Photo of the Day - Flinders Street, Melbourne

Under the clocks, Flinders Street Station:  A Melbourne icon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Melbourne: scene of England's recent Ashes triumph and probably the most liveable city in the world. Go to marvellous Melbourne for fantastic food, pumping nightlife, world-class sporting events by the bucket load, some great beaches within easy reach and Australia's best cultural scene. OK the weather's not the easiest to predict (prepare yourself for the infamous 'four seasons in one day'), but the longer you stay the harder it is to leave this buzzing, fun city.


Click here to read our free guide to travelling in Oz!

Photo of the Day - Old Quarter, Hanoi

Amazing Bia Hoi ("fresh beer") corner in the Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Hanoi
Vietnam's French and Chinese influences are both heavily felt in the nation's slightly more conservative capital city. With some beautiful sights (including the peaceful Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, and the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter), the relative tranquillity of a wander around Hoan Kiem lake and 'Bia Hoi' (fresh beer – trust us it's wonderful and cheap) on every corner, Hanoi is a great place to visit. A brilliant mix of the old and new, Hanoi is developing a vibrant nightlife and the speciality shopping streets will keep you coming back for more.


Click here for our FREE guide to travelling in Vietnam.

Photo of the Day - Central Hong Kong

Street scene, Central, Hong Kong Island (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Hong Kong

First, the bad news: Hong Kong is as overcrowded, polluted, expensive and (at times) stifling humid as they say. But the good news is that it's fun, raucous, brash and exciting. Although it's part of China, Hong Kong is a 'Special Administrative Region' meaning that it enjoys free trade, freedom of expression and a great deal of autonomy from the mainland.

There are many classic 'must-do's in Hong Kong, and all of them live up expectation, whether staring down from atop Victoria Peak at the forest of skyscrapers below, taking the Star Ferry across the harbour or watching the incredible nightly light show from across the water in Kowloon. 'Honkers' offers a buzzing bar scene in Wan Chai, SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong, world-class eating in the dim-sum heaven that is Central and some brilliant shopping as you'd expect. Money matters here in Hong Kong – this is a place to see and be seen, and prices everywhere reflect how many big businesses are crammed onto this tiny densely-populated area. But away from the glitz and glamour you'll find a number of unexpected pleasures like fantastic (free!) hiking and some great rock climbing.

Bring some serious cash, a big appetite and get ready to party – Hong Kong is a hell of a lot of fun.

Click here for our FREE guide to Hong Kong.

About funtotravel.info

Going on a Gap Year and not sure where to go or how to start planning? Want to go  travelling but in need of some inspiration and tips? Use the funtotravel.info advise me page for FREE, ON-DEMAND, UNBIASED travel advice written JUST FOR YOU! 

funtotravel.info also offers informative and practical country profiles, real-timetraveller reviews for destinations around the world, as well as social networking for backpackers, connecting you on the road like never before. What are you waiting for? Sign up today!

funtotravel.info TIPS: What's it like to travel on your own?

This very much depends on your personality. If you are used to spending time on your own and enjoy your own company then travelling solo will present very few problems. If you like company however, you might find it a little more tricky. If you stay in dorm rooms, cook in communal hostel kitchens and hang out in hostel/backpacker bars you are bound to meet lots of other travellers – we tend to be sociable and chatty creatures so you shouldn’t have any problems in this regard.

Having said that, you will most likely still spend large amounts of time on your own, even if you meet new people - everyone has a different itinerary and different ideas on the way they want to travel. You should get used too to spending time on your own; bus, boat and train journeys can give you a lot of time to think, but can also provide you with a brilliant opportunity to meet other people (travellers and locals alike). Rest stops and border crossings on international journeys can be a great time to do this, so don’t be shy about chatting to people – they’ll be as bored as you are if it’s a long journey. We’ve met friends for life on buses and boats, so don’t be shy!

Other tips for avoiding the blues if you are not used to travelling on your own:

• make sure that you have some well-loved books for the long bus/train journeys as well as the odd early night in your hostel;
• an iPod (or any personal music player) is a great thing to take with you – whether it’s for listening to your favourite tunes, audiobooks or podcasts, or watching movies then it can be a great distraction when passing time on your own; and
• keep a journal – it’s a great way to distract yourself, keep a record of what you’re doing and even better to look back at when you return home at the end of your trip.

By registering as a funtotravel.info member, you will be able to use our free services to connect with other travellers on the road like never before. If you are heading to a destination in the next couple of days and are worried about what it will be like then use the site to message members who are there now for advice or to see whether they fancy hooking up for a drink when you get there. Or if you’re not likely to be there for a while then why not stick a post on the destination’s Noticeboard on funtotravel.info and see if anyone wants to organise travel or a night out when you arrive – it’s a great way to make new friends and keep in touch.

Click here to join funtotravel.info for free advice! If you have any questions, please use our contact us facility and we'll get back to you asap.

Photo of the Day 23 December 2010

Guarding magnificent Meherangarh in Jodhpur, India

Head to the blue city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India and be prepared to be wowed by the mammoth Meherangarh fort, which towers over the town below. The fort itself is huge, extravagant and thoroughly fascinating, and has some incredible exhibits. The labyrinth old city below is a vibrant and dynamic place, particularly around the clock tower and market. Pay a visit to 'Omelette Man' (just outside the main gate into Sardar Market) for eggy goodness – we recommend the massala cheese. In fact even if there was nothing else in Jodhpur except for Omelette Man we'd still recommend that you go there...


Click here to read our FREE guide to India.

Photo of the Day 18 December 2010

Inside the Vatican Museum, Rome, Italy (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Rome: Incredible history, architecture, sights and some great hostels and nightlife make Italy's illustrious capital a must-visit. From the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, St Peters and the Vatican Museum give yourself as much time as possible to drink everything in – you'll need it.


Click here for our free guide to Italy.

Photo of the Day 17 December 2010

World wonder: Machu Picchu (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Machu Picchu
Obvious really – but to leave Peru without seeing one of the Wonders of the World is to have wasted a trip. Lost for centuries before being ‘rediscovered’ in 1911 and reclaimed from the jungle, the ancient Incan city straddles precariously the mountain-top, as if it may slide down at any moment. It is surrounded on all sides by a cordon of verdant peaks, including the conical Wayna Picchu, the perfect backdrop for most photos over the ruins. Machu Picchu is best reached by the Inca Trail, a three and a half-day hike over 35 miles of rugged Andean terrain, reaching heights of 4,200m and following the steps laid by the Incans themselves before reaching the Sun Gate high above Machu Picchu to watch the sun rise over the ruins on the morning of the fourth day. It is magical. Make sure you book ahead online to guarantee a place on the true Inca Trail – only 500 passes are given out each day (and half of these go to the porters). If you can't plan that far in advance then there are a number of alternative treks finishing at Machu Picchu (including the popular Lares Trek), which are no less rewarding and that can be booked with only a few days notice. For the less adventurous, there is train service to Aguas Calientes at the foot of the mountain, and a bus which plies the meandering road up and down.


Read our free guide to Peru here.

Photo of the Day 16 December 2010

Our apologies for radio silence - some technical issues at our end!

The beautiful hills over Tupiza, Bolivia

Tupiza was the setting for the infamous adventures of the real-life Butch Cassidy and the Sunshine Kid: it feels like a little slice of the Wild West, Bolivian style. The small but pretty town is set in a stunning rocky landscape replete with canyons, gorges and forests of cacti, perfect for horse riding, mountain biking and hiking. The town has one or two idiosyncrasies (every restaurant has an identical menu), but is a charming and wonderful place to start your tour of the Salar de Uyuni.

Click here to read our guide to Bolivia

funtotravel.info TIPS: What inoculations do I need? I hate needles - they hurt!

This really is a complete no-brainer. The answer is that of course you should get every inoculation that your doctor suggests. Check the requirements for each country as to what inoculations/vaccinations are needed using a service like net doctor, then speak to your local doctor or travel clinic to organise them. Be sure to leave enough time before you travel for the necessary vaccinations to become effective.

Note that certain countries have very strict rules about letting you enter their territory unless you have had certain vaccinations. An example of this is Brazil: if you have been to Bolivia (or any other country that carries a risk of exposure to Yellow Fever) within the last 6 months they will insist that show them a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Without it they will not let you enter (though you can pay for the injection at the border in some circumstances).

The vaccinations/inoculations that you should ensure are up to date as a bare minimum are:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Polio

You should consult your doctor over this, but we would also recommend that the following inoculations are up to date when you travel to areas in Asia, Central and South America and Africa:

• Hepatitis B
• Diptheria
• Tuberculosis

A couple of other inoculations that you will find are recommended if you are planning to be away for a long time and travel to ‘risk’ areas (see net doctor for further details and consult with you doctor) are:

• Japanese B encephalitis
• Rabies
• Yellow Fever

Consult with your doctor or with a specialist travel clinic as to whether these will be necessary. Though they can be expensive we would thoroughly recommend getting them done as the consequences of becoming ill with any of these diseases are grave and potentially fatal. We think that the injections are worth the money if only to give you complete peace of mind. We still wouldn’t recommend that you go wrestling any wild, rabid dogs even if you have had the injection!

Tropical islands: lots of fun but don't neglect to get your jabs - you could be miles from a proper hospital if you get sick

Malaria is another concern for travellers visiting infected areas. If you are planning on visiting an area that is a malarial hotspot then please consult your doctor at home at least two months before you plan to travel, as some malarial medicines should be taken a good time prior to arrival in the country with the malarial threat. The Malaria Hotspots website is a very useful guide.

Be sure to carry a written record of your vaccinations and inoculations with you on your trip as you may need it as evidence of your treatment. It is especially important that you bring your Yellow Fever certificate with you if you have had the inoculation in order to visit a particular country.

funtotravel.info offers help to anyone looking to travel the world. Going on a Gap Year and not sure where to go or how to start planning? Want to go travelling but in need of some inspiration and tips? Use our advise me page for FREE, ON-DEMAND, UNBIASED travel advice written JUST FOR YOU!  

funtotravel.info also offers informative and practical country profiles, real-time traveller reviews for destinations around the world, as well as social networking for backpackers, connecting you on the road like never before. What are you waiting for? Sign up today! For more information on what we offer and who we are, please check out our FAQ section. 

Click HERE for free, personalised advice on your trip or holiday.

Photo of the Day 8 December 2010

Buzzing Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

The gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is so much more than a departure point. The ancient Incan capital, and the scene of the some of the Spanish conquistadores more brutal repressions, Cusco still bares the marks of those who have fought for it. Around the majestic Plaza de Armas, the colonial cathedral and porticos vie with original Incan masonry, still supporting the town walls hundreds of years later. There is no question which one the locals will tell you is the better handicraft. Wandering the streets of Cusco, with excellent shopping, restaurants and bars as well as the artisan barrio up the hill in San Blas, you could easily lose a day or two. And you’ll need to, to acclimatise to the altitude (3,500m) before going any further – soroche (altitude sickness) is a common complaint for those not planning time to relax and take it all in.

Click here for our guide to Peru.

Photo of the Day 7 December 2010

Entrance to Jodhpur Market, Jodhpur, India (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Click here for our guide to travelling in India

Photo of the Day 6 December 2010

The winding road between Cachi and Salta in northern Argentina (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Click here for our guide to Argentina

Photo of the Day 5 December 2010

The Atlas Mountains viewed from the Ourika Valley, Morocco (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Photo of the Day 4 December 2010

The colourful 'Camonito' in Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Click here for our guide to Argentina.

Photo of the Day 3 December 2010

Beautiful Noosa National Park, Queensland, Australia (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

funtotravel.info TOP 10: WORLD CITIES

The Ultimate Low-Down on our Favourite Cities in the World.

In no particular order, here are our favourite cities and the reasons that we love them quite so much. They're a varied bunch; some culturally rich, some that move at a million miles per hour, some that are pretty and some slightly more gritty. But what they have in common is that they all make us extremely excited every time we think about visiting. Let us know what you think in the comments section.

1. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam
An incredibly fast-paced city where you'll find yourself taking your life into your hands just crossing the road as a million mopeds seem to whip past you at the blink of an eye. Everything in this city seems fascinating and people-watching is a real art here. The War Remnants Museum makes for a moving and thought-provoking visit, and the Reunification Palace and Notre-Dame cathedral are well worth your time. It also boasts one of the most impressive Post Offices we have ever seen. No, really! The Pham Ngu Lao backpacker ghetto is the place to find all your home comforts if you feel in need, and you have fascinating attractions like the Cu Chi tunnels within striking distance of the city. Grab a Saigon beer, settle back and enjoy the chaos!


Click here for our guide to Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh overlooks central Saigon

Manic traffic whizzes through central Saigon - brilliant people watching

2. Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand's capital is an incredible city. A heady and enticing mix of east and west, with modern infrastructure, mammoth shopping malls and the insane traffic you expect from a mega-city of 6 million people. But this doesn't mean that the city misses that innate sense of 'Thai-ness' that makes it so special: whether you're wandering around the Grand Palace, scaling the spires of Wat Arun or munching a delicious and cheap meal from one of the food carts that you'll find on every corner of this bewitching place, you'll know that you couldn't be anywhere else in the world.

There is also of course the infamous backpacker ghetto that is the Khao San Road, which will entertain, fascinate and disgust in equal measures. If you want to book onward transport, download music and movies onto your iPod, buy knock-off clothes and drink yourself silly solely in the company of other backpackers then this is the place to come. If you want to meet the locals then you'll have to head out of what can feel like a hermetically-sealed backpackers-only zone.

Do your best to get out and explore this fascinating city; if you're travelling around the region you're bound to return here sooner rather than later.


Click here for our guide to Thailand.

The beautiful Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, Bangkok

Life on the Chao Phraya river ferry, Bangkok

3. New York City, USA

The Big Apple is truly one of the world's great cities, and it buzzes with life 24 hours a day. Whether you want to check out some of the world class museums that the city has to offer (the Met, the Guggenheim, the American Museum of Natural History etc) or just take in the bright lights of Time Square then this city will amuse and amaze. Be sure to give yourself enough days here to cover as many of the incredible number of sights as you want to. A walk in Central Park is a seminal experience, and clichéd though it is, taking in the views from the top of the Empire State is as amazing as you'd imagine. We absolutely love the architecture that the city offers, from the distinctive Flatiron building to the incredible and inimitable Chrysler Building via the Beaux-Arts Public Library and Grand Central Station's amazing concourse. New York truly lives up to its world class reputation to food, with delicious cuisines from all over the globe available 24 hours a day, and the bar scene is incredible. Just give yourself plenty of time (we've barely scratched the surface in this brief introduction) and be sure to take plenty of cash – even if you think you can stick to your budget in NYC, we warn you now that you won't...


Click here for our guide to the USA.

The Manhattan skyline as viewed from the Brooklyn Bridge

Stock Exchange, Manhattan

4. Melbourne, Australia

Go to marvellous Melbourne for fantastic food, pumping nightlife, world-class sporting events by the bucket load, some great beaches within easy reach and Australia's best cultural scene. OK the weather's not the easiest to predict (prepare yourself for the infamous 'four seasons in one day'), but the longer you stay the harder it is to leave this buzzing, fun city.


Click here for our guide to Australia.

Marvellous Melbourne's beautiful skyline from the Yarra River

"I'll meet you under the clocks" - Melbourne's Flinders Street Station

5. Cairo, Egypt
Challenging but extremely rewarding, this vast city of 11 million people can be a huge culture shock for first time visitors. The noise, pollution and smells are like nothing you will have experienced before, but once you're used to it you will find a fascinating and vast city that is there to be explored. The main attractions are the truly awe-inspiring Giza pyramids, the Sphinx, and the wonderful Egyptian Museum where you can feast your eyes on the treasures from Tutankhamen's tomb. But you must also leave yourself to explore properly the treasures of Islamic Cairo and also the ancient areas of Coptic Cairo (which is Christian). Do your best to avoid the tricksters and touts who will do their best to assail you – 'off-duty' guides, 'discount government shops' and cheap taxi rides are usually causes for suspicion! Don't be intimidated by this huge, noisy and incredible city and we guarantee you a rewarding experience.


Click here for our guide to Egypt.

The Sphinx, Giza, Cairo, Egypt

A World Wonder: The Giza Pyramids near Cairo

6. Beijing, China
A multitude of stunning sights await you in China's imposing and spectacular capital: take a trip out to the Great Wall, explore the vast and beautiful Summer Palace, get lost in the Forbidden City and get cosmic at the Temple of Heaven. Everything just seems much bigger here, from the vastness of Tiananamen Square to the ridiculously immense array of food on offer on Wangfujing Snack Street. This is a city that feels far more international and modern following the summer Olympics in 2008, so take a trip round the city's older neighbourhoods (or hutongs) before they're knocked down. For an uninformed first time visitor to this modern and cosmopolitan metropolis, Beijing's fantastic range of trendy bars, buzzing nightclubs and backpacker-friendly hostels comes as a pleasant surprise. And we haven't even mentioned the incredible restaurants – you couldn't possibly leave without trying some authentic Peking Duck...


Click here for our guide to China.

View from the Summer Palace, Beijing

The Badaling Great Wall near Beijing

7.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
No longer Brazil's capital but still its most visited city, stunning Rio is a must-see for any traveller visiting these shores. Stare down over the 'Marvellous City' from the world-wonder that is the statue of Christ the Redeemer (the view is mind-blowing), take the cable-car up to Sugarloaf Mountain for sunset, sip a mojito on Ipanema beach or dance the night away in one of Lapa's amazing samba clubs: Rio is a city made for pleasure. With a growing number of independent backpacker hostels, some brilliant value per-kilo restaurants and the wonderful free beaches, this rather expensive city is now better set up than ever for travellers on a budget. Use your common sense and keep your wits about you and you will have no problem avoiding the rampant crime that Rio has become infamous for, but balance this out with a guided trip to a favela to make your own mind up about the wonderful people that inhabit what we think is the world's most gorgeous city.


Click here for our guide to Brazil.

View over Rio from world wonder Christ the Redeemer

Weekend scene on Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

8. Wellington, New Zealand
A surprise choice maybe, but we love it, and think it's one of the most liveable cities in the world. New Zealand's capital is a beguiling mix of culture, politics, natural beauty (another stunning harbour city) and some great nightlife. Small enough to be walkable but big enough to give you plenty to do, this friendly city is hard to leave. With some top museums, a buzzing film industry (it's not called Wellywood for nothing) and great cafe-culture, you'll find yourself staying longer than intended in this friendly city.


Click here for our guide to New Zealand.

Classic view of the Wellington Cable Car

Bayside scene from Wellington, New Zealand

9. Rome, Italy
Incredible history, architecture, sights and some great hostels and nightlife make Italy's illustrious capital a must-visit. From the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, St Peters and the Vatican Museum give yourself as much time as possible to drink everything in – you'll need it.


Click here for our guide to Italy.

Twin churches in Piazza del Popolo, Rome

Rome's infamous Colosseum

10. Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of the most funky and fun city destinations in South America: visit Buenos Aires and we guarantee you a good time. With fantastic architecture (check out the camonito in Boca), some great shopping, passionately followed football teams and a range of top restaurants, this is a fantastic city to visit. So whether you're here to dance until dawn in one of Palermo's ultra-hip clubs, learn to tango, watch el Superclássico (the biggest football derby in South America) or shop until you drop, this cosmopolitan and exciting city should not be missed.


Click here for our guide to Argentina.

The colourful Boca district of Buenos Aires

Boca Juniors' famous stadium - La Bombonera

funtotravel.info offers help to anyone looking to travel the world. Going on a Gap Year and not sure where to go or how to start planning? Want to go travelling but in need of some inspiration and tips? Use our advise me page for FREE, ON-DEMAND, UNBIASED travel advice written JUST FOR YOU!  

funtotravel.info also offers informative and practical country profiles, real-time traveller reviews for destinations around the world, as well as social networking for backpackers, connecting you on the road like never before. What are you waiting for? Sign up today! For more information on what we offer and who we are, please check out our FAQ section. 

Click HERE for free, personalised advice on your trip or holiday.

Photo of the Day 2 December 2010

The Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Vietnam (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Photo of the Day 1 December 2010

Sand dunes in the Rajasthani desert, India (CLICK TO ENLARGE)