Nikki Scott Backpacks Across Southeast Asia and Builds a Backpacking Empire
"Usted no puede no hacerlo; lo peor es sentarse y lamentando que no lo has hecho. Esta es una de las más sabias palabras me he encontrado con alguien que tiene todo el derecho a la realidad pronunciar estas palabras. Su nombre es Nikki Scott y fue un placer absoluto para le entrevista y fue capaz de saber mucho acerca de este diseñador de estilo de vida muy interesante, sus aventuras de viajes y la revista de mochileros que fundó para ayudar a otros mochileros como ella.
La forma, Nikki totalmente giró su vida y creó el estilo de vida diseño de su elección podría inspirar, más allá de toda duda, quienes han estado especulando sobre cómo cambiar su modo de vida en algo de su propio diseño. Es natural sentir miedo cuando se piensa en abandonar las comodidades de su hogar y venturing en lugares que es completamente diferente a lo que estás acostumbrado a. Esta es una de las razones por qué la gente parada en sus pistas y no perseguir sus sueños de viajar.
Para iniciar cosas, Nikki me dio algunos detalles de su vida después de que se graduó en la Universidad. Ella ha estado interesada en la creatividad de las cosas en los negocios lo consiguió un trabajo en una agencia de publicidad en Manchester como un ejecutivo de cuentas. Desde el primer día, ella fue superada por un entorno competivo, grandes responsabilidades y ella tuvieron que trabajar realmente largas horas para obtener todo lo que hace. Permaneció en ese trabajo por 2 años hasta que ese sentimiento de malestar de no poder hacer las cosas que realmente quería simplemente no puede ser ignorado ya. Siempre ha sido amante del aire libre y viajes, así que ella decidió tomar un "año sabático", renunció a su trabajo, vendió su automóvil y compró su billete de vuelta al mundo.
Fue la primera vez de Nikki viajar derecho en todo el continente en su propio. El primer lugar a que ella había reservado su vuelo fue en Katmandú, Nepal. Ella eligió este lugar porque ella era un excursionista de corazón y ella siempre soñaba con ir a las montañas del Himalaya. Pero el momento que ella bajó de plano, ella sabía que ella recibiría un choque cultural y hizo definitivamente.
Todo a su alrededor era diferente pero finalmente ella consiguió colgar de ella y bastante un montón de amigos de su montaña de 2 semanas trek en el Himalaya. Después de Nepal, ella se aventuró a Tailandia, Laos, Vietnam, Camboya e Indonesia, conoció a más amigos y tenía el tiempo de su vida. Nikki conoció a todo tipo de mochileros como ella de todo el mundo y desde sus 20s hasta los años 70. Esto hizo pensar en crear una revista para mochileros. La revista pretende unir a todos los viajeros y ayudarles a descubrir los mejores lugares para un mochilero a explorar. Ahora Nikki está viviendo su sueño de ser un mochilero al crear un ingreso de haciendo lo que amaba.
Nikki Scott ahora vive en Ko Pha Ngan, un relajado la isla en el sur de Tailandia con un montón de hermosas playas y es la vida que quería toda su vida. Ella nunca esperaba, a pesar de ser una persona al aire libre que ella llegaría a amar el sudeste asiático y decidió quedarse. Si ella no hubiera luchado el temor de dejar todas sus comodidades detrás y todas las cosas negativas se escribe de lo que podría suceder en algunas guías de viaje, entonces ella no hubiera probado el puro placer de lo que tiene ahora.
Robert Murgatroyd es el dueño de la vida de Jet Set y es un experto en diseño de estilo de vida. Para obtener más información acerca de cómo se puede crear el estilo de vida le diseño después de http://jetsetlife.tv/muses/Jet_Set_Money/jetsetmoney.php y escuchar confesiones de diseño de estilo de vida Podcast de Rob
How to Budget Southeast Asia Travel? Be a Pro at It!
Budget Southeast Asia Travel
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent with diverse cultures and fascinating people. This article will be concentrating more on the Southeast Asia region as it provides terrific value for budget travelers and you can travel from country to country overland effortlessly. You can travel easily through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma/Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia by land or with budget airlines.
Do plenty of research as it will save you money, time and frustration. Plan your day and how you are going to your destinations. Unnecessary transportation costs because of poor planning and indecision can really add up, so plan a logical route for your day and how you're going to get from place to place. Look at budget travel guides like "Lonely Planet" or "Let's Go" or "Trip Advisor". These guides will give you useful information to specific countries while you embark on your Asian Adventure and soak up the culture!
Transportation
Bundled flights, all Asia air pass or even budget/low-cost Asian airlines can significantly reduce the cost of your airfare. If time permits, using trains or buses for long trips between cities is another cheap alternative and you would be able to sight-see while you en route to your next destination. Cathay Pacific Airways has one of the most popular air passes from the United States. Prices start at $999 for Hong Kong and two other Asian destinations (flies to 18 Asian destinations), and you have 21 days to use it. You can add cities and time for an additional cost.
Accommodation
For the adventure seekers, you can just book the first night's accommodation in advance and then look for a cheap place to stay locally, and look around upon arrival for the cheapest accommodation. Backpackers should consider staying in hostels as you would get to meet other backpackers, share experiences and exchange information on places to stay and must see attractions.
Accommodation in Asia can be very cheap. There are beach huts in India for less than US$3 a night, and in many Southeast Asian countries US$10 is more than enough for a decent double room. You can also consider staying on the outskirts of a city or even in a nearby town or village. Rates are far cheaper and it allows you to immerse yourself more deeply into the culture.
Food
Forget about fine dining when you are traveling. Nothing will drain your budget faster than a few ritzy restaurants. The best food in Asia is found on the street. Look where the locals eat. In Asia, most food is fresh and not preserved. They are very cheap and can be just as good as restaurant food. Most are clean, but be careful with any meat you eat. Watch the locals. If what they are eating looks good, give it a try. It doesn't matter if you don't speak the language. Just point and smile. They will be happy to feed you. Southeast Asian street food is not just affordable but also delicious.
Also, leave your diet at home. You didn't come to Asia to eat healthy. Enjoy the delights of Asian cooking. If the food doesn't look safe, opt for fast food.
Lastly, two more tips that would really give you the extra mile on your adventure. Bargaining and theft prevention! Bargaining is a must and customary in most Asian countries. Start low because tourists are always quoted a higher price than locals. Theft prevention is often overlooked, but very necessary precaution. Money belts, locks and a watchful eye can prevent a theft that could put a major dent in your travel funds. Places like Japan and Singapore generally have very little petty theft, but in poorer countries like those in Southeast Asia more caution is necessary.
In summary, I hope these tips are useful for your planning a Budget Southeast Asia Travel and be Pro at it!
Wishing you the best,
Ming Chua
Are you looking for more travel information or have suggestions? CLICK HERE
http://mingtraveldeals.com
List of the Most Popular Emerging Travel Destinations in Southeast Asia
Famous for its opulent temples, pristine beaches and rich cultures, Southeast Asia has long been one of the most popular travel destinations for the adventurous backpacker. From the bustling modern cities of Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to the sleepy oceanside villages of Ko Tao and northern Bali, Southeast Asia's immense diversity has the power to lure and impress even the most experienced traveler.
Well-trodden paths ply between the most prominent cities and cultural sites of Southeast Asia's big tourism hitters of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. But venture just beyond the headliners and you will encounter a Southeast Asia that is in many ways still waiting to be discovered. Emerging destinations in the more popular countries along with the less traversed Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar offer travelers a fascinating glimpse of the region with the added bonus of much smaller crowds. With less Western visitors in these areas travelers will encounter a Southeast Asia that is worlds away from Khao San Road; an experience within which you can more easily connect to the endearing and friendly locals who make any journey to Southeast Asia so unforgettable.
5 Emerging Destinations in Southeast Asia
Without further ado here is a list of five of the most popular emerging destinations in Southeast Asia in no particular order. These places are by no means completely off-the-beaten path or off-the-radar but rather are becoming increasingly admired among the backpacker and independent travel crowd. Naturally, this does not claim to be an exhaustive list. Southeast Asia as a tourism destination is continually evolving and with more investment into tourist infrastructure pouring in this list could conceivably be re-titled five years from now minus the word "emerging". Before making the decision to travel to any of these destinations, however, it is prudent to seek out up-to-date travel advice including required vaccinations, visa requirements and travel advisories.
Bagan, Myanmar
The temples of Siem Reap in Cambodia may have prestige and grandeur but perhaps no destination in Southeast Asia can compete with the sheer volume of spiritual dwellings in Bagan, Myanmar. With over 2,000 remaining temples gracing the area, Bagan continues to be one of the least known yet unmissable destinations in the region. Hidden southwest of the more recognizable Mandalay and considering the long journey from the former capital and largest city, Yangon, Bagan sees significantly fewer visitors than other temple complexes in Thailand or Cambodia, giving travelers an opportunity to revel in its beauty with relative calm. For one of the truly great experiences in Southeast Asia, perch yourself atop one of the ubiquitous empty temple-top terraces just before dusk to gaze upon the sunset reflecting brilliantly off of the temples' golden spires.
Traveling to Bagan (and Myanmar), however, is definitely not for the faint-hearted or time-pressed traveler, which may explain why it has not yet caught up with its potential. To enter the country visas are required for and must usually be applied for in advance. Distances between cities are also quite large with road conditions that often leave something to be desired. Traveling to/from Bagan is no exception with daily long-distance buses plying the roads to/from Mandalay (8 hours) and Yangon (14-15 hours) while trains trudge the same routes albeit significantly slower. Air travel is an option but keep in mind that safety standards in Myanmar may not be as robust as in Western countries.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers lies the crown jewel of Laos, the majestic town of Luang Prabang. Few cities are as timeless as the UNESCO World Heritage site Luang Prabang with its reminiscent French colonial architecture, grandiose Buddhist temples and traditional Laotian wooden houses jammed neatly into its endearing old quarter. In the shadow of Phu Si and its hillside temples, buzzing markets, ornate spiritual sites and restaurants serving up local and international specials capture the attention of all those passing through. Possessing an elusive charm, Luang Prabang has quickly become a favorite destination for independent travelers on the Southeast Asia circuit and continues to move up the travel ranks as it lures back old friends and deftly seduces new ones.
Road improvements have made bus travel in Laos significantly more comfortable and getting to Luang Prabang considerably easier. Buses to/from the capital Vientiane (9 to 11 hours) and adrenaline-fueled Vang Vieng (7 hours) leave regularly while boats can be chartered for the amazing trip to Nong Khiaw (7 hours) along the Nam Ou.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Home to a burgeoning backpacker culture of sorts, Yogyakarta, Java's geographic and cultural center, is rapidly evolving into one of the most popular travel destinations in Indonesia. Strategically located on the main line between Jakarta and Bali, Jogja, its moniker to locals and admiring travelers alike, has become an almost mandatory stopover for those trekking across Java. And with good reason. Jogja itself has a wealth of attractions including art galleries and museums showcasing Javanese culture and the famous kraton, a grandiloquent walled palace at the heart of the city, once home to the sultans. The traveler's enclave centered around Jalan Sosrowijayan is a surprisingly lively introduction to Indonesian, particularly Javanese, culture and hospitality, where it is not unusual to see hip, friendly locals mingling seamlessly with tourists in the area's streets, bars and restaurants.
Yogyakarta's biggest tourist drawcard, however, is the iconic Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, situated just 42km away. Constructed somewhere around 800 AD, the temples intricate panels and stupas are best seen under the gentle radiance of a sunrise when large tour groups have yet to arrive.
Transport to/from Jogja is fairly simple since the city is well connected to the rest of Java by buses, minibuses and trains. The journey to/from Jakarta is most comfortable and shortest by train (8 hours) while the long-haul to Denpasar in Bali (15 to 16 hours) via Mt. Bromo (9 to 10 hours) is most directly accomplished by bus/minibus.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Possessing a distinctive character that is all its own, the charming riverside town of Hoi An captivates visitors with its enticing blend of graceful architecture and a bucolic pace. At the heart of Hoi An sits the enduring Old Town, a veritable open-museum distinguished enough to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Partially because of this status, Hoi An is remarkably well-preserved and in walking the narrow alleyways it is not difficult to see why so many travelers are becoming increasingly enchanted by the town and its entrancing atmosphere.
Located on the main coastal highway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, although quite far from each, Hoi An has reliable bus connections to many cities in Vietnam. Buses to/from Hue (4 to 5 hours), Danang (about 1 hour) and Nha Trang (9 to 10 hours) are available. If you are short on time but still want to visit Hoi An, flying to/from Danang to HCMC or Hanoi is a possible option.
Pai, Thailand
Throw the spirit of Haight-Ashbury circa 1967 into a misty valley in the foothills of northern Thailand and something resembling Pai may just materialize. An increasingly popular backpacker hotspot, laid-back and uber-cool Pai is one of Thailand's fastest growing tourist destinations. Unlike the other places on this list, Pai has seemingly little in the way of sights; but what Pai lacks in landmarks it more than makes up for in atmosphere and location. Once a mere stopover for those heading north of Chiang Mai, travelers now venture to Pai for its fantastic trekking, rafting, elephant riding and spa relaxation options.
Located in northern Thailand, Pai is accessible by bus from Chiang Mai (4 hours), the second most popular international gateway to the country, and Mae Hong Son (4 hours), a major hill-tribe trekking center.
Other Emerging Destinations
With so much to discover in Southeast Asia, choosing only five emerging destinations can hardly do justice to such a diverse and exceedingly engrossing region. Here are some other destinations to keep on radar that deserve an honorable mention:
Kalaw (Myanmar)
Palawan (Philippines)
Kinabalu National Park (Malaysia)
Ko Tao (Thailand)
Battambang (Cambodia)
If you have information you would like to share with other travelers or are looking for more information on the region, please check out and contribute to the open source Southeast Asia Travel Guide at Treksplorer.com.
Ryan O'Rourke is an editor at http://www.treksplorer.com, a travel website providing interactive, open source travel guides, destination information and trip planning resources to connect independent travelers from around the world. Always searching for the next great travel experience, some of Ryan's favorite world travel destinations include the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Balkans.
When Ryan is not traversing the world or basking in the tender glow of his laptop screen, he enjoys shredding a solo or two on his guitar, reveling in the outdoors and getting intellectual stimulation from philosophy, history and political science books.