Travel Tips

Hop On Hop Off Backpacker Bus Travel – A Detailed Case Study

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The passengers from the Stray bus at an authentic Maori cultural experience.

What’s it like to travel on a hop-on hop-off bus? I recently finished a whirlwind, twenty-five day trip around all of New Zealand with a hop-on hop-off bus company called Stray.  While I normally trend towards much more independent travel methods, I felt this was the way to flashpack across New Zealand.  Had I been [...]

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Take a Break and Get Perspective!

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Travis Ball on the snorkel tour around Koh Phi Phi

When you get into any kind of routine, it can be difficult to step back and gain perspective on big picture items such as goals you might have set for yourself a while ago.  My routine for the last 20 months has been distinctly non-routine. I’ve been so caught up in my travels that I [...]

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WARNING: Serious Security Risk for Travelers!

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Image of thousands of internet cables running along a ceiling.

A very new, very real security concern has hit the world of the Internet this week and it is something every flashpacker has to be aware of as they travel.  Flashpackers use the net for all manner of activities, many of which are socially oriented.  If, like many travelers, you use Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, WordPress, [...]

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7 Reasons why it is imperative you stay in a hostel!

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Backpacker Miyajima Hostel 30 minutes away from Hiroshima, Japan, and right next door to the ferry that takes you to the island across the harbor

Hostels are the ideal place for the flashpacker to lay their head.  However, instead of sleeping in a dorm room with five other people, flashpackers will put up a little more money for their own private room.  This gives them all of the benefits of staying in a hostel while eliminating one of their biggest [...]

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Traveler’s Warning: Counterfeit Chinese Currency

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Backpacker holding up 500 counterfeit Chinese Yuan

Backpackers, flashpackers and other long-term travelers have to be on their toes when it comes to safety and security issues on the road.  Obviously, not enough awareness and common sense can get you into trouble and too much concern will make you overly paranoid.  As a traveler, you prepare for the worst and hope for [...]

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When is the best time to travel?

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Cherry Blossoms taken while backpacking during peak season in Japan.

You’ve always dreamed of going to Egypt, your family tree has roots in Germany and the Czech Republic, and you hear the best beaches are in Thailand.  You’ve got an idea of where you want to go on your trip, but when is the best time to travel? Given complete flexibility and unlimited time, when [...]

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Onbashira – A dangerous log ride takes center stage during a Japanese festival

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Colorfully dressed Japanese taking part in the Ombashira festival, 2010

There are some pretty outrageous festivals around the world. While huge music and party-type festivals come to mind, when it comes to cultural festivals, you can’t beat the Japanese. Japan has a considerable variety of festivals that take place all over the country and range from the Sapporo Snow Festival to the Hounen Penis Festival. Any flashpacker looking for a unique experience in Japan during the years of the Monkey or the Tiger should go to the Lake Suwa area (about 3 hours north of Tokyo) and take part in the Onbashira festival.

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Flashpacker Defined! – The evolution of the Backpacker

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Two backpacks I use for my flashpacking travels around the world.

There are numerous references to the term “Flashpacker” floating around the net and it’s high time we set a solid definition to this new way of travel. After all, how can you call yourself a flashpacker if you aren’t really sure what it means?

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