Visitors Guide to Florida: 2nd Edition (The Visitors Guides Book 1)

Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be. I would never travel without a headtorch. Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy chicks dig hammocks and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full backpacking packing list.

Laos is often thought of as this small landlocked country in the middle of Asia, but it is actually bigger than you think: Lowland Laos November — January: The best time of the year to visit the lowlands is in these months. Lowland Laos Feb — April: The temperatures are starting to climb and it is increasingly more humid in the day and the evenings. If you like hot climates with the humidity giving you a good excuse to swim in the rivers; this is a great time of year.

Highlands of Laos November — January: Pretty chilly up in the mountains, temperatures can drop as low as freezing at this time of year! Perfect for those wanting to hike without many people around… just bring warm clothes! Highlands of Laos February — April: Like the lowlands, the temperature is increasing, but comfortably.

The lowlands will be hot and humid whereas the highlands at this time will be equally as hot, but not nearly as humid. At this time of year, the highlands become more popular with tourists escaping the humidity. Burning Season March — May: But basically starting in March, farmers will begin burning their land to ready it for the upcoming monsoon.

This happens mostly in the northern areas, even Luang Prabang. This means that cloud you see is actually smoke. Not ideal time of year for those visiting for awesome picture and can make travel in the North uncomfortable. Monsoon Season May — September: When it rains in Asia, it really rains. Transport leaves the roads — as they get washed away — and turns to the rivers.

Water taxis, ferries and locals will use the rivers to travel around Laos which are now high with flood water. If not, you have some fantastic maths skills! A great way to keep track of how much your spending and understanding the exchange rate. Especially when exploring the rural areas not yet blessed with English signs. No data used and minimal amount of time getting lost means more time for fun stuff! This particular VPN allows for up to five connections which is handy for keeping all your devices connected without having to purchase multiple VPN packages.

Hopping the border overland is easy, quick, and visas can usually be arranged on arrival. I have entered Laos from both Vietnam and Thailand. The most cost-effective way to cross the border is usually by local bus but you can also catch tourist buses, which are more comfortable and have better connections — e. Bangkok to Vang Vieng. If you have hitched a ride to the border, you can simply walk across and arrange onwards transport on the other side. If you are planning on flying to Laos, it is likely you will land in Luang Prabang or Vientiane. Laos — like its neighbours — is easily accessible for the majority of nationalities.

Most of us will be able to get our visas on arrival, whether that is by land, boat or plane, the process is the same.

On arrival, typically, you will receive 30 days to travel and explore Laos which is usually long enough to get a taste of Laos. There is a lot of really cheap local transport around in Laos but some of the buses and barely water-worthy barges are truly ancient and accidents are not uncommon. Something strange happens with time in Laos; seemingly short rides can take hours as tired vehicles slow to a crawl in their uphill battle against muddy, mountainous roads.

The scenery is truly spectacular as well, so you will have plenty to keep you entertained! Rather than just rocking up at the bus stop in the hope they will have space to fit you on, you can now book tickets in advance for most of South East Asia using 12Go. Hitchhiking in Laos is relatively easy and a viable way to save money.

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The main highway, Route 13, stretches from Luang Prabang to the Cambodian border and is a popular hitchhikers route. Make sure you hit up the highway during daylight hours. No one will see you in the night and drivers can be mental once the sun goes down! Away from the main highway stretch, expect short lifts as cars and tourist buses become less frequent. Hitchhiking is a great and popular way to get around when backpacking in Laos. From Laos you can easily cross into Thailand to the west, Vietnam to the east, or Cambodia to the south overland.

And wow, do you get a Bang for your buck! To put this into perspective, one beer in Laos is around eight thousand Laos Kip. Exchanging your money in Laos is best done in the Airport of Luang Prabang or Vientiane, or of course, the cities themselves. US dollars are easily exchanged and welcomed. If you need to transfer money internationally, use Transferwise. Once leaving the tourist trail your best option is definitely cash. You will find it pretty impossible to get to an ATM in the countryside and the small pop up shops on the side of the road will not accept your card.

If you want to carry a fair bit of cash safely on your body, your best bet is to get hold of a backpacker belt with a hidden security pocket. Stay with a local: Accept the invitation and spend some time with the locals. Listen to their stories and accept the bed, couch or floor that they offer.

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Eat the street food: Nothing better, cheaper or more fresh than Laos street food! They have everything from traditional Asian yumminess to fresh french baguettes stuffed with spicy goodness. Your stomach and wallet will be so happy. The locals are super friendly and not new to backpackers. It may seem cheap to you but what they are charging you is definitely more than the locals pay. First time backpacking Laos? Check out this awesome guide to help you pack for the adventure! Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project. World Packers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs and eco-projects around the world. Are you a native English speaker looking to earn cash whilst traveling the world? Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

The wifi has improved significantly over the years. It does tend to go out every time there is a thunderstorm. You can buy a cheap simcard with 4G service. People of Laos are without a doubt, some of the most friendly I have ever met. Throughout your travels, it is likely Lao people will invite you to join them for a meal or to celebrate a birth or marriage.

The best thing about this though is it gives you the opportunity to meet the locals, live and interact with them. I love Asian food and Laos does not disappoint. It is said that Laos has some of the most unique food in Asia, and they also eat more sticky rice than anywhere else in the world! Street food stands and restaurants are filled with the local delicacies, but what to choose?

Well Amigos let me share some of my favourite foods in Laos. Khao Niaw Sticky Rice: If you manage to travel through Laos without trying sticky rice. This can be served with your savoury meal or sweet with fruit and ice cream! Roll it into balls with your fingers and enjoy! It is so refreshing after a hot and humid day to tuck into this fresh, spicy and sweet salad.

Made using five fresh ingredients, which are mixed with hot chilli, sour lime, salt, fish sauce and sugar. Honestly, so freaking good! Ping Kai Grilled Chicken: Larb Laap, Larp or Lahb: A must try when in Laos! Yep, beautifully stuffed baguettes in the middle of Asia. These delicious sandwiches are popular in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Stuffed with pork pate, assorted greens and jeow bong chilli paste , is sold everywhere as a quick snack. The entire country grinds to a halt for the festivities in all-out water fights, which makes one of the best time to visit Laos.

Haw Khao Padap Din: Held in September, this is a holiday where Lao families respect their dead kin and cremate their loved ones. On a lighter note, the holiday is also celebrated with boat races on the Nam Khan River.

Held in October, this holiday marks the end of Khao Pansa. Monks are presented with gifts from townsfolk. For a full week in November or October , the temple in Vientiane comes alive with fairs, contests, fireworks, and music. If you want to get off-the-grid and go trekking in Laos, I recommend making the long journey to the the northern town of Phongsali. You will most likely be the only backpacker for miles, so this is a great adventure for any travellers with some time, looking to get away from the other backpackers.

As for places to stay, you can book something when you get to town. You Sir, are a twat. If you want to see elephants, then go and see them but do your research first. Wear a helmet when you hop on a motorbike in Asia. It was an expensive mistake. Humans are humans; treat people you meet along the way with the same respect you would show your friends and family back home. Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world.

Help save the planet, pick up a water bottle here. Meanwhile, the French were losing control of Southeast Asia and Laos became independent. Laos in the s was a divided country. In South Vietnam and Cambodia fell to the Communists. The Royalists fled from Laos allowing a full Communist regime to be introduced.

However, in the government of Laos introduced market reforms. As a result the economy of Laos began to grow rapidly. So there you have it amigos: They have endured hardships, but they welcome foreigners with open arms. Laos has a lot of tourism potential and so many beautiful parts of their country to share. I hope this Laos travel guide has supplied you with everything you need to know to hit the road and begin backpacking Laos.

So get out there already! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Your support helps me keep the site going. Master of the handstand pushup. Conqueror of mountains, survivor of deserts and crusader for cheap escapades. Will has been on the road for nine years, travelling to far-flung lands on a budget.

Today, he runs a number of online ventures. He is passionate about teaching others how to ditch their desks, hit the road and achieve real freedom by earning money online. Currently, Will is on a four year journey from the UK to Papua New Guinea; travelling through truly special countries such as Iran, Pakistan and Bhutan whilst running his businesses online. Do you reckon my sons 10 and 15 would be okay to go and would enjoy Burma? The locations themselves though… your boys would have a blast!!

You keep making my list longer, adding Burma an Laos. I just need to keep traveling for the rest of my life and go everywhere I possibly can! Just got to Laos yesterday via scooter from Vietnam. This post is so much help as my only plan is a flight out of BKK in a month. Thank you for the help. Laos along Myanmar are the two last hidden gems in SEA, but in comparison with Myanmar, Laos in my eyes is more attractive and mysterious than Myanmar.

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Next year, I certainly travel to Laos based on your tips. I am Indian and started travelling solo only three years ago at 40! I volunteered at farms in Australia on my first trip, loved it, I myself being a Permaculture designer travel alone the first time was scary, being a typical protected Indian woman for my life: After this, I am addicted! To get over my solo-travel blocks, travelled to more fancy places in and around London and Ireland, and had a short stint at Bali.

Have been to Dubai, Singapore and some parts of France on again, typical but enjoyable family trips… Now, it is time to go solo to the destinations I really enjoy and hit your website while browsing…it is so amazing! I plan to travel to Laos this year. Is November the best time or can I go in October?

Where should we send them?

I cannot climb, though I can walk easily so would it make a difference? I would love to have the experience of being around locals and learn about their culture I suspect, will be very similar to ours? BTW I will have weeks of a holiday. Am used to youth hostels and homestays. Thank you for all the advice! First of all i have to say that your website was the most completed website i found regarding back packing in south east Asia. You did a great job! I am travelling from October until January for months in Asia. And i am planning to start with India for a month and then heading to Myanmar and Laos.

As i will be in South East Asia for about 2 months, do you think spending 1 month in Laos and 1 month in Myanmar is too much?

Backpacking Laos Travel Guide

Should i go to a third country while down there? I would have love to go to Bali but the weather during this period is not the best i heard. Hey dude, I think a month in both Laos and Myanmar sounds great — you could add in another destination but itwould be more rushed, personally I prefer to spend longer in places and get off the beaten track. Of course they are other beautiful countries to visit in south east Asia but my question is more regarding the weather as i will be there from November to January.

Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Rainbow over Nong Khiaw in Laos. Getting around in Laos just got a whole lot easier! I use 12Go myself whilst backpacking around Southeast Asia. Check it out here! The Tad Lo Waterfall is stunning and perfect for a swim. Tham Kong Lo Cave! The abandoned railway is a spooky but awesome site! The Gibbon Experience is a must do splurge when backpacking Laos!

Hanging out on the slow boat to Luang Prabang. One of the best ways to get to grips with a new culture is through the food! Cookly partners with local cooking schools and restaurants in countries all around the world and is an awesome way to go on your very own culinary adventure. Book a Laos cooking class here. The Best Travel Backpack?! When they say River Bars, they really mean, river bars. Look Awesome, Do Awesome! Want to embrace the hippy backpacker style and look? Active Roots hippy trousers are chic, comfortable and perfect for yogis, backpackers and adventurers alike.

Help us support the elephant conservation centre in Laos! Pretty fucking awesome right? Small, laid back town called Nong khiaw. Nothing wrong with a little off road bussing.. Makes even the most broke backpacker feel rich! Laos people are so happy! Sticky rice is a must in Laos! Temples during Awk Pansa a festival of lights.

There is one other reason why many return — value for money. The ideal cooler-but-pleasant weather runs from March to early May and mid-October to late November. Orlando and its theme parks are also extremely busy in March and early April and from June to mid-August, and thoroughly packed at Christmas and New Year. F lorida is larger than England and Wales combined and splits into five distinct areas in tourism terms — north-east, central, south-east, Gulf Coast and the Keys. Many visitors combine an Orlando stay with a week on the Gulf Coast or a trip down to the Keys, the jewel-like string of islands that arc miles off the southern tip of Florida down into the Caribbean, finishing just 90 miles from Cuba.

R ead all of our latest articles on Florida, including guides to the main attractions, the city's best museums and galleries, lesser known bars and attractions and more. You must have your lights on in the rain. On motorways, either move over one lane or slow down for an emergency vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder. You cannot overtake a school bus when it is stopped and unloading. Remember to tip porters and servers at hotels and restaurants. London to Orlando is around 9 hours; to Tampa is 9. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future.

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