All listings on this page are alphabetized. We visited or participated in all the activities listed on this page. Colca Canyon - view our description here El Misti - towers above Arequipa at 5,822 M or 19,101 feet. Visitors to the city can't miss it; it dominates the skyline. Several options are available for hiking in its vicinity or climbing to the top. A normal climb is 2 to 3 days but those who have problems with altitude or are not … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – More Information
Banks are plentiful especially around the center of town and Plaza del Armas. Unlike most other cities, there are some banks in Arequipa that actually are open on Sundays! ATM machines are abundant in the center of town and are open 24/7. Taxi Drivers - in Arequipa do not use meters. You need to decide on a price before you get into the car. Typically trips around town will cost merely several soles. We used Alberto Loayza, a taxi driver … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is known worldwide and is certainly the most famous attraction in Cambodia; it is located only 6km from the old market in Siem Reap - take Charles DeGaulle Blvd to reach the main Angkor Wat temples. Tourists used to be denied access to rent motor bikes for personal use (because of the danger of landmines) but now one can rent a bike for use around Siem Reap. You can either rent a taxi, tuk-tuk, regular bicycle, or go with someone on … [Read more...]
Morocco – Transportation
Ship to Tangiers - several ferry services cross the Straight of Gibralter from Spain to Morocco or to Ceuta which is a small part of Spain on the African continent surrounded by Moroccan land. The most common departure point is from Algeciras to Tangier. Several ferry services operate this route - a ferry leaves every 90 minutes between 7am and 10pm - and during the very high season usually in mid summer - the ferrys run 24/7. The cost is … [Read more...]
Morocco – Touts of Tangier
Touts - are best defined as those who try to solicit something out of you often in a somewhat bold and brazen manner. I will add the words "highly persistent" to this definition. Tangier is a fairly unfriendly port town - tourists coming across on the ferry from Spain may find it quite difficult to escape its clutches, especially if you are not used to dealing with aggressive touts. The closest town I can think of to compare to Tangier is … [Read more...]
Backpack Nation – February 2003
Backpack Nation founded by famed San Francisco taxi driver Brad Newsham after the events of Sept 11, 2001 in NYC. Over the years, his organization has raised significant funding which were donated to individuals, families and unique projects worldwide. For more information please visit: www.bradnewsham.com … [Read more...]
Zanzibar – Attractions
Dhows located in the surf of the beach in front of Nungwi.Stone Town is full of old buildings including many that are in a state of severe decay. This city seems like a tiny maze at times, however its difficult to get too lost - if you walk far enough you will either end up on the seafront or on Creek Road which is the outermost road in Stone Town. While in Stone Town be sure to visit the evening waterfront "fresh fish cookout." This event … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – Jewelry Shopping
Note: Sometimes a tuk-tuk or taxi driver will offer to take you to a "fancy jewelry store" on the way to your desired destination. THIS IS A SCAM. Often they will tell you they can give you a better price if they first take you to a jewelry store. If you purchase, your receipt may show a false address. In my experience I have found the "jewelry stores" that they take me to of fairly low quality, it is often a great waste of time, and lastly the … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – Other Information
Bookstores Money Travel Agency Visa Overstay Embassy Info Post Offices Mobile Phones Tropical Fruit Guidebooks Photo Printing Vaccinations 7-11 Stores Language Tailor VAT 7-11 Stores - seemingly on every block, the convenience of having so many 7-11's in the city is often much appreciated. One of our primary reasons for visiting 7-11's in Bangkok is the fact they will accept large bills for small … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – More Information
Personal References We would like to thank the following four individuals for their insights and knowledge about Bangkok and Thailand in general: Nadia K. Nongnart P. Pattira Thitimajshima SoMa There are many resources available on the Internet about travel in Bangkok & Thailand in general. Here are just a few recommended ones. Thailand is our most visited country outside of the USA so when the latest version of a new Thailand … [Read more...]