Uncover the Hidden Gems of Vientiane

A Guide to the Lesser-Known Attractions Embark on a journey to the enchanting city of Vientiane, where hidden treasures lie in wait, yearning to be discovered. Away from the well-worn tourist paths, this guide will unveil the secret allure of lesser-known attractions, revealing a side of Vientiane that few have had the pleasure of experiencing. … Read more

Best Restaurants in Adelaide SA- Australia

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, is known for its vibrant culinary scene, which offers a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a good meal, Adelaide has plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best … Read more

Accounts and Observations of First Week in Mexico

This article is from the Travelodium archive and was first published in 2010 I had been staying at a place called ‘Mexico City Hostel’ on the street Republica de Brazil just north-west of the Zocalo (main square in downtown Mexico). The Hostel offered a few different combinations in the way of sleeping arrangements. The cheapest … Read more

Walking the Great Wall of China

This article is from the Travelodium archive and was first published in 2010. As the mist dispersed and the snaking, seemingly endless form of the wall appeared I could almost see the Mongol hordes charging over the hills. And it wasn’t just the eerie weather that was making for such an atmospheric Great Wall experience … Read more

Teaching English in Rural Korea

Editor: From the Travelodium Archive this article was first published in 2009. When we told our friends about our adopted hometown, they were horrified. “There’s no cinema! No nightclubs! Not even a museum! What on earth do you do for entertainment?” They were living in Seoul, possibly one of the world’s most hectic capitals. We … Read more

Pyongyang – More Grey than Green

Editor: From the Travelodium Archive this article was first published in 2009. It’s Sunday in Pyongyang – the day of 10,000 steps, when each citizen shuns wheels and takes to the streets on foot. The official line is that this is an eco-friendly initiative designed to help save petrol. The pessimistic (or perhaps realistic) view … Read more

Hotels in Sheffield – United Kingdom

Here is a short guide to the more popular hotels, bed and breakfast and backpacker accommodation in Sheffield. This certainly isn’t an extensive list but appears to be the most popular accommodation in the city. I have tried to include mainly hotels that are close to the centre of the city which enables you to … Read more

Easy way to make 1000 Velocity Points

Plenty of people have got some extra time on their hands at the moment so why not make some quick Velocity Points. As for whether Virgin will be around to use them might be another story. The way you can make these 1000 points is by signing up with e-Rewards and then completing one of … Read more

How to use Public Transport in Adelaide

The public transport system in Adelaide is divided into 3 parts. Buying Tickets on Adelaide Buses, Trams and Train system The Adelaide Metro is the public transport system that operates in and around the city of Adelaide, South Australia. It includes buses, trains, and trams, and provides a convenient and affordable way for residents and … Read more

Tourist Invitation Letter for Russia

Back in the 80’s and 90’s travelling to the Soviet Union was an arduous process. Back then you needed to have an itinerary prepared in advance vetted by Intourist and each place you stayed need to be pre-booked and when you arrived you checked in to the hotel and the hotel checked you in with … Read more

Travelodium Partners

Travelodium thanks the following companies that partner us. Some of our partnerships are affiliate relationships and others are advertising and without this income Travelodium could not exist and I thank them for the opportunity. Thanks to all readers of our magazine and I hope you support the following companies. I only partner with companies that … Read more

Rendezvous Hotel -Singapore

Rendezvous Hotel -Singapore

The Rendezvous Hotel is a luxurious and historic hotel located in the heart of Singapore’s Arts and Heritage District. With its elegant decor, exceptional service, and prime location, the Rendezvous Hotel is a favorite among business and leisure travelers alike. The Rendezvous Hotel is located in the centre of Singapore just off the eastern end … Read more

Picking Apples in Australia

Picking Apples in Australia is another big crop where you can  get work picking fruit. You are required to have a working visa to be able to pick fruit in Australia. Historically, Tasmania is the biggest apple growing state so much so its named the Apple Isle. Despite this apples are grown in all states … Read more

Grape Picking in Australia

Vineyards near Mengler Hill

Grape Picking in Australia is a big business and wine is one of the biggest agricultural products in the country. You need to have a working visa to pick grapes in Australia. There are many different regions that produce wine and at harvest they need a large casual workforce to pick the harvest. When the … Read more

Best Railway Website on the Internet

Today I’d like to give you a bit of information about what I think is the best railway website on the internet. The Man in Seat 61 covers the entire world of railways. I personally found this website very useful when I travelled through Vietnam by railway a few years back. The website gives a … Read more

Great Facebook Pages for Backpackers in Australia

Hey There, Got a few excellent Facebook Groups for backpackers in Australia. Generally on these groups there are discussions about where to find fruit picking work or work in general. Where to go partying and looking for hookups, sharing rides and selling stuff for those going home. There is also plenty of discussion. The groups … Read more

Discount Sightseeing in UK

After getting some really good feedback about my recent post Rail discounts in UK I thought I’d also mention another great way to save some money while travelling through the UK. English Heritage Membership gets you unlimited access to over 400 historical properties and places through the UK. This includes 84 Religious Sights/Churches 66 x … Read more

Rail Discounts in the United Kingdom

Tower Bridge London

Rail Discounts in the UK and Europe Hi There Aussie Backpackers in London  – I remember backpacking in London they were some of the best and worst days of my life. As much as it’s a great thing and a great place to live London is fucking expensive. I’ve found a couple rail discounts in … Read more

A day in Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park lies about a 2 hour drive south east of Darwin. The park is about the size of Slovenia but during the wet season (when I was there) access to the park is restricted due to flooding. The park contains a large amount of Aboriginal Rock Art and a habitat for a large … Read more

Top 10 Countries to visit in 2018

Travelling these days is a past time fraught with difficulties war, terrorist attacks and highly volatile financial situation makes you wonder, Why bother? But over the past few decades there has always been wars in Iraq, Central America, South America not to mention Russia imploding in the 90’s. But in amongst the doom and gloom … Read more

Lake Cullulleraine great place for camping or caravan stop

If you are travelling from Adelaide to Sydney and are camping or caravanning and you don’t want to stop in Mildura, then a great option is Lake Cullulleraine.

Lake Cullulleraine is about 50km on the Renmark side of Mildura. It’s quite a small town but the caravan park is located right on Lake Cullulleraine and has a nice grass verge to the lake.

There are quite a lot of local bird life and is a really nice setting for camping or caravanning. Nearby is a conservation park and there are dirt roads that lead to Lock 9 on the River Murray. There are walking trails around the lake which would be a 10km walk so would take a good amount of time and would not really recommend it in the middle of summer because it gets real hot.

Historic Pub Crawl in London

The Star Tavern Belgravia London

In this post I’m going to give you some details about how to do a fantastic pub crawl through London. You’ll need to do this London pub crawl in the day because some of the pubs in the city will close early. Also you’ll need a Zone 1 tube pass as you’ll need to travel … Read more

Save money sightseeing in Paris

Eiffel Tower

Visiting Paris soon? One way that travellers can save money is by pre-purchasing a Paris Pass. The Paris Pass is a sightseeing card which gives holders FREE ENTRY to over 60 sights and tourist attractions in Paris. Customers simply pay the once off price for the Paris Pass of their choice (there are three durations … Read more

Great way to save money in London

Visiting London soon? One way that travellers can save money is by pre-purchasing a London Pass.

The London Pass is a sightseeing card which gives holders FREE ENTRY to over 60 sights and tourist attractions in London.

You pay a one off cost for the pass and then you are able to visit as many of the included tourist sites in the period that your pass is valid for.

Some of the most popular attractions which can be visited free with the London Pass are the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, London Zoo – to name but a few.

The London Pass is an ideal addition to a family holiday, romantic weekend or group trip – in fact, anyone who is travelling to London can enjoy and benefit from the pass.

Homestay in Hoi An – Orchid Garden Homestay

Entrance Orchid Garden Homestay

I spent yesterday afternoon as guests of a Hoi An Homestay – Orchid Garden Homestay.

Orchid Garden Homestay is located on Cua Dai Road halfway between Hoi An Old Town and Cua Dai Beach. The homestay is a collection of 11 bungalows so it probably better classed as a boutique hotel or self contained units than a homestay. Of these bungalows 5 of them have a self contained kitchen if you wish to cook your own food.

iVisa.com

The bungalows have cable TV in a lounge room with Vietnamese style lounge chairs.

Some of the bedrooms can be set up as either a double or twin beds but you should ask about this when you book.

Some of the bungalows have 2 showers one indoor and one outdoor and this is one of the bungalows individual charm each bungalow is different from the other.

There is a nice swimming pool in the homestay which would be very welcome in the summer because Hoi An gets hot. One thing I loved about the homestay was the food. Breakfast is included in he room rate and you can have a Vietnamese breakfast or Continental European.

Looking to go to the beach? You can use the homestay’s bike and ride to the beach or in the other to the Old Town. If you need some information the receptionists speak excellent English.

Rates at Orchid Garden Homestay range from US$40-70 per night.

Settling into life in Hoi An

Lanterns in a shop in Hoi An

After the mayhem of travelling getting on and off planes making sure you were in the right place at the right time with your passport in hand, the last few days has been a welcome change of pace. Coupled with attempting to overcome my injuries incurred moving furniture a week ago I’m now a little … Read more

Eating Cheap in Singapore

This is a small guide to help the first time visitor to eating cheap in Singapore. If you are a backpacker or travelling on a tight budget where you eat can make a huge difference to how much you spend as a traveller. This is particularly true in Singapore. If you eat in the tourist … Read more