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Time lapse – A day in Ljubljana: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-29T23:12:00.001-08:00

Time lapse – A day in Ljubljana: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

Posted: 29 Jan 2012 04:31 AM PST

Time lapse – A day in the city from Pavel Gregorič.

We made allmost a half of million pictures with Canon EOS 5d Mark II and EOS 7D.

Location; Ljubljana, Slovenia
Time; July – December 2011
Lenses; Canon 28-105 mm, Canon 16-35 mm, Canon 18-135 mm, Sigma 120-400 mm
carniolus production

Time lapse – A day in Ljubljana from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Weekly Photo: St. Stephen’s Basilica

2012-01-29T17:19:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Weekly Photo: St. Stephen’s Basilica

The Weekly Photo: St. Stephen’s Basilica

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 04:39 AM PST

The inside of St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, Hungary

Thomson Holidays Discount Voucher Code – Jan 2012: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-28T23:12:00.001-08:00

Thomson Holidays Discount Voucher Code – Jan 2012: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

Thomson Holidays Discount Voucher Code – Jan 2012

Posted: 28 Jan 2012 03:58 AM PST

Thomson Holidays are offering a £40 promo code on all summer 2012 holidays.

Discount Code Details:
Use discount code 25118
Valid form 27th Jan – 31st Jan 2012
Minimum spend £1,000 per booking

Thomson Holidays Discount Voucher Code – Jan 2012

Travel Deals: Thomson

Thomson Holidays Discount Voucher Code – Jan 2012 from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Alterações na Política de Privacidade e nos Termos de Serviço do Google

2012-01-28T22:19:00.001-08:00

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Caro usuário do Google, Estamos substituindo mais de 60 políticas de privacidade diferentes do Google por uma política mais concisa e fácil de ler. A nova política abrange vários produtos e recursos, refletindo nosso objetivo de criar uma experiência extremamente simples e intuitiva em todos os produtos do Google. Isto é importante. Assim, dedique alguns minutos para ler as versões atualizadas da nossa Política de Privacidade e dos nossos Termos de Serviço em http://www.google.com/policies. Estas mudanças entrarão em vigor no dia 1º de março de 2012.
Uma política, uma experiência no Google

Fácil de trabalhar em vários produtos Nossa nova política reflete nosso desejo de criar uma experiência de produto simples, que ofereça o que você precisar, quando você quiser. Seja ao ler um e-mail que o faça lembrar de marcar um encontro familiar ou encontrar um vídeo favorito que você queira compartilhar, queremos que você possa utilizar com facilidade o Gmail, o Google Agenda, a ferramenta de pesquisa, o YouTube ou o que mais você quiser.	Sob medida para você Se você fizer login no Google, podemos sugerir consultas de pesquisa ou adequar os resultados da pesquisa de acordo com os interesses que você expressou no Google+, Gmail e YouTube. Assim, poderemos compreender melhor qual versão do Pink ou Jaguar você está pesquisando e oferecer esses resultados com mais rapidez.	Compartilhar e colaborar é fácil Ao postar ou criar um documento on-line, é provável que você queira que outras pessoas o vejam e contribuam. Ao lembrar as informações de contato das pessoas com quem você deseja compartilhar, facilitamos seu compartilhamento em qualquer produto ou serviço do Google com o mínimo de cliques e erros.

A proteção de sua privacidade não mudou. Nosso objetivo é fornecer a você o máximo de transparência e de escolha possível, por meio de produtos como Google Dashboard e Gerenciador de preferências de anúncios entre outras ferramentas. Nossos princípios de privacidade permanecem os mesmos. Ainda, nunca venderemos nem compartilharemos suas informações profissionais sem sua permissão (a não ser em raras circunstâncias, como solicitações legais legítimas).	Alguma dúvida? Temos a resposta. Visite nossas Perguntas frequentes em http://www.google.com/policies/faq para saber mais sobre estas mudanças. (Imaginamos que nossos usuários podem ter uma pergunta ou vinte e duas.)

Aviso de alteração A nova Política de Privacidade e os novos Termos de Serviço do entrarão em vigor em 1º de março de 2012. Se optar por continuar usando o Google assim que a alteração ocorrer, você fará isso de acordo com a nova Política de Privacidade e os Termos de Serviço. Não responda a este e-mail. Respostas enviadas para este endereço não serão respondidas. Nunca insira sua senha após abrir um link que aponte para um site não confiável. Em vez disso, acesse diretamente o site, como mail.google.com ou www.google.com/accounts. O Google nunca mandará um e-mail pedindo sua senha ou outra informação confidencial.

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

2012-01-28T11:16:00.001-08:00

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

Of Drought and Flooding Rains (Bourke, Australia)

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 04:34 PM PST

For several decades, Bourke (and most towns far around) have been protected from flooding waters by giant levee banks. Like comforting blankets, these raised banks track the river through Bourke and sweep around its outskirts. Life-giving flood waters revitalise parched soils and rivers, slowly creep down across the flat lands from the north but no longer inundate the town centres. The waters...

Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Unusual Place of the Month: Mini Holland

2012-01-27T17:21:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Unusual Place of the Month: Mini Holland

Unusual Place of the Month: Mini Holland

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 07:02 AM PST

As if Holland wasn't small enough to travel around, if you are really pressed for time, you can visit the whole country all in one day by visiting Madurodam. Madurodam is a miniature "city" located just outside The Hague, Netherlands.

Madurodam is a scale model of the country and all the attractions and geographical features that make Holland famous. You can see the canals of Amsterdam, the Red Light district, Rotterdam harbor, Maastricht, Utrecht, the dikes that made Holland famous, castles, government buildings, and windmills. Madurodam even has an airport, beaches, little cars, tin people, and trains running through it. In fact, there's pretty much a scale version (built to a scale of 1:25) of anything of importance or shows the daily life of the country.

There is even a mayor. In 1952, the teenaged Princess Beatrix was appointed mayor of Madurodam. Today, the mayor is elected by a youth council consisting of 25 students from schools in the region.

This major Dutch tourist attraction (it sees millions of visitors per year) was first built in 1952. It was named after George Maduro, a Jewish law student who fought as a member of the Dutch resistance and died at Dachau concentration camp in 1945. His parents donated the money to start the Madurodam project and since then it has just grown.

Thirty five people build and maintain the city. Every year one or two new buildings are added, while older ones get taken away.

I visited Madurodam with Guido from Happy Hotelier. I had heard about the city on a previous trip to The Netherlands and Guido, who lives in The Hague, agreed to indulge my inner child and take me. (Knowing someone with a car is wonderful.) Arriving there, I expected this amazing Legoland version of the country and, though I didn't find that, I thought the "town" was still pretty interesting to wander around. The detail on the buildings is exquisite and they really put a lot of work into the smallest details. At night, 50,000 miniature light bulbs light up the city.

If you take photos at the right angles, the buildings can fill the frame enough to look like the real thing and you can pretend you actually visited the place. Mostly, I liked watching the airplanes "take off" from the Schiphol Airport, though the décor inside is a bit dated from the 70s. I just wanted to run on the tarmac and play with the planes like an eight year old boy.

Madurodam is open all year round. It is open from 9am to 9pm and tickets cost €12,50 for adults; children are €9, and adults aged 65 cost €11,50. You can get here by car or take the tram from The Hague Central Station. It is tram 9 or bus 22 in the direction of Scheveningen.

I wouldn't make the half day journey from Amsterdam to see this site. It was interesting but to eat up a whole day for this? I’m not sure it was that interesting. But if you are looking for something a bit more off beat in a country where you end up seeing lots of canals, historic buildings, and art museums, make your way out here when you get to The Hague.

©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Human skulls, Killing Fields – Cambodia: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-26T23:10:00.001-08:00

Human skulls, Killing Fields – Cambodia: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

Human skulls, Killing Fields – Cambodia

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 07:39 PM PST

Location: Killing Fields – Cambodia
Photo: Human Skulls

Human skulls, remains of the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, near Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Human skulls, Killing Fields – Cambodia from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

My Disney Blog

2012-01-26T17:25:00.001-08:00

My Disney Blog

Disney Receives 13 Oscars Overall but Doesn't have a Wonderful Run

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 03:50 PM PST

: Walt Disney received a special Oscar for Snow White.

Once again this is the DisneyApprentice, I am here with some great news. We recently switched URL's and names and are now officially called Disney Dose, the reason for the change was to allow for other writers to join, and not have it under a name that I had as a writer. I will sitll be keeping the name DisneyApprentice, but that will just be the name under which I write.

Yesterday the Academy released the Oscar nominations, giving Disney only two nominations for their own productions, but thirteen total including their distributed films.

Disney's only real nomination this year was for the incredible song from the Muppets Bret McKenzie's "Man or Muppet." The song features Jason Segel, his Muppet persona, his Muppet brother Walter, and a human version of Walter, played in a cameo appearance by Jim Parsons, made famous by his leading role in "Big Bang Theory". This year their is only one other song in the category "Real in Rio" from "Rio." Everyone on the web, Disney, and the creators behind the Muppet movie are all hoping for a surprise performance by the Muppets during the Oscars.

The reason I said that the only true nomination for Disney was for the song was because

Valentine’s Day Sale: 10% Off a B&B Gift Card + Free Godiva Chocolates: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-25T23:26:00.001-08:00

Valentine’s Day Sale: 10% Off a B&B Gift Card + Free Godiva Chocolates: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

Valentine’s Day Sale: 10% Off a B&B Gift Card + Free Godiva Chocolates

Posted: 25 Jan 2012 06:53 PM PST

Valentine’s Day Gift Card Sale
* Promo code: BBLOVE10
* $200 minimum purchase
* Get a 10% discount + Godiva Chocolates
* Expires on February 14, 2012

Valentine’s Day Sale: 10% Off a B&B Gift Card + Free Godiva Chocolates

Travel Deals: BedandBreakfast.com

Valentine’s Day Sale: 10% Off a B&B Gift Card + Free Godiva Chocolates from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Has My Advice Helped You? I Want to Know!

2012-01-25T17:19:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Has My Advice Helped You? I Want to Know!

Has My Advice Helped You? I Want to Know!

Posted: 25 Jan 2012 09:38 AM PST

I need your help. Over the last four years I've produced over 1,000 pages on this website, which I can only assume have been helpful to people since my Google Analytics tell me I get return visitors and I don't think my parents can hit refresh that many times!

So as I dot the I's and cross the T's on my book, I would like to include you in it.

If you have used this website and it has helped you to travel better and cheaper, I would like a quote from you about how my website had helped you.

If you have used any of the companies I've recommended in this book (tour companies, hostels, backpacks, booking sites, etc.), and liked them as much as I have, I would like to hear from you.

I'm going to create a section in the book quoting readers who have used any of my advice to improve their travels and I really hope that is you!

If you send me your thoughts, you’ll get a credit in the book for contributing. If you have a website, I will list your website too.

If you are interested in providing me a quote (and I really, really hope you are), e-mail me at:

nomadicmatt@nomadicmatt.com

Please title your e-mail "Nomadic Matt Book Quote"

I don’t often ask for things from you all but if you have used my website, it would mean the world to me to get a quote from you. I will be forever grateful.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

- Matt

P.S. – Penguin Books requires you to sign a release giving me permission me use your quote in the book. Apparently, it’s a legal thing.

©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

2012-01-25T11:48:00.001-08:00

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

Photo of the Week: Red-Tailed Cockatoos in Silhouette (Bourke, Australia)

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 08:45 PM PST

A favourite photo (click on it to enlarge), mildly in the style of moving picture pioneer Eadweard Muybridge, showing three magnificent red-tailed cockatoos each in different aspects of their flight. The explosion of scarlet tucked under their tail can be seen on the front bird and a superb sight when viewing a flock from below.

Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

Scuba Diving in Kefalonia: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-24T23:36:00.001-08:00

Scuba Diving in Kefalonia: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

Scuba Diving in Kefalonia

Posted: 24 Jan 2012 04:51 PM PST

If you plan on taking a holiday that involves scuba diving, then there is no better place to go than Kefalonia. While diving here is incredible, it's also important to keep in mind that Kefalonia has some of the best beaches in the entire world too! People literally travel halfway across the world just to take advantage of these beaches. However, sitting on a beach for an extended period of time can become boring for some. Granted, there are water sports available at most beaches, but if you're the type of person who wants to explore and you have an adventurous nature, then you're going to love the scuba diving in Kefalonia.

Once you have made all your arrangements for you Kefalonia villa holiday, your next step should be to research the diving companies that are available in the area. Since it's likely that this is a step you'd rather not take when planning a vacation, we have done the research for you. The first place to look is at Aquatic World. They have been around for 14 years and their divers have a lot of experience. They're also very good at mixing safety instruction with fun. As far as the dives go, they have their own little area, but they will also tour the island with you. You might see a 4-foot turtle, a shipwreck, a large jellyfish, amazing rock formations with flora, a barracuda, crayfish, perch and more. Every dive trip brings new surprises. If you do a little homework on Aquatic World and you're not happy with what you find for some reason, then consider Fiscardo Diving Center instead. Giannis Chrysafis is the head dive instructor and he's the most professional diver you're going to find on the island.

Regardless of which dive company you choose to go with, you should have a choice between Open Water Diving, Advanced Diving and Dive Master. Further course possibilities include cave diving, wreck diving, night diving, underwater navigation, underwater photography and more. There's a good chance that even if you have been scuba diving before, you hadn't even thought of at least one of those types of courses in the past. For instance, how neat would it be to learn how to cave dive? You would venture where few people have ventured before. The same applies for wreck diving. As far as night diving goes, you're going to see a completely different underwater world compared to the daytime. When it comes to underwater photography, this is something only a few people know how to do.

Another important note for your Kefalonia villa holiday is that it's best to visit in the summer months. You might think it would be too crowded, but dive groups never run into each other on Kefalonia. Everything is very organized. Simply make your reservations and enjoy a unique and memorable experience.

Scuba Diving in Kefalonia from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Hello from the bottom of the world: Antarctica!

2012-01-24T03:45:00.001-08:00

Dear confucio,

Greetings from the M/S Expedition located off the shore of the Elephant Island on the Antarctic Peninsula!

I am sending this via a satellite internet connection which is available on the ship. It is slow, but it works.

I'm guessing for many of you, this will probably be the only email you ever get from Antarctica! :)

I've been on board the M/S Expedition for two weeks now exploring the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island. We've seen countless penguins, seabirds and seals. We've hiked the last segment in Sir Ernest Shackleton's rescue mission for his crew in 1922. We visited the old whaling station of Gyrtvinik in South Georgia. Now we are spending our final week of the trip in the Antarctic peninsula.

This has one of the most incredible things I've done in my almost 5-years of traveling around the world. Being able to visit some of these remote islands and to visit my seventh and last continent has been a real joy.

I arrive back in Ushuaia, Argentina on January 30 where I'll only have a few hours before I take off for Belize, where I'll be spending most of February working and relaxing.

I will be sharing some amazing photos and incredible stories once I get back to civilization.

Keep traveling,

Gary

New at the Website

Announcing the Winner of the May Photography Tour from G Adventures

We have a winner! Grace Correia of Hamilton, Ontario, has a spot on the Everything-Everywhere photography tour in May with G Adventures. She, and the other tour participants, will be receiving hands-on photography instruction, an awesome swag bag of cool stuff and two weeks of experiences they'll never forget.

Don't worry, you can still join her. There are still a few spots open if you don't delay. For more details on the tour, click here.

Photo Essay: Hot Air Ballooning Over Lake Tahoe

Last August I had the pleasure of visiting Lake Tahoe to view a commercial shoot for Hotels.com. While I was there I had the chance to go hot air ballooning over Lake Tahoe with Lake Tahoe Balloons. They are the only hot air ballooning company in the world that does takeoffs and landings on the water. It was a great morning with some of the best views you'll ever see from a balloon. [Read more...]

The Most Popular Posts and Pictures of 2011

While Gary is on the way to Antarctica he is at the mercy of very slow internet. Since it is difficult for him to post, I thought I'd take this opportunity to look back at the posts and daily photos from last year that received the most traffic. Is your favorite from 2011 on the list? - Amy the Assistant
[Read more...]

Preparing for Antarctica

Going on the M/S Expedition to Antarctica will probably be the biggest adventure of my five years of traveling. It will easily be the furthest south I've traveled (previously Invercargill, New Zealand), it will probably be the most remote location I've ever been (depending on how you define remote), and it will be the longest trip I've taken by ship in the roughest seas I've ever been on. It will also be my seventh and final continent to visit. [Read more...]

Daily Travel Photos

Jan. 19, 2012 Benidorm, Spain	Jan. 18, 2012 South Africa	Jan. 17, 2012 Alexandria, Egypt	Jan. 16, 2012 Puerto Rico	Jan. 15, 2012 Netherlands
Jan. 14, 2012 Conwy, Wales	Jan. 13, 2012 Benidorm, Spain	Jan. 12, 2012 Tennessee	Jan. 11, 2012 Muscat, Oman	Jan. 10, 2012 California
Jan. 9, 2012 Yukon, Canada	Jan. 8, 2012 Israel	Jan. 7, 2012 Yukon, Canada	Jan. 6, 2012 Australia	Jan. 5, 2012 Lake Tahoe, NV

This Week In Travel: Episode 105

This week's guest is Spud Hilton, travel editor of the San Francisco Chronicle.

This Week's News

Canadian man forgets his passport, uses scan on his iPad to enter U.S.
'Spa' ban threatens Maldives tourism
What U.S. city has the most vain residents?
Tourists banned from Dutch pot cafes?
Airline pilot startled by flying shark
SATW annual meeting recap

Picks of the week

Gary - Borrowlenses.com
Jen - The Man Within My Head by Pico Iyre, ewallet password storage
Chris - Hobbiton Set in New Zealand
Spud - glif iPhone holder

[Hear it now...]

World Heritage Site of the Week

UNESCO World Heritage Site #18: Shrines and Temples of Nikko

From the World Heritage Inscription: "The shrines and temples of Nikko, together with their natural surroundings, have for centuries been a sacred site known for its architectural and decorative masterpieces. They are closely associated with the history of the Tokugawa Shoguns."

Nikko is a day trip from Tokyo. About two hours away by train, half the trip is via shinkasen (bullet train) and the other half is via a smaller commuter train. Nikko is a small town located in the mountains and surrounded with cedar forests. Nikko is a collection of Shinto and Buddhist temples built from the 16th to 19th century.

You can walk from the train station to the temple area (I did it) but it will take about 30 minutes and the walk is mostly uphill. There are taxis and buses which can drive you to the temple site. Nikko is world famous for a small wood carving on one of the temples: the see no evil, hear no evil, and see no evil monkeys. While I was there, I saw everyone lined up to get their photos taken in front of the same building acting goofy. I had no idea what was going on. I saw the carving, and together with all the mentions of the monkeys in the stores in town, I figured it out.

Visiting Nikko from Tokyo takes a full day, but it is probably the best example of traditional shrines and temples you can see within easy traveling distance from the city.

Everything-Everywhere.com
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Hortonville, WI 54944
Usa

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WiFi in top hotels: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-23T23:05:00.001-08:00

WiFi in top hotels: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

WiFi in top hotels

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 04:50 PM PST

When booking a hotel WiFi is a top consideration for many people. In addition to having WiFi in the hotel, whether it is free is another factor that needs to be considered. This infographic shoes which hotel groups offer WiFi, and if it is free, Pay, or a mix of both.

WiFi in top hotels

This infographic is brought to you by the Baltic Travel Company.

WiFi in top hotels from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Feeling Lost: My Fork in the Road

2012-01-23T17:07:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Feeling Lost: My Fork in the Road

Feeling Lost: My Fork in the Road

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 08:04 AM PST

With the end of my trip coming hard and fast, I'm at a crossroads. As I prepare to move on to the next stage of my life, two roads lay ahead of me and I'm not sure which one to take. I've always had this dream of living in Europe. I’ve traveled Europe a lot but I want to live in one place, learn the language, and experience European life as a local, not a tourist. I've always envisioned myself living in Paris, enjoying cheese, wine, smoked-filled cafes, and strolling down cobblestone streets at night with pretty French girls. But I think the life I imagine in Paris is the one I've seen overly romanticized in the movies I too often see. The Paris of the silver screen is different from the Paris of everyday life.

As I've come to that realization, the other city that most appeals to me in Europe is Stockholm. Paris pulls me with its mystique but really, Stockholm is more a realistic option. I have many friends there, the city is one of my favorite in the world, and I love and want to learn the language. (Plus, Swedish girls aren't too bad on the eyes either!) The thought of living there over the spring and summer really excites me. Sweden in the summer is bursting with life and energy. After all, they don’t get a lot of nice weather up there so when they do, the Swedes take full advantage of it.

But the fork in my road is not between Paris and Stockholm. It's between Stockholm and New York City. Or as my friend Jason has told me, it's a choice between a veiled attempt at extending my trip and coming to terms with finally settling down.

And, in a way, he is right.

My soul burns for the Big Apple. There's not a day that goes by where I don't think about it. When people ask me where I call home, New York bursts out of my mouth without thinking. There's nothing I don't love about New York City. Seeing status updates from my friends and events I'm unable to attend makes me homesick for it even more. As I write this now, I can't help but feel sad not being there. I belong there and when all my journeys do end, it is there I will reside.

But you don't get do-overs in life. Opportunity knocks once. Doors open and close all the time but when a door closes, it locks itself. As Robert Frost once wrote in the The Road Not Taken, "Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back." Once you go down a path, there is no turning back.

If I move to NYC and skip Stockholm, will I ever get another chance to live in Europe as a (semi) young, carefree guy? Will I end up settling down, finding a girlfriend, putting down roots and then missing my chance to, just for a bit, be wild and carefree in Europe? Will I regret the missed opportunity?

Or will I move to Stockholm and hate it? Will I long for New York while I am there? Will I resist putting down some roots because I know Stockholm wouldn’t be forever? And would that become a self-fulling prophecy where it’s not forever because I resist making it that way?

As the clock ticks down to zero, I wonder if I'm really just trying to prolong my trip. Maybe I just want to be Peter Pan forever. When I go out, I see young backpackers, wild and carefree, and I think to myself, "Can't I just stay in this world a little longer? Just one more month won't hurt."

After all, when my book comes out next year, I'll have to come back to America anyway. Stockholm would just be temporary. Is spending 6 months in Sweden just a way for me to spend another 6 months living out of my backpack, trying to be Peter Pan a little longer?

I know I want roots. I want to have a gym. I want friends to call. I want restaurants where I can become a regular. I want the local hangout.

But as the end nears, I'm afraid. Travel is all I know. It's part of who I am. I haven’t settled in one place since I started traveling. Even when I stop for awhile, I always know I’ll be moving on again. While I'll never stop traveling, I'm worried I won't deal well with being settled in one place and having roots.

Maybe Stockholm is my "bridge" from traveler to semi-nomadic.

I had hoped that as I wrote this article, I might come to some conclusion. I've agonized over this post for weeks but as I write this, I've realized I'm just as lost, unsure, and confused as ever. Writing out my thoughts and feelings didn't help to decide which road I want to wander down.

As I weigh both options, I want them both. I wish I could create a clone!

But I know how way leads to way, there's only one road I can take.

As January rolls into February and February rolls into my flight home, I'll have to decide soon which road I want. I just haven’t figured out which road that is yet. I guess I’ll just stare out at the fork in the road a little longer, waiting for a sign.

©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

2012-01-23T11:27:00.001-08:00

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

Must Visit Sights of Edinburgh (Scotland)

Posted: 22 Jan 2012 06:47 PM PST

guest post by Joe Griffiths There's nothing worse than arriving in an exciting new city when time's at a premium and not knowing which places of interest are worth visiting and which are well worth steering clear of. With that in mind, here's a brief guide to Edinburgh's best sites and it's also worth noting that hotels in Edinburgh are in a plentiful supply. Edinburgh Castle Perched above...

Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

easyJet holidays: £20 off couples weekend breaks and holidays in Feb: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

easyJet holidays: £20 off couples weekend breaks and holidays in Feb: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

easyJet holidays: £20 off couples weekend breaks and holidays in Feb

Posted: 22 Jan 2012 03:36 PM PST

easyJet holidays have a new Valentine’s voucher code for holidays for couples:

Code: VALENTINE
Discount: £20 off couples weekend breaks and holidays in Feb.
Valid: 19 Jan 2012 – 29 Feb 2012

Terms: £20 off minimum 2 people staying 2 or more nights travelling from the 19 Jan 2012 to the 29 Feb 2012. Bookings must be made online via holidays.easyjet.com. Not including £100 holiday promotion.

easyJet holidays: £20 off couples weekend breaks and holidays in Feb

Travel Deals: easyJet Holidays

easyJet holidays: £20 off couples weekend breaks and holidays in Feb from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Weekly Photo: The Secluded Beach

2012-01-22T17:17:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Weekly Photo: The Secluded Beach

The Weekly Photo: The Secluded Beach

Posted: 22 Jan 2012 05:42 AM PST

A secluded beach in the Buccaneer Archipelago of Western Australia

©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Traffic in Frenetic HCMC, Vietnam: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-21T23:20:00.001-08:00

Traffic in Frenetic HCMC, Vietnam: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

Traffic in Frenetic HCMC, Vietnam

Posted: 21 Jan 2012 06:28 AM PST

Traffic in Frenetic HCMC, Vietnam from Rob Whitworth.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is an amazing up and coming city. This time lapse is a culmination of 10,000 RAW images and multiple shoots capturing some of the cities relentless energy and pace of change.

Everyone who has visited Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam knows part of the magic (love it or hate it) is in the traffic. Ever since I first set foot in HCMC I have been captivated by the cities energy. Saigon is a city on the move unlike anything I have experienced before which I wanted to capture and share.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the film and thanks also to the numerous kind people who allowed me access to some amazing locations.

Soundtrack to the video is the energetic Mondo’77 by Looper.

Traffic in Frenetic HCMC, Vietnam from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

The Top 10 U.S. Theme Parks: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-20T23:13:00.001-08:00

The Top 10 U.S. Theme Parks: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

The Top 10 U.S. Theme Parks

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 07:26 PM PST

Theme parks in the U.S. have become a favorite vacation destination as amusement parks are an affordable way to spend a day or even a week experiencing exciting rides, eating delicious food and watching the delight expressed by your children when they meet beloved characters. The top 10 theme parks include:

LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND is perfect for you and your kids. The park offers over 50 different rides, attractions and shows geared toward younger children. Additionally, Los Angeles accommodation options are vast and you'll be able to locate lodgings within your budget.

Knoebels Amusement Resort
Located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, Knoebels has been in the business of entertaining people since its humble beginning in 1926. The theme park has evolved into a beloved destination that calls itself "America's Largest Free Admission Park." Instead of charging you to enter the grounds you can pay per ride or you can purchase an all-day pass.

Six Flags Great America
The Gurnee, Illinois theme park will entertain you with 10 scary roller coasters and at least 70 different rides. The park is known for its technologically advanced coasters such as "The Dark Knight," which is an indoor coaster that is partially darkened.

Universal Studios
The theme park in Orlando has outdone itself in creating rides and attractions based upon popular movies and television shows such as "The Mummy," "The Simpsons" and "Terminator." Additionally, you may want to reserve a day to enjoy Universal's Islands of Adventure, which is a sister park with sections based on "Jurassic Park" and "Dr. Seuss."

Busch Gardens
Williamsburg is the city featuring this much loved theme park. Bring your camera to the Busch Gardens amusement park because the grounds are expertly maintained. Also, you'll find plenty of adrenalin rushing rides along with gentler choices for your young brood.

Schlitterbahn
Schlitterbahn is a waterpark that offers you three amazing adventure parks for the price of one admission. You'll definitely receive your entertainment value here. You can choose to experience over 40 rides including 17 slides, uphill water coasters and nine tube chutes.

King's Island
In Mason, Ohio you'll find a traditional amusement park experience. You'll also have access to more than 80 rides and attractions along with the world's longest wooden roller coaster.

Walt Disney World
The Florida amusement park is the largest of the theme parks and you are sure to have a magical experience upon seeing Cinderella's Castle and the park's famous Main Street U.S.A.

Cedar Point
Set in Sandusky, Ohio this incredible theme park will keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll see coasters that will get your blood pumping as you watch them scare the daylights out of other enthusiasts.

Disneyland
The unique aspects of this California park are unsurpassed and the classic rides are unforgettable. As a parent you'll be excited to introduce your children to the same rides that you remember from your first trip to the park.

Los Angeles accommodation choices will place you in close proximity to numerous top quality theme parks, so consider the value of this destination for your next amusement park vacation.

The Top 10 U.S. Theme Parks from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Why Are Backpackers in Southeast Asia So Stupid?

2012-01-20T17:17:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Why Are Backpackers in Southeast Asia So Stupid?

Why Are Backpackers in Southeast Asia So Stupid?

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 09:29 AM PST

Dear Backpackers of Southeast Asia,

We need to talk. I love you. Truly, I do. I've been a backpacker for a long, long time now. I love being one and probably will consider myself one for a long time to come. But while backpacking through Southeast Asia over the last few months, I've noticed some disturbing behavior that we really need to talk about.

To be blunt – why do you act so damn stupid sometimes?

I'm asking because I'm a concerned friend. It seems like when many of you fly to Southeast Asia, you check your intelligence at the boarding gate and decide that risking your life in the pursuit of alcohol-fueled, drunken excitement is a smart thing to do.

And that really concerns me.

For starters, let's talk about Vang Vieng, Laos. Now, I can't walk down a street in Asia without bumping into a backpacker wearing that damn "I went tubing in Vang Vieng" shirt. And when I see it I wonder – why on earth would you think jumping into a shallow river while drunk is a good idea?

Twenty-two people died this year alone. You could end up like this guy who just died. Or the guy in this video who cracked his head open.

There is also this guy. Him. Or her.

And those are just the examples I found on the first page of Google!

I mean, seriously, if we were back home and I said "Hey man, let's go get blind drunk and jump into a shallow river. Oh, and if something goes wrong, there's no real hospital anywhere to get help. It'll be fun!” how would you react?

You would look at me like I was crazy. And rightly so.

This is not a good idea. Nothing about it this seems remotely like a good idea. Nothing. There's nothing wrong with getting drunk on some lazy river or partying at bar near a river. Heck, crack me open a Corona and sign me up for both. But this? Foolish.

There's also something called “The Death Slide" next to this river – it got the name due to all the people who have died using it, which begs the question — why are people stupid enough to keep using it?!

People say it's a tragedy when something terrible happens in Vang Vieng. No — a tragedy is someone getting in a car accident or a house burning down. What happens in Vang Vieng is sad, but it’s simply Darwinism. I have no sympathy for someone who decides to do this and gets hurt. When you play with fire, you're going to be burned. And since you are my friend, I don’t want to see you get burned.

And while we’re on that subject, let's talk about fire.

I love fire as much as the next person. There's something primordial about it, but I don't like putting myself in situations where I’ll get burned. Why do you? Throughout Asia, I see backpackers jumping the "fire rope." You know, the rope that locals light on fire with gasoline and then have you skip across it like we’re in the 5th grade and playing double dutch.

Here's a tame version of what happens to some people:

You may be the world’s best jump roper but the drunk guy who decides to join you might not be. While you’re skipping rope, a bunch of drunks decide to join you and pretty soon, you’re on the ground scrambling away from the fire in hopes of not getting your face burned. I recently watched a guy get the rope wrapped around his arm and burn all the skin off. He was rushed to the hospital. I've seen people fall on the rope and burn their face, hair, and clothes. I've watched people trip on the rope and land in the gasoline.

Fire + alcohol + random drunks = bad idea.

A second degree burn is not the memory you want to keep from Southeast Asia.

Finally, let discuss your ability to drive a motorbike – or lack thereof. Everywhere I go I see people with injuries: bandaged legs, huge exhaust pipe burns on their calves, and broken limbs. When I ask what happened, it's usually the same answer – "I got into a motorbike accident."

Back home, you wouldn't drive without a license, so again, why do it here? Sure, the bikes have small 150 cc engines and are pretty slow. On a nice and easy road, you'd have no problems.

But driving in Asia is not like driving back home. Here, drivers overtake people on tiny one-lane roads, they don't look, they stop short, and they speed like they are in Nascar. The roads aren't in good condition, either. They are often windy, steep, take sharp turns, and filled with potholes. Plus, besides the crazy traffic in Asia, you have to deal with all the other backpackers who decide it's a good idea to rent a bike they have no idea how to ride.

I’ve seen too many crashes and near misses here in Asia.

Sometimes I wonder – who the heck are you traveling with that lets you do these crazy things!!!?

Sure, I've done a number of stupid things while traveling. Things I'm not going mention because my parents read this website, but I've never done anything stupid enough that it would jeopardize my life or health.

I love a good adventure, but I also like to be alive. These aren't things you would do back home, so don't do them overseas. Sure, it may seem like a good idea at the time — most everything is when you’re drunk. But when you end up like all those people in Laos, or get 2^nd degree burns, or scars from a bike accident, it suddenly isn’t such a good idea, is it?

You're my friend. I like hanging out with you. I want to keep hanging out with you.

But can we cut the stupid shit? It's incredibly dangerous and makes all of us seem like drunken idiots.

Sincerely,

Matt

©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

2012-01-20T11:14:00.001-08:00

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

Historic Court House: 100 Years of Change? (Bourke, Australia)

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 02:53 PM PST

Bourke has a most distinct and unusual courthouse, one of a number of historic buildings. Built in a colonial style surrounding a small garden area for cooling and for legal folks to commune and contemplate, remarkably little has changed since its construction in 1899 (for the princely sum of 9,500 pounds) as the archival photos show. As Australia's only inland maritime court (the crown on the...

Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

Kapitelschwemme, Salzburg – Austria: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-19T23:03:00.001-08:00

Kapitelschwemme, Salzburg – Austria: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

Kapitelschwemme, Salzburg – Austria

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 07:34 PM PST

Kapitelschwemme, Salzburg – Austria

Travel Photo Gallery: Salzburg Photo Gallery

Kapitelschwemme, Salzburg – Austria from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Australia’s Top 10 Attractions: itravelnet.com Travel Blog plus 1 more

2012-01-18T23:15:00.001-08:00

Australia’s Top 10 Attractions: itravelnet.com Travel Blog plus 1 more

Australia’s Top 10 Attractions

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 05:30 PM PST

With an abundance of domestic flights, Australia beckons visitors to explore from coast to coast,
and flying point-to-point makes the most of travel time and money. Here are 10 top stops for the trip of a lifetime.

Great Barrier Reef
So large it can be seen from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef stretches 2,600km (1,600 miles) along the coast of northeast Australia. It’s one of the most bio-diverse regions on earth, shared by over 400 species of coral, 1,500 species of fish, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, sharks, stingrays and more.

Uluru, aka Ayers Rock
Measuring 1.6 by 2.4 kilometers (1 by 1.5 miles), the massive red sandstone outcropping in Australia's interior is one of the country's most iconic sites. Prime times to visit are sunrise and sunset, when light striking the rock causes a play of colors that's nothing short of majestic.

Sydney Harbour
Sydney’s harbour, with its landmark Opera House, is actually submerged river valley. Sweeping vistas of islands and peninsulas, coves, bays and estuaries point up its natural beauty. Visitors who don’t mind heights can take the Bridge Climb and see it all from 134 meters (440 feet) up.

Beaches
Australia has a beach for every mood, from Sydney's famous see-and-be-seen Bondi to Perth's laid back Cottesloe on the western coast to wild, unspoiled Monkey Mia in the northwest. If those don't appeal, there are hundreds more to choose from.

Rainforests
Two outstanding examples of Australia's many rainforests are the tropical Daintree Forest near Port Douglas and the subtropical Lamington National Park near the Queensland-New South Wales border. Both are World Heritage sites, lush with ancient trees, ferns, waterfalls, gorges, and abundant wildlife.

Animals
Australia is proud of its animals and preserves can be found almost everywhere. From the Curumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast to the late Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo and Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Australia's wildlife is always waiting to win hearts.

Gold Coast
South of Brisbane lies the Gold Coast, a 70 kilometer (43 mile) stretch that embraces golden sand beaches and some of Australia's most vibrant nightlife. This is surfing, sun and fun capital of Oz, where natural beauty is just steps away from a fast-paced urban lifestyle that includes luxury hotels, open-late pubs and clubs, restaurants and shopping malls.

Cities
Australia’s major cities are all coastal, but that's almost all they have in common. There are so many connecting domestic flights Australia offers visitors a wide range urban experiences. From sophisticated Sydney to tropical Cairns, relaxed Perth to Melbourne, the country’s cultural capital, visitors quickly learn that there’s no such thing as a "typical" Australian city.

Great Ocean Road
A different kind of coast will be found along the Great Ocean Road, beginning at Torquay near Melbourne and continuing west 243 kilometers (151 miles) to Warrnambool on the southern coast. The scenery is wild and rugged, with steep cliffs and the famous 12 Apostles limestone outcroppings anchored in the sea. This was an early point of British settlement, and small Victorian towns dot the way.

Tasmania
Those who want the ultimate in wild, unspoiled beauty will find it in Tasmania, off the continent's southeastern tip. Rugged hills, towering sea cliffs, waterfalls and majestic views make this a prime destination for backpackers. Not to be missed is Freycinet National Park's beautiful, secluded Wineglass Bay, often voted one of the world's ten best beaches.

Australia’s Top 10 Attractions from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

10 tips to make your camping holiday run smoothly

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 04:19 PM PST

A camping holiday can be the best experience of your life, or a damp squib from start to finish: it all depends on whether you plan it right. The more often you camp, the better drilled you become in what it takes to make the event a pleasurable and relaxing one.

For those who haven't camped much, or are rather rusty in the outdoor arts, here's a crash course in how best to plan for a few nights under the stars.

Prepare

It seems obvious but with camping, if you fail to plan you most definitely plan to fail. Before you even think about getting the equipment together, write a list of all the things that you will need for the trip.

Practice with your tent

They can be difficult to put up at the best of times and if you take the wrong turn you may be further tested by fading light, so it’s best to have a practice putting up your tent before you go on your camping break. If you don’t have a garden in which to do a test run, at least unravel the tent at home and see how it fits together.

As daunting as this may first seem, most modern tents go up with minimal effort; that is, when you know what you are doing.

Take your own food

Don’t rely on the campsite having food when you get there. It's also cheaper to buy before you go, so stock up on as much food as you can carry; but avoid getting anything too fiddly.

Book in advance

Unless you are a seasoned camper, you are advised to stay at a specific campsite, rather than taking your chances in the wild. Most campsites around Europe are booked solid in high season so it’s important to reserve an area beforehand. Before you do make the booking, have a look at what independent reviews say about the campsites on your shortlist.

Seasonal sense

It is always good to check the weather for your campsite at the time of the year that you are planning to go. However adventurous you are, you probably wouldn't enjoy a really cold night with only a sleeping bag and a thin tent to protect you – it can make the next day a very grumpy affair.

Take lots of thin layers of clothing

This is the most important item on the entire list save, perhaps, for the tent itself. People often think that just because it's summer and the weather is clement during the daytime that they won't require lots of clothing. They couldn't be more wrong.

Even the hottest countries in Europe get cold at night and it is therefore imperative that you take lots of thin layers to wrap up in. It's especially important to plan your clothing needs well if you are going on activity holidays.

Take padding

Nothing ruins a camping trip quite like a hard floor. In one short night it can make you feel like a walking bruise. The more stuff you can bring to put underneath you the warmer and more comfortable you will be.

Pitch in a sensible position

When you get there, make sure you aren’t next to the toilets or the bins. A perfect spot might well involve nearby trees to shelter you from any rough winds during the night.

Safety

You will want to take a first aid kit with you, even to ease the slight burns and cuts that could occur from outdoor living. Take the obvious precautions with children and remember that even the small gas stoves stay hot for a time after they are turned off, so take good care when handling them. If you are travelling to more remote sites, you should also inform loved ones as to your destination.

Entertainments

As great as charades can be in the short term, you will probably need a little more to entertain you in the television-free, great outdoors. Card games and other small group activities should be considered in advance.

10 tips to make your camping holiday run smoothly from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

New Year, New Deals – Save up to 30% at hotels.com: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-17T23:58:00.001-08:00

New Year, New Deals – Save up to 30% at hotels.com: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

New Year, New Deals – Save up to 30% at hotels.com

Posted: 17 Jan 2012 05:40 PM PST

New Year, New Deals – Save up to 30% at hotels.com!

Offer Expires January 30 2012.

New Year, New Deals – Save up to 30% at hotels.com!

Travel Deals: Hotels.com

New Year, New Deals – Save up to 30% at hotels.com from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

2012-01-17T12:58:00.001-08:00

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

Historic Buildings (Bourke, Australia)

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 03:22 PM PST

Now the Gidgee Guesthouse, the London Bank building was constructed in Bourke in 1888, still retaining its sense of grandeur and opulence of Bourke's golden period as a major inland port. Today the guesthouse has an eclectic feel with their rooms leading to a garden courtyard filled with native plants and various knick-knacks. Around the corner, the equally fine Lands Building (built in 1899)...

Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Ultimate Guide to the Full Moon Party

2012-01-16T17:40:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Ultimate Guide to the Full Moon Party

The Ultimate Guide to the Full Moon Party

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 09:46 AM PST

When my friends began planning their trip to Thailand, they had one requirement: that we attend a Full Moon Party. They didn't know a lot about the party but they had heard so much about it over the years, they knew they had to go. After all, the Full Moon Party is infamous. The mere mention of it conjures up images of a wild, alcohol-fueled beach party where people from around the world have a great time and dance until sunrise.

But what is this party? How did it come about? Why is it so popular? And most importantly – how can you get there yourself!? I've been to seven Full Moon Parties over the years, and I can tell you that there is a certain way to experience this party to avoid overpaying, getting injured, finding good accommodation, and making sure you’re still up at sunrise.

What is the Full Moon Party?
Legend has it that in 1987 (or maybe 86? or 88?) a group of backpackers threw a birthday party for their friend on the night of the full moon. They had such a good time that they came back the following year to do it again and then the following month and then the month after that. Word got out and more people started coming each month.

At first, it was like a small house party on the beach – a few hippies and backpackers playing guitars, smoking weed, and having a few beers. But as word spread and more people showed up, it changed. The 1990s brought the rave scene and all the drugs that went along with it. By 2000, this party was squarely on the travel map and hordes of young people inspired by the movie “The Beach” flocked to Ko Phangan and, since then, the Full Moon Party has only gotten bigger.

Now, the Full Moon Party is a giant festival-like party with a lot of drinking, dancing, drugs, and sex. Each bar has their own sound system so you'll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint. By the end of the night, you’ll see people passed out on the beach, the odd couple having sex, and lost flip-flops littering the beach looking for new owners.

Despite the party’s obvious commercialization, it is still a lot of fun and people come here looking for nothing but a good time. It's rare to see any of the problems (i.e fights) you might normally associate with 40,000 young, drunk people. People here are just looking for a good time and the energy is very positive.

When is it?
As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. It you miss it, there's always the half-moon party, quarter moon party, and black moon party. Really, every night is a party here on Ko Phangan.

This website has the dates of all the Full Moon Parties.

Accommodation

There's accommodation all over the island but you'll want to stay in Haad Rin (where the actual party is) so you can be close to the action. If you want to find accommodation, you'll need to come here at least FOUR days before the party in order to find a cheap (and nice) place to stay. The closer you get to the actual night of the party, the more you'll need a miracle to find something – at any price range. I'll never understand the travelers who just show up the day of or the night before and think they’ll find a place to. They never do. I’ve sat at restaurants and watched the same people wander up and down the street many times in a fruitless attempt to find something.

How much does a room cost?
Here's what you can expect to pay for your bed:

Dorm room (there are now a lot of dorms here, something that wasn’t the case a few years ago): 300 Baht per night
Regular room with A/C and hot water: 500-800 Baht per night
Really nice room: 1000 – 1500 baht
Basic bungalow: 800 Baht per night
Really nice bungalow: 2,000 – 3,800 Baht per night

$1 USD = 30 Baht

The closer you get to the Full Moon the more the prices go up. The day of or the day before the party, any accommodation left is going to be double the price listed. And if you come here for New Years, you can expect the price to triple, with many places also including an expensive holiday dinner that is mandatory. (Just another way to get more money from you!)

My friends and I arrived 5 days before the full moon and found a lot of cheap accommodation still available. We settled on a room we would all share for 1,500 baht. A few days later, the cheap accommodation was gone and all that was left were the high-end rooms that cost more money than a night at the Hilton but without the Hilton quality.

Lesson: Come early, get a room, enjoy the party, and say no to stress.

Should you book online in advance?
No, not even if you are going there for New Years. The accommodation you’ll find online will be the most expensive on the island and require long minimum stays (sometimes as many as 10 nights). There is a lot of accommodation in Haad Rin and most aren’t on online booking services like Hotels.com or Agoda. You will only find them by showing up. Just come early and you will have no problem finding a room.

A good alternative to Haad Rin is Ban Tai beach. It’s the beach over from Haad Rin and where a lot of people stay when rooms start to fill up. It’s a short and inexpensive taxi from Haad Rin. If you stay on the northern part of the island, you will be very, very far away from the party and, though boat taxis and normal taxis run frequently, they are expensive.

How to Get There

There's no airport on the island so everyone comes by ferry. You can come via Surat Thani on the mainland, or from the nearby island of Ko Samui. From Surat Thani, roundtrip tickets cost 600 Baht and drop you off at the main pier in Thong Sala. From there it is a 100 Baht taxi ride to Haad Rin. From Ko Samui, boat tickets cost 200 baht and leave from Big Buddha Pier or Maenam beach. The Samui ferry will drop you off at the main dock of Thong Sala or Haad Rin depending on time of day and ferry company. During the Full Moon Party, boats go from Ko Samui to Haad Rin every hour.

A lot of companies run overnight buses from Bangkok to Ko Phangan for 450 – 600 Baht. This price also includes the ferry. You'll take an overnight bus to Surat Thani, sit at the ferry terminal for a few hours, and then take the ferry to the island. It is a long, long night/day but it's much cheaper than flying. (Note: Some bus companies go to Chumphon and put you on a ferry from there. Either route is still a lot of travel but the ferry from Chumphon is usually nicer.)

If you decide to fly, flights from Surat Thani generally cost around 2,000 baht (with taxes and fees) from Bangkok on Air Asia. Flights from Ko Samui are at least 3,200 Baht since Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways keep a monopoly on the airport and see no reason to lower prices with demand so high. During the high season and around New Year’s Eve, ticket prices can get as high as 5,000 Baht.

The Full Moon Party Itself

The party begins days before as people trickle onto the island. On the day of the party, you see people from the neighboring Ko Samui and Ko Tao and from other parts of the island adding to the crowd. You'll see people start drinking in the afternoon and most people begin to head to the beach around 9pm with the crowd peaking around midnight to 2am. On New Year’s Eve, the beach will be full by 8pm.

Costs
Here's what stuff costs on Haad Rin:

Average Thai meal: 120 Baht
Average western meal: 200 Baht
Banana Pancakes: 30 Baht
Cheap food sold on the beach: 40-50 Baht
Beer: 80-100 Baht (30 in 7-11)
Cigarettes: 80 Baht
Buckets: 200 -300 baht, depending on what kind of alcohol. They can be up to 400 baht on New Year’s Eve.
Toilets: 5 – 10 Baht

Money Saving Tips
Alcohol – Buy your beer at the 7-11 or buy buckets away from the beach, where they are as cheap as 180 baht.

Food – Food is expensive in Haad Rin but there are some good budget choices. Paprika, the Israeli restaurant, offers a falafel sandwich and fruit shake combo for 100 Baht. In the center of town is a parking lot and if you walk down the street behind it, you'll find small Thai restaurants that offer 50-60 Baht meals, about half the price of most other restaurants. Moreover, across from "Planet Hollywood" (just a restaurant that ripped off the name) is another good and inexpensive Thai place.

What the F$%^$ is a bucket?
Remember when you were a kid and you built a sand castle using a little pail? Now, picture that pail filled with a can of Coke, Thai redbull, and 375 ml of alcohol — and you now have a Thai bucket. A few of these and you'll be having a really interesting night.

Party Survival Tips

Drugs: There are a lot of drugs here, especially during the full moon. All drugs are illegal in Thailand and punishable by time in some pretty bad prisons. Undercover police will try to sell you drugs only to arrest you. Locals will rat you out for a reward. Thais love to crack down on foreigners who are dumb enough to be doing drugs in the open. However, most cops have no real desire to lock you away for smoking a joint or doing a pill. It’s too much hassle and paperwork. They do have a real desire to take a bribe though. Expect to pay upwards of $1,000 USD for your get out of jail free card. (Actual bribe varies depending on the cop and your ability to bargain down the bribe.)

Skip the jump rope: Picture this. We’re at bar. I turn to you and say “Hey friend, let’s go outside. I’m going to soak a rope in gasoline, light it on fire, and then you and some drunk strangers are going to skip rope.” You would look at me like I was crazy and tell me to get lost. But people on this island do exactly that – they jump over a rope of fire. It’s stupid. You may be the world’s best jump roper but the drunk guy who decides to join you might not be. At my last full moon party I saw a lot of people get burned, and the rope wrapped around one guy’s arm and burn all the skin off. He had to be rushed to the hospital. It was not a pretty scene. It’s not how you want to remember your holiday. Here’s a tiny example:

Buckets: They're deadly! One, two, three, passed out on the beach! Every full moon, while I eat dinner I see newbies drinking buckets before the sun has even gone down. They’re the same people I see passed out on the beach by midnight. A few buckets will get you very, very drunk so I have a hard and fast rule that I and other experienced full mooners follow: no buckets before midnight. If you want to actually see the sunrise, I'd follow it too. (Note: The Red Bull sold in Asia contains ephedra. This substance is like speed. It also negates the effect of the alcohol quickly, keeping you from feeling drunk. Be careful and watch your consumption of both liquids.)

Hydrate: You are going to be drinking a lot and, even though it is night time, the weather is still hot and humid. Drink a lot of water before and during the event! It will also help your hangover the next day.

Stay out of the ocean: It may seem like a good idea to play in the ocean but it's not. Not only do you risk drowning (there can be strong waves), but everyone uses the ocean as their personal toilet during the party. There's a reason the water is warm — and it's not because you are in Thailand. Stay sanitary and don't go in.

Wear footwear: Partying on the beach without footwear may seem like a good idea but as the night goes on, broken beer bottles and other sharp objects litter the beach. I've had many friends slice open their feet after stepping on a bottle. You are drunk, it's dark, and you aren't always looking where you are going. Avoid a foot injury and just wear something on your feet!

Personal belongings: Theft is ripe during the party. Bring as little as possible. Bring enough money for drinks and your room key. You don't really need anything else.

The Full Moon Party is one of the biggest and most well-known parties in the world. The vast majority of travelers in Southeast Asia attend at some point and I have seen people of all ages and nationalities (as well as a few families) here. The party is definitely a unique and interesting time but if not done right, it can also be expensive and dangerous.

So party — but party smart.

©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Where to see Wildlife in and around Cape Town: itravelnet.com Travel Blog plus 2 more

2012-01-15T23:39:00.001-08:00

Where to see Wildlife in and around Cape Town: itravelnet.com Travel Blog plus 2 more

Where to see Wildlife in and around Cape Town
All of Broadway
Finding cheap flights online from the UK

Where to see Wildlife in and around Cape Town

Posted: 15 Jan 2012 08:58 PM PST

While the old myth that lions roam the streets of South Africa is still believed by a few would-be travelers, nothing could be further from the truth. Still, you can see lions and other wildlife in many parts of the country, including Cape Town, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a popular destination for international and national tourists (overseas visitors should consider travel insurance).

One of the first places that travelers often spot wildlife when they first arrive in Cape Town is on the lower slopes of the iconic landmark, Table Mountain, which is part of a unique urban national park. There are various antelope that live in the park, including klipspringers (a “klip” being the Afrikaans word for stone or rock, and “spring” meaning to leap or jump), as well as eland and bontebok. They are often seen close to the highway that leads into the city, along with distinctive striped zebra.

Many farmers and owners of larger properties on the outskirts of Cape Town have stocked their land with buck – including springbok and impala – and zebra. So if you’ve sightseeing by car or coach, always keep an eye out for these. You are also likely to see ostriches.

Lions
Apart from the many national parks and game farms where you can see lions in South Africa, there are also several lion parks. Cape Town Lion Park is in the Stellenbosch district just north of the city, and in addition to the normal lion species, you can see world-famous white lions. The focus here is on educating people about lions in general and visitors are taken on guided tours.

Drakenstein Lion Park is a lion sanctuary that houses about 15 rescued lions. Located on the fringes of the famous Cape Winelands, about half-an-hour’s drive from the Cape Town city centre, there is also a tented camp where visitors can “sleep with the lions”. You’ll get to sleep in a safari tent and eat a traditional South African braai (or barbecue).

Cheetahs
Cheetah Outreach, based at the world famous Spier Wine Estate near Stellenbosch, has been promoting the survival of the South African cheetah for about 14 years. Cheetahs here were either rescued or bred and hand reared at the cheetah centre. Some of them have been “adopted” by people who pay for their upkeep.

There are several excellent restaurants at Spier, one of which, Moya, is named after one a cat born at Spier in 1997.

Baboons
It’s unlikely that you won’t see baboons – specifically Chacma Baboons – if you visit Cape Town. While many do live in protected national parks, it is not unusual for them to migrate to populated areas in search of easy food. You will always see them at Cape Point, a popular tourist spot at the tip of the Cape Peninsula – but you should never feed them or try to touch them. They will often jump onto stationary vehicles, so always keep your windows closed if you see baboons along the road side.

If you enjoy hiking, there are guided walks organized by Baboon Matters, an organization that is striving to educate people about baboons and as they say, “bridge the gap between the wild world of the Chacma Baboons of the Cape Peninsula and the world of their human cousins”.

Penguins
A visit to Cape Town is not complete without a trip to Boulder’s Beach near Simonstown, where you can see hundreds of Jackass Penguins in their own habitat. These penguins have been breeding here for nearly three decades, and now there are thousands of adult birds that live in the colony. In the 1990s you could spend time on the open beach while they wandered around you, and even swim with them in the sea. This of course made them a great tourist attraction, and so the area has been taken over by the Cape Peninsula National Park to give them some protection. There is now a fee to enter the beach area, and boardwalks and fences have been erected to stop them from wandering inland. It is, however, still possible to swim with the penguins.

You can also see penguins on Robben Island, which is where former president, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned so many years ago. There is another breeding colony at Betty’s Bay on the southern coast, about an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

Penguins are undeterred by humans, but don’t get too close because they have a notoriously vicious bite.

Camels
Not quite your normal South African wildlife, camels have become a feature of Kommetjie, one of Cape Town’s distinctive coastal villages.

Camel rides are offered most days by the owners of Imhoff Farm, an historical Cape farmstead dating to the mid 18th century. The camels are “tame” and promise a ride of a lifetime!

Where to see Wildlife in and around Cape Town from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

All of Broadway

Posted: 14 Jan 2012 11:02 PM PST

YouTube: All of Broadway

Riding the length of Broadway in Manhattan, all in one take.

All of Broadway from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Finding cheap flights online from the UK

Posted: 13 Jan 2012 11:40 PM PST

Airline tickets vary wildly in price which can make finding cheap flights a time consuming process. The price of a flight is constantly fluctuating, based on a number of variables; anything from the chosen airline to the day of the flight can affect the price of an airline ticket. Looking for cheap flights in Europe can be a daunting task, but with persistence and a little shopping savvy, a buyer from the UK can find a good deal to most destinations in Europe and worldwide.

There are so many websites offering cheap flights that it can get confusing to know which one to use. One of the problems of finding flights online is that even with the flight comparison sites, not all the airlines are listed. This is especially a problem for finding tickets from the UK, where there are so many low cost airlines represented. While using a flight search engine is the most convenient method for finding flights, it is not really doing its job if it’s not including the budget airlines. Check out edreams.com for example as a sight that compares all the flights, including airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair.

It doesn’t hurt to also check the official website of the airline you wish to purchase from; occassionally they can offer discounts that aren’t found elsewhere, or allow you to use a portion of your frequent flyer miles. Ticket rates tend to vary based on what airport you fly into or out of, so be sure to check surrounding airports to see what cheap flights they offer. Taking a connecting flight or a one-stop flight is usually cheaper than taking a nonstop flight. Be sure to compare the rates of various airlines; many European airlines offer various rates depending on the reputation of the airline, the destination and the date of travel.

There are a number of great ways to find cheap flights from the United Kingdom to various other European countries; utilizing these methods will go a long way in saving you money for your air costs. Although it will need a little research and effort on your part, finding cheap flights from the United kingdom to other European locales is not hard.

Finding cheap flights online from the UK from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Weekly Photo: The Petronas Towers

2012-01-15T17:23:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Weekly Photo: The Petronas Towers

The Weekly Photo: The Petronas Towers

Posted: 15 Jan 2012 08:16 AM PST

The Petronas Towers at night in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

2012-01-15T11:11:00.001-08:00

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

Top Five Historic Amusement Parks

Posted: 14 Jan 2012 01:50 PM PST

guest post by Nick Sim The early 20th century was a boom time for amusement parks in North America, Europe and beyond. Magnificent, towering wooden rollercoasters, beautifully handcrafted carousels and a range of innovative new contraptions drew in droves of excited visitors to these bustling new leisure areas. These early attractions helped to lay the foundations for what today is a...

Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

My Disney Blog

2012-01-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

My Disney Blog

Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airline

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 07:57 PM PST

DisneyApprentice here again, to share with you the latest Disney park news.

Back in August 2011, we shared the possible news that a brand new show was coming to California Adventure Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airlines. Now Disney has officially announced the new show, dropping the "s" off the end and simply calling it Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airline.

The brand new show will debut February 17 in Condor Flats near the Soarin' Over California attraction and will feature Minnie Mouse along with songs, dance numbers and "interactive moments." Minnie will be joined by a four-member crew performing songs from the '40s, '50s and '60s.

Click here to see the full logo released for the new show

Picture by Lauren Javier

House of the Seamens Guildhall, Luebeck – Germany: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-12T23:11:00.001-08:00

House of the Seamens Guildhall, Luebeck – Germany: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

House of the Seamens Guildhall, Luebeck – Germany

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 07:28 PM PST

Location: Luebeck – Germany
Photo: House of the Seamens Guildhall

House of the Seamens Guildhall, Luebeck – Germany

Travel Photo Gallery: Luebeck Photo Gallery

House of the Seamens Guildhall, Luebeck – Germany from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Oh, The Amazing Places You’ll Go!

2012-01-12T17:50:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Oh, The Amazing Places You’ll Go!

Oh, The Amazing Places You’ll Go!

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 07:15 AM PST

This month seems to be the month for inspiration, which is fine because it’s the start of a new year so it’s a great time to get motivated and inspired. Once in a while, I come across some really interesting travel videos on the Internet that speak to me in a powerful way. I found this great video about backpacking that, at a time when I was feel very unmotivated, made me remember why I loved traveling.

And, a few days ago after I posted on why there’s no tomorrow in travel, I came across the below video. Many of you might have seen it already (as of this writing it has over 830,000 views) but I wanted to share it for those who might not have seen it. It’s various people from the Burning Man festival reading Dr. Suess’s last book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

It’s an amazing video that is bound to brighten your day. Go watch it, enjoy it, and feel great about life.

This video has also made me finally decide to go to Burning Man this year.

Maybe I’ll see you there but if not, I’ll be thinking of all the other amazing places you’ll go this year.

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

2012-01-12T11:06:00.001-08:00

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

Bourke and Outback Australia

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 06:07 PM PST

Outback Australia is an immense sparsely populated timeless land of arid plains and rugged country. Ochre red ancient landscapes meet cobalt blue skies. Slow meandering rivers bursting with birdlife give life to the parched lands. Small towns and communities, often on a river are separated by vast distances. Between remote settlements, the areas are shared between treasured national parks, some...

Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

The Best of Japan – A Rail Tour: itravelnet.com Travel Blog plus 1 more

2012-01-10T23:45:00.001-08:00

The Best of Japan – A Rail Tour: itravelnet.com Travel Blog plus 1 more

The Best of Japan – A Rail Tour

Posted: 10 Jan 2012 06:33 PM PST

Rail tours are a fantastic way of covering Japan's city highlights and rural jewels all in the same trip, with the added bonus of having the travel and accommodation arrangements taken care of. Rail travel is befitting of a Japanese adventure, taking you through scenery and terrain you may never otherwise have managed to explore. Cherry blossom, mountains, castles and lakes are beautifully contrasted with the dynamic modern cities of Tokyo and Hiroshima.

Beginning in Tokyo, our tour included a guided walking tour. Expert insight on history, culture and politics were offered. Tokyo is a vibrant city with almost futuristic entertainment and shopping complexes and displays of quirky pop culture images. On the other hand, the Imperial Palace epitomises classic images of Japan, the tiered building with traditional sloping roofs and surrounded by Japanese flora. Residence of the Emperor and Empress, the palace is surrounded by a moat and the extensive gardens are a tranquil retreat from the city bustle. The Meiji Shrine is another Tokyo highlight, the leading road lit by cherry blossoms in spring.

Mt Fuji towers from the Five Lakes District, and is a distinctive conical volcano capped with snow. The Lake District is an area of outstanding natural beauty, the scenery reflecting perfectly off the placed lakes. Nearby Matsumoto is a town outside of time, the essence of Japan captured in its castle, bridges and traditional architecture. Japan's national drink is sake, and the brewery here conducts insightful tours and tastings of this distinctive rice wine.

Trains wind through the passes of the snow capped Japanese Alps to the hill town of Takayama. Here there is an incredible open air museum set in ancient forest. Antique houses have been relocated to its grounds and showcase the iconic architecture of Japan through the centuries. Farmhouses with steep, thatched roofs are among the most unique examples. Production of traditional crafts and the demonstration of ancient traditions bring rural life of the 18th and 19th centuries to life. Takayama itself has wonderful flower and fruit markets.

Samurai and geisha districts still stand in Kanazawa, a short ride away. The historic streets are characterised by classic sloping roofs and earth walls evoking the Japan has captured western imagination in films and books. Castle and gardens are the main attractions, and the streets have a timeless feel which give an insight into the romance and elegance of Japanese tradition.

At the end of the tour is the city of Hiroshima, a tranquil, leafy city with a complex story to tell. Miyajima Island is a highlight, reached by ferry. At high tide, the gate to the shrine appears to be floating on the waves and provides one of Japan's most magnificent views. The shrine itself dates back to the 12th century, and is built upon a pier like structure so that commoners could worship at the shrine from boats. The island is also adorned with temples, traditional pavilions and mountains.

The Best of Japan – A Rail Tour from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Romantic Luang Prabang – 5 Days – 4 Nights

Posted: 10 Jan 2012 04:20 PM PST

Exotissimo.com – Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Kuang Si Waterfalls

Luang Prabang is a city of unrivalled beauty. From its welcoming people to fabulous architecture and delicious cuisine, the place is inviting and warming to all who visit. Our tour of Luang Prabang takes guests through this marvelous city, exposing its hidden secrets along the way, digging beneath the surface to expose its deep cultural roots.

Your Romantic Luang Prabang tour begins with a discovery of Laos culture through a visit to the Stay Another Day exhibition, then its off to Mount Phousi to climb the stairs and watch the sun set over the city and surrounding hills. We stop on our return at the hill tribe evening market to look at the local goods and do some shopping.

Tour Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Tour Operates: Year Round / On Demand
Tour Price: Available upon Request

Rates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Services Include:

Accommodation at selected hotels based on Single, Double/Twin Room with breakfast.

Meals as indicated in itinerary. B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner.
English Speaking Local Guide
All activities and boat trips indicated in the itinerary
All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary
Land transportation with driver in the itinerary
All permissions and local taxes

Exotissimo.com – Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Kuang Si Waterfalls

Travel Deals: Exotissimo.com

Romantic Luang Prabang – 5 Days – 4 Nights from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Jungle Trekking with Leeches in Khao Sok

2012-01-10T17:55:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: Jungle Trekking with Leeches in Khao Sok

Jungle Trekking with Leeches in Khao Sok

Posted: 10 Jan 2012 05:21 PM PST

Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok National Park has always held my imagination. It's constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand with amazing trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a beautiful lake. Ever since I've been coming to Thailand I've been trying to visit Khao Sok, but the road bends in mysterious ways and for one reason or the other, I've never able to make it.

But this time, I used my visiting friends and my job as “tour guide” as the excuse I needed to finally push myself to this park. And I'm glad I did — I've been to many wonderful national parks in Thailand but this is one of the best.

I spent three days surrounded by dense jungle, animals, and cooling jungle air. The highlight of my trip was the day-long jungle trek I took. Starting out late in the morning (9:30), my friends and I met our guide, bought our park entrance tickets, and drove to the far end of the park. Instead of doubling back on the main trail, we would explore another trail, hike 400 meters to see some giant flowers, head towards a waterfall, eat lunch, and then walk back to the main park entrance.

It all seemed easy enough. I envisioned a well-worn trail and a mildly strenuous day hike. We were doing 11 km in the jungle so it wouldn't be a cake walk, but I didn't anticipate that this trek would be much of a challenge, especially since the last half was on the park's main road.

I was wrong.

Very wrong.

This hike was stressful, challenging, leech-infested, and exhilarating all at the same time. It started out easy enough – we hiked 400 meters to visit giant parasitic flowers. Attaching themselves to vines, the flowers sap the life from the vines to grow. After 9 months, they blossom, spray their seed throughout the jungle, and die within 4 days. However, while in bloom, the flowers are a sight to see.

The hike to the top wasn't very tough. The trail was well-worn, had amazing vistas from which to view the surrounding jungles, and I didn't break much of a sweat. On the way up, we got to glance a troop of gibbons making their way through the treetops. Gibbons in Khao Sok are rare to see and it was quite amazing seeing them, especially since I love monkeys. They moved too fast to be photographed. By the time I clicked my camera, they had moved on so inside of fruitless capturing a photo, I just watched them in their glory. When we got to the top, our guide told us we would hike down to the waterfall. I assumed he meant we would be heading down another trail.

Again, I was wrong.

Our trail had opened up at the top of the waterfall and our guide looked at us. "Ok, we'll eat lunch, but first we have to get down. It will be no problem. We have ropes, and I go first."

My friends and I looked at each other hesitantly. To get to the base of the waterfall, we were going to have to embrace our inner Indiana Jones to rappel down the side. As you may know, heights make me extremely uncomfortable and I opted to go down last as I worked up the courage to never look down.

However, we didn't encounter too many steep drop offs and soon I was vying to the lead the way. We would rappel down ropes. When there was no rope to guide us, we scaled the rocky sides of the waterfall, holding on to vines as we made our way down to the base.

But the waterfall was not the worst of it. After lunch, we had to hike downriver, which entailed following the river, which sounds pretty simple. Walking along a river bed is normally not a challenge, but not here. There was no trail or easy path. Sometimes we had to walk on large, wet rocks, climb up the narrow embankment, or scale down vines again when the river became impassable.

And the leeches only made it worse. By the time I walked out of Khao Sok, I had taken seven leeches off my legs, and a few even found their way onto my arms. Luckily, unlike the leeches in northern Thailand, most of these leeches were small and easy to grab off. Unfortunately, my friend didn't notice one until the end, which by then had enlarged so much it left a scar on his foot.

After the river and subsequent leech removal (cue The Life Aquatic jokes), we were in the home stretch — it was now an easy walk through a bamboo forest back to the park entrance. On our way out of the park we were given a farewell by another troop of monkeys. These weren’t gibbons and I forget their proper name but they jumped around for a while, playing in the trees, and giving us one last exciting thing to remember. When it was all said and done, our hike had lasted a little over 8 hours. Back at my guesthouse, I took the hottest shower of my life, scrubbed myself clean and collapsed on my bed.

Though tiring, this jungle trek was the most exciting in recent memory. I left Khao Sok with a sense of rawness. Here the lack of people and trails let you feel as if you are exploring the jungle for the first time. I love the moments when you travel that make you feel as if you have unearthed a hidden gem. As though you had found somewhere or some place long forgotten by man. That may not be the case, but that sense of wonderment, adventure, and exploration are what drive me on my travels.

And in Khao Sok, it was just me, the jungle, and that sense of adventure.

But I could have done without the leeches.

Logistics

You can get to the park via Surant Thani or Phuket. Most hotels will offer you private transportation for 2,000 baht, though you can hire a taxi from either place for around 1,500 baht. If you are with a group of 4 this can be a good deal as it's much quicker and far easier.
If you go by public bus, the minibus is 250 baht each way from Surant Thani town and 300 Baht from Phuket. It will drop you off on the main road leading up to the park. You’ll have to walk the rest of the way.
The park entrance fee is 200 Baht or 100 Baht if you are a student.
Hiring a guide from one of the tour operators or guest houses (very recommended due to the lack of marked trails) costs 1,000 Baht per person and comes with lunch.
There is only one ATM in town.
You can find cheap guest houses for 300 Baht per night with very basic accommodation and cold showers. Rooms get better at around 600 Baht per night and luxurious around 1,400 Baht per night.

Adventure Travel in England: itravelnet.com Travel Blog plus 2 more

2012-01-10T00:18:00.001-08:00

Adventure Travel in England: itravelnet.com Travel Blog plus 2 more

Adventure Travel in England
Lonely Planet 30% Sale
The best way to find cheap car hire rates

Adventure Travel in England

Posted: 09 Jan 2012 07:14 PM PST

England is an ideal place for those seeking a more adventurous holiday, with a coastline perfect for sports such as surfing and wind surfing and rocky or rough terrain for climbing and mountain biking. For extreme thrill seekers, there are opportunities for sky diving or bungee jumping.

The beautiful coastline of Hayling Island in Hampshire is a popular destination for kite surfing. The vast expanse of shallow water and sandy beach make this an ideal kite surfing location. This great water sport involves standing on a board and being pulled across the waves by a giant kite.

Hayling Island has an established training centre for all levels of ability, from beginners to experts. Alternatively, visit Hunstanton Beach in Norfolk on the East coast, where you can take lessons at the kite surf school.

For lovers of surfing, or those who just want to try something new, Bude in Cornwall is a great destination. With large waves coming in from the Atlantic Ocean for the experienced surfer, or more sheltered bays further along the coast with smaller waves for the beginner, surfing is very popular here.

There are many surfing clubs and schools where you can get lessons or advice about this sport and you can also rent or buy equipment. The waves and Atlantic breeze also make this a perfect area for windsurfing. If you want to brave the North Sea with its high winds and huge waves, Scarborough Surf School is open throughout the year for lessons and equipment hire.

Another perfect area for water sports is the Isle of Wight, as the shallow waters around the coast make it an ideal place for practising your skill at wakeboarding, windsurfing and many other water sports, with lots of centres for training and equipment hire.

For river activities, visit the River Dart in Dartmoor, possibly the best location for kayaking and canoeing in England. Upper Dart offers Grade Five kayaking through woodland for those with experience, or calmer waters closer to the sea at Totnes.

Whether you are looking for the thrill of an extreme river adventure or a more gentle adventure where you can admire the stunning countryside, this is the perfect location. There are shops and tours from the River Dart Country Park and Tuckenhay offering family adventures, tours and demonstrations.

Other great river adventure destinations include the River Barle near Exmoor National Park and an artificial rafting course on the Trent River. Most trips last from two to four hours and cater for every level of experience.

The rolling landscape of North Yorkshire is perfect terrain for many outdoor activities, such as mountaineering, abseiling, mountain biking and rock climbing.

There are many centres that offer training and safety advice. Explore the Yorkshires’ East Coast from a new angle on a coasteering adventure, climbing across the coastal rock face with an experienced instructor as a tour guide. Many of these activities need to be prearranged with professional instructors who can assess your experience and the suitability of the English weather.

Explore the countryside on two wheels with the great mountain biking trails created by the Forestry Commission. All levels of ability are catered for, from scenic rides to rough and ready terrain to challenge the more experienced rider. The World Championships were held at the Dalby Forest in Yorkshire, which offers a great mountain biking experience.

Other excellent locations include the North Face Trail and Grizedale Northshore tracks in the Lake District. Many venues have great facilities including bike hire, showers and different trails for every level of experience.

For a unique thrill-seeking experience, why not try bungee jumping at one of the many venues across the UK? Unforgettable experiences include London Bungee Jumps, where you can jump close to Tower Bridge or the O2 Arena. Tandem jumps are also available. The UK Bungee club can provide details of organised events throughout England.

If you want to try an air sports activity, there are many opportunities across the country. Many centres offer courses in skydiving, hang-gliding and paragliding. Experiences can be tailored to suit your level of ability. Alternativley, you can admire the English countryside from high up in a hot air balloon.

With so much to offer, England is a great destination for those looking for an adventurous short break, whether you are an experienced thrill seeker or would like to try something new.

Adventure Travel in England from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Lonely Planet 30% Sale

Posted: 09 Jan 2012 06:01 PM PST

The Lonely Planet 30% Sale is now on!

The sale is across all books and digital chapters at the Lonely Planet Shop (with the exception of pre-discounted bundles and pre-orders).

Lonely Planet 30% Sale

Travel Deals: Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet 30% Sale from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

The best way to find cheap car hire rates

Posted: 08 Jan 2012 05:05 PM PST

When planning a trip away finding cheap flights and hotels are the top items that come to mind when starting to look at prices. Most people have become familiar with online booking camparison engines that compare cheap flights and hotels.

But what about find cheap car hire? When it comes to finding the best value car rental many people often overlook this part of the booking process. In doing so they are throwing away good travel money. It might seem easier to just go with the familiar car hire brand that you have seen on TV, or to just turn up at the airport car rental desk and hope for the best. Did you know though that you can go to sites such as www.cheapcarhirerates.com and compare cheap car hire rates on one page. Sites like this saves you the time of opening up all websites of every car hire company available. Using a comparison site will also alert you to to other car hire companies you may not have thought of using, while saving you the time of showing you only what is available.

While some travellers may have loyalty to a specific car hir company for the frequent flyer points that are on offer, it is worth checking to see if there is a better deal going on. Sometimes chasing frequent flyer points costs you more in the long term. If you go to a comparision site and find that there is a $40 a day difference between similar cars then a over a one week trip that adds up to $280 over the week! So by using a comparision engine at no extra cost, you have just found $280 for your trip, which can go towards other travel expenses such as fine dining or some extra local souvenirs.

When using a comparison engine, the top brand name car hire companies are searched. Companies such as Sixt, Alamo, Budget, Avis, Payless Car Rental, Thrifty, Dollar Rent a Car, Enterprise, National, and Europcar. Some companies may also have promotions going on that aren’t widely known. So using a car hire comparison site will certainly save you time and money.

The best way to find cheap car hire rates from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

My Disney Blog

2012-01-09T17:05:00.001-08:00

My Disney Blog

Test Track Changes Name and Ride Experience

Posted: 09 Jan 2012 05:04 PM PST

DisneyApprentice here again to catching you up on the latest Disney World News!

After the previous redesign of a few vehicles on Test Tack, Walt Disney World has announcedthat the attraction will be getting an overhaul this year, confirming the previous rumors.

Starting this fall Test Track won't have you testing out safety features rather it will have you test out design elements. The queue will be themed around Chevrolet Design Center. Test Track is scheduled to close in April 2012 to make way for the new experience, which will gives theme park guests the active role of "becoming" automotive designers.

Even though the name "Test Track" is likely to stick around, the experience is changing. The new version of the attraction will have"upbeat music, engaging media, dramatic lighting and a collection of Chevrolet concept cars and model vehicles." Guests will use interactive design and styling workstations to create custom concept vehicles, after which they will hop aboard a 6-person "SimCar" ride vehicle and test out the design through the twists, turns, and bumps of the Test Track course.

Read the Rest of the Post>>

The Matterhorn at Disneyland Closes til' Summer

Posted: 09 Jan 2012 04:58 PM PST

Hi, I'm the DisneyApprentice, and I run a blog named the same thing.

Back in August I, the DisneyApprentice displayed photos of the new 3-seat Matterhorn Bobsleds ride vehicles that were being tested on the roller coaster, replacing the old lap seating configuration. Disney made it official yesterday when they announced that the Mountain would be closing on Jan. 9th until June. Sadly this means that I won't be able to ride the Matterhorn when I am visiting the resort next weekend, but if you will be in Disneyland or live nearby then I suggest you head to the park today to ride the Matterhorn for the last time before summer.

Come check out my blog for more news, and daily updates.

I'm off to Antarctica!

2012-01-09T14:46:00.001-08:00

Dear confucio,

In less than 24 hours I'll be off to visit my 7th and final continent: Antarctica!

This is probably the biggest adventure I've taken in my 5-years traveling around the world.

In addition to Antarctica, I'll be visiting the Falkland Island and South Georgia Island. I'll be sailing with G Adventures on their Spirit of Shackleton tour. By the next time I write you, I should have a mountain of photos and dozens of stories to tell.

Speaking of tours, as you know I am giving all my readers a chance to travel with me this May through the American Southwest. I am also giving one lucky reader a chance to win a spot on the trip for FREE. Just follow the instructions on this page to enter the competition.

Finally, I'm pleased to announce that Scottevest as the official travel clothing provider of Everything Everywhere! I've been wearing Scottevest gear for over a year now. If you have met me in person you have probably seen me wearing my Scottevest gear. They are the only clothes I've found that meet the demands of travel in the 21st Century. They have more pockets than you will ever know what to do with, plus they are durable and look good.

After Antarctica I'll be flying to the Central American nation of Belize to rest and go through all my Antarctica photos. I'll be in that region for a month or so before heading back to the US to attend various conferences in March.

Until next time...

Keep traveling,

Gary

New at the Website

Win a $2299 Trip Through the American Southwest

Last month I announced I was running my first evertravel photography tour through the American West in May with G Adventures. This month I'm giving away a spot on the trip which will take place from May 5-19!

One lucky winner will have a spot on the two week trip that will visit spots such as: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Los Angeles... and more! [Read more...]

Photo Essay: Canary Islands

In 2011, I had the pleasure of visiting the Canary Islands. Located off the coast of Africa, the volcanic chain of islands are a Spanish province and have a history that goes back to the colonization of the Americas. I was able to explore 5 of the islands in the Canaries: Gran Canarias, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Gomera, and La Palma. Each island's unique geography gives it a character distinct from its neighbors. These images capture some of the culture and diversity I found on the Canary Islands. [Read more...]

Scottevest: Official Travel Clothing Provider of Everything Everywhere

I'm pleased to kick off the new year by announcing that Scottevest is the official travel clothing provider of Everything Everywhere.

I've been wearing Scottevest gear every single day for over a year now. If you've seen me at any point in 2011, the odds are you saw me wearing my black Fleece 5.0 jacket. It is literally the only jacket I will wear when going through an airport. I can quickly and easily dump all the metal in my pockets into my jacket and be through security in no time. [Read more...]

My 10 Most Memorable Hotels of 2011

I stay in a lot of different hotels. A LOT of hotels. They range from 5-star luxury hotels to youth hostels. Some I pay for myself (aka the cheap ones) and others are provided by tourist boards (aka the nice ones). The majority of places I stay at all sort of blur into one another in my memory. [Read more...]

Daily Travel Photos

Jan. 5, 2012 Lake Tahoe, NV	Jan. 4, 2012 South Africa	Jan. 3, 2012 Canary Islands	Jan. 2, 2012 Siena, Italy	Jan. 1, 2012 Yukon, Canada
Dec. 31, 2011 La Paz, Mexico	Dec. 30, 2011 Sukhothai, Thailand	Dec. 29, 2011 Galapagos Islands	Dec. 28, 2011 Ireland	Dec. 27, 2011 Gwynedd, Wales
Dec. 26, 2011 Wales	Dec. 25, 2011 Basel, Switzerland	Dec. 24, 2011 Liverpool, England	Dec. 23, 2011 Berlin, Germany	Dec. 22, 2011 Berlin, Germany

This Week In Travel: Episode 104

This week's guest is Robert Reid of Lonely Planet.

This Week's News

Picks of the week

Gary - West Coast Trip, VisaStamper.com,John Vanderpole's Big Year
Jen - Ice Churches, Tim Cahill "Lost in my Own Backyard"
Chris - Vieques Puerto Rico
Robert - The Artist

[Hear it now...]

January 2012 Wallpaper

Iguana be Friends

World Heritage Site of the Week

UNESCO World Heritage Site #17: Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

From the World Heritage Inscription: "Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784. During the period the framework of national government was consolidated and Nara enjoyed great prosperity, emerging as the fountainhead of Japanese culture. The city's historic monuments -- Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and the excavated remains of the great Imperial Palace -- provide a vivid picture of life in the Japanese capital in the 8th century, a period of profound political and cultural change."

While in Kyoto, a must day trip is a visit to Nara. In many respects, Nara can be thought of as the sister city to Kyoto. It was the capital of Japan before it was moved to Kyoto and also contains many historic shrines and temples.

The primary building in Nara is the Todaiji Temple (shown) which is thought to be the largest wooden building in the world. The temple is home to the largest Buddha statue in Japan: The Daibutsu. The current building was finished in 1709 and replaced with an even larger structure which was destroyed by fire.

One of the unique features of the city are the small red deer which roam about freely. If you go to the central park in the city, you can buy small packets of crackers to feed the deer, which are quite tame.

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Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

2012-01-09T11:37:00.001-08:00

Latest Post from Travel Wonders of the World

Photo of the Week: Ama Dablam (Nepal)

Posted: 09 Jan 2012 12:26 AM PST

At just under 7000 metres, the towering peak of Ama Dablam silently oversees trekkers for a few days as they slowly walk towards the base camp for Mt Everest and the Gokyo Lakes. With the riotous crimson of a barberry bush and a cobalt blue sky, its reassuring presence makes for a photogenic visual feast. Though taken over a decade ago, it remains a favourite memory walking among the Everest...

Read the full story at http://www.travel-wonders.com.

National Express – 1million cheap seats for £9 or less!: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

2012-01-08T23:17:00.001-08:00

National Express – 1million cheap seats for £9 or less!: itravelnet.com Travel Blog

National Express – 1million cheap seats for £9 or less!

Posted: 08 Jan 2012 05:29 PM PST

National Express is releasing 1 million cheap seats for £9 or less for bus travel throughout the UK.

Offer available to book between 6 – 31 January 2012 for travel between 6 January – 25 March 2012. Please note that there is limited availability between 11 – 19 February 2012.

The price includes the booking fee and is only available to book online.

National Express – 1million cheap seats for £9 or less!

Travel Deals: National Express

Offer not valid in conjunction with any other discount including discount Coachcards, or any other promotion.
Offer not valid on National Express airport, event or third party operated services.

National Express – 1million cheap seats for £9 or less! from itravelnet.com - Travel Directory

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Weekly Photo: Sunset in Bangkok

2012-01-08T17:56:00.001-08:00

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site: The Weekly Photo: Sunset in Bangkok

The Weekly Photo: Sunset in Bangkok

Posted: 08 Jan 2012 06:56 AM PST

A red sunset (and some smog) in Bangkok, Thailand