Surviving Songkran

I stepped gingerly out of the cab, swinging my heavy pack onto my back, trying to get my bearings amongst the chaos. The driver had dropped me only about four blocks away from my hotel — it was as close as he could get — but there were so many people on the street that I was feeling a bit turned around.  

It isn't just water that will get ya... Thai's rub a chalk-like substance on your cheeks as an added blessing. Want to join in? You can buy a bowl of it for around 10 Baht (approx. 35 cents)!

Already sweating in the 40+ mid-day Thailand sun (not that it mattered, I was about to be soaking wet) I set off down a side street lined with food carts, and stalls selling small waterproof bags and water guns... and water...

While looking up at the flags strung across the street above me, I felt a cold stream of water run down my neck, then another hit me straight in the belly button, and yet another smack dab in the middle of my forehead... It had begun... 

What's a bigger target than a foreigner at a country's largest festival that involves throwing water at each other? A foreigner with a backpack on her back... (luckily I had planned ahead and packed ALL of my stuff in plastic bags... one point for me!)

Everything in my bags was packed away in plastic — I had a feeling I would be a target... I was correct...

I was right in the middle of a country-wide water fight that ushers in the traditional Thai New Year (in 2013 it was celebrated April 13, 14 and 15). It is traditionally a time of renewal, cleansing AND wandering the streets with buckets of water to soak people with.

The country's most famous festival did not start out as a full-on no-holds-barred water fight. Not too long ago it was celebrated with quiet temple visits, 'new year's resolutions' and house cleaning. The temple's primary Buddha was ceremoniously bathed by monks and followers splashing water on it, water was splashed on the hands of elders, and was playfully splashed (not thrown) at friends as a way to with them luck.

Oh, how things have changed...

(As an added bonus, the festival falls on the HOTTEST time of the year in Thailand and the cold, cleansing water is actually a welcome escape from the heat.)

Decorations strung up at the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Pieces of gold leaf are placed on stone Buddhas at Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand

During Songkran it is next to impossible to step into the streets of Bangkok and stay dry (especially if you are staying in the Th Khao San area... which I was...). The streets were not only full of people (mostly Thais) throwing water, but also with live music, DJs, and an indescribable atmosphere. 

It was an incredible experience, but after being soaking wet for 2 days straight I was ready to dry off!

Luck is said to be measured by how doused you are — it is safe to say that I am the luckiest girl in the world (even a monk threw water at me at the temple!).

Luck is measured by how soaked you are — I'm feeling like 2013 is going to be a great year!

Book List: Walking The Amazon

After retiring from the British army as a captain in 2002, Ed Stafford started running worldwide adventure expeditions. It was during one of these expeditions that Ed met Luke, and during one drunken night, they agreed on a plan to be the first (documented) people on earth to WALK from one end of the Amazon river to the other... ocean to ocean... 

“It would have been fairly excusable to blame the bravado on alcohol but, as we scratched our stubble and our balls waiting for the shower, we were both even more animated about the idea than we had been the previous evening.”

— Chapter One, Conception to Birth, Walking The Amazon

This would mean crossing the Andes Mountains, trekking through the dangerous drug trafficking zones in Columbia, trying to appease suspicious indigenous-people living deep in the jungle (including those that were convinced he was going to steal their faces), and dealing with ALL of the challenges that come with living in a jungle — weather, bugs, injuries, bugs, and did I mention BUGS... 

In Walking The Amazon — 860 Days. One Step At A Time, Stafford gives an incredibly honest account (fears, doubts, frustrations...) of his grueling 4,000-plus-mile journey (Check out his Expedition Diary here). If you are looking to be inspired by a real-life adventure, this is definitely the book for you! 

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Beer On The Rocks Please!

Though the thought of putting ice in your beer may send shivers down your spine, in Thailand there are a few very important reasons why throwing frozen water in your brew of choice is not only normal, but welcome. 

Firstly, despite what the label says (if you can translate Thai), Thai beer does NOT contain the most amazing bouquet of flavors in the world, and is best if drunk as cold as possible. The problem with this however is that (if you haven't noticed) Thailand is excruciatingly hot year-round and so it is VERY difficult for ANYTHING to stay cold.

Secondly, domestic brews (like the infamous Chang — my all time favourite) are generally quite high in alcohol and so the ice helps to dilute the potentially dehydrating brew. 

I AM VERY AWARE that the first thing that Travelers Health Clinics will tell you is to NOT DRINK ANYTHING with ice in it, but in my experience, the ice in Bangkok is safe and worth the refreshingly cool drink that you will be rewarded with for indulging in it.

Cheers and happy travels! 

Your Guide To Travel Vaccinations

So, you have decided where you want to go for your next adventure, your tickets are booked and you have bought a brand new shiny travel book ready to get you trip started.

Next step? Vaccinations.

Though you can head to your family doctor for a consultation, specialized travelers health clinics are your best source of information. Ideally you should visit a doctor six to eight weeks before you board the plane, but it is never too late to get a disease preventing shot in the arm. 

The Centers for Disease Control and the International Travel & Health Guide published by the World Health Organization are both fantastic resources to do some of your own research (which I heartily recommend).

The only vaccination required by international regulations is Yellow Fever, but you will only be asked for proof of this vaccine (or need to get it) if you have travelled in Africa or South America.

Of course, the types of vaccinations that you will receive are dependent on where you are traveling to, but here is a brief rundown of some of the basics: 

Tetanus/Diphtheria — This shot is good for 10 years and a VERY important one. Tetanus is usually found in soil, dust and manure and enters the body through breaks in the skin; usually cuts or puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects (think rusty nails). It causes lockjaw and, if untreated, death.

Measles/Mumps/Rubella — Most of us should have received at least one MMR vaccination (usually as a child), that was considered to be good for life. It has recently been discovered that adults are now getting the mumps more regularly (in Canada 300 adults in Canada get it each year) and are more susceptible to the infection without a second shot (a friend of mine was recently in Thailand and contracted the mumps while there). Though health professionals may not recommend getting a second shot, insist on it if you are headed to South East Asia. Better to be safe than sorry!  

Typhoid — This is a bacteria that is transmitted though food and water. Though it makes you feel like garbage, it is not life threatening when treated with medication. The vaccination lasts for about 3 years, but is not 100% effective, so you still need to watch what you ingest. 

“it is never too late to get a disease preventing shot in the arm”

Hepatitis A — This treat of a virus is transmitted thorough food and water and has NO specific treatment. In other words, get vaccinated. A series of two shots will usually cover you for life.

Hepatitis B — This is the only STD that can be prevented by a vaccination so is WELL worth the three shots that protect you for life. It is spread by contact with infected body fluids (which does not necessarily mean sex) and can result in liver cancer, cirrhosis and death.

Japanese Encephalitis — This is one of the few mosquito-transmitted viruses that can be treated with vaccination. It is most common in places with hot, jungle-like conditions. This virus causes an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), with symptoms including sudden headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors and convulsions. If you receive the 'live' vaccination, one shot covers you for life. For tips on preventing other mosquito transmitted viruses click here.

Once you have gotten your immunizations, you should be given a booklet that will list all of the vaccinations you received. This is handy to carry with you if you plan on being out of your home country for a lengthy period of time. Well that about covers it! Ya, a lot of these viruses, diseases, and infections sound scary, but as soon as you get the vaccination you don't have to worry about it — all that you have to do is enjoy your adventure!  

I want to emphasize that I am NOT a medical professional of ANY kind, nor did I interview a medical professional specifically for this blog. What I have written is based solely on my own experience, and from research in various online and print publications. If you disagree with anything that I have written, or would like to add to it, please leave a comment below! 

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Book List: Burqalicious

Yes, it has a shiny gold cover with a large-lipped woman strutting across it, and has the suffix 'licious' in its title, but this memoir by Becky Wicks is not as 'fluffy' as it appears to be.

Sub-titled The Dubai Diaries: A true story of sun, sand, sex, and secrecy, the British Wicks takes readers through her hilariously juicy and sarcastic account of being a foreigner in a world where women wear burqas, the weather is hotter than Hades, money is everywhere, and Arab men are always around to pay for, well, everything! 

She manages to pop just the right amount of cultural discovery in with her personal accounts, making it both an entertaining and revealing tell-all about a VERY closed off world.

Give it a try, I bet you will enjoy it as much as I do! 

Why I Love Staying In Hostels

I have often said that even if I had all the money in the world, I would still choose to stay in a hostel over a hotel. (Seriously, I'm not just saying that). Here's why...

Backpackers Hostel in Downtown Toronto, Canada

1. They Are Dirt Cheap — Yup, depending on where you are, and the time of year it is, you will pay between $8-$40 for a bed. Compare that to $80-$400 for a hotel... no brainer.

2. Location, Location, Location — Most hostels are located in the centre of the city (aka prime location) allowing you to walk out the front door and continue to walk everywhere you need to go. There is often no need to spend money on car rentals or even public transit, plus it gives you the opportunity to soak in some local flavor after dark because you don't have to worry about getting back to your hotel. 

3. Breakfast — Your room charge will usually cover breakfast which is often some sort of fresh carb from a local bakery. Who could say no to a fresh croissant? 

4. Amenities — Despite what you might think, the amenities at a hostel are actually quite nice. You usually have access to a kitchen, which means you can cook your own food, (another dollar saver), and many hostels even have their own restaurant or bar. There is usually free or cheap Internet available 24 hours, and a common room where you can relax and swap stories. These common rooms usually have a well-stocked bookshelf as well where you can take or trade books free of charge. Some of the nicest bathrooms that I have EVER been in have been in hostels as well... and I HAVE stayed in some VERY expensive hotels. 

5. Safety — Think about it, you are surrounded by tourists who don't want their stuff stolen, and who are looking out for each other. Most hostels are run by fellow travelers and front desks are usually manned 24 hours. Many will supply you with a locker to lock your stuff up for extra security (bring your own lock as they are not always supplied).

6. Free Travel Advice, Tour Guides and Nightlife "Coordinators" — The guys and gals running hostels are usually on some sort of 'around the world' trip themselves and so are not out to scam you and make a buck. They are the perfect people to ask advice about tours, where to eat, what to see etc. Some will even take you around or coordinate bookings for you (at no extra cost!). Usually a few nights a week, the people working at the hostel will round up everyone they can and take them out on the town. If you are a solo traveler, or not familiar with the area, this gives you a fantastic opportunity to safely experience the city's nightlife... and make new friends ;) 

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON...

7. Meeting People Who Ask You Where You've Been NOT What You Do — There is nothing more refreshing then meeting someone new and being defined by where you have been, where you are going, and what adventures you have had instead of being defined by a 'job' that probably has nothing to do with who you really are or what you are passionate about. Learning about the person in front of you, and sharing a genuine moment while at the height of a 'new-experience-high' is my favourite part about staying in hostels. Something facilitated by co-ed bunk rooms and common areas that would never be achieved in a hotel. This is how I have made some amazing lifelong friends, and I would NEVER give that up. 

What to See and Do in Florence

Winding cobblestone streets lined with tall, stone buildings filled with shops, cafes and restaurants. Churches covered in the art works of Italian masters. Fashion trends that won't make it to North America for years. Museums overflowing with paintings, sculpture and sketches. Walking in the footsteps of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael (no, not the Ninja Turtles)... what isn't there to see and do in Florence! 

The Duomo (front facade recently cleaned) 

1. The Duomo — Though you may have spotted the brown-tiles of Brunelleschi's massive dome long before you have come upon the cathedral, the first time that you turn the corner and find yourself in front of the pink and green marble facade, you are sure to have the wind knocked out of you. The church is huge, towering above all the buildings surrounding it, and breathtakingly beautiful. The best time to visit is in the off-season, when the interior is open to all, nothing is closed off to tourists and the echoing halls are quiet, deserted and filled with flickering candlelight. 

2. The Baptistery and The Gates of Paradise — Across from the Duomo sits the octagonal shaped baptistery that was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple as early as the 5th century. Dante was among the celebrated figures that have been baptized in this marble structure that is famous for its gilded bronze doors, the most famous being Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise — 10 intricate panels depicting stories from the old testament. The one's hanging are replicas but you can check out the originals at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

The Gates of Paradise (Porta del Paradiso)      Lorenzo Ghiberti

3. Piazza della Signoria — This expansive piazza is the political hub of the city and is surrounded by some beautiful historic buildings including the Palazzo Vecchio which is the seat of the Florentine government and full of murals by iconic artists. The Piazza also contains a sculpture gallery (a great spot to people watch from on a warm evening) and an exact replica of the famous David by Michelangelo. 

4. Galleries — The Uffizi Gallery, built in the 16th century by the artist and art historian Vasari, is the home of the private art collection of the Medici family — essentially the 'royal family' of Florence at the height of the Renaissance and passionate art patrons. Works by the 'turtles' can be found here as well as the stunning paintings by Botticelli (my personal favourites). Another 'can't-miss' is the Galleria dell’Accademia, which is the home of the original David and Michelangelo's unfinished Slaves that give a unique insight into the artist's process.

Ponte Vecchio

5. Ponte Vecchio — The only bridge that survived the Nazi explosives in 1944, this unique 14th century structure is the home of the city's most beautiful jewellery shops. Unless you are travelling with a pocketful for cash, don't expect to do more then window shop on this pricy strip, but something as unique as a bridge covered in houses is definitely worth the visit.

6. Piazzale Michelangelo — It's a bit of a trek, but the views from this plaza, across the river from the centre of the city, are worth every drip of sweat. On a clear day, you can see straight to the green Tuscan hills beyond the city. 

The view from the Piazzale Michelangelo

7. Cafes, Restaurants and Wine — There are some fantastic cafes, their tables spilling out into the street, between the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria, as well as some great spots for gelato. Florence is incredibly close to the Chianti region which means some delicious wine, readily available at extremely low prices... oh, and there are no rules about drinking in the streets so grab a bottle from a local grocery store and head to the Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy a sunset after a long day of sightseeing.

8. Shop, shop and shop some more — Florence contains everything from department stores to street markets and everything in between. Most boutiques, jewellery shops and designer stores are located between the cathedral and the Arno river, while the best spot to find leather, souvenirs, hand-bound books, clothing and jewellery at low prices is at the Piazza del Mercato Centrale (an open-air market located near the train station). 

6 Must-See Spots in Budapest

1. Vajdahunyad Castle — The fairy-tale towers of this castle overlook an artificial lake that is used for boating in the summer, and in the winter is transformed into one of the most impressive outdoor skating rinks in Europe! The structure itself is made up of two Transylvanian castles and a Renaissance courtyard where regular concerts are held in the summer. 

2. Coffee Houses — In Central Europe, coffee houses are the social club, home and haven for journalists, writers, lawyers, and everyone in between. Oozing charm, this is one of the best spots to spend an afternoon people watching and soaking up local culture while sipping on a frothy cappuccino or a cold beer. 

3. St. Stephen's Basilica — This stunning church took over 50 years to build and has a dome that is 96m high (approx. 315ft)! The interior of the basilica is well worth visiting, as the frescos, carvings and chapels are in impeccable condition and absolutely beautiful.

4. Street Art — Amongst the historic architecture is a surprising amount of contemporary street sculpture. Keep your eyes open, there is something to see in almost every square, and around every corner! 

5. Markets — There is no better spot to find authentic souvenirs and food then at a local market, and Budapest boasts a plethora of them including some large covered markets. Beautiful fabrics, wooly hats and delicious treats can be found in abundance. 

6. House of Terror — This eerie looking building is a disturbing monument to those who suffered in the terror that afflicted the country during and after World War II. Prepare yourself before you visit the underground torture chambers, they are pretty graphic.

The Top 10 Destinations In The World

Trying to decide where to go for your next travel adventure? Well according to Trip Advisor, these are the Top 10 Destinations to visit this year: 

1. London, United Kingdom

Big Ben, The Tower of London, a Queen, a Prince, and galleries and museums that are FREE — what more could you want in a trip than history, great shopping and great culture!

2. New York, United States 

The city that never sleeps has been on my list for years. Who wouldn't want to climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty? Drink martinis in Manhattan? Lounge in Central Park?

3. Rome, Italy

Rome holds a special place in my heart because it was the first city that I ever travelled to completely alone. Cobblestone streets are filled with well-dressed people ducking in and out of cafes, and strutting past landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Forum.

4. Paris, France

Ahhhhh Paris. The smell of freshly baked croissant fills the morning air, cafes are packed with artists in search of inspiration, some of the world's most important art fills the walls of palaces and train stations, and Eiffel towers above it all. There are a few unconventional tourist spots worth checking out as well, making this destination anything but boring. 

5. San Francisco, California

For all of you North American '80s babies, I have two words... FULL HOUSE! If you don't know what I'm talking about, go for the quirky restaurants and galleries, the harbour, the streetcars, the impossibly steep streets and the wine!

6. Marrakech, Morocco

This exotic destination is full of narrow winding streets that work their way through historical neighbourhoods and markets filled with fragrant spices, gorgeous fabrics, and traditional handicrafts.

7. Barcelona, Spain

Fans of the architect Gaudi flock here, Las Ramblas is full of history, shopping and delicious food, while the beach is only minutes away from the city centre and the perfect spot to party all night!  

8. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap isn't as much the destination here as is what is located next to it — Angkor. The temples here, nestled amongst the rainforest and the home of monkeys, are INCREDIBLE and are — to this day — one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. 

9. Istanbul, Turkey

The Hagia Sophia is considered to be one of the Wonders of the World, and who wouldn't want to spent an afternoon (or a day, a week, a month...) lounging in the luxurious Turkish Baths?!

10. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is an amazing mix of old and new in both its art and architecture. With such a complicated history, it is a destination that is sure to make for a surprising, emotional and educational adventure. The great beer doesn't hurt either!

Book List: 1,000 Places To See Before You Die

Whether you have already journeyed to half the map, or are just beginning your world adventures, think of 1,000 Places To See Before You Die as your life "To Do" list. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing a sacred ruin, grand hotel, wildlife preserve, hilltop village, castle, hidden island, or famous museum off of a list of this calibre! 

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the places and moments that take our breath away”

— Anonymous

If anything, it's a great jumping off point, to the millions of amazing things to see, and incredible moments to experience from pole-to-pole! Happy travels! 

The Art of The Self-Takie

If you are anything like me, your camera sits in your pocket—or the palm of your hand—whenever you are travelling, ready to be pulled out at a moments notice to catch the perfect image. Whether it is an iconic landmark, a cultural event, or a stunning sunset, I am poised to snap the ideal shot. The problem I have found, however, is that I often come home with oodles of National Geographic worthy images (or so I like to pretend), with not a trace of myself in them at all. I usually travel solo which is partly the reason, but even if I do have a travel buddy, I tend to forget to get on the other side of the lens. 

“Don’t be afraid of making a fool of yourself to get the perfect shot!”

That is, until the self-takie started to become my new best friend. But, if you want to avoid looking like you have seven chins, a balloon sized head, or are the vainest person in the world, there is an art to getting the perfect photo of yourself while you are by yourself.  

Amsterdam, Netherlands 

First of all, a "self-takie" doesn't have to mean that you hold the camera out in front of you in order to take the photo. To me, it just means that no other person takes the photo. 

If you are going the conventional hold-the-camera-out route however, here are a few tips:

1. Hold the camera as far out as you can level with your face or just slightly higher, making sure that your thumb is nowhere near the flash or lens. (NEVER hold the below your face, that's just asking for an unattractive shot.)
2. Tilt your chin down slightly, and turn your face slightly to the side.
3. If you are trying to get something in the background in the image, position the camera so that you are in one half of the lens
4. Smile and Shoot!  

It may take you a few times to get the perfect shot, which means that you have to be ok with people walking by looking at you funny, but that comes with the adventure.

My favourite types of photos to take when I am on my own are the timed ones (see the above photo taken just around the street from Anne Frank's house—the camera was balanced on the stoop of a house). I find a ledge, tree, garbage can etc... to rest my phone on, position it, set the timer and get myself in position. What is fun about these images is that the don't have to feel as staged as traditional self-takies, you can pretend you are walking, jumping, lounging in the sun, or lost in thought. Also, there is more option for do-overs than if you are asking a passerby to take the photo for you (also a VERY good option for solo travellers, and an easy way to get yourself into a large shot as long as you are comfortable approaching strangers that might not speak your language). 

Whatever option you choose, don't leave yourself out of these important visual memories, and don't be afraid of making a fool of yourself to get the perfect shot—you are in another country! You probably won't see any of the people walking around you ever again anyway! 

Takin' It Easy...

There is a white, round scar, about the size of a dime, halfway up the inside of my calf. Like the tattoo on the bottom of my foot, I forget that it is there sometimes, but as soon as I catch a glimpse of it out of the corner of my eye, it makes me smile…

Michelle and I had just spent a long night on a sleeper train — I am pretty sure that they DO NOT wash the sheets in between trips — from Hanoi to what we thought was Hoi An, Vietnam. Little did we know that the train did not actually go all the way to Hoi An, but stopped about an hour outside of the city.

A little disoriented, we walked out of the station at around 8 am hoping to come upon a bus that would take us to our final destination. But, other than a few sketchy looking cars, there weren’t any options. To make matters worse, the only food that had been available on the train was half-cooked chicken (which we obviously did not eat) and my blood sugar was well past low and headed dangerously into the short-tempered grumpy zone.

After buying some chocolate covered wafers from the station store, we pulled out our Lonely Planet guides trying to figure out our next move.

That was when Hi and Mr. T saw us.

Clad in leather and denim — with tattoos and flashy jewellery to match — these two looked like members of a hardcore biker gang (not the usual garb of a Vietnamese citizen). Extremely skeptical, we eyed them up as they left their bikes parked by the curb (these were actual motorbikes, not the scooters that take over the streets of the country) and approached us.

Two wide-eyed white girls, backpacks, and guidebooks in full sight — we looked like the perfect targets and we knew it. Expecting some sort of proposition or scam, I was pleasantly surprised when the walked up at introduced themselves as Easy Riders.

That was a name I was familiar with.

According to fellow travel buddies — and my trusty Lonely Planet — the Easy Riders started off a few years ago as a crew of about 30 freelance motorbike guides that offered reasonably priced excursions all over the country. Though some were better than others, I had heard no stories of any scams, kidnappings, or worse coming out of taking a ride with these bikers.

Clearly reading our skepticism, they pulled out dog-eared notebooks full of testimonials written by tourists that they had driven around. Written in all languages, in different writing, and from people all over the world, it was a very convincing document, and one that the Lonely Planet stated was a sign that they were legit members of the Easy Riders.

There is a certain sense of immortality that comes with travelling, and so after some consideration, and negotiation (we settled on the equivalent of $5 each for the hour ride) we entrusted ourselves to Hal and Mr. T, ready for whatever adventure our decision may bring.

They strapped our massive packs to the back of the bikes, supplied us with helmets (a rarity in Vietnam), and giving each other a nervous-excited glance, we jumped on the back. Hal and Mr. T said something to each other in Vietnamese, and then we were off!

It was a clear, humid day, and the breeze was a welcome relief from the already scorching sun. I leaned back on my bag, stared up at the sky and smiled. We zoomed past China Beach (where the movie Good Morning Vietnam was filmed), and through small towns where the children jumped up from their games to wave at us.

China Beach, Vietnam

I threw my arms up in the air and wondered how I would ever go back to normal taxis, North American life… and how do I explain the feeling of freedom that comes from careening down an ocean road on the back of a motorbike in Vietnam?!

While getting off the bike in Hoi An, I received my scar — a shoestring-travel-battle-wound and a lesson on why motorcyclists wear long pants — by pressing my leg against the tailpipe for a mere second. It hurt like hell but couldn’t dull the feeling that came with a new experience, and the beginning of another adventure! 

6 Travel Blogs Worth Paying Attention To

It seems like EVERYONE  has a blog these days — the guy who makes my cappuccino blogs about music, my neighbor can't stop complaining about her ex online, and the owner of my local art gallery loves posting about fashion.  With so many options out there — and all of the good stuff mixed in with the bad (THANK YOU for following me by the way!!), it can be difficult to sort out the diamonds from... well...  the duds.

After spending WAY too much time exploring, searching, and reading, I have managed to track down 6 travel blogs that are sure to inspire whether you are planning your first trip, have more adventures than you can count under your belt already, or love to live vicariously from your armchair.

There is lots of good advice, honest stories (sometimes too honest), and quirky adventure to be found on the following sites. So without further ado — in no particular order — here they are! 

1. WAEGOOK TOM Tom is a 'waegook', aka foreigner in Korean, living and working in South Korea. Originally from England, he has travelled all over the world, but always seems to end up back in South Korea teaching English. The tales of his adventures (and misadventures) will have you rolling on the floor, and he also has some AMAZING food posts. 

2. HIKE, BIKE, TRAVEL Blogger Leigh McAdam has been to all continents but Antarctica and has visited more than 53 countries. She seems drawn to adventure — especially the rugged kind. On her blog you will find inspiration for outdoor adventures, challenging experiences, and help on finding useful travel resources.

3. CHICKY BUS Lisa believes that to really experience other people and cultures you have to step off the beaten path, take some risks (not the death inducing kind of course), and put yourself out there... I couldn't agree more! Her tales of adventure, and the people that make them so amazing are truly inspiring. 

4. VEGABONDISH This one has been around since 2006 and the Founding Editor, Mike Richard, now even has a team of writers backing him up (one can dream right?). Chock full of helpful information, at its core, this site is all about "offbeat backpacking and travel news, advice, how-to tips and tall tales from around the world".

5. TRAVEL CULTURE MAGAZINE If you have travelled, have interest in travel, love to write about culture, or are a great writer in general, you have a chance at getting a story published on Travel Culture Magazine. I... ahem... may have been one of the first writers to contribute to the site earlier this year. Founder Jeff created the site under the idea that "education and knowledge can change our planet for the better." Want to contribute? Send him an email —see site for details.

6. DAVE'S TRAVEL CORNER Dave started this site in 1996... did blogs even exist then?! (Sorry Dave). This fascinating site now covers a variety of topics for any travel budget all geared to having genuine experiences while on your adventures (no 52 countries in 5 days to be found here!).

Well there you have it. Think I missed someone? Let me know what you think!