Backpacking
Backpacking isn’t just about moving from one place to another. It’s about the small discoveries along the way – the hidden streets, the hostel chats, the food you never expected to try. Here, I share what actually works on the road and the experiences that stick with me.
Onward Travel for Southeast Asia: Proof of Onward Ticket for Thailand, Vietnam & More
If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, one of the first things you’ll run into at airports or border checkpoints is the requirement for proof of onward travel. Even if you’re a British passport holder entering visa-exempt countries like Thailand or Vietnam, airlines and immigration officers may ask to see that you plan to leave…
Is Cambodia Safe? An Honest Backpacker’s Perspective
When I said to my family I was going backpacking to Southeast Asia and visiting Cambodia along the way “is Cambodia safe?” was the first thing I got asked. And I understand why. Cambodia’s past still shapes how people see it. When you mention the country, conversations often turn to the Khmer Rouge, genocide, and the…
Is the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous? What Backpackers Need to Know Before You Ride
The Ha Giang Loop is hyped up as the best thing you’ll do in Vietnam. And honestly? It for me it was the highlight of my entire backpacking trip and up there with one of the highlights of my entire life so far. Four days of misty mountain passes, limestone cliffs that don’t look real,…
Is Laos Safe? An Honest Backpacker’s Guide to Safety in Laos
If you’re planning a Southeast Asia trip and typing “is Laos safe?” into Google, I get it. Laos has a bit of a mysterious reputation on the backpacking route. It’s less developed than Thailand, less chaotic than Vietnam, and far less talked about than Bali. And in 2024, tragic headlines about backpackers dying from methanol poisoning only…
Vietnam North to South Itinerary (One Month Backpacking Route)
Vietnam is one of those countries where the route almost plans itself. There’s a natural north-to-south flow, a well-worn backpacker trail, and transport that makes long distances far less intimidating than they look on a map. I spent one full month travelling Vietnam, moving entirely overland by bus, starting in Hanoi and finishing in Ho Chi Minh…
How to Book Transport When Travelling Across Vietnam
Travelling Vietnam from north to south sounds complicated on paper, long distances, overnight journeys, different transport options, but in reality, it’s one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to get around. If this is your first long backpacking trip, Vietnam is actually a brilliant place to start. Getting around is simple, affordable, and very geared…
Backpacking the East Coast of Australia: Was A K’gari Tour Really the Highlight of My Trip?
Everyone says that when you travel the east coast of Australia, a K’gari tour is the highlight. The one thing you’ll look back on and say, that was it. So when my 3 day, 2 night K’gari tour with Drop Bear Adventures finally came around, it felt like a big moment — the moment I found out whether…
Backpacking Australia: My Ultimate East Coast Itinerary
Australia’s east coast is a dream for backpackers: vibrant cities, tropical islands, stunning beaches, and national parks. I spent seven weeks travelling from Melbourne up to Cairns, down through Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, and finishing in Sydney, and this is my full east coast Australia itinerary — complete with tips, transport advice, personal stories,…
What Is the Banana Pancake Trail? (And Is It Still a Thing?)
If you’ve spent any time backpacking Southeast Asia, or you’re planning a trip, you’ve probably heard the phrase “the Banana Pancake Trail”. Although, its a term less commonly used nowadays you may still see it mentioned in hostel common rooms, travel blogs, and sometimes with a bit of an eye roll, as if it belongs to…
Does World Nomads Travel Insurance Cover the Ha Giang Loop?
This page contains affiliate links. If you’re planning the legendary Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam, think winding, jaw-dropping motorbike route through vast mountain passes, chances are you’re also asking one of the most important questions for your trip: will World Nomads travel insurance actually cover me if something goes wrong? I spent a lot of…
Solo Backpacking Australia: The Honest Truth
Australia has always been at the top of my travel bucket list. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to its vast landscapes, diverse cities, and endless coastlines. I’ve watched countless people travel there, explore its beauty, and even settle, and I’ve always felt this pull. I never expected to go on…
The Biggest Mistakes Backpackers Make With Travel Insurance
In the lead up to my trip, backpacker travel insurance felt like one of those boring extras you buy at the end of booking a holiday — the tick-box thing you half-heartedly add on so your mum doesn’t stress. But after months on the road, seeing so many people bandaged up from motorbike crashes in…
Can You Get Around Pai, Thailand Without Renting a Moped?
Pai is one of those dreamy backpacker towns in northern Thailand where Grab doesn’t exist and everyone seems to be zipping around on mopeds. It’s almost a rite of passage — except what if you don’t know how to ride one, or you don’t have a license? That was me. When I visited Pai, I…
Should You Book Accommodation in Southeast Asia in Advance? Or Just Wing It?
One of the biggest questions first-time backpackers ask before heading to Southeast Asia is: “Should I book accommodation in advance, or just turn up and find somewhere when I arrive?” I’ve been there — staring at my laptop before a backpacking trip, weighing up the freedom of winging it versus the comfort of knowing I…
Travel Insurance for the Ha Giang Loop: What You Need to Know Before You Ride
If you’re doing the Ha Giang Loop (and yes, you absolutely should), travel insurance is one of those things you might think you can skip… until you need it. For my backpacking trip to Southeast Asia I did a lot of research (and had a few panics). My answer to What Travel Insurance is Best for…
How to Book Train Tickets in Laos: The New China–Laos Railway Explained
The China–Laos Railway is one of Southeast Asia’s newest and most transformative transport links. Officially opened in December 2021, this high-speed railway connects Kunming in China to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, cutting travel time and offering a modern, scenic alternative to long bus rides or flights. Known for its efficiency and comfort, the railway is quickly becoming the go-to choice…
How to Get Around Cambodia: Why I Only Recommend Giant Ibis Buses
If you’re planning a trip around Cambodia, chances are you’ll need to rely on buses. While Cambodia has no real train network (except a limited line from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville), buses remain the main way travellers move between cities. But here’s the truth: Cambodian buses don’t have the best reputation. Compared to neighbouring Vietnam,…
Cambodia SIM Card: Best Network for Backpackers (From Someone Who’s Been)
Having mobile data in Cambodia makes life so much smoother—from booking a tuk-tuk on PassApp (yep a new app to use) to finding temples off the tourist trail. The good news is that SIM cards are easy to buy and affordable, but there are a few things worth knowing before you pick one up. Buying…
How to Get a Local SIM Card in Laos
Staying connected in Laos can be trickier than in neighbouring Thailand or Vietnam. While internet access is improving, finding a local SIM card isn’t always straightforward—especially if you skip the airport kiosks, or the airport altogether and arrive on the slowboat from Thailand. Here’s what to expect and how to make sure you stay online.…
How to Get a Local SIM Card in Vietnam
Staying connected in Vietnam, and anywhere else in the world for that matter, makes travelling so much easier—from ordering a Grab taxi in Hanoi to finding the best cafés in Ho Chi Minh City. Luckily, getting a local SIM card in Vietnam is straightforward and affordable. Here’s everything you need to know. Where to Buy…
How to Get a Local SIM Card in Thailand
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, one of the first things you’ll want to sort out after landing is your internet connection. From booking taxis to navigating Bangkok’s busy streets, having reliable data is a game-changer. The good news? Getting a local SIM card in Thailand is quick and easy. Before I left I…
The Day I Met a Survivor of the Khmer Rouge – Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
When I imagined visiting Cambodia, I knew I’d be stepping into a country shaped by tragedy as much as beauty. What I didn’t expect was to be guided through that history by someone who had lived it. Choosing the Guide Who Lived It We arrived at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum—once a school, later a torture…
The Best Vegan Food I Ate in Vietnam And Where to Find It
Vietnam is an absolute dream for backpackers: vibrant cities, dramatic landscapes, and some of the cheapest travel in Southeast Asia. But what’s it like travelling the country as a vegan? Spoiler: it’s totally doable—but not always effortless. During my backpacking trip through Vietnam, I managed to eat incredibly well (most of the time), found a…
Backpacking Laos: The Strangest Week
You know those days where everything is just a bit… off? Not bad enough to ruin your trip, but strange enough that you start to wonder if you’re being punked by the backpacker gods? Laos was that. For a full week, it felt like I was moving through a slightly warped version of Southeast Asia—one…
The Backpacker Hack That Changed the Way I Travelled
Before I set off to backpack Southeast Asia, I spent weeks obsessing over what to pack. Should I bring a microfibre towel? Was 70L too big? What’s the exact right number of socks? Turns out, none of that mattered nearly as much as the one item I never see on backpacking checklists: A simple, scruffy…
Why Southeast Asia Is the Best Place to Start Backpacking
When I first started backpacking, I was nervous. Like, really nervous. I wasn’t sure if I’d packed the right things, how I’d navigate language barriers, or whether I’d be able to navigate my way around each country. In fact, the weeks leading up to leaving I wasn’t sure of myself and my decision to go travelling at…
An Unforgettable Homestay in Sapa, Vietnam & The TikTok That Changed a Family’s Life
There’s a reason we travel that goes beyond the sights. We might book a flight to tick another country off our list — but the moments that stay with us are almost always about people. That’s exactly what I was reminded of during my time in a small homestay in Muong Hoa Valley, near Sapa Town,…
The Ultimate North to South Thailand Itinerary (With Island Hopping!)
Thailand has a grip on me. It’s one of those countries that gives you everything — jungle and city, chaos and calm, temples and tuk-tuks and turquoise water so clear it looks Photoshopped. Not to mention the food. Without doubt the best country for food I experienced on my entire backpacking trip. After backpacking the country from…
Best Backpack for Backpacking Southeast Asia: Osprey Fairview 70L Review
If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right backpack. After extensive research and personal experience, I went with the Osprey Fairview 70L , which is the women’s version of the Osprey Farpoint 70L (designed for men). So here’s my honest thoughts on this…
Reality vs. Social Media Hype: Testing Southeast Asia’s Top Tourist Destinations
The Social Media Travel Trap Ever seen a jaw-dropping travel photo on Instagram, only to show up and find… a swarm of tourists, selfie sticks, and a totally different vibe? Yeah, me too. Something that was quite evident on my most recent backpacking trip to Southeast Asia. Social media has made some places must-see attractions,…
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