Backpacking has become a holiday choice for many people, not just for those who want to travel cheaply. Carrying your things on your back and travelling from place to place is an exciting way to see a country and many people feel it is the only way to really get a feel for a place. Many women are also opting for backpacking holidays, either in small groups or alone. As when planning for any kind of holidays, there are certain things to take into consideration.

General Guidelines
One of the first things to do is plan your round the world trip. This doesn’t have to be a hard-and fast-plan but more a general itinerary. Deciding where you are going beforehand will give you time to sort out any required visas or other paperwork. In addition, doing a bit of research will help you avoid any particular dangers.

Of course, you don’t want to be tied to an itinerary. When you meet people on the road you might hear of some great place to visit, so be prepared to be flexible. Wherever you choose to go, make sure that someone knows where you are heading to just in case of difficulties.

When backpacking, it can be tempting to carry too much stuff. Remember that you may well need to carry your rucksack for some time, so travel light. Essentials are your paperwork, a first-aid kit, some comfortable shoes, a guidebook, waterproof clothes and something warm. But don’t forget that you will be able to buy things in most places you will be visiting. Find out what the weather is likely to be in your destination and pack accordingly.

Many reputable guidebooks give fairly comprehensive lists of packing suggestions which may be of some help. You might want to check certain things. How easy will it be to get feminine hygiene products for example? Again, research can guide your packing.

Security is always important when travelling and travelling light will be an aid to keeping you safe. Women travelling alone can be seen as ‘soft’ targets for thieves, so take care. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Some backpackers advise you to make your rucksack look ‘well travelled’. A brand new rucksack is a surefire sign that you are a novice backpacker, making you more attractive to thieves.

Think about whether you really need to take a laptop or iPad. Hide large amounts of cash on your person – in your bra or in your socks, for example. Money belts can be useful too. Take several copies of your passport and leave one with a friend at home in case you need to get your details. Many hotels and hostels have safety deposit boxes, so leave your valuables there rather than carry them with you.

When you travel abroad, it should be no more dangerous than being at home but you need to be sensible and take note of local warnings.

Common backpacking destinations usually have a backpackers’ favorite area. Use the facilities there. These areas, in any country, tend to have low-cost accommodation, internet cafes, cheap eateries and travel agencies which can arrange plane, train and bus tickets, visits to local sites or tours of the city you are staying in.

Staying in a backpackers’ area will give you access to information about travel destinations, which can be a real help. When women travel, people at home tend to worry, so using the internet cafes can be helpful for reassuring those at home that all is well.

Wherever you are going, it is important to be properly insured. Travel insurance is essential and is well worth the money, as it will cover you if you have an accident or have something stolen.

Guidelines for Women
Depending on where they travel, women may have to consider a few more things. Primarily, this revolves around cultural issues, so research is probably the best way to avoid problems.

Backpacking is ideal for going with the flow and doing what you want. It is a good idea, however, to book somewhere to stay before you get there. Women are often seen as easy targets for thefts or scams, but having somewhere to aim for when you arrive in a new place can help reduce the risk. We are often at our most vulnerable when arriving in a new place after a long journey. We may be disorientated, confused about the money or just plain tired. But having a hotel to go to makes life easier. You don’t have to stay there forever, but for one night it can be a great idea.

Always remember that whatever might be the norm at home may not be the case abroad. For example, if you are travelling in a Muslim country, shorts and a crop top would not be considered appropriate clothing. Find out about the country you are planning to visit and take or be prepared to buy suitable clothes. This will not only make the women in that country more comfortable but will help avoid unwanted male attention.

Women travelling without a man are, in many countries, a rare sight. In some cultures, this is seen as a sign of sexual availability. Wearing the right clothes will help alleviate some of the problems but there are some things that you can do to further ensure your safety. One thing to do is avoid excessive eye contact. Ask local women what the norms are and try to stick to them. When travelling around, use reputable taxi or bus companies. Asking locals can be useful. Don’t hitchhike under any circumstances.

One way to avoid excessive male attention is to wear a wedding ring, even if you are not married. Being married in many cultures denotes that you are spoken for and discourages men from approaching you. This simple idea can make travelling much easier.

Being sensible is the key, so avoid doing things that might put you in danger. You probably wouldn’t walk alone at night at home, so don’t do it on holiday. Find people to walk with you or get a taxi. Don’t go to places that local women avoid – bars which are exclusively male, for example.

Backpacking should be an amazing, exhilarating experience. Make sure before you go to find out what you need to take, what cultural differences you need to be aware of and what places you should visit. Listen to other travelers, listen to local advice and use your common sense. Above all, enjoy your trip.

This is a guest post by Travelsupermarket.com

Movies can take us places.  It’s true that great acting can make or break a film, but another key role is location.  The Beach, staring Leonardo DiCaprio is a great example.  The Phi Phi islands in southern Thailand are absolutely stunning and seeing them on the big screen not only made me want to go, but also enhanced my dream of visiting other remote locales around the world.  What makes a great Travel Film? One with adventure, exploration, self discovery?  There are many out there but here are some of my personal favorites. Feel free to add some of yours below.

If you’re a golfer, you won’t have a difficult time finding a nice place to play in Northeast Florida. The courses around Jacksonville and neighboring St. Augustine are both beautiful and well maintained. Not to mention the superb Florida weather makes for perfect playing conditions.

Some featured courses in and around the Jacksonville area include Eagle Landing, Bent Creek, Amelia River, Cimarrone and the World Golf Village.

Course information provided by Golfnow.

Eagle Landing

The 7,037-yard, Clyde Johnston design weaves through the Florida landscape and takes on a vintage feel as he incorporates several of the classic design holes from around the world into the par-72 layout. The Eagle Landing course offers six sets of tees, from championship to youth tees, allowing the course to play as easy or as difficult as desired.

Eagle Landing also offers a magnificent golf clubhouse with sports bar, fully-stocked pro shop, his and her locker rooms, and an elegant restaurant overlooking sparkling water and lush fairways.

Bent Creek

Golfers have long enjoyed playing Bent Creek Golf Course, the City of Jacksonville’s premier public golf course. Since Bent Creek’s opening in 1989, the 6,620-yard, par-71 course has provided a fun and challenging golf experience for residents of Northeast Florida and visitors alike.

Crafted by renowned architect Bobby Weed with consulting services by Mark McCumber, Bent Creek’s meandering terrain takes golfers through a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, towering pines, and alongside creeks and swales. The championship layout boasts Bermuda grass greens, plush fairways and a state-of-the-art lighted practice facility – home of the Bent Creek Golf Academy.

Professionally managed by Billy Casper Golf, Bent Creek offers you an outstanding golf experience for a great price.

Amelia River

Amelia River Golf Club is renowned as one of the best-conditioned courses in the area with incredibly smooth Tif-Eagle greens, sculpted around a forest of majestic live oaks, sabal palms, pines and wax myrtles. This par 72 track, designed by Tom Jackson, which plays to a yardage of 6,823 from the back tees, is always in pristine shape with well-manicured rolling fairways, smooth bunkers and greens that challenge all skill levels. This course is unique in character and is a treat to play.

Cimarrone

Players of all abilities will enjoy Cimarrone`s par 72, 6891 yard championship layout. Designed by renowned architect, David Postlethwait, Cimarrone`s manicured course conditions and challenging design provides a fun, player-friendly experience for players of all abilities.

Beginners will enjoy Cimarrone`s well-defined fairways and magnificent greens. Advanced players will appreciate numerous risk-reward opportunities provided by strategically placed bunkers and a water or marsh feature on every hole.

World Golf Village

Today, I decided to go to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Have you heard of this wondrous place? Do you know anything about it? Largely bordered by India on the west, east and south, the northern part of the country touches the People’s Republic of China. The subtropical plains of the south give way to the Himalayan sub-alpine peaks of the north, some of which reach almost 23,000 feet above sea level.

It’s an ancient culture whose predominant religion, Vajrayana Buddhism, is evidenced by the many temples that stand as silent testimony to the faith. My journey began in the southern lowlands where I came almost face-to-face with the big cats – the Bengal tiger and clouded leopard. Then I moved on to the center of the country where I found fruit trees, red pandas, sambars (deer) and barking deer. I could almost reach out and touch them. The succulent fruit beckoned me.

When I reached the northern parts of Bhutan, I knew I had found heaven on earth. Nestled amid the magnificent peaks were snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, antelope, Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, and marmots. Temples were precariously balanced on precipices, and it was impossible to believe they had been there for many centuries.

I turned to the north and was enthralled by the great mountains that surrounded me. The sharpness of the great peaks as they reached toward the heavens made me feel as if they were reaching out to God. The beauty of the snow that covered the highest places was crisp and clean and sparkled like diamonds. The blue deer bounded from rock to rock. They were difficult to see at first, but once I caught sight of them, they were easier to follow.

Gangkhar Puensum is thought, by many, to be the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. I looked at her majesty and imagined what it would be like to be the first person to conquer the summit. This is one of the places where snow is always present and pristine. With no human presence to tarnish the landscape, only the markings of the animals of the wild dot the terrain. I shared this breathtaking secret place with the spirits that dwelt there.

I would love to travel to these places myself but, for now, I must content myself with meandering through travel sites and sharing the travels of those who wander the earth in search of adventure, excitement, knowledge and understanding.

When these travelers photograph their trips, I get to accompany them. I am able to experience the beauty of the places they visit, and I am grateful for the magical photographs that let me keep them company. I cannot leave this place I call home, so I have to be satisfied to wander with others and see the world through their eyes. I want to take this opportunity to thank them, each and every one, for their generosity.

Andrea Baxter writes for SurfWear and lives and works in central Florida. She loves to hang around travel sites and dreams of the day when she can see the earth’s wonders herself.

When most people think of China, they probably imagine crowds of people, stuffed subways and endless traffic. But what they may not think about is the vast size of the country. Covering 3.7 million square miles of land, China is one of the largest countries in the world and includes more than 20 percent of the planet’s population.

With all that land, China has a huge variety of landscape and it’s not hard to find many remote spots not frequently populated by tourists. China’s beautiful scenery and ancient culture make it a huge attraction for nature lovers and hiking has become more and more popular. Whether it be the mountains of Tibet or the easy walking tours of the big cities, China offers a wide variety of Hiking Routes no matter what your physical ability.

Some of China’s top hiking destinations include the Great Wall, the Yangtze River and Tibet.

- The Great Wall is perhaps the most popular sight to see in all of the China. Most visitors travel to the wall from Beijing, but anywhere along it’s length is worth seeing. It’s so vast, that you could spend all day just covering a tiny section. The wall itself along with the surrounding landscape make it an excellent place for hiking.

- Hiking along the Yangtze River is another great choice, especially the trails throughout the Three River Gorges. It’s here where you’ll see stunning scenery above one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. The Three Gorges of Qutang, Wu and Xiling are all equally beautiful and offer superb photo opportunities.

- Tibet is known as the “Roof of the World” and being bordered by three of the highest mountain ranges – the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Kulun – it is a name that’s well deserved. Only recently has this area of isolation opened up to foreign visitors. There are endless opportunities for hiking here including the route of Tingri to Everest Base Camp which is often regarded as one of the world’s classic trails.

In addition to these popular destinations, the city tours of both Beijing and Shanghai are fun and informative.

When booking your flights to China, check out China Highlights for some great deals and expert travel advice to make your trip one that you’ll never forget.

Goa is the jewel of India’s tourism crown, a beautiful state full of history, culture and beaches which closely resemble paradise. While it’s appealing to spend your entire holiday in Goa lying on the beach, you’ll regret not discovering everything this beautiful area has to offer. Its colonial past and holiday popularity come together to offer a range of must-do activities and must-see attractions, including temples, stunning architecture, spas and sporting pursuits. Here are our top ten things to do in Goa.

1. The Temples of Ponda
The north Goan area of Ponda is not somewhere people automatically head to as it is set back from the coast. But you’d be wrong to discount it because of this. Ponda is home to a great many Hindu temples, many of which can be visited by tourists. But do check first as some have ceased to allow tourists to visit and for any that do accept visitors it is very important to dress in clothes which are not deemed offensive.

2. Dudhsagar Waterfall
This is one of India’s highest waterfalls and can be found in south Goa near Mollem. The best time to view the waterfall is during monsoon season from June to September and at this time the most convenient way to visit is by train. It is possible to reach in a hired Jeep, but don’t attempt this during monsoon season when the road is often closed.

3. Partying in Vagator

Unlike many places in India, Goa has a reputation for partying. As a liberal area and a long-term tourist destination it has many established bars and parties. For a truly Goan holiday experience, head to the Nine Bar at Vagator where trance music and Goan sunsets collide for an unforgettable experience every night during the tourist season.

4. Spas
Goa offers a number of well-known and lesser-known spas. Relaxation is what Goa is all about, so you can’t go home without giving yourself a treat at a Goan spa. One of the most highly recommended is Sereno Spa in Cansaulim, south Goa. Spa treatments in established spa centres are similarly priced to those at home, but much cheaper treatments and massages can be found elsewhere.

5. Yoga
Along with the relaxing spa experiences, Goa is also home to many Yoga centres and retreats. Many places offer drop-in classes for visitors, such as ABS yoga in Baga. Each morning they hold classes on the beach at 7.30-9.00, which is the perfect way to start the day in Goa. You can expect to pay around $11 for a class.

6. Old Goa
Old Goa is an absolute ‘must-see’ place. Located in the north of Goa, this once great town has a rich colonial past and although the old city is no longer complete, the remains have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the monuments are free to visit and open daily from sunrise to sunset.

7. Tomb of St. Francis Javier
Of the many monuments within Old Goa, the most important one to visit is the Tomb of St. Francis Xavier. St. Francis was a leading European missionary whose mummified body can be found here.

8. Arpora Night Bazaar
While most holiday makers head to Anjuna’s flea market, this night bazaar is both calmer and cooler. You’ll find an eclectic range of goods, crafts, foods, clothing and much more. There are even street performers such as dancers and fire eaters to entertain you as you shop. The Bazaar is held every Saturday night from 7.00pm and runs till dawn.

9. Diving
There are many activities available in Goa, from paragliding to kite surfing, but diving is one of the most rewarding. Diving can only be enjoyed outside of the monsoon season, but that is probably when you’ll be there, from October to May during the tourist season. The warm waters are bursting with marine life and there are even a few shipwrecks waiting to be explored.

10. Beaches
No top-ten list of things to do in Goa is complete without the beaches. It’s a given, of course, that you’ll want to spend a fair amount of time there and while you need to be careful to avoid the midday sun, the beaches can be as beautiful as anywhere you’ll find in the world. Open all day, every day, the best beaches are often said to be Palolem and Angonda.

Written by Tony from Travelsupermarket, where you can find cheap flights to India.

Working on an airplane, you’re exposed to a variety of people. You’ll find the happy, go with the flow passengers, the I hate to fly, can’t wait to get off of this plane passengers as well as everything in between. But, I would have to say that the two flights within the United States that you will probably find the happiest travelers are the flights flying into Las Vegas and Hawaii.

People going to these destinations are usually either on a long weekend break or vacation. Whether it be to party in Vegas or relax on a nice Hawaiian beach, everyone is excited and ready to arrive. The fun usually starts on the airplane when people start drinking and socializing. Families are reading their guidebooks and will usually break out their cameras to take pictures out the window and record some of the memories. Everyone is pleasant which makes for a very enjoyable trip.

However, there is a noticeable difference in the attitude of people returning home from these destinations.  I guess it’s no surprise, people have to go back to work and that’s never an exciting time. Passengers returning from Vegas are hung-over and upset at all the money they dropped in the casinos. There are websites out there that I find to have great casino guides that you could use in planning your trip. Meanwhile, passengers returning from Hawaii are sunburned and depressed that they are leaving 85 degree weather to return to 45 degree weather. It makes sense. Not only that, I’ve also noticed that couples are sometimes mad at each other and don’t speak. I guess this could be because they are not used to spending so much time together and are sick of one another. I remember one circumstance when a woman demanded on changing seats because she refused to sit next to her husband. I guess Jimmy Buffet was right, when he said that “Changes in Latitude, Bring Changes in Attitude.”

Crossing the United States by car is a great way to truly see the country. You miss so much by flying, and driving not only allows you experience the changes in scenery, but also the differences between people. Some make the trip for work or to relocate, while others do it simply for the adventure. No matter what your reason, driving cross-country is a journey that you’ll never forget and because it’s not exactly a quick trip, it will also give you a better appreciation for aviation technology.

This is a guest post by Travelsupermarket.com

Jetting off to a long-haul destination is an exciting prospect, or at least the prospect of arriving and enjoying your time away is. The flight itself, however, can be uncomfortable and boring, so it’s a good idea to think about coping strategies before embarking on your travels.

When it comes to booking your flight, spend some time looking at what level of comfort is available, as there are differences between the airlines. While the amount of legroom provided may be of little consequence for short haul flights, it is of much greater importance for long haul destinations.

Make sure to book a good seat if possible. Many airlines now give you the chance to select your seat in advance. Seats at the emergency exit rows are popular, although you may have to pay extra and aisle seats or window seats are also a popular choice.

It can make sense to avoid peak time flights. A quieter aircraft with fewer other passengers will give you more room and will result in higher standards of service.

If you can afford it, why not upgrade for one leg of your journey? It can make sense to do this if you will be travelling on a night flight, as you will have a better chance of sleep or, at the very least, have a greater level of comfort.

If you are intending to sleep on a night flight, then come prepared. Make sure that you are wearing loose fitting clothes and bring a good book to help you relax. You may even want to try a travel pillow, for extra comfort.

If you are flying on an early morning flight, most airports have hotels nearby where you can stay the night before. This can be a great way of eliminating worries about transport problems on the day and allows you to relax and start your travels early.

If possible, break up your journey. If your flight will be more than 12 hours, there will generally be a stop where you will have to disembark while the plane refuels, or you may even change planes. There is usually little or no difference in cost to break your journey and take in the sights of destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Miami or Hawaii.

Make sure to move around during the flight. This is especially important on long haul flights, as there is an increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is thought to be caused by underlying medical issues, immobility and dehydration. Many airlines give you guidance on simple exercises that you can do during your flight to minimize the risk.

Also make sure that you drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. This is important in reducing the risk of DVT but also helps to combat the dry air on board the aircraft, which can leave you feeling dehydrated. Drink water and use eye drops, nasal spray or lip balm in order to keep as comfortable as possible.

Relieve boredom by bringing some entertainment with you. The onboard entertainment is not available immediately and it can be some time before the movies come on. Bring newspapers, magazines, books, crosswords, or even your iPod to ensure that you have plenty to keep you occupied.

Many people believe that avoiding alcohol and caffeine during a flight can help combat jet lag. Help prepare yourself so that you increase your chances of sleeping by reading a book, blocking out noise with headphones or light with eyeshades.

Once at your destination, try to get as much sleep in a 24 hour period as you would normally, even if this means taking a nap each day until you adjust.

Whatever your reason for taking a long-haul flight, whether it is for business or pleasure, by taking a little time to think about how you will cope with the flight in advance, you will be able to make your journey as safe and pleasurable as possible.

About forty miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City lies the very elaborate Cu Chi Tunnels. It’s an underground community made up of a network of passageways used by the Vietcong during the Vietnam War. This place is simply amazing. It’s unbelievable how they used these to hide from and fight the Americans.

Still in very good condition, they would make a unique playground for little kids. However, during the late 1960’s they were anything but fun. American tunnel rats would make their way through these unexplored, narrow passageways with nothing more than their handgun and a flashlight.

Stretching 75 miles, this maze of tunnels was dug by the local people using only shovels. They built many levels, which included living spaces, hospitals, kitchens and clinics.

The tunnels were often rigged with explosive booby traps or punji stake pits and the Americans would flush the entrance with gas or water to try and force their enemy out into the open. However, the strategic use of trap doors and air filtration systems made this largely ineffective.

Now preserved by the government of Vietnam and turned into a war memorial park, you’re able to take tours through this historic battleground. Along the way you’ll see impact craters, now overgrown with brush that were the result of “carpet bombing” from B-52’s. There are also a number of ingenious booby traps on display and if you‘re really feeling warlike, a selection of machine guns to shoot. During the tour, they let you crawl through some of the tunnels which really gives you a feel of what it must have been like.

Most of my tour group wasn’t too excited about crawling through these small spaces, but me on the other hand, I couldn’t wait. So along with one other tourist, our guide took us inside. At first, we could bend over and walk, but then that turned into crawling. Once the tunnel opened up again, we took a few pictures and then continued on. At this point, the tunnel started branching off. Our guide took us left, then right, then down. We stopped to take a few more pictures and noticed that our guide was gone!! Oh Shit!! Now where do we go?? It was quite scary at first, but I knew he couldn’t be far. We continued on, making turns here and there until we could see some light. “We made it!!” Upon exciting, we found ourselves inside a small hut in the middle of the woods. Hearing our group yell our names in the distance, we walked back, above ground this time!! Apparently, our guide was very concerned and had been looking all over for us. With our clothes covered in dirt and sweat, it definitely added some adventure to the whole experience. I’m just glad we were lost then and not during the Vietnam War.

For a harrowing account of America’s “tunnel rats,” check out the book, “Cu Chi Tunnels” by Tom Mangold and John Penycate.