Sydney Explorer

สวัสดีคนที่ยอดเยี่ยม This trek was one of those experiences you look back on with fond memories and an 'I'm glad I did it' attitude. Sadly, when I was actually trekking for 6 hours a day, in 35 degree heat up a jungle mountain  I wasn't thinking about the nice memories I was creating. Instead, I was cursing my grossly unfit self for signing up to such a stupid activity, and secretly plotting ways I could maybe break a leg and go home. Seriously, that thought crossed my mind more that once.

สวัสดีคนที่ยอดเยี่ยม One beach, 35,000 people, copious amounts of cheap alcohol, multi-coloured buckets, glow paint everywhere and one full moon; welcome to Koh Phangan! It's fair to say that the Full Moon Party has a fearsome reputation and while I was super excited to experience the madness of this infamous beach party, I was also a little nervous.

Hello wonderful people!  Your choice of hostel while travelling is always an important decision. You might need something cheap to save the pennies, luxurious after a week of roughing it, or sociable to meet fellow backpackers. While I was travelling South East Asia my main priority when choosing a hostel was usually the social scene. While I didn't want to be sleeping in a cockroach infested room, I also didn't mind sacrificing home comforts for a buzzing atmosphere. After all, I met some amazing people in some pretty grubby hostels; but backpacking isn't about luxury, it's about the people and the experience. So, in no particular order (and in my humble opinion) here are my top hostels in South East Asia!

สวัสดีคนที่ยอดเยี่ยม Like every tourist that visits Thailand I obviously rode an elephant (twice actually) and went to see the tigers! While it was completely amazing to see these wonderful creatures, many people have asked me about the welfare of these animals; the most pressing question being 'are they drugged or neglected?' I don't claim to be an expert on the Thai tourist industry surrounding Tigers and Elephants, but I will do my best to shed some light on these attractions from my own experiences.  

สวัสดี คนที่ยอดเยี่ยม   Prior to this trip I had only ever visited Europe and North America, both of which have amazing countries but are all (obviously) very westernised. I had never been anywhere exotic,  so I was excited and fascinated to finally land in Asia and experience a completely different culture to what I was used to. And Oh My Sweet Lordy, Bangkok did not disappoint! After the luxury and splendour of Dubai, the chaotic, colourful, noisy and pretty smelly streets of Thailand's capital proved to be the most bizarre, yet enthralling experience I'd ever had.

مرحبا شعب رائع   The first stop on my travelling agenda was Dubai, United Arab Emirates. While I was excited to see the extravagant glamour and grandeur that Dubai had to offer I also had my reservations.  As two young females travelling alone we were full of apprehensions concerning Dubai and it's cultural acceptance of Western women. There had been numerous stories in the media relating to Westerners being arrested for improper dress or behaviour and as a result we were unsure of what to expect. Furthermore, I was worried about what two backpackers on a budget would be able to afford to do in a city famed for its wealth. As it turns out (bar one slightly scary experience) our fears were totally unfounded and I thoroughly enjoyed my short stay in this lavish city.

Hello wonderful people!  As you may or may not know, I have just returned from four months travelling and it's safe to say I had the most spectacular time of my life! Before I embarked upon my adventure I had planned to write a travel blog, so all those at home could follow my antics and keep in touch. However, this didn't go according to plan as it proved to be pretty tricky accessing the internet in the majority of places I went to. Therefore, I've decided to create this blog, partly to reminisce about the crazy times I had and partly to articulate my experiences and thoughts on travel and tourism as a whole. Prepare for some cracking pictures, anecdotes, travel guides, personal opinions and feelings of jealousy as I attempt to recall my travel diaries while the memories are still fresh! Ta ta!