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Travel Guides These travel guides aim to give you the best and most up to date information on the major travel destinations around the world. Here you will find budget tips, money saving advice, tips on places to stay, things to see and do, and where to eat. It doesn’t matter what type of vacation you are going on – cruise, backpacking trip, island getaway, 2 week holiday, round the world trip, or a family vacation. These destination guides will give you all the information you need for your trip so you can travel better, longer, cheaper. I know how bad it is to get out dated information in print guidebooks. I’ve been the victim of it too many times. I update this section twice a year to keep the content fresh! Scroll down for: Countries & Regions • General Tips • City Guides Click on the country in the map below: Find by region (alphabetically): travel to the caribbean central america travel guides europe travel tips south east asia travel tips Find by country (alphabetically): Argentina to CanadaChile to FijiFinland to JamaicaJapan to PanamaPeru to SwedenSwitzerland to Vietnam argentina travel tips aruba travel tips australia travel tips bahamas travel tips belize travel tips belgium travel tips bermuda travel tips brazil travel tips virgin islands travel tips bulgaria travel tips cambodia travel tips canada travel tips « Previous Next » Argentinaargentina travel tips Arubaaruba travel tips Australiaaustralia travel tips Bahamasbahamas travel tips Belizebelize travel tips Belgiumbelgium travel tips Bermudabermuda travel tips Brazilbrazil travel tips British Virgin Islandsvirgin islands travel tips Bulgariabulgaria travel tips Cambodiacambodia travel tips Canadacanada travel tips chile travel tips china travel tips colombia travel tips cook islands travel tips costa rica travel tips curacao travel tips czech travel tips denmark travel tips ecuador travel tips el salvador travel tips england travel tips fiji travel tips finland travel tips france travel tips french polynesia travel tips guatemala travel tips germany travel tips greece travel tips honduras travel tips iceland travel tips indonesia travel tips ireland travel tips italy travel tips jamaica travel tips japan travel tips laos travel tips malaysia travel tips maldives travel tips malta travel tips mexico travel tips morocco travel tips new zealand travel tips netherlands travel tips nicaragua travel tips norway travel tips panama travel tips peru travel tips poland travel tips portugal travel tips romania travel tips saint john travel tips saint lucia travel tips scotland travel tips seychelles travel tips singapore travel tips south africa travel tips spain travel tips sweden travel tips switzerland travel tips thailand travel tips ukraine travel tips USA travel tips vanuatu travel tips vietnam travel tips General Travel Tips and Resources Travel is more than just getting up and going. It’s about being knowledgable so you can travel better, cheaper, and longer. So besides the destination guides above, below you will find links to articles I’ve written that deal with planning your trip and other general advice so your total vacation is as amazing as it can be. All the advice I give is what I do on my own travels. These articles are relevant to any trip – no matter how long it is! After all, we all have to fly to our destination – no matter how long we stay there! How to Find Cheap Flights How to Find Cheap Rooms Choose a Backpack 14 Key Preparation Tips A Guide to Data Security 17 Steps for Planning a Trip My Packing Tips 5 places under $30 USD 8 Budget Vacation Ideas How to Avoid Bank Fees Get a Cheap Cruise How to Use the Sharing Economy Pick a Good Tour Group Pick a Travel Credit Card Buying Travel Insurance 11 Tips for New Travelers 61 Tips for Savvy Travel The Grass is Never Greener My Budget City Guides Nomadic Matt's Guide Paris Nomadic Matt's Guide New York City Nomadic Matt's Guide to Amsterdam Nomadic Matt's Guide Bangkok Nomadic Matt's Guide Stockholm Nomadic Matt's Guide Hong Kong nomadic matt's guide to the virgin islands nomadic matt's guide to thailand Book Your Trip Now! Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible. Which countries or regions are you traveling to? What's your country of residence? Start date End date Enter Traveler's Age Get a Price Flight Search by momondo 31 Aug 2017 7 Sep 2017 1 Passenger Economy About About Matt Contact Privacy Policy Copyright Travel Tips Start Here Travel Blog Destination Guides Travel Forum Resources Suggested Companies Books & Guides Book Club Travel Insurance Media School Blogging Course Photography Course Travel Writing Course Travel Video Course Search Natural wonders: The ultimate list of scenic splendor Bija Knowles, CNN • Updated 17th August 2017 FacebookTwitterEmail (CNN) — Water, fire and ice have combined to make some of the most spectacular scenery in the world -- from giant crystal caves to mud volcanoes and rock formations that look like works of art. If your office and daily commute aren't a fitting reminder of the extraordinary natural diversity of planet earth, get some inspiration from these incredible scenes. 1. Pulpit Rock, Preikestolen, Norway If there are any preachers here, they'll be telling you to get back. If there are any preachers here, they'll be telling you to get back. With a 604-meter drop from a flat plateau down to Lysefjord with no safety railings, this is not a place for vertigo sufferers. Keep well back from the edge and you can still enjoy the fantastic scenery over Kjerag peak, which itself drops 984 meters. Preikestolen is south of Jorpeland. From the designated car park it's a 90-minute hike to the viewpoint. 2. Gran Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia The Gran Salar de Uyuni in southern Bolivia takes in more than 10 square kilometers of salt. It feels more like a desert than a lake. The flat, white landscape causes optical illusions and reflects colors. There's even a hotel made almost entirely of salt and an island where giant cacti grow in the middle of the salt lake. Gran Salar de Uyuni is 533 kilometers south of La Paz and 200 kilometers southwest of Potosi. 3. Ngorogoro Crater, Tanzania More than enough room to swing a very big cat. More than enough room to swing a very big cat. The Ngorogoro Crater is Africa's Eden. Created when a huge volcano exploded 2-3 million years ago, the 300 square kilometer caldera now offers the best chances of seeing Africa's wild animals. Lions, rhino, leopards, elephant and buffalo are the "big five" present among around 25,000 animals, and nearly every species present in East Africa, which call the area home. Besides that, the crater itself offers dramatic vistas, especially at sunrise. From Kilimanjaro International Airport you can fly or drive the 55 kilometers to Arusha, from where you can organize tours and accommodation inside and outside the crater. 4. Paria Canyon, Arizona, United States Not all great waves can be surfed. Not all great waves can be surfed. The Paria River in northern Arizona carved its own smaller version of the Grand Canyon. Some of the rock formations, including The Wave, are just as spectacular. Visitors need a permit from the Bureau of Land Management -- the permit for an overnight trek comes with a "human waste bag," so if you want to visit this natural wonder, you'll have to prepare to pack your waste. The Paria Contact Station is 69 kilometers east of Kanab. You can hire a guide through the Bureau of Land Management. 5. Volcanic eruptions at Stromboli, Italy A fireworks show millions of years in the making. A fireworks show millions of years in the making. Part of the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily, Stromboli is a small volcanic island with several hundred brave inhabitants. Unlike most volcanoes, Stromboli's is constantly spewing lava fountains, gas and ash. Fascinating for volcanologists, but also great for day-trippers who fancy seeing live lava action. For natural fireworks, take a boat trip around the island at night. Arrange boat tours from harbors on the north coast of Sicily (Messina, Cefalu, Palermo). 6. Mud volcanoes of Gobustan, Azerbaijan One of the few places you can bathe in a volcanic eruption. One of the few places you can bathe in a volcanic eruption. Mud lovers trek to Gobustan's strangely Martian landscape, 65 kilometers south of Azerbaijan's capital Baku, where thick gray mud regularly spews from small volcanoes. The mud is thought to have medicinal qualities, so don't be surprised if you see people stripping down and lathering themselves in the goo. Look out for the area's Roman inscriptions and the petroglyphic rock art. About 70 kilometers west of Baku. 7. Jeita Grotto, Nahr al-Kalb Valley, Lebanon Eighteen kilometers northeast of Beirut, Jeita Grotto is comprised of underground limestone caves were inhabited in prehistoric times and continue to attract human visitors with their vivid colors and stalactite formations. The biggest stalactite in the world is here. The caves consist of a network of chambers -- with an upper and a lower gallery -- stretching out for nine kilometers and accessible by an underground river. The nearest town is Juniyah, just a few kilometers away. Cave tours last two hours. 8. Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail, Wales You can almost hear the male choirs in the distance. You can almost hear the male choirs in the distance. This path twists 300 kilometers from St. Dogmaels to Amroth in southwest Wales. It's often wet and windy, but if you strike lucky on a sunny day this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Scented gorse and crimson heather brighten the way. Look for seals in the waters below. Paths are signposted -- join the path on the coast between St. Dogmaels and Amroth. Details on guided walks and activities can be found on the National Trails website -- including self-guided walks with baggage transfer. 9. Pangong Tso Lake, India-China Beautiful to look at. But swimming here is only for masochists. Beautiful to look at. But swimming here is only for masochists. This saltwater lake deep in the Himalayas at an altitude of 4,350 meters lies astride a disputed border area between India and China-governed Tibet. Don't let that put you off -- the rarefied air make the colors and clarity of the lake intense. Pangong Tso is reached by a mountain road from the Indian town of Leh, but you'll need to get a permit via a registered tour guide. Get to Leh by road from Jammu, or by plane from Delhi. At Leh arrange a permit and travel by road 4-5 hours to the lake. Permits and tour guides can be arranged through reputable travel agents such as Kuoni 10. Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord, Norway Not a Norwegian motor car. Not a Norwegian motor car. If you only have time to visit two fjords in your lifetime, make it the Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord in southwest Norway. These are among the world's longest and deepest fjords, with high vertical cliffs, deep waters and giddy waterfalls. Both are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Trips can be arranged from Bergen and Alesund. MORE: World's most popular natural wonders 11. South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States "Ooh Ah Point" awaits the adventurous. "Ooh Ah Point" awaits the adventurous. Most visitors view the canyon from South Rim viewing stations. Considering that it has taken the Colorado River the past 17 million years to carve this wonder out of rock, it seems only fair to take a closer look. Built by the National Park Service in 1924, the South Kaibab Trail takes you to the wonderfully named "Ooh Ah Point" and, for the adventurous, further into the canyon's depths. Plan carefully, heat stroke is no fun. In the northwest corner of Arizona, visitors usually head to South Rim Village (120 kilometers northwest of Flagstaff on route 180) or the North Rim Village. Free shuttle buses service the South Rim in summer months. Ranger-led day hikes and walks take place throughout the year. 12. Mount Roraima, Guyana/Brazil/Venezuela 1. Climb. 2. Catch breath. 3. Stand in awe. 1. Climb. 2. Catch breath. 3. Stand in awe. South America's answer to Uluru, this impressive sandstone plateau is surrounded on all sides by 400-meter cliffs, creating an isolated and unique ecosystem. If you want to follow in David Attenborough's footsteps (he's filmed several times here), organize a trek from the Venezuelan side. Hiking up Mount Roraima is best done from Venezuela. The Paratepui Route is the easiest for non-technical climbers and trips can be arranged from San Francisco de Yurani. 13. Verdon Gorge, Provence, France Up a creek without a paddle? Not so bad. Up a creek without a paddle? Not so bad. The gorgeous turquoise waters of the Verdon River flow through one of Europe's most beautiful gorges for 25 kilometers. Swim in the translucent waters of Lac de St. Croix and stare in awe at the 700-meter walls of the Verdon Gorge. If you've got a head for heights, it's a popular destination for rock-climbing. The Verdon Gorge is on the border of the departements of Var and the Alpes de Hautes Provence. 14. Jiuzhaigou National Park, Sichuan Province, China All the colors of nature in one park. All the colors of nature in one park. The three valleys that form this biosphere reserve contain a network of connected lakes, waterfalls and rivers -- the most spectacular of which are the Pearl Waterfalls. Spot the ancient tree trunks under the clear waters of Five Flower Lake. Wooden paths and shuttle buses help visitors get around. In the north of Sichuan, the nearest town to Jiuzhaigou National Park is Songpan. 15. Lake Nakuru, Kenya And you thought your city was crowded. And you thought your city was crowded. A streak of blue (and pink) in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is home to thousands of pink flamingoes that flock here to feed on the lake's algae. A UNESCO Heritage Site, Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to hippos, white and black rhino, giraffe and buffalo. Take a matatu 156 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, or a plane to the Naishi airstrip. 16. Uluru/Ayers Rock, Australia Better from afar. Better from afar. Australia's favorite giant sandstone mass is 350 meters high and more than nine kilometers in circumference. It's a sacred and spiritual site for its custodians, the aboriginal Anangu, so climbing the rock is considered disrespectful to them. It can also be dangerous. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is about 440 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs. Flights are available from most major cities to Ayers Rock airport. 17. Siwa Oasis, Egypt Yes, you can swim in the Sahara. Yes, you can swim in the Sahara. This isolated oasis has natural springs and fertile land, providing access to spectacular stretches of Sahara desert. It's a great spot for star gazing from your tent in the sand, but bring your bathing suit for a dip in its hot and cold natural pools. A 10-hour drive west of Cairo. Public buses take much longer. Desert safaris can be arranged in Siwa. 18. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland A waterfall you can stand beneath without getting wet. A waterfall you can stand beneath without getting wet. Waterfall connoisseurs agree it's not size that counts. The biggest and the highest may be impressive, but when it comes to cascading water, Iceland's Seljalandsfoss has style. The sight of the Seljalandsa River dropping 62 meters down the sheer cliff face has made it a must-see Iceland attraction. There's a path that goes behind the cascade, so bring your waterproof camera. On Road 1, it's 125 kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. 19. Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina We got ice, who brought the drinks? We got ice, who brought the drinks? This 30-kilometer glacier in Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park (not to be confused with the Perito Moreno National Park) grows and contracts, often forming a natural ice dam on the "elbow" of Lago Argentino. The force of the trapped water causes a spectacular rupture every four to five years. Even when the ice isn't exploding, the sight of the glacier's blue peaks is a lifetime attraction. Fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate in Patagonia. The alternative is a very long bus journey. 20. Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada How many natural features can you fit into one picture? How many natural features can you fit into one picture? Deep in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake -- together with its sister Lake Louise -- is one of the most photographed landscapes in Banff National Park. It's known as the jewel of the Rockies for its deep crystalline waters that mirror pine forests, soaring mountains and endless sky. Drive or take a direct bus 128 kilometers west from Calgary to Banff. MORE: Natural wonders of Tohoku 21. Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia, Tuscany, Italy Steaming hot spring water comes out of the ground at 37.5 C and cascades over a series of small waterfalls into dozens of pools on consecutive levels. Niagara Falls it ain't, but the cascading thermal springs at Saturnia are a lot of fun. Soak in the natural sulfurous mineral water and just maybe cure ailments from rheumatism to muscle ache. About 10 kilometers north of the small Tuscan town of Manciano, northeast of Orbetello. 22. William Bay, Western Australia Yes, these rocks do look a little like elephants. But only a little. Yes, these rocks do look a little like elephants. But only a little. A five-hour drive south of Perth, William Bay in Denmark, Western Australia, has turquoise waters that lap around white sands and the Elephant Rocks, which shelter an area of rock pools and granite terraces called Green's Pool. The calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, while the more adventurous have the Great Southern Ocean on the other side. Fifteen kilometers west of the town of Denmark. 23. Jeju Island Lava Tubes, South Korea What Ireland and Korea have in common. What Ireland and Korea have in common. This volcanic island in Korea -- it's on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list -- has mountains, stunning coastal rock formations and the finest system of cave lava tubes in the world. The Jeju caves have towers of petrified lava, while the Cheju-do cliffs have tube-like formations similar to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Jeju Island is 130 kilometers off the southern coast of South Korea. It's accessible by boat from Busan or air from Gimpo airport in Seoul. 24. Angel Falls, Venezuela Nature 1, Extreme Kayakers 0 Nature 1, Extreme Kayakers 0 The highest waterfall in the world, the water at Angel Falls travels 979 meters, which includes a free fall drop of 807 meters. It cascades over one of the biggest table-top mountains in the Canaima National Park in southern Venezuela, known to the local Pemon people as Devil's Mountain. Most of the water evaporates as mist before reaching the bottom. Angel Falls is in remote jungle near the Canaima airstrip, which can be reached by plane from Ciudad Guayana or Ciudad Bolivar. Local Pemon people work as guides. 25. Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland Stunning views of Lauterbrunnen valley. Stunning views of Lauterbrunnen valley. Deep in the Swiss Alps the Lauterbrunnen Valley, or Lauterbrunnental, is a deep cleft cut in the topography running between steep limestone precipices. The waterfalls that dot the rift often disappear into wisps of spray before hitting bottom, and include Staubbach Falls, one of Europe's highest unbroken waterfalls at 270 meters. Get to Lauterbrunnen, the village in the valley, by narrow-gauge train from Interlaken Ost station in the Bernese Highlands. 26. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland Eight kilometers of awesome. Eight kilometers of awesome. South of the village of Doolin in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher rise 213 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch for eight kilometers. They are one of Ireland's biggest natural tourist attractions, but they also attract Atlantic puffins, razorbills and other wild birds. Don't miss the spectacular views of the Arran Islands, Galway Bay and the Burren. The Cliffs of Moher are an 80-kilometer drive southwest of Galway. 27. Skaftafell National Park, Iceland Just one of Skaftafells' impressive features. Just one of Skaftafells' impressive features. Formed over millions of years by volcanic eruptions, rivers and glaciers, the Skaftafell National Park in southern Iceland has a variety of striking landscapes. These include an overhanging wall of geometric black basalt rocks on the Svartifoss waterfall, which inspired the architecture of Reykjavik's National Theatre, and the majestic Skaftafellsjokull glacier that seems to have frozen in mid-flow. Drive Road 1 for 326 kilometers east of Reykjavik. Buses from Reykjavik run to the park in summer. Self-guided hikes of Skaftafell are outlined on the official website. 28. Lake Titicaca, Bolivia/Peru The lake of a thousand legends. The lake of a thousand legends. At an altitude of 3,811 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca is one of the largest lakes in South America by volume. It is also the highest commercially navigated lake in the world and is home to indigenous people including the Aymara and the Quechua. Its vast expanse of water is often cloaked in light mist and has inspired numerous local legends. Lake Titicaca can be visited from the Peruvian town of Puno or from Copacabana on the Bolivian side, 150 kilometers from La Paz. 29. Wadden Sea, Germany and the Netherlands Not much to look at, but still spectacular. Not much to look at, but still spectacular. UNESCO describes the Wadden Sea as "the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world." In other words, it's a surreal hinterland along the coast of Germany and the Netherlands that combines wide-open stretches of sand and shallow seas. It's also home to migratory birds. Go there and you'll feel a million miles from anywhere else on earth and about as small as one of the clams at your feet. This 600-kilometer stretch of coast lies between the towns of Den Helder in the Netherlands and Niebull in Germany. 30. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Palawan, Philippines After trains and caves, here's another way to get underground. After trains and caves, here's another way to get underground. Nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River runs for 8.2 kilometers underground and boasts limestone karst formations, stalactites and stalagmites. You can cruise down the river in a canoe. Watch out for the Palawan stink badger, an adorable little skunk that lives in the area. The underground river is 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa city on the western coast of Palawan. MORE: Iguazu Falls: Why this natural wonder should be on everyone's bucket list 31. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia Freshwater snorkeling at its best. Freshwater snorkeling at its best. This series of shallow lakes in the heart of Croatia are a nature lover's paradise, with clear waters pooled in between rocky canyons and dramatic waterfalls gushing over cliff edges. Wooden walkways make access to Plitvice Lakes for visitors. Swimming is forbidden inside the national park, but there are places for a dip outside, such as Korana Village. Look out for freshwater fish and brown bears in the surrounding hills. The park is a two-hour drive north of Zadar. There are also good bus services. Guided tours for groups are available on request -- see website. 32. Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls, Zambia, Zimbabwe More water than you'll bathe in, drink and flush in your lifetime. More water than you'll bathe in, drink and flush in your lifetime. The Zambeze River cascades over a cliff stretching more 1.7 kilometers, making Victoria Falls, known by its local name as Mosi-oa-Tunya (smoke that thunders), a stunning sight. With its highest-ever recorded flow rate of 12,800 cubic meters per second, a lot of water makes the 108-meter drop into the Zambeze's gorges. Swimmers can take a dip in Devil's Pool when water levels aren't too high -- it's right on the edge of the waterfall. Check safety notices first. Visit the falls from Livingstone in Zambia. 33. Finistere, France One of Pointe du Raz's rare calm moods. One of Pointe du Raz's rare calm moods. The remote headland in Brittany really does feel like the end of the world (its name is derived from the Latin finis terrae). In front lies the Atlantic Ocean, while along the coast natural rocky harbors and inlets create a rugged landscape. Tourists flock to Pointe du Raz, which points like a craggy finger at a lighthouse in often choppy waters, but on sunny days the abers are peaceful and protected from the elements. Accessible from Brest, Brittany. 34. Fernando De Noronha, Brazil Join turtles, dolphins and sharks for a look. Join turtles, dolphins and sharks for a look. Fernando De Noronha is an archipelago of 21 tropical islands, 350 kilometers from mainland Brazil, is famed for its idyllic sandy beaches, marine life and hiking trails. It's now a marine national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where hawksbill turtles, dolphins, sharks and endangered species are protected. The island life wasn't always a paradise. Between the late 18th century and 1957 there was a prison on the main island. 35. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia Swimming with the fishes, in a good way. Swimming with the fishes, in a good way. Made up of nearly 3,000 individual reefs, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland extends for 2,600 kilometers and is the world's largest structure made of living organisms. It's even visible from space. A favorite on UNESCO's World Heritage list, this delicate ecosystem is home to porpoises, green sea turtles, whales and dugongs. But the reef is threatened by climate change and coral bleaching that occurs when water temperatures rise. Base your visit from any of the towns on the east coast of Queensland between Gladstone and Thursday Island. Choose a tour operator approved by the Marine Park authority. 36. Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst, Hungary and Slovakia Fairy tale-feel underground. Fairy tale-feel underground. This vast karst landscape of limestone plateaus and more than 700 caves is home to the world's highest stalagmite. The 21-kilometer Baradla-Domica cave stretches over the Hungary-Slovakia border. The Gombasek cave is probably the more photographed, with its impressive rock formations giving it the feel of a fairy tale city. Drive 240 kilometers northeast of Budapest to the Aggteleki National Park. 37. Mount Bromo, Indonesia Watch out for pickpockets and live-chicken throwers. Watch out for pickpockets and live-chicken throwers. This smoking crater inside the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park sits in a sea of sand. It's actually a small active volcano inside the much larger caldera of an ancient extinct volcano. While the volcano is still active and has recently been closed off to the public, it's still a point of pilgrimage for Javanese Hindus, who congregate every year in the Kasada festival, during which live chickens are thrown into the crater. Travel to Mount Bromo by train or bus from Surubaya, or hire a car and do the two-three hour drive. 38. Freycinet National Park, Tasmania, Australia Worst thing about Wineglass Bay -- the water sports that make you feel lazy. Worst thing about Wineglass Bay -- the water sports that make you feel lazy. Freycinet's white sand beach at Wineglass Bay, pink granite rock formations and Hazards peaks are among Tasmania's most stunning coastal scenery. The park is northeast of Hobart. Hiking, snorkeling, kayaking and boating are popular pastimes, but so is lying on the beach and admiring the scenery. Spirit of Tasmania run a night ferry from Melbourne to Devonport. Use Tasmanian Redline coaches to reach Freycinet National Park. 39. Iguazu National Park, Argentina Great reward at the end of a rainforest trek. Great reward at the end of a rainforest trek. The Iguazu River drops up to 82 meters over a 2.7 kilometer-wide ledge of the Parana Plateau. The waterfalls are accessible from Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. A walk through the national park will take you not only to the Devil's Throat and close to the curtain of water, it will also give you a chance to spot coral trees, butterflies, toucans and hummingbirds. Buses travel from most cities in the region to Puerto Iguazu, or you can fly to Iguazu International Airport. 40. Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, Madagascar Not easy to navigate, but worth it. Not easy to navigate, but worth it. Spiky limestone rock formations and mangrove forests are part of the tropical and otherworldly landscape of the Tsingy de Bemaraha nature reserve on the western side of Madagascar. The reserve is home to chameleons, lemurs and endangered birds. Also part of the landscape is the Manambolo River, which runs red with eroded sediment from the highlands of Madagascar. The reserve is 400 kilometers west of Antananarivo. MORE: 20 travel destinations the experts say not to miss 41. Cueva de los Cristales/Cave of Crystals, Mexico In 2000, a group of miners tunneling in the Naica mine, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, found an underground cavern containing giant selenite crystals -- some as long as 11 meters. The size and beauty of these gypsum crystals brought the Cave of Crystals instant fame. But the future of the cave is uncertain. While access is currently possible for short periods, the cave may be closed and flooded in the future to stop the crystals from disintegrating. The Naica mine is 135 kilometers southeast of the city of Chihuahua. 42. The Bay of Fundy, Canada Climbs and falls more than the NYSE. Climbs and falls more than the NYSE. One of four places on earth with extreme tidal highs and lows, the Bay of Fundy sees a vertical rise in sea level of as much as 17 meters twice a day. More than 100 billion tons of seawater rush in and out of the bay daily, sculpting unique basalt shapes out of the rocks along the coast. Travel between the bay's islands and coastal towns is possible by small car ferry. 43. Halong Bay, Vietnam Turning every visitor into a photographer. Turning every visitor into a photographer. Thousands of small islands and standing stacks, or karsts, overgrown with green shrubbery, protrude from Halong Bay, a peaceful bay. The popular way to explore is in a traditional Chinese trading ship -- the brown-paneled sails of the junks have become as much a part of the landscape as the towering rocks. Most visitors to Halong Bay come via Hanoi -- 170 kilometers away, or five to six hours on a public bus. Private cars can be hired. Even rented helicopters make the journey. 44. Punkaharju Esker Nature Reserve, Finland This seven-kilometer esker, or sand ridge, was formed during the Ice Age and has been an important trade route in eastern Finland for millennia. Calm lakes lie on either side and tall pines provide shade for moss, toadstools and blueberries -- easy to see how fairy tales are born. You expect a frog with a crown to hop off the nearest giant mushroom, or a mystical hand to reach out of the lake. Take a train from Helsinki to Punkaharju or drive the 350 kilometers northeast of Helsinki. 45. Frozen Sea in Lulea, Sweden This isn't the only place in the world where the sea freezes over, but the town's location -- jutting out into the sea -- makes the frozen water a welcome extension of the town's streets in the depths of winter. From December to February, locals skate, snow-trek and sled across the bay, while some roads -- across the sea -- are passable only in winter. Signs advise you to remove your seatbelt for a quicker exit should your car come across thin ice. There are several daily flights to Lulea from Stockholm, which is easier than driving the 900 kilometers. 46. Trango Towers, Pakistan When you leave a deposit for a chopper rescue you know it's serious climbing. When you leave a deposit for a chopper rescue you know it's serious climbing. Some of the highest cliffs in the world are in northeastern Pakistan in the Karakoram mountain range. Trango Tower, for instance, rises a kilometer above the other granite spires in its ridge and has an elevation of more than 6,200 meters above sea level. It's a sight that's just too tempting for intrepid climbers and base-jumpers. Take a local bus or taxi from Islamabad to Skardu. 47. Fox Glacier, South Island, New Zealand A beautiful scene, but don't get too close. A beautiful scene, but don't get too close. Along with the 12-kilometer Franz Josef Glacier (a short distance up the coast), the 13-kilometer Fox Glacier on New Zealand's South Island is one of the most easily accessible ice masses in the world. Fox Glacier reaches almost to the coast, just 250 meters above sea level. Large chucks of ice breaking off the face make it dangerous to get too close. Fox Glacier is in Westland National Park, 200 kilometers west of Christchurch. Get information on guided tours here. 48. The Shilin Stone Forest, China The historic Stone Forest. The historic Stone Forest. Spread over 350 square kilometers in Yunnan province, these stone needles look like an ancient petrified forest -- the rock formations stand tall and emerge vertically from the ground. The karst rocks are more than 270 million years old. Local legend says the forest was created when a young woman was forbidden to marry her love -- she rebelled by turning herself into stone. Shilin Stone Forest can be reached by road 96 kilometers southeast of Kunming in Yunnan province. 49. Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii, United States The best of a spectacular bunch. The best of a spectacular bunch. Whether sandy beaches, giant waves or volcanic craters, Hawaii has plenty of breathtaking landscapes. But the drama and scale of the Na Pali coast of Kauai, along the 17-kilometer Kalalau trail, may top them all. The lush green mountains ripple with scree slopes and ridges for more than 1,300 meters before dipping into the Pacific. Accessible only by 17-kilometer hike from Ke`e Beach to Kalalau Valley, or by boat. MORE: 32 of the most beautiful sites to visit in Ireland 50. Lake Baikal, Russia A lake so big it has its own monster. A lake so big it has its own monster. Lake Baikal in southern Siberia is not only the deepest and oldest lake in the world (more than 1,600 meters deep and more than 25 million years old), it holds almost 20 percent of the world's freshwater supply. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique ecosystem that supports more than 2,600 species of plant and animals. There have even been reports of a "Baikal Monster," likely to be a giant sturgeon.It’s now been 6 years since I sold everything and left the United States to travel the world. These are the best travel tips I’ve discovered along the way. Nature Nature 17 best places to visit in 2017 Katia Hetter, Karla Cripps, Peter Shadbolt, Barry Neild and Marnie Hunter, CNN • Updated 2nd August 2017 FacebookTwitterEmail (CNN) — Lobster suppers near the rocky red shores of Prince Edward Island. Panda-cuddling and Sichuan food in Chengdu. Big waves and raw blues at Senegal's secret surfing spots. After consulting CNN's experts around the world about their favorite spots, we've put our heads together and chosen 17 of the best places to vacation in 2017. 1. Prince Edward Island, Canada Prince Edward Island is the fictional home of "Anne of Green Gables." Prince Edward Island is the fictional home of "Anne of Green Gables." With Canada celebrating its 150th birthday in 2017, there's no finer excuse to head to the birthplace of the nation, Prince Edward Island. Travelers are falling in love with the island's rocky red shores and picturesque fishing villages all over again thanks to several new TV and movie productions of the Lucy Maud Montgomery classic, "Anne of Green Gables." The best way to explore the island's capital, Charlottetown, is on foot. Many of the highlights are in the historic downtown core including the Charlottetown Province House -- the famed government building where the Charlottetown Conference took place in 1864. It was here that a small group of elected officials gathered to discuss the possibility of joining the region's independent provinces to create a singular nation. Three years later, Canada's Constitution Act was passed by British Parliament and a new country was born. Upscale restaurants have multiplied on the island in the last 10 years, taking advantage of the excellent local produce. But there's nothing quite like an old fashioned lobster supper -- a massive gathering traditionally held in a cavernous community hall that ends with a table full of empty shells and butter-coated fingers. 2. Penang, Malaysia Another country celebrating a big milestone is Malaysia, which turns 60 in 2017. The best way to celebrate a birthday? Food, of course. The Malaysia island of Penang is arguably one of Asia's best street food destinations. It offers a mix of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes, as well as fusion cuisines such as Baba Nyonya, or Peranakan, which incorporates regional ingredients and Chinese and Malay cooking methods. All of it can be found in hawker centers and shop houses throughout George Town. Combine this with the city's collection of historic buildings in various styles, from old English colonial mansions to classical Chinese shophouses and Islamic mosques, and you have a city made for walking and eating. World's 23 best cities for street food 3. Colombia With Pope Francis expected to visit to Colombia this year, a peace accord has brought even more prosperity and visitors to this bustling South American nation. From the sizzling bean-to-coffee scene in Bogota to Medellin's sophisticated architecture and Cartagena's defensive fortifications dating back to the 16th century and its packed arts scene, Colombia has arrived. Some of the world's finest coffee beans are grown here, and coffee aficionados love to do the farm-to-café tours. But there's no need to leave the cities to get a good cuppa. The capital city of Bogota features baristas at La Devocion and Bourbon Coffee Roasters to rival those in Paris or Rome. And the beans are grown in Colombia. Sophisticated public architecture shines in Medellín, where a renaissance in design and infrastructure has produced buildings such as Giancarlo Mazzanti's Parque Biblioteca España, the most famous of a half-dozen libraries in the city. A gondola-like public transit system transport residents and visitors alike to the city's public rail system. Once you've explored the UNESCO site at the port of Cartagena -- an essential link in West Indies trade -- Colombia's most popular national park is less than an hour away. Diving at Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Park is one of the best ways to spot the soft coral, sea lilies and other sea life. 4. Bermuda All eyes will be on Bermuda as it hosts the 35th America's Cup race in 2017. The America's Cup, which began back in 1851, will take place for the first time in Bermuda's Great Sound in May and June. Challengers will compete in Bermuda's Great Sound for the right to challenge defending champion ORACLE USA, which last defended its title in 2013. Don't want to wait for the internationally renowned boat races? There's no reason to wait. Just a two-hour flight from the US East Coast, the British Overseas Territory is a 24-mile archipelago with stunning beaches and cultural mix of British, America, West Indian, African and other cultures. After undergoing a $100 million renovation, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club will be the America's Cup host hotel. The hotel and berths at its new marina will be hot commodities next summer, as will reservations at the hotel's new Marcus Samuelsson restaurant, Marcus' Bermuda. World's 100 best beaches 5. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, United States Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: One of country's newest national parks. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: One of country's newest national parks. Maine's Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument became a National Park Service site in August, just as the National Park Service celebrated its Centennial. Even though it's in its infancy, the 87,000-acre national monument east of Baxter State Park is already open. That's because Burt's Bees co-founder and philanthropist Roxanne Quimby's foundation donated $80 million worth of land and funds to the park service with assistance from the National Park Foundation, with promises of $20 million more. Despite Maine's harsh winters, the park is open year-round. "You can come in the winter and enjoy miles of trails for cross country skiing or snowmobiling or visit in spring with the emerging green in every direction, rising brook trout, and swollen rivers," said Lucas St. Clair, Quimby's son and president of her foundation. "In summer there are fantastic hikes through the lush cool forests and endless opportunities to take a cool dip in one of the beautiful ponds, rivers, and streams, while you can see the most beautiful colored leaves in the fall," he said. "This place truly has something for everyone." 6. Isaan, Thailand Chiang Mai? Bangkok? Phuket? Been there, done that. Those looking for a piece of Thailand that's still largely unexplored by the international market should head for the northeast region, referred to as Isaan. This vast section of Thailand is equipped with excellent infrastructure that includes several domestic airports and a range of upmarket hotels. You know that sticky rice and papaya salad that's all the rage in trendy New York restaurants? Here's where it comes from. Along with plenty of other fantastic dishes that are among the country's best -- provided you can handle a bit of spice. It's impossible to see it all in one visit so you'll have to pick and choose. There are also ancient Khmer ruins outside Buriram, mountainous national parks in Loei and Bronze Age artifacts in the UNESCO-listed Ban Chiang Archeological Site. And that's just scratching the surface. You'll just need to come back for more. 10 wellness retreats to clear your head for 2017 7. Bhutan For many, 2016 went down as one of the worst years in recent history. Whether you're still mourning the passing of your favorite entertainer, your fellow man's decisions at the voting booth or ongoing violence around the world, we could all use a dose of happiness right now. That's where Bhutan comes in. Not only does this mountainous Buddhist nation focus on happiness as a national indicator but by some accounts is the world's eco-friendliest nation. As of 2016, it was reported to be the world's first carbon negative country. There's an incredible amount of scenery, culture and excellent food spread across every corner of this tiny Himalayan country. With Bhutan, a tour is essential the kingdom officially targets "high value, low impact" tourism.This means the first step in planning any trip to Bhutan is to visit the Tourism Council of Bhutan website for a list of regulations required of all visitors. 8. Chengdu, China Chengdu: It's all about the pandas. Chengdu: It's all about the pandas. Panda cuddling and Sichuan food. Need we say more? Chengdu has long been one of China's most popular cities thanks to these two hot draws. The fact that it was named a UNESCO city of gastronomy a few years ago didn't hurt either. In recent years it's bolstered its appeal by adding a variety of high-end hotel brands such as Kempinski, the Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis as well as innovative restaurants that capitalize on the area's culinary roots. Now, back to those pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is where you can get up close with the black and white cuties. Open for educational tours, it's home to more than 80% of the world's giant pandas. To avoid the summer rainy season and enjoy warm temps, the best time to visit is March to June and September to November. 9. Aarhus, Denmark Copenhagen and Stockholm have always been high on the checklist of the world's foodies and fashionistas, but Denmark's second city of Aarhus is the overlooked wallflower to its more glamorous Scandinavian cousins. All this, however, could be about to change. Aarhus is the European Capital of Culture in 2017 and has big plans for the year ahead. From its redeveloped dock area to its cobbled 14th century old town streets, Aarhus has reinvented itself as the mini-break capital of northern Europe. Food, culture and art are all due to get a Danish makeover this year under the Capital of Culture theme of "let's rethink." "Aarhus 2017 is going to be a creative tour de force with new works, special commissions, premieres, major events and festivals," says Aarhus 2017 Managing Director Rebecca Matthews. The schedule includes four not-to-be-missed "mega" events, 13 "full moon" night experiences and over 350 featured events. All this in a city where you can get anywhere on a bicycle. 10. Bordeaux, France It's home to some of the world's most prestigious vineyards and châteaux, it consistently ranks as the "best place to work" among France's frazzled workforce and is as synonymous with shucked oysters as New York is with bagels. There's not a lot to dislike about Bordeaux, which, despite its grand and somnolent atmosphere, has been the object of Parisian ardor for many years. "Paris is trapped in this commuter cycle -- we call it "metro boulot dodo" (metro, work, sleep) -- so the south of France is seen as this repository of old French charms; good wine, good food and good friends," says French travel writer Emmanuelle Eyles. Destination: France It gets even better. By the middle of the year, it'll be possible to reach some of the best French wines and food in just two hours by train from Paris. That means that a Paris-based traveler could practically commute to the city at the center of France's best wine regions, leaving before 9 a.m. and returning after 9 p.m. Add to this the recent opening of Cité du Vin -- the immersive wine-lovers' experience set in a spectacular modern building that looks like wine swirling around a glass -- and Bordeaux is beginning to shake off its reputation as a France's "sleeping beauty." Avoid the rush in July and August when the streets are hot and full of tourists. Instead, visit in May and June or September and October when crowds ease but the wine harvest season is still in full swing. 11. Western Iceland Into The Glacier is a tour that allows people to explore a manmade ice tunnel and cave system dug deep into the Iceland's Langjökull Glacier. The Into The Glacier tour takes guests through a network of ice tunnels. Iceland's stylish Reykjavik has been cooler than a glacial lagoon for several decades, but recent sharp increases in tourist numbers are beginning to take their toll. While the capital's center is being swallowed by cuddly puffin shops, the rest of Iceland, beyond the main geysers-and-waterfalls day trips, is still far from being overwhelmed. Road trips up the country's western edge rival the relatively busier southern coastline for stop-the-car-and-gawp-at-the-epic-landscape moments, within easy distance of Reykjavik. Recently opened attractions that make use of Iceland's geological wonders continue to wow those willing to travel the extra miles to see them. Into The Glacier, a tour now entering its third year, takes visitors on an extraordinary journey through frozen tunnels carved deep under Langjökull, Iceland's second largest ice cap. Also new on the scene is the spectacular lava chambers of Víðgelmir, Iceland's largest cave, which began regular tours in May 2016. There's no shortage of other superlative attractions, not least Glymur, Iceland's highest waterfall, the photogenic lighthouse at Akranes, the islands of Breiðafjörður and the perfect scenery of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called Iceland in miniature. The unusual food they (sometimes) eat in Iceland 12. Albania The tiny Mediterranean country -- once one of the Cold War's most forbidding Stalinist redoubts -- has been Europe's best-kept secret for the better part of two decades. Sunny, cheap and with mile after mile of pristine beaches and unspoiled wilderness, Albania has made much of what it has after it emerged blinking into the daylight of freedom in the '90s. With a similar food culture to nearby Greece, but often at less than half the price, Albania is continuing to bloom in 2017. The country is finding a second life for some of the thousands of bunkers and pillboxes that dot the country, dilapidated testaments to the paranoia of its former Stalinist strongman Enver Hoxha. On the outskirts of the capital Tirana, Bunk'Art has transformed Hoxha's underground complex into a cultural center. Some rooms tell the story of the Albanian dictator through displays and artifacts, other rooms are left disquietingly empty. At the heart of the complex is a large underground auditorium, designed for Hoxha's government in hiding, but now repurposed as a hall for jazz concerts. New parts of the massive complex are set to be reopened to the public in 2017. Expect underground art, literally. 13. Amman, Jordan Amman: Capital of Islamic Culture in 2017. Amman: Capital of Islamic Culture in 2017. If the threat from Middle East instability is enough to strain the cash registers on the high streets of London and the boulevards of Paris, spare a thought for Jordan. Despite its proximity to the world's most troubled region, it's still considered relatively safe. And there's even more to attract visitors this year: Amman has been named the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2017 and -- with a wealth of historic sites that stretch back to the inception of Islam -- it is set to showcase some of the glories of Islamic culture and art. Music is a part of this rich seam. And during the holy month of Ramadan (from May 27 to June 24 this year), Citadel Hill, with its sweeping views of downtown Amman, hosts a cycle of prestigious night-time concerts and recitals of classical Arab music. Jordanians are famously tolerant, and while non-Muslim tourists are not expected to observe the Ramadan fast, refraining from eating in public will earn kudos. For the night owls, Ramadan is a great time. Cities come to life when the fast breaks at sunset and many people are up most of the night, visiting friends and relatives and eating sweets and fruit. 14. Rwanda Rwanda in the 21st century has turned a very sharp corner. From its devastating genocide in 1994 to becoming one of the safest destinations in the region, Rwanda is the phoenix of the African continent. Today, Kigali is a highly connected and modern capital with a food culture that references some of the best that East Africa has to offer combined with its own distinctive Rwandan twist. By day, visitors can trek to find wild gorillas and by night chill in Kigali's trendy cafes. Black rhinos were last seen in Akagera National Park in 2007 -- the result of widespread poaching -- but their 2016 reintroduction aims to restore the species to its former glory. This follows a similar initiative in 2015 that successfully reintroduced seven lions into the park, bringing the species back to Rwanda after almost 20 years. The reintroduction of rhinos will cement Akagera's Big Five status (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and rhinoceros) and hopes to reverse the damage caused by decades of poaching which the park says is now under control. Just south of the equator, Rwanda's relatively high altitude affords it a pleasant tropical highland climate, albeit with plenty of rain. Just avoid the long rainy season from March to May. Rwanda's B-Boys: From the streets to break beats 15. Senegal This easy-going West African country remains one of the world's great undiscovered jewels -- especially for anyone who surfs. The seminal surf flick "Endless Summer" -- a grainy and amateurish surfing safari documentary -- first put capital Dakar on the map in the 1960s. But despite the notoriety of its most powerful wave, N'Gor Right, local surfers say you'd be unlikely to spot more than 20 boards here or at any other Senegalese surf spot. Only the hardcore venture further south than the surf spots of Morocco, where the waves might be consistent -- but so are the crowds. Now music has become as much a part of the scene in Senegal as surfing, and the two often go hand in hand. Thousands of fans from West Africa and Europe flock to the annual Blues du Fleuve festival in Podor, organised by the singer Baaba Maal, the most famous Senegalese musician after Youssou N'Dour. While last year's event was postponed, Maal -- who hopes the festival will one day become Africa's Glastonbury -- has promised a comeback in 2017. It falls around December, when the weather is cool and dry. This festival explores the music of Senegal and Mauritania, from the haunting voices of ethnic Fulaani singers to the raw and powerful tones of African guitar. 16. Houston, United States Houston's Chinatown is home to some good eating, including this Hainanese chicken dish. Houston's Chinatown is home to some good eating, including this Hainanese chicken dish. Millions of eyeballs will be trained on Houston for Super Bowl LI in February, but the big game is far from the only thing cooking in America's fourth-largest city. With more than 10,000 restaurants representing more than 70 different global cuisines, the Texas city is one of the most diverse spots in the United States. Among 2017's hotly anticipated culinary additions: Brasserie du Parc, a classic French restaurant across from Discovery Green downtown, and a new outpost in the Heights neighborhood for German beer garden King's Bierhaus. Eateries and residents are just two measures of the city's rapid growth. Green space and mixed-use developments are multiplying too. When Houston last hosted the Super Bowl in 2004, Discovery Green was a parking lot. Now the 12-acre urban park, which opened in 2008 adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center, is ready to host the Super Bowl LIVE festival leading up to the game. New hotels, high-rise apartment and condo buildings, restaurants and entertainment offerings border the park. Houston's Chinatown: Spicing it up, Asian-Cajun style 17. Australia If you haven't yet had a chance to experience Australia's Great Barrier Reef, you might want to book that trip down under sooner than later. Coral across Australia's Great Barrier Reef has suffered its most devastating die-off on record, according to 2016 reports. Fortunately there are some wonderful eco-resorts aiding with conservation efforts. Among our favorites is the private Heron Island, which has its own ecotourism and research station. Destination: Sydney Those in need of an urban Aussie experience will want to made the trip 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) south to Melbourne, arguably the country's foodie capital. Not only is it the 2017 host of the World's Best Restaurants Awards. The Economist Intelligence Unit claims it's also the world's most livable city. Which means visitors get treated pretty well, too. 12 of the world's cheapest holiday destinations for 2017 Monday, 23 January 2017 AddThis Sharing Buttons Share to Google BookmarkGoogle BookmarkShare to FacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterShare to PrintPrintShare to Email AppEmail AppShare to MoreMore Even if you've managed to bag cheap flights for your holiday, no-one wants to have to sell an organ just to finance sundowners in that swanky rooftop bar once you've arrived. So, we've scoured the globe for cheapest travel destinations that offer great value as soon as you land, from steamy salsa lessons in South America to booze and baked goods in the Balkans. 12 of the cheapest countries to visit: 1. Cambodia With beds for £2.50* and lip-smacking food for less than that, Cambodia is such a cheap place to go on holiday that you can feel guilty for paying so little. Where once travellers often feared to tread, Cambodia is now very much on the Southeast Asia travel scene, particularly among backpackers and, increasingly, holidaymakers looking for five-star luxury without the price tag. Check out the Siddharta Boutique Hotel hotel - their richly decorated interiors, in-room iPod docks and dreamy outdoor pool for as low as £50 a night (double room) is about as far from a grimy hostel as it's possible to get. It's also ten minutes down the road from the world famous Angkor Wat Archaeological Park. You can't leave Cambodia without visiting this iconic ancient site, preferably at dawn to watch the sun rise behind Angkor Wat temple itself, a spectacular experience. Although ticket prices are rising from February 2017, entry to this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site and official Wonder of the World will cost just £28 for a full day. It's worth paying the £48 for three days - there are just too many temples to squeeze into one day, and once the midday sun hits you'll want to take shade, or find some seriously strong air-conditioning. Find out more about the amazing sights of Cambodia in our full round-up. Compare flights to Cambodia Angkor Wat Archaeological Park near Siem Reap in Cambodia 2. Vietnam Unspoiled and undeveloped, despite its rise in popularity in the last few years, Vietnam is still a super cheap travel destination, as well as a beautiful country of lush mountain scapes and sweeping white sands. You can easily get by on £10 a day, including a guest house, local food, transport and a bit of drinking - a pint of Vietnam's most popular brew, Bia Hoi, costs as little as 50p. Hanoi, the former headquarters of French Indochina and then the administrative centre of communist North Vietnam, was declared the country's official captial in 1976 after reunification of this deeply divided nation began. It retains much of it's French flavour; you'll find some great patisseries producing croissants that rival Paris's finest right next door to an authentic pho noodle soup shack. Hanoi's Old Quarter, around Hoan Kiem Lake, is the best place to soak up some of the city's post-colonial charm. It's also a rare oasis of calm in this otherwise chaotic city, where locals go every morning at sunrise to practice tai chi. Experience Vietnamese rural life in and around the mountain resort of Da Lat in the central highlands. The city is somewhat overrun with tourists (it's the main departure point for a lot of 'Easy Rider'motorcycle tours) but the flower farms, local tofu factories, cashew nut plantations, and of course the iconic rice terraces are worth stopping by to take a look. Stop over in one of the eccentric fairytale rooms of the Crazy House, a personal project of architect Đặng Việt Nga as well as a hotel, before speeding on along the coast southwards to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Read our guide to Vietnam to explore the length, breadth and history of this fascinating country. Compare flights to Vietnam Rice terraces with farmer in rural Vietnam 3. India A spending spree in Mumbai's designer shops and a stay in an international hotel in Delhi is going to cost you as much as it would in Dubai, but away from these enclaves, the cost of living is ridiculously low. Even if you travel first class on the trains (the Rajdhani or the Shatabdi Express are the most comfortable to travel on, being fully air-conditioned with meals included in the ticket price) and take taxis everywhere, you’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot of money here, and it's possible to budget for a cheap holiday on just £15 (about 1,500 rupees) a day if you eat local thalis (plate meals) and stay in a hostel. India is the seventh largest country in the world, so unless you're planning an incredible six month sojourn, it pays to plan which of the country's 29 states you want to visit. Head to western India to Rajasthan for an assault of the senses in the state capital, the Pink City, Jaipur, or kick back on the white sands of Kerala in southern India. You can't fly all that way without seeing what may well be the most famous tomb in the world, the Taj Mahal, in Agra, northern India - just don't go on a Friday, it's closed. And don't worry about Delhi belly, you'll find some of India's best street food here in the capital, particularly in the narrow streets and bustling boulevards around Connaught Place in the centre of town. Pick your stall wisely - make sure they look clean and if they're busy it usually means the food is fresh, but it's still a good idea to pack the Immodium, just in case. Read about more unforgettable things to do in India in our article. Compare flights to India Jaipur in India 4. Bolivia Known as the Tibet of the Americas, Bolivia is a relatively remote bolthole, being one of only two landlocked countries in South America (the other is Paraguay). Wander along Calle Jaén, in Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, for a slice of South American life under Spanish control - the street is home to some of the city's best preserved colonial buildings, whitewashed façades and ornate black-grilled balconettes. It's also where you'll find a cluster of museums, including the former home of Pedro Domingo Murillo, who lead forces during the La Paz Revolution of 1809. See them all for the grand total of 50p (B$4) and pick up your bumper bargain ticket from the Museo Costumbrista, which houses a ceramic depicting the hanging of the aforementioned revolutionary. As if that weren’t enough, Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries to visit for food and drink in all of South America. For example, a bottle of Paceña beer generally costs less than £1.50 and a bowl of chairo (potato soup) about the same. Pack plenty of layers for when the sun goes down; although Bolivia generally endures hot and humid tropical summers, La Paz is surrounded by the Altipano mountains and so stays cool all year round. Looking to turn up the heat? Head to Oruro, a city in the heart of the Altiplano famous for its Carnival, held each year in February or March to honour the Virgin of Candelaria. Three hours by bus from La Paz and you could be taking part in this UNESCO protected presentation of indigenous and religious Bolivian culture, with more than 48 folk dance performances and a traditional parade. Read about Bolivia's amazing Salar de Uyuni salt lake, plus 9 more incredible places to visit around the world. Compare flights to Bolivia Salt flats, Bolivia 5. Hungary Budapest, the historic Hungarian capital on the Danube, is a definite must-see on anyone's European tour. While it's not quite the cheap holiday destination it was before the budget airlines got there, prices here will leave plenty of cash in your pocket. Indulge in luscious cakes, get refreshed on strong liquor and sweat it out in the famous thermal spas. Stop for a sweet treat at Gerbeaud's for gourmet pastries too pretty to eat (almost), or visit a traditional kávéház (coffee house) for a calorific (who's counting?!) slice of _kürtőskalács _or chocolate chimney cake. With sit-down dinners for under £5, beers for £1 and rooms for £10, Budapest is a beautiful bargain. And you can visit those gorgeously ornate bathhouses such as Gellert from £14 for the day, with massages starting at less than a tenner. If you're after a quiet countryside retreat, check out Lake Balaton in Transdanubia, western Hungary. The biggest lake in central Europe, it's a popular summer retreat for local families looking to escape the big smoke during the summer heat - it's an easy one and a half hour train ride from Budapest and the biggest resorts are found in the cities of Siófok and Balatonfüred. Take a hike in the northern hills, swim in the lake or sail out on the cool waters, before enjoying some locally produced - and incredibly cheap - wines from the vineyards dotted across nearby Badacsony Hill. Don't miss out on the six best baths in Budapest while you're in town, or check out our list of the best things to do in Budapest on a budget. Compare flights to Hungary Budapest - night view from the Danube 6. Honduras There's Belize. There's Costa Rica. There's even Guatemala. But for a real bargain-basement cheap holiday in Central America, plump for Honduras. The country isn't up there on the most-visited lists, but if you do decide to give it a go you'll discover white sand beaches reminiscent of the Maldives, diving to rival the Red Sea, and mega cheap food and drink - all while spending less than £25 a day. For the Caribbean at a fraction of the cost, check out the swathes of pristine beaches along Honduras's northern coast. One of the busiest centres along this idyllic stretch is Puerto Cortes, a bustling port famous for its trade in bananas, with strong Spanish heritage, signs of which survive to this day - get out to Omoa, a picture-postcard seaside town with a colonial fortress to explore. If you're really serious about sniffing out the prettiest post-colonial towns, look no further than the quaint Spanish houses, ornate cathedral and packed plazas in Comayagua's historic town centre. A small city two hours drive northwest from Honduras's capital, Tegucigalpa, Comayagua was once the country's religious and political centre, but today its main draws are the colonial buildings and cute plaza cafés - bag a traditional Honduran baguette or bistek (steak) sandwich from café La Casa de Sandwich for less than £2 and picnic in the nearby Parque Central. Compare flights to Honduras Coastline in Honduras 7. Bulgaria Bulgaria's Black Sea resorts have undergone a bit of a boom with British visitors in recent years, probably because they offer a total bargain compared with traditional cheap holiday destinations like the south of Spain. If you prefer city breaks to beaches, capital Sofia offers hearty food, warm company, 'robust' drink and a comfy bed, all yours for around £35 a day. Just a 20-minute subway ride from the airport terminal (30-40 minutes if you're travelling in by bus) you can satisfy your inner culture vulture in Sofia - the second oldest city in Europe is stuffed with museums and galleries, including the Musuem of Socialist Art and the National Literature Museum. Soak up some summer sun and do a few laps down at Liulin Beach, with its three outdoor swimming pools, a sand area and a footie field - there's even a canteen to grab a slice of pizza, post-exercise. Despite becoming a burgeoning travel destination, many places outside of Sofia remain relatively untouched by bargain-hungry holidaymakers and the further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Want sun, sea and to save a few pennies? Head for Nesebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site a few hours south of Varna and a great spot to start your budget tour of Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. Although much of Nesebar's ancient city of Messembria has collapsed into the ocean, there are still plenty of old churches to admire and cobbled lanes to stroll along - buy locally produced lace to take back as a souvenir, just watch out for cheap tourist tat versions. Read about more cheap places to visit in the Balkans with our top tips for East European travel. Compare flights to Bulgaria Sofia Cathedral, Bulgaria 8. Sri Lanka 'With gossamer-fine sands, cloud-wrapped mountains, waterfalls, tea plantations and palm trees wafting in the breeze, Sri Lanka is the picture perfect paradise'... Ok, thanks tourist brochure. We'll concentrate on feasting on fish curry, trekking in the jungle and staying in hotels on the beach for tuppence. Well, not quite two pence, but you can live like royalty for under £30 a day. Modern tourism began to boom on this idyllic south Indian Ocean island in the 1960s, but it's somehow managed to stay on the sidelines of many a Southeast Asian itinerary, so it's still possible to pick up a low-cost luxury bargain. If you want to stretch your holiday budget, stay at the five-star Cinnamon Lodge, located in Habarana, the epicentre of a cultural triangle encompassing Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. The swish suites here boast fantastic views over the tropical Habarana Lake - take it all in from your own private jacuzzi, while being served champagne by your on-call butler - or you can bag a single room, with all the same spa, swimming pool and dining facilities, from as little as £64 a night. If you can bear to drag yourself away from air-conditioned luxury, the temples, monasteries and stupa speckled throughout the surrounding countryside offer a window into Sri Lanka's Buddhist culture. If you don't fancy days on end temple traipsing, stick to the highlights: the Sri Maha Bodhiya (Bodhi Tree Temple) in Anuradhapura and the Sri Dhalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy, arguably the most sacred places on the entire island. Be warned, foreigners tend to pay higher entrance fees, although some tuk-tuk drivers might offer to sneak you in for free! Southwest Sri Lanka is the place to head for the island's highlight's - read our travel tips here. Compare flights to Sri Lanka View of Kandy, Sri Lanka with temples 9. Argentina From the jungles of the central plains in La Pampa, to the rugged Andes mountains on the western border with Chile, there's plenty to see and do in Argentina, the world's eighth largest country. City lights don't get much brighter in this part of the world than in Buenos Aires, which has rightly earned its reputation as one of the most exciting cities on the planet, thanks partly to its totally up-for-it nightlife. Experience the colourful, flamboyant life of the Argentinian capital by staying away from its most exclusive hotspots and you can easily get by on £40 a day, including a budget hotel bed and meals out. Tour the bright and bold murals that adorn many of Buenos Aires's buildings, and come sundown, slink along the streets of San Telmo and enjoy the cool Bohemian vibe in the restaurants and bars in this part of town - much more fun (and kinder on the wallet) than a night out in the tourist traps of the city's Recoleta district. If you want to get away from it all and see some of the world's most spectacular scenery, then it doesn't get much more impressive than a trip to Patagonia in southern Argentina, home to Tierra del Fuego, the most southerly city in the world and a popular departure point for excursions to the Antarctic. Get there by bus from Buenos Aires - a journey which takes anywhere from 24 to 36 hours - or hop on a cheap internal flight to save time, although this is usually a more expensive way to travel. Prepare yourself for plenty of cute penguins, dolphins and whales in the UNESCO protected nature reserve, Península Valdés; the entrance fee for non-residents is about a tenner. Cheap holidays don't get much more exciting than this. And make sure you see the top attractions in Buenos Aires while you're here. Compare flights to Argentina Seabirds and seals in Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina 10. Greece Due to the country's ongoing economic difficulties, the cost of holidaying in Greece is lower than it used to be. While it's still pretty pricey to stay on famous Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos, pick a quieter Greek getaway like Paros or Skiathos and you can still while away the days in 28 degree heat, sipping ice-cold Mythos (between about £1.50 and £4 a pint depending on where you stay) for half the price. If you're all about pool parties and super-cheap shots, then Ios is the island for you, famous for its all-night raves and young backpacker crowd. Not got time for a full-on island-hop? Settle for a day trip to the Sardonic Gulf island of Hydra, just one and a half hours by catamaran from Athens and the spot for some of the best souvlaki (kebabs) you'll find anywhere else in the Aegean Sea - Pirofani restaurant has been dishing up this delicious food for over 20 years and takes some beating when it comes to flavour and value for money. Not enough meat to satisfy your inner caveman? Sail across to Kefalonia (which you might recognise from the big screen adaption of the famous book, Captain Corelli's Mandolin) for a slab of traditional pie with an oozing filling of meats and gravy. Ferries run regularly between the islands, but if departing from Athens head to the port of Piraeus to check the boards for updated prices and schedules - most of the Aegean Islands take about four or five hours to reach by high-speed ferry, six to eight on a regular one. We've also got the full lowdown on the best Greek islands in our guide. Compare flights to Greece The Greek island of Kefalonia 11. Dominican Republic The Caribbean is pricey, right? Believe it or not, the Dominican Republic can work out a great value holiday destination, where £35 a day will cover accommodation, travel and food if you're thrifty. Eat where the islanders do - at the local comedor - and you'll find dishes for under a fiver and beers for around £1 from the grocery stores, while taking the local bus, or guagua, to the next town can be done for around 80p. Check in to the Bavaro Hostel and for just £16 you'll get a dorm bed within a three-minute walk of the white sands and swaying palms of Bavaro beach, plus free wifi and free coffee. If that isn't enough and you want all-day dining and activities, the Dominican Republic offers some incredible deals for all-inclusive holidays. The VH Gran Ventana on the appropriately named Playa Dorada (Golden Beach) has four different restaurants, from gourmet Caribbean to casual beachfront grill, three swimming pools and watersports from water skiing and parasailing to banana boats and scuba diving - all included. Rates can work out at just over £100 per person if you share a double, so you're definitely going to get your money's worth! Find out where to go and what to do in the Dominican Republic with our full article. Compare flights to Dominican Republic A white sand beach in the Dominican Republic 12. Ireland Flight prices to Ireland have tumbled over the past few years, meaning you can get to Dublin for less than you might think. Once in the Irish capital, stay at the central Generator Hostel and you could pay just €13 for your bed. Free things to do in the Irish capital include visiting the Chester Beatty Library, to check out its world-famous and dazzlingly expansive collection of rare books and manuscripts, and talking a walk with the deer herd in Phoenix Park - this is the largest enclosed recreational space in any European capital so there's plenty to explore. Do some budget shopping at the weekend Blackrock Market, Dublin's oldest, and sup on the central city's (rumoured) cheapest pint, just £2.30 in the Pavilion Bar at the cricket pitch in Trinity College. If you'd rather get out into rural Ireland, head to Galway, where prices are lower than the capital across the board and a weekend break could cost you about 20% less. You could spend some of those savings on the city's vibrant nightlife (thanks, student population!) with a trawl through the city's pubs - where Guinness is around 15% cheaper than in Dublin - and the live music sessions at trad music pub An Pucan are free. Find the craic at these 11 great bars and pubs in Dublin. Compare flights to Dublin Dublin city, bridges and buildings *Published January 2017. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability. Want to know more about our other holiday destinations? Sign up to our newsletter to hear about great deals, inspiration and offers It all started when I took a one-way flight from Miami to Guatemala City, leaping nervously into the unknown and leaving much of my old life behind while embarking on an epic travel adventure around the world. It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve learned a lot since I first left. To celebrate my “travelversary”, I’ve decided to share a collection of my best and most useful travel tips to help inspire you to make travel a priority in your life. Feel free to share your own best travel tips at the end! 1. Patience Is Important Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Life is much too short to be angry & annoyed all the time. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be another one. ATMs out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and explore. Sometimes freakouts happen regardless. Just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse. 2. Wake Up Early Rise at sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to soft diffused light, and usually easier to interact with locals. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; touts, scammers, and criminals sleep in. READ MORE: 15 Common Travel Scams Favorite Travel Tips 3. Laugh At Yourself You will definitely look like a fool many times when traveling to new places. Rather than get embarrassed, laugh at yourself. Don’t be afraid to screw up, and don’t take life so seriously. Once a whole bus full of Guatemalans laughed with glee when I forced our driver to stop so I could urgently pee on the side of the road. Returning to the bus and laughing with them gave me new friends for the rest of the journey. 4. Stash Extra Cash Cash is king around the world. To cover your ass in an emergency, make sure to stash some in a few different places. I recommend at least a couple hundred dollars worth. If you lose your wallet, your card stops working, or the ATMs run out of money, you’ll be glad you did. Some of my favorite stash spots include socks, under shoe inserts, a toiletry bag, around the frame of a backpack, even sewn behind a patch on your bag. READ MORE: How To Protect Your Money Traveling My Best Travel Tips 5. Meet Local People Make it a point to avoid other travelers from time to time and start conversations with local people. Basic English is spoken widely all over the world, so it’s easier to communicate than you might think, especially when you combine hand gestures and body language. Learn from those who live in the country you’re visiting. People enrich your travels more than sights do. 6. Pack A Scarf I happen to use a shemagh, but sarongs also work great. This simple piece of cotton cloth is one of my most useful travel accessories with many different practical applications. It’s great for sun protection, a makeshift towel, carrying stuff around, an eye mask, and much more. I can’t tell you how many times a scarf has come in handy around the world. My Best Travel Tips 7. Observe Daily Life If you really want to get a feel for the pulse of a place, I recommend spending a few hours sitting in a park or on a busy street corner by yourself just watching day to day life happen in front of you. Slow down your train of thought and pay close attention to the details around you. The smells, the colors, human interactions, and sounds. It’s a kind of meditation — and you’ll see stuff you never noticed before. 8. Back Everything Up When my laptop computer was stolen in Panama, having most of my important documents and photos backed up saved my ass. Keep both digital and physical copies of your passport, visas, driver’s license, birth certificate, health insurance card, serial numbers, and important phone numbers ready to go in case of an emergency. Backup your files & photos on an external hard drive as well as online with software like Backblaze. My Best Travel Tips 9. Take Lots Of Photos You may only see these places & meet these people once in your lifetime. Remember them forever with plenty of photos. Don’t worry about looking like a “tourist”. Are you traveling to look cool? No one cares. Great photos are the ultimate souvenir. They don’t cost anything, they’re easy to share with others, and they don’t take up space in your luggage. Just remember once you have your shot to get out from behind the lens and enjoy the view. 10. There’s Always A Way Nothing is impossible. If you are having trouble going somewhere or doing something, don’t give up. You just haven’t found the best solution or met the right person yet. Don’t listen to those who say it can’t be done. Perseverance pays off. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told what I want isn’t possible, only to prove it wrong later when I don’t listen to the advice and try anyway. My Best Travel Tips 11. Smile & Say Hello Having trouble interacting with locals? Do people seem unfriendly? Maybe it’s your body language. One of my best travel tips is to make eye contact and smile as you walk by. If they smile back, say hello in the local language too. This is a fast way to make new friends. You can’t expect everyone to just walk around with a big stupid grin on their face. That’s your job. Usually, all it takes is for you to initiate contact and they’ll open up. 12. Splurge A Bit I’m a huge fan of budget travel, as it allows you to travel longer and actually experience more of the fascinating world we live in rather than waste your hard-earned money on stuff you don’t need. In fact you can travel many places for $50 a day with no problems. That said, living on a shoestring gets old after a while. It’s nice (and healthy) to go over your budget occasionally. Book a few days at a nice hotel, eat out at a fancy restaurant or spend a wild night on the town. My Best Travel Tips 13. Keep An Open Mind Don’t judge the lifestyles of others if different from your own. Listen to opinions you don’t agree with. It’s arrogant to assume your views are correct and other people are wrong. Practice empathy and put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Embrace different possibilities, opportunities, people, suggestions, and interests. Ask questions. You don’t have to agree, but you may be surprised what you’ll learn. 14. Try Couchsurfing Couchsurfing.org is a large online community of travelers who share their spare rooms or couches with strangers for free. If you truly want to experience a country and its people, staying with a local is the way to go. There are millions of couchsurfers around the world willing to host you and provide recommendations. Expensive hotels are not the only option, there are all kinds of cheap travel accommodation options out there. My Best Travel Tips 15. Volunteer Occasionally Make it a point to volunteer some of your time for worthwhile projects when traveling. Not only is it a very rewarding experience, but you’ll often learn more about the country and its people while also making new friends. There’s a great site called Grassroots Volunteering where you can search for highly recommended volunteer opportunities around the world. 16. Pack Ear Plugs This should actually be #1 on the list. I love my earplugs! Muffle the sounds of crying babies, drunk Australians, barking dogs, honking horns, dormitory sex, natural gas salesmen, and more. A traveler’s best friend. These are my favorite earplugs for comfort & effectiveness. READ MORE: My Complete Travel Gear Guide My Best Travel Tips 17. Don’t Be Afraid The world is not nearly as dangerous as the media makes it out to be. Keep an eye out for sketchy situations but don’t let that be the focus of your whole trip. Use common sense and you’ll be ok. Most people are friendly, trustworthy, generous, and willing to help you out. This goes for women too. I realize I’m not a woman, but I’ve met plenty of experienced female travelers who agree. 18. Get Lost On Purpose If you want to see the parts of town where real people live & work, you need to go visit them. The best way to do this is on foot — without knowing exactly where you’re going. Write down the name of your hotel so you can catch a taxi back if needed, then just pick a direction and start walking. Don’t worry too much about stumbling into dangerous neighborhoods either, as locals will generally warn you before you get that far. My Best Travel Tips 19. Eat Local Food Think you already know what Mexican food tastes like? You’re probably wrong. Taste a bit of everything when you travel, especially if you don’t know what it is. Ask local people for recommendations. Eat street food from vendors with big lines out front. I’ve been very sick only twice in my travels. Don’t be scared of the food. READ MORE: The Food Traveler’s Handbook 20. Say Yes Often Be impulsive and say yes when someone randomly invites you to meet their family, try a new activity, or explore a place you didn’t know existed. It’s these unexpected and unplanned situations that add spice to your travels and always turn into the best stories later. Accept the kindness of strangers when you travel — you’ll have plenty of opportunities. My Best Travel Tips 21. Slow Down Please don’t try to cram 6 countries into 6 weeks of travel. All the good stuff happens when you really take the time to explore. You’ll learn about activities that aren’t in your guidebook and meet people who are eager to show you around. I can honestly say that NONE of my best travel experiences happened within the first few days of arriving somewhere. Spend more time in fewer places for maximum enjoyment. 22. Keep Good Notes My memory for details sucks. When I first started traveling the world 4 years ago, I didn’t keep a good journal, and now I’m regretting it. Information like the names of people I met, conversations I had, feelings about a new experience, or what a particular town smelled like. If you ever want to write about your travels, these details are handy. These days I use an incredible note-taking app called Evernote, which I use as my 2nd brain. So useful for all kinds of applications — from planning trips to journaling about them later. My Best Travel Tips 23. Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone Challenge yourself to try things that normally give you anxiety. The more you do this, the more that anxiety will fade away. Not a hiker? Go on more hikes. Have trouble talking to strangers? Talk to everyone. Scared of weird food? Eat the weirdest thing you can find. The reason this works so well while traveling is because everything is already so different, what’s one more new/uncomfortable experience? 24. Don’t Plan Too Much I cringe when readers ask how many days they should spend in a particular country or city. The truth is I have no idea what you’ll enjoy or who you’ll meet. I thought I’d rocket through Nicaragua in a week or two, but ended up living there for 4 months. My advice is to pick a starting point, 1 or 2 must-do activities, and an ending point (or not). Then just let the universe determine the rest. My Best Travel Tips 25. Pack Less Stuff You don’t need 1/2 the gear you think you do to travel anywhere. We’ve all done it. It’s a right of passage for travelers to slowly become better at packing less. My first backpack was 70 liters packed full, my current bag is only 38 liters. As a full-time vagabond, everything I own fits on my back. If you’re not sure about packing something, you don’t need it. It’s also possible to buy most things at your destination country if you discover you need them. 26. Listen To Podcasts Podcasts are awesome. It’s like creating your own personal radio station and filling it with shows and music you always want to listen to. I never thought I’d actually look forward to a 10-hour bus ride. But with podcasts, it’s possible (well, as long as the seats are comfortable). Time will fly by as you listen to incredible storytelling, fun music, or interviews with experts. Here are some of my favorites: This American Life, The Moth, RISK!, Radiolab, Smart Passive Income, and Electro-Swing. My Best Travel Tips 27. Treat Your Body Well Travel can throw your body out of whack. When you’re moving from place to place it’s difficult to maintain a workout routine, and many of us slack off. Or we don’t sleep enough. Or we eat too many cupcakes. I’m guilty of not flossing my teeth. Remember to be nice to your body. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, eat healthily, use sunscreen, and exercise often (check out this body weight routine, no gym required!). And, yes, flossing too I guess. 28. Stay In Touch Remember to call your family & friends from time to time. Maybe surprise them and go old-school by sending a postcard (it’s in the mail, Mom!). Travel isn’t lonely, far from it. You constantly meet other people. But many of those relationships are fleeting. So maintaining a strong connection with the people who know you best is important. My Best Travel Tips 29. Get Off The Beaten Path I know it’s cliché, but you should still attempt it. Seek out interesting and unusual places that don’t see much tourism. Many memorable travel experiences have happened to me in areas that are not easy to visit. By all means, travel to popular sites, but don’t rule out other locations just because they’re not on the tourist trail. Although please realize that just because an area is remote or dangerous doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a life-changing experience. 30. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance No one ever thinks they’ll get sick, injured, or robbed while traveling. But it happens. I’ve sliced up my head on a volcano, contracted Dengue fever, and lost my laptop to thieves. With travel insurance you don’t have to worry about huge hospital bills or stolen gear when it eventually happens. For all kinds of trips ranging from a weekend up to a few months long, I always recommend World Nomads Insurance. 31. Travel More! If there’s one thing I’ve noticed over the past 6 years, it’s that many people back home love to tell me how lucky I am while making excuses why they can’t travel. It’s too expensive. They can’t get time off work. Who will feed their pets? When I suggest solutions to these “problems”, they still don’t take action. Why? Because they’re often hiding behind the true reason: they’re scared. Unfortunately most people who wait to travel the world never do. You don’t need to sell all your worldly possessions and become a homeless vagabond like me. Just get out there more than you do now. Start with a weekend in a different state. Then maybe try a week in the country next door. The new car, remodeling project, and iPhone can wait. If you truly want to travel more, you can make it happen. Career breaks are possible. You have friends who would love to watch your pets. It’s a big, beautiful, exciting, and fascinating world out there. Explore some of it now, rather than later. ★ Travel More Travel The World Want to know how to travel the world? I’ve put together a huge page full of useful world travel resources that should point you in the right direction.