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Riga Old Town

The Old Town center of Riga is well-preserved with cobbled streets that line the narrow passageways. You can’t drive there, so if you are in a vehicle, the furthest you can go is to the boom gate that blocks the way. However, that’s not an issue since walking the streets to view the colorful buildings, old churches and other architectural beauties is by far the best option, even on the most chilly days.

Riga Nightlife

It’s no secret that Riga has a wild nightlife; it does draw in the occasional stag party and bucks night or two. Bars around these parts will stay open to the early morning, and if you hit the right one, like Orange Bar, you can get up and dance on the tables.

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is not only an architectural beauty, but it also offers visitors the chance to take an elevator to the top of the tower for a spectacular view of the city. Even though St. Peter’s Church dates back to the Dark Ages, it has seen a fair share of refurbishments over the years thanks to a number of fires. You can learn more about the history of the church and the city after you explore the tower.

Museum of Occupation

To get a full sense of where the Latvian people have come from, a trip to the Museum of Occupation is in order. The museum displays what life was like for the Latvian people during Soviet rule, a life for many that involved living in gulags under harsh conditions. It’s a sobering experience that will make you appreciate your visit even more.

Riga TV Tower

The Riga TV Tower is the third largest tower in Europe, and there’s an observation deck at the 97 meter mark where you can get a different view of Riga from across the river. The tower is a true Soviet icon, produced in the 80s with the décor to prove it.

AK-47 Shooting

Adventure seekers can get a big thrill by handling some Soviet style artillery, such as AK-47s, on gun tours. These tours typically cost under 50 Euro per person, and they can create once in a lifetime memories for those willing.

Riga Central Market

The market is located just near the bus station and can provide hours of fun whether you are out shopping for souvenirs or dinner. The old buildings fill up with stalls of meat vendors, pastry bakers, clothing suppliers and home goods, while the outdoor stalls do the same. Markets are a piece of the Eastern European culture, and this one will not disappoint.

Art Nouveau District

An art movement called Art Nouveau hit Riga in the 19^th century bringing a lot of flair and creativity to the design of Riga’s buildings. The main area for viewing Art Nouveau houses would be Elizabetes Street, and in all, there are said to be 800 buildings in this style in the city. The design of this style is typically more artistic and fun, letting architects have the freedom to create as they please.

Esplanade Park

What visit to Riga would be complete without stopping off at the beautiful little Esplanade Park? It is here that both locals and tourists gather to relax, enjoy beer gardens or have picnics. On either side are the National Art Museum and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

Written by GYE contributor Brooke Schoenman.

Vilnius

Image: philantrophde

Vilnius will surprise you. Named the “European Capital of Culture 2009”, this jewel of a city – also the capital of Lithuania – offers up a nice mix of history. The Old Town of the city is actually named as an UNESCO World Heritage site filled with cathedrals and even the Gadiminas Castle. Historical buffs will want to check out the Ex-KGB Museum and the Three Crosses Hill to get a feel for the more tumultuous recent past, much like that of Estonia and Latvia. For those into quirky attractions, there’s always the statue of Frank Zappa, surrounded by walls of graffiti art, or city tours on Segways to suffice.

Siauliai

Siauliai is home to the Hill of Crosses, which is a site that now represents Lithuanian nationalism in the face of oppression. Originally started in the 14^th century, the Hill of Crosses grew during times of upheaval when Lithuanian bodies were lost. A cross for the soul would be placed on the hill with thousands of others, even after the Soviet forces decided to plow it down at least 3 times in the 1900s. It is said today to be home to over 100,000 crosses, but once there, you’ll quickly assume that this number is low. Siauliai and the Hill of Crosses make for a good day trip option from Vilnius.

Klaipeda

Image: gnz

Located in the northwestern area of Lithuania, just near the sea, Klaipeda is a great place to soak up the beach in the summer. Besides that, this relaxed town offers up a number of museums, restaurants and places to drink (plenty of wine on that list) to keep a traveler busy and satisfied. If you have time, be sure to take a ferry to the Curonian Spit, just 10 minutes away.

Kaunas

Kaunas is the 2^nd largest city in Lithuania and has many features in common with Vilnius. It could easily be called a city of museums as it is said to have nearly 40 of them there, but churches and cathedrals are also strong in numbers. Just like most other major Baltic cities, the Old Town area has a lot of draw for tourists with medieval buildings and cobble-stoned streets. Other sites of interest include the catacombs at the Church of St. Michael the Archangel and the funicular railways that can take you to some amazing city views.

Trakai

Trakai should be on your list of Lithuanian cities to visit for the sole purpose of exploring one breath-taking castle. Although a reconstruction, this site presents the most picturesque setting for photos as the castle sits across a lake accessible only by a large wooden bridge. The Castle Museum is open to visitors for a small entry fee. Trakai is a very short bus ride from Vilnius, so it is definitely worth taking half a day to visit and walk around this tiny town.

Written by GYE contributor Brooke Schoenman.

Image: S J Pinkney

Time travel is possible just south of the Amalfi Coast.

While most travelers stick to Sorrento and the jaw-dropping coastline, head a little bit further south and you won’t be disappointed. The ruins of Paestum stand incredibly preserved and intact. In the heat of summer, you can have much of this archaeological site to yourself for few know about some of the best-preserved temples from Magna Graecia. The ancient city was built for Poseidon around the 6^th century B.C. As the sound of locusts fill the air, you can admire these UNESCO listed temples and feel as though you have stepped back in time.

Sorrento’s fishing harbor tucks away from busy Sorrento

Here you can watch fisherman cast out for the day or laugh as children slip and slide on the boats still docked in the harbor. The buildings facing the harbor are somewhat run down, but they provide a nice respite from picture-perfect Sorrento. Old men give hairy-eyeballs at strangers from balconies above. Chat up one of the fisherman and see what is on the menu for dinner tonight.

Find those willing at the hostel to chip in to rent a car for the day and drive the Costa Amalfitana

While most backpackers just take the bus to reach Positano and the other cliff carved cities, you may never get to drive on a road like this. Narrow and nail biting, a drive along this stretch (technically the SS163) is a once and a lifetime experience. Just don’t look down.

The little towns on the Amalfi Coast are quiet and unhurried

However, Positano and Amalfi tend to get the most attention in the area. Without the crowds, head to Praiano, one town down from Positano. Weave down through the town on narrow passageways and join the party going on down by the water.

Hire a boat and go grotto searching

If you are traveling with a group or a few friends, you may want to go in on a boat together. Capri, the island just off the coast from the Amalfi Coast may be best known for its Blue Grotto. While you have to go on rowboats to enter the famous blue cave, some rowing the boat will let you swim. If you are feeling like taking the horse by the reigns, hire your own boat or kayak and explore the different caves along the Amalfi Coast or on the Isle of Capri.

Sorrento is usually the foundation for a trip through Italy’s Campania region. While the seaside town lends surface level fun of shopping, eating, soaking up the sun and drinking, there is nothing like getting off of the tried and tested itineraries and paving your own way.

Written by Suzy Guese

Perhaps the best option for young gap year travellers is to head for the fantastic South Luangwa National Park, and in particular the Nsefu Sector. This “sector” is actually part of the South Luangwa National Park, yet it is located on the Eastern side of the Luangwa River, which makes it rather special as the majority of the park is situated on the Western side of the River. The Nsefu Sector is easily reachable from the town Mfuwe by road, which takes you through some very traditional Zambian villages before reaching the park entry gates.

What makes this part of the Park special is the feel of being in a completely different park, even though you are never far from the River. One of the main attractions of this park is the large salt pan, which features a lovely small, green river right in the middle of it. This is created by a natural hot spring, which was supposed to have been found by accident, whilst drilling for water. Even though the water is very salty, it attracts a huge number of birds, antelopes and other wildlife due to the fact that it provides a source of water all year round.

Other than this, the park offers very good game viewing and a very remote feel as there are only a handful of lodges/camps here. You will certainly get a “off the beaten track” feel around here.

If you fancy travelling further afield in Zambia then why not try the huge North Luangwa National Park? Most people will take a small light aircraft to this remote wilderness, but it is also possible to take the cheaper option and drive there.

The North Luangwa has yet again a different flora and feels a lot drier than its southern sister. Huge herds of Buffalo of up to a 1,000 strong; together with good predator sightings and plenty of other wildlife is what can be expected. However, due to its strict conservation rules (North Luangwa is currently reintroducing Black Rhinos) the majority of game viewing is done on a walking safari. The expert guides will take you on walks through the bush, explaining all the little details that one might miss from a vehicle. This is a truly amazing experience and should not be missed when travelling to Zambia. Of course, walking safaris are possible at the other parks in Zambia as well, but you do not get the same sense of a true remote wilderness elsewhere.

From the North Luangwa it is then possible to either return to Mfuwe or continue your gap year safari further north to the Bangweulu Swamps or the Kasanka National Park.

Photo credit: The Bushcamp Company

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The world is literally your oyster so when you are studying the map and planning where to jet off to, it’s a good idea to consider what exactly it is that you want to achieve from your time away. If you are after sun, sea, friendly people and an opportunity to meet some fantastic new friends then taking a gap year in Florida could be just the choice for you.

Cheap flights to Florida aren’t too hard to come by and the US State has an abundance of things which make it the perfect gap year destination including beaches, nature and some of the best nightlife a traveller could hope for.

Many people that choose Florida head there with one thing in mind – becoming a prince or a princess! A Disney prince or princess that is! There are a number of programmes available which allow people to land dream jobs at Disney World or one of the other parks owned by Disney in Orlando.

As well as the obvious perks of having free entry to all of the Disney theme parks and incredibly cheap accommodation, employees will learn valuable skills, which are transferable in the work place. If accepted on to the programme, you might be located in the Magic Kingdom but you could also hang out with whales and dolphins at SeaWorld or experience the world of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Being a member of the Disney staff is a fun and rewarding experience and we guarantee you will make some wonderful friends!

If Disney isn’t for you, Camp America could be. This popular programme allows people to go and work in an American summer camp and when the summer is over, they are free to travel around the US for up to 10 weeks. Camp is an exciting place to be. As well as getting to interact with the kids and take part in lots of fun activities, it gives you a real insight into the American way of life. The programme attracts people from all over the world who just might make the perfect travelling companions once camp is over. The people at Camp America look after everything for you – placements, visas, travel insurance and they even have a 24 hour helpline should you need any assistance at any time.

Choosing to spend your time in the United States is a fantastic option for your gap year. The country has so much to offer and will leave you with memories, and friends, that will last a lifetime.

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Image: xJason.Rogersx

About Tallinn

Tallinn is a place where you can walk down cobbled streets of a medieval city center, or hang out in very modern and luxurious shopping malls. Besides the cold, there is very little in this city that actually reminds you of its once Soviet rule; the overwhelming feel is of the old-town vibe that comes from the well-preserved city center. It is here that you can attend proper medieval feasts with employees dressed up in full costume (wenches included), food is served on your wooden planked table and your grog goes down from a giant goblet. As a backpacker, it is recommended you hit the streets in a walking fashion, which is the best way to take in the narrow passageways and smells from roasted almonds on the corners.

Things to Do & See in Tallinn

While hanging out in the old town city center, you can check out the ex-KGB Headquarters building or the Museum of Occupations for a blast from the Soviet past. Also in line with the Soviet influence is the viewing of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which presents itself as a massive icon with a colorful and beautifully kept exterior. The city wall makes for a great place to climb the towers and sneak a view from the top.

Eating on a budget is easy if you seek out cafeteria style dining. A great place that is used widely by backpackers and students in the area is called Eat, and it is a way to experience traditional Estonian fare, such as hearty dumplings.

A trip to Tallinn wouldn’t be complete if there wasn’t some sort of warmed alcoholic beverage involved. Here you can choose from delicious mulled wine, hot honey mead or something known to the locals as a “flaming Tallinn”.

Outside of the old city center, there are beaches to enjoy (in the summer), beautiful botanic gardens, the Holy Birgitta Monastery and the Tallinn Zoo to name a few attractions. For a seaside resort, Kadriorg will suffice, which is a district that is also home to the Kadriorg Palace.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

Tallinn makes a great stop for backpackers and there is plenty of hostel accommodation to make it a budget stay and connect with other travelers in the process. For obvious reasons, staying in the Old Town center is going to be the one that provides for the most experience in Tallinn. You’ll have easy access to public transport, the markets on Viru Street and plenty of touristy shops, pubs and restaurants.

Tallinn: How to Get There & Away

Tallinn is connected to other parts of Europe by train, so you can easily head to Russia or west towards Latvia by riding the rails. Buses, and especially overnight buses, are a good way to go from Baltic capital city to the next. It should take in the 9 hour range to go overnight from Tallinn to Vilnius, Lithuania. Another great mode of transport, besides budget airlines, are the ferries that go to the Scandinavian countries to the north.

Written by Brooke Schoenman

Image: eGuide Travel

One of the more popular cities to visit in Italy, travelers often check off the standard Uffizi visit and trip to see Michelangelo’s David and head out of town. If you arrive to Florence with but a backpack on your shoulders and little cash in hand, the city can seem overwhelming and expensive. Put the backpack down. Count up your change. It’s possible to have a budget friendly, solo traveler good time in Florence.

Florence Train Station People Watching

From the exterior, the Florence Train Station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, is the eyesore of the city. Resembling a giant brown box, step inside and you will find a city of activity. The lack of benches invites backpackers to take to the floor with pigeons looking for a leftover panino. People of all sorts get on and off screeching old trains, weaving frantically through the crowd they almost need turn-signals on their backs to make it out alive.

Not your ordinary activity in Florence, but if you get to the station early or stumble across it while exploring the historic center, you won’t be disappointed. Travel in chaotic Italian fashion transpires as you sit on your suitcase watching it all unfold in shades of sepia.

Finding Free Greenery in Giardino di Bobolino

On the opposite side of the River Arno that holds the Duomo, head towards Porta Romana. Pass under the old gateway to Florence and continue up tree-lined Viale Niccolo Machiavelli. The street inclines up a hill, weaving in and out of stately looking villas and embassies until it reaches Giardino del Bobolino. While the Boboli Gardens rest right in the center of Florence and provide that greenery many crave in a city covered in cobblestone, they do cost an entrance ticket. However, Giardino del Bobolino provides that craving for greenery absolutely free.

Quiet benches, fountains and footpaths make up this area of Florence where tree branches hang in a lazy fashion. If you continue to follow the road, you will eventually meet Piazzale Galileo that turns into Viale Galileo. From here, you can take in a view of Florence unlike any other. Completely alone at most times of the day, you can view both city and country in one click of the camera. The route eventually meets popular Piazzale Michelangelo where you can come back down from Florence’s secret garden.

Eat Your Weight in Gelato

Gelato is Florence’s specialty. While some may argue the famous Italian dessert was not invented in the Renaissance city, Florence won’t tell you otherwise. A man by the name of Buontalenti introduced the iconic Italian treat to the Medici family. Since then, gelaterias can be found almost every 10 feet in Florence and the rest of Italy.

Gelato makes for one of Florence’s most inexpensive meals, usually costing around 2 euros. If you have a sweet tooth, grab a gelato at some of the most famous gelaterias in the city including Vivoli or my personal favorite Gelateria Carraia. All of that loose change at the bottom of your backpack can add up to some satisfying snacks.

Bridge Hop At Night

While bar hopping in Florence will set your budget back a great deal, hopping from bridge to bridge throughout the city won’t. At night, there is a compelling glow about Florence. The streets desert as the crowds head in for the night to rest up for tomorrow’s sightseeing. From the city’s bridges, you can let your imagination run back to Renaissance days.

Cutting through the city is the River Arno. In order to connect one side of the city with the other, bridges were constructed, with the most famous today the Ponte Vecchio. It was the only bridge in Florence spared during World War II. During the day, the bridge is a mess with tourists popping in the gold shops across it. At night, you can have it all to yourself. Hop over to Ponte Santa Trinita or Ponte alla Carraia for even better vantage points.

Florence can be done on a budget and alone. Whether it is befriending a confused backpacker in the train station after a session of people watching or taking a stroll that leads to a magnificent view, you don’t have to hate Florence. Go ahead and love it.

Written by Suzy Guese

Image: Esparta

Is Mexico a safe place to travel?

Yes, and no. Mexico is a massive country, and just like in the USA, there are places you are not going to want to spend time in because of a high rate of crime. Tijuana would fall into this category of places to avoid, but others, like the southern jewels of San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque, are a must-see for any Mexico traveler. Just do some research in advance, be smart while traveling, and you should be fine.

Can I drink the water in Mexico?

You should not drink the water from the tap in Mexico, unless you are staying in one of those fancy resorts like in the Cancun area that actually offer filtered tap water for their patrons. Otherwise, you can expect some stomach upset, which can terribly impact your trip by making you have to stay close to a toilet.

Do I need to know Spanish to travel Mexico?

Knowing the language of any country you are about to travel to is always a major plus, but in most cases, it is not necessary. If anything, try to learn the basics, such as greetings and general directions; otherwise, those involved in the tourism industry will probably know a word or two of English. If all else fails, bring a picture book or pamphlet that you can point to when in doubt or crisis.

When is the best time to visit Mexico?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right time to visit Mexico, and that can involve going when tourists numbers are at their lowest, or when the weather is at its best. Mexico is very large and some parts are mountainous, so the climate can vary greatly from region to region. However, the rainy season (May to October) is often quite warm and humid. An influx of tourists will be found from December to April, so some people recommend getting in just after the rainy season in November.

What sites and attractions are popular in Mexico?

Mexico is known for having some spectacular beaches and surf, so resorts in some of the best locations – Cancun and Puerto Vallarta — are popular. Being home to the Mayans thousands of years ago, sites where Mayan cities once thrived, like Palenque, are big on the lists of things to do. Besides these options, you can check out colonial style cities, go on jungle treks, eat local foods and enjoy a nice cerveza or two.

Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?

For stays of up to 180 days, visas are not required for individuals from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada to name a few. However, it is advised that you recheck your visa requirements before traveling as they may change. To enter and exit, you will need to maintain your tourist card that you should receive upon entering the country, either through a border checkpoint, airport, airline, etc.

How can I get around in Mexico?

Long-distance buses run frequently and have all classes of comfort for you to choose from. However, one must note that Mexico is very large and bus rides from one state to another will take all night or more to complete. Chicken buses are going to be the cheapest option, but they will lack comfort. If you are strapped for time, the best option is internal flights. Aeromexico is a good bet for finding cheap flights.

What kind of money do they use in Mexico? And, what should I budget?

Mexico uses the peso as their currency. As for budget, it all depends on your personal travel style. Mexico is definitely not as cheap as other countries in Central America, but you can have plenty of fun at a decent rate if you choose wisely. Hostels in Mexico City, for example, can run you from $8-15 per night, and fruit and vegetables from local markets are extremely cheap.

Written by Brooke Schoenman

Since I traded beaches and kangaroos for skyscrapers, stars and stripes to call NY home, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to explore the city with friends visiting from overseas. From those adventures, I’ve put together a list of my favorite free attractions in the city, plus a few tips on how to save and make your stay last longer.

Image: Sarah_Ackerman

Staten Island Ferry

Probably the number one free attraction in NYC, the Staten Island Ferry gives panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, great photo ops for the Statue of Liberty and the chance to feel the wind in your hair, Titanic-style. All this, for the bargain price of only $0. The ferry runs at least twice per hour from the ferry terminal in lower Manhattan, accessibly by subway or a stroll through the financial district. Get on fast to nab the best spots at the front of the boat.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Inspired, beautiful or downright weird by turns- one of NYC’s most popular museums, MoMA is free on Friday nights between 4pm and 8pm. Try the upper floors for Dali, Warhol, Picasso and Van Gogh!

Image: ana carina lauriano

Central Park

A NYC icon, Central Park is a mixing pot of all of NYC society. People-watch in the crowd of designer-clad Fifth Avenue housewives with implausibly miniscule dogs, wholesome families, rather ‘unconventional’ park characters and easy-to-spot tourists with bum bags/I Heart NY t-shirts in tow. I’ve tried to count the number of languages I heard in the park in one day and gave up at 15! Alternatively sunbake or wander through the surprisingly wild areas (and forget you’re in a major city) in summer or have a snowball fight and giggle when the ice-skaters fall over in winter.

Image: patrickhashley

Brooklyn Bridge

Another city landmark, the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge takes you above the traffic from City Hall in Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights. The walkway has nice views and information plaques along the way, as well as irritated cyclists (stay in the walking lane or face the wrath!) and cutesy, hand-holding couples who’ve taken up the tradition of securing ‘love padlocks’ to the railings and throwing the key in the river. The walk is around 2 km- leave the heels at home unless you want them wedged in the boards and rug up in winter!

Image: angela n.

Highline Park

This hip, fun testament to NYC design sits above the city, built on an abandoned raised freight train track stretching from Chelsea to the Meatpacking District. Go for great views of the Hudson and surrounding city, laze on the architectural wooden benches and appreciate the reclaimed urban space. Afterwards, search out lunch in the nearby Chelsea Markets. It can get busy in nice weather, but sunset, or dare I suggest sunrise, are good times to visit.

Image: bkusler

TV show audience

Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, Letterman and The Tyra Banks Show, plus many more, all tape in NYC. Tickets are free and can be requested in advance on some websites, given out by lottery or obtained on the day by queuing. Popular shows are hard to snag, but there are plenty of options and you might just get lucky. See here (http://gonyc.about.com/od/tvtapings/Tickets_for_TV_Show_Tapings.htm

) for an overview on where to begin.

Brooklyn Brewery

Plenty of tourists never make it off the island of Manhattan- evidently they missed the memo that all the cool kids have moved to Brooklyn. Williamsburg in particular is the hipster capital (though the Yuppies are moving in), with great bars, coffee and indie music. The Brooklyn Brewery offers free tours from 1-5pm on Saturday and 1-4pm Sundays. Oh and by the way, the legal drinking age in the USA is 21 years… Bring a passport as foreign driver’s licenses aren’t technically recognized as valid ID.

Image: Casey Fox

More tips:

- Most museums, including the Museum of Natural History, the Met, the Guggenheim and the Whitney can be seen for less than ticket price. Some are technically ‘pay what you like’, some have special times when you can enter for just a donation and others have free entry an hour before closing. See here (http://gonyc.about.com/cs/museums/a/museumdeals.htm) for a complete guide.

- If you will be in the city for more than a couple of days, a 7 day MetroPass ($29) is a cheaper option than paying as you go ($2.25 a trip), especially as you’ll have unlimited, 24-hour access to the whole city. Purchase at any subway station.

- Hostels are a popular option, but websites where you can rent out a room or whole private home can be an even better deal, especially for 2 or more people. Beware Craigslist scams and stay with a reputable website such as Airbnb. I’ve rented a whole apartment in Manhattan $30 each per night- cheaper than a hostel! (Amar here, I can confirm that this is correct because I was at this apartment and Fiona ate all of my Dunkin’ Donuts but that’s a story for another time)

- Broadway tickets can be found for as little as $25-50, versus the normal $100+. Two TKTS booths (one in Times Square) sell discounted tickets the day of the show (though you’ll have to queue), and some theatres sell ‘rush’ tickets a few hours before the show direct from the box office (usually only available to students and paid in cash).

Happy travels!

This article was authored by GYE contributor Fiona Soper. Currently, Fiona is trying to find creative excuses to balance travel with a PhD, brushing up on her Arabic and dreaming of Oman.

My Berghaus Jalan has been my backpack of choice for my past 12 months of travel. The rucksack has accompanied me to America, the Middle East and Japan. Each destination has had a different set of requirements. To Japan I took a lot of trekking gear, to America I left lots of space for new clothes and to the Middle East it was shorts, t-shirts and memorabilia. Needless to say, I’ve had plenty of experience with the Berghaus Jalan Backpack to write this review.

60+15L capacity backpack

With a 60 litre capacity and a 15 litre daypack attached, the Berghaus Jalan is suited to long term travel. What does that capacity translate into? At a push I can fit my 18 year old sister in there. Much to her (muffled) objections. In more useful real world terms, I managed to fit two pairs of trousers, a pair of waterproof trousers, 4 warm tops, 8 t-shirts, 1 “nice” shirt, 2 pairs of shorts, swimming shorts, trekking boots, travel towel, mountains of underwear and socks (I hate washing). At the end I still had room for a couple of books and a large laptop. Although, I elected to take these in a separate day pack.

The Berghaus Jalan is a bag for those who are careful with what they take on their travels but still want to throw in a couple of extra tops to avoid washing and have some variety in their limited wardrobe. Unfortunately, it won’t leave much extra space for memorabilia. For that you need to shoot for 80L+ capacity.

Access to your smelly clothes

No-one enjoys digging in their bag for ages looking for that final pair of fresh socks. Bags that unzip in a similar fashion to a suitcase offer much faster access. The Berghaus Jalan will unzip to around 3/5ths of the way down. This is great for quick access and also means the contents stored in the internal zipped pocket are easily accessible.

For those travelling to less safe destinations it would be hard for someone to quickly unzip your Berghaus Jalan when all the clips are secured. However, they could still get to the daypack when attached to your back and I doubt you could feel it happen. Valuables should therefore be kept in the main pack.

Comfortable carrying even on a hangover

If a bag can remain comfortable after a night of drinking sake, screaming into a karaoke machine followed by two hours of sleep and an epic journey to the airport then it’s worth spending more on. Unfortunately, the bag won’t do much to alleviate your hangover but when properly adjusted, it is very comfortable to carry.

The bag allows you to adjust all manners of straps including the position of the upper back rest. With some careful setting up and experimenting, you should be able to get it near to perfect.

3 extra features that get the two thumbs up

There are three extra features that really add extra points to my review of the Berghaus Jalan bag. The first is the hidden pocket at the bottom of the main bag. This is perfect for storing small valuables such as a passport and some money.

The second is the cover than unwraps to zip away all the carrying straps. This is perfect when packing the Jalan ready to go on a plane.

Finally, the internal bag which can be used as a laundry bag or for storing small items you don’t want to get wet, is a great addition.

One thing that is missing

Unfortunately, the Berghaus Jalan doesn’t come with a rain cover. However, the material is water resistant and therefore I’ve not felt the necessity to buy an extra cover to date.

Overall review of the Berghaus Jalan

The Berghaus Jalan is a great bag for short trips or a Gap Year. At approximately £100 it needs to be! You can stuff it to the brim or fill it lightly and it remains comfortable to carry by spreading the weight and keeping air flowing to your back. I combined the pack with an additional day bag and found it perfect for my travels.

The Berghaus Jalan gets the Gap Year Escape seal of approval.

From resorts such as Zermatt and Verbier to Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger there is plenty of variety on offer. You can even follow in the footsteps of royalty and celebrities at Klosters and St Moritz. Special offers such as two for the price of one on lift passes can frequently be purchased to make your holiday even more affordable.

Wengen is one of the most beautiful Alpine villages in Switzerland and it is also traffic free meaning those who really want to get away from it all will love the solitude. Stunning views across and down the valley, combined with some wonderful classic architecture make your ski backdrop truly breathtaking. In addition this is a great place for those who are just starting out on the slopes.

Arrive by mountain train and choose from an expanse of pistes, or try some of the other activities on offer including ice skating, curling, walking and tobogganing. Village nursery slopes are easily accessible while there is also a beginners park at Kleine Scheidegg make this the ideal location for those new to skiing.

Verbier is one of the premier resorts in French-speaking Switzerland boasting plenty of nightlife and casual yet creative cuisine. English style pubs are everywhere but there are also many French cafes for those looking for something a little more authentic. A network of cable cars and gondolas connect you with more remote satellite resorts. Athletes love this resort since it offers many difficult ski challenges, great for the more advanced levels.

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Today we’re going to have a look at South East Asia and how that can be done without blowing your budget. We’ll give you a few tips to save your money, see some interesting areas and perhaps go a little off the beaten track.

Thailand was one of the original budget travel destinations and while you can still do it on the cheap, the onset of mass tourism has made it a little harder in popular areas of the country. Travellers are recommended to fly into Bangkok, however, as the flight prices remain low and it’s a great starting point and a gateway for the rest of South East Asia.

Travel links from Thailand to Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia are cheap and easy and with low cost airlines operating between the major cities it’s really easy to get around on a shoestring. For those really looking to spend as little as possible, local buses and trains are a real experience.

If you want a little time by the beach you should head away from the islands in the south of Thailand and look further afield to places such as Sihanoukville in Cambodia, or Mui Ne and Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. The scenery here is equally stunning as Thailand and you’ll be able to find wooden bungalows on the beach for a pittance. If the party atmosphere of the full moon forms part of your required travel experience, Sihanoukville or tubing down the Mekong in Laos will more than cater for your needs.

Travelling in South East Asia is as much about what you can see as what you can do, so head to Siem Reap in Cambodia and spend a few days marvelling at the temples of Angkor or travel to the ancient city of Hue in Vietnam. The cuisine in all of these South East Asian countries is absolutely delicious, so make sure you eat at the street vendors stalls as this will give you an authentic experience and will cost you next to nothing.

Budgeting is always about how much you spend when you’re there, but it’s also about going at the right time. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate, especially with the increased tourism in Thailand, it’s always important to compare currency exchange rates to ensure you make your trip at the best possible time.

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Image: Aesum

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot in order to enjoy its culture and history. In fact, Rome offers plenty of sights to see that won’t cost you a single dime. If you’re looking for accommodation that won’t damage your wallet, check out some great Rome hotel deals at Romehotels.org. Then prepare to spend even less on these following free activities.

Walk off that pasta

The Spanish Steps at the Piazza de Spagna make up a monumental staircase which climbs a steep slope between the plaza at its base to the church of Trinità dei Monti at the very top. Built in the early 1700’s, this stairway consisting of 138 steps is the longest and widest staircase in Europe. After exploring the plaza, go up the stairs and grab a seat to get a good view of the hustle and bustle below, and to do some people-watching: students, artists, tourists, and portrait-sketchers tend to hang out here.

Visit a pyramid and an ancient gate

Rome has its very own pyramid, which is not often a well-known fact. The Pyramid of Cestius is an ancient monument built in the Egyptian style in 18 BC to house the tomb of the magistrate Gaius Cestius. One of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome, it stands 37 meters high and is situated right near the Porta San Paolo, one of the castle-like southern gates that form part of the 3rd century Aurelian Walls of Rome.

Spend an afternoon in the gardens at the Villa Borghese

A beautiful and expansive landscape garden which contains the museum Galleria Borghese, the Villa Borghese is the second largest public park in Rome. It was remade into an English-style garden after Cardinal Scipione Borghese transformed his former vineyards in 1605 into the most extensive gardens built in Rome since Antiquity. Bring a picnic along, take a walk through its serene setting, and be sure to check out the lake and the different villas scattered throughout the gardens.

Zig-zag through the streets of Trastevere

To experience a more authentic side of town, you can’t miss this trendy neighborhood filled with winding, narrow streets, restaurants, squares, and bars. Trastevere was once the home of sailors, artisans, and fishermen, and during the Imperial Age, several important figures, including Julius Caesar, built their villas in this neighborhood. Along with vivid colors, an ebullient energy, and a younger, less touristy crowd, Trastevere also boasts two of the most ancient churches in Rome.

Take a free walking tour of the Pantheon

Every evening at 7 pm, Angel Tours offers a free 30-minute tour of the Pantheon starting at its steps. An impressive monument built as a temple to all the ancient Roman gods in 126 AD, the Pantheon is worth visiting to see its grand columns, dome, and oculus. Just remember that it’s closed on Sundays.

Enjoy free shows at the summer festival

During Rome’s main summer festival, Estate Romana, the entire city becomes the site of hundreds of theater performances, concerts, art exhibitions, film showings, and dances, many of which are free to the public. Watch a play in a setting of ancient ruins, or enjoy an evening jazz concert in an illuminated plaza.

Visit an old crypt decorated with bones

For the more adventurous, the crypt of the Capuchin friars at the ConventodeiFratiCappuccinioffers a strange and chilling sight: since 1631, the bones of 4,000 deceased friars adorn the walls and ceiling. Visit the crypt of skulls, the crypt of pelvises, and the crypt of leg bones, all elaborately decorated with the bones of their respective names — creepy to believe, but true.

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Argentina

Argentina has an abundance of breathtaking scenery, particularly the northern highlands, which have some great roads and scenic towns and villages all within a relatively short distance of one another. South of the city of Salta, along Ruta 68, are the imposing Quebrada de Cafayate, a fabulous range of red mountains and rock formations. The scenery shifts again as you enter Argentina’s wine-growing region and then visit the remote, pre-Inca ruins of Quilmes. This road trip is best tackled in an all-terrain vehicle that can comfortably handle the country’s many gravelled, unfinished roads.

Bolivia

At the heart of the continent lies Bolivia, a country that borders five other South American nations and offers one of the world’s most notorious road trips, known as ‘Death Road’. The 35-mile stretch between La Paz and Coroico quickly ascends into dense rainforest and has some extreme drop-offs and precarious single-lane roads that can be made even more hazardous by rain and fog. Although a truly awesome road it should be treated with extreme caution as it is estimated that between 200 and 300 travellers are killed each year on this road.

Brazil

If mountain roads, deadly or otherwise, aren’t your thing, it may be worth considering a trip along some of Brazil’s magnificent coastal roads. There is almost 1,400 miles of coastline between Sao Luis to Rio de Janeiro, much of it littered with small, secluded beaches as well as all of the other natural and cultural highlights the country has to offer. Anyone wanting to take this road trip needs to consider that there is a lot of driving to do with some huge distances between towns, so top up with gas at every opportunity.

Chile

The altiplano area of northern Chile highlights all of the natural wonders this country has to offer, from snow-capped volcanoes to desert mountains via pre-Inca ruins and adobe villages built into cliff sides – you get the lot. This trip will take you across some rugged roads so it is best that you hire a vehicle with 4-wheel drive and be sure to stock up on fuel as petrol stations are few and far between.

Colombia

Colombia has coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea and its flat coastal lowlands and tropical climate make it perfect for a coastal road trip. Alternatively, you can travel further inland and experience the spectacular countryside of the central highlands and Andes Mountains. One word of warning about Colombia, however. It appears to be home to the world’s worst and least considerate drivers and is definitely not one for the inexperienced driver.

1. Replace the casual ‘hello’ and expect to be greeted with a ‘G’day Mate’/’How ya doing mate’/ ‘You right mate?’ …. You will soon become everyone’s ‘mate’ and everyone will be your ‘mate’.

2. ‘Chavs’ are known as ‘Bogons’ on this side of the world

3. When asking the local guy where the nearest ‘alcohol shop is’ expect to be corrected and directed to the local ‘Bottle O’/ ‘Bottle Shop’.

4. Making out with the hot guy/girl in the club is referred to as ‘pashing’

5. ‘Last night was so much fun’ becomes ‘last night was heaps of fun and totally awesome guys’

6. You will no longer be ordering an ‘orange juice’ at the bar/restaurant but an ‘OJ’ (that’s obv an OJ… with vodka unless it’s before midday of course

7. ‘Plans for “this afternoon” will be abbreviated to ‘what’s the plan “this arvo” guys’

8. The hot guy/girl at the beach/in the club has got ‘spunk’ … and when you want the annoying guy/girl in the club to get lost tell them to ‘rack off’.

9. You will find yourself asking for the local ‘hotel’ and not ‘pub’ when wanting to have a beer (I find this most bizarre, I thought hotels accommodated guests for sleeping!!)

10. Grab your “thongs and sunnies” – Put on your “flip flops and sunglasses it’s time to catch some waves”

11. ”After having a ‘barbie on the beach’ you’ll be feeling “chocka” (aka full-up)

12. When you turn up late and there are no seats left on the Oz Party Bus, it no longer ‘sucks’ but ‘shivers’

13. You’ll be paying with X amount of ‘bucks’ to stay in the hostel, not ‘dollars’

14. When you get to your hostel and your bed hasn’t been made you will need to go to reception and ask for a “doona” … not “duvet”.

15. Need the ‘toilet’…. You now need the “dunny”

16. When you’re daydreaming watching the world go by down by the Harbour you are “away with the pixies”.

17. If you are from England don’t be surprised when the hostel staff/bar tender/shop assistant/random on the bus overhearing you speak, gets excited and says ‘oh wow you’re a pom/pommie/pommy

18. All ‘biscuits’ are known as ‘cookies’ in the land down under… even if they don’t have choc chip pieces in them they are still called ‘cookies’ over here!

19. You will start calling ‘sweets’, ‘lollies’ these include all sweets and not just lollies on a stick aka ‘Chupa Chups’ as we know them back home etc.

20. When all your ‘vests/strap tops’ are dirty/have holes in them you will be re-buying some more in the name of ‘singlets’.

21. When it’s time to up and leave one hostel and move on to the next, it’s time to grab your ‘kit’… not your ‘backpack’!

Written by GYE contributor Hayley Woolf.