Ayutthaya Day Trip Itinerary and How to Plan

January 29, 2021January 24, 2021 Somewhere in the WorldLeave a comment

A Day in Ayutthaya

Thailand, will always be very dear to my heart. While it was one of the first places I backpacked alone! As I think about my next solo adventure Thailand speaks out to me! It is truly a hub to access additional flights to neighbouring countries! Not to mention it is such an easy way to find cheap flights out of there.

Today’s post, I share some photos of the beautiful Ayutthaya, Thailand. I am also going to discuss a bit how to plan a day trip with two options. Booking with your hostel/ experience guide or independently. Thus, this post will break down how you can do a cycling tour or take it by foot like I did!

I highly recommend spending a full day here, but 5 hours will do fine as well. With trains departing every hour from both Bangkok and Ayutthaya, I will leave the exact timing of this trip down to you, but I would suggest giving yourself a minimum of five hours in Ayutthaya as there are some amazing sights to see! When, I tell you that you will get absolutely lost on this trip believe and the place is fantastic.

Must See’s on a Day Trip to Ayutthaya

There is loads to do in Ayutthaya, and most of the key sites are fairly close together. To be honest, if you rented a bike you could easily see everything quickly. But, i liked to sit down and observe the environment and really take it all in.

Here is a general map of the place:

For those who like a bit more structure: I’ve listed the tops see’s.

I am not aiming to give a full historical background to Ayutthaya in this article, just a list of the best places to visit.

If you want more background on the city: I’ve posted a brief description at the bottom.

All of the temples below costed 50฿ = $2.12 entry fee unless otherwise listed. The prices may have changed since I last went so be sure to double check.

1) Wat Maha That (Buddha’s Head in Tree Roots)

This temple is famous for having the head of a Buddha statue that has been consumed by a tree. No-one really knows how it ended up here, and it's just one of those mysteries of how the head was left behind after the city was raided and its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767. Legend, has it that the head was left behind and a tree started growing around it.

**Travel-hack do not take a picture with your toes facing the Buddha it is considered as disrespectful

2) Wat Ratchaburana

3) Wat Thammikarat (Temple of the Roosters & Giant Buddha)

Ayutthaya: Touring the Ruins of an Ancient Island Capital - Sailingstone Travel — This temple is a little different from the rest, because it’s filled with Roosters. Which local people bring as offerings.

4) Wat Phra Si Sanphet (The Most Important Temple)

I thoroughly enjoyed just getting lost here.

5) Wat Phra Ram (Tranquil Gardens)

This was located very close to the gardens

6) Wat Lokkayasutharam

Overall…

The experience here was immeasurable, the history behind the ruins are of course sad but to see a piece of history still standing today was such an honour and experience. I reccomend you go. Below you will find any photos i didnt get to post as of yet, and further down you will find “How to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok” 🙂

Bangkok to Ayutthaya Train Ticket

Tickets are easy to book. Go to the ticket booths at Hua Lamphong station, the cashiers speak good English, and will spin round their computer screen to show you your booking, so you can confirm it is correct.
There is two booths. Go to the one on the left. One booth sells advance tickets and the other day tickets. Be sure to go to the one selling day tickets.
Tickets cost 15฿ = .64 CAD per person. Yes you read that righttttt ! .
You will be issued with a 3rd class ticket. There is no other option for this train and the train ride is great!
You will not be issued with a seat as your journey is too short.
The cashier will tell you which platform to go to.

If you are not confident enough to just turn up at the station and order a ticket, you can book in advance using the fantastic site 12Go.Asia.

I used 12Go.Asia to book transport right across Southeast Asia, from sleeper trains along the coast. I used this website religiously throughout Thailand, and it worked fine. It is quick, efficient and it takes out the worry of booking at the station.

If you’ve made it this far, I love you and thank you for the continued support. I can wait to take you on my next adventure. With Love, xoxo

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Best Countries to Visit in a COVID Era

January 22, 2021January 18, 2021 Somewhere in the WorldLeave a comment

Backpacker Edition

Long time no talk friends! A lot has been happening within the past four months and COVID has and has not played its part. I unfortunately lost my grandma at the end of the year and it has really taken a toll on my mental health. Not to mention, I can’t back-pack anywhere so I feel really stagnant in my life. That being said: a lot of other good things happened this year. For instance, i started this blog and I never would have thought it would reach countries world-wide. This by far is still my favourite post if you haven’t gotten the chance to check it out please do !

Now, let’s get into this! You know me I like to make these post short and informative! COVID is not going anywhere, which is why a few weeks ago I made this post about ‘10 Countries with Covid Level 1 or No Risk’. Granted, as countries reopen, travel is going to look a lot different, thanks to new safety, testing and cleaning practices. This is the new reality for travelling. Not, to mention the importance of have a negative covid test and mandatory quarantine days. But the new face of travel is also going to have a silver lining. Not only will once over-touristed destinations be less crowded, travellers will be opting for more isolated places.

*Please remember to check all COVID/ Safety regulations before booking any of these places. Be safe and Enjoy.

10 Best Places to Travel in 2021

Greece

From Santorini to Athens, theres something for everyone here and a must see on a bucket list.

2. South Africa

Looking for city life? vineyards? and wildlife all in one place. Take an amazing tour and really dive into the culture and people of this country. Travellers can head to the bustling hub of Cape Town for its dynamic food and design scene, experience historic sites in Johannesburg.

3. Bodrum, Turkey

This is the new St. Tropez, and the best part is its a back-packer love! With scenic outdoors and less busy pace its great for catching sunsets and scenic walks.

4. Puglia, Italy

I have such a soft spot for Italy. I truly fell inlove the last time i went and quite-frankly Italy is very easy to navigate as #backpacker. If you’re every wondering how my time went in Italy or my favourite place. Check out my post here where I share photos from the beautiful Cinque Terre– this alone will make you want to visit Puglia.

5. Egypt

Yes you better believe it. Egypt is one the most beautiful places to backpack and it’s cheap. Theres long days of sight-seeing and culture so its defiantly worth the trip going!

6. Slovenia

I had a short stay here, but i found this was a great place for backpackers because it was within a connect spot. So you can easily go to Croatia or Italy and other neighbouring countries.

7. New Zealand

Let’s talk about this HOTSPOT of a place. They were one of the best countries to deal with COVID and is estimated to be the top travel place for 2021. I know its hard to imagine a life with travel right now. But this country is a must for us backpackers.

If you made it this far, thank you so much for reading! If you’re interested in a part 2. Leave a comment below! I miss you all so much.

Thank you so much for reading and I’ll see you in the next post, With Love, xoxo

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10 Countries with Level 1: Covid Risk or Lower

December 3, 2020November 17, 2020 Somewhere in the World1 Comment

I am going to start off by saying, in no way am I encouraging you to travel during these times. That just simply wouldn’t sit well with me. I think it is very important that we be responsible during these unprecedented times. Despite, all the benefits that solo back-packing has, its important that your health comes first!

That being said; perhaps when things calm down you can head on over to visit these gorgeous countries. So of these I have already done, but there is more on my bucket list! These countries/islands are also Black/women friendly!

If there is ever a week where I missed a post, please dont worry one will be coming! I am currently teaching Grade 1 Virtually and its a learning curve for all. Not to mention my nights look like a never ending Christmas carol.

This week I am bringing you 10 Countries/Islands with Level 1: Covid Risk or Lower.

1. Cayman Islands

2. New Caledonia

New Caledonia is a French territory comprising dozens of islands in the South Pacific.

3. New Zealand

4. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

5. Thailand

6. American Samoa

7. Berumda

8. Fiji

9. Loas

10. Micronesia

If you made it this far in the post.. I appreciate you! I decided to give a bonus two

11. Montserrat

12. Palau

Thank you so much for reading, and I’ll see you in my next post. With Love, xoxo

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A DAY IN TROGIR, CROATIA

November 26, 2020October 12, 2020 Somewhere in the WorldLeave a comment

Trogir, is located between Zadar and Split and is the perfect place to go for a day trip or too spend 1-2 days. With it being a small town, you avoid the inevitable travel crowds and not surrounded by tourists coming off cruise ships. It is the best place to enjoy the atmosphere as the locals do. If you’re a lover of photography, this is the place for you.

At every corner in Trogir, you find beautiful architecture, stunning sea views, high views to see the city above. Not to mention Trogir’s Old Town was voted best city-island in the world by National Geographic in 2015.

Today’s post is a mixture of a #photojournal in my series. Check out Zadar, Croatia’s here. And also a ‘What to Do in Trogir’.

Enjoy the Sea Views

Catching the Most Perfect Spots for Sea Views

Kamerlango Castle

At the tip of the town, lies Kamerlango Castle. A 14th-century fortress, this castle still stands proud at the waterfront. The structure was built by the Republic of Venice to guard the city and control access to the harbour.

The Cathedral Of St. Lawrence

The Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church that was constructed in the Romanesque-Gothic style, which can also be found in other parts of Dalmatia. This church is also listed as a UNESCO site, as well as the whole town, in 1997 as a world heritage site because of its Venetian architecture.

Pantan Beach

I didn’t get to go (over- beaches). But this is a must see place .

Local Farmers Market

Located 100 meters from the bus station you’ll find a beautiful market with local vendors selling all types of goods and trinkets.

Photo Journal

Thank you so much for reading, and I’ll see you in my next post, xoxo.

Travel Tips · Uncategorized

Top 10 Backpacker Myths I’ve Heard and People (Still Believe)

November 19, 2020October 18, 2020 Somewhere in the WorldLeave a comment

10 Backpacker Myths

Welcome to my new followers, it’s so nice to have you reading! This week’s post is all about Backpacker Myths that I commonly hear. Most of these comment I’ve heard from conversations explaining to people why they should solo travel. Some of these myths do not extend to all people, but I think it’s important to know that all people regardless of their gender/sexuality and ethnicity should travel. There are so many lessons from solo travel/ backing – So why not try it out!

1. It’s Unsafe

I think I’ve heard this one the most. The truth is, backpacking is very safe in fact I felt safer at times in foreign countries than I did at home. You’re more aware of your surroundings and most people you find are actually good humans.

2. I Could Never Do it

I absolutely hate the word cant. Although… I do tend to use it haha don’t @ me okay we all have our days. You can defiantly do it. Just change that mindset and you will see that somewhere in the world theres beauty waiting for you to discover.

3. All Hostels are Dirty

Uhhhhhh. I admit I was a sayer of this, until I swallowed all my thoughts and booked my first hostel in Bangkok, Thailand and it started the journey of Somewhere in the world. I also started a ‘Hostel Series‘ to debunk this myth. The truth is most hostels are amazing and resemble in many ways hotel for a fraction of the price. Such as my experience in a hostel in Zadar, Croatia.

4. I Can’t Afford It

This is a big myth, backpacking is budget travelling and thats why I created this blog. To help others travel without burning their bank account. There’s many ways to save for an adventure and I constantly post tips on How To Save on my IG and on here.

5. That’s White People Stuff

I didn’t know there were things in this life that were strictly for white people or strictly for Black people. But, this is a myth and absolutely not the truth. I encourage Black women to Solo travel especially by Backpacking! And for those of you who live off this statement, Check out things Black women Travellers want you to know.

6. It’s only for Men

Not True. There are soo many women travellers. Check out the hashtag #femaletravellers #womenbackpacker #femalebackpackers to see where the party is at!. We are here and we are travelling !

7. You Can Only Do It When You’re Young

False. You can backpack at any age. I’ve met people who were 15 all the way to 65.

8. You Can’t Shower

Another solid False: Every hostel has a shower that you can use… The question is… Are you going to use it? Most of them are very clean so there isnt any worries other then you may not get the hottest of water which you end up getting over.

9. Everything at Home will Change and I’ll Be Left Behind

One of the biggest realizations I came upon when I returned from my first backpacking adventure in Asia is that no matter how long you’re away for, no matter how much you change and how many amazing things you experience along your joinery – you’ll return home and hardly anything will have changed. The only thing that would have changed would be yourself. You learn so much, you come back a whole different person.

It’s like the whole world is put on hold while you travel – people are still in the same jobs, relationships and stuff you left them in!

Don’t let the fear of being left behind stop your from backpacking, let the fear of not going anywhere force you to do it! ALWAYS remember to make memories that will last a lifetime.

10. It’s Hard to Plan

For a beginning, yes! this can be partially true but there are so many resources out there to help you have a successful trip. I also offer free travel help! if interested just leave a comment below and we can get in contact! I also wrote a post on how to start your adventure, as well as tips to find cheap flights. I got you covered for everything!

Thank you so much for reading! Have you read my most previous post? Check it out

As always with love and I’ll see you in my next post,

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How I Eat, Prayed, and Loved My way through Bali and Pai

November 12, 2020October 12, 2020 Somewhere in the World1 Comment

Let me start off by saying, I am teaching grade 1 virtually this year and gosh, am I ever busy. This has been the first time i can sit back and write something other than lesson plans. Im happy that this comes easy to me. Hopefully all of my posts have been helpful thus far, i have so much more coming for you! Anyways, here we go:

I never thought i was ever going to go Julia Roberts and eat/pray/ love my way through a place. However, the moment I got to Pai, Thailand i just KNEW this is what was going to happen. Pai is a town in the Mae Hong Soon Province of northern Thailand. It sits in a valley on the banks of the Pai River. It’s known for its nearby gorges, hot springs like the Tha Pai Hot Spring and waterfalls like Mo Paeng Waterfall.

Here it Is… How I Eat, Prayed, Loved.

I never thought it would of come to a Julia Roberts vibe however, one thing is clear I had everything I needed at the time and I relatively still do. I wasn’t leaving a toxic relationship or having a career change. Nothing like that, it’s just the moment I got to Pai, something happened. I had a realization… that I was so focused on ‘Whats Next’ in life I never appreciated how I got the moment of my life I was in. Anyways, it started like..

I Ate…

I ate so many different foods, i explored the culture and I even explore American cuisine with a twist. But, I also took a cooking class (I wasn’t trying to loose the skill haha). I also ate foods that made me happy. While at home, i tend to eat on the 80/20 rule and that has worked tremendously. however, on this trip I wasn’t being so health conscious, i wanted to let myself be free and learn to love food whole- heartedly.

French Toast with Toasted Banana’s in Bali

I drank Poo Coffee (YES Luwak Coffee is POO )

I Prayed..

I prayed.. I prayed a whole lot. Not for specific answers- more so for direction or a little sign about myself. I wanted to know if i was heading in the right direction and if I wasn’t i was heading at least somewhere that would bring me comfort. Every so often, i received these signs of hope and they were little things such as, a dove, or a colour that reminded me about a time in my life. Praying on my trip opened the doors for #mindfulness and #gratitude and really finding solace in my own company. Being alone for me was never lonely because I was always with my thoughts and I often caught myself putting to rest some demons that were constantly in my mind.

PRE-COVID (WOW): I took a Spiritual Holy Water Bath

Coffee In Love in Pai
(Praying in Random Places with great views)

I Loved..

THIS right here, is where it was at. I LOVED.. I learned to love myself for who I am and my independent thoughts. I even learned to love the parts of me that require deep growth. Backpacking for my is like therapy, it’s an experience that typically involves a lot of self-reflection and consciousness because you’re alone with none but yourself. But, the greatest thing of all of it, is that you learn how amazing you can be without the materialism items or the partner or the career.

I learned to love my friends a little deeper, life a little stronger, and learn to love moments for what they are. See below some of the moments where I Loved..

Enjoying my Little pockets of Peace in Pai at #CoffeeinLove

My best travelling girl, Alexis we for sure fell in love with each other during this trip.

Mount Batur. We took an exceptionally hard route and I cried the entire way and complained and had a bunch of asthma attacks. But when I got to the top, and looked back at all the struggles. I knew there was more to life than the struggles and that at some point the view will all be worth it as long as I appreciate the journey it took for me to get there.

Trusted myself with a Motor Bike and SURVIVED – Pai

Thank you so much for reading, and I’ll see you in my next post! Leave a comment below what you’ve been doing!

Hostel Reviews · Uncategorized

Hostel Series: Zadar, Croatia

November 5, 2020October 18, 2020 Somewhere in the World2 Comments

The month of October! What a year it has been! This month I am focusing on highlighting some of the hostels I’ve been in with my hostel series. How do you even Survive a Hostel? Well, I went into a lot of details for you all in that post. So, today we’re starting of talking about Downtown Boutique Hostel.

This place exceeded my expectations and really set the bar high for hostels. I hope to come across to this place again in the future. Good news is they are currently open during COVID times however, with a different set up in place.

This hostel is one of the best, I think you’ll ever stay in. The reception is so friendly and theres a map provided to direct you around town. They also offer day tours and there is a nice kitchenette perfect for backpackers and a chill vibe.

You also receive a discount to the restaurant beside the hostel. In addition, breakfast is offered at 8 Euros.

Rating on My Scale:

Security – 10

Atmosphere – 8

Cleanliness – 10

Facilities – 10

Staff – 10

Location- 10

Value for Money – 10

Overall Score: 9/10.

I unfortunately didn’t get a photo of the front lobby, but I did get photos of all the important things!

Right when you walk in you’ll notice the Hostel Sign which will have their WIFI Passcode and Name. Usually, you’ll find this everywhere in all the hostels.

Then, you’ll typically find the lounge right away where you can make friends/chill out in the evenings. This lounge also had a small kitchenette to make breakfast in the morning which was nice.

Some hostels give you keys, others, give you cards. For this particular hostel, the entrance to your room was the 204- fob and the Key was for your locker.

Now, we have what you’ve been wondering about… The bed SITUATION honestly, this has been the best room I ever stayed in. Although… when i think about it the Wombat Hostel in Venice was very nice as well.

6- Female Bedroom, with windows that looked towards the streets.

My Bunk was the Bottom, I LOVED that this hostel had drapes for each bunk.

MASSIVE LOCKERS! To store all your belongings

The Shared Washroom with the floor. (There was more on the other side)

This hostel was very accommodating, they had both an elevator and stairs for people on the top floors.

Me excited for sleep after a Morning of Travelling

Overall, I really enjoyed my stay here while in Zadar, Croatia. I will for sure be back in the future.

If you enjoy reading my Hostel Reviews, please let me know below in the comments to keep them coming!

Thank you so much for reading and I’ll see you in my next post. With Love,

Travel Tips · Uncategorized

8 Places That the Canadian Dollar Goes Far

October 8, 2020September 2, 2020 Somewhere in the WorldLeave a comment

I was speaking with a friend the other day, and he advised “I can’t travel man, our dollar sucks everywhere i don’t know.. what do you think is the cheapest place to go?” This question stuck with me because it didn’t come down to where was necessarily cheaper, but the concept we were talking about was called ‘currency arbitrage’ which means “making your money go further by using a strong currency in a country with a weaker one“.

Let’s face it.. If you’re Canadian you already know the struggle of our dollar.. IT SUCKS VIRTUALLY/PHYSICALLY EVERYWHERE lmao.. Okay, maybe I am being extra but our dollar really does suck in most places. Thus, I’ve done deep research, and talk amongst my backpacker friends and here are 12 places where Our Canadian Dollar surprisingly goes far. This list is in no particular order.. I am just listing places.

One thing, I wanted to stress is that I don’t believe there is such a thing as, ‘poor’ countries and ‘rich countries’ because CLEARY during this pandemic we have seen big countries do absolutely nothing for their people. So there’s that myth.. BUSTED. That is not to say that there isn’t many people living in poverty. Globally people are facing a myriad of difficulties in their lives however, I just wanted to disclose that identifying a country as ‘poor’ vs ‘rich’ just doesn’t sit well with me.

Below you’ll find a collection of 12 countries that may not be the cheapest in the world, but that represent the best value for our dollar – and thus are worth visiting. I wanted to give a combination of back-packer friendly and travel friendly countries. If you need help finding cheap flights to these places, take a read of my post of finding cheap flights. Surely, it will help.

Please, leave a comment if you’re not sure which country to visit based on your style or send me a email 🙂

1/10

Romania

$1 CAD = 3.13 leu

100 Romanian leu = $31.94 CAD

Romania is an ancient land, full of castles and historical antiquities, and the exchange rate presents some serious bargains for Canadians. For example, a typical meal for two in the capital of Bucharest will run you under $35 Canadian, the cost of living is estimated to be nearly 40 per cent lower than living in Toronto. Imagine that!

2/10

Croatia

1$ CAD = 4.87 Kuna

100 Kuna = $20.53 CAD

Croatia is just a phenomenal and easy country to back-pack for two. Not, to mention how romantic some parts of the country can be. A typical meal for two in the capital will run you about 289.80 kn which is just under $60.00. Keep in mind, Dubrovnik is one of the most expensive cities in Croatia and will double in price for basic things. Thanks to Games of Thrones attractions.

3/10

Cambodia

$1 CAD = 2740.42 riel

100,000 Riel = $36.51 CAD

Asia is a destination hot spot for Canadian travellers and I can see why. The cost of travelling is cheaper in these countries and the people are the most friendliest you’ll ever met. If visiting Phnom Penh, a domestic beer will cost about a buck and a half, while an average dinner for two will run less than $23 CAD.

4/10

Belize

$1 CAD = 1.54 (BZD)

100 BZD = $64.76 CAD

Average Hotel Price: $40

Average Cost of Food for a Day: $23 / for two: $55

Average Daily Cost (Per Person, Per Day): $78

Belize is the only country in (mainland) Central and South America where English is the official language! As such, it’s an easy place to travel to. This may not be the number pick for backpackers, but for travellers alike our money will go far.

5/10

Argentina

$1 CAD = 56.92 ARS

5692.42 ARS = $100 CAD

Average Hostel/Hotel Price: $20-25 / $51

Average Cost of Food for a Day: $12

Average Daily Cost (Per Person, Per Day): $76

6/10

Belarus

$1 CAD = 2.03 BYN

203.36 BYN = $100 CAD

Average Hotel/Hostel Price: $14-$25

Average Cost of Food for a Day: $7

Average Daily Cost (Per Person, Per Day): $25

Belarus is considered one of the gems of Central and Eastern Europe; visiting museum towns like Mir and Nesvizh will take you back in time, and they’re both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Vitebsk is the place to be in the summertime with lots of arts festivals. Trekking fans will love the ancient forests of Belavezhskaya Puscha National Park, which is home to 212 species of birds.

And because Belarus is one of the few European countries that didn’t adopt the Euro, our dollar goes farrr HUNNTYYY.

7/10

Indonesia

$1 CAD = 11307.52 IDR

1130751.62 IDR = $100 CAD

Average Hostel Price: $10-35

Average Cost of Food for a Day: $15

Average Daily Cost (Per Person, Per Day): $30

Honestly: I think people get clouded by ‘instagram photos of lavish life’ and assuming it costs an organ. In Indonesia you can ejoy the finest things because prices are super low and our money goes far !

Also, most people have no idea just how big and diverse Indonesia is as a country. Many also don’t realize that the popular tourist destination of Bali is just one of many (as in, 17,000!) Indonesian islands, each with their own flavour and sometimes culture.

8/10

Philippines

$1 CAD = 37.30 PHP

3729.58 PHP = $100 CAD

Average Hostel Price: $20

Average Cost of Food for a Day: $12

Average Daily Cost (Per Person, Per Day): $20

9/10

Thailand

$1 CAD = 24.00 Baht

2400.22 Baht = $100 CAD

Average Hostel Price: $14

Average Cost of Food for a Day: $10

Average Daily Cost (Per Person, Per Day): $25

Thailand is a very easy place to visit, and has been a backpacker haven for decades. It’s easy not only because it’s cheap (Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket all made the 2016 Price of Travel Index’s list of cheapest Asian cities), but also because it’s incredibly friendly it’s the ‘land of smiles’ thats for sure. I survived in Thailand for one month with $300 CAD!! Cant you believe that!

10/10

Chile

$1 CAD = 591.05 CL

59104.95 Chilean Peso = $100

Average price of dinner for two is 35,000 CL

If hiking through Patagonia is on your bucket list, now could be the time to go as every dollar is worth 18% more. Peak season in Patagonia lasts from November until March, when temperatures are perfect for exploring the wonderlands of Torres del Paine, Laguna San Rafael and Bernardo O’Higgins National Parks. Of course when your travelling it is always recommended you download apps, just to help you situate yourself in countries that are more spread apart in terms of activities in different cities.

Thank you so much for reading, and I’ll see you in my next post, xoxo.

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How to Survive Your First Hostel

October 1, 2020September 2, 2020 Somewhere in the World4 Comments

Here, we are looking at your first hostel…

It’s not as bad as you think. I remember talking to my friend Alexis laughing at her because I couldn’t believe she was staying in a hostel. I felt so scared for her! and I had so many questions. So i decided to re-visit this conversation and share my knowledge with you all. I also decided this would bring me to starting my “Hostel Series” which I review hostels and share photos. I am telling you all, that you’d be surprised at some of the places I stayed.

I think every traveler should try staying at a hostel at least once in their lifetime. Even if you have a luxury-hotel budget, hostels are a cool and unique experience that can result in some amazing memories. I for one have made, memories that will last a lifetime. I’ve met loads of backers that were not on a tight budget, but actually chose to stay in hostels because they prefer it and honestly, you end up having more fun in my opinion. And you read that right, they prefer hostels to luxury hotels and apartments.

No- hostels are not glamorous. And yes, you may have to say goodbye to privacy. But hostels truly are of one of a kind experience and are absolutely worth a try. **That being said, many people have had awful experiences so just be sure to do your double checking.

There are a few things any first-timer should know before staying in a hostel. Here is a basic guide to staying in a hostel for the first time:

WHY STAY IN A HOSTEL?

The hostel experience is one that is completely different from any other type of accommodation. I will say again and again, hostels are the best way to meet people while traveling. This is ideal for solo travellers- as a hostel is a space where other solo travellers congregate, so you will meet like-minded people from all over the world. Hostels are definitely the most social form of accommodation. You are literally living with other travellers, sharing showers, essentially a university lifestyle on the go.

BENEFITS OF STAYING IN A HOSTEL:

It’s cheap. Obviously, hostels are much cheaper than hotels and most other forms of accommodation. This makes your travel reduce in overall fee, keep in mind sometimes you pay for what you get for. This makes hostels the perfect place for budget and/or long-term travellers. Depending on the location, a hostel bed will cost anywhere from $10-$80 a night, give or take.

Travel Longer. You can easily travel for longer periods of time when you stay in hostels. You know those people that just seem to be traveling constantly, and you wonder how the hell they can afford that lifestyle? Well, unless they are rolling in cash or are a travel influencer collaborating with hotels and tourism boards, they are most likely staying in a bunch of hostels (AKA MEEEEE). But, I just love hostels and its not only for singles you can bring families to there is many kinds of options in terms of ‘bed setting’.

You can wait until last minute to book. I remember being in Cinque Terre, and moving onto Venice I had no clue where to stay. I decided I would use Hostelworld, as a way to find a quick overnight place. If your super last minute (not me) you can book in the morning for the afternoon. The only problem is, sometimes if you’re going to a popular city the option for ‘girls only’ may be booked quick. That being said, there will always be room.
- NOTE: hostels in major tourist cities do sometimes book up during peak season. Try to book at least a few days in advanced if you are visiting during this time.

Activities. Most hostels offer activities to bring the guests together and create a sense of community. Hostels may offer free walking tours of the city, day trips to nearby areas, pub crawls, etc. Usually, these activities are either free or super cheap, so it is a great way to see the area and make friends who are also staying in the same hostel.

Meeting People: It is way easier to make friends in a hostel than any other type of accommodation. This is my all time favourite part! You end up meeting people who become your family for the short time your there together (see below) the photo on me and two girls who adventured around Zadar, Croatia.

Luanna & Sheelagh I met in Zadar, they biked through Croatia and we met in different cities after first meeting in the hostel in Zadar.

HOW TO CHOOSE A HOSTEL:

Most major tourist destinations will have tons of hostels to choose from. That being said, it can be overwhelming to choose which hostel to stay at. Below you will find my top tips for choosing a hostel.

Read the reviews. This is the first thing I do when choosing a hostel. I will usually check out the reviews on Hostel World, Google Maps, and Booking. My biggest thing when it comes to a hostel is cleanliness, security, and location. One review I look for in particular is those from Black women/ Women of colour. If those factors got low ratings, I will avoid that hostel all together. Even, if I wasn’t Black I wouldn’t want to stay somewhere where people are treated based on their race/ethnicity.

Location, location, baby. Location is always one of the first things I look at when booking a hostel. I prefer to be as centrally located as possible, especially when I am traveling solo. Make sure you have a general sense of the area you’re staying in. It’s best for first timers to pick a place that is within walking distance or close to transportation.

What type of room do you want to stay in? Do you want a female only dorm? Bed curtains for privacy? Single beds? A private room? How many other people are you comfortable sharing your room with? Knowing what type of sleeping situation you want is a major part of choosing a hostel. I typically went with 6 Mixed-Bed or 6 all Female, depending on what my mood was at the time of booking.

What type of experience are you looking for? Do you want a social party or one that is quiet? Mad Monkey hostels are known for parties, that being said I stayed in one Hostel in Pai that was super small (10 beds) and it was the best partying experience I ever got.

My make-shift, privacy curtains I typically do for hostels without the curtain.

WHERE TO BOOK A HOSTEL

The hostel website: Third-party apps get a percentage, so I strongly recommend booking your hostel directly through the hostel’s website, if one exists. *Travel Tip* It is usually cheaper on the website of the hostel to book with.
Hostel World: Although I think it’s best to book directly through the hostel’s website, I always look at Hostel World first just to see an overview of my options. I also use this app to read reviews right away which has been very helpful for me. Hostel world is a great tool to use to compare reviews, location, and pricing among the hostels in the area. I typically used this form on my first backpacking journey.
Hostel Bookers: An alternative to Hostel World. Check out both websites to compare prices, and check out different hostel options.
Booking.com: Booking isn’t just for hotels – you can also find hostels here!
Airbnb: Yes, you can find hostels on Airbnb! Sometimes it may be someone’s apartment that they have converted into a small hostel. You can use my code to receive up to 75$ CAD off your first stay and $20 CAD to use towards an experience worth 75$ or more!

GETTING SLEEP IN A HOSTEL

Lol….

Well, you CAN get sleep. But, if you are a light sleeper I recommend booking a private room. OR investing in some really good head phones. Shop my Amazon store for all your back-packing needs.

Top Bunk vs Bottom

This really depends, I’ve done both. Typically, I like the bottom and when there is no curtains available I hang my towel/ the hostel towel up and create this barricade which allows me to have privacy to change/ read or journal at night.

If sleep is a priority for you, do not, I repeat, DO NOT book a party hostel. Party hostels are usually easy to point out, based on reviews, pictures (if there are a ton of pictures with giant groups of people, wearing pub crawl t-shirts, and shot gunning beers or doing shots, then yeah, odds are it is a party hostel.) A lot of party hostels will have written on their website, “If you a good night’s sleep is your priority, then this is not the hostel for you.” Etc. Here is a perfect example of a party hostel-it is pretty obvious.

Bring earplugs. These are a life saver for light sleepers.

It’s also a good idea to wear an eye mask if you are sensitive to light. Lights can commonly go off in some dorms so this keeps you sound asleep.

Friends I met in Hvar, Croatia (Pub Crawl)

MEETING PEOPLE IN A HOSTEL

Making friends is super easy in a hostel. However, you do have to put yourself out there a little bit. For all my shy/introverted readers, this may mean getting out of your shell a little. The common room in a hostel is the best place to meet fellow travelers. If there is a group of people talking, just go up to them and say “Hey what’s up, my name is _____.”. Eventually, you end up meeting friends that you can go and travel with.

Another great way to meet people in a hostel is to go on a pub crawl or event the hostel is hosting. This way you meet people who are staying in your dorm/ the hostel.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

Shower shoes are a must. You will be sharing a bathroom with a bunch of strangers. Always have a shower shoe to avoid foot fungus and other things.
Search reviews: For my sisters, try to search for reviews from Black women/ women of colour. This will help you gauge the environment.
Laundry: Almost all hostels offer laundry services or you can find a nearby place that can do it for it and some places even deliver.
Some hostels require a small rental fee for towels. Research this on the hostel website before you arrive, just so you won’t have any surprises.
Many hostels will accept cash-only payment. Make sure to have cash on you when you arrive (most will accept payment at various times)
Peak seasons will always be more expensive. Try avoid visiting certain places during their peak seasons (Google search)

HAVE FUN

Hostels can be the most amazing experience! Just remember to try and have the most fun while staying there.

Thank you so much for reading, don’t forget to like/ leave a comment. It means so much to me and I’ll see you in my next post.

Island hopping in Croatia, with friends.

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Photo Journal: CAPTIVATING CINQUE TERRE

September 24, 2020August 3, 2020 Somewhere in the World11 Comments

After seeing photographs of this beautiful area of Italy for years, I finally got a chance to go and witness it myself. On the seaside, you can find five towns that are filled with beauty, food, color, history, and culture . It’s one of the loveliest places I’ve ever been, and of course I fell in love with it. I thought, I eat, prayed and loved my way in Pai. But it turns out I did the exact same thing here. Even with the odd rainy day, I wished I spent a longer time here. A special shoutout goes out to Franco my hostel host for creating an amazing experience and making everyone feel like family. Enjoy these shots of this picturesque region of Italia.

If interested in a Part 2: Comment down below, I love hearing from you wonderful people.

If any of these photos fancy you: Pin it to you Pinterest Board. I appreciate all the love.