Along with airfare, lodging is usually the most expensive part of any trip. Given the choice between a week at a five star resort or a month, perhaps longer, of self directed budget travel, for me, it’s a no brainer.

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It’s no secret that some of the biggest expenses when travelling are transport and accommodation. As much as you want to save your pennies for amazing experiences and exciting shopping, a roof over your head and a way to get around are essential. The options are endless.

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In a country where speed is measured by how fast your buffalo roams it is not surprising that visitors to Laos suddenly find themselves in a different world, where distances are defined by days rather than hours and fourth gear is just wishful thinking.

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Hanoi had been on my radar for a very long time, I knew that it did not have many great sights but it had such a history in the struggle of the Vietnamese people it was a destination I was looking forward to seeing.

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As culturally rich, architecturally interesting and historically awe-inspiring as European cities can be, sometimes you crave something smaller, more intimate, and dare I say the “a” word: genuinely authentic. Nestled in the hills of Jaen Province, Cazorla is a step back in time After an excellent few weeks indulging in...

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After several days in the mountains of northern Vietnam at the lovely town of Sapa, it was time to turn my attention to Laos. The options were limited; I could head back to Hanoi on the night train and fly or bus it from there, expensive, or I could go...

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For all of you thinking that Bangkok is still a safe gateway to Thailand, read on and decide for yourselves. Here is what it’s really  like to be a backpacker amidst civil unrest.... I’ve been in Bangok since early May and the day after I arrived ‘things kicked off again’...

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The heat of south and central Vietnam is oppressive, only the cool of an air-conditioned room can assuage it but what then of seeing the country and the sights you have travelled thousands of miles to see? Well, one has to suck it up and sweat like the rest of...

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Having just spent far too long in Nha Trang than was justified, any more than a day in my opinion, I was happy to drag myself off the express train as it pulled into Da Nang Station.

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Kampot and Kep are sleepy towns in the south of Cambodia, a world away from Phnom Penh and well worth the trip down if only to savor the local delicacy of cracked crabs swimming in Kampot pepper, followed down with a cold Angkor beer!

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