Gran Canaria 360º: Driving Europe’s Miniature Continent

This is a guest post by Cat Gaa – contact me if you’re interested in writing for Backpackingmatt.com.

I did a mental check of the last-minute details for the last-minute Spanish wedding: hotel room reserved, dress dry cleaned, flights to Gran Canaria booked. Everything was taken care of until my boyfriend quipped: “No, no, no. The gua-gua won’t do. Not on this continent.”

We found ourselves in the airport of Las Palmas on the mini-continent, capital of the Canary Islands, at the rental car desks. The place was a jumble of English, Spanish and canario, a dialect halfway in between Argentinian and Castillian. He switched to English.

“I forgot to make a reservation. And this island is too beautiful not to see it all.”

Kike hasn’t made a car reservation. When I suggested the gua-gua, the Canarian term for tourist bus, he insisted it was no way to see a landscape and climate so varied that it had garnered the name of a miniature continent.

He turned to the attendant. “Find us a car.”

For once, his stubbornness didn’t bother me – we saw every corner of the continent in three days – something that might have not been possible without his insistence that we have one.

Thanks to its near-perfect circle shape, Gran Canaria is easy to drive. A drive down the highway connecting Las Palmas to Maspalomas will average one hour, and the central mountains are accessible by smaller roads.

Through the drives, a jaw-dropping array of landscapes, flora and tradition abounds.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Arucas

Save the beach and its principal festivals, Carnaval in February and San Juan in June, Las Palmas is little more than home to nearly half of the island’s population, making it dirty and pricey. A 37 kilometer’s drive from the island’s only airport, find yourself in the plantation town of Arucas, known for its banana production and rum, as well as century-old stone cathedral.

The island touts its banana canaria, the banana’s smaller and sweeter cousin native to the island. Old plantations dot the hilly countryside, and the beloved honey rum, Arehucas, is distilled in the nearby factory.

From Las Palmas Airport, catch the GC-1 highway heading towards the capital and veer off at GC-3 towards Arucas.

Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves

Famous for its rocky beaches and natural landmarks, the municipality of Agaete is located in the eastern part of the island and prides itself on the variety of landscapes within the region. The most attractive are perhaps the stony beaches of the Port of Las Nieves, where rustic seafood and quaint blue and white homes seem to transport you to the Greek Isles.

Fred Olsen runs cruises from this port to the island of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and in this small bay once stood el Dedo de Dios. Translated as God’s finger, this ancient stone formation resembling and appendage stood at this spot for centuries before being toppled by Tropical Storm Delta. Fish soup, caldo de pescado, is present on every menu in this port village.

To get a view of the windy coastline, leave Arucas by taking the GC-20 highway north. The motorway will turn into GC-2 at Hoya Alta. Follow it west, passing Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria with its beautiful church and queso de flor cheese. Agaete lies on the same highway, 26 kilometers from Arucas.

Tejede and Roque Nublo

Roque Nublo, the towering monolith in the geographic center of the island, stands as the continent’s greatest climate controller and one of the main climate zones on the island. While the north tends to be rainier and cooler than the south, the rock is believed by islanders to split the clouds in two, thus deterring them to other islands.

Regardless, the sparse mountain vegetation and dramatic cliffs are great for hiking and, on a clear day, one can see the southern coast slope into the sea and across to the largest island of the Canaries: Tenerife, with its commanding volcano, Mount Teide.

Heading inland from Agaete, it’s best to backtrack to Arucas on the GC-2 and take the GC- 43 towards Teror. The roads here get steep and winding (I even got sick), so be sure to hydrate well. Following signs to Tejada, you’ll catch both the GC-21 and GC-15. If you’re more adventurous, the bumpy GC-220 will get you there in an hour.

Puerto de Mogán

Known as the Venice of Canarias, Mogán makes everything look good. From Telde, catch the GC-605, passing the town of Mogán and its incredibly steep ravines to the coastal village.

Canals criss-cross the small port known for its fishing heritage and its food doesn’t disappoint. From fresh seafood a la plancha to traditional papas arrugá (baked jacket potatoes) and mojo picón (Spain’s closest thing to salsa), everything seemed more beautiful that afternoon. From breathtaking sunsets to pristine beaches, Puerto de Mogán merits at least a half-day.

To get to Mogán and its port from Tejeda, hop on the GC-605, which becomes GC-200 at Mogán (47 km).

Maspalomas

Maspalomas has the best climate in the entire archipelago, averaging 25ºC year-round, making it the mecca of tourism on the island. From gay bars to sand bars, it echoes Málaga in its well- kept beaches and all-inclusive hotels. In fact, the main beach is called Playa de los Ingleses, paying homage to the cold-blooded northern Europeans who chose the island as their winter vacation spot.

The biggest attraction is the 17km stretch of coastline, which create a dune of some 400 hectares and provides refuge to thousands of migratory birds, as well as attractive water sports and world-class golf courses.

From Mogán, you can catch the GC-1 highway for a quick way (30 km) to the resort town of Maspalomas, or take the scenic route GC-500, which runs along the coast. If taking the coastal road, be sure to stop by Playa Amadores, a breathtaking cove with a white-sand beach imported from the Carribean. From Maspalomas, the airport is barely a half hour’s drive.

For those who can’t go by car, there’s always the gua-gua. Waah, waah.

About the Author: Cat left Chicago’s skyscrapers for the empty blue sky and olive groves of Andalucia after graduating from the University of Iowa. A fan of cheap beer and olives, she’s thinking of staying in southern Spain long-term. Follow Cat’s journey on her blog, Sunshine and Siestas.

This post was sponsored by FlyThomasCook.com.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Europe, spain, Travel Advice

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5 Cities You Should Visit on Your RTW Backpacking Trip

An ideal backpacking trip will take in both stunning scenery, world culture and history, and city life. Some of the top backpacking destinations in the world offer an unbeatable combination of urban life and jaw-dropping scenery.

New Zealand has Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, and also the most diverse range of landscapes anywhere in the world.

Thailand has the chaotic, polluted, yet strangely addictive city of Bangkok and some of the world’s most pristine beaches.

One of the great ways to experience the world is through its greatest cities – these destinations contain the very best culture and allow you to explore iconic sights, take in great museums, and treat yourself to world-class cuisine. With the increasing number of cheap flights to Barcelona, New York and many other amazing cities, these destinations are in reach – even when you’re on a budget.

Here are 5 cities you should visit on your RTW backpacking trip:

1) London

London is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world and is home to a staggering array of cultures, cuisines and tourist attractions. Shows here are as captivating and exciting as Londoners themselves, yet you don’t need to buy a ticket to experience the city – simply walk through its streets, dine in its historic pubs and take in the multicultural atmosphere of this buzzing metropolis.

2) Shanghai

Shanghai is one of China’s most modern cities and well worth visiting. Ultra-posh shops and restaurants exist for the elite in the city’s world class business district directly beside more traditional manifestations of Chinese culture. For a taste of the old head to Yuyuan Gardens, for the new look no further than Pearl Tower.

3) Rio de Janeiro

Rio is the rising star on this list: as the future host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, it is clearly on the way up. The best time to visit is during Carnival when the city erupts into a huge party dominated by parades of local samba schools. Rio is worth visiting at all times as it is home to gorgeous sites and a lively music scene.

4) Barcelona

Barcelona is both a classic European city and top backpacking destination in Spain. This beautiful city is best explored by wandering its gorgeous streets and sampling the food in local cafes. A great time to visit it is during the Festes de la Mercè on September 24 when the city teems with hundreds of dazzling shows celebrating local and Spanish culture.

5) Toronto

Toronto is one of the most overlooked cities in the world and boasts a level of multiculturalism comparable to London. There is a thriving Canadian music scene that is ground-breaking and folksy at the same time. Also don’t miss out on its restaurants, as it is home to some marquee establishments as well as the best Asian food in Canada.

Do you have a favorite city that didn’t make the list? Leave your top picks for city breaks in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Travel Zoo.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Budget Travel, City Breaks, RTW Trip

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10 Fascinating Places I Traveled to in 2010

It’s hard to believe that 2010 is coming to a close – yet what a year it’s been for travel.

In 2010, I inadvertently circled the globe. While not your typical RTW trip, my year was a fantastic mix of backpacking, working, and of course blogging. I met like-minded 20-somethings, experienced new things, was challenged, and continued to live an unconventional, yet satisfying life.

Hopefully in 2010, Backpackingmatt.com has provided you with some inspiration, some advice, and plenty of tips for your own experiences backpacking around the world.

Here are 10 Fascinating Places I Traveled to in 2010:

1) Raglan, New Zealand

New Zealand quickly became one of my favorite countries and was the country where I spent most of 2010. Backpacking in New Zealand is easy, relatively cheap, and everything you’d expect it to be. Look forward to more New Zealand specific information in 2011.

The first destination I traveled to in New Zealand was Raglan. Found about two hours south of Auckland, Raglan has the feel of a surf town of the 1970s. It’s also one of the best spots in New Zealand to watch the sunset.

Check it out at Manu Bay – home of the world’s longest left hand break.

2) Bangkok, Thailand

I’m not typically a fan of big, chaotic cities (blame it on my Iowa upbringing), yet I fell in love with Bangkok. Ironically, it was the chaos that won me over. I enjoyed wandering the streets, soaking up the foreignness, and treating myself to Thailand’s unbeatable street food.

With a nightlife scene that is unsurpassed by most places in the world, cheap prices – from accommodation, to food, to transportation, and awe-inspiring temples, I imagine you’d fall in love with Bangkok if you visit in 2011 too.

3) Sydney, Australia

Australia‘s largest city is situated directly on the stunning Sydney Harbor, has world-class restaurants, quaint cafes, historic pubs, and plenty of sunshine. What more can you ask for? Beaches? Deal. There are heaps that are only a short ferry ride away.

I unfortunately only budgeted for two short days in Sydney, and expect it will be one of the first places I visit when I head back to the Southern Hemisphere.

Sydney is sexy, sophisticated, and terribly addictive. If you’re spending a day there, check out these Sydney Travel Tips.

4) Koh Lanta Island, Thailand

Koh Lanta is an absolute island paradise that presents an excellent combination of chilled-out beaches, local culture, and plenty of nightlife options if you seek them out. Found in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta is an easy two-hour ferry ride away from Krabi in the south of Thailand.

Compared to the neighboring Koh Phi Phi Island, Koh Lanta offers a bit more space to explore, get away from the crowds, and get a taste for untouched Thailand paradise.

5) Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s Northland is a spectacular area with year-round warm temperatures, white-sand beaches, emerald blue waters, and you guessed it – hundreds of small islands in an inlet off the South Pacific Ocean. It’s an absolute must on your backpacking trip to New Zealand; there is an excellent nightlife scene, friendly local Kiwis (and Kiwi birds nearby!), heaps of backpackers passing through, and plenty of ways to get out and experience the beautiful Bay.

I recommend dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands as the ideal way to see the area and also meet the Bay’s resident Bottlenose Dolphins.

6) Bali, Indonesia

Exploring Bali on a motorbike stands out as one of my greatest memories from Southeast Asia. It was a fantastic way to see Bali’s diverse island scenery, meet local Balinese, and was significantly more budget friendly than using the island public transportation.

Bali is an intensely spiritual island with hospitable locals, vivid green ride paddies, nearly untouched beaches where you can get $10 / hour massages, and some of the world’s best surfing. Visit Bali now as tourism is quickly beginning to take over much of the island.

7) Queenstown, New Zealand

I often say that Queenstown might be one of the most spectacular places for a town anywhere in the world. If you’ve traveled to Queenstown on New Zealand‘s South Island, chances are you’d agree. Set on the brilliant blue waters of Lake Wakatipu with shocking views of The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is a resort community that offers up everything for the adventure sports junkie or outdoor enthusiast.

Try bungy jumping, skydiving, jetboating, or paragliding all on your visit to the Adventure Sports Capital of the World. If you’d prefer to stay grounded, check out some of the world-class hikes or Great Rides in the Southern Lakes area.

8 ) Chicago, USA

The Windy City is not only one of the favorite places I visited in 2010, but it’s one of my favorite cities in America.

I love Chicago’s downtown scene, the old neighborhoods surrounding Wrigleyville, the waterfront, the Shed Aquarium, and come Christmas — the Christkindlmarket.

9) Kaikoura, New Zealand

Another epic South Island New Zealand town, Kaikoura is tucked between the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean.

Kaikoura – kai, meaning food and koura, meaning crayfish – was once only a small crayfishing (lobster) town. Today it’s a mecca for anyone interested in seeing the whales that run up and down the East Coast of New Zealand. Whale Watch Kaikoura runs excellent half day tours where you’re almost guaranteed to see whales. It’s a fascinating experience being so close to such massive creatures.

10) Franz Josef, New Zealand

My home in New Zealand for almost three months was Franz Josef on the wild West Coast of the South Island. Franz Josef is home to the world’s fastest moving glacier – the Franz Josef Glacier.

Visiting Franz Josef is a must on any trip to New Zealand – just don’t try to spend three months; you might go crazy. Check out this travel video for tips on visiting this epic area of New Zealand.

Thanks for your support throughout 2010 – here’s to seeing more of the world in 2011.

What about you? List some of your favorite travel destinations from 2010 in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Backpacking Destinations, Budget Travel

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Friday Travel Photo: Sunny Praia de Belixe, Portugal

Today’s Friday Travel Photo helps you escape the cold of winter and takes you to sunny Praia de Belixe, Portugal. It was submitted by Stephen Burgo of the GoMad Nomad Travel Mag.

January is the ideal time for a backpacker to visit Southern Portugal; the temperatures aren’t quite as extreme, the tourists are few and far between, and accommodation prices are cheap.

Of Sunny Praia de Belixe, Portugal, Stephen says this …

If you travel to the futhest reaches of southwestern Portugal (and the whole of the European contenent) you’ll find the small town of Sagres. It has four supurb beaches, including this one, Praia de Belixe, surrounding the town. In Sagres you’ll find young surfers living out of Volkswagon vans and plenty of other Europeans that have moved to the area for the outstanding weather, beautiful cliffs, and the real estate bargain of western Europe.

For the best of the beaches, check out:

• The sheltered, south-facing Praia da Mareta for bathing
• The Praia do Martinhal for windsurfing
• The wild Praia do Tonel for surfing
• The Praia de Belixe for a stunning setting under cliffs.

The town of Sagras itself is nothing special, but pleasant enough complete with the necessities to keep the family, surfer, or backpacker content.

Be sure to check out Stephan’s travel mag – GoMad Nomad Travel Mag and his personal blog the Bohemian Traveler.

Do you have a photo you’d like featured here? Email me at matt [at] backpackingmatt [dot] com.

Technorati Tags: Friday Travel Photo, portugal

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7 Reasons You Should Experience Backpacking in Thailand

Thailand & Backpacking. The two go together like Sang Som & Coke.

Is backpacking in Thailand easy? For the most part. Should you expect challenges? Definitely.

If you want order, normality, and don’t want to be placed outside of your comfort zone, you probably shouldn’t visit Thailand. Expect language barriers. Expect that someone will try to scam you. Expect to get lost. Expect squat toilets. Expect the power to go out. Expect delayed buses.

If you’re willing to take these challenges in stride and are keen to experience a part of the world that is unlike anywhere else, then backpacking in Thailand is right for you. Here are:

7 Reasons You Should Experience Backpacking in Thailand

1) The Capital City

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is a series of contradictions, layered in smog and drenched in heat. It’s a chaotic rush of traffic, horns, and pollution.

You have BMWs sharing traffic clogged streets with dated motorbikes and tuk tuks. Bald-headed monks sporting traditional orange robes ride Bangkok’s excellent public transit system whilst typing away on iPhones. Five star hotels share the same streets as slums that local Thais and immigrants from SE Asia call home.

It’s a strangely addictive city that begs to be explored.

Not to be Missed: Khao San Road, food from the street stalls scattered throughout the city, and the Giant Reclining Buddah.

2) The Locals

You’ll be hard pressed to find a country with a more welcoming, laid-back, and friendly population (and I’ve just spent a year backpacking in New Zealand). Thailand is called the “Land of Smiles” for a reason, and you can expect a hospitable welcome almost anywhere you travel to.

Mai pen lai translates roughly to “no worries” and is very much indicative of the Thai’s outlook on life. Similarly, sanuk translates to fun and permeates all aspects of Thai culture. Thais love eating together, drinking together, and generally living and having fun together.

Expect smiles, a carefree outlook on life, and generosity – soon, you’ll wonder why you’d ever want to leave.

3) The Nightlife

Thais love to party. Your experience backpacking in Thailand should include a healthy dose of the country’s nightlife. Chances are, you won’t be disappointed and you’ll stay out far later than you expected.

Drinking in Thailand is cheap; you can get a beer for $2, a cocktail for $5, and a bucket filled with Sang Som (Thai Whiskey, which is actually rum), Coke, & Red Bull for $7.

Whether you’re drinking in a classy Bangkok club, a Thai bar filled locals, a Koh San Road street bar, or a moonlit and music filled beach, you’ll soon understand that the nightlife in Thailand is second to none.

4) The Cost of Living

To say backpacking in Thailand is budget friendly is a gross understatement.

Backpacking in Thailand is cheap. Really cheap. You can expect quality accommodation for $10 / night, delicious street food meals for $2, overnight air-conditioned bus rides for $15, and a long taxi ride around Bangkok for less than $5.

Adventurous Kate, myself, and a Swedish mate chartered a private longtail boat with a driver on Koh Phi Phi for an entire afternoon. We saw Maya Bay (where they filmed “The Beach”), went snorkeling, and watched the sunset. The cost? $30.

5) The ExPats

Many people are aware of these advantages and have temporarily made Thailand their home; from location independent lifestyle designers, to dive instructors, to travel bloggers, to English teachers, there is a great group of foreigners who have relocated to Thailand.

And I don’t blame them.

Your visit to Thailand won’t be complete without seeing Thailand through their eyes. Find out the best spots to eat, to drink, and get a feel for what life in Thailand could be like. Just be careful, you may never leave.

6) The Food

Thailand’s food is a culinary delight; from spicy curries, to aromatic stir-fries, to barbecued meats, to fried crickets, to the quintessential pad thai noodles, there is something to please even the most discerning backpacker’s palate.

For anyone traveling on a budget, you don’t need to look further than the street vendors scattered throughout Thailand’s streets and alleyways. Street food in Thailand is cheap, it’s delicious, and it’s safe. I ate food from street vendors literally every day for six weeks and wasn’t sick once.

Expect to pay anywhere from $1 – $3 for a full meal. You won’t be disappointed.

7) The Beaches

Thailand’s South is a tropical paradise. On the East Coast you have the Gulf of Thailand with Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui. On the West Coast you have the Andaman Sea with Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.

While each island has its advantages and disadvantages, they all are home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches. Think fine white sand, clear water with tints of blues and greens, and beachside bungalows.

These beaches are the reason many backpackers travel to Thailand and the reason many never leave.

Have you traveled through Thailand? Leave your backpacking tips and top experiences in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Backpacking Thailand, Beaches, Budget Travel Tips, Thailand, Travel Tips

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Experiencing a Bali Cockfight

When you think of Bali, chances are you envision clear blue skies, white sand beaches, thundering surf and beach-side massages. You might picture thick jungle, vivid green rice paddies, and towering volcanoes. These scenes very much exist in Bali and are the reason I was terribly excited to spend a week in this island paradise.

I expected outstanding seafood, friendly locals, budget friendly accommodation, and a pumping nightlife scene in Kuta.

One thing I didn’t expect was an afternoon spent at a traditional cock fight in the middle of the dense, muggy, and intensely green jungle.

One evening in Lovina, a series of seaside villages in the north of Bali, I met a local who was working at a beach-side bar and restaurant. I was enjoying a few Bintangs (Bali’s beer) along with some Canadian backpackers I had recently met when Putu invited me to a cockfight the next afternoon.

Needless to say, this isn’t an invitation I often get.

Cockfighting plays a very important role in the life of many Balinese men. A cockfight, in the simplest sense, is a fight between two roosters in a caged ring. To many men in Bali, it’s much more than this – it’s an obsession that has been passed down through the generations.

Cockfightinging is illegal in Bali and has been since 1981. The only exception is when a cockfight takes place for religious purposes. Bali is an intensely spiritual island made up of almost all Hindus; in Balinese Hinduism, the spilled blood in a cockfight is believed to expel evil spirits.

Although it is illegal, cockfighting takes place throughout Bali. Men will spend anywhere from six months to two years preparing roosters for a cockfight. They are fed high quality food so they develop muscle – the stronger the rooster, the better its chances of winning the cockfight. Cockfighting is so pervasive in Bali culture that you’ll often see men of all ages sitting around, grooming their roosters, comparing weights and sizes, and showing them off to other men in the community.

It’s a very big part of the local culture – and although inhumane by most standards – I couldn’t bring myself to turn down the invitation.

I met Putu the next day and he took me twenty minutes outside of Lovina to his home. Outside this traditional, one-room house, Putu had bamboo cages of roosters of different ages. Though their was a significant language barrier between us, the pride he had in his roosters was overwhelmingly apparent. He pulled out one of the roosters who he assured me was strong, well-fed, and could win in the cockfight.

75,000 Indonesian Rupiahs later (about $8 USD) and I was the proud owner of a two year old Balinese rooster.

We took our scooters higher up the mountain before turning off the small, single tracked road and onto a muddy dirt trail. We went deeper into the muggy jungle before arriving to the cockpit. There were already dozens of men preparing for the fights; as many of them chain smoked sweet-smelling clove cigarettes, they were preening their roosters and seeking out opponents.

The roosters have a natural aggression towards other males. The first step in the process is seeing which roosters want to fight. After finding a suitable opponent, a third man attaches the taji to each rooster’s leg. The taji is a razor sharp dagger of about four inches – it’s a sacred weapon and the fights are won or lost based on the use of the taji, not necessarily by the pecking that takes place between the roosters.

Before the fight begins, there is a chaotic couple minutes while the men around the cockpit place their bets. They shout out the color of the cock they want to win and were placing bets between 50,000 and 1,000,000 Rupiah. The two birds are released in the center of the ring and jump at each other, peck at each other, before one finally slashes the other rooster with the taji.

It was a quick, somewhat anticlimactic finish to all of the pre-fight negotiations. Those who lost their bets gave their cash to the organizer of the cockfight before another round started.

And what about the loosing cock? The owner of the winning cock gets the body of the looser. Unfortunately, my rooster lost and would have likely then been used to prepare Ayam Pelalah – a spicy, Balinese chicken soup.

After the cockfight I was invited to Pulu’s traditional home. He introduced me to his wife and his young daughter before serving me an outstanding lunch.

Their kitchen was outside in a bamboo enclosed room and their stove was a coal fire. As I’ve found many times in Southeast Asia, it’s amazing how those who seemingly have nothing are so giving. They made sure I had seconds, offered me tea, and gave me a gift of a polished seashell.

It was certainly an interesting afternoon – one I’m very glad I was able to experience.

What is your take? Have you been to a cockfight? Would you go? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking Bali, Bali, Budget Travel, Cockfight

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Christmas Holidays in the Sun

Disclaimer: What follows is a Sponsored Post by the hostel-booking website Hostelbookers.com. If you’re interested in advertising on Backpackingmatt.com and reaching a rapidly growing number of budget conscious travelers and backpackers, check out my Advertising Page or email me at matt (at) backpackingmatt (dot) com.

Inject a bit of adventure into your usual Christmas shopping habits and head to the Southern Hemisphere. Find unique gifts in the souks of Marrakech, bag the best of the fakes or splash out for the real designer goods in Kuala Lumpur, or why not take some time out from the shops and hit the beaches in Rio de Janeiro for a dose of Christmas sun?

Here are the 5 Top Destinations in the HostelBookers Christmas sale:

1) Singapore

The city is a breeze and Singapore’s carefully oiled cogs become evident as you leave one of the world’s best airports. Safe and efficient, the admirable city has dozens of beautiful parks, quaint antique shops and pleasing colonial architecture. Book bargain hostels in Singapore this Christmas.

2) Melbourne

It’s frequently called Sydney’s little sister but this is Australia’s lively arts hub. With great live music venues, galleries and boutiques, Melbourne has much to offer the culture junky. Get 50% off the Melbourne hostel Victoria Hall Accommodation now!

3) Rio de Janeiro

A city flanked by mountains, white sandy beaches and lush rainforests makes for marvelous geographical vistas. A touch of samba here and a dash of carnival spirit there, Rio de Janeiro is a seductive slice of paradise for travelers. The Rio de Janeiro hostel Albergue Do Dambódromo is offering bargain rooms in our Christmas sale.

4) Marrakech

Get lost in the labyrinth of souks and stock up on leather slippers, silver teapots and carpets that you never knew you needed. Restore inner balance over a candlelit dinner in one of the many beautiful Bedouin-style restaurants. Riad Lina is a Marrakech hostel with 20% off.

5) Brisbane

The city is a short drive from the spectacular Gold Coast and some of Australia’s top surfing spots. Test your sea legs or watch others ride the waves. The Brisbane hostel Manly Harbour Backpackers is offering 45% off.

*Find out more destinations in the HostelBookers Christmas sale.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking Southern Hemisphere

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November Update, Links, & An Epic Trip to the Airport

I’m writing this November update on an AirAsia flight from Denpasar, Bali, to Bangkok; I’m covered in sand, my face is gray with road grime, but I’m unbelievably happy to be here, as three hours ago I was almost certain I wouldn’t be sitting where I am now.

I woke up just before sunrise this morning in the small, undeveloped village of Medewi on Bali’s West Coast. I hoped to surf for a couple hours before heading to Kuta to catch my flight. By 6:30, I was at Medewi Beach – instead of five star resorts and hawkers, the view from Medewi was intensely green, flooded rice paddies and grazing cattle.

This little corner of Bali has yet to be overdeveloped and it was a peaceful place to spend my final morning.

Though I had minimal luck surfing, it was a refreshing way to start the day – and a stark contrast to the mood I’d be in three hours later. Thanks to another meeting with the Bali Polisi, heaps of traffic, and some wrong turns, I was running extremely late. I didn’t think there was any way I’d make my flight.

Somehow, I did. It was an epic journey and you can read more about it here on my post at Flightster.com.

While you’re there, check out the post Meeting a Slightly Crazy (but wise) Shoeless Man in Bangkok. In this post I share my experience meeting a bizarre old man from American one afternoon in Bangkok.

Mentions Throughout the Travel Blog Community

It was another good month in terms of mentions to Backpackingmatt.com throughout the travel blog community. Check out these posts below:

• Caz at the yTravelBlog enjoyed my 20 of New Zealand’s Best Views post and included me in her Best Travel Blogs of the Week list.
• Scott & Christy at OrdinaryTraveler.com were shocked I ate crickets in Bangkok with AdventurousKate. Understandably. Yet the bugs were actually shockingly tasty. They mentioned me in their Biweekly Roundup of their Favorite Posts.
• One of the few bloggers who loves New Zealand as much as me, Amanda from DangerousBusiness.com, mentioned my post on Kuala Lumpur in her Best Blogs of the Week. She said, “Matt writes this post in the first-person, and really makes you feel like you’re seeing/hearing/smelling Kaula Lumpur for the first time along with him.“
• The Matador Network – the world’s largest independent travel magazine – featured my Franz Josef New Zealand Travel Video on their MatadorTV page.
• Without a doubt, the biggest news of the month came when AsWeTravel.com listed me as one of the 25 Most Inspiring Bloggers of 2010. AsWeTravel included me with some of the biggest names in the world of travel blogs – the likes of NomadicMatt, Christine Gilbert of Almost Fearless, Anil of FoxNomad.com, and Gary of Everything-Everywhere.com.

Quick Week in Bali

I was in Bali visiting an old friend from Canada who I met while I was working in an Edinburgh Pub. It had been almost three years since we had seen each other last. I always enjoy reconnecting with friends in random parts of the world. Jess is from Canada, but we first met in Edinburgh, and she now lives in Australia. Who would have ever though we’d meet up again three years later in Bali? Not me.

Bali was fantastic.

While I’m not sure the country is ideal for quote, un-quote backpacking, it was an excellent place to spend a week. Friendly locals, beautiful beaches, thick jungle and relatively budget-friendly, Bali is someplace I’d return to in a heartbeat.

While I was there, I shot a lot of footage of my journey around the country on a rented scooter. Though the filming isn’t perfect as it was nearly all done solo, I’m really excited with how it turned out. Look forward to a Bali Travel Video in the next week as I have some serious editing to do first.

I think typically with videos, shorter is better. This one will turn out to be quite long unless I run it in a Part One & Part Two format. I think it flows well and works better as a 12 – 14 minute long video, but maybe I’m wrong.

As it’s you that will be watching it, what would you prefer?

One ten-minute + video, perfect for that morning cup of coffee, that escape at the office, or that evening beer or glass of wine? Or two shorter videos? Please leave your comments below.

I’ll be spending the next three weeks in southern Thailand. In addition to doing quite a bit of work, I’ll be exploring a couple Thai Islands, heading to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, and hopefully meeting back up with Adventurous Kate and meeting Cody from Thrilling Heroics to maybe do some rock climbing in Krabi.

Keep up to date with my travels by following me on Twitter or becoming a fan of Backpackingmatt: Life’s a Journey on Facebook.

Until Next Time,

(Bacpacking)Matt

Technorati Tags: Bali, Travel Photos, Update

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Friday Travel Photo: Sunset Over Sarajevo

Today’s Friday Travel Photo was submitted by Clark & Kim of the travel blog ToUncertaintyAndBeyond.com.

Kim captured this fantastic photo outside of Sarajevo, Bosnia.

Clark remembers this from the night they were backpacking in Sarajevo:

I asked the locals where I could find a good view of the city, and they pointed me up the large hill by the war cemetery (can be seen in the bottom left of the photo).

As I hiked up, there were signs off the road warning pedestrians of land mines in the nearby wooded areas … You’ll pass little grocery stores, cafes, old wooden mosques, and houses with bright front doors … There was a group of local kids climbing around a bombed out building behind me to watch the sunset. I tried to take photos of them, but they would squeal and run away before we got the shot. They were a little camera shy.

It was a very cloudy Thursday evening, but the sunset ended up being pretty interesting. I really liked the intense beams of light coming through the clouds by the horizon.

Follow Clark & Kim on Twitter @2UNB to see more from their travels around the world.

Do you have a photo you’d like featured here? Drop an email to matt <at> backpackingmatt <dot> com and I’ll gladly feature it with a link back to your blog.

Technorati Tags: Bosnia, Friday Travel Photo, Sarajevo, Travel Photos

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Friday Travel Photo: Italian Alleyway at Dusk

Today’s Friday Travel Photo takes you to Bary, Italy – an unsuspecting port town on Italy’s east coast.

Fate would result in me spending a night here after traveling some 16 hours via train, bus, and ferry from Sicily. My goal was to catch a ferry to Athens – I unfortunately missed the ferry and ended up spending a night here.

I spent the evening wandering the cobblestone streets and taking in the feel of the place. It’s an excellent example of how unplanned changes to your travels may result in you finding your new favorite destination.

Do you have a photo you’d like featured here? Send it to matt (at) backpackingmatt (dot) com and I’ll gladly feature it with a link back to your blog.

Technorati Tags: Europe, Friday Travel Photo, italy

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