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Category: South America Tips

Hostel Nightmares: When Hostel Stays Go Bad

Hostel Nightmares: When Hostel Stays Go Bad

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Hostels are wonderful places to stay.  Cheap, sociable, and perfect for backpackers, I have stayed in some amazing hostels all over the world.  However, sometimes hostel stays don’t work out quite as we’d hoped!  After a couple of terrible experiences in hostels, including having all my stuff stolen from a hostel locker, I asked fellow female travellers to share their hostel nightmares.  Read on, if you dare! Hostel Nightmares: Horrible Roommates By Claire from Tales of a Backpacker In Stockholm I…

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What to Pack for La Ciudad Perdida Lost City Trek

What to Pack for La Ciudad Perdida Lost City Trek

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The trek to the Ciudad Perdida, or Lost City Trek, in northern Colombia is an incredible hike.  It is not an easy walk though, and involves steep climbs and descents, two river crossings and hoards of mosquitos.  Here is a handy guide to what to pack for La Ciudad Perdida Trek to help you prepare, and handle it like a pro! I recommend Wiwa Tours for the trek, I went with them and had a great time, learning a lot about…

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Hostel Dorm Beds - How to stay in a hostel & not be a dick: hostel etiquette 101
Hostel Etiquette : How to Stay in a Hostel & Not Piss off your Roommates

Hostel Etiquette : How to Stay in a Hostel & Not Piss off your Roommates

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Hostels are one of the best accommodation options for backpackers and budget travellers.  However, although sometimes I may complain about #firstworldproblems, I have realised after 18 months of staying in hostel dorms that there are certain unwritten rules that apparently do need to be written down to make sure everyone enjoys their stay.  If we all follow this simple guide to hostel etiquette, we will all get along just fine! Want to book a hostel bed?  I use hostelworld.com or…

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Essential Items for your Backpack
You Know You’re a Seasoned Backpacker When….

You Know You’re a Seasoned Backpacker When….

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Backpacking or travelling for a long period of time is an incredible experience – rewarding, exhilarating and life-changing.  However, when travelling for a long time, there are some things that start to affect your daily life, and that people recognise in you even if you don’t see it for yourself! Here are just a few things I realised I have started doing after spending a long time on the road! Planning a trip?  These Travel Planning Resources can help! You…

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Crossing Borders in South America
Crossing Borders in South America – Your Guide

Crossing Borders in South America – Your Guide

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Crossing an international border in South America is, on the whole, very easy.  A little too easy in fact.  I have crossed 14 international borders in South America since I arrived last August, and once you know how it works the first time, the rest of the crossings should be a doddle.  There are still a few things to bear in mind when you are crossing borders in South America. During my 10 month journey I have crossed the following…

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Bus Travel in South America - Getting Off
Bus Travel in South America: Everything You Need to Know

Bus Travel in South America: Everything You Need to Know

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Travelling by bus in South America can be a great way to get around cheaply and easily.  Long distance buses in South America are usually (not always!) fairly comfortable with reclining seats and air con, and some even include drinks, snacks and films to watch.  Others of course are more basic, but all are incredibly good value compared with European bus travel.  However, there are some things you need to know before embarking on your journey, to help you navigate…

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