If you follow me on Twitter or stop by this travel blog very often, you’ll know one or two things about me.

First, you’ll probably know that in the past six months or so, the frequency of my posts here at Backpackingmatt.com have dropped significantly. A combination of a 9-5 day job that consumes much of my time and a New Zealand mountain playground right outside my backdoor result in there never being quite enough hours in the day. If I’m not working, I’m out riding my mountain bike, or climbing mountains or going on hikes around Queenstown.

Secondly, you’ll know that I’ve temporarily packed away the backpack and have been basing myself in what I constantly refer to as the most beautiful place in the world – Queenstown, New Zealand. This epic little corner of New Zealand’s South Island has become my adopted home – and slowly but surely, I’m falling more and more in love with New Zealand each day.

Lake Wakatipu :: Queenstown

I’ve been here for almost three years and as a result there are dozens of posts in the archives of this travel blog offering advice and inspiration to backpackers considering a trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud. As a self-proclaimed New Zealand backpacking expert, I daily get emails from travelers considering a trip here looking for advice. I gladly reply and take much joy in knowing that my tips in some way will positively benefit their experience exploring New Zealand.

I enjoy writing about New Zealand, and I enjoy encouraging others to visit New Zealand – yet as this is a travel blog, there is only so much I can accomplish in this space. I’ve always thought the logical next step was to develop a NZ specific travel site. It’s been an idea that has been changing (and growing) in my mind as the months passed, and finally — I’m well on my way to developing it.

Introducing :: GoBackpackingNewZealand.com

New Zealand :: South Island

Go Backpacking New Zealand will will become a one-stop resource for the budget traveler, backpacker and internet savvy traveler prior to coming to New Zealand and after they arrive. A wealth of regional information will give you an understanding of New Zealand – where its regions are, what is on offer, what to expect and where to go.

I’m constantly amazed at how little the rest of the world knows about New Zealand (Yes, it’s safe. Yes, everyone speaks English). This site will address this issue. The regional content will be complimented by practical advice designed to put you at ease when planning an adventure backpacking in New Zealand – when to come, what to pack, suggested itineraries, ways to get around and more.

This base content will be continuously updated and will be complimented by an ongoing travel blog from travelers currently exploring New Zealand. Their stories, photos, tips and advice will keep a fresh face Go Backpacking New Zealand.

This won’t be advice simply from me (NZ backpacking expert or not). I’ve taken on a number of researchers currently out exploring New Zealand – they’re researching the far away corners of each island so your planning experience will be enhanced by having the most up to date information on the Land of the Long White Cloud.

My goal is to produce more than just an information portal to New Zealand. Rather, it’s my hope that GoBackpackingNewZealand.com will continue to be utilized by travelers after they arrive. How?

Introducing :: PlaniT NZ

PlaniT NZ is a user-based system that allows you to interact with other visitors to Go Backpacking New Zealand.

Backpackers, budget travelers and the internet savvy audience using Go Backpacking New Zealand will be able to find ride shares, travel partners, things for sale, jobs and more.

Driving from Auckland to Wellington and keen to share petrol? Post the ride on PlaniT NZ. Fancy spending a couple weeks travelling with some fellow backpackers on the South Island?  Get in touch with similar minded folks by posting your trip on PlaniT NZ. Looking for a job in the Bay of Islands? Find it on PlaniT NZ.

Win a Road Trip Backpacking in NZ

While the website isn’t yet live, we plan on launching in early July. Prior to this, we’re giving away an epic New Zealand prize package thanks to three terrific co-sponsors.

JUCY Rentals, Skydive Lake Wanaka and grabaseat have all co-sponsored a sweepstakes currently running on our Facebook Page.

Up for grabs is a New Zealand travel package consisting of:

• 7 Day JUCY Cabana Campervan Rental
• One Night at the JUCY Hotel in Auckland
• A cruise for two on the stunning Milford Sound with JUCY Cruize Milford
• A 12,000 foot skydive with Skydive Lake Wanaka
• Domestic return flights thanks to grabaseat

This travel package is valued at over $1,000 and can be yours by simply going to our Facebook page, giving us and our sponsors a “Like” and sharing your name and email so we can email you when we go live.

If you’ve dreamed of a trip to New Zealand – but have never felt you had the budget to travel here – now is your chance.

To enter, all you need to do is:

Technorati Tags: Backpacking in New Zealand, Update

Dear Twenty-Somethings in America,

You’re not moving around or across the US – at least this was the case made by Todd and Victoria Buccholz in a New York Times essay on Sunday.

Why? For a number of reasons I suppose. The Atlantic‘s Derek Thompson questioned their points in an article on TheAtlantic.com today, yet ultimately comes to the same conclusion: young Americans aren’t migrating throughout America as they are often underpaid, underemployed and very often high in debt. Moving is expensive, both financially and emotionally, and uprooting across the US is a disconcerting decision to make during times of economic uncertainty. If you’re relatively secure in an underpaid job, why risk migrating to another US city where you’ll be potentially unemployed and facing higher costs of living?

Uncertain Times

A fair question, yet the one I would pose to you comes from a significantly different angle.

If you’re underpaid or underemployed, why continue in the same seemingly never-ending rat race with so many of your peers?

Hardly making ends meet in Boston? DC rents are on the rise? Struggling to find full time employment post graduation in Chicago? Forget a move from the East Coast to the West Coast, why not replace the economic uncertainty of suburban America for the uncertainty and excitement of life in an international city?

This is a move of grander proportions and one that will ultimately result in you having a better understanding of the world we inhabit, its cultures and you’ll become more employable as a result. Not to mention, you’ll have a bloody good time along the way.

I know this option is not even in the minds of most Americans, yet throughout many places in the world an “Overseas Experience” is a rite of passage for those coming out of high school and going into college or out of college and into the ‘real world.’ This international and long term travel gives you a greater understanding of the world – an understanding that quite simply won’t come from your one week vacation in Cancun.

Welcome to New Zealand: South Island

A temporary life abroad is one that is far more achievable than you can ever imagine.

Countries like New Zealand and Australia welcome twenty-somethings with open arms and 12-month working holiday visas. Jobs are easy to come by – whilst odds don’t necessarily favor you landing that marketing gig you’ve been dreaming of (though you might), working customer service as at a ski field, mixing drinks in a lakeside bar or making coffees in a funky cafe are very real possibilities. Not your dream job, sure – yet they’re means to an end and allow you to experience life outside your comfort zone (all while living in some of the most beautiful places in the world).

If backpacking in New Zealand or Australia isn’t appealing, countries around Asia welcome US citizens to teach English as a second language. Unlike most of the work you stand to find down under, this is a potentially lucrative overseas working experience. High wages and low costs of living stand to allow you to pay off your debt significantly faster in Seoul than you ever will in NYC.

I’m not suggesting that moving abroad is an easy answer to all your problems. Backpacking around the world isn’t easy. International travel or life working abroad brings about fears and uncertainties of an entirely new scope. Yet facing this fear of the unknown is a terribly addictive and fulfilling feat.

The world is begging to be explored, learned from and experienced and now is the time to see it.

Sincerely,

(Backpacking) Matt

Technorati Tags: Travel Advice, working holiday

When I made the decision some months ago to stick around New Zealand for longer than I anticipated, I did so for a variety of reasons – a fantastic circle of friends, a good job opportunity, an unbeatable lifestyle and a New Zealand bucket list that seemed to stretch from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this bucket list only continues to grow the longer I remain based in beautiful Queenstown.

Over the past year or so I’ve developed a newfound love of the outdoors – it’s easy to do whilst backpacking in New Zealand. Especially here in Queenstown where you’re surrounded by mountains, lakes, multi-day treks, mountain bike trails, rivers and about every outdoor activity you can dream up (and more).

This is a country of jaw-dropping landscapes that only get more iconic the further off the beaten track you go.

High up on my New Zealand bucket list was climbing Mitre Peak. This iconic mountain is found deep in Fiordland National Park on the majestic Milford Sound. The tens of thousands of visitors that arrive in Milford Sound each year know it well, and chances are if you come backpacking in NZ you’ll take in its awe inspiring presence from the comfort of a cruise on Milford Sound (odds favor it to be raining, as Milford Sound gets an astonishing 7 metres of rainfall each year).

Mitre Peak & Milford Sound

Mitre Peak’s summit sits over a vertical mile directly above Milford Sound – 1,692 metres (5,551 feet) above sea level. It’s a hugely demanding climb and one that should not be taken lightly. The track through the thick Fiordland bush is unmarked, the route above the bushline is hugely exposed and it’s a demanding mission regardless of how you tackle it.

Needless to say, I was terribly excited at the prospect of summiting Mitre Peak, yet bloody terrified at the same time.

This isn’t a mountain you’ll decide on a whim to climb; tackling Mitre Peak will take weeks of planning, a clear window of weather, a support crew to bring you to the other side of the sound and a significant level of physical fitness. You’ll also have to be comfortable with significant exposure down the sound thousands of feet below you. As such I was lucky to head up with an experienced crew with plenty of backcountry experience and a solid knowledge of roped climbing.

Mitre Peak Crew - At the Sound

A number of aspects make climbing Mitre Peak extremely challenging -

1. Access: In order to climb the peak, you’ll have to get across sound from the Milford Sound Wharf – you can arrange for kayak hire or a water taxi with a local operator.
2. Thick Bush: The track through the bush is essentially unmarked. Enough people attempt the climb each year that much of the bush is tracked over, yet you’ll inevitably stray off the trail. Bush bashing is hugely tiring, especially when you have two days worth of gear in your pack and are gaining significant elevation.
3.  Lack of Water: Perhaps one of the few tramps or climbs in New Zealand where you’ll have to take all of the water you’ll drink over the course of two days. As you’re climbing a ridge line all the way, fresh water is difficult or impossible to come by.
4. Weather: As Milford Sound sees almost 7 metres of rain each year, finding a window of clear and dry days can be challenging. You wouldn’t want to try summiting within hours after a heavy rain as the exposed sections would be especially treacherous.
5. Exposure: Whilst this isn’t a technically demanding climb, it is extremely exposed. Ropes are recommended for portions unless you’re a very comfortable climber. Expect ridgelines, scrambles and downclimbs where there are literally thousands of feet between you and the sound below you.

Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic mission and highly recommended. The views are quite simply out of this world.

Arriving at Sinbad River

The Mission Begins

Climbing Through the Bush

Bush Bashing

A Taste of What is to Come

After a solid three hours of bashing through thick Fiordland bush we were greeted with the somewhat ominous view of what we would be climbing 24 hours later.

Mitre Peak

View from Camp at 900 Metres

We arrived at camp after a solid 6 hours of bashing through the bush – absolutely shattered yet quickly rejuvenated by the sunset views. This is about spot 900 metres on the map and there is one more spot to camp about 100 metres further up; we opted to stay here due to fatigue and the thought that this would be more protected from the wind.

View from Camp

The Climb Continues

Here you can see the ridge we will follow and Mitre Peak’s summit in the distance.

Climbing Continues: Day 2

 Steep Tussocked Ridge

The climb continues here up the steep ridge. This is where the exposure begins; whilst this slope was essentially vertical, there were solid foot and hand holds in the grass. Vertigo begins to set in as you peer down to your right and see the sound and the boats so far below.

Epic views from here and this would be a good spot to turn around if you weren’t keen for serious climbing. 

Tussocked Ridge on Mitre Peak

 Big View Back Towards Milford Village

Climbing up the ridge – huge view back towards Milford Sound Village and airstrip.

Big View Towards Milford (Photo Credit: Flickr, tobybear)

View Opens Up

The view opens up to the snowcapped mountains beyond Milford Village.

Huge View

Don’t Lean Back

Feeling quite accomplished here, yet very aware the most exposed climbing is yet to come.

Don't Lean Back

Knife Edge Ridge

The following three pictures show the knife-edge ridge you’ll have to scramble across. This is ‘easy’ scrambling with 1 – 1.5 metres worth of rocks to scramble over, yet there are definite ‘airy’ drops on either side: 1,000+ metres to either Milford Sound or Sinbad Gully.

Knife Edge Ridge

Looking back at the ridge…

Looking Back on the Ridge

Scrambling Across the Ridge – Big Drops on Either Side.

One Step at a Time

Don’t Look Down…

A taste of the exposure.

Don't Look Down

Big Drops.

A telling view of the ridgeline we followed up Mitre Peak.

Big Drops

After the hairline ridge (photos above), it was into the harnesses and onto the ropes. It’s one thing to scramble across a ridgeline, yet downclimbing with significant exposure followed by a big climb back up is significantly more wearing – both mentally and physically. If nothing else, the rope provides a false sense of security that results in more confident climbing – crucial under these circumstances. 

On the Rope

Can you spot three of us?

On the Rope

Looking Down on Knife Edge Ridge

Here you can see the ridge we crossed, beyond that the bush we bashed through and beyond that Milford Village. The adrenaline was flowing here as we were well and truly exposed.

Getting Higher

More Exposure and Rotten Rocks

This was the most challenging section of the climb. The exposure was compounded by rotten rock and wet sections that had been in the shade all day. Big feeling of achievement after we passed through this.

Exposed Climb and Rotten Rocks

Big View

Looking back on Milford Village

Looking Down on Knife Edge Ridge

Nearing the Summit

Toshi pops up over the edge as we near the summit.

Nearing the Summit

Big Achievement

As it turns out, we got to within about 45 minutes of the summit but were forced to turn back as we were running short on both time and water – two things you don’t want to risk in an alpine environment. Whilst we all would have liked to sit at Mitre Peak’s proper summit, we were well happy to have made it where we did.

Nearly at the Summit

The Down Climb Begins

The grueling downclimb begins. We ultimately spent an extra night on the mountain as we ran out of daylight and had difficulty finding the correct track down through the bush. If you’re climbing Mitre Peak, be sure to make a solid mental note of where you come out of the bush and into the clearings.

The Downclimb Begins

Back at the Wharf

Thirsty, hungry and exhausted – delighted to be back to civilization and ready for a pint.

Thirsty Happy Hungry and Glad to be Out

We knew Mitre Peak would be big; as it turns out, the mission ended up being significantly bigger than any of us expected. We were short on food and water and relied on puri-tabs and puddle water to last us for our remaining 12 hours in the bush.

Climbing Mitre Peak was a mission of epic proportions and I’ll forever use ‘epic’ in an entirely different context.

Would you be interested in climbing Mitre Peak? Let us know in the comments section below. Considering it and have questions? Email me at matt at backpackingmatt dot com and I’ll do my best to answer any questions you might have. 

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Backpacking New Zealand, Hiking New Zealand

When I first decided to come backpacking in New Zealand, I never expected to find a temporary home in the Land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealand seemingly has this effect on many – especially my current home of Queenstown. This bustling little resort town tucked into the Southern Alps seems to be home to more Irish, British, Canadians and Aussies than it does Kiwis.

Why?

Many visitors to Queenstown would quickly seem to understand why so many backpackers and those on working holidays in New Zealand seem to never leave. Queenstown is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand – which is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world.

The stunning views and jaw dropping vistas that surround Queenstown are surely part of the draw, but it’s only those that really settle down in QT that get it. Yes, the views that surround Queenstown – the sunsets across Lake Wakatipu, the snow capped Remarkables Mountain Range, the tempting summits of Cecil and Walter Peak – those views are absolutely part of the appeal.

Yet for me – and I believe many others – it’s both what lies beyond those views and what those views open up that are the real draw to living here in this far away corner of the world.

It’s the lifestyle.

Ben Lomond Saddle

It’s the evening runs, the weekend missions into the backcountry, the hikes, the climbs, the casual community races, the epic mountain bike adventures and the overall outdoor focused, adventure influenced and healthy lifestyle that become an influential part of life in Queenstown. It’s that lifestyle that draws so many in and holds them here for much longer than they anticipated.

To get a taste of this lifestyle, you need not look any further than a climb up Ben Lomond just outside Queenstown. This 1,748 metre summit is literally accessed directly from town.

A well graded trail will lead you to a summit that feels miles into the backcountry in about three hours.

Climbing Ben Lomond in Queenstown

Approaching Ben Lomond

This view comes just after passing the Skyline complex at the top of the gondola. If you’re keen to save about an hours worth of hiking through the forest, you can take the Skyline Gondola up through the Ben Lomond Forest for about $15.

Cecil and Walter Peaks

After about an hour views of Lake Wakatipu and Cecil and Walter Peak will open up behind you.

Lake Wakatipu

Looking south towards the Remarkables.

Snowy Ben Lomond Summit

The hike to Ben Lomond’s summit should not be tackled during the winter unless you’re prepared for ice, snow and alpine climbing.

Ben Lomond Summit

These photos are somewhat deceiving as the ridgeline was essentially snowless all the way to the summit.

Lake Wakatipu from Above

 Higher…

Lake Wakatipu and The Remarks

…and higher.

Ben Lomond Saddle

After about two hours of hiking you’ll reach the Ben Lomond Saddle with views opening up into Skippers and Shotover Canyons. From here you can carry on to the summit in about an hour or drop down through alpine tussock into farmland and onto the Moonlight Track which will lead you to Arthurs Point. It’s a solid three hours to Arthurs Point and from here you’ll have to hitch back to Queenstown unless you’ve arranged transport.

Nearing the Summit

The photo above shows the ridgeline you follow to the summit.

Snow Capped Mountains

Looking north towards Mount Earnslaw…

Moke Lake and Beyond

View of Moke Lake and the mountains beyond…

View from Ben Lomond Summit

Summit views – 1,400 metres above Lake Wakatipu.

Summit View

Expect a return trip from Queenstown to take no less than five hours.

Don’t rush it – take your time, bring a packed lunch and take in the exceptional views from what seems to be the top of the world.

Have you climbed Ben Lomond? Can you suggest any other hikes around Queenstown? Let us know in the comments section below.

Did you enjoy these photos? Then check out…

• 20 of New Zealands Best Views

If you enjoyed this New Zealand hike, be sure to check out these too…

• New Zealand’s Great Walk – HikingThe Routeburn Track 
• Epic Queenstown Day Trip – Climbing Mount Alfred
• Stunning Views from the Hike Up Queenstown Hill

Technorati Tags: Backpacking in New Zealand, Budget travel tips queenstown, Climbing Ben Lomond, Queenstown, Queenstown travel tips

This is a guest post by Rebecca Hall.

I have suffered from wanderlust ever since a teenager and at the tender age of 19, took myself off to Australia for a year. Various job roles in my 20s at LHR airport enabled me to satisfy my wanderlust, but it’s only in my 30s that I’ve started to look closer to home (the UK) and discover Europe.

I’m settled (for now), in the beautiful country of Greece.

Athens, as of late, thanks to the atrocious international reportage, conjures up images of rioting pensioners alongside hooded youths, baton wielding fascist policemen and you can almost smell the teargas and hear the cries of the people with raised fists. Yes, riots do occur – the Greeks are, luckily, not a nation to take things lightly and moan about things, yet do nothing about them.

However there is more to this capital city than what is portrayed of late.

Sunset on Naxos

Picture, if you will: old Greek men, sitting outside various ‘cafénios’ in their neighbourhood discussing politics, twiddling their worry beads and looking at the young piece of ass that’s walking by (strangely, it’s never disgusting and never feels threatening). Hear the cries of the weekly neighbourhood farmer’s street market (bound to be one near your hostel) and be greeted in Greek by the stall holders – “Kali mera!” Smell the freshly ground Greek coffee from the cafés and know that you can comfortably sit there, nursing just one coffee for hours and not be asked to purchase another one or move on.

Eat Gyros, the incredibly healthy Greek fast food – chicken or pork and chips (fried in olive oil) wrapped in a pitta with salad and tzatziki (that yogurt, cucumber and garlic dip). If you’re incredibly lucky, you might even be spat on by an old Greek lady. Yes, this happened to me in my first week in Greece – I picked up an old lady’s shopping she had dropped on the floor. She thanked me, looked at me then promptly spat at me three times (well, on the floor in front of me to be fair). It’s a compliment to any woman – it means you are considered a beautiful person and they are warding away the ‘Evil Eye’ – lest someone become jealous of you and place a curse on you.

Sit outside in the summer and watch a movie with the backdrop of the Acropolis – this turns an average cinema trip into something of an experience.

And so, with an obvious passion for “all things Greek,” here are seven tips for your experience traveling in Athens.

1) Alternative tour around Athens

Exarchia graffiti (translation - The Revolution is Coming)

Don’t just come to Athens, see the Acropolis, changing of the guard then head to an island. Why not take yourself off to Exarchia, traditionally known as the ‘anarchist’ area of Athens. Full of great graffiti and very trendy bars and cafés, Exarchia is THE place to be.

Nearest metro: Omonia (red or green line) – about a 10 minute walk down the side alleys.

2) Athens Flea Market

Every Sunday in Monestiraki, the outdoor flea market opens up. Wander around and browse at the weird paraphernalia: anything from army gear, old dial telephones to coins, books and vintage clothing.

Nearest metro: Monesteraki (green line).

3) Head to Piraeus port, take the next ferry out of there

Sunset - Naxos Harbour

Don’t plan it – do as I do…rock up, take the next ferry and see where you end up. I have ended up on: Poros, Naxos, Paros and Aegina. Poros and Aegina are nearer to Athens and are served by high speed catamarans, therefore more expensive. But it is possible to get a ‘slow boat’ there.

Naxos & Paros are about 5 hours away by normal ferry. At both beautiful islands, guesthouse owners meet you off the ferry and bargain away. In the high season of August in Naxos I managed to bag a room for 30 Euros a night. Between two of us (15E each), that’s pretty good.

4) Visit The Art Foundation .. and have a beer

Located behind a small wooden door down another side street in Monestiraki, The Art Foundation bar is situated in the garden of an old, run down art deco building. Open till very late, it’s popular with the arty crowds. Enjoy a drink whilst browsing the strange exhibits in the upstairs rooms.

Nearest metro: Monesteraki (green line).

5) Epidaurus Ancient Theatre

Epidaurus Ancient Theatre

Located in the Peloponnese, approximately 2 hours by coach from Athens, Epidaurus stages theatrical performances every year in the summer in an ancient amphitheatre. In July 2011 I was lucky enough to watch Kevin Spacey perform in “Richard III” as part of the Athens Festival – for 20E! The acoustics are spectacular so regardless of where you sit, you can hear every word uttered.

Take a coach from Athens – on performance days’ special coaches run for only 20 Euros. And if going on a performance day, please take a cushion!

6) Watch a movie in the summer, outdoors

Athenians are avid cinema goers. In the summer, the outdoor cinemas throw open their doors (or roofs) and a whole new experience in cinema begins. My favourite is Cine Paris – located near the Acropolis. You can have your own view of the Parthenon whilst you watch the latest movie – or sometimes even an old black and white Hepburn flick.

Nearest metro: Acropolis (Red line)

7) And one further afield – the Monasteries of Meteora

Monastry in Meteora

A World Heritage site (and used many years ago in the filming of a Sean Connery “James Bond” movie), Meteora is located in Central Greece. Translating as “suspended in the air” or “in the heavens above,” here you will find the 6 monasteries built from the 14th Century onwards atop the high rock formations.

Nearest station: Kalampaka – take the train from Larissa Station in Athens, approximately 4 hours journey time.

Yes, Greece is suffering big time at the moment – but she has so much to offer a person, so long as you are willing to open yourself up to her strange customs and are willing to integrate. Don’t just come here and be a backpacker – really try to get into the community and appreciate all this country has to offer. Don’t always believe all you hear on the news.

Have you traveled to Athens? Leave any tips in the comments section below.

About the Author: I’m a 30 something English Language teacher, currently in Greece. I’ve travelled to, lived and taught in Sri Lanka, Egypt and even helped Eastern European crew with their English whilst on a Container ship travelling across the Atlantic. All experiences have helped shape who I am today. Follow my journey and send me your Athens questions via my blog Leavingcairo.Blogspot.com.

Technorati Tags: Alternative Experiences in Athens, Athens Travel Tips, Backpacking in Athens

If you’re considering a working holiday in Australia or even an extended backpacking trip, you’re bound to have heaps of things on your mind. Contributing author Lauren Fritsky is based in beautiful Sydney and nails out 15 tips to help make your first experience backpacking in Australia stress-free.

Word: Wreck.

Definition: Me when I landed in Australia on Jan. 25., 2010.

Cathay Pacific Airways deposited me in Kingsford Smith International Airport with no apartment lined up, the bare minimum in savings and two suitcases stuffed with my life. It was hot, I’d lost the address to my hotel and I couldn’t get the SIM card in my prepaid phone to work.

I’m happy to report my state of affairs has improved since then. Still, knowing a few things would’ve helped me acclimate to Aussie life a bit easier.

Here’s how you can basically do a better job than I did traveling, living or backpacking in Australia.

1. Bring extra money

Sydney, Australia

Immigration recommends work and holidaymakers bring AUD$5,000. This isn’t enough. Sydney and Melbourne are some of the most expensive cities in the world. Plus, costs for items like produce have shot up since the floods earlier this year.

2. Sort out your banking

Consider using a fee-free credit card for some purchases. If you can’t be trusted with plastic, transfer as much money as possible to an Australian bank account to avoid fees of $50 or more for each transfer and debit and ATM withdrawal surcharges from both countries.

3. Use hostel memberships

Hostelling International memberships cost $25 a year and shave a few dollars off your hostel stay each night.

4. Wear sunscreen

Bondi Beach

There’s a reason an Australian wrote the “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” song in the 90s. I got sunburned so bad when I got here, I had a mark on my thigh for almost a month. Did I mention I’m olive-skinned and usually tan?

5. Visit the GP

The out-of-pocket cost for a GP visit is around $60 in Sydney — about $150 less than going to a specialist first. Check out this post for more on travelers’ health insurance in Australia.

6. Call home on the computer

You can call the States and Canada from Australia for free on Google phone through 2011. FREE!

7. Find cheap Internet

I bought a $99 USB modem only to pay $60-plus a month for spotty Internet. I now pay half that for unlimited wireless at my apartment. If you’re hopping about, skip the hostel Internet and head to libraries or McDonald’s to get it for free.

8. Skip the cabs

You can get one-way bus fare for the starting rate of a cab in Sydney. It’s then $2 per kilometer plus a 20-percent surcharge if traveling after 10 p.m. Save your money.

9. Drive

Traveling by Campervan in Australia

Or have someone drive for you. You can explore the many dirt paths, colorful landscapes and coastal areas a lot better if you’re in a two-passenger car instead of a 25-person tour bus.

10. Talk to locals

Chat with old folks, the people born and raised in Oz, the immigrants who came there for a better life. Their stories and observations will open your eyes.

12. Rock the suburbs

“Suburb” doesn’t mean the same thing in Australia as it does elsewhere. Many Oz suburbs are diverse and alive with a vibrant arts scene and café culture. In fact, you might prefer staying in a suburb over a CBD — rent is heaps cheaper.

13. Embrace “island time”

Central Coast Outside Sydney

Emails go unanswered for weeks, buses rock up 30 minutes late with no explanation and service in restaurants is often non-existent. Just repeat “no worries” to yourself.

14. Know how to change your visa

I thought I could get another year out of my work and holiday visa by picking fruit. It turns out Americans aren’t eligible, though Canadians and many European citizens are. While one immigration lawyer said I couldn’t get on my American partner’s work visa, it turns out I could (and did). Make sure you research and talk to the right people if you want to stay longer.

14. Find the less-hyped spots

Myall Lakes National Park

Myall Lakes, the Central Coast, Royal National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase are all beautiful places as worth seeing as Great Ocean Road and the Great Barrier Reef.

15. Say things right

Know to say a “flat white with two sugars” when ordering coffee. Call peppers “capsicum,” cheddar cheese “Tasty” and shrimp “prawns.” It’s the Aussie way.

Have you traveled to Australia? Do any of these tips ring true to you? Add your tips for backpacking in Australia to the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Australia, Australia travel tips, Backpacking in Australia

Twelve months ago, I hopped on a borrowed bike with essentially zero training and rode in the Rail Trail Classic 100 – a 100 mile (150 km) bike race across Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island.

Most cycle tourists in New Zealand tackle the Otago Rail Trail over the course of three or four days. While the cycling adds to the enjoyment, the main draw of a trip on the Rail Trail involves numerous mid-ride coffees, afternoon pints and evening pub meals. The surrounding scenery is stunning, but as the trail originally was the path of a train track, the gradient is very gradual and the riding isn’t necessarily exciting.

Snow Covered Otago Rail Trail

Over the past year I’ve clocked hundreds of miles on my mountain bike on trails throughout New Zealand and decided I would again set off to tackle the RTC100. I was determined to prove that not only could I complete this marathon of bike races, but I hoped to significantly improve my time.

New Zealand’s Spring weather is well known for throwing four seasons your way over the course of a day. The past week has been highlighted by stunningly warm Spring days, but alas before today’s ride Mother Nature sent a Spring Storm our way.

The result?

My 100 mile journey was complimented by a sloppy, muddy and unrelenting track. Much of the day was spent tackling snow covered countryside. When the snow cleared, a brutal headwind that almost stopped me in my tracks made for a tortuous final 40 kms.

In some bizarre way, I enjoyed it. I was glad to improve my time by just over an hour and a half, but equally thrilled to simply complete this epic race. The sense of accomplishment you feel after completing such a massive challenge is impossible to put into words.

Check out this video from the ride…

Technorati Tags: mountain biking, New Zealand, Travel Video

I’ve based myself in New Zealand for the past 22 months – give or take, that’s about 660 days.

The time just slips away. They say that happens the older you get, and while I don’t doubt this is true, I’m confident the happier you are someplace and the more content you are with your life, the quicker the hours, days and weeks disappear.

I originally left home in 2007 to explore the unknown; I wasn’t ready to settle down and had a deep desire to see more of this world we live in.

I wanted to drink in foreign cultures and foreign beers; I wanted to soak up the sun of far away places and learn from the challenges of being immersed into a life far away from home.

The journey to where I am today has been a roller coaster of highs and lows – undoubtedly, the moments of pure elation outnumber the challenges.

It’s impossible to count how many times in the last three or four years I’ve been moved to almost tears from the experiences of meeting new people and taking in the beauty of this little world we inhabit.

I’ve traveled the world by way of working holidays in an effort to gain a better understanding of the cultures of the countries I’ve traveled through. In between or during these working holidays, I’ve managed to backpack to some exceptionally special places. Without a doubt, there is so much more of this world I’m yearning to see – the rest of Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, China, South & Central America and the list goes on.

Many of the posts in the archives of this blog encourage others to leave the comforts of home, pack a bag, and explore far away places. As the tagline of this blog says, Life’s a Journey; I believe the world begs to be explored, experienced and learned from.

I have a confession to make: I’m in Love.

Each day that passes here on the beautiful South Island of New Zealand reinforces my indescribable love of this area of the world. Weekly Daily, I’m reminded of how special this place is and I find this terribly frightening.

While I still have the desire to travel to new places, right now I’m beyond content with my life in New Zealand. Most of the time, at least. I do still get that itch that only those inflicted with the bite of the travel bug know. Reading about Adventurous Kate’s travels through Europe to TBU or the Mobile Lawyer’s adventure on the Ultimate Train Challenge still leave me with that taste for wanting to experience new things and face new challenges.

The problem is there is so much here I still want to do. I want to climb Mitre Peak. I want to compete in a multi-day adventure race. I want to go surfing in the Catlins. I want to ride my bike in a brevit. I want to get into backcountry snowboarding.

The list could very easily go on and take months years to complete. At what point do I throw in the towel and travel to somplace new?

I love my job, my quaint rented lakeside bach with lake and mountain views, my mates and the lifestyle that New Zealand brings on. The budding minimalist that was me in Thailand traveling with only a Macpac daypack is slowly beginning to acquire things - a bike, bike gear, a snowboarding. Potentially a kayak and climbing gear? A second bike?

At what point do I become a hypocrite who encourages others to leave home and travel the world while I stay in this comfortable bubble which I like to call paradise?

I’m not really sure.

I haven’t moved on permanently from being a backpacker. I continue to read travel blogs, add experiences to my bucket list and still yearn to see more of this world. And I will. This working holiday has simply continued on for longer than anticipated. I’m one of many who have come to Queenstown and stayed longer than expected – if you’ve traveled here, you’ll certainly understand why.

I love my life here and for the time being I’m content with that. There is certainly more of this world I want to see – but for now, that’ll have to wait for another day.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking, Backpacking New Zealand, Budget Travel, Travel Advice, Travel Tips, Update

This is a post by contributing author Lauren Fritsky of TheLifeThatBroke.com (@LaurenFritsky).

Using eco-friendly products, recycling and eating locally-grown food can be easy — at home. Yet if you’re on a RTW trip backpacking in Thailand, Sydney or Vancouver, you might find it difficult to keep up with your environmentally-conscious lifestyle. To help you stay green while backpacking around the world, we asked some globetrotters for their tips on staying green on the road.

Check out these green travel tips from some travelers in the know…

Creative Commons: MikeBehnken

Christine Amorose of C’est Christine

“I try to minimize my carbon footprint by limiting my use of plastic whenever I can. Instead of using plastic shopping bags at markets or shops, I use my Chico Bag. It’s lightweight and small enough to fit in my purse every day — and doubles as a beach bag or picnic basket when necessary. Instead of constantly purchasing plastic bottled water, I just fill up my stainless steel Klean Kanteen with cold tap water.”

Lara Dunston of Gran Tourismo

“When my husband and I travel, we will always choose a holiday rental over a hotel if we can — and primarily for ‘green’ reasons. By staying in an everyday house/apartment, we’re using an existing resource and one that uses a lot less energy than a hotel, so we’re leaving a smaller environmental footprint. We will recycle if we can, re-use our towels, and not waste food — all things that hotels make difficult to do!

We’re also contributing to a local community, shopping at local markets and using local businesses, and we’ll always buy local, seasonal produce rather than imported products, so all in all it’s a much more sustainable and responsible way to travel.”

Creative Commons: The Wandering Angel

Caroline Eubanks of Caroline in the City

“I’ve been using the same knockoff Nalgene water bottle for the last probably five years. It’s good to refill before a flight instead of spending $5 on one you will throw away. I’ve also stored my toothbrush inside so it doesn’t get dirty, as well as filling it with boiling water to keep my bed warm. Multi-purpose!”

Ben Lancaster of Amateurs in Africa

“Pay a little more. It’s not much difference in price, but using accredited local tour guides makes a huge difference to the sustainability of the local tourism industry and the local communities you’re visiting. The guides are also way better and funnier. Fact.

Unfortunately with limited infrastructure for processing waste, packaging from Western manufactured products is an issue [in Africa]. As such, you’ll often see rubbish being thrown into the streets due to a lack of knowledge and understanding — lead by example and hold on to your waste until you find a bin. Also, ask companies what they are doing to help combat the issue in communities from which they are profiting.”

Creative Commons: Athena

 Lindsey Tramuta from Lost in Cheeseland

“I think one of the best ways to maintain a green lifestyle during travel, aside from choosing means of transportation that will keep your carbon footprint to a minimum (trains, public buses, hybrid vehicles, etc.), is to immediately seek out local recycling centers upon arrival at your destination. If necessary, ask locals where you can recycle plastics, glass, paper and other products to not only maintain the eco-habits you practice at home but to respect the environment you are visiting.”

 Nicole Schwab of Chasingwonderlust

“When I travel, I would say that the most ‘green’ thing I usually do is take public transportation and/or walk most places I go. I usually try to see most places on foot for a number of reasons. First of all, I think that’s the best way to get to know a place & discover things you might otherwise miss. Also, it gives me a bit of exercise to work off all the calories I typically eat when I’m on holiday!”

What are your green travel tips? Leave them in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking Tips, Eco-Friendly Travel, Green Travel

Most months throughout the year, the highlight of a trip to Queenstown is centered around hiking Great Walks like the Routeburn track, jumping off bridges, out of planes or barreling down rivers in New Zealand-invented jet boats.

Come winter when the White Gold arrives, Queenstown goes from being a bustling summer resort to an alpine ski village.

Kind of.

See, the thing with Queenstown – as compared with most Northern Hemisphere ski towns – is that it very, very rarely snows in town.

Queenstown, New Zealand

The village sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu at just about 340 meters above sea level. All but two or three times throughout the winter, this isn’t high enough for precipitation to fall as snow.

Skiing & Snowboarding in New Zealand…

The New Zealand skiing and snowboarding experience is characterized by trips from town ‘up the hill’ to the ski fields. Forget ski-in ski-out like you’d find in a Colorado mountain town. At the very best, a trip to one of the ski fields near Queenstown will take you 30 minutes – this is assuming:

• A) You have your own transportation and aren’t relying on NZSki’s unreliable bus services
• B) It isn’t snowing as this often results in the ski field access road becoming a big traffic jam (as NZSki bus drivers very often can’t drive in the snow), and
• C) You don’t stop along the way to take in the epic views

While the 30 minute trip to the mountain is tough to get used at first, the trip up from Queenstown to one of the ski fields is a pretty epic experience. Twisting mountain roads, steep drop-offs and stunning views back over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown are on offer all the way up to The Remarkables or Coronet Peak. And surprisingly … the snowboarding is pretty bloody good.

Later on in the winter, I’ll put together a post with some practical tips for your experience snowboarding on New Zealand’s South Island – for the time being, enjoy these photos from The Remarkables and Coronoet Peak just outside of beautiful Queenstown.

Sunrise at Coronet Peak

Sun Rising Over the Wakatipu Basin

This photo was taken early one morning as the sun was just rising at Coronet Peak. The clouds cleared to reveal a Wakatipu Basin completely covered in snow – a once or twice a year event in Queenstown.

The Remarkables

The Remarkables

After a solid week of snow, a high pressure system rolled across the South Island and we’ve been granted bluebird clear days.

Above the Clouds

When the clouds do roll in, you’re very very often above them – a surreal experience. Driving up The Remarks recently, it looked as if it was going to be a cloudy day – until we broke through the clouds and were greeted with clear blue skies.

Fresh Powder

On Top of the World…

On Top of the World...

Absolute Paradise

This might possibly be the most spectacular view I’ve seen anywhere in New Zealand … or for that matter the world.

After riding the Shadow Basin chair at The Remarkables ski field, a thirty minute hike up to the ridgeline of The Remarkables moutain range leaves you with this this view.

On the right day, clear blue skies, some low clouds over Lake Wakatipu and snow capped mountains remind you that New Zealand might possibly be the most beautiful place in the world.

Lake Wakatipu

Have you been skiing or snowboarding in Queenstown? Leave your experiences in the comments section below.

Technorati Tags: Backpacking in New Zealand, Queenstown, Snowboarding in New Zealand