South Africa is full of amazing things to do – from diving with Great White Sharks to spotting lions on safari.
Read on to see which things you absolutely MUST do before you leave this incredible places. And don’t forget to click for more details…
1. Go diving with Great White Sharks
2. Spot lions at Schotia Game [...]
Planning to do the Great Ocean Road? Don’t miss the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park.
These magnificant rock formations were once part of the mainland but years of harsh weather conditions gradually eroded the limestone forming caves.
The caves eventually became arches and when they collapsed rock stacks up to 50m high were left isolated [...]
Bolivia is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in South America. Not only is it home to the Amazon Basin and the beautiful salt flats, it’s by far the cheapest country to explore.
Read on to see which are the best places to visit in Bolivia – and don’t forget to let us know your [...]
Love adventures? Get yourself down to Huacachina in Peru for a hair-raising ride you won’t forget!
Sandboarding is taking South America by storm and it’s not difficult to see why. Check out our amazing photo gallery of sandboarding in Huacachina and book your trip!
See where to stay in Huacachina and see what else there is to [...]
Planning to get your PADI diving certificate in South Africa? Sodwana Bay is a fantastic place to learn.
Lying within the boundaries if the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay is home to unspoilt coral reefs teaming with different species of fish, turtles, moray eels and even sharks.
Were to stay
Coral Divers is a great place to stay, whether [...]
Fancy cage diving with Great White sharks? South Africa is one of the best places in the world to see these impressive creatures in all their glory.
Divers are taken to a nature reserve near Dyer Island – famously known as Shark Alley – which protects sensitive marine life. Once the boat is anchored and the [...]
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Planning to visit Rainbow Beach on the east coast of Australia? Head up to the Carlo Sandblow for spectacular views of the coast and a beautiful sunset.
This 120m-high sand dune is where the National Paragliding Championships are held every January and it’s easy to see why travellers flock here.
PICTURE Carlo Sandblow, Rainbow Beach, Australia
Pink clouds drift across the horizon, rainbow-coloured cliffs tower above the ocean and the windswept dunes are perfect for sandboarding.
How to get there
Frasers on Rainbow Beach Backpackers offers free guided walks up to the Carlo Sandblow with sandboarding and boomerang lessons followed by a short history of Rainbow Beach, told by the lovely Jet (pictured), who actually got married on the sandblow. Trips usually leave daily at 4pm.
Sandboarding in Australia - Carlo Sandblow, Rainbow Beach
Looking for more adventures in Australia? Don’t miss Gagaju Bush Camp – a canoe trip that you’ll be talking about for months. Let us know your travel stories on Twitter or Facebook.
Travelling the east coast of Australia? Gagaju Bush Camp is an absolute MUST for nature lovers and backpackers.
Tucked away between Lakes Cooroibah and Cootharaba, this rustic camping ground is the perfect base for exploring the Australian bush – and it’s only 20 minutes from Noosa.
Pictures - Gagaju Bush Camp - Canoe trips in Noosa, Australia
Hop in a canoe and paddle down river to enjoy fabulous views of Cooloola National Park and the Everglades – a section of river stained black from teatrees and famed for its beauty. Don’t forget to stop by the historic Apollonian Hotel for lunch.
Travellers getting ready for a canoe adventure at Gagaju Bush Camp
Back at camp, enjoy a barbecue with fellow backpackers, snuggle up round the camp fire or watch a movie in the TV room. Keep an eye out for kangaroos in the woods, Blade the dog (who is on heat) and any other creepy crawlies that might wonder into the camp.
Camp fire at Gagaju Bush Camp in Noosa, Australia
How to book
Contact Travel Bugs to book a 1, 2 or 3-day trip. Prices include return transfers from Noosa, accommodation (camping and basic dorms) kitchen facilities, canoe hire and TV room.
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Going travelling? There’s a high possibility that you’ll turn into a fun-loving hippy. Read on to see what happens:
1) You deliberately grow a dreadlock
Sometimes it’s just easier NOT to brush your hair.
2) Suddenly, hippy pants and Alpaca clothes are cool
Been to Bolivia? You’ll know exactly what we mean. Anything with a llama on it is as good as sold.
3) Shoes are no longer necessary
It just feels so good…
4) Fire dancing becomes an art form (NOT dangerous)
The first time you see it you’re worried, the second time you’re amazed; the third time you’re doing it.
5) There’s no such thing as TOO many bracelets
If you don’t have at least 8 bits of string and a few beads tied round your wrists then you may as well stop reading.
6) You say ‘aura’ at least once a day
Travelling is all about ‘finding yourself’, right? Well auras are just taking it to the next level.
7) You become vegetarian and drink herbal tea but STILL smoke
Any of this happening to you? Enjoy it while it lasts! As soon as you’re back home (or maybe 6 months after) you’ll cut out the braid, ditch the bracelets and be back in the office. And as for meditating, you won’t even have time to sleep let alone ‘find the real you’.
So guys, ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF BEING A HIPPY. Sadly, it may not last.
Planning a round the world trip? Don’t leave home without getting organised! Read on to see which things every modern backpacker should have:
1) Skype account
Stay in touch with family and friends using Skype. Simply download the software (and tell your friends to do the same) and you’ll be able to video call for free.
2) Internet banking
This will save you HEAPS of trouble when you’re overseas. Not only can you transfer money at the click of a button, you can scroll through previous transactions, pay off your credit card and even check for fraud. Highly recommended.
3) Online photo sharing
Facebook is great for sharing snaps but if you want to backup high-resolution photos then consider using Flickr or G-mail. It may take a little longer to upload but it’s worth having them all in once place.
4) Prepaid travel card
Read our advice on choosing the right bank card for your travels. Countless backpackers get stung by ATM fees and bank charges when they’re abroad – so we’ve come up with a solution!
5) Scan of passport
This is really important. Have a scan of your passport in your backpack and one saved on your laptop (or home computer.) That way, if it gets stolen you will still have a copy of your ID, passport number etc.
6) iPhone or netbook
Nearly every hostel has internet so it’s worth taking a small laptop or iphone with you. Just make sure you never leave them lying around and take a padlock for your locker.
7) Headphone splitter
Amazing for bus journeys! The headphone splitter is an adapter that let’s several people plugin to your iPod so you can listen to podcasts or watch movies together. Genious.
Moonpig account
Send cards to family and friends while you’re away using Moonpig. We love this service as you can set up birthday reminders, upload photos and create your own designs. Now you really don’t have an excuse for forgetting.
9) Waterproof camera
When you’re cage diving with sharks, swimming with pink dolphins you’ll wished you forked out the extra cash for a waterproof model. Trust us, you’ll wish you had!
Next: 5 things to do before you leave>>
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Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries in South America – but it still has a reputation for being dangerous.
Yes, you have to be careful but this rule applies everywhere. Click on the links below to see what you MUST do before you leave this incredible country.
1) Hike up to Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City)
2) Sleep in hammocks at Tayrona National Park
3) Sail from Colombia to Panama
4) Get your PADI diving certificate in Taganga
5) Visit Pablo Escobar’s grave
6) Sip cocktails from a coconut on Playa Blanca
7) Explore the walled city of Cartagena
Looking for more things to do in South America? Get travel advice for Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!
Looking for the best hostel in Coffee Bay, South Africa? Coffee Shack has a feel-good vibe that’s contagious.
Not only will you be given a guided tour and a welcome drink (which you MUST drink with your left hand), you’re introduced to staff members and invited out to dinner with other guests.
PICTURE Coffee Shack hostel, Coffee Bay - South Africa hostels
Whether it’s munching curry at the hostel or heading into town for more traditional African food, we promise it will be an experience to remember.
By day, enjoy the free activities on offer including treks to the Hole in the Wall, cheap surf lessons and sundowners (see picture). And if you like open fires, drum circles and plenty of drinking games then you’ll never want to leave.
Travellers enjoy a sundowner at Coffee Shack - Coffee Bay, South Africa
Accommodation
Choose from simple dorms (120ZAR); private rooms (from 240ZAR) or camping. Bathrooms are spotless, and there are even hairdryers for the girls!
Get more travel advice about South Africa and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for more updates!
South Africa is full of amazing things to do – from diving with Great White Sharks to spotting lions on safari.
Read on to see which things you absolutely MUST do before you leave this incredible places. And don’t forget to click for more details…
1. Go diving with Great White Sharks
2. Spot lions at Schotia Game Reserve
3. Learn to surf in Jeffreys Bay
4. Hike through the Magical Forest in Nature’s Valley
5.Brave the world’s highest bungee jump
8. Climb Table Mountain and abseil back down
9. Hire a car and explore the north coast
10. Wriggle through the claustrophobic Cango Caves
Need more advice? See which are the best places to visit in South Africa and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter more travel updates!
Planning to hike the Inca Trail in Peru? Make sure you’re prepared for all eventualities by consulting our checklist.
From First Aid kits to flashlights, our essential guide will ensure you’re well equipped for Machu Picchu!
Climbing Machu Picchu - What to pack for the Inca Trail
*Flashlight
Girls – if you need the toilet during the night you’ll want your hands free. Go for a head torch so you can keep your dignity. A wind-up torch is also useful as there won’t be many power points along the way.
*Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
There’s nowhere to have a shower after a tough day’s climb so be sure to pack wet wipes. Hand sanitiser is great, too – and a necessity if you wear contact lenses – as no water is required.
* First Aid kit
It’s always worth having a First Aid kit with you as you never know when you’ll need Asprin, Imodium or re-hydration powder. It’s also worth noting that tour guides aren’t allowed to administeri any type of drug including headache pills, antibiotics and altitude sickness pills. Make sure you pack blister plasters and bandages. We can’t stress this enough!
* Waterproof cover for backpacks and a poncho!
Make sure your backpack stays nice and dry in a waterproof case. There are usually rain showers along the way so a poncho is a good idea, too. However you can buy these from locals on the way.
* Sleeping bag and liner
You can hire sleeping bags for around $10USD. If you bing your own, make sure it’s waterproof with a thermal lining.
* Purification tablets
Clean water is limited so take purification tablets or a filter so you can drink fresh water on the trek. The last thing you need is a dodgy stomach.
* Watch or alarm clock
Tour guides usually wake you in the morning for breakfast but on the last day, when you race up up to Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn, you’ll set your own alarm.
*Camera and spare memory card
Every day of the Inca Trail is awesome so you’ll be snapping away left, right and centre. Make sure you take a spare memory card – and battery – if you have it so you don’t have to be stingy!
* Plastic bags
Keep your clothes wrapped up in plastic bags – it will keep them nice and dry.
Next: What to wear for the Inca Trail>>
Need more travel advice for Peru? Follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook.
Hurricane Rina is hurtling towards Cancun, a popular tourist resort in Mexico.
The storm, which has sustained winds of up to 110 miles per hour, is expected to hit the Caribbean coast in the next 24 hours, prompting the Mexican government to issue travel warnings.
Hurricane Rina tracking map - Wunderground.com
It has already brushed Nicaragua and Honduras, where dozens of people have been reported killed by flooding and mudslides.
Forecasters predict it will strengthen as it nears the Mexican coast today before hurtling towards Cozumel, another popular resort in Mexico.
Keep up-to-date with travel news and let us know your thoughts on Facebook. Read more travel advice about Central America.
Planning to do the Great Ocean Road? Don’t miss the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park.
These magnificant rock formations were once part of the mainland but years of harsh weather conditions gradually eroded the limestone forming caves.
PICTURES Twelve Apostles - Great Ocean Road Australia - Fabulous Travel Guide
The caves eventually became arches and when they collapsed rock stacks up to 50m high were left isolated from the shore. Now they stand proud and are a major tourist attraction.
Viewing platform - Twelve Apostles Australia - Fabulous Travel Guide
How to get there
You can reach the Twelve Apostles from the Great Ocean Road. If you go direct from Melbourne you’re looking at a 5-6 hour drive. We recommend a stopover in Lawn – a lovely little seaside town with a couple of hostels – so you can take your time and enjoy the views.
Best time to visit
Dawn! Get there as early as possible to avoid the throngs of tourist buses (trust us, there’s hundreds). It’s worth the early start we promise.
Looking for more things to do on the Great Ocean Road? Check out Point Addis and see our photo gallery for inspirational travel pics.
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