Fabulous travel guide – travel advice – hostel reviews – budget travel

Travel advice – hostel reviews – budget travel

Advice
Africa
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  - Cape Town
  - Cintsa
  - Coffee Bay
  - East London
  - Gansbaai
  - Jefferys Bay
  - Jeffreys Bay
  - Mossel Bay
  - Nature's Valley
  - Oudtshoorn
  - Port Elizabeth
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  - St Lucia
  - Stormsriver
  - Victoria Bay
Asia
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Central America
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  - Monteverde
  - Tamarindo
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  - Antigua
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  - Mexico City
  - Tulum
- Nicaragua
  - Ometepe
  - San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
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  - Bocas Del Toro
Europe
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Photos
South America
- Argentina
  - Buenos Aires
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  - Amazon basin
  - Cochabamba
  - La Paz
  - Potosi
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  - Sucre
  - Tupiza
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- Peru

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Tag: "featured"

PICTURE Carlo Sandblow, Rainbow Beach, Australia

Visit the Carlo Sandblow at Rainbow Beach

[ 0 ] December 14, 2011

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.

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9 things every modern backpacker should have

[ 0 ] November 16, 2011

Planning a round the world trip? Don’t leave home without getting organised! Read on to see which things every modern backpacker should have:

: Gap year students can now earn Ucas points for trekking!

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>>

Got a travel tip? Send them to us using Facebook or Twitter – we always love to hear from you!

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Lions get a little too close at Schotia Private Game Reserve in South Africa

South Africa – 10 things you MUST do!

[ 0 ] November 7, 2011

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

6. Go diving in Sodwana Bay

7. Help local communities

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!

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What to pack for the Inca Trail

[ 0 ] November 3, 2011

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.

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Visit the Twelve Apostles in Australia

[ 0 ] October 22, 2011

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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Travel money | Currency exchange rates | Fabulous travel guide

Debit card or prepaid card? Tips for travellers

[ 1 ] October 10, 2011

Looking for the best card to use abroad? Avoid bank charges, ATM fees and bad exchange rates by getting your hands on a prepaid card.

Read on for our top tips and advice on finding the right deal for you and start saving money for your big trip!

Save money abroad with our top tips and advice

* Choose a card with no ATM fees

Travelling to a remote corner of the world? Many places won’t accept card payments so it’s important to choose a card with no ATM fees as you’ll be withdrawing on a regular basis.

* Find out the exchange rate

Banks often charge a fee to convert money into local currency. If you’re using a Barclays debit card abroad you may be charged a 2.99% foreign exchange charge. Not good if you’re on a budget.

* Check you can use your card online/ in store

Going on a shopping spree? Need to pay for a last-minute flight? Check there are no foreign purchase fees when using your prepaid card online or in store.

* Keep up-to-date with the latest deals

Moneysupermarket.com is a fantastic website to use if you’re not sure where to start. Not only does it keep an updated list of the best cards to use, it has exclusive deals and offers that are perfect for travellers.

* Ask the right questions

Does it cost money to ‘load’ the card? What happens if you lose it? Are there charges if you stop using the card? All these are important things to consider so give the provider a call to clear things up.

Find out how to get the best deal on your trip and bag yourself a good exchange rate before you leave. Got a question? Get in touch via Twitter or Facebook!

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Laguna Colorada, Bolivia - Pictures of Laguna Colorada Bolivia - Fabulous Travel Guide

Where to travel in Bolivia

[ 0 ] October 6, 2011

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 plans on Twitter or Facebook!

Death Road, Bolivia - Where to travel in Bolivia - Fabulous Travel Guide

Test your nerve on Death Road, Bolivia

1) La Paz

Travelling from Peru? Most backpackers bus it straight to the capital, La Paz. Here you can test your nerve on Death Road, book the salt flats tour and party hard 24/7.

2) Rurrenabaque

Swim with pink dolphins in the Amazon! Book the Pampas Tour from La Paz and head north up to Rurrenabaque for a 3-day canoe trip. Highly recommended.

3) Sucre

Sucre is a pretty city to explore if you’re heading south. Fancy a giggle? Hop onboard the dinosaur bus for an unusual afternoon at Parque Cretacico. Afterwards sip coffee in one of the many sun-drenched cafes…

4) Potosi

Don't miss the 3-day salt flats tour in Bolivia

Many travellers head to Potosi to visit the cooperative mines and experience the terrible working conditions that hundreds of men are forced to endure. There’s little else to see here so if you’re not keen on claustrophobic tunnels then you might want to give this one a miss.

5) Salar de Uyuni

Unmissable! You can book the salt flats tour from La Paz, Tupiza or Uyuni itself. See pictures of the salt flats here and start planning your trip today.

6) Tupiza

If you like horse riding and want to see some beautiful scenery then Tupiza certainly delivers. Check out our photo gallery here to see why we fell in love…

Looking for more things to do in South America? Check out what Peru has to offer and don’t forget to read our advice section for top tips on staying safe.

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How to save money on last-minute flights | Cheap flights | Fabulous travel guide

How to budget for your trip – 6 extra costs to consider

[ 1 ] September 29, 2011

Finding cheap flights is usually the easy part when it comes to budgeting for your holiday. The key is avoiding all those hidden extras like airport transfers and bank fees.

Below is a list of 6 common charges to prepare for when planning your next adventure.

1. Airport transfers

Train, bus or car? Getting to the airport can cost a small fortune, so it’s important to pick your travel method wisely. Parking at airports is often the most convenient but also the most expensive option, running up charges of £136 for just 3 days. Public transport is usually the most affordable option – especially if you book in advance or have a railcard.

Visit cheapflights.co.uk and book your next trip today!

2. Pre-booked seats

If you’re travelling in a group, paying for priority boarding can add up. Instead, try to arrive at the departure gate as early as possible so that you’ll be the first in line to request extra leg room/seats together etc.

3. Bank charges

Find out how much you’ll be charged and be clever about which card you use. If you pay with a debit card you may get stung with a loaded exchange rate, a cash withdrawal fee and interest charges, too. If you must use a debit card, always take out the maximum amount of cash. Paying with a credit card will give you free credit, as long as you clear your balance in full and use consumer protection. Using a pre-loaded currency card will help to keep your budget in check and you may save on those airline booking charges too.

4. International calls

Keep in mind when you cross the border, by land or by sea, your cell is using data internationally – and you’re getting charged. Give your mobile service provider a call before you leave to review your terms and switch to an international plan to avoid hefty charges.

5. Travel insurance

Read the small print! Will you be covered if your flights are affected by an ash cloud? If your holiday company goes bust? Also, make sure you’re covered for everything you want to do e.g sky diving, abseiling, kayaking etc If not, you could end up spending thousands of pounds if something goes wrong.

6. Car rentals

Never assume that the estimated cost you’re quoted is what you’ll spend in total. So many people forget to budget for extras such as fuel, insurance, tolls, parking, and insuring an extra driver on your current plan. Decide whether the additional outlay of renting a car is affordable or necessary.

Looking for cheap flights? Compare over 300 airlines and travel agents at cheapflights.co.uk and find your perfect deal today!

*** This is a sponsored promotion***

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Sherryll Catindig gets ready for her first slope in Huacachina, Peru

PICTURES Sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru

[ 1 ] September 3, 2011

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!

PICTURES Sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru

See where to stay in Huacachina and see what else there is to do in Peru. Follow us on Twitter for more updates!

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See turtles in Sodwana Bay, South Africa

Go diving in Sodwana Bay

[ 2 ] August 27, 2011

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.

See turtles in Sodwana Bay, South Africa

Were to stay

Coral Divers is a great place to stay, whether you want your PADI or experience the Adventure Dives. Located within the park itself, this resort caters for large groups and solo travellers alike. Stay in one of their safari tents (125ZAR) or opt for a cosy cabin.

Sodwana Bay, South Africa - Diving in Sodwana Bay - Pictures Sodwana Bay

How to get there

Drive all the way through Sodwana Bay following the road until you come to Isimangaliso Wetland Park. You’ll need to pay 25ZAR per person to enter the park and fill out some forms. Once inside follow signs for Coral Divers.

Looking for more things to do in South Africa? Don’t miss Schotia safari park and go cage diving with Great Whites.

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Page 1 of 212 »

Tag: "featured"

Visit the Carlo Sandblow at Rainbow Beach

9 things every modern backpacker should have

South Africa – 10 things you MUST do!

What to pack for the Inca Trail

Visit the Twelve Apostles in Australia

Debit card or prepaid card? Tips for travellers

Where to travel in Bolivia

How to budget for your trip – 6 extra costs to consider

PICTURES Sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru

PICTURES Sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru

Go diving in Sodwana Bay

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