rtw

RTW: Backpacking South Africa

Posted by Heather on May 13th, 2009 to

I arrived in South Africa almost a week ago with little in the way of expectations simply because I didn't know what to expect. After a few days in Cape Town I headed east into a world of awesome hostels, friendly locals, excited backpackers, easy transportation all at an affordable price. If you've always wanted to come to South Africa, and even if you didn't, you should come. The ins and outs of backpacking South Africa after the jump. Read more »

RTW: Exploring Cape Town

Posted by Heather on May 10th, 2009 to

Cape Town is a pretty little city by the sea. But its monster of a mountain  backdrop, sweeping beaches around its edges and laid-back, good looking people also come with an emotional history and wild contrasts of wealth and poverty. Read more »

RTW: Big City Confessions

Posted by Heather on May 1st, 2009 to
What is it about travelling to big cities that makes me want to go home, buy a car and a condo, a $60 haircut and an entirely new wardrobe?
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RTW: Lovely Laos

Posted by Heather on April 30th, 2009 to
 
When I stepped out of the Luang Prabang airport to an audience of waiting tuk tuk and taxi drivers, I thought my hearing must have gone because not one of them approached me, a welcome change from the bustle and persistence of Bangkok. Over the next few days as I wandered around the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage City, tuk tuk drivers would ask if I needed a tuk tuk, usually a simple "Miss? Tuk tuk? Waterfall?", sometimes almost too quiet to hear, and I'd say "No thank you", they'd leave it at that and smile.
 
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RTW: More Bang for Your Baht

Posted by Heather on April 26th, 2009 to
Why is the internal gauge of good value so closely tied to the currency in your wallet? Thailand is a relatively inexpensive country to visit. Relative to say, Sweden, or even Australia. Accommodation can easily be covered for a few dollars a night, food, again, a few dollars a day. Depending on your bargaining skills, souvenirs can be a steal. 
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RTW: Thai Islands - Same Same But Different

Posted by Heather on April 23rd, 2009 to
I came to Thailand with one goal in mind - to find me an island. And now, my whizzbangin'-quick tour of Thailand has come to an end. Trying to rank Thailand's islands is a futile exercise, unless you have dreadlocks and fisherman pants on, in which case it's a sport. 
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RTW: Friends in Thai Places

Posted by Heather on April 17th, 2009 to

While Thailand is a major backpacking destination, and for good reason, it's a bit of a shock to the system after breezy Australia. So when I started to make my way towards customs in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and my old roommate Gabe wheeled his luggage cart up beside me and asked if I wanted a ride, the familiar face was extremely welcome. Read more »

RTW: States of Emergency

Posted by Heather on April 15th, 2009 to

From early on in my trip's planning stages, my mom would always ask if I'd been keeping up to date on various countries' travel advisories. Over the past few months, she's politely asked again if I'm keeping on top of these things and I assure her that yes, I am and I in no way intend to put myself in harm's way while I'm on the road. Read more »

RTW: Australia Round-Up

Posted by Heather on April 10th, 2009 to

Well two months in Australia has come and gone in a flash. It seems like eons ago that I was in soggy jeans and a hoodie in Sydney but now I'm back in the sunshine near Bondi Beach about to head off to Bangkok in less than 24 hours. Here's my Aussie Round-Up with the bests and worsts of two months around Australia. Read more »

RTW: The Soundtrack to Travelling - My Playlist

Posted by Heather on April 9th, 2009 to
 
Music is one of the best travel companions. I know I can't go too far without it. Not only does it keep your brain occupied on the road, it very quickly attaches itself to the memories you're creating whether you like it or not. Weeks, months, years later one little song, even one you may not have even noticed at the time, can trigger the feelings of a particular time and place with an intensity that puts your entire photo album to shame.
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