Monday, 28 March 2011

Photo of the Day - Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Iguazu Falls, Argentinian side, as taken in the dry season in April/May
Eleanor Roosevelt is alleged to have uttered the words “Poor Niagara!” upon seeing the Iguazú Falls for the first time, and it's not hard to see why. These vast and powerful falls are tucked up in the far north-east of the country, bordering both Paraguay and Brazil and are a breathtakingly spectacular sight. Spend a few days exploring the falls by both foot and boat (to get up close and personal) and we promise you'll not tire of their grandeur and majesty. There are some great nature trails in the national park, and Puerto Iguazú makes a pleasant stopping off point on your way to or from Brazil or Paraguay – relax for a few days and enjoy the tropical warmth.

Click here for a free guide to backpacking in Argentina.

Saturday, 12 March 2011

Photo of the Day - Rickshaws in Jaisalmer Fort

Rickshaws galore in Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan, India
When we last visited Jaisalmer it hadn't rained for seven years and this will tell you a lot about what to expect from this oasis in the Rajasthani desert near the Pakistani border. Many tourists come to visit the giant sand-castle that is Jaisalmer Fort, which is a fascinating experience in itself, but the one thing that you shouldn't leave here without doing is a camel safari out into the Thar desert (expect a tout to approach you selling a safari about once every five minutes...). You'll feel like Lawrence of Arabia as you head out into the dunes, eat a delicious dinner as the sun sets and count the shooting stars as you drift off to sleep – fantastic.


Click here for our free guide to travelling in India.

Tuesday, 8 March 2011

funtotravel.info TIPS: Should I take my laptop with me when I go travelling?

As long as you have it adequately insured and carry it in a bag that protects it properly then we would definitely recommend taking a laptop that is wifi enabled. Not only does it make it easy to access funtotravel.info, your emails, blogs and Skype while you're travelling, but it also makes it easier to back up your photos, upload and share them and also download music and movies.

It's fair to say that you certainly won't feel like the odd one out if you take your laptop away – an increasing number of people are doing so. So much so that you might find yourself fighting for sockets in the communal area of hostels these days!

You will find so many places with free wifi when you travel: hotels, hostels, restaurants, internet cafés and libraries. This makes it easier than ever to stay in touch with people.

We would though recommend that you are careful with your laptop. Either buy a daypack with a purpose built laptop sleeve in it, or make sure that you have a separate sleeve and that your laptop is carefully stored. Invest in a decent lock and always make sure you carry it on you in your daysack rather than risk leaving it in your main bag in the luggage compartment of buses or trains where it could get damaged, stolen or ravaged by dirt and rain.

Finally, ensure that your laptop is adequately insured and make sure that any important documents or photos that you have on it are backed up in a separate location (i.e. an email account or a CD).

Monday, 7 March 2011

Photo of the Day - Sydney Harbour Bridge

View of the Harbour Bridge from North Sydney
Although we've chosen to show it here, Sydney is more than just a bridge and an opera house! With world class beaches, dining, attractions and nightlife, miss it at your peril! One of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world, it should be part of every backpacker's itinerary in Oz, whether you fancy surfing in Bondi, drinking in edgy King's Cross, holding Koalas in Taronga Zoo or (yes, we know...) climbing the Harbour Bridge, you will never forget your trip to Sydney.

Click here for our free guide to travelling in Australia.

Tuesday, 1 March 2011

Photo of the Day - Kyoto, Japan


Boasting 17 Unesco world heritage sites and over 2,000 shrines and temples, Kyoto is the cultural and spiritual home of Japan. Perhaps more of an insight into the way Japan used to be pre- Westernisation, it’s not unlikely that a wander down many of the City’s streets will see you come face to face with a Geisha, rather than the usual huddles of well-heeled teenagers. Take a moment to explore the outskirts of the city, where practitioners of Wabi-sabi and traditional landscape gardening will conjure nostalgic imagery of Samurai from a gone by era. Be sure to check out Ginkaku-ji temple at opening/closing time for a sense of real tranquillity.

Click here for our FREE guide to backpacking in Japan.