FAQS, LINKS & APPS

An eSIM is a digital or virtual Sim card for you phone which you can download from the internet. Which Means You can be organised before you leave home. No hustling around trying to find one when you arrive a little stressed and have better things to do. No fiddling about fitting a physical card. No unwelcome accidental connections when you arrive which can cost you plenty. What do I need to do Click on the eSIM link which is easy to find at the top of each trip page on the website. It will take you to the eSIM for the country or countries you will be travelling to. Check the list to see if your device (smartphone or tablet) is compatible. Pick the plan that suits you. Pay for it with the usual forms of online payments. Yesim The links on this website take you to Yesim eSIMs. They are data only so to call or text your friends you will need to use Facebook Messenger / WhatsApp / Viber / Telegram or Skype. You can use your phone as a hotspot tether to provide internet to your laptop and other devices. Click here for a review of the service.

Travelling alone can be very rewarding but it's much more fun to go with people you know. It doesn't always work out but there's only one way to find out and that is to just go for it. Even couples will find their relationship being tested in some unusual ways. If you do go the distance you will have forged lifelong bonds that can't be replicated at home. Travelling alone forces you to come out of your shell a bit and talk to people you don't know. Eating and drinking alone isn't a lot of fun. Have a look at Should I go alone in Health & Safety below. Other major advantages of travelling with someone are that you halve accommodation and transport costs. You can keep an eye out for each other, share crazy experiences and have someone to talk about them with when you get home. Both have their pros and cons but don't let it stop you from going.

You'll need to work a few things out first. How much time and money you have. Where do you want to go and will you be alone or have companions. Look through the relevant itinerary and you will find the information you need for that particular city, country or area. Then you'll need to check your passport is up to date, or apply for one if you've never had one. Once you have your passport you can check and see if you require any visas and organise them. (See do I need a visa in Logistics). Now you can buy your airline tickets online and then get some travel insurance to cover yourself. (some credit cards give you free travel insurance if you buy the air ticket with them and some also provide rental car insurance excess) Depending on when and where you're going you can make your hotel bookings in advance with free cancellation and pay when you arrive. Just check the fine print first (it's easy to see). Sort your money out and advise the bank which countries you will be travelling to (see how much money and how should I take it). Pack your bags. (see what should I take in General) Get a lift to the airport.

It's nice to leave the phone at home and get away from it all but these days it is far too useful not to have. It is the ultimate travel tool and it means you can leave your camera, mp3, torch, computer, alarm clock, blood pressure monitor, video, pedometer, etc. etc. at home. They are handy for communications too. Take photos of any damage when you rent something. Take a photo so you don't get lost or lose where you parked. Have a record of all of your hotel and flight bookings. Make bookings on the road, check out local restaurants and a million other things. A good compromise is to take a tablet or small laptop which you are more likely to leave back at the hotel. Your main two options are to go on an international plan with your phone company or buy a local sim card when you arrive. Have a look at this guide to weigh up the pros and cons. The other consideration is safety. Be careful about taking your phone out drinking with you. Be wary of snatch thieves in certain areas. Read up on the local things to look out for. You should get a VPN to protect you while using public access wi-fi. Never do any banking or other security sensitive business over public wi-fi. You may be able to get a VPN included with your computer anti-virus package. Otherwise there are free and paid options. They are also helpful in countries like China that ban Facebook and google. What is a VPN? Have a look at the FAQ below.

Close to the top of the 'Country' pages you will find a Marker Map. On the top right hand corner is an image or icon that will explain the legend if you click it. The Marker Map can be enlarged to full screen by clicking the little square in the top right hand corner next to the icon. On the other itineraries you will find a link to the Marker Map near the top as well. It will be an image of a map or mobile phone. Almost every place that has been recommended in the itineraries is marked on the map with a colour and symbol coded marker. So if you go to the area you are in you can click on all of the hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars, attractions, stations and other transport options. Basically everything in the trip and when you click on it there are 10 photos showing you what it looks like, ambiance, view, food - the works. It's a very powerful tool to help you make decisions on where you want to stay, eat, drink etc around the neighbourhood. As well as pictures you will get addresses, phone numbers, websites and other useful information. Also it will give you a link to Google Maps which has their opening hours, busy times, reviews and more. So with a few clicks or taps you will have all of the information you need on anywhere you are going and how to get there. You can also use it to work out how to get anywhere by public transport. It will give you information on walking to the nearest station, what time the transport arrives, whether it is on time, frequency, travel time, where to change if necessary, arrival time and time, distance and directions to your destination. You can also use it to find locations you are having problems finding. Just click on the box on the top left hand corner and you will see a list of the places drop down. They are pretty much in the order of the trip. Just locate the one you want , click on it and it will be highlighted on the map. It is also invaluable for walking around and navigating in a city where you don't know your way around. You will need wi-fi to use it. If this isn't possible use your Maps.Me app that you have installed onto your phone and downloaded all of the relevant maps for your trip. Or Google Maps offline. Even if you're not travelling Marker Maps are useful for the area you live in. You might find a few surprises you didn't know about. Or you might be going somewhere for the weekend and are looking for a few ideas.

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It gives you an extra layer of privacy and security when you are using the internet. It encrypts data coming in and going out as well as disguising your location. More than likely you will be using public access wi-fi in airports, hotels, cafes etc. where you are vulnerable to data theft, viruses and hackers. A VPN will protect you from all of this. It is also useful in places where certain apps are banned, a VPN will make it look like you're in another country where you can use it. Certain countries have banned the use of VPNs. Many people don't have one and get by without any problems but extra security on the internet is always a good thing. Never do any banking or other sensitive transactions on public wi-fi. Have a look at this guide for more information.

If you look around this site and read the travel quotes you'll find plenty of inspiration. The world is a big place and there's a lot to see. They say travel broadens the mind and this is true in many ways. It's amazing how much your knowledge of geography improves once you have been to an area. It's hard to be racist when people have welcomed you to their country and treated you so well. Sadly in some cases much better than if they had visited your country. You will learn about religion, culture and history. It is the university of life. You will develop useful traits like patience and tolerance. You will get fit because walking is interesting and all tourist attractions seem to be uphill. You will eat new and delicious meals and have memorable nights out. You will make lots of friends and life long bonds with fellow travelers. But most of all you'll have lots of fun. When was the last time you saw something you'd never seen before? Out on the road you'll see something everyday.

Have a look at Equipment in Travel A - Z for a pretty comprehensive look at what to pack. Generally less is more. If you forget something you can always buy it over there. Plus you'll need room in your pack for all of the things you're going to pick up along the way. If you are going somewhere cold before somewhere warm you can take some old clothes and shoes and abandon them once you're finished with them. If you take prescription pills take enough for the trip. Get a letter from your doctor to say you can have them as some prescription drugs are illegal in some countries. There's not much you cant do with duct tape and a sarong, so they are worth taking. And these days a smartphone pretty much does everything else. It's nice to have enough clothes that you don't have to do your laundry every second day. Packing your things into separate cells (like toiletry bags etc) makes it easier to locate items. A bunch of plastic bags take up no room and always come in handy. Some rope to hang up your washing and something to put your dirty clothes in, like one of those plastic bags. A lot of cheap airlines and cheap flights have minimal luggage amounts so travelling light can save you money. Fees for excess baggage are exorbitant so some travelling scales are also a good idea. A few padlocks will help with your security on beachside bungalows, hostels and some hotel safes. I like to carry a small keyring with an led torch on it for getting home and in the door at night.

It depends on where you are going and how long you are staying there. Many countries these days will give you a certain length of time on arrival (land and air) depending on what passport you're carrying. Your passport should be valid for 6 months after the end of your trip. For a longer stay you might need to apply at the embassy for a visa. Some countries have an on-line visa service and in Europe many countries are covered by the Schengen Agreement. So as you can see there are many variations of the answer to this question. Each itinerary will have a link for visa requirements for that / those particular countries. It is worth carrying a few passport photos with you if you need to get a visa somewhere.

How much depends on which country or countries you are going to and how long for. Also if it is a road trip you will need a bit extra. You can travel well in the cheaper countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas (apart from the USA & Canada) quite well for AUD$100 / US$66 / Euro 60 per day. In the more expensive countries such as in Europe you will probably need double that. If you are travelling as a couple or a pair you can halve transport and accommodation costs. If you stay in hostels and are careful with your spending you can do it much cheaper. Take a wad of cash that will keep you going for the first week. It's easy to change some at the airport when you get there and it will save you a few dollars on ATM fees etc. Don't bother to get any currency of where you're going before you leave home as you will normally get a poor rate. It is useful to have two credit cards - one Visa and one Mastercard in case you lose one and to get around ATM difficulties in some countries. Load them up with cash and don't forget to ring up and tell the banks what countries you will be travelling to before you leave home. Credit cards attract an assortment of different fees and some are better than others. Things are always changing so it's worth having a look at this guide. Never let your card out of your sight when paying for something and for extra security only ever use it at ATMs. Carry a stash of about 3 - 400 in US cash or Euros hidden away in your main pack which you can use in an emergency such as getting back to the capital to get a new passport. Get a variety of denominations. It will also come in handy if you just need a bit of extra money somewhere and as you come to the end of the trip you can use it for a few treats. Don't leave it to the last minute to get your cash from the ATM before leaving town. Sometimes they are offline or out of cash. Have a look at Money in Travel A - Z for more information.

Firstly you'll need a passport that is valid until 6 months past the end of your trip. If you've never had one or need to get a replacement give yourself a minimum of 6 weeks. Take half a dozen photocopies of your passport picture page with you and carry one in your wallet or purse. They come in handy for a variety of things such as checking into hotels, changing cash at money changers, renting things and booking transportation. In some countries you are supposed to carry your passport at all times. Carry the photocopy instead. A photocopy of your birth certificate will be useful if you need to get another passport. As soon as you buy your airline tickets get some travel insurance and print out the policy. Make sure it covers you for all of the activities you may be doing. Get an international Drivers License from your local automobile association if you are doing any driving or riding. Email yourself a picture of the main page in your passport, birth certificate, credit card numbers and any other important information. Check your credit cards don't expire while you're away and don't forget to ring up and advise them what countries you will be travelling to. Make all of your hotel bookings with Booking.com which have free cancellation and no payment until you get there. All of your bookings will available in your account on your phone or other device. You can print them out if you like. Take a folder with clear plastic sleeves where you can keep all of your hard copies and discard as you use them along the way. You can also carry your air tickets like this. These days you only need to show your passport at the check-in desk and they have all of your details on their computer. Before you leave home you can check yourself in and print out a boarding pass. Or let them do it at the airport. If you are on medications try to take enough to last the whole trip. If you are going for a long time take a script with you as well. Some medications are illegal in certain countries so get a note from your doctor to say you are allowed to have the medications you are carrying. If you are visiting major attractions with long queues or shows with waiting lists make sure to book ahead online to avoid disappointment. It's worth taking the "Jump the Queue" option if they have one. If you are visiting a country with Yellow Fever requirements you'll need to get a jab for that. Malaria pills aren't very good for you and if you're just visiting the towns and cities you most likely won't need them. Usually covering up and using a bit of spray around dusk and dawn is enough. If you are worried about it just go and see your local travel doctor and see what they recommend for where you're going. Get about a weeks worth of cash out to get you started. Stash some cash in your main pack (which you keep locked when unattended) for emergencies.

Yes get your travel insurance as soon as buy your airline ticket. This will cover your investment in case anything goes wrong. Some credit cards (Usually Platinum) provide free travel insurance if you buy the airline tickets with their card, so you might want to check this out. Some countries such as Singapore won't let you in if you don't have insurance. If you are partaking in risky activities outside the norm you will need to read the fine print to make sure you're covered. Most companies offer three versions from basic cover to premium. This comprehensive guide should give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

In cheaper countries just take it to the nearest laundry and let them do it for you. Paying by weight is much cheaper than paying by the article. It's good to have a laundry bag or some plastic bags to store your dirty washing in. If you don't have a bag your sarong does a good job of replicating one. Most hotels do laundry but are quite expensive. It's good to have enough clothes that you can go a week or so without having to wash them. If you want to save money you can do your own in the bathroom or find a tub somewhere. You might want to carry some laundry powder or laundry soap, a scrubbing brush and some thin rope for a clothes line. In more expensive countries you could use the local laundromat. You will find some hostels and apartments will have a washing machine. Of course you can always wash your smalls in the shower each night and hang them around the room.

It is a good idea to photocopy your passport picture page, your birth certificate and record important numbers (like your credit card and send them in an e-mail to yourself. This way you can access them even if you lose everything else. It is also a good idea to carry a few photocopies of the picture page in your passport. You can use them instead of having to carry your passport around and leaving it with people. Sometimes police, money changers, rental places and hotels will ask for your passport. If you lose your credit card call them straight away to cancel it and send you a new one. This can take from 24 hours to a week or so. If you're not away for that long and have a second credit card you might want to organise getting it replaced when you get home. If you lose your passport you will need to make your way to the nation's capital and find the way to your home country's embassy. Or if you're lucky there may be a consulate closer to where you are. You should call them as soon as you are aware it is missing. They will cancel it so make sure it is gone. It is good to have a stash of cash hidden away in your main pack to help finance this inconvenient diversion. It is also handy to carry a few passport photos for situations like this and also for getting visas.

Yes it's safe to travel. Just think people live in these countries all of their lives often without all of the resources you have. If there are some particular problems in an area such as malaria or Yellow Fever you will need to have some shots or get some pills. Generally it is only parts South America and Africa that need Yellow Fever shots and you probably wont need malaria medication unless you're camping in the jungle or something. Visit your local travel doctor for the best advise. Like anywhere you need to use your common sense while travelling. Some people seem to thing they are in Disneyland and the normal rules of physics don't apply any more. Don't do anything you wouldn't do at home and be careful on the roads. If the traffic is on the other side of the road to what you are used to, check both sides twice before crossing the road. Many problems and injuries seem to happen when alcohol is involved. Remember you are a guest and should act like one. Patience and turning the other cheek will save you a lot of hassle. Learning the do's and don'ts of the culture also helps immensely. You feel a bit more vulnerable when travelling alone but it shouldn't be any more dangerous. You can become more of a target for scammers so be aware if a friendly stranger comes up and has a relative going to university in the same city you come from. Or some other such crap and they want to take you somewhere or do something. You don't want to be closed off to people and making new relationships but it's better if you approach people. I won't take long and you'll be able to spot the scammers pretty easily. Just remember the old adage that if something sounds too good to be true it probably is. Obviously you'll want to avoid things like walking down dark alleyways alone at night. If you are looking for company, hostels are a good place to meet people and often have bars these days. It's always much more fun to go out in a group anyway. Most big city's have pub crawl tours. If you are out drinking alone finish your drink before you go to the toilet. Don't leave it unattended. There's no need to be paranoid but a few simple practices will help to keep you safe. If in doubt catch a cab home at the end of the night rather than walk. For women it's pretty much the same with a few differences depending on what countries you are going to. A lot of men around the world watch Hollywood movies which gives them a distorted idea about western women. So unfortunately how you dress does affect how you are viewed. In Muslim countries you should dress modestly as well as in temples and other culturally important places. However I'm not a woman so perhaps you should look at this Ultimate Guide for Solo Female Travel by The Blonde Abroad.

Yes, you'll find there's plenty of people already there! You may not get another chance so take it. For all you know your travel companion might not have worked and you'd be alone anyway. Being alone makes you more outgoing out of necessity. It can be a bit dull at times having a meal by yourself or starting off the evening drinking alone. Take a book or the paper to lunch with you. After a few drinks you'll be relaxing and making new friends before you know it. Just remember to finish your drink before going to the toilet. Don't leave your drink unattended unless you're with friends. Accommodation and local transport will cost you more. You can reduce the impact by staying in cheaper rooms and sharing tuk tuks, taxis, bemos, dokars, jumbos or whatever it is with people you meet along the way. You will always find cheaper options. Lastly just be a bit more organised with things like money, tickets, alarm clocks, navigation and bookings etc. You have to rely on yourself. Being alone can make you more of a target for scammers and other such low lives. Just be suspicious of anyone who just comes up and starts talking to you in a public space. Most locals wouldn't do that. They're pretty easy to spot and best ignored like they don't even exist. They prey on peoples politeness. Never go off with them whatever story they tell you. It' doesn't hurt to google the latest scams for wherever you are going. Forewarned is forearmed. Don't be paranoid, meet lots of great people and have fun.

Getting scammed is like one of the rites of passage for a traveller. Everyone has at least a couple of stories to tell. Most of the time it is nothing major and you can laugh about it in a day or two. But some can be nasty and all are best avoided. It won't take you long to start reading the signs. However the scammers are very creative and coming up with new ones all the time. Scammers often like to hang around outside areas where many first time tourists will be found. Major attractions, markets, shopping centres and large hotels are all places they will be looking for victims. They often speak English well, have a spiel and have some connection to your hometown or country. Before you leave home it is a good idea to ask google what the latest scams are for wherever you are going. Once they have gained your "confidence" they'll want you to go somewhere and do something. Anything from card games, a free shopping tour to buying cheap gems. Never go with them. Don't even bother having a conversation with them. They will quickly move on to another sucker. Other forms of scams include taxi drivers, padding your bill and pick pocketing to name a few. It is important to negotiate the fare or costs before you accept the transaction. With taxis, don't get in unless they are willing to turn the meter on. If you are going into a dodgy bar ask if there is a cover charge and ask the price of everything before you order it. If you rent anything take photos of any damage and bring it to the owners attention before you leave. If a bill seems high go through it. Pick pocketing is a problem all over the world. If you are in a crowded tourist spot wear your daypack on the front. Put your hand in your wallet pocket. Pick pocketers often work in teams. One will bump into you and spill something like mustard or even crap on you. While they are helping to clean you up their partner is robbing you. In Vietnam they distract you by riding a motorbike into you. If you are walking down the street beware of snatch thieves riding past on motorbikes. Put your bag on the inside shoulder. There is no need to think everybody is out to get you. The best way is to educate yourself about their tricks and you will be much harder to steal from. Have a look at this guide from the Australian Government.

CUSTOMS Customs deals with the natural and man made matter you are bringing in to the country and making sure you don't exceed your duty free allowances. They are trying to stop drugs, weapons, diseases and pests from crossing their borders. You should take it seriously if you don't want to be fined or go to jail. Australia being an island nation takes it pretty seriously. They used to come aboard and fumigate you on the plane before anyone was allowed off. It's pretty simple, just declare anything you have when you fill out the customs card and don't carry anything illegal. Usually they will just look at what you've declared and that's it. Some products may taken away to be treated or cleaned. Anything you shouldn't have will be confiscated. If you are over your duty free allowance you will have to pay tax and duty on all of the items. If you don't declare them you could have your visa revoked. IMMIGRATION & VISAS There are a multitude of visa options around the world today. Visa Waiver or Exemption, Transit, On Arrival, Tourist, Double Entry, Online e - visa, Schengen and Business to name a few. With the number of embassies around the world the information contained here is generally accurate but obviously won't be correct in every situation. Thankfully many countries allow you to stay for a certain period of time without a visa. If you want to stay longer you may have to apply for a visa. It is easier to extend your stay if you have a visa. The requirements for each country are in all of the itineraries. To get a visa you need to go to or send your passport to the Embassy of the country you want to go to. If you are travelling from country to country you can do this as you go along. They normally take a few days so you will need to hang around in the capital until you get it. You will need some passport photos, have to fill out a form and pay a fee. You can pay extra to speed up the process. If you want to get one before you leave home you may have to send your passport off if you don't live in the capital. Occasionally countries will have a consulate in another city which you can also use. Always give yourself at least 6 weeks before you go to get your visa and send it with the most secure system available. Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after the end of your trip or they may not issue a visa. Visas are only valid for a certain time so you need to make sure your arrival is within this window. If you want to go back to the country after leaving, double entry visas are usually available. Most airlines won't check you in if you don't have the appropriate visa required for where you're flying to. If the country gives you X amount of days on arrival just go up to immigration with your passport and the card you filled in on the plane. Immigration Officers aren't a very friendly breed so don't feel compelled to make any small talk. If it's a visa on arrival scenario you will need to find the desk that organises this. You will more than likely need some passport photos, US$ or local cash and your passport. It might sound a bit complicated but it's just a bit of paperwork and think of the rewards waiting for you as you explore a new country.

DEPARTURE At the time of writing it is recommended to be at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. When you arrive at the airport go to the departure section and locate the airline you are flying out with. Line up to check your luggage in and get your boarding pass. You become the responsibility of the airline and if you are not admitted into the country you are going to they will have to fly you back. This means if you don't have the appropriate paperwork to get in they won't let you on the flight. So if you need a visa make sure you get one. If you have checked in online you should be able to go to the baggage drop off counter. Your pack should be padlocked through the two rings that mesh together. If they don't have the rings they can be tampered with. Keep your valuables with you in your carry on luggage. It doesn't hurt to have a picture of your pack just in case they lose it. Next you'll have to make your way through security, then it's off to immigration. You will need to show your passport and boarding pass what seems like many times so it pays to have them handy. Immigration will stamp you out of the country and then you will be in no mans land. There should be enough shops, cafes and bars to keep you entertained for a while. Your boarding pass will have your departure gate marked on it. When you enter no mans land have a look at the departure boards to check your departure time and gate. You need to be at the gate about a half an hour before boarding time. Be aware you'll probably have to go through security again. In large airports it doesn't hurt to work out where your gate is and how long it will take to get there before you hit the duty free shops or the bar. TRANSIT If you have a connecting flight you will have to spend some time in transit aka no mans land. So you will come off the plane but won't go through immigration and customs. Sometimes you could have a very long stop over and may want to enter the country and spend a bit of time having a look at the city. You will need to meet their visa requirements of course. In fact if you can organise a 2 or 3 day stop over it is well worth it. You never know if you'll be that way again. The best airports will provide short term accommodation, showers, massage and other ways for you to freshen up and pass the time. Some provide a lounge with food, drinks and entertainment that you can pay to enter. Download the Lounge Buddy app to see if anything is available. On other occasions you may arrive late and have an early morning flight out which means sleeping at the airport. It never seems to be a good option but is definitely the cheapest. If you don't think you can cope with it book a room in the airport hotel. ARRIVAL Before you land you will be given an Embarkation / Disembarkation card to fill in (carry a pen in your passport pouch) Put this in your passport and when you reach Immigration they will keep the embarkation part and staple or put the disembarkation part in your passport so make sure you don't lose it. You will need it when you leave the country. They will also give you a customs form to fill in. It pays to be honest. When you get off the plane usually the sequence is to go through immigration - where you will need your passport and the card you filled out. Hang on to your boarding pass because it probably has your luggage tags stuck on it. Then you make your way to the baggage carousels which will be marked with your flight number. To add to the excitement you can play who's luggage arrives first for cocktails. There are normally money changers in these areas and it is less stressful to use them here rather than out in the main area. The rates are usually reasonable so get at least a few days worth. From here you take your luggage through customs. You will be given the option of nothing to declare or something to declare. Usually when you arrive you will have nothing to declare and walk straight through. In places like Australia they are very thorough and often go through peoples luggage. You now wander out into the public arrivals area where there are often crowds and excitement. Most airports have organised transport these days and it is worth using. Find the information desk and they will help you work out the best option to get where you are going. Often if there are 2 or 3 of you a shared taxi is the cheapest and quickest. If you are on your own the airport shuttle train or bus will save you money. On the very odd occasion the airline might misplace or lose your luggage. Hopefully you took that picture of it. Or at least have the baggage tags from when you checked them in. Find the baggage desk and fill in a report. While you are filling out the report find out what the airline is willing to provide in compensation. Keep any receipts of clothes, toiletries, medicines etc. that you need to buy while you're waiting for your bags. Normally they find them but it could take a few days. Work out where you will be and get them delivered to that address.

Once you know your dates hop on the internet and go to Kiwi.com as well as that countries airlines and any other major ones you know that fly there. There are a lot of cheap airlines around which are good for short hops but lose their value quickly on the long hauls. Check with your credit card people if you get free travel insurance if you buy your airline tickets with their card. If you do use that card to buy the tickets. Otherwise get some travel insurance online to protect your investment. Make sure your activities are covered in the fine print. Like riding motorbikes or skiing. It's good if you can be a bit flexible with your flying days as there can be a marked difference in price from one day to the next. When you've settled on the best deal buy it using your credit card. Just be AWARE that the person whose card is used needs to be one of the people flying together. Otherwise they may not let you fly. It is a counter fraud measure.

All of the itineraries have recommended hotels. Even if you don't stay in that particular hotel it is worthwhile finding one nearby. All locations are selected with the first time visitor in mind and the recommended hotels usually represent good value. Of course you are in charge so if there is somewhere else you would prefer - go for it. If you are going to be in town for a few days you could book a couple of nights somewhere then have a look around when you arrive. If there are two or more of you and you don't have a booking it's a good idea to sit one of you down in a café with the luggage and a hot / cold drink while the other one has a look around at the local hotels. Don't forget to check the water is running. I like a room with a view, especially if there's something famous nearby. Staying in the heart of the action means you can step outside your front door and have a meal, go shopping and head out for a drink. It also means you don't have to muck around with taxis at the end of the night when you want to go home. Three*** star hotels are good value and usually have a range of facilities . The must haves I look for are good reviews, cleanliness, clean sheets, outside window, fly screens, air con, fridge, hot water and a safe. Added bonuses include a balcony (with a view), rooftop terrace (with a bar), 24 hour desk, swimming pool and spa. If you are on a road trip you will need to make sure they have parking and whether they charge for it. All of the road trip itineraries have parking at the hotels apart from a very few cases such as in old towns where you should be able to park nearby. Have a look at Accommodation in Travel A - Z.

Most are some aren't. If there is one at reception that requires a key from them and one from you they are probably the safest. Often they charge a high key deposit fee and seem to be honest. Most rooms have there own safes these days which is very handy. You can put your phone, money-belt and any other valuables away and get them out again without the hassle of going to the front desk. However if you forget your code and need to get someone to open it for you, you will find out how easy they are to get into. Having said that I have never had anything go missing from one. Another form of safe is one at reception that only has one key and is vulnerable to receptionist tax. If you can put your own padlock on it - do. Some places will have no safe at all. Stash it in your main pack somewhere and lock it. It should have two rings on the zippers that mesh. Otherwise skinny little maid's hands are able to have full access. Without the rings the zipper can be pulled through the zip, opening up a hole. Just because you're staying in a better class hotel doesn't mean it won't happen. Don't be tempted to carry your valuables on a night out on the town, they're safer in the room. When you buy padlocks you can get a number of them that use the same key. Or if two of you are sharing a bungalow you could have a combination lock so that nobody needs a key. Big hardware chains or supermarkets are probably the best place to pick them up. Always latch the security chain on you hotel door. Even when you're not sleeping. If you're staying in a bungalow on the beach it is a good idea to have your own padlock on the door. Lock your pack whenever you travel on buses, trains, planes and ferries. It is often out of your sight and will deter would be thieves. Like with all of this stuff there's no need to be paranoid but if you create good habits you and your stuff will be more secure.

Like everything, it depends. If you are going to a festival, yes book as far ahead as possible. If you are travelling on public holidays, festivals, peak tourist season or just on a short trip it is wise to book ahead. If there is somewhere you'd particularly like to stay - book ahead. All of the recommended hotels have links to Booking.com if they are on that site. Which most are. This means you can make your bookings with free cancellation up until near the booking and don't have to pay until you arrive at the hotel. Just check the conditions when you are booking. You can book way ahead and get some pretty good specials this way, especially on some of the 4**** and 5***** places. I have found them prompt and very good to deal when I have had to cancel bookings outside of the free cancellation range. You can also communicate to the hotel through them. If you are travelling to heavily touristed areas in the busy season you should book ahead. If you have plenty of time and are not in busy areas you can probably walk in off the street and get even better prices or perhaps a free upgrade. Most hotels prefer this as it cuts out the middle-man and are happy to give you a better price. The best way if there is more than one of you is to plonk one person down with all of the luggage in a cafe with a refreshing drink while the other goes off hotel hunting unhindered. Don't forget to check the water is running. If you are on a shorter trip where you are moving often it's nice not having to worry about finding hotels each time you move. All of the recommended hotels are in some of the best locations for eating, drinking, shopping, attractions, relaxing, nightlife etc. so if you don't like the one recommended just find something you like nearby. On Booking.com just click on show map and you will be able to see all of their hotels and prices in the area. Google maps is a handy tool as well and you get ALL of the hotels that way. Airbnb is useful in certain circumstances but are no longer the cheap deal they once were. Planning the trip is part of the fun and it's exciting to have a look around where you'll be staying. It's always nice to have a view and to be near water. So when booking make sure your room has views of whatever it is that you should be looking at. If you're visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa it would be nice to see it out of your window. I think the best way is to have a combination of some places prebooked and others wait until you get there. When you arrive tired at the end of a days travelling it's nice to know where you're staying. If you were spending a week or so somewhere you could book the first couple of days and then have a look around when you get there for the best deal.

Usually the answer is no. Public transport is often the best way to get around and you don't have the responsibilities, costs, stresses and parking worries. If it is a road trip then of course you will need one. In some places such as Los Angeles a car will make life a lot easier. The itineraries will let you know when one is required. Sometimes it is convenient to rent a car for a section of a trip if there are a lot of attractions that you want to stop off along the way and have a look at. Taking a bus or train might mean that you miss everything. Like the east coast of Taiwan for example. Just make sure your hotel has parking facilities nearby. If you have a motorbike license two wheels are often the best way to get around. Especially in the mountains. Have a look at Motorbike Loops.

The itineraries will give you the options available and recommend the best choice. It's nice to go overland but sometimes it is much cheaper and quicker to grab a cheap flight. Overnight trains are good fun as well invoking the feelings of travel in the old days. Buses are usually cheapest but they are the most dangerous and uncomfortable. However sleeper buses and good roads make for a comfy ride. To get from your hotel to the bus / train station, airport or ferry terminal you will need to get a taxi, bemo, tuk tuk, jumbo or other short distance ride. Ironically these short hops to and from the bus stations can cost close to or more than the cheap ticket for the main bus trip. Especially when you have to pay for it at both ends of the journey. You will use these same transports to get around town as well. They often require sharp bargaining skills to get a fair price. Surprisingly taxis are often cheaper, safer and more comfortable (a/c) than tuk tuks. But not as much fun. To get the right price in a taxi just ask him to use the meter. And don't get in if he won't. Although if the traffic is bad it's worth negotiating a flat rate so you don't have to sit there nervously watching the meter tick over. One of the great joys of travel is the wide variety of vehicles and transports you will use to get around. As well as the aforementioned you have the horse and cart, funiculars going up steep hills, COG Railways going up steep hills, cable cars going up steep mountains, long tailed boats racing up rivers, outriggers cruising along beautiful tropical beaches, trolley buses, trackless trams, Toy Trains, e-bikes, bicycles, scooters, Segways, motorbikes, powered canoes and much much more. My favourite form of transport is the riverboat because you have plenty of room to move around, the ride is very smooth and you can sit on the top deck with a cold drink watching the world go by. Unfortunately most of them are prohibitively expensive. Have a look at Transport in Travel A - Z.

These days there options in a range of prices. Stick with the services provided by the airport. If there are 2 or more of you a taxi is probably best. It will take you straight to your hotel and by splitting the fare it will be cheaper. Use the airport approved taxis as they have straightened out the problems that used to occur with freelancers taking advantage of new arrivals. If there are a group of you it may pay to get a minivan. Most airports will have an information desk or transport desk that will help you out. If you're by yourself the airport bus or shuttle train will be cheapest. Some airports connect with the local light rail services which is even better. Many hotels provide airport pick up and drop off. Often they are quite expensive but sometimes they are free. Check it out and book it before you leave home if it sounds like a good deal. If it's your first time travelling it can be nice to have someone waiting for you in the arrival hall. Or if it's your honeymoon you want to go first class all the way. Most airports should have VIP and Luxury options as well.

Yes, just don't drink the tap water. Sometimes we can get a stomach upset, not because the food is bad but because our stomach isn't used to some of the organisms in the food. Or perhaps it has been cooked in stale oil. Very few restaurants would knowingly use bad water to wash their salad leaves. If there is a jug of water on your table for drinking you can trust that too. Each country is different of course but if you see the locals or another traveller eating or drinking something it will be ok for you. When people were starving in Cambodia they used to watch the birds and if they ate something they would know it was safe. Before you leave home it wouldn't hurt to up your intake of probiotics and yoghurt. It's good for you anyway. Street food is one of the joys of travel and you can see inside their kitchen unlike most restaurants. If the cook looks sickly it might pay to go to the next stall. If you're travelling through India it might pay to skip the meat if you have a long bus trip coming up. Vegetarians will love the variety of choices in India. In some other countries they may have problems finding much. One lady in Laos complaining that there was meat in her vegetarian noodles was told by the cook, "yes, but only a little bit!". Generally there is a good range of fresh fruit available.

Street food is one of the joys of travel. Even the western world is catching on with the popularity of food trucks. You will find it all over the world but Asia seems to be the king of street food. One of highlights in Asia are the Night Markets which are like a festival of street food. In Taiwan all large cities have a number of Night Markets so you can go to a different one most night s of the week. The amount of food stalls in them is amazing and you need to do a lap before deciding where to start. In Thailand even little out of the way towns have at least one Night Market. Because they are local, for locals it's hard to believe how cheap everything is. Street food vendors usually have from one to a small number of dishes which they cook over and over everyday. Some of these recipes are passed down from previous generations. It's fair to say that they have the dishes perfected. They are also in competition with people cooking the same dishes nearby. So if you see a line up it's probably worth joining. Thais love their food more than most and with street food everywhere it means they are never far from it. In Singapore they have rounded most of them up and put them in food centres. The food is still the same though. Late at night there is still Sate Street outside of Lau Pa Sat. In Kuala Lumpur don't miss Jalan Alor the perfect place to eat and drink the night away. Chinatowns around the world are always a good bet for street food. So, is it safe to eat street food? Well you can see how clean their kitchen is. You can see how healthy the cooks is. In many cases it's probably safer than eating in a restaurant. Yes it is as safe as anywhere. You might get unlucky but it will be a very rare occasion.

This one is pretty easy. If it's busy with locals it's probably good. I also think that if a place has been open for a long time it has stood the test of time and probably has something going for it. The oldest restaurant in the world is the Restaurante Botin in Madrid which opened in 1725. In heavily touristed places like Venice you should try and avoid the tourist traps with their rip off prices and crap food. Ask someone at the hotel where to eat or just see where the locals are eating again. If you want to have a meal at a restaurant with some level of fame you should probably make a booking online before you leave home. The itineraries recommend a lot of places to eat. Usually they will specialise in authentic local cuisine, or have a spectacular view, some history or some point of difference that makes them stand out. I don't see the point of going to Italy and eating Chinese food. Unless it's really good. After a while you'll start craving 'Western Food" or Pizza or any of your usual favourites. These get a mention as do cuisines from neighbouring countries. There is a concerted effort to try anything eponymous or in the place it was invented. Such as Peking Duck, Singapore Sling, Pizza in Naples, Cannoli in Palermo, Tartufo in Pizzo and the Pavlova in Perth. Or was that New Zealand?

In most holiday spots you'll find everyone's in a good mood and there won't be too many problems. Your best memories and stories are often related to a good night out on the drink. And if you are a drinker you'll be out most nights of the trip. So it's worth being aware of a few steps you can take to minimise any hassles. These are more relatable to third world countries and where there is a language barrier. Simple misunderstandings can occur and blow up especially where alcohol is involved. If you are drinking alone always finish your drink before you go to the toilet. Never leave your drink unattended. Avoid being dragged over to drinking with a large group of overfriendly local men who have obviously had a few. Have one then make your excuses and move on. Don't gamble with local men who are drinking. Don't play pool or cards for money. Sometimes bars and clubs won't let you out the front door unless you have the receipt which shows you've paid the bill. Some even give you a running tally of your drinks which you need to produce or face a hefty fine. These places aren't that common. If you are in a red light area you need to be on your guard. If you go into a dodgy looking bar ask if there is a cover charge and ask the price of everything before you order. Don't let them put any items on the table that you didn't order (chewing gum chips and other snacks). And definitely don't let them open them. Don't walk near electricity poles when the roads are flooded. A common occurrence in the tropics. Some places like cheap bars in Bali and festivals in India make their own bootleg booze and add methanol to it or just fail to remove it when distilling. This can be extremely dangerous and make you very ill, blind or worse! If you're going to a Full Moon party in Thailand have a look at this guide. Don't get involved in other people's problems. Never be aggressive or cause someone to lose face. Be careful on boats or piers if you've been drinking and don't go out in the surf. Catch a taxi home. And have fun. Be a happy drunk. All of your best adventures will be alcohol related.