Why solo backpacking? To be honest, one of the reasons I sometimes go alone is simply that it's tough to find people to go with, especially on short-notice. So reason number one is just the sheer necessity. But that is not the only reason to enter the wilderness by yourself.
Another reason to backpack alone is related to the first: simplicity. For example, if you like to go light, you may have conflicts with friends who want to share the weight of heavy cooking gear and tents. You may prefer cheaper trips, rather than joining others on a flight to some distant locale that isn't any more beautiful than the trails within hours of you. In other words, you might not want to trade three affordable adventures for one expensive one.
Going solo gives you freedom as well. Even the best hiking partners will not need breaks at the same time, get hungry at the same time, want to hike the same distance each day or do the exact same things. When you're alone in the wilderness, there is a natural rhythm that can never be there when several people's needs have to be taken into account, and you are free to follow that rhythm.
Finally, if you have ever wanted to "commune with nature," or have a more spiritual experience in the wilderness, backpacking solo is the way to go. Most of us cannot help but talk too much when we're with others. Of course, that scares off wildlife, but it is also true that when alone most people just plain notice the environment more.
Being alone can deepen certain experiences. There is nobody there to define you - just you and the nature around you. If you've ever sat quietly and enjoyed a great view, you know that it is a different experience than when you sit there talking with someone about it. And while some friends can sit in silence for long stretches while sharing the sun set or the cloud-shadows passing over the mountains, it isn't common.
Alone, you begin to realize how entirely indifferent - but not hostile - the wilderness is. Whether you take this trail or that one doesn't matter to anything or anyone but you. Whether you stay warm or get cold, live or die, is a matter that is mostly irrelevant to everything around you. Yet as a human we are actually equipped to survive here.
On a solo backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevadas, I ate my fill of wild currants at 13,000 feet. As I walked by small lakes the trout scattered. Sunshine warmed me as I took naps on soft grass, and moonlight lit my way during night hikes. It is true that a misstep here or there could lead to death, that lightning could strike me down, or rain could soak me and make me hypothermic. But because of this I pay attention when I am alone out there.
Alone, you become very aware of your surroundings, of the clouds forming in the sky, of any little pain in your foot or back. It is an awareness without worry. This in-the-moment experience is worth having.
Solo Backpacking - Some Tips
Fortunately it has become much safer to get out there alone. This is because of technologies that can turn what would have been a disaster in the past into an inconvenience. Lose your maps? Just turn on the GPS unit on and find the landmark setting for your car to get out. Break your ankle? Turn on the emergency locator beacon or get out your cell phone.
To make it safe without giving up the experience of solitude, then, start by leaving the cell phone charged but off. Don't allow calls to you and don't call a soul unless you have a serious problem. As mentioned, a locator beacon is another safety option, but don't let such safety devices lure you into a false sense of security that gets you into trouble. Leave your basic itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, so they'll know when to call for a search if you don't return.
If you have a GPS unit, be sure to "mark" the car or trailhead before hiking in isolated areas - especially in difficult terrain. I recently was in an area where it took three hours (no trails) to travel a bit over a half-mile to the car. Without the GPS it would have been easy to get lost.
Finally, learn some skills to make solo backpacking safer. Being able to make a fire in any conditions is a good place to start. Knowing how to construct a few different kinds of emergency shelters is a good idea too. Also, while food is not usually the first concern in a wilderness emergency, it can't hurt to be familiar with a few wild edibles. And learn how to treat the most common injuries and illnesses you might encounter out there.
About the author:
Copyright Steve Gillman. To learn more Solo Backpacking Skills, and get the ebook "Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips)" for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, visit: http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Budget and Free Travel Advice - What to Bring in Your Backpack
Most experienced Budget and Free Travel Advice - What to Bring in Your Backpackand
The practical aspects are easily identifiable. It is much easier to get around when you're walking or using public transportation if you have a smaller bag. It makes us better able to cope with and respond rapidly to the different variables present when we get somewhere we haven't been before. It also means we are not scattered and have less things to keep an eye on.
The psychological ramifications are the most significant ones, however. For one thing, traveling light inevitably confronts us to our own insecurities about not knowing what's coming ahead. It is a wonderful though sometimes uncomfortable therapy. Yet, there is nothing quite like that feeling of carefree abandon one experiences by traveling lightly. And for this reason alone, leaving those extra items at home is completely worth it.
It is an understandably common mistake to pack excessively the first few times we travel - especially if you're a budget traveler or free travel seeker. But chances are you are not choosing to travel to recreate the heaviness and structure of the sedentary lifestyle. At the same time, the idea is not to go around uselessly deprived and ill-equipped.
So, what to bring in that backpack?
Backpack: Will ideally qualify as a carry-on bag on the airplane. Don't go too cheap, it needs to be tough. But don't go too glamorous either - an eye-catching bag is a burden.
There is no reason at all for it to be bigger than 50l unless you are bringing specialized equipment for trekking and such activities.
If you want to bring back gifts, buy them at the end of your trip and buy an extra bag (a cheap one will do) for them to go into.
Clothes: Shirts, pants, socks, underwear - no more than 2 of each. 1 may be enough. You will be able to buy clothes during your travels and you will be happy to wear them. One waterproof or warm coat may be necessary depending on where you go. Use compression bags to minimize the space your clothes take up.
Bathroom accessories: Deodorant, shaving items, soap, nail clipper. A compact travel towel that dries quickly is convenient. Maybe one extra luxury item.
First Aid: A few selected first aid items adapted to where you are going will do (Don't overdo it! Medicine exists everywhere in the world.)
LED headlamp: More useful than a flashlight that you need to hold in your hands. You can always hold it with your hands if you feel funny having it on your head. Highly recommended.
Digital Camera: They are now quite affordable. The value of having pictures to look at after you have traveled need not be explained. Bring an extra memory card if you think you'll be taking a lot of pictures.
Music and headphones: They can be lifesavers in noisy countries and can make the difference between insomnia and a good night of sleep.
Other electronics: a small battery charger (solar if you go somewhere sunny), a converter/adapter for your electrical apparatus depending on which country you go to.
Other: A thin tough rope to hang your clothes on is very valuable. A Swiss army knife is always called for at one moment or another (can't bring that inside the place though). A stainless steel water bottle. Water purifying tablets can be a good idea in some countries. 1 smaller, soft bag for day trips or running errands.
Obviously, you wallet, cards and documents will be in there somewhere.
And voila! Add and remove an item or two to fit your personal needs and your bag should be fairy light and manageable.
Tom Pattingson is interested in budget and free travel opportunities. He writes for his travel for free blog where you can learn how to plan your free travel.
Source:T.Pattingson
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tips For Backpacking in Kuala Lumpur
INTRODUCTION
Kuala Lumpur (or "KL" in short) is one of the cheapest cities in Asia for a vacation. Foreign currency exchange rates of the Pound Sterling and US Dollar, for instance, as against the Malaysian Ringgit are highly favourable. Backpacking is popular as the city has a very low crime rate and English is widely spoken. If you need directions, or wish to order food from a hawker stall rest assured that someone will be able to communicate with you in English. However, some planning is in order to stretch your vacation money to the maximum if you are a backpacker.
CHEAP AIR FARES
Malaysia's AirAsia and Singapore's SilkAir are two low-cost carriers that can fly you cheaply from many destinations around the world to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore respectively. (From Singapore, you can take a bus or train to Kuala Lumpur). For details of the flight schedules and fares of AirAsia and SilkAir, please check their websites. Another Malaysian budget airline is Firefly z which caters mostly to domestic destinations in the country; however, it links Kuala Lumpur with Medan and Bandar Acheh (both in Indonesia) and Phuket in Thailand.
To get the best prices for budget airlines, bookings have to be made at least a few months ahead. It is also best to avoid the Malaysian school holidays which fall during December, mid-March and mid-August.
The airplanes of AirAsia land at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) about two kilometres from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang, which is 60 km from Kuala Lumpur. The cheapest way to get to KLIA from the LCCT is by shuttle bus operated by two companies; namely Nadi KL and Airport Liner. Fare is only RM 1.50 per person per way. The pick-up point is from Platform 8, bus station at Ground Floor, Car Park C. Frequencies of the buses are 15 - 20 minutes. From KLIA, the economical way to get to the capital is by airport coach. Fireflyz's aeroplanes land at Sultan Abdul Aziz Airport in Subang, about 15 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.
WHERE TO STAY
The most popular area for backpackers to stay in KL is Chinatown. Its heart is Jalan Petaling (Petaling Street). Accommodation ranges from simple bed-and-breakfast inns with communal bathrooms to one-star and two-star hotels that are air-conditioned. (Hotels in Malaysia are rated by a star system, ranging from one to a maximum of five stars; those without any star rating are classified as "budget"). Another advantage of staying in Chinatown is its closeness to Puduraya bus station. This is the main station for buses going to other cities in the country. Chinatown is also within walking distance to the KL Monorail station on Jalan Maharajalela and also the STAR Light Rail Transit station near the Central Market. Chin Woo Stadium which has a swimming pool that is open to the public for a nominal fee is just 20 minutes away by foot from Jalan Petaling. Perched atop a hillock, it is a great place to cool down after a day of hectic sightseeing.
My second recommendation for accommodation is Brickfields, near Stesen Sentral (Central Station), which is the city's rail transportation hub. All Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains stop here, including the KLIA Ekpres that plies to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The five-star Hilton Kuala Lumpur and Le Meredian are located within the complex. However, just across Jalan Tun Sambanthan are affordable accommodations. They include Hotel Summer View, De Sentral Hotel, Mexico Hotel and Hotel Florida to mention but a few -- they all come with air-conditioning and attached bathrooms. A few inns that one rung down the price ladder are also available, including the YMCA. The negative point about this area is the lack of evening activities. Also, food is mainly confined to vegetarian eateries and Indian fan-ventilated restaurants serving banana leaf curry rice.
A useful contact is the Malaysia Budget Hotel Association at No. 52 Tengkat Tong Shin, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: +603-21412313. Fax: +603-21439313. Email: mbha1 @tm.net.my. Website: budgethotel.org.my
WHERE TO EAT
Finding cheap and hygienic food is probably the least of all problems for backpackers. Countless alfresco stalls are found in hawker centres. Two popular havens for cheap hawker food are Jalan Alor and Jalan Petaling. A meal with a fruit juice or soft drink can cost as little as RM6! For more comfort, go to the food courts of shopping complexes, which are often tucked away in the basement. Fast food outlets such as McDonald, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken to mention but a few are scattered in many parts of the city. For Indian fare, go to Lebuh Ampang; Malay food is aplenty in the districts of Chow Kit and Kampung Baru. Avoid 24-hour Mamak (Indian Muslim) eateries unless you want to take the slight risk of a stomach upset. The food (fish, chicken, squid, etc) on display in glass containers in such eateries may have been heated and re-heated umpteen times. Order something that is cooked on the spot instead such as fried rice, fried noodles or chicken chop to guarantee that what you eat is fresh. To cut costs on food, my recommendation is to try roti canai (a type of pancake) in the morning which can cost as little as RM1.50 per piece. Variations such as roti canai with egg, sardine or banana are also available. Two or three pieces washed down with the "teh tarik" (literally means "pulled tea" ) will give you sufficient fuel for your tramping around. All major shopping complexes also have food courts that offer local food at decent prices.
TRAVELLING AROUND
Travelling around KL by taxi can be an expensive affair. The fare meter keeps ticking even though the vehicle is stuck in a massive jam, and this can burn a hole in your pocket. A ploy by a few black-sheep drivers is to take the longest possible route to your destination. Worst, a few drivers may refuse to use the meter and insist on an exorbitant flat fee. On rainy days, especially, it is a take-it-or-leave-it situation. Remember, there is also a surcharge for travelling after midnight and for putting luggage in the boot.
Though buses cover most parts of the city, it can be difficult for foreigners to find out the routes of each bus. Most buses don't have conductors, and passengers drop the correct fare in coins into the ticket vending machine. If you drop in excess fare, you will not be given any change.
Despair not! The city has a network of train systems (referred to as Light Rail Transit or "LRT" in short) that run on elevated rails, (and sometimes underground) that can whizz you from one part of the city to another, whereupon you can take a short stroll to your desired destination. Rail maps showing the different stops can be found in all the train stations. Services usually start from 6am till midnight. Three LRT trains are in operation: STAR LRT, Putra LRT and KL Monorail. They each have a different route but you can change trains at Stesen Sentral (Central Station).
AFFORDABLE SHOPPING COMPLEXES
Avoid all shopping malls in the city's Golden Triangle unless you just aim to browse around. This area is bounded by Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan. Tucked within the area are Lot 10, KL Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza, BB Plaza, Low Yat Plaza and Starhill Shopping Complex that are targeted at middle- to upper-class shoppers. The same advice applies to the highly popular Suria KLCC in the podium block of the PETRONAS Twin Towers and Mid Valley on the Federal Highway. However, affordable shopping complexes can be found around Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, nicknamed "Kuala Lumpur's "Golden Mile". They include Pertama Complex, Campbell Complex, and independent stores such as Mydin and Globe Silk Store. In the fringe of Chinatown, Kotaraya Complex, UDA Ocean and S&M Shopping Arcade also offer excellent for value-for-money buys. Not to be missed is Jalan Petaling, which is chocked with stalls selling almost everything, especially cheap imitations of prestigious watches and leather goods as well as pirated VCDs of the latest Hollywood movies. Haggling is the order of the day. Highly popular with tourists, Central Market on Jalan Hang Kasturi specializes in collectibles, souvenirs and also has an excellent food court. Cultural performances are also held at scheduled times, and best of all, they are free. Haji Taib Hawker Centre in Chow Kit is good for jeans and second-clothes but the area suffers from a bad reputation. "Pasar malam" or "night markets" are held in Kampung Baru and Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman every Saturday evening. These spots offer excellent opportunities to try local fare at dirt-cheap prices.
TRAVEL LITERATURE
There is no need to throw away your hard-earned money on expensive travel guides. You can get free travel literature such as maps and brochures from tourist information centres operated by Tourism Malaysia. They are located as follows:
Stesen Sentral (Central Station)
Lot 21, 2nd Floor, Arrival Hall, Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal, Stesen KL Sentral, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Phone: +603-2272 5823
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Visitor Service Centre, International Arrival Hall, KLIA, Sepang 64000, Selangor
Phone: +603-877 656 47 / 51
Malaysia Tourist Centre (MTC)
109 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur 50450
Phone: +603-9235 4848 / 9235 4900 Fax: +603-2162 1149
(Tourists are allowed a maximum of 20 minutes free internet surfing here!)
Putra World Trade Centre
Level 2, Putra World Trade Centre, 45 Jalan Tun Ismail, PWTC,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603-2615 8540 Fax: + 603-2692 4554
(Note: Putra World Trade Centre is located next to the Best Western Premier Seri Pacific Hotel).
Another helpful spot is Kuala Lumpur Tourism Association (Tel. no. +603-22871830), which is head-quartered in a charming wooden shack in the grounds of the National Museum on Jalan Damansara.
IF IN DOUBT, ASK, ASK, ASK!
Kuala Lumpur has a sizeable population of Bangladeshi, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Myanmar contract workers. Most of them work as waiters, petrol pump attendants or retail sales persons. Avoid asking for information or directions from such foreigners. Also, avoid touts who offer to take you on a walkabout. The most reliable sources of information are front liners in the tourist information centres, and personnel manning information counters in shopping complexes. The owner of the budget hotel you are staying can also provide useful advice. A word of assurance is in order: Kuala Lumpur has a Tourist Police unit that has a high profile in the Golden Triangle, so your safety is highly assured. Enjoy your stay in Kuala Lumpur and happy backpacking!
For more information about the author, please visit his website at http://ewepaikleong.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paik-Leong_Ewe
Backpacking in Japan
Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, thanks, largely, to the wealth of things to see and do in the country. For budget travelers and backpackers from the West, Japan has also emerged as a very popular recently - budget travelers flock here to sample its unique culture, excellent food, and impressively cheap accommodation.
Thanks to its mix of bustling metropolises and countryside idylls, Japan is a perfect travel spot for just about anyone. Here, then, is a quick round-up of how to go about spending your time in the country...
Traveling in Japan
There are many ways in which you can travel in and around Japan. The most popular tourist attraction is the bullet train. These trains, though now in use in many countries around the world, were initially made famous in Japan. For tourists from all over the globe, the experience of traveling at speeds of about 300 kilometers per hour is one for the scrapbook. Another great thing about travel in the cities of Japan is that commuter trains have special cars reserved only for women. Especially during the rush hour, when the trains are crowded, these cars offer respite for women travelers who can travel hassle-free.
Cities in Japan
For the budget traveler in Japan, there are a number of cities that veritably scream for attention. Tokyo remains a very popular city with tourists thanks to its cosmopolitan culture and great vibrancy. This is the capital of Japan and it's a city so full of life it inevitably leaves an indelible mark on the minds of those who visit. For those who are more inclined to view the traditional aspects of Japanese culture and society, Kyoto is perhaps the city to be in, as it offers a range of memorable traditional experiences (it's also marginally cheaper than Tokyo, which always helps for those traveling with money on the mind!). Kanazawa is also a city that retains a strong sense of history and any backpacker interested in Japan through the ages would be well advised to include a stay here on their itinerary.
What to see in Kyoto?
Once you are in Kyoto, the Imperial Palace and its beautiful gardens are a must see. Quite simply, this is the stuff backpackers' dreams are made of, featuring beautiful architecture and chilled-out tranquil grounds. The ideal time to visit the gardens is during the spring when the cherry trees are in full blossom, resulting in a riot of colors that make for great photo opportunities.
Things to do in Kyoto:
Meditation is a great thing to do for the backpacker in Kyoto. Meditation is a part of Japanese culture and for those who want to experience it to the fullest, it is a must do. You can try it out in Taizo-in or Shunko-in, which have Zen meditation sessions that are free to attend. All you have to do is to make reservations well in advance.
Make it a point to visit Kyoto during the cherry blossom season. This is the time when you get to see the best of nature in Japan. For the backpacker who is intent on seeing the best sights of the country, the walk along the road known as the 'Philosopher's Path' (from Nanzen-ji to Ginkaku-ji) which abounds in cherry trees and shrines, is certainly one worth taking.
Where to stay in Kyoto?
Located close to the Imperial Palace, the Kamo River and the university, the Kyoto Globetrotters Hostel is a cheap and clean hostel for backpackers. It is a Kyoto hostel that is ideal for budget travelers because it offers the basic facilities at a very good price. Among Kyoto hostels, the Urban Hotel Kyoto often proves a popular choice thanks to its facilities and all-round comfort. This is a three-star hotel that nonetheless comes at an affordable price.
Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers.com Jonny Cooper did a backpacking tour of Japan and he checked out a variety of hostels in Japan and Kyoto hostels
Article Source: Jonny_C.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Tips For budget and free travel-Geeting good flight for your flight
There is so much diversity and varied promotions in the tourism and travel industry that it is quite possible for the savvy traveler to take advantage of budget and free travel opportunities. Because traveling is an important and relatively rare occasion for most people, there is a desire to get the most out of it. Whether it be last minute price drops or carefully planned and researched deals, there are ways to travel at very little cost.
Transportation and lodging costs can be particularly prohibitive to the would-be traveler - especially for students. It is when we are younger, after all, that we are most willing and available to travel the world. Unless you are going for a 'road' trip and want to make the moving about an important part of your travel then it would be most advantageous to keep transportation costs as low as possible. Still, it is not necessary to rule out air transportation. Flexibility is one of the main requirements to find cheap and free travel opportunities.
One great way to lower air flights costs is to opt for trajectories with one or more stopovers. Direct flights are almost always more expensive than itineraries with stopovers. It is more of a hassle for the traveler, but depending on the amount of time spent at each stop it can turn into a series of nice opportunities to spend a few hours in foreign cities.
Another good option for saving on air transportation expenses is to look for flights occurring during the low tourism season at your destination. Yes, this would mean that it may not be the best weather possible when you go. But it also means that general prices for tickets will be lower and more deals from the airlines may pop up not to mention that lodging costs and other expenses at your destination will likely be much lower than during the busy season. The place will also be less crowded with tourists.
There is no hard rule when it comes to the timing for booking a flight. Some of the best deals will happen at the very last minute, certainly, but this won't be convenient or possible for many travelers. If you have a fixed timeframe for your trip then you need to plan and make arrangements in advance. It is advantageous to book the flight yourself and save on the fees from a travel agent. It has become very easy for anyone to find the best deals on the Internet. Learn how to hunt for prices online and get ready to enjoy your trip!
by:Tom pattingson
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