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Florida is a beach lined wonderland and beautiful just about anytime of the year, and of the most popular places in the U.S. to visit during the summer. From Miami to DisneyWorld Orlando to the Everglades, Florida offers an exceptional variety of unique things to do and there are amazing amount of discount hotels that will make any vacation there affordable. So which are the best places in Florida to visit when you're traveling on your own? The first choice would be Miami (I checked out most of popular placess in Florida previously and believe me Miami is the best of of them!!!)

Who wouldn't want to visit Miami? The city is an energetic mix of cultures including Colombian, Cuban and Haitian cultures just to name a few, exceptional art deco architectural beauty, the aqua blue waters of Biscayne Bay and trendy South Beach. The nightlife is awesome, the beaches are gorgeous, and there are endless lists of things to do, making it the perfect choice if you're traveling on your own. If you are into urban vacations that include all of the above plus shopping, pampering yourself at one of the many spas, along with a nice selection of cheap hotels in Miami that will make it all affordable, your going to enjoy Miami more than some of its other cities.

Miami also has its fill of amusement parks and the Miami Seaquarium fits in perfectly with the atmosphere of the coast and it is very impressive. You can witness the ultimate in aquatic experiences but be prepared to spend most of the day there. The Seaquarium is packed with an extensive variety of wild life and lots of fun hands on activities as well, not to mention the shops and dining options. Personally, i am not a fan of those kind of theme parks, but some people like it.

When you aren’t out in Miami checking out the trendier things or hanging out at one of the discount hotels, enjoying a drink or the views, hit the beaches. The beaches are a big part of why Miami is so popular and they have been rated as some of the best in the world. Whether you're just soaking up the sun, enjoying the water sports or having a drink at a local beach bar, you’ll love the atmosphere that the Miami beaches provide.

If you feel like doing something a little different, exploring beyond Miami, visit the Everglades which are only around 1.5 hours from Miami and worth the drive. The Everglades aren't just about the swamps and air boats. You can walk, bike, kayak and even canoe around the park and learn about its delicate ecosystem that has managed to endure forever here. It's a peaceful place yet if you stay still long enough you may see an alligator pop his head up in Everglade's waters.

The discount hotels make Miami an affordable vacation destination and its fantastic, year round weather, miles and miles of beautiful beaches, amusements parks and nightlife make it the perfect vacation getaway if you're traveling on your own.

Eastern Europe is attracting the Brits this year due to budget enjoyment.

Among the destinations Bulgaria and Turkey.

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Good things to bring, how to open up a peanut butter jar that's stuck closed, how to untie a plastic bag that's tied too tight, water purification, dealing with intestinal parasites, good water bottles to bring, and a lot more.

Tracking mountain gorillas in the Virungas is undeniably a terrific adventure. There are just one or two hundred of these intriguing animals left in the wilderness, with basically three spots where you may explore them in their natural surroundings, and a restricted number of gorilla permits offered every day. So if gazing into the eyes of a Silverback you recognize you are one of a decide on crowd across the world lucky enough to have cherished this fantastic adventure.To make the most from your experience, we have designed some suggestions in addition to recommendations.

Where you can track gorillas
There are three places you may get pleasure from a mountain gorilla photo safari: Parc National des Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo,Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda as well as Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. Uganda and Rwanda are the usual first options, as a result of background of political uncertainty in DRC, yet this may alter in the future.

Health and well-being
The stroll to obtain the gorillas develops at a height on sharp mountain slopes heavy with vegetation, therefore you regularly should be fairly fit to benefit from the adventure. There are porters offered to hire at the beginning of your journey - they may make the walking less difficult by holding your bag and aiding you throughout the steepest ground. The price of a porter is not as part of the charge of your permit or excursion - the regular 'tip' is approximately $30 per porter. Having a loved one being employed as a porter is a vital income source for most people living next to the National Park.

The tracking experience
The gorillas cover big kilometers overnight. The operators will use their familiarity with the gorillas' lifestyle and knowledge from the preceding day to discover the group's location. And so the time taken to trek the gorillas may vary massively. It could be less than two hours to 9 hours just before going back to camp.Upon having hit the group, you might be acceptable up to one hour together with these impressive animals.

What to wear or bring
Hence be ready for the possibility of wet weather. Put on lightweight mountaineering pants as well as a fully sleeved shirt, nonetheless take waterproofs likewise, such as a hat as well as over-trousers in case you have them. Put on a pair of light, waterproof trekking boots or maybe walking shoes with coarse press soles as well as walking socks. Carry an extra pair of walking stockings if you happen to need to alter them sooner or later. Be sure you have a modest waterproof day carrier or maybe rucksack with you to handle your camera gear.

Gorilla etiquette
Your tracking team will be told to stay mutually and view the Uganda gorillas. This is because the strong male could see you constantly along with the family does not sense danger, encased, or maybe stressed. Do not make any unanticipated actions or perhaps sounds in the company of these creatures, and retain your noises lower. Always, don't forget to stick to the guidelines of your operator.Do not ever look into the eyes of a gorilla, for a permanent look is as violent to them as it is to many humankind.At times, as a discharge of pressure or as a show to the most of the group.

This popular tourist destination wedged in between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea is an outstanding state of India located on the Malabar Coast. The state possesses three characteristic features which makes it alluring and enticing to every nature lover and tourist worldwide. The backwater, the beaches and the hills of Kerala have played an important role in promoting the tourism in the state.

At present the places like Kerala are hunted by most of the people around the world who are looking for favorable atmospheric open spacey sites to freely celebrate holidays, weekends, honeymoon, picnics and other leisure escape. Thus Kerala has become quite popular among the nature lovers worldwide earning thousands of tourist almost every year. Among Kerala seekers the honeymooners ranks the highest. There are many reasons for its outstanding number of honeymoon attraction in the state.

Kerala Honeymoon Package are the best sought after packages to enjoy perfect honeymoon in this state. This package is mean especially for honeymoon couples by offering relevant attractions with the best of facilities and services to give delight, happiness and gratifying services to every quest of it. With the outstanding attraction of houseboat services, exhilarating hill adventure activities, excellent cuisines and culture entertainments along with various other health facilities have made it a honeymoon paradise love by couples worldwide.

Sprawling plantations and paddy field, enchanting backwaters dotted scattered with houseboats, ayurvedic resorts offering various health treatments to every visitors gives a unique experience of honeymoon benefiting tour that will remain imprinted for life time memory. Kerala offers hundred and one packages for honeymoon travelers. Choice any of its mind blowing advantage packages and experience a unique honeymoon outing with full of treasure and benefit from it.

One of the best sites for honeymoon escapers offered by tourism of Kerala is the evergreen paraded arrays of picturesque backwater. Her honeymoon packages in houseboat are a perfect combination of intricate traditional houseboats and scenic lake enjoyment. The houseboat cruise offered by the tourism of this state is an ideal ways to explore the soul and heart stirring incredible beauty of the blissful ambience of backwater. Some of the top honeymoon cruise happening sites are Alappuzha, Cochin, Kollam, Kumarakom and Thiruvallam.

If you are interested for this backwater awesome cruise, one of the best site that you can always rely on for a perfect experience is Kumarakom. Kumarakom honeymoon packages offer totally a whole new world of backwater. Take up new adventurous world to the chill out spots and take pleasure of isolation and privacy maintain along with unlimited excitement possible sites to discover the true feeling for each other and treasure memories of honeymoon for life time.

Find more packages at http://www.keralahoneymoonpackages.com/ Kerala Honeymoon Package

North Cyprus is one of the most beautiful and popular islands and a perfect holiday destination in the Mediterranean. Northern Cyprus holidays provide beautiful, natural and panoramic view which is unpolluted with miles of coastline and golden sands bathed in sunshine almost every day of the year. Cypriot people are often considered cheerful, calm and hospitable.  Northern Cyprus has the best beaches in the Mediterranean and enjoys a climate with long hot summers and short mild winters.

With the introduction of cheap flights to Cyprus, the entire scenario of having a holiday at this visitor friendly island has changed. As direct flights are readily available and services can be availed as per the suitable journey schedules of tourists, one can easily avail the benefit of travelling to this place without any difficulty. The flights flying to Northern Cyprus will not only provide a cheaper means of travel but also a convenient chance of touring one of the world's most acclaimed tourist locations. Irresistible holiday packages and best tour deals are the order of the day when one considers tours to Northern Cyprus. Though the flights offer a cheaper rate, the flights that are provided onboard are world class. Best amenities and customer oriented crews represent the hospitality services of any of the flight you choose for flying.

Cheap Northern Cyprus Flights has been established as a service provider for people looking to travel to Northern Cyprus for their holidays. You can check out the features that are offered and find the option suitable for you.  As a potential tourist, you can take advantage of the travel packages and huge discounts on flight charges that will leave you in a state of joy. You can double your joy by availing such features. The cost factor depends upon the services provided onboard. 

Cheap holidays in Northern Cyprus is available from the 20 different airports in UK. You can fly directly to Larnaca airport and transfer over to Kyrenia and Famagusta for your holiday. Save over 1/3 of your travelling time, and enjoy peace of mind of our professional reps at the airport and at the hotels in north Cyprus. You can also fly the conventional route to Ercan airport, via Turkey. Flights have a brief touchdown, with no change of aircraft.

Northern-Cyprus Holidays are ideal for older Singles, Groups, Families, Friends and Couples. You can enjoy at your best being with your family as there are many resorts in prominent tourist places of Northern Cyprus like Kyrenia and Famagusta. However, if you prefer being alone, you can enjoy our Singles Specials, wherein we provide you with all the amenities and valuable assistance whenever you require.

With the onset of summers you can choose for holidays in North Cyprus 2012 and be ready to have a perfect holiday experience. Enjoy the benefits of the non Euro currency in North Cyprus, and get the best of your money with some of the best dealers who offer exclusive summer sale. Early booking special offers include discounts of up to 40% off holidays and free upgrades to hotel rooms, or free dinner etc. Depending on your budget, you can search for dealers who offer good and economical packages on different websites.

Brooklyn, a huge district of NY, brimming with trendy neighborhoods that each have some special to offer including cheap accommodation that make vacations here affordable. They'll provide the perfect starting point to explore every fun nook and cranny that each neighborhood has to offer.

Downtown Brooklyn, much like other major cities, is filled with shopping experiences from department stores to boutiques as well as a train station, subway and bus lines ready to take you anywhere you want to go. You'll also find the Brooklyn Academy of Music and some of the best views of the New York skyline and the awe-inspiring Brooklyn Bridge. From downtown Brooklyn you can venture out to all of the trendy neighborhoods and really get a feel for the city.

The Williamsburg neighborhood has countless restaurants, a number of funky night clubs and a flourishing art district. It's one of the most popular neighborhoods in Brooklyn and reflects what Greenwich Village was once famous for including off beat bars, an eclectic art scene and restaurants that will suit every taste. The East Williamsburg area is the center point for a growing music scene and is home to Grego's, a famous swinger's club.

Cobble Hill is a peaceful neighborhood and an old fashioned Italian community with fun shops, bookstores and fantastic restaurants and stands selling Italian ices and some say the best pizza in New York. Besides a variety of restaurants there are several lively bars and cafe's dotting the charming streets. Brooklyn Heights is an upscale neighborhood filled will historic churches and exquisite buildings and offers gorgeous, panoramic views of the lower side of the Manhattan skyline. Its charming brownstones and fun shopping district give the neighborhood a splendid ambience.

Brooklyn's " DUMBO" is an abbreviation for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass” and the hang out spot of choice for New York's wealthier, trendy crowd. The neighborhood's riverfront park is a fantastic place to take a walk and enjoy the one of a kind view of the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges and the magnificent Manhattan skyline.

The Park Slope is one of Brooklyn's trendiest neighborhoods that puts off a fun, eclectic vibe that manages to provide an upscale yet laid back feel and is sometimes referred to as the "Berkeley" of New York City. It's filled with trendy boutiques, bars and café's, along with lush green parks filled with families flying kites and enjoying a free concert or two. Along with the cheap hotels, "the Slope" as it's called has its share of the trendy flats New York is so famous for along with stylish, tree lined streets, funky town homes, to urban mansions and plenty of great bars and restaurants.

Brooklyn really has it all from Brighton Beach and Coney Island to Brooklyn Heights and the famous Park Slope neighborhood. Booking one of the cheap hotels in NYC will make a perfect vacation experience and save money that will be better spent out on a night on the town.

This is a short travel movie about my recent overnight camping/bicycling trip to a gorgeous, secluded beach on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii...

Accommodation: Phuket Old Town Hostel 

To make reservations: +66 076258 27

       We spent two days and one night in Phuket as we transitioned to and from the beaches and 

islands further away. When I had told people that we would be going to Phuket, many people 

questioned why, as the beaches in Patong and the islands off the coast are much more well-known as 

tourist destinations. Although Phuket was not our final destination, we found our stay to be a cultural 

experience that we did not get in the more touristy areas.

       We spent the night at a great backpacker: Phuket Old Town Hostel in – you guessed it – Old 

Town Phuket. It cost 580 THB ($19) for a standard twin with A/C. This was a steal for being in peak 

season – clean, big, hot water, complimentary breakfast. We came after hours, and the staff was very 

accommodating in getting us set up. The women who work there were very friendly and helpful despite 

a small language barrier.  At one point, they went out of their way to help us call the travel agency that 

we booked our boat transportation with. Phuket Old Town Hostel sits in the best part of Phuket for 

exploring and eating at nearby Thai restaurants. 

       We had booked our bus and boat transportation out of Phuket to Ko Phi Phi through a travel 

agency that we got in contact with through our taxi driver from the airport when we arrived. It seems 

that there are many companies who offer services like this making it very easy to find transportation to 

any of the nearby destinations. If you do end up using a travel agent to very painlessly book 

transportation, we recommend making sure the people you are speaking with are registered as a 

company as a means of insuring you’re not getting ripped off. We found Thailand to be a very fair and 

honest place, but it’s always good to check. A large van full of other foreigners picked us up at the hostel 

the next morning (also a common scene in Phuket), and it was a seamless 2 hour boat ride to Ko Phi Phi.

       We did get an opportunity to explore the town on the back end of our trip when we returned to 

Phuket. We walked up and down the streets perusing through shops getting a different, less touristy 

glimpse into urban southern Thai culture. Keep your eyes peeled for lady-men, Thai pancakes, and 

souvenirs.  Food seems to be much cheaper in Phuket than in the resort areas. A big lunch with multiple 

drinks cost us 200 THB. There are plenty of markets to explore and scooters to rent. I would have 

wanted to spend one more day in Phuket (2 nights, 2 nights seems perfect) to get a good feel for it. I 

think there is a lot here culturally we did not have time to see. I'm glad we got a more realistic view of 

what less touristy Thailand is like.

Paris may very well be the city of love, but Sydney is certainly a contender when it comes to the city of sex! With all the beautiful people wandering around, checking each other out, romance is high on the agenda here, and if you’re looking for a great way to set the mood, we’ve got a few tips to help you out! Flowersand chocolates are great ways to grab someone’s attention, but the best way to move things to the next level is to show someone how much fun you can be—something made all the more easy if you know your way around this vibrant city! Here are four ways to woo someone in Sydney…good luck!

 
The Great Outdoors

Sydney is known as being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it’s not the architecture alone that makes it so! Much of Sydney’s beauty comes from its natural surroundings; the beaches, the national parks, the green expanses and the stunning natural harbour. There’s nothing more invigorating that the Sydney sun on a summer’s day, so what are you waiting for? Get the object of your affections outside and soak up the smells and sights of Sydney.

Picnics

Extending this theory that the Sydney outdoors are a little bit of an aphrodisiac, why not capitalise on that with a romantic picnic for you and your par amour? The food scene in Sydney is legendary throughout the country, and you won’t be short of quality fresh produce to make a picnic. Pack some cheeses, fresh prawns and a bottle of bubbly and watch the world float by as you spot cloud-shapes and whisper sweet nothings.

Quirky Sydney

Sure, there is a range of national treasures at your fingertips in Sydney, but often the best dates are the ones that get you a little out of your comfort zone. Instead of sticking with the age-old dinner and a movie formula, why not try something a bit more fun and do a ghost tour and pub crawl of The Rocks? If the living dead aren’t exactly your cup of tea for a hot date, then why not try something a little more upbeat but equally whimsical—like the Moonlight Cinema in summer time? Thinking a little outside the box will show how much fun you can be, and if you’re trying to make a good impression, fun is definitely a good place to start!

Classic Elegance

Sydney’s wonders are many, but there are a few experiences that really set it apart. Stunning Sydney Harbour is the centerpiece to the whole city and it provides a breathtaking backdrop for a range of activities. Sydney Harbour cruises are a great way to take in its beauty, and perhaps even take in a meal or a few cocktails at the same time! If you’re not quite confident on your sea legs yet, there are plenty of great bars and restaurants around the harbour where romance is high on the agenda.

Sydney is a fast-paced, fun city where people are constantly meeting and falling in love…and lust. Whether you’re looking to impress on a hot date or trying to move the relationship to the next level, Sydney is the perfect backdrop, as long as you know where to go!

Where we stayed:

Accommodation #1: Railay Phutawan Resort
To make reservations: visit http://www.railayphutawanresort.com or call +66 075819479

Accommodation #2: Garden View Resort
To make reservations: call +66 085885143

During our stay in Railay (in Krabi province of southern Thailand), we spent the first 3 nights at Railay Phutawan Resort. This resort is located on the East coast of Railay. Some people prefer the West coast because when the tide goes out during the late morning and afternoon hours, the East beach becomes somewhat unsightly with mud and some trash. However, we found that this was not a problem as it is very accessible to walk to the beaches on the West side. Railay Phutawan Resort is surrounding by breathtakingly beautiful rock cliffs and many of the rooms are tucked away amidst jungle scenery. We stayed in a standard double room that cost 1125 Baht ($36 USD) per night during peak season (half price in low season!). We were surprised that the wood paneling on the floor had gaps that allowed us to see through to the ground, and the top of the bathroom was separated from the open air by a screen. Despite the bug net surrounding the bed, we were still woke up most mornings with mosquito bites on our legs. The resort offered a delicious free breakfast in its dining room each morning. The shower did not have hot water, but most times of the year that's perfectly okay. Phutawan is also located RIGHT next to one of the best bars (Ya Ya Bar) and hang out spots in all of Railay, so it was a treat to be so near that. Despite the bugs and the cold showers, we enjoyed our stay here because it felt very exotic to be living in such a uniquely jungle-like environment. The staff was awesome.

Our last night in Railay, we moved to the Garden View Resort, also located on the East side. Though it required a bit of a climb to get there, the Resort had a beautiful view of the ocean from high up. We were greeted with bottles of water and complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies. The room was beautifully furnished and cost us 1250 Baht ($40 USD) per night. Rooms here were better insulated from the outdoors, allowing us to avoid bugs. This resort also provided a complimentary breakfast complete with eggs made to order. The staff was extremely helpful, directing us to the best modes of transportation to get to Phuket on our last day as well as hand delivering me a message from my family who had been trying to contact me during my stay. Overall, we wish we had spent more time at the Garden View Resort.

Activities in Railay, Thailand

Railay was a good change of pace from our previous two days in Ko Phi Phi. It attracts a more family-oriented crowd as well as single people looking to have a more relaxing, good time amongst the beauty of
Thailand. The rock climbing community flocks here because it's one of the best places to rock climb in the world. Again, the West side of the island is more known for its beaches. One of the beaches on that side is a private beach owned by a five star resort, and it's by far one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, a few feet from beautiful cliffs bursting out of the clear water. Even if you are not a guest there, this beach is a favorite for soaking up the sun and grabbing lunch from the longtail boats that pull to shore selling food during the daytime. We rented a kayak for a couple hours one afternoon, which cost us 200 Baht. In these boats you can float around the various rock formations and explore the islands. We often had our lunch at the Walking Street, an open air laneway with restaurants that you can eat at while getting a front row beach view. Each night we had our choice of restaurants on the East or West side averaging about 200 Baht per person.

After spending several days on the island, we took a long tail boat to Ao Nang for 250 Baht per person. Although Railay is part of the mainland, it is blocked by mountains that do not allow cars to pass through. Therefore, the only way to get to in and out is by boat. In Ao Nang, we rented a motor scooter for 200 Baht for the whole day. With a map in hand (free), we explored inland for several hours, navigating the petrol station with non-English speaking locals. During our drive, we stumbled across an elephant trekking company, who allow you to take 3 hour elephant trekking tours for 900 Baht. Instead of taking the tour, we paid the owner 100 Baht to take pictures with his elephants, and we went home just as happy. Railay also offers beautiful hikes through the jungle or up to the viewpoint to give a full view of the island. These hikes are breathtaking, but take somewhat more than a beginner's skill level in climbing as the paths can be steep.

Although Railay is not as well known for its nightlife, there are two main bars, The Last Bar and Ya Ya Bar that host parties and events almost every night. We sat out on a deck over the water watching several main twirling fire lit batons. Though it doesn't define the town, Railay still has a very healthy nightlife.

This is a short, 3-minute video tour of my spectacular trip into the Himalaya mountains of the little visited region of Uttarakhand, northern India, just west of Nepal; in which I get within just a few dozen miles of Nanda Devi, 2nd highest mountain in India...

People go on holidays for many different reasons—to explore new cultures, to learn about the history of a place, immerse themselves in nature or simply to get away from it all. Undoubtedly though, one of the main reasons people head off on holidays is to relax. There’s something very soothing and rejuvenating about getting away from your normal life and kicking back on a beach. Whether you’re heading off on a Fiji holiday or backpacking the Himalayas, there’s an element of relaxation that comes with change. Here are 5 ways to make sure you relax and unwind on your trip, no matter where your holiday destination is.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

There’s nothing worse than trying for a nice relaxing holiday and ending up with a hernia because so many things go wrong. The best way to deal with things not going as planned is to let them slide off you like water from a duck’s back. Things are guaranteed to differ from the way you imagined them in some way—that’s the nature of the beast, especially when traveling. If you accept these things as part of the adventure and keep a cool head, you’ll manage to have a much happier and relaxing vacation.

Don’t Take Work With You

The whole point of a holiday is to get away from work—agreed? This being said, many people choose to use the time they have off to ‘catch up’ on work from the office or spend time stewing about what’s been going on at work. DO NOT DO THIS. The minute it hits 5:30pm on your last day before the holiday, leave your work, and all the emotions that come with it, on the desk. It’ll be there when you get back, and you don’t need it hanging around your neck, dragging you down while you’re trying to get a tan.

Be Open

Being open to new experiences yields a lot of rewards, so make sure you don’t head off all closed up and judgmental. Chat to that couple on the beach, make friends with the locals, chat to people at the markets and spend time getting to know your surroundings. The world is full of beautiful people and experiences, but you have to be ready to accept them into your life, if only for a short time.

Be Sensible

If you really want to have a relaxing time away, don’t wear yourself into the ground so much that you need a holiday to recover from the holiday! We’re all for blowing off some steam at the pub and having some fun and indulgence, but if relaxation is what you’re looking for, don’t spend all day every day drinking and partying. It will take its toll on your body and you will regret not having taken better care of yourself once you’re back at work! Be sensible when it comes to partying, and try and inject a bit of balance into your trip.

Whether you’re in a hotel in Malaysia or poolside in the Whitsundays, all that matters is that you take steps to look after your mind and body. Do this, and you’ll come back rested, relaxed and ready for life.

Besides offering a car of your choice a rental company also offers useful products like global positioning system (GPS). There is an in-car GPS facility in most rental cars or are provided by the companies for a very nominal fee. This tracking system greatly helps in saving time during travel. People looking for cheap car hire, rent a car which provides the maximum amenities at a low cost. Customers generally need to be specific about their requirement for a GPS at the time of reservation itself.

While on vacation this is the safest and the most useful tool to have in a rental car. It fully justifies its cost when compared to the benefit it offers to the traveler. The foremost advantage of having a GPS is that it does not let you get lost. There are various other benefits of a GPS device like it helps in finding the cheapest gas at the nearest possible location or all the gas stations offering the best deal for gas on the way to your destination. All the destinations that one prefers to go to can easily be pre-programmed in the GPS and find all the route option leading to those destinations.  GPS proves to be of great help in finding your car in a big parking area of an amusement park or tourist spots.

Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

Accomodation: Phi Phi Viewpoint Resort in Krabi, Thailand

To make reservations: call (66 75) 622351 or visit www.phiphiviewpoint.com

Ko Phi Phi is known for its beautiful beaches and active nightlife. Eager to experience it for ourselves, we decided to spend two nights there to see what all the hype is about. We arrived at the island on a big boat from Phuket. One of the locals was friendly enough to point us in the direction of our hotel, the Phi Phi Viewpoint Resort. The resort was a little out of the way of the main drag of the town. It took about a 15 minute walk through town and up a few hills until we arrived at the resort. We were led to our room, which was a beautiful one room house with a big balcony that had a complete view of the island from its position on a hill.  They provided a refrigerator and bottled water. Be warned though, that there is no hot water for the showers here. Its location being out of the way from the main part of town was appealing, but we learned that night that the music from all the bars could be heard very clearly because the sound traveled easily up to our spot. The staff at the front desk were extremely friendly and helpful. They were always willing to give us recommendations of where to go that day or give us first aid treatment when our sandals had given us blisters from walking. We went in high season when the price was 2000 baht ($64 USD) per night, which is higher than at other times of the year.

Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

We found our way to a restaurant along the beach for lunch, and we were surprised when many of the restaurants had very few people in it. We later learned that many people seemed to emerge as the sun got lower in the sky. Many people in their twenties and thirties accumulate in the bars and it creates a culture where you can sit and drink and get to know people from other countries. There is no shortage of places to eat, many offering standard Thai dishes and Western fare. Restaurants to be avoided are the ones that sit near the open sewage systems. Later that afternoon we lay on the beach soaking in the sun as the clouds rolled in. It seems that almost every day it would rain for a short time, but then the weather would clear up. The temperature always remained pleasant, and the rain wasn't really a bother for us. We later got Thai massages at one of the many shops advertising them.

The next morning we woke up early and set out for a half day snorkeling trip, which cost 300 Baht ($10 USD). A long tail boat full of 8 or so people made several stops, the first of which was Monkey Island. A small beach not far from the main part of the island was full of monkeys seemingly there purely for the enjoyment of tourists like us. We had to be sure to take our bags out of the boat as a couple bold monkeys jumped in and stole one man's bottle of juice. The next stop was in Ko Phi Phi Le, a beautiful cove surrounded by jutting rock cliffs with crystal clear water. We dove in and swam around for a short time before getting back into the boat for our next stop. We stopped off in another cove and were given snorkel gear. The boat driver threw food into the water as colorful, tropical fish swarmed all around us. The rest of the trip was spent at the famous beach where the movie The Beach was filmed. I would highly recommend taking a day trip like this one.

            The rest of the day we spent exploring the island. We took a short walk across the island through a short stretch of jungle to Long Beach. To get some rest, we stopped off in some sports bars and watched soccer over a cold beer. Here we struck up conversations with foreigners from Australia and Europe. That night we had dinner and relaxed with a glass of wine on the beach. An average meal cost about 150 Baht  and cocktails were about 100 Baht. The next morning we took a ferry boat from Ko Phi Phi to the mainland to our next stop, Railay. All in all, I am very glad we saw Ko Phi Phi, but two nights was more than enough to see the whole thing. While we definitely enjoyed our stay, this destination is best suited for someone who is more interested in the bar scene instead of relaxing and soaking in the beauty of Thailand.

Check out my photos of Thailand under My Photos.

Pune, Maharashtra, India

Accommodation: Samrat Hotel in Pune

To make reservations: No direct website, phone: 26137964 (+91 country code, 020 city code)

Samrat Hotel will remind you of any midrange hotel in the United States, as you can see in the pictures. For 2500 rupees, it's a good price for the level of accommodation and hotel service. The manager kindly helped us arrange a vehicle and driver to take us to our destination the following day. Our room was clean and came with a large flat screen TV and comfortable chairs to sit in. With hot water, a great restaurant in house, a laundry service, and complimentary Indian breakfast, Samrat Hotel is worth the price. I work for a non-profit a few hundred kilometers from Pune, and our staff stays has been staying at Samrat Hotel for the last decade, if that says anything about its quality and prices. If you're traveling by bus or train, it's also a stone's throw from the main Pune bus and train station.

What I did in Pune, India

Pune is known as a fantastic place to live because it's green, Maharashtra's capital of culture and education, and has a growing economy. Many people are moving here, increasing the prices and the traffic, but so far, it's still a beautiful city to visit. There are lots of parks to visit and Western-style shopping malls, if that's your thing. Perhaps the most popular attraction is the Osho Meditation Center, which is an increasingly (and controversially) commercialized ashram. Each year thousands of Westerners and Indians come to meditate, do yoga, learn about the Osho, and experience "Eastern" spirituality. The reason it's controversial is because of how Western and money-driven it has become in recent years. The place will suck a lot of money out of you if you're not careful, but, depending on who you are, that may be very worth it to you. There is a bizarre history to the Osho himself (who passed away in 1991) which is absolutely worth learning if you're in Pune. I looked into staying at the Osho Medication Center Guesthouse, but it was very expensive compared to other places in the area.

The best thing to do in Pune, in my opinion, is eat. Whether you're shopping on Mahatma Gandhi ("MG") Road and want a sizzling plate of meat and a beer from The Sizzler or you're all cleaned up from a jog in the safe neighborhoods of Koregaon Park and want some fine-dining Southeast Asian fare, you're never far from delicious food.  My favorite meal was from Malaka Spice in Koregaon Park, a fancy outdoor restaurant with a menu of several hundred (yes, hundred) items. We had stuffed mushrooms from the Philippines, Malaysian swordfish skewers, and an Indian masala chicken dish. It's not cheap, but it's the best meal you'll have. There is a large night scene in Koregaon Park, the hippest part of the city, and public transportation is easy to navigate.

Mumbai, India

Accommodation: Hotel Lawrence in Fort, Mumbai

To make reservations: No website, call 22843618 (+91 country code, 022 city code).

I've stayed at Hotel Lawrence half a dozen times over the last year, and I've always enjoyed it. There are only 9 rooms, and the staff is incredibly nice. While traveling alone, I invited the owner to dinner twice, and each time he dropped what he was doing and joined me. He was a great man who, over an excellent seafood meal, told me about his life and about Mumbai. Single rooms at 700 Rupees, Doubles 800 Rupees, and Triples 1000 Rupees. There are some things to know beforehand to make your stay as comfortable as possible: bring your own toilet paper, your own bed sheet (clothing, towels, or sleeping bag liners work great), and, depending on the day of the week and which direction your room faces, earplugs if you go to bed before 1 or 2 am. They provide drinking water, breakfast and tea, and all the help you could want. The bathrooms are not attached to the rooms, but there is warm water (which you won't need in humid Mumbai) and privacy. The location can't really be beaten if you want to be in the more touristy section of town. On the border between Colaba and Fort, Hotel Lawrence is close to some of the best restaurants and sights in Mumbai's popular south side.

What I did in Mumbai

No one has been able to adequately summarize India's biggest city, but I'll do my best. The Colaba, Fort, and Churchgate areas on the south peninsula are most popular among Western (and Eastern) travelers. There is no shortage of great cafés, restaurants of all kinds (seafood, Italian, Arab, Indian, delis), and streetside shopping. Leopold's Café and Bar in Colaba is where you will find the most Westerners eating and drinking. I recommend branching out to the local restaurants, although Leopold's is one of the only place open for coffee and breakfast before 9:00am. Café Mondegar is better than Leopold's for a sit down meal with great service, and it's only a few blocks away. For an awesome meal streetside in Mumbai, check out Bademiya in Colaba – a safe street stall serving kebabs. It closes during the middle of the day, but there are plenty of delicious (and cheap) backup meals nearby. You're never more than a minute or two from a place to eat in Colaba, Fort, and Churchgate.

You can't go to the south side of Mumbai and not see the Gate of India, where hundreds of people go to enjoy the open air and people-watching, and the famous Taj hotel, arguably the nicest hotel in India. From the Gate of India, take a boat to Elephant Island. It's about 1 hour, and for about 250 Rupees you get to see a huge chunk of Mumbai's harbor and skyline from the water. Once on the island, you will be tempted with lots of Indian trinkets and snack foods as you walk the half mile up the hill. At the top, for 500 Rupees you can see a number of caves that have been carved into Hindu sculptures. In my opinion, it was way overpriced and the caves were nothing too special. I would possibly pay again for the view of the water below and to see the monkeys running around everywhere. There are a ton of better caves in India, so if you're on a tighter budget, I'd skip the caves and still hike up the hill and grab a Coke and watch the boats go by. The best part of going to Elephant Island, in my opinion, is the boat ride there and back. Back on the main land, you can walk the long, beautiful, exciting boardwalk known as Marine Drive from the south peninsula up to downtown. Or you can walk to the Oval Park in Fort and watch everyone from children to professionals play cricket on the red clay in the shadows of palm trees and beautiful British-style university buildings.

My last (and strongest) recommendation for visiting Mumbai is to get out of the touristy part of town and head to Dharavi. I took the train (25 rupees round trip) from Churchgate to Mahim (about 30 minutes) – the trains can be hectic and exciting. Women should probably not travel alone (although there are women-only cars), but I enjoyed watching the city fly by and feeling like a Mumbai resident. Dharavi is the largest slum in Asia, with about a million people in 1.75 square kilometers. It sounds intimidating, but I haven't found a more communal, engaging place in my 6 months in India. I spent a few hours walking the streets of outer Dharavi (just across from the Mahim train station) with one other person, and we had a blast. No one asked us for money, countless children involved us in their games, and shopkeepers called us over to talk and offer us tea. If you go, keep your cameras in your bag and simply open your eyes to what is going on. I wish I could have spent more time there, because there are undoubtedly countless cultural lessons and truths to learn from Dharavi. Yes, it's a slum, and yes, there is massive poverty and divisions I ignorantly couldn't decipher right away, but it's a hopeful, colorful, engaging place where people (at least the ones we met) are friendly and joyful.  I highly recommend spending some time in Dharavi. You won't forget it. I just walked there by ourselves and kept a good idea of where I walked, because it can become a maze (people are helpful if you get lost). You'll find organized (and unorganized for that matter) tourism to be a controversial subject, so it might not be for everyone, but if you'd rather have an organized group, there are socially-responsible tours offered by Reality Tours. I'd say just go to Dharavi, walk and shop around, meet people, and keep an open mind. I think your preconceived notions of Mumbai slum life will be challenged for the better. 

This is a short video in which I give some ideas for budget travel from my 20 years of traveling...

My latest short movie is a wild ride around the world. Part 1: Skiing, Part 2: Mountain biking, Part 3: Random exploring, to the Himalaya mountains, Great Pyramids, Cappadocia, Turkey, Greek isles, an idyllic beach in the Philippines, and lots more. The skiing and mountain biking parts feature a few ridiculous screw-ups of mine, such as when I flew over the handlebars on my bike (good thing this was at the beach!) Featuring the music of Agent Orange, Red Nex (cool techno banjo music), Phish, the Verve and more...