Posts by : Izy Berry

I spent this weekend in Bratislava – it wasn’t never high on my list of places to travel, but I live pretty close to Slovakia, so I figured I might as well. It was interesting to see the contrast between Slovaks and Czechs – in terms of both language and people. While the city itself was nice enough, as I wandered around I felt if it was lacking something. There were certain streets, while baring no resemblance at all to my home town of Christchurch, that made me miss home – the home that was before the earthquake. Hearing the light and melodic Slovak spoken around me made me crave the sound of the distinct New Zealand accent. As sunset wrapped around Bratislava’s Hrad (castle), my stomach knotted and I realised that this isn’t my home. Europe is comfortable and charming, but so far I’ve  not visited anywhere that rivals the beauty and splendor of NZ.

During my brief visit, I met some wonderful people and we had those conversations that etch their way into your deepest place.  When asked where I plan to settle down, I couldn’t find a certain answer. In fact, I don’t have any eligible places in mind. That might be one of the subconscious driving forces of my travels; the desire to find somewhere that suits me. And maybe that’s the entire reason I travel: because I’m not drawn enough to one place to really commit to it and invest into it – yet.

We made a short trip to visit Devin’s castle and I stood at the top of the medieval ruins, looking out to the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, a big part of me wished I was looking out to the Waimakariri. Snowflakes lingered in the breeze while I realised for the first time, on this trip, that I’m aching for New Zealand. This time next week I’ll be somewhere in London, on the edge of another amazing adventure. In twenty six days I’ll have my feet firmly planted back on New Zealand’s soil. While I’m really excited to be going home again, I’m looking forward to leaving, too: when something is fleeting you clutch onto it and treasure it more than you might otherwise have.

I haven’t been in an English speaking country since July last year. I wonder if I’m going to suffer reverse culture shock from being able to approach anyone and have a fluent, fluid conversation with them.  I also wonder if I’m the only one who constantly gets asked for directions, but only in countries that aren’t my own? Today I was asked for directions in Bratislava twice by Slovaks – What?

In Asia
 

8 ) Don’t quench your thirst on Singapore’s Metro while reading the rules of carriage. Because it might be a little awkward when you glance over the $500 potential fine as you simultaneously notice the two policemen staring at you. This is even more uncomfortable when you become distracted by the fact they are armed and proceed to maintain a deer in the headlights expression – with the drink bottle still in your mouth. The smile and fade into the crowd trick works better when you aren’t carrying a backpack half the size of you – or at least I’ve heard so.

7 )  If you’re a lady: don’t touch the monk. I know, it’s not fair – they are so touchable, especially when they’re adorned in orange robes. So many occasions I’ve wanted to accidentally brush past them, to see what really happens. This is one cultural sensitivity I haven’t accidentally messed up. But, it’s taken a lot of self control – constant self control. So, if I can’t touch the monk, neither can you.

6 ) Don’t get in the tuk tuk when he offers it to you at half the usual price because he’s “going that way anyway”. It is way too good to be true. Be strong; do not let your hunger  cloud your sense of judgement as you will end up spending longer arguing with him to take you back to where you were, than it would have taken to walk there. His (stupid) silk shop is not going to feed you.

5 ) Don’t go tubing in Vang Vieng. Okay, you can go tubing because it’s pretty fun, but don’t be one of those tubers that are culturally insensitive. Also, please don’t be one of those tubers who judge the culturally insensitive tubers only to be baited by the exluir of doom that is Lao Lao whiskey. Because you might just find yourself wearing stupid bandanas with an assortment of swear words written on them while dancing like you’re leading a Hare Krishna movement . You may also end up having to excuse yourself from dinner, only to walk 30 seconds down the street where you will have to excuse yourself all over the grass. Just don’t Lao Lao, even if it’s free.

4 ) Don’t book a 36 hour bus trip from Vang Vieng to Hanoi because chances are you are going to get food poisoning right before the bus is due. Word of the day: waterfall. Also on the same note, don’t trust the ticket salesmen who assures you that there will be a working toilet on this bus – he is lying. You may have cringed when the doctor handed you some pills called “stoppers” but they are now your best friend – ingest immediately and hand out the remainders like candy to your fellow travelers who are facing the same grim existence.

3 ) Don’t buddy up too much with the Vietnamese border control just because it’s really cold and you’re sick of waiting for the border to open up. They will be a little too excited by your presence and will ask you to pose in photos with them. Which is fine, until they show you the photos only to reveal that they’ve taken zoomed in photos of your face – creepy on a good day, but absolutely horrific after enduring The Bus Ride From Hell (above).

2 ) Don’t decide to get beach maintenance in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Everything will be uncomfortable from the beginning: you will have to use sign language to demonstrate that you want a wax. Then the two excitable beauty therapists will proceed to make large circular movements around their crotch while saying “ALL GONE?” on a busy road as other tourists meander by. Things will only get progressive worse, as you are taken out back to a room that looks like it belongs on a porn set. You will be instructed to lay down on a mattress on the floor, while the lady turns on the red light (classy). The therapist will kneel right between… you… while you endure thirty minutes of repetitive torture. Meanwhile your friend will be waiting for you while getting a manicure and pedicure – enjoy!

1 )  Don’t forget to put pants on. Yeah, who would have thought this would be featuring on my list, but it’s pretty key. Especially when your bus between Thailand and Laos takes you to one of the most gorgeous temples in the world, without forewarning you. You might just find yourself walking through Wan Rong Khun temple grounds with a little Thai man running after you screaming “Radddddyyy Radddddddyyy” which is apparently Thanglish for lady. He will wrap up your wicked white legs in a long white sarong, hiding the fact you come from a country without enough sunshine. Don’t attempt to tie the sarong yourself, he’ll be pretty insistent on doing it for you as clearly you cannot dress yourself.

Is there anything you suggest that others shouldn’t do in Asia? I’d love to hear your stories!  

Before I even visited Berlin, I knew I was going to like it. It wasn’t how I imagined – the bland industrial buildings seemed to disappear into the bitter wintery chill. However, Berlin still had everything I wanted: history, street art, friendly people, great coffee and amazing nightlife. I can’t pinpoint what it is exactly, but there’s something about berlin that makes me want to linger there a while longer – I’d love to live there one day.

Costs in Berlin

Accommodation in Berlin is affordable, with shared dorm rooms in hostels starting at around  €9. A private room in a hostel will set you back at least  €20 – considerably more during the peak summer season. Expect to pay at least  €50 euros for a room in a cheap hotel or a pension.

Food is cheap in Berlin, at least compared to Western Europe, and if you’re looking to really save money you can get by with  €25-35 a week on groceries from the supermarket. A decent restaurant meal will set you back around  €15-25, while fast food restaurants run at around  €6-8. Berlin is a great city for both food stands and international cuisine – the perfect combination. You can get really great cheap eats from the food stands from  €2.50 up – I had the most delicious donor of my life here. There’s also a bunch of tempting bakeries around where you can get strudel for around €1 – yum.

Transport in Berlin utilizes an integrated transport system, meaning that your one ticket will work on all types of public transport. The transport network is a little intimidating at first, but once you get your bearings it’s really easy to get around. You can purchase a short trip ticket for zones AB for €1.30 or a standard trip costs €2.10 – it is possible to buy a four-trip ticket for €8. If you plan to use public transport more than three times a day, then you should consider a daily (€6.10) or weekly pass (€26.20). Before you arrive, make sure you find out which line and stop your accommodation is on – Berlin’s transport system is a little too complicated to wing it (not that I tried and got lost).

Things To Do In Berlin:

Breandeburg Gate – This former city gate is perhaps one of the best known sites of all of Germany. It’s large pillars are reminiscent of something you would expect to find in Athens, Greece. Thankfully, it was spared during the World Wars and was privately renovated in 2000. Walking through the gate you are led onto a boulevard which is bustling during the day – there’s numerous shops, tourist gimmicks and some of the most talented street performers I’ve seen anywhere in the world. It’s a nice place to take a lazy stroll on a warm day.

Topography Of Terrors – Originally the site of the Secret State Police, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office it now houses an open air museum. There is a stretch of the wall left as it was during the regime, which you can walk along. The dark, bland concrete wall is a direct contrast to that of the East Side Gallery memorial. The Topography of Terrors museum is a very moving exhibition of information relating to the Nazi regime – including information on the lead up to, during and post nazi Germany. The Museum contains a lot of heavy and emotional material, so take your time to walk around and absorb it all. It’s free to enter, and can get a little busy so I would advise going earlier in the morning if possible.

Holocaust Memorial – This is one of the most visually impressive memorials I’ve ever been to. It’s officially called “Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe” and is a series of 2,711 concrete blocks arranged in a vary unusual way. The blocks are of varying height, while the ground slopes under it – the purpose of this arrangement is to create an uneasy and confusing atmosphere. This is not something that can be merely viewed from the outside, it is important to walk between the slabs. If time permits, it is worth coming here at night too – the dim lights cast shadows around the blocks which creates a whole new experience. There is a museum below which is free to enter and worth a visit – there are security checks which can slow down things, but usually no more than a ten minute wait.

Alexanderplatz and the TV tower – Alexanderplatz is Berlin’s most famous square and really comes to life during the Christmas season. There’s a bunch of shopping malls and a train station here, so it’s a good hub that you’ll probably visit anyway. The Fernsehturm TV tower is a landmark visible from anywhere in Berlin which makes it an excellent bearing for exploring Berlin. You can visit the observation deck of the tower to see 360 degree views of Berlin – costs €11 for an adult and is open until midnight.

Reichstag – Formally the Parliament building during the German Empire, this building is very impressive. It was thankfully spared during the wars and provides a visual omen to the grand scope of the German rule. The dome is an unusual feature of the building and makes for a great view point of Berlin city. Tours through the building are free, however you must book in advance, see the website here for more information. Be prepared for security screening measures on par with airport screening.



East Side Gallery – This is one of the reasons I was most interested in visiting Berlin and it certainly didn’t disappoint. It’s a remaining part of the Berlin wall that stretches 1.3km. In the 1990s artists were commissioned to decorate the wall and it’s covered in beautiful, inspiring murals. It’s the largest outdoor art gallery in the world.  Unfortunately, some graffiti has clouded up some of the pieces, but it’s still a great place to visit. 

 Tigergarten – A huge park that stretches through the centre of Berlin – it’s such a nice escape from the dreary buildings surrounding it. There’s long benches that you can sit on while soaking up some sunshine. It’s a very popular place for running and there is a running route at the main gate which you can use as a walking guide. If you exit the park by the Spanish Embassy, you can walk up towards Charlottenburg by the Zoological garden. This path takes you through the length of the zoo – which allows you to see the animals through the wire fence, for free.  There’s also a beer garden here, where you can relax by the water.

A year ago I’d never even heard of Počátky, a small town in the highlands of the Czech Republic. For the past six months I’ve called this little village home. The one thing I’ve learned is: when you’re open to travel and to doing exactly what you want to do, life gets a little unpredictable. I have no idea where I’ll be in a year from today and I’m becoming okay with that.

2011 was a rough year for me, with the devastating earthquake in my home town and being stabbed in rural Indonesia, so Počátky has been the perfect place to deal with my emotions and find my feet again. I’m going to be sad to say goodbye, but I’m ready for some new adventures.

In two weeks I’ll be in London finally seeing what all the fuss is about.

Then I’ll be popping into LA to meet up with a best friend and heading Coachella where I’ll be staying in a Los Angeles vacation rental. If time allows I’ll shimmy to Mexico – the allure of cheap Tequila and actual Mexican food is too strong.

At the end of April I’ll be heading to New Zealand for my first holiday at “home” – I left in July so I’m very excited about seeing all my friends and family. I might be a little (read: very) biased, but I think New Zealand is one of the most gorgeous countries in the world, so I’m excited to be exploring it after so much time away.

Hong Kong was the first foreign city I ever visited, but it was a twenty four hour stop over so I never even brushed the surface. This time around I have five days to explore the sites and sounds of the city that first ignited the wanderlust flame.

If you have any suggestions of things I must do in the countries I’m visiting, I’d love to hear them!

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Before I even arrived in Europe I was confused by the Schengen Zone and found that visa information was not very clear – it’ s really hard to figure out what will determine a Schengen Visa Overstay. It wasn’t until a few weeks into my trip that I realised I had a ninety day cap on my time for all the countries in the Schengen Zone (this was slightly complicated by the fact I’m a New Zealander). The plenties for overstaying in the Schengen Zone can vary from a proverbial slap on the wrist to being banned from the region for a few years – neither are particularly tempting, so it’s a good idea that you understand where you stand before you arrive.

What is The Schengen Zone?

Don’t mistake the EU for being the Schengen Area – although there are a number of overlaps, they are two different things. At present there are 26 countries in the Schengen Zone including France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Spain and Greece. If you’re interested in the full list of Schengen members, you can find the current list here. Where travel is concerned, these countries are essentially one giant country. The benefit of this means that there are no borders and you can travel freely between each. However, on a recent trip to Berlin from Prague the bus I was traveling on was pulled aside and everyone’s passports were checked by intimidating German Police (December 2011) – this is the exception though.

What Does This Mean For Travel in The Schengen Zone?

It means that your time within the Schengen Zone will be counted for all of the countries within it, making it very easy to accidentally have a Schengen visa overstay. If you are a citizen from one of the countries that have a visa free agreement with the Schengen Zone (current list here) then you will be entitled to travel throughout this area, without visa, for a total of ninety days within every 180 days. The only exception to this is New Zealand nationals which will be discussed further below.

This is where it gets a little confusing. Let’s say, for example, that you have a trip around Europe planned. You want to visit France and Spain for a total of two months, then you’re going to spend two weeks in England (not Schengen) before you plan to spend six weeks in Greece. You can’t do this without a visa, because you will be overstaying the 90/180 day limit. If you spend ninety days traveling around the Schengen region and then fly to Turkey you’ll have to wait ninety days before you can reenter the Schengen Zone.

New Zealand citizens are lucky, they are entitled to travel visa free for a total of 90 days out of 180 in each of seventeen Schengen countries provided that they don’t cross into a country not included on this list. This is due to bilateral visa waiver agreements that were signed before the individual countries joined the Schengen region. This means, in theory, New Zealand citizens could travel around these 17 countries for a total of just over four years before they would require a visa, making it much easier for New Zealanders to avoid a Schengen visa overstay. However, because your passport is rarely stamped when you exit a country within Schengen it’s important that you keep some informal evidence of your movement incase this is an issue at the border when you eventually do leave.

How Can I Stay Longer?

You’ll need to apply for a visa – this can be done at an embassy outside the Schengen Area in advance. As I decided to stay within the Czech Republic for longer than the allowed three months, I filed for a Working Holiday Visa – allowing me a year within the Czech Republic and free movement around the Schengen area too. I applied for my visa so that it would start when my ninety days from my visa free entry would lapse – providing me with a total of approximately 15 months within the Schengen Area. I traveled to Berlin, Germany in order to apply for it and again to collect it. It is a best idea to apply for a visa for the country you intend to start your trip in or the country you plan to spend the most time in. Contact a relevant embassy for more information on your particular circumstance.

What Happens If I Overstay My Schengen Visa?

This is really at the discretion of the customs officer inspecting your passport. You could slip by without so much as a warning, or you could receive a substantial fine and even be banned from the Schengen Zone for a number of years. If you don’t fancy being banned (from one year ban right up to a life ban), or paying in excess of 700 Euros, then it’s best to apply for a longer visa so that you can avoid a Schengen visa overstay. Do NOT leave your visa application until after you are already an overstayer – this will not go down well. It is very likely that your passport and stay length will be checked when you depart from the Schengen area but there are also incidental checks, such as if you are stopped by a police officer or involved in a car crash. You may slip through without warning or care, but you could be pulled aside when you return into the Schengen Zone next. Because the Schengen Zone encompasses such a large area and number of countries, finding yourself unable to reenter will certainly dampen any future travel plans.

Visa Options for Non-EU Travelers to the Schengen Zone

If you’re a non-EU individual planning an extended stay in the Schengen Area, here are some common visa routes:

• Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C): This short-term visa allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
• National Long-Stay Visa (Type D): Ideal for individuals planning to study, work, or reside in a specific Schengen country for more than 90 days. Each country has its specific requirements and permits, such as student visas, work permits, or retirement visas.
• Golden Visas: Some Schengen countries like Portugal, Spain, and Greece offer permits in exchange for investment, often involving real estate or business. These visas eventually provide access to free movement within the Schengen Area.

Recent changes to the Golden Visa programs in Portugal, Spain, and Greece reflect evolving policies aimed at addressing concerns about housing affordability and investment regulations.

• Portugal: Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains one of the most attractive options for investors. As of now, it continues to offer residency through various investment routes, including:
  • Real Estate: No longer an option. It used to be a minimum investment of €500,000
  • Portugal Golden Visa Investment route: minimum €500,000 in qualifying venture capital funds (source)
  • Business Investment: €500,000 in an existing business or creating a new one that generates jobs.
  • Cultural Donations: €250,000 for arts or national heritage projects.

The program allows investors and their families to apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship thereafter, provided they meet language and cultural knowledge requirements. There have been no significant recent changes reported for Portugal’s Golden Visa program.

• Spain: Spain has announced significant changes to its Golden Visa program. Starting April 8, 2024, the country plans to end the Golden Visa for real estate investments due to rising housing prices and concerns over money laundering. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that the program has contributed to making housing a speculative business rather than a right. Current options for obtaining a Spanish Golden Visa include:
  • Real Estate: Minimum investment of €500,000.
  • Bank Deposits: At least €1 million in Spanish banks.
  • Government Bonds: Minimum investment of €2 million.

Investors can apply for permanent residency after two years and citizenship after ten years under existing rules before the program’s changes take effect.

• Greece: Greece’s Golden Visa program continues to attract non-EU investors with its relatively low entry point. The current minimum investment options include:
  • Real Estate: Starting at €250,000 (or €500,000 in high-demand areas).
  • Government Bonds or Bank Deposits: Minimum of €400,000.

The Greek government has recently indicated intentions to review the program to ensure it aligns with economic needs and housing availability. Investors can apply for permanent residency after five years and potentially citizenship thereafter.

These changes reflect a broader trend across Europe as countries reassess their immigration policies in response to economic pressures and social concerns regarding housing accessibility.

• Family Reunification Visa: If you have a family member legally residing in a Schengen country, you may apply for a family reunification visa, allowing you to join them for an extended period.

Choosing the right visa route depends on your intentions and duration of stay. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each type, as they vary from one Schengen country to another.

Have you ever dealt with a Schengen Visa Overstay? Let us know what happened in the comments below:

I spent five days in Kuta, Indonesia, trying to figure why everyone liked Bali so much. It wasn’t  until a few weeks later in my trip that I found myself in Ubud and falling in love with Bali. The pace of life here is a little slower than anywhere else I’ve ever been and it’s so refreshing. You can browse boutique lined streets, filled with local art and then slip away down an alley, where you’ll find sprawling views of rice paddy fields. The locals are friendly, warm and embracing. There’s a pretty big expat community here and it’s easy to see why people get hooked on Ubud; visit with caution.

 Costs in Ubud
Accommodation in Ubud will vary, a lot – you can find great bargins here, but it’s also easy to find absolute luxury. Hostels are not very abundant in Indonesia – guesthouses are pretty affordable so there’s little need for a hostel. If you look down the lane-ways around Monkey Forest Road you’ll be able to find some basic accommodation for around 75,000-100,000 Rupiah ($8-10USD) per night. If you’ve got a little more money to spend, you can score a comfortable bungalow for 200,000 Rupiah. Hotel prices start at around $40USD and work their way, way up.

Transport – The best way to see Ubud is by foot, it’s pretty small and easily walkable. If you know how to ride a motorcycle or a scooter it is possible to rent one daily for around 50,000 Rupiah. Taxis are really affordable and fine for short journeys – you can go by meter or work on an agreed price, whichever you prefer. It’s possible to hire a driver with car for around 350,000 Rupiah for the whole day – if you split this between a few friends it is a really inexpensive way to travel.

Food – Ubud is a food lovers dream – some of the best meals I’ve ever had were in Ubud. If you’re interested in organic, raw or vegetarian food you will find a wide selection of options to tease your senses. In a fashionable, comfortable restaurant you can expect to pay 30-60,000 Rupiah($3-6.50) for a delicious, well presented main meal. It’s easy to find western style food around, but as usual it’s a little more expensive than eating locally. If you’re in need of something cheaper, head to the markets where you can pick up something cheap for a couple of thousand Rupiah.

Things To Do in Ubud
Slow down – It may seem like a silly suggestion, but you’re in one of the most relaxed tourist hotspots in the world. Take your time to notice and appreciate things. Spend a moment watching the Balinese women preparing her offerings for the Gods – this is a beautiful and delicate ritual. Wander around the gorgeous Art galleries and stores, admiring all the talent and culture on offer. Treat yourself to a spa experience, you are spoiled for choice, both in terms of places to find treatments and which to select.

Monkey Forest – Running through the centre of the town is this gorgeous forest, which is home to a grand temple and many little monkeys. It’s a lovely place to avoid the heat. There are a lot of monkeys and it is best to arrive earlier in the day, when they are less likely to be tired. I would advise against wearing any expensive jewelry or bringing food – they are quite curious. There are neat little statutes around that are worth visiting too. If you want to feed the monkeys you can buy a bunch of bananas for 20,000 Rupiah.

Rice Field Walk – There’s a small sign on Jalan Raya Ubud at Jalan Kajeng that says “rice field walk”. If you follow this sign, you’ll find yourself on a loop surrounded by waterways and rice paddy fields. You can buy fresh coconut juice, from locals who climb the trees to harvest them. The air is incredible, there is a little hill where the views are stunning. This is probably the side of Bali you were wanting to see and here it is. If you’re interested in seeing more you can find tours around the city of other walks you can do, some a little further out of town – but the location and ease of this walk makes it really appealing.

The Yoga Barn –  Most people, for whatever reason or another, find themselves in Ubud to relax, recharge or to heal. It’s the perfect place to do some yoga, whether you’re experienced or a beginner. Set amongst terraced rice paddy fields The Yoga Barn offers numerous different classes and schedules. They’re all drop in, so you don’t have to worry about prebooking anything. There’s also a pretty decent Kafe here and the location is really something special.

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, it’s so multicultural that it hardly feels like a particular place, instead more like a global city. Most Singaporeans eat out and as a consequence the food is relatively affordable, delicious and available well into the night. If you’re fond of shopping, you’ll be literally spoilt for choice here. Metro stations are connected to each other by massive underground shopping complexes and then, of course, there’s Orchard road.  Singapore is ultra clean and ultra modern – it doesn’t really feel like South East Asia, so don’t expect the prices of surrounding countries.

Costs in Singapore:

Accommodation in Singapore is going to be substantially more than you can expect to pay elsewhere in this part of the world. For a bed in a dorm room you should expect to pay at least $15USD with the majority of the dorms $20 and above.  A private room in a hostel will set you back at least $45 for the room. Budget hotels will start off at $50 and go upwards pretty fast from there. Although cheaper in price than Malaysia, some hotels or hostels can make or break your traveling budget. If you search for Singapore hotels online you may be able to get a better deal. By booking hotels ahead of time you can typically get accommodations at a lower price. No matter where you are staying, Singapore is a wonderful place to visit. With great food and exciting nightlife there is sure to be something to keep you entertained.

Food is fantastic and relatively affordable in Singapore. There are lots of food courts which bustle through the night, some of which stay open past midnight and for $5-9 you can find a delicious meal. There is such a broad range of food in Singapore, expect to find a great selection of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Thai, Philippine, Indonesian, Middle Eastern and Western food – yum! Chili Crab and Chicken Rice are signature Singaporean dishes, and bubble tea is almost a religion here, definitely worth a try.

Transport is easy in Singapore, the metro is clean, frequent and easy to use. Your ticket fare is charged based on how far you travel and when. A long trip in Singapore will run at around S$2 if just purchasing the ticket, or at around $1.51 if using an adult card – so a fairly considerable saving. If you’re only in Singapore for a day or two it’s probably best to just buy individual tickets, but if you’re staying a few days or more consider investing in the adult’s card. It costs $5 which is non-refundable but is really convenient and the savings add up fast. There are numerous buses, but I preferred the MRT so always took it wherever I needed to go. Taxis are affordable, reliable and safe.

Things To Do in Singapore:

Marina Bay – Wonderful skyline, looks even better lit up at night. This is a great place to take photos of Singapore. It’s a very fashionable area with lots of nice restaurants and excellent shopping. Every night at 8pm and 9.30pm there is a light show below the Marina Bay Sands building, it’s free but gets busy, so arrive a early to secure a spot. There is an additional show at 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Marina Bay Sands hotel has an infinity pool and the top level is open to the public – incredible views of Singapore.

National Orchard Garden – If you are a flower or garden lover this will be a treat for you. Instead of having to view flowers in glass houses like in many countries around the world, due to the sweltering heat of Singapore they happily grow throughout the year. It is almost a rainbow of orchards and the grounds are really stunning. Avoid the hottest parts of the day as sometimes the heat can be unbearable.

Singapore Zoo – Easily one of the best zoos in the world. The animals are in spacious open enclosures that imitate their natural surroundings, separated by moats and natural barriers. It’s really large, so set aside a lot of time to see it properly – if you love animals you could easily get lost spending an entire day here. There is also the Night Safari which is a great way to see all the nocturnal animals – it’s nice exploring the zoo when the temperatures drop a little.

National Museum of Singapore – If you’re wanting to get a taste of Singaporean history, in a city that feels so modern, the National Museum of Singapore is a great stop. The building is absolutely lovely and the information presented is engaging. The museum covers more modern topics such as food, fashion, photography and Singaporean women. It’s divided into two sections: The History Gallery and The Living Gallery. If you’re traveling on a budget you can get entry for free after 6pm, however you will only gain access to The Living Gallery.

Orchard Road – Singapore is one of the best cities in the world for shopping and Singaporeans themselves just love to shop. There are a dizzying number of shopping malls in this city, but some of the best shopping can be found on Orchard Road. This high end, tree lined boulevard is a shopper’s haven. The cool air conditioned shops provide a nice break from the constant heat of Singapore. You could easily lose a day or two on Orchard road, if your credit card allows.

Little India – Singapore’s Little India feels and smells surprisingly authentic. There’s a little more chaos here than you find elsewhere in Singapore and it provides a great contrast. This is the place to go if you’re on a budget and love Indian food – super easy to find great vegetarian food here, too. You can also pick up cheap spices, clothing and magazines. Little India was one of my favourite parts of Singapore, you feel like you’ve been transported to another country.

Chinatown – If you’ve been to China or a Chinatown in another city (say, Bangkok) you’re likely to be disappointed by Singapore’s China town. It’s relatively small, only two main streets, and doesn’t really seem to have too much variety. However, there are many bargains and with a little negotiation you can get things down even lower. This is another great area for cheap food and the dumplings are delicious.

I’ve been to Cambodia three times and know that I’ll be there many more. Phnom Penh is the city I never mean to get caught up in, but always do. For me it has the perfect mix of history, great local and western food, friendly people and rawness that you struggle to find in the developed world. I have read contrasting reports on safety in Phnom Penh, but there has never been a moment when I felt unsafe.

Costs in Phnom Penh 
Accommodation is a bargain in Phnom Penh, even by South East Asia prices. Expect to pay $4.50 for a bed in a dorm room or $6 for a private room in a hostel. It’s possible to get a cheap room in a guesthouse for $5 and up. Rooms at the lower end of the scale will likely be without hot water. For $10 a night you can enjoy a little more comfort, with aircon, ensuite with hot water and maybe even a tv.

Food is very affordable in Phnom Penh and it’s often cheaper to eat out than to try to prepare your own food. Street food will set you back $1-2 and you can find decent restaurants meals for around $5. If you stretch your budget to $10 you can find yourself eating very well.

Transport is very cheap here too, so it makes Phnom Penh an easy city to get around. Expect to pay $1 for a trip throughout the city on a motorbike. If you’re in a group, it’s better to take a tuk-tuk. Single tuk-tuk journeys run at about $1-2. Consider that hiring a tuk tuk and driver for the day can be as inexpensive as $10, so if you’re planning to explore the city extensively this is the best option. Phnom Penh is well connected with other cities around Cambodia, as well as Saigon and Bangkok. For more information on buses that depart from Sorya bus station click here.

Things to do in Phnom Penh:
The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) – this memorial site is a haunting reminder of Cambodia’s dark past. While it is not a pleasant day out, I think this is key to appreciating Cambodia’s history and the wonderful people. Throughout Cambodia you will notice that there is almost an entire generation missing and Choeung Ek helps give you a deeper understanding of why. There is a glass stupa in the center, which houses hundreds of skulls of men, women and children. I would suggest watching the film located in the movie room to the right just inside the entrance before viewing the grounds.

S21 Museum (Toul Sleng) – This is the former High School that was transformed, during the Khmer Rouge, into a torture chamber. An estimated 17,000 people lost their lives here during 1975-1979. If you are interested in reading a personal account of what the Khmer Rouge Regime was like, read “First They Killed My Father” by Loung Ung. It is written from a child’s perspective, so is easy to follow. If possible, I would encourage you to visit the S21 Museum before the Killing Fields.

Royal Palace –  A grand display of Cambodian architecture during the French Indochina period. A warning: its charm may be lost if you’ve already visited the Royal Palace of Bangkok. Regardless, the grounds are well maintained and there is much historical significance here. Arrive early, take a tour guide and dress appropriately and you will get the most from this palace.

Russian Markets – Relatively good selection of goods and considerably cheaper than the Siem Reap markets, you can find some decent bargains. Beware of quality though, ensure that you inspect clothing for any imperfections before purchasing. It can get quite hot and stuffy inside, so make sure you find some iced coffee to cool you down (really delicious). You shouldn’t pay more than $2 for a tuk-tuk here from almost anywhere in Phnom Penh.

Central Markets – Quite similar to the Russian markets in terms of products, but I would say that the central markets have slightly less touristy things, though you can certainly find some here still. The building itself is very unusual and worth a visit in its own right. There is plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables here at very low prices. Make sure you sample some Dragonfruit and Jackfruit, both are delicious.

Tamao Zoo – This is one of the few zoos you will find in South East Asia that are up to “Western standards”. It is more of an animal rescue place, than a traditional zoo. You can get up close and personal with the elephants and bears. Things are quite spaced out and the Zoo itself is a bit out of town, so you might find it better to take a tour rather than arrange your own trip, especially if you are traveling solo or just in a pair. It’s well worth the visit, especially if you have children with you. Bare in mind during the very hot months the animals will be a lot less active.

Friends Restaurant – This is one of my favourite restaurants in Phnom Penh and it’s consistently good. It is in part with a NGO that helps train street children in Phnom Penh so that they have employable skills. It also supports a number of local schools. The service is wonderfully attentive, the food is great. It is expensive by a Cambodian standard, but at least half of what I would expect to pay for anything back home. There is a sister restaurant Romdeng which I have enjoyed a few times too – warning: they have excellent cocktails.

Volunteer – I think Cambodia is one of the best places to volunteer in the world. It’s rough history combined with the beautiful, warm smiles of the locals draws you in. It is a developing country and there is a lot of poverty. There are numerous orphanages in Phnom Penh, but I chose to volunteer in a rural area of Cambodia called Takeo. If you are interested in reading my volunteer story and finding out more information about volunteering in general click here.

Budget Tips for Cambodia 
This section isn’t really necessary, because Cambodia is probably one of the cheapest places I’ve ever been. So, chances are if you’re there, you’re saving yourself money already. You are a lot less likely to get ripped of in Cambodia than in say, Vietnam, but it’s still possible to ensure you get the best price possible with these simple tips.

Walk away – Almost all prices in Cambodia are negotiable unless they’re printed and even then they’re might still be negotiable.  It gets pretty tiresome haggling over a few dollars, so I always try the “walk away” approach. Which is to simply: walk away and see if they offer me a better deal. If not, then I consider whether the price they were originally offering me seemed appropriate and fair. Please be considerate when you’re trying to score a bargain with the locals, a few hundred riel can be the difference between a good day and a bad day for them and sometimes it’s not worth fighting over.

Use Riel  – For smaller spending, you’re likely to get a better deal if you spend in Riel. Basically how currency works in Cambodia, is that “dollars” are USD and “cents” are Cambodian Riel. If small prices (i.e. a few dollars) are quoted in dollars instead of Riel you can almost be certain that they are for tourists and not locals. When I was in Cambodia 1 USD was accepted as 4000 Riel, but if I changed my USD into Riel I would get about 4100 Riel to the dollar. This works out to be a loss of 10,000 Riel, or $2.50, for every $100 USD you spend. This isn’t a huge amount, but I’m not a fan of giving away money. Don’t make the mistake of withdrawing a large sum of Riel, simply change crisp USD into Riel as you need it. Riel is worthless outside of Cambodia.

Hire a Tuk-Tuk – One off tuk-tuk fares add up quickly. You get so much more value from hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day. When you find one that you like hire him for your length of stay in Phnom Penh, or at least for the days that you’re going to be exploring a lot. Usually they’re quite appreciative of the ongoing work and are more than happy to wait outside while you do whatever you want to do. Anywhere between $10-15, or roughly $2 an hour, is a fair price, although if you travel a lot I would expect to contribute some additional gas money. I tend to pay my driver at the end of the day, although I have given a portion of the wage as a security after the first trip. If I buy myself a drink I will always get one for my driver, too. If you take this option, think about how much time you’ve taken of your driver and how helpful he’s been and tip accordingly. It is not expected, but certainly appreciated.

Don’t Take the Airport Tuk-Tuks – If you want to save a few dollars on your transport costs from the airport, the best thing you can do is walk outside of the airport grounds. Usually it will cost $7 for a tuk-tuk to the city, but outside the airport you’ll find tuk-tuks and cycles waiting to take you for a few dollars cheaper.

Some people seem to find it pretty strange that I’m so comfortable traveling alone. For me it was a simple equation: I wanted to go places my friends didn’t want to go and I wasn’t prepared to let that stop me. I thought that I would get lonely traveling alone, but that is so far from the truth. I had to actively take a day to myself here and there, just because I was constantly meeting new people.

On my first trip in South East Asia I met a great group of guys and we traveled together for near on two months. This wouldn’t have been possible if I had a rigid itinerary, so I suggest being a bit more flexible if you’re exploring on your own. Often it’s less about the places you are and more about the people you are with. It was an incredible trip and I’m so glad that I didn’t let my initial fears of traveling alone stop me from going. There are tons of benefits to traveling alone: it pushes you outside of your boundaries, it challenges you and it forces you to adapt to new situations all on your own. I firmly believe that everyone should travel solo at some stage during their life, the lessons you learn are invaluable.

Be Twice As Sensible
I have developed a personal rule which is that I wont go out for a night on the town when I’m traveling alone, unless I know the people fairly well or the city well. One night on Koh Phangan (I’m sure many travelers have stories that start out this way…) I made the mistake of drinking a few too many free buckets. I was with a small group people I’d been traveling with for a few days. When you’re traveling, time is different. The people you’re spending time with are around you constantly, sleeping, eating, everything. So a few days of friendship could feel like months of deep and meaningful conversation and lunch dates.

At point during the night I realised I was really drunk, so told my friends that I was going to to the convenience store to buy some water and to wait for me there. I came back 10 minutes later to find everyone had left. I panicked and walked the length of the beach trying to find them. It was 3am and I didn’t confidently know my way back to the accommodation. I tried to walk around the beach, waist deep in water, before realising it was a really bad idea. I tried to walk through the dark, gloomy forest towards our accommodation before I realised that was also a stupid idea. Eventually I made it home, but it was a pretty scary and stressful experience. In the morning my friends were all really apologetic, one of the other girls had gotten really sick and they were worried about her. Just be sensible, you can’t expect too much of people you’ve only just met. So, unless you have someone you can really trust to watch your back, don’t drink in an unfamiliar place. It extends further than drinking, too. It’s simple things like avoiding arriving in a new, foreign city alone at 11.00pm. You’d probably be fine, but if you’ve got all your things on you and you’re stumbling around to trying to find your hostel, you’re really just opening yourself up for potential trouble.  So, just try to minimize it.

Have a Backup Plan
Unfortunately bad stuff happens, even on holiday. The possibility of having your wallet stolen is so much more daunting when you’re alone in a foreign country. You need to have some backup plans in order to protect yourself incase something does happen. I would suggest carrying at least two cards with you, one that you keep in you wallet and one that you keep somewhere else safe. Don’t take your second card out with you when you go out, keep it tucked away in your room’s locker or safe. When I was in rural Indonesia the town I was staying in only had one ATM and my card just didn’t work. I had enough cash to carry me through my stay, but when an unexpected medical expense came up I had to pay for a driver to take me to the nearest town, over an hour away, in order to withdraw cash. If I had another card this might not have been an issue. I had similar problems with my eftpos card not working in Calcutta’s airport, but thankfully had some reserved  USD that I could change into local currency. Before you even leave for your trip, make sure you make copies of your passport. I even go as far to scan them and email them to myself, so I can always access them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

How to Meet People On The Road 
It’s hard to describe this to someone who hasn’t been backpacking, but there’s this special openness in almost everyone you’ll meet. Maybe it’s because we’ve all taken the steps required to explore the world, or maybe because we’re united in the fact we’re all slightly out of our comfort zone- either way, I think it’s much easier to make friends on the road. The most important thing is to go where the type of people you want to make friends with, will be. If you want to meet other backpackers, the easiest way to meet them is to stay in a dorm! The more beds in the room, the more potential friends (though, the more potential snorers, too. But that’s an issue for another day). If you want to make friends with locals you can look to stay with someone on Couchsurfing or you can go to more local hangouts. Be approachable and approach others. There’s a standard backpackers conversation that starts off like “Where are you from, where are you going…” and while it’s sometimes painful to start it again, it’s an easy introduction. That dorm mate you spark up a conversation could wind up being your travel buddy for two months.

Be Flexible 
When I think back to my favourite travel memories, most them include my favourite people I’ve met along the way. Often the company you have is more memorable than the place you’re in. Along your travels you’re likely to find some people that you just instantly click with and want to spend more time with. If your itinerary is set in stone, it restricts how much time you can spend with them. If your itinerary isn’t so rigid and they invite you along to join in for more of their trip, you’ll be able to say yes. There’s nothing worse than a jam packed time sensitive itinerary getting in the way of epic adventures, so be flexible.