and locals’ bars where foreigners are made very welcome.

Washington Square

Washington Square fronts onto the south side of Sukhumvit Road between Sukhumvit Soi 22 and Sukhumvit Soi 24, and is rarely on visitor’s must do list. But that’s all the better for you. There’s a nice cluster of (tourist friendly) bars, a crowd of in the know tourists, and an easy-going, laid-back atmosphere which comes as a nice surprise in this frenetic, neon-soaked city. Popular with expats, Washington Square is, we suppose, like Bangkok used to be before all those tourists spoiled the place! So keep this one to yourself…

Phahon Yothin soi 7

Phahon Yothin soi 7 (soi Ari) can be reached by Sky Train, and is the perfect spot to charge up on authentic Bangkok street life, away from the hustle of the tourist-guides and free drink sales people. Walking west on the main soi takes you in the direction of innumerable tiny shops, delightful no-name food stalls and industrious little work shops. The sub-sois, or sidestreets, are crammed with tiny apartments and secret little bars. Great to eek out, and nicely cooled by the overhead canopies of the trees.

Thonburi

The further out of the bustling city center you get, the more the tourist throng thins out. You’ll see very few tourists when you reach the distant suburbs, such as peaceful Thonburi which, apart from Wat Arun, has its share of seldom-visited temples, wonderful – and cheap – restaurants, and quiet side streets, some laced with canals, that handsomely reward the visitor who’s made the effort.

If this has tempted you to visit Bangkok, you can get flights to Bangkok from Netflights and accomodations in the city from hotels.com

Author Bio

This article was written by Ross Fraser who is a travel blogger with a passion for traveling the world and you can read more about his travels at europetraveler.co.uk

The Revival of Used Camper Vans

Guest Traveler — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:22:05 +0000

Camper vans have made a comeback! Picture by David Masters

Alternative vacationing has gained some luster in today’s economic climate. Added to this financial stress is the ever changing and increasingly unfair policies of airlines. Phrases like “staycation” have started to appear in conversations accompanied by the rise in the popularity of a road trip.

Used camper vans have also relished in this alternative vacation movement. Buying a used one is a super cost effective way to get the plushest features for your cash.

Versatile and convenient

It is amazing what can be tucked into these handy vehicles. Roofs that collapse and extend can make a virtual suite out of what was once a simple mode of transportation. Tables fold out next to mini kitchenettes equipped with fridges, sinks, stoves, and even microwaves. Heaters designed to keep the camper warm when the engine is not running means that it can be used year around and in virtually any terrain. It is much better than a tent and way cheaper than a hotel. Buying a previously owned model will let you get one with all the options that might be too pricey brand new.

Where To Buy A Used Camper Van

Just as there is no shortage of options available, there is also no shortage of resources to find a used model. It is possible to find listings in magazines and newspapers and on the Internet. There are many retail lots that will sell them either new or used or both. What resource you use depends on the level of security that you desire as well as convenience.

Chances are the vehicle that is perfect for you may not be in your area. To get the best value you might have to consider looking in a different region. Buying from a lot often times will give the buyer more security in the case that it is a lemon. Be sure to check the lemon laws in your state, as they should apply to your camper purchase as well.

Do your research and shop around. Find out what options are available that you want and then compare prices. Buying any vehicle used can be met with challenges especially a used camper van. The best way to meet them is to arm yourself with information.

Planning My Trip To Australia

Guest Traveler — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:37:54 +0000

Even though I returned from a ’round-the-world’ trip just last week, I find myself perusing travel sites on the Internet for my next destination. When my travel partner and I were planning our Round The World (RTW) tour the first draft of the itinerary included Australia but the sheer size of the continent was daunting.

With a landmass of over seven million square kilometers, traveling Australia with a time constraint is best achieved by air; however, it’s not the most economical. When we had 365 days to explore the world and a backpacker’s budget, it seemed best to go to countries we could travel efficiently and inexpensively. So the decision as easy, backpacking Australia would be a separate trip to be planned at a later date.

Now that I am back home that later date has arrived. It is time to plan our trip to Australia! I find the planning stage of a vacation or extended trip is part of the fun of traveling. I follow personal blogs of travelers in my potential destination, read guidebooks, and subscribe to cheap flight notifications. From this information-gathering phase I have deducted that at some point in our backpacking Australia trip we will end up in Sydney. When visiting a city like Sydney, i.e. large and expensive, I like to have some budget activities in mind. Better yet, free activities to free up my money for other non-negotiable expenses like a comfortable place to sleep or tasty food for dinner.

picture by kevgibbo

I’ve put together some Sydney travel tips for myself to keep in mind while exploring the city. There are free things to do and free places to see in Sydney so I don’t have to break the budget to have a good time. I can walk to my heart’s content.

The weather will be a balmy 19-26 degrees Celsius (66-79 Fahrenheit) when we are there in January. Walking the boardwalk in Darling Harbour will be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon and evening. The Sydney Opera House is close enough reach by foot and we could stop in at the Royal Botanical Gardens for a picnic. The beach is also a great option even if I’m not a surfer. I can bake in the warm Australian sun, read a book and get that relaxed-I’m-on-vacation feeling back. And when I’ve had my fill of the outdoors I can cool off inside one of the public libraries and surf the net for free.

One final tip I received from a friend: ‘don’t try to pickpocket a Kangaroo’. I’ll let you decide if you will follow his advice or not.

Bike Buenos Aires Style

Guest Traveler — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:12:59 +0000

On first appearance Buenos Aires doesn’t come across as a cycle friendly city. It is a buzzing metropolis, filled with smoking buses, irate taxi drivers and cell phone talking drivers. But just like any capital city you need to look beyond the inner city streets to find the hidden back lanes and wide open spaces that appeal to cyclists.

Cycling in Buenos Aires has recently become a pleasure with the opening of a network of bike friendly lanes. These are well cordoned off from the traffic with small brightly colored walls and are thus a safe way to cruise around town. And it is only going to get better as the local government plans to expand the bicycle lane network.

Located on the edge of the River Plate Buenos Aires boats flood plain flat streets. There are virtually no hills so a multi-geared bike isn’t necessary. The current local trend is of one-geared cruisers with wide handlebars. Baskets aren’t compulsory but prove valuable if you need to carry anything extra.

Photo by blmurch

If you have landed in the city bikeless and are itching to start pedaling, head to the park land in the south, known as Costanera Sur. Here there are several small stores that rent bikes by the hour. The park land is the perfect place to warm up before tackling the tarmac.

An alternative is to join a knowledgeable guide who can lead you bike Buenos Aires style around the city and point out sights of interest without getting you lost. This is a great option for those who want to see more of the city but are somewhat geographically challenged. Let someone else do the navigating and explanations on what you are seeing so you can sit back on your cruiser bike and pedal through Buenos Aires to get an up close and personal view of this dynamic South American city.

Lovina, Bali: A Budget Traveller’s Dream destination

Guest Traveler — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 05:57:12 +0000

If you visit Bali, Indonesia with the hope of finding yourself a hammock stretched between two palm trees, next to a cheap hotel room just a short stone’s throw from a placid ocean, well, just go far away from the airport and the capital, Denpasar. The south end of Bali is very heavily touristed, with shopping, nightlife, busy restaurants and bars. For many people this will perfectly fit with their holiday plans. Budget-conscious and low-profile travelers will need to steer clear.

For those looking for a slower pace and a natural setting, make no mistake: it can be found on Bali. It just takes a little bit of time and effort to get off the beaten track. An excellent direction to head onto is the opposite coast. Bali’s north coast, specifically the Lovina/Singaraja areas are just a half-day’s drive away and they might have exactly what you are looking for.

A stunning aerial view of Lovina

A Quieter Northern Shore

One of the best things about the north coast is certainly the prices. You’ll immediately notice how much cheaper it is to eat in restaurants, and good Lovina hotel rooms can be had for half the price of what you would find in places like Kuta or Seminyak – it may well be even cheaper. The geography of this area and the smaller surf makes it possible to find yourself a hotel room very close to the water’s edge. The area is replete with natural wonders such as hot springs and wild dolphins.

The ocean in this area is actually the Bali Sea, which is shallower and much, much, calmer than the Indian Ocean that crashes into the island’s south coast. If you are not in Bali to surf, or if you are nervous about having your small children on the beach with waves that are dangerous at times, Lovina is an attractive alternative.

Grab a souvenir in Kuta on your way back to the airport if you must and spend a night or two in the area to experience some of the Bali night life if that is your cup of tea. But if you find it all a bit too expensive and frenetic, get a driver to take you up to Lovina Beach, find a quiet hotel in Lovina.

If you really want to go cheaply, get a ‘bemo’, or small local bus, for a fraction of the price. No matter how you do it, the drive up is pleasant and the budget destination will transform your holiday into exactly what you were looking for: inexpensive, on the beach and not too crowded.

Exploring Orlando, Avoiding Disney

Guest Traveler — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:42:00 +0000

A trip to Orlando is one that you and your family will remember for years to come. Fortunately, there are tons of things to see and do without even setting foot in the Walt Disney World Resort complex. Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions.

Visit Downtown Orlando

A mere 15 miles away from Disney, you’ll find the stunning downtown section of Orlando. Within this area of the city you’ll find a wide variety of sport complexes, restaurants, nightclubs, museums, and shopping venues.

One of the most notable museums is the Mennello Museum of American Folk Art. This particular museum is the only of its kind in Florida, and is one of only a few located in the United States. Inside you’ll find incredible folk art collections by great artists (many of whom were self-taught) like Wyeth, Cassatt, and – of course – Earl Cunningham.

Exploring Kennedy Space Center

Located southeast of the city of Titusville, not too far outside of Orlando, is the famous Kennedy Space Center. While exploring the main building, you’ll learn about the development of the space program, the art of space exploration itself, and how space exploration has shaped the history of the United States.

The bus tour, included with your admission, is one trip you won’t want to miss. You can get on and off the bus as many times as you’d like as you explore the complex. If you get off at the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry, you’ll have the chance to see the center’s two launch pads up close.

You’ll also want to take some time to pay your respects at the Astronaut Memorial. The memorial was constructed to honor those who have given their lives in an effort to pave a path into the unknown.

Window Shopping on Sand Lake Road

Sand Lake Road is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Orlando, located just outside of Disney. The area includes a wide variety of elaborate homes and the business district is full of upscale shops and restaurants. Indulge in a special treat, enjoy a romantic dinner with your love, or simply window shop – it’s up to you. After window shopping, you might want to head back towards International Drive where the price tags are a bit more reasonable.

There are tons of cheap flights to Orlando available on a daily basis. Grab your tickets, pack your bags, and you’re on your way!

Cap d’Agde Speciality Foods in France

Guest Traveler — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:41:03 +0000

The French, as we all know, are adamant about their food and down in the Languedoc region, by the coast in the Mediterranean, things are no different. If you’re taking a holiday at the beach resort of Cap d’Agde then you should take some time out from the many brasseries (bars) and fancy Cap d’Agde restaurants to sample some of the local specialties on offer.

Just a few miles down the coast from Agde is the quaint and ancient fishing village of Bouzigues. Here you can look out over the Étang de Thau with its hundreds of oyster tables where oysters and mussels are collected by the thousands. You can be sure that they’re fresh in your plate when you try them. They are best eaten in their half shell with a squirt of lemon or a dash of Tabasco sauce – it’s an acquired taste but definitely something to be tried at least once!

If seafood isn’t your thing and you have more of a sweet tooth then definitely take the opportunity to try out the famous croustade of Besan. This is a rich and flaky pastry containing a decadent mix of chocolate and raisins (some varieties are made with walnuts and raisins). Definitely a satisfying accompaniment for a nice cup of coffee in the morning, or with your favourite cup of tea in the afternoon.

Cap d'Agde / picture by Jean-Louis Zimmermann

Staying on the sweet pastry track, be sure to taste Les Petits Pâtés. It is unlikely you would have seen patisserie like this before – they can best be described as looking like large cotton reels and they are filled with a mixture of brown sugar, suet, minced lamb and grated lemon peel. They are quite tasty and génial along with an appetizer or as a dessert.

Something else to look out for as you proceed to the many market stalls in and around the resort is the tasty Lézignan-la-Cèbe sweet onion (available from May to September). You’ll recognise it easily as it looks longer and flatter than your normal onion variety. Take it back to your self-catering apartment and add it to any stirfry. Also of interest at the market are the wonderful figs of the region. Over the past few years the Languedoc area has been removing many of its vines plantations and planting new produce instead. For this, there are now over 80 varieties of beautiful figs being cultivated in the area.

These are just a few of the specialty foods you should try when you’re eating out in Cap d’Agde. Don’t forget that, as in most of the Languedoc region, you can also find beautiful locally produced honey, fruits and vegetables during the warm seasons. Bon appétit!

Lézignan-la-Cèbe

8 Luggage Tips For Air Flights

Jeff Gervais — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:50:38 +0000

1. Pack light or pay. Many budget travelers and free travel vagabonds that have gotten good deals on a flight have been less than thrilled to find out that the luggage weight limits were more restrictive than they realized at first and ended up paying extra charges at the airport.

2. Plan it the smart and free travel way. Will you be buying new luggage? Don’t go for the hard cases that won’t fit in as many places and compartments as soft bags or backpacks do – especially if you usually like to bring your luggage onboard with you. It will also be advantageous to select a bag that meets most airlines’ size restrictions for carry-on luggage as you will always be able to use them no matter which airline you fly with.

3. Swap and be safe. If you will be traveling with a friend or two and you will be checking-in your luggage, consider splitting your essential items between each of the bags. Should one of the bags get lost or delayed, you will still have some clothes to wear and so will you friend.

4. Keep it fresh. Since your clothes are going to spend quite a bit of time trapped in a bag, you can put one or two perfume sachet or scent packs in between layers of clothes. You can also use a fabric softener sheet. This will keep your clothing smelling fresh and prevent them from stinking of dampness. A thin plastic bag to put your dirty laundry in will also help to keep your clean clothes from smelling bad. No need for the budget traveler and free travel enthusiast to stink!

Get to the airport early

5. The quick and easy way. Even though it may be more of a hassle to pass through security, by opting to carry-on bags with you the risk of not having your luggage lost or stolen will be greatly reduced and you will be able to get out of the airport quickly when you arrive at your destination.

6. The early bird… It’s not a bad idea to arrive at the airport with enough time to register your bags even if they meet the requirements to bring them onboard with you. For whatever reasons (including space limitations), the airlines are legally entitled to refuse you to bring luggage inside with you and can require you to check your bags in. Don’t get caught!

7. It’s the details that matter. If you’re bringing battery-operated equipment on your trip you can reverse the batteries in your machines when you pack them in your bags so that they don’t turn themselves on accidentally during the flight and wear the batteries out. Small details like this make the difference if you want to travel for free.

8. Label it. Excuse us for stating the obvious but don’t forget to label your bags with your email and phone number inside and out. Print out an extra copy of your itinerary and place it inside the bag, on top of everything else. This will facilitate the airline’s job should your luggage get stolen and need to be redirected to your destination.

Free Travel Lodging Ideas

Jeff Gervais — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:12:42 +0000

The cost of lodging is one of the main expenses of traveling. You can reduce or eliminate this cost through a variety of opportunities and get a step closer to experiencing true free travel. Here is a quick overview of some popular prospects.

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
In exchange for a few hours of work a day at an organic farm you can receive food and accommodations at numerous sites all over the globe. There is a guide with farm listings being sold at the WWOOF website. This is one of the most popular alternatives for travelers as it usually is a context to meet interesting people, make a positive contribution to the Earth and the local environment and enjoy good food! Just don’t expect too much comfort and you do have to be physically fit.

Make A House Swap
Although it’s a challenge to find a home owner in a place you want to go who would like to swap their home with yours at the time you would like to – it’s a true free travel jackpot and feeling of victory when it does work out! If you’re open to going anywhere and somewhere unplanned for, then you can more easily find some really great opportunities. House swap networks exists over the Internet to help you find people willing to temporarily trade places with you.

It is a good idea to engage communications many times with your swap partners before going ahead with the deal. Don’t hesitate to check references.

WWOOF installations can be pretty cool

House sitting : The Free Travel Grand Prize
Similar to the house swap… but while you do get a house to keep for some time you don’t have to provide one in exchange. Many people who need to leave their home for some time prefer to have somebody trustworthy occupy the space rather than having no one there at all. They look for someone to look after their property, their plants and pets – this could be you. Some will even offer money to take care of various extras.

Again, you should work out all details before going ahead – although you are taking less of a risk than the home lender. Over time you can accumulate good references and turn this into a free travel lifestyle. Resource sites exist on the Internet.

Couchsurfing : When You’re Just Passing Through
Dramatically increasing in popularity over the last couple years, couchsurfing is ideal if you will be passing through some places but not staying long. It can also be a good way to have a place to stay when you arrive somewhere and want to look for something else in the area. This is not for those in need of strong intimacy. The couchsurfing.com website is a good place to start.

It is your job to be as transparent as is necessary and make it easy for others to decide whether they want to have you sleeping on their couch for a few days or not. Would you open your do doors to anyone?

Also, keep your karma positive and offer your own couch to the surfers from time to time when you are at home, this way you offer the chance to others to experience free travel as well.

Take up a room in a Tibetan Monastery

Get A Room In A Religious Or Spiritual Establishment
This free travel lodging opportunity will not be for everyone and not always available but if you are relatively spiritually inclined or otherwise able to appreciate the sacred aspects of existence then getting rooms at monasteries, ashrams or other religious establishments can be a very positive experience. Though they are not all free, they will often be open to making an exchange to accommodate you. Some establishments will be more conservative and strict than others.

I would strongly discourage anyone to take advantage of this kind of opportunity if they are not sincere in their appreciation of religious or spiritual practices. Most of the world already belongs to the secular mindset – why not leave what’s left of our religious heritage as intact as possible? You don’t have to be religious to go, an earnest curiosity and respect will do.

Free Sights to See in Orlando

Guest Traveler — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:05:51 +0000

Everyone knows Orlando is home to some of the world’s best theme parks and other big tourist attractions, but not everyone can afford to spend much time at those places. Don’t worry. There are scores of other great things to do in Orlando that are free of charge. Here are 3 suggestions for fun activities that are real budget pleasers.

Drop by the Downtown Disney Marketplace

Discover fun for the entire family at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Stroll through the outdoor complex featuring numerous stores, including super-sized Disney souvenir shops that make shopping fun even when you don’t purchase anything. There’s no charge to visit the Lego Imagination Center here. The giant Lego statues are fascinating and there is a playground and activity center where kids of all ages can build the Lego toys of their dreams. A variety of entertainers stroll the streets in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Some of the venues here do charge a cover fee, but most places are free to visit, and so is the parking.

Visit Beautiful Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is a beautiful 43 acre oasis in the heart of downtown Orlando. The centerpiece is the lake itself, with its population of magnificent swans. You can feed the swans, stroll around the walking path, let the kids enjoy the playground equipment or rent a swan shaped paddle boat. There are often free special events here as well. This is a great spot to spend a cost-free afternoon.

Take in the Beauty at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

There’s no charge to visit this unique museum on Fridays. It houses an extensive collection of the works of famed Tiffany designer Louis Comfort, including his celebrated stained glass lamps, signature leaded-glass windows and mosaic works of art. The museum also showcases an expansive American Pottery collection and 19th and 20th century paintings.

Orlando does have more to offer than roller coasters and mouse ears. The city is filled with and surrounded by beautiful natural attractions and fun places to visit, many at no charge. Why not grab one of the numerous cheap flights to Orlando and enjoy a vacation in the sunshine state that won’t bust the budget?