RSSAug|02|2008
More Of Bangkok On A Shoestring Budget
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Backpacking & Budget, Food and Drink, Tips
We have talked about going around Bangkok and sleeping in the city on a shoestring budget. Now how about going to the best part of all – FOOD.
When we went to Bangkok, trying all the different food available was the best part for me. We arrived at the hotel around 4 am and we were starving. It was a good thing that we saw a long line of food stores right beside the hotel. It seemed that they were open all night and there were a lot of people eating and drinking so we decided to check in and then find something to eat. Most of the people were Thai so of course, we …
Jul|28|2008
Bangkok On A Shoestring Budget
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Backpacking & Budget, Cities, Destinations, Tips
A friend of mine is taking her family to Bangkok at the end of this week. As she has never been there (and I have), we had a long discussion on what they could do there without burning too big a hole in their pockets. Here are some things that we talked about.
Accommodations
Bangkok is rife with hotels and hostels for all kinds of budgets. Since we are looking for cheap but decent accommodations, the best place to stay would be around the Khao San area. This road is arguably the best road in the world. Though some may think that it is not the perfect …
Nov|09|2007
Babywearing: Baby Slings, Part 2
Posted by Camica as Backpacking & Budget, Family, People, Tips
Among all the baby slings in the market, I found the ring sling to be the best fit for me. There were several reasons, which I would like to share with you, to help you decide if a ring sling is ideal for you too.
• First, I liked the fact that the ring sling can be used from birth through toddlerhood. Most carriers in the market are not suitable for newborns, while some are not big enough or can’t handle a toddler’s weight. A ring sling can support a newborn’s head and neck, and can be adjusted to fit your baby’s size.
• Ring slings are very good for breastfeeding moms. The sling can be easily adjusted to position …
Nov|08|2007
Babywearing: Baby Slings, Part 1
Posted by Camica as Backpacking & Budget, Family, People, Tips
Last post, I started sharing about the benefits of babywearing. I only discovered the magic of baby slings after my second child was born. Although I already had the full arsenal of baby gear from my firstborn, I decided I had to buy a baby sling as well. It’s an investment I’ve never regretted.
Although there are several different kinds of slings and baby carriers in the market, I decided to choose a ring sling. Ring slings are baby carriers that are composed of a length of cloth and two rings made of metal or tough plastic. One end of the cloth is sewn to two rings. Starting from the shoulder, you wrap …
Nov|07|2007
Wearing Your Baby, Part 2
Posted by Camica as Around The World, Backpacking & Budget, Family, People, Tips, Transport
Babywearing, or the art of carrying your baby in a sling or a carrier you wear around your body, has been around for generations. In fact, it’s the most natural and convenient way of lugging your baby around. Unfortunately, most “civilized” countries haven’t been using this method, preferring to place the baby in a stroller or a baby carriage, or relegating baby to a nanny. As parents became more hands-on, and started bringing their babies anywhere, however, the practice of carrying baby close to the parent has become a growing trend. In fact, studies show that carrying baby is beneficial, not only for the parents, but most specially for the baby.
It’s best for baby
Baby slings encourage …
Oct|05|2007
Super Saver Trip Tips: Travel Insurance
Posted by Hannah Grace as Backpacking & Budget, Family, Tips, Website
Tip #2 - Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is something many people do not really bother with. This is especially true for those who are simply planning on a really short trip or a trip not too far away. The preparations seem unnecessary and too big a hassle. After all what could go wrong? Right? Well the truth is a lot could go wrong. You’re just never really sure. That’s why it’s called insurance! If something DOES go wrong, in the end the time you spent choosing a good travel insurance package as well as the money you shell out to make sure you are covered for any eventuality will be really …
Aug|17|2007
Make the Most Out of Your Travel Budget
Posted by Noemi as Backpacking & Budget, Family, Tips
Here are more ideas on how you can stretch your budget for a family vacation.
Go straight to the source
I am sure you’ve heard this saying when it comes to information. It can not be more applicable to travel plans! Travel agencies and their agents sure make planning (and execution of the plan) easier. However, it does not do much good for your pocket. Visit airline web sites for the cheapest rates – especially for budget airlines. Call up hotels and resorts to negotiate a better deal for your family. Again, research is an inherent part of this process. You need to know the rates of your potential resort and then see which one …
Aug|09|2007
Backpackers’ Dos and Don’ts - Accommodations
Posted by Hannah Grace as Adventure, Backpacking & Budget, Tips, Travelogger
Accommodations DOs:
Do book your first night’s accommodation. While it is tempting to be more adventurous by finding a place to sleep when you arrive at your destination you might regret it if: 1) you have a hard time finding a place to stay since most establishments are fully booked, 2) those that are near or that aren’t full yet are expensive (read: hotels and motels), 3) you get there really tired or feeling unwell and checking in takes a really long time. I could go on and on about possible mishaps but the point is to just book your first night so that you’ll have a place waiting for you to relax and start your trip right.
Do stay in hostels. …
Aug|07|2007
Women Backpackers’ Dos and Don’ts - Transportation
Posted by Hannah Grace as Backpacking & Budget, Tips, Transport
Backpacking is fun but following this list of Dos and Don’ts will ensure that you a safer, cheaper, and more exciting trip. I’ll be doing a series of posts starting with Transportation Dos and Don’ts.
Transport DOs:
Do save money by reading hostel notice boards. You will find plenty of announcements for shared lifts and car pooling. Make sure that your instant travel companions look trustworthy though.
Do choose your travel companions with care. Families and couples are a safer option than all men/lone men travelers.
Do travel in a bus. It is cheaper than going by plane or rental car and you’ll have time to enjoy the scenic view.
Transport DONTs:
Don’t hitch hike. This is especially true if you are in a remote area. …
Jul|29|2007
“Rail” Love
Posted by Camica as Adventure, Around The World, Backpacking & Budget, Transport
One of my all-time favorite movies is “Before Sunrise”. This movie, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, is about two soulmates who meet and fall in love on a train, roam around
Vienna talking about life and love in general, and end up promising to meet each other at the train station after six months. The sequel, “Before Sunset” takes place in
Paris, but also doesn’t end up with “happy ever after” either. Both movies appeal to the hopeless romantic in me, and the film’s use of the romantic appeal of
Vienna and
Paris adds to the movie’s impact. But I have to admit, I like the first one better, mostly because of the premise of two …
