A lover of crashing waves, fluttering bats and the great British weather, Thailand travel specialist, Hazel, has journeyed around the globe from a tender age.

From Jurassic Park jungles, to drifting along the backwaters of Kerala;  Hazel spills the beans on tales of her past travels and the plans for her upcoming South East Asia adventure…

 Mountain/desert/ocean/jungle – which one do you prefer and why?

Ocean – I’m a real water baby and love the feeling of bobbing around on the water, being free from city walls, hearing the waves crash when I’m staying in a beach hut, magnificent thunderstorms and generally just being able to keep cool as I’m a very hot person!

What was your first great travel experience?

I did a round the world trip aged 19 when I travelled to Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and LA. I hadn’t researched anywhere, just picked places I liked the sound of and off I went (after booking it through Haydn at Travel Nation!). I loved not having any ties, just doing whatever I felt like each day, seeing some amazing places and meeting people I would have never met in Brighton. Weirdly though, I bumped into a guy I went to school with in a hostel in Sydney!

What has been your favourite journey?

I don’t have a very good memory but the last one that stands out is the sleeper train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai as the views were incredible, it was like entering Jurassic Park! I also loved the sleeper train journey between Cochin and Goa in India, we shared a berth with an Indian family and chatted the whole way, passed amazing scenery and even had a curry for breakfast!

What are your top 3 places in the world?

Fiji –as the people are so friendly and the music makes my heart fuzzy. I spent a month there and could have stayed forever! Longboat beach on Phi Phi Island – I went there for a few days in 2003 and it was literally paradise. It only had a few little rustic beach huts and a reggae bar, with views of Maya Bay. Kaikoura in New Zealand, because it’s so peaceful, a bit of a wildlife fest and I stayed in a gorgeous family run hostel with free cake everyday! I felt right at home.

What place/thing exceeded your expectations?

Bangkok. I’m not a city person, but my Bangkok tour was incredible and wish I’d spent more than a day there. We stayed near the Chao Praya River, which was pretty quiet but just minutes away from markets, bars restaurants, temples, the Grand Palace and Khao San Road. I’d love to go back!

Where is the next place you are visiting/planning on visiting?

I’m going to Laos and Vietnam in March. I’m doing most of the main touristy spots as I’ve never been to either country, but hopefully I’ll love them so much that I can go off the beaten track a bit more next time. I’m most excited about kayaking in Vang Vieng to a couple of caves (one for swing jumping and the other filled with bats!), wandering around the UNESCO heritage site of Luang Prabang, cycling past rice paddies and mountains in Ninh Binh and floating around Halong Bay on a junk boat.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

If I had time/money this year, I would love to travel to Argentina and Brazil, in particular Patagonia and Rio. To be honest, all of the bite-sized tours we offer look incredible; I wish I could do it all!

Where is the best place food-wise you have visited?

I was in my element during my India travels as I am a massive curry fan and could eat it all day every day! My two favourite meals were Keralan fish curry with steaming chapatis in a restaurant in Kovalam and also the breakfast I got on the overnight sleeper train between Cochin and Goa as it came in tiny little compartments like plane food!

Where is the first place you ever visited? 

My first memory of going aboard was to Dalyan in Turkey with my family for my 10^th birthday. We turned up with backpacks, found a family run hotel and had an amazing week visiting mudbaths, and temples, taking little fishing boats to the nearby beach, shopping in markets and I even got a Jurassic Park watch for my birthday!

A houseboat on Kerala's tranquil backwaters

What weird modes of transport have you travelled on?

I once stayed on a houseboat along the backwaters of Kerala. I’ve also travelled on a Camel in Gran Canaria.

Who would be your ideal travel companion?

My husband Dave for adventurous holidays as he has boundless energy, excitement and general positivity when things don’t always go to plan! For beach holidays it would have to be my friend Alice as she’s a sun goddess and we can make the most of whatever random nightlife is thrown at us!

If you had just 24 hours in a big city which one would it be?

I’d love to go back to San Francisco, walk up and down the hills sightseeing, stroll along the harbour while the sun is setting with views of eerie Alcatraz, eat clam chowder in a sour dough bread bowl, drink beer and spend all night in a karaoke bar.

What is the best beach you have been to and why?

Longboat beach on Phi Phi Island. It was the beautiful beach I’ve ever seen in my life, we travelled by longtail boat there, stayed in beach huts right on the sand, had views of the famous Maya Bay and drunk buckets all night in a tiny little reggae bar with some amazing Canadian people that we met. There were hardly any people there and it was real paradise!

What is the most beautiful building/natural sight you have visited?

Probably the bat exodus in Khao Yai national park, as I nearly cried. I had been looking forward to it for so long, it was such incredible scenery, the sun was setting and the sight of thousands of bats fluttering furiously into the jungles was breathtaking. I had never seen so many bats in my life

Where is the most expensive/inexpensive place you have visited?

The most expensive place I’ve ever visited is Vegas on my honeymoon, where a small glass of wine cost $18. We tried to get free food & drinks by sitting by the $1 dollar slot machines, but it didn’t work!!

What do you miss most from home whilst you are away?

Being able to snuggle in a duvet. And the English weather. I get so excited about seeing the grey clouds hovering over the English countryside when a plane is descending into London!

Hong Kong is a popular stop-over choice when embarking on a long-haul flight, and is definitely worth exploring, even if you only have a day or two to look around the city. I recently came back from doing a China trip, and really enjoyed Hong Kong, below are some of my suggestions for 24 hours in this vibrant and busy city.

One thing that Hong Kong is famous for is being home to the Happy Valley Racecourse. This is one of the most famous horse racing venues in the world! If you have the time during your Hong Kong trip then it is worth a visit. Please check out http://www.happyvalleyracecourse.com/ for all fixtures.

Once you have checked out the racecourse, you should head to the Peak Tram which is open from 7am until midnight. This is a popular attraction and one of the most visited places in Hong Kong. It is a cable car that takes you all the way up to Victoria peak.  If you have the chance to visit after sunset during your China travels, you won’t be disappointed….. The views from the top are really spectacular!

If you have kids or- like me- you are a big kid, then you need to head over to Disneyland Hong Kong. The park is open from 10.30am until 11pm most days so you can spend as long or little time here as you like. I would recommend heading there early as it gets busier and busier during the day and there is so much else to see and do in Hong Kong in the evenings. There are firework displays, parades, 3D films, shows and of course many rides to choose from.

The symphony of lights is recognised by the ‘Guinness book of records’ as the ‘World’s largest permanent light and sound show’ and it is definitely worth a seeing whilst you are in Hong Kong. It has been expanded and now includes more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. 

You can combine a trip to this show with another one of Hong Kong’s unmissable attractions, the Star ferry trip across Victoria Harbour. You will need to catch the ferry for the 19.05 – 21.05 crossing as the Symphony of lights starts at 8pm.

After this I would suggest heading to Temple street night market where you will find vendors selling everything from clothing, electronic goods, luggage, CD’s and shoes. The market is actually open from 16.00 until 00.00 but the market really comes alive after sunset.

After a long day of sightseeing you will probably be starving, and no trip to Hong Kong is complete without trying dim sum! If you want an authentic experience then I would recommend heading to one of the local markets to try this delicious dish.

Arida has been at Rickshaw Travel since the beginning, and is an expert on all things India. Currently planning her 14th trip to the country, Arida looks back on when she first caught the travelling bug, and why she would love to live the peaceful life in tropical Goa…

Arida works for India and China Travel Plan, using her extensive knowledge to create great trips.

What was your first great travel experience?

When I was 18 I went inter-railing around Europe and visited France, Spain and Portugal.  This journey took me a month and I was travelling on a shoestring budget so it felt like a proper adventure.

What has been your favourite journey?

I have done so many over the years that it is hard to say but the ones that stand out are when I travelled overland from Tibet to Nepal and my first round the world trip in 1994.

What are your top 3 places?

India because there is never a dull moment, there is constantly something amazing, shocking or challenging around every corner. Nepal as I love the mountains and the backdrop of the Himalayas. The Nepalese people are particularly likeable and welcoming.  I also particularly love the food in India and Nepal! Greece because you can’t go wrong with a holiday to a Greek Island.

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

My stamp for Tibet as I really didn’t think I was actually going to get my permit in time and it was somewhere that I had wanted to go to for many years.

When did you get the travel bug?

When I went inter-railing I got back and planned a 6 week backpacking trip around Turkey with my best friend and haven’t looked back since.

What is the best hotel you have ever stayed in?

Samode Palace in India – It is an authentic Maharaja’s Palace that is now a hotel. The location is amazing, and the hotel itself is very romantic and atmospheric. I don’t think I have ever stayed anywhere that was so grand but it still retains so much old world charm.

What place/experience exceeded your expectations?

White-water rafting in Ecuador; I was so scared about doing it and got persuaded to by some people who I was travelling with. I didn’t realise that the trip involved free-falling through some rapids, climbing a waterfall as well as grade 5 rapids. However, I managed to conquer my fear of going underwater and it was an amazing, exhilarating day out and probably the most adventurous thing I have ever been pushed into doing!!! 

Where is the next place you are visiting/planning on visiting?

I am planning another holiday to India, where I’ll head back to Tamil Nadu and Kerala  because I would like to re-visit the area in a bit more comfort and style than my last visit and I also would like to take lots of photos as I hadn’t got such a good camera  last time. I also want to re-visit so that I can eat lots of masala dosas!

Where/what would you really like to visit?

There are too many places to mention all of them but I would like to visit Syria, Egypt and Jordan when things eventually calm down a bit. I would also like to see more of South America, see more of Indonesia, head to Southern China and see more of India (even though I have been 13 times!)

If you had to settle in one place/emigrate somewhere, where would it be?

I love travelling, but also love heading home too and so I am happy to stay in the UK, but if I had too I would pick Goa. In Goa there would be no real language barrier, great food, lots of beach, access to other areas of India that I love, sunshine and a good mix of foreign visitors as well (who are usually on really good form as they are on holiday).  I have also got some friends in Goa who could help me get started.

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten whilst abroad?

In my hotel in Beijing, I ordered what looked like a mushroom and rice dish as I am a vegetarian and it said ‘main ingredient – mushroom and rice’. There was a white translucent, lacy, slimy thing in it. I hope it was a rare fungi but possibly it was tripe or offal. I still don’t know as I have never tried tripe or offal to compare the tastes.

Where is the best place food-wise you have visited?

It would have to be when I did a Thailand tour- I couldn’t get enough of the delicious food. I love the spicy coconut curries and all the vegetarian options. In Ko Tao in 1994 the food used to be really simple home-cooked food, but really lovely too.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

I always bring a mosquito net, an insect repellent, I have a wind up torch that I bring with me as it doesn’t need batteries which is handy, a sheet sleeping bag and a length of string to make sure that I can always hang up my mosquito net. Everything else I pick up along the way.

Which country did you find to be the friendliest?

Nepal is the friendliest place that I have visited. The people are genuinely friendly rather than being after something from you. When I wasn’t well on one of my treks my porter decided that he would carry everything for me, including my water bottle so that I wouldn’t struggle. It was a really nice gesture.

What weird modes of transport have you travelled on?

I have travelled on a camel, a beat-up old Indian bus where the windscreen had fallen out but the driver continued with dust and grit blowing down the aisle, on the top of a bus in Nepal, a chicken bus whilst in Guatemala, the high-altitude oxygen train from Xi’an, China to Tibet, an elephant, and a tractor when I was hitchhiking in Cornwall.

When you travel are you an early bird or a night owl?

Both, I like to get up really early when I am in India to take photos and wander around whilst it is still cool. I used to wake up at the crack of dawn every day when I was in Pushkar and took a circuit around the lake taking some amazing pictures.  If I am in a big city then I might become more of a night owl.

What is your favourite beer from around the world?

I am not a fan of beer but Beer Laos is quite nice. However, the mojitos in Central and South America taste a lot better than they do over here.

What is your most treasured item that you have bought/collected whilst travelling?

I have lots of really nice jewellery from India, a brass yak from Tibet, a wooden elephant head from India and a box of silver chopsticks from Vietnam.

Where is the most spiritual place you have been?

Most of Asia is big on temples and has spiritual elements but most recently, the most ancient part of Lhasa where all the Tibetan pilgrims gather and the temples are very atmospheric.

What is the most beautiful building/natural sight that you have visited?

Too many to mention.  The South Island of New Zealand was stunningly beautiful –so one of them would be Mount Cook National Park after snow fall. It was pristine and I witnessed an avalanche which was stunningly loud and quite a sight.

What’s the best party you have been to whilst travelling?

The Full Moon party in Koh Tao as the tide went right out and the phosphorescence in the water was incredible and quite magical.

What do you miss most from home whilst you are away?

My own bed, friends and family and British humour and TV!

A great thing about Argentina is the diversity and extremes in terms of seasons and weather. Patagonia in the south has temperatures that can easily fall below zero degrees whereas the north can hit as high as the 30 something. This can make packing for your Argentina holiday tricky as you will need to pack thermals, shorts and everything in between. Apart from the difficulties of this, there will be issues with luggage weight for the plane and the obvious difficulties of lugging it all around.

Even though the seasons can be extreme, unless you are planning travelling in Argentina for a few months you are unlikely to really experience the extremes during your Argentina holiday, so packing for all seasons is not necessary.

Packing for the north is the easy part as it never gets too cold, so a couple of pairs of shorts and trousers, obviously t-shirts and then a jumper will cover you for eventualities. A thin water-proof may come in handy if you travel in the winter or do not like spray from the falls. In the summer, grab your sun cream as well!

Patagonia is a bit more tricky in terms of packing, as it is difficult to predict how much cold-weather clothing you will need. It is generally best to take thermal clothing and follow the advice below to ensure the cold does not hinder your enjoyment of the glaciers. A tip for Patagonia- make sure you plan your trip in advance to ensure the areas you wish to visit are open as  much of Patagonia is closed off  in the winter months (April to August/September).

Trek mighty glaciers in Argentina

Starting from the bottom up, a decent pair of trainers are vital though (maybe even walking boots depending on whether you plan to do a Patagonia trek). Whether it is raining, snowing, cold or one of the rare warm days decent foot gear is essential for exploring the national parks, glaciers or in some cases just standing upright on the pavements when icy. If you have crampons (spikes for your shoes) pack them in your hold luggage (NOT hand!) if you plan to do a glacier trek. Don’t worry if you do not have these as they will be able to rent/buy these easily when you arrive.

Standard trousers are fine, there is no need for water-proof or ski type trousers as these are bulky and most tourists do not go off the beaten track enough to justify this. If hiking through Torres Del Paine or Tierra del Fuego, jeans are not great as they will be heavy when wet and do not breathe, so i’d recommend investing in some walking trousers. They are also light and easy to squeeze in to your bag.

The top half  is important. Start with the essential item of clothing everyone owns in abundance – A t-shirt, then a sweatshirt for warmth (a hoody may even be good to keep your head warm). The layer on top is the most important so I would advise to take a warm jacket, a water-proof jacket or a combination of the two. Standing out on the deck of a boat passing along the Beagle channel can be freezing when the wind blows, but wandering around Ushuaia or El Calafate you may not need a massive jacket and if you are hiking (building up body temperature as you go) then a thin jacket may be all that is required. The key to the south is …. Layers!!

Layers are easy to add to when cold and easy to remove when hot with the other major benefit being  that thin layers such as t-shirts, jumpers etc take up very little space compared to a thick warm water-proof. Woolly hat, gloves and a scarf are also recommended as they will keep your pressure points insulated, and won’t take up much room.

Example kit list for the north ~

• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Jeans
• Trainers
• Flip flops
• Sun cream /sun glasses
• Sweat shirt

Example kit list for the south ~

• Sturdy trainers / walking boots
• Walking style trousers for when in National Park
• Jeans fine for in town
• T-shirts
• Sweat shirt
• Thin jumpers
• Water-proof
• Gloves, woolly hat, scarf

 
To pack light, put everything out that you think you will need during your Argentina tour- then half it. Think practical and remember to roll rather than fold (to reduce creases). It’s a good idea to fit small things inside your shoes,and  put everything you will need on your first leg of your Argentina trip towards the top of your back pack/suitcase for easy access. During my holidays in Argentina, I like to take a pillowcase to put my pj’s, earplugs etc. in to keep them together, and also to put over a woolly jumper to create a makeshift pillow for long  journeys.

Before joining the team as a travel specialist at Malaysia Travel Plan, Elisabeth’s desire for travel first began while studying geography at school. This prompted her to plan her first journey; Inter Railing around Europe. Since then, she’s embarked on a number of other adventures which include living in Australia for three years, journeying across South East Asia and travelling on the Trans-Mongolian Railway.

A true wildlife and culture enthusiast, Elisabeth tells us all about her favourite travel experiences, must-pack items and which adventure is next on her list;

What was your first great travel experience?

My first great travel experience has to be when I inter-railed around Europe for about a month; I went all the way from Lincoln, travelling through 7 countries and ending up in Prague.

What has been your favourite journey?

I travelled on the Trans-Mongolian from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar. I saw the Great Wall of China through the windows, the Gobi desert and Ger tents with camels and horses riding past.

What are your top 3 places?

Wilsons Promontory National Park in Australia for the wombats and emus,  New York because the skyscrapers are truly amazing, and the Cook Islands as the beaches are crystal clear, like nothing I have ever seen.

When did you get the travel bug?

When I was at school learning G.C.S.E geography I realised there was a much bigger world out there to explore.

What is the best hotel you have ever stayed in?

In Bingil bay, Queensland, Australia I stayed in a stilted tent in the rainforest – a truly memorable experience.

What place/experience exceeded your expectations?

Kuala Lumpur really exceeded my expectations. I was never really interested in visiting before but going to the top of the Petronas towers really made my Malaysia trip one to remember! Also, KL is a really interesting vibrant city with amazing food – not what I had imagined at all.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

I haven’t yet had the chance to visit Africa so it is definitely on my wish list; I would really love to go on a safari.

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten whilst abroad?

During my Laos travels, I was sold some ice-cream from an old man on his bike – he said it was fruit flavour, but I still to this day have no idea what it was.

Where is the best place food-wise you have visited?

I would have to say India, the dhal and spinach paneer and authentic naan bread is truly delicious.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

I always bring anti-histamine tablets with me, a pen-knife as you never know when you will need a cork-screw, a camera to capture the adventure, tissues and a torch as power-cuts aren’t uncommon when travelling abroad.

Which country did you find to be the friendliest?

I found Cuba to be very friendly, all the locals are very helpful and love talking to you about David Beckham and Manchester United.

What weird modes of transport have you travelled on?

I travelled on an elephant whilst visiting Chiang Mai on a Thailand holiday. I have also trekked through the Sahara desert in Morocco on the back of a camel.

Have you ever worked abroad?

I worked in Australia for three years – I was only meant to be visiting but fell in love with the country and extended my stay.

Do you travel for the sights/the wildlife/the culture or the people?

I travel for culture and wildlife as these are the things that interest me the most. I love the proboscis monkeys in Borneo – that’s what drew me there.

If you had just 24 hours in a big city which one would it be?

I would love to spend 24 hours in Rio as this is enough time to visit Copacabana beach, see Christ the Redeemer and party like the Brazilians.

What is your most treasured item that you have bought/collected whilst travelling?

I bought a lovely piece of silk whilst in Goa, India which I have kept ever since.

Where is the most expensive/inexpensive place you have visited?

The most expensive place I have visited is Russia which I didn’t expect. The most inexpensive place that I have visited is India – you can get a delicious curry with some naan for under 50p!

What is the most beautiful building/natural sight that you have visited?

Lincoln Cathedral – not the most exotic of places but it truly is my favourite building in the world.

What’s the best party you have been to whilst travelling?

Whilst travelling in Cuba, I went to a party in a club which was in a cave.

What do you miss most from home whilst you are away?

I always miss fresh milk, as a lot of the milk you get abroad is UHT.

Some of my favourite memories of my Vietnam travels are of visiting small fishing towns with one particular goal in mind – to get to know the locals over an enormous plate of sautéed garlic shrimp. It is a guilty pleasure of mine, and when the seafood is so cheap, it would be rude not to indulge in it. Each country around the world has its own unique cuisine and the historical and geographical influences that have shaped it. Here is a quick guide to what to expect of Vietnam’s culinary delights.

Over the years Vietnam has been influenced by many of its neighbours. The Mongolians introduced Beef, the Chinese arrived with chopsticks and popularized stir fry, and the French have insured that you are never too far from delicious pastries. There are certain areas of Hanoi where you can barely walk 50 meters without seeing a bakery. The French have introduced baguettes, pate, coffee (with cream) and cakes to satisfy any travellers sweet tooth. 

Vietnamese local dishes regularly use fish sauce, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs and vegetables. It is known for its fresh taste and generally healthy in nature. Pho (noodles) are served in a clear broth with herbs and meat are popular for breakfast, but will be eaten for lunch and dinner too. Bun (rice vermicelli) comes in many varieties and is one of my personal favourite meals. It can be served with grilled pork meat, chicken, fried rice cakes, fried eggs or snails (thank you French colonisation). Com (boiled rice) is usually saved for lunch and dinner meals. The rice is served in combination with a variety of meats, vegetables and herbs depending where in Vietnam you are. 

If you visit Hoi An during your Vietnam travels, you could try putting on your chef’s hat and take part in a cooking class (after a trip to the tailors of course)! Here you can learn all about Vietnamese cuisine and how to make delicious dishes including fresh rice paper rolls of Shrimp, crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp with a Peanut sauce and Seafood Salad with mixed Vietnamese herbs served in half a Pineapple to name a few. This is very much the done thing in Hoi An, and is a perfect way to kill time in between tailoring alterations.

For special occasions, why not celebrate with ‘ruou rang’ or snake wine! There are two main styles, steeped wine, where the snakes are soaked in the wine for months before serving, and mixed wine where the snake is sliced up the belly and the blood is drained into a waiting shot glass of wine. The ethanol denatures any venom and you can surely call yourself adventurous after trying this delicacy. This elixir is considered a tonic and allegedly cures everything from night blindness to impotence!

Like lots of street food in Asia, Vietnam’s is cheap, mouth-watering and exotic all at the same time. During your Vietnam travels, you can buy a sizable mixture of rice, vegetables and meat for around $1-3USD. It is tricky to budget for food in Vietnam because there is such a range. As with many things in life I would suggest hitting a balance. A rough guide of $8-20USD per day assuming you have the odd western meal. But if you have a weakness for the occasional splurge, then you could go well over $20USD per day.

Bon apetit!

From South East Asia, to Central America; our Bryony has travelled all over the place  and relishes the freedom and empowerment that independent travel offers. Be it the vast Namibian deserts or bohemian Brighton beachfront, she’s a travel hippy with a love of open spaces and tranquility. Bryony’s been part of the Rickshaw family from the very beginning and now she answers our top travel questions;

Mountain/desert/ocean/jungle – which one do you prefer and why?

I’ve always thought of myself as a beach person, but in the past few years I think I’ve realised that mountains are more my thing. There’s something really amazing about the air, the space and the epic feeling you get from being in the mountains. 

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

I don’t have any stamps in my passport at the moment. I lost my passport on a boat (yes, a boat) during my last trip. I actually felt really sad about it, because there’s something really sentimental about passport stamps.

What is your least favourite hotel/hostel you’ve stayed in?

I stayed in a little corrugated iron shack on Gokarna beach in India which was absolutely fine after they moved the dead iguana off the bed. To wash, I had to get water from the well and pick the frogs out of it. I did love it there though, so in a way it isn’t the worst place I’ve stayed in at all. The Travel Lodge in Slough is pretty grim…

What place/thing exceeded your expectations?  

Probably the Taj Mahal. No postcard or documentary can do it justice. Yes, there are lots of tourists about, but you can still find a quiet spot and get a bit a lost in the whole mysticism of it. I think I even had a little cry. It was pretty overwhelming and a real highlight of my whole India travel experience.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

The list is far too long and getting longer by the minute. I think I’m really into remoteness and space, so Bhutan is right up there, along with Alaska, Tibet and West Africa. Weirdly, I’ve never been to Wales, Ireland or Spain – so I should definitely do something about that.

If you had to settle in one place/emigrate somewhere, where would it be?

To be honest, Brighton really does have everything that I want from a home. It’s weird and wonderful, tolerant and peaceful. The beach is like a music festival all summer long and well.. to be honest… come and see for yourself. Otherwise, anywhere that I could live on a cliff overlooking the sea.

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten whilst abroad?

I did try camel during my Vietnam travels, which is fairly odd when you think about the food miles that must have been involved. Raw pig fat was definitely a lowlight of my culinary travelling experiences, along with scorpion and satay frog legs. 

Where is your least favourite place food-wise that you have visited?

Mexico. It’s really bad. Everything is fried senseless and trying to locate any kind of vegetable is near impossible. I also had an ice cream covered in tiny ants, which I realised way too late. I once ordered a fish stew in Reykjavik and they brought me a sandwich. That was weird.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

• My lucky red travelling trousers, which are stapled together because they are so old and ripped (why I didn’t think of sewing them is beyond me).
• Headtorch - Indispensable.
• Travel kettle – this sounds a bit mad but I met a guy in India who offered everyone tea with his little travel kettle and he completely inspired me. It’s THE best way to make friends when you’re travelling.
• Suncream – one of those things that I believe you need to buy before you go. I ran out in Thailand and bought some on Railay Bay before going on a boat trip to some nearby islands. I got very crispy and I’m pretty sure the stuff I bought wasn’t suncream at all. I also bought some shampoo in India which turned out to be a Pantene bottle full of fairy liquid.
• Other ID as well as a passport – I really could have done with this when I lost my passport on the boat.
• Walking boots

Which country did you find to be the friendliest?

South East Asia in general. Such brilliant people.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

• Nepal, because of the mountains, the people and the peacefulness.
• Namibia, because it doesn’t even feel like part of this planet. It’s a bit like being in a Dr.Seuss book.
• Arambol beach, Goa. I stayed there way too long but it was a really magic part of my life.
  Can I add Brighton too? Please? I love Brighton and I feel damn lucky to be here on a daily basis. 

What weird modes of transport have you travelled on?

During my Thailand holiday, I had a cyclo driver who was really really sick and I felt bad for him so I took the wheels myself. I only lasted about 50 metres before endangering my life, his life and everyone’s lives around us.

Do you travel for the sights/the wildlife/the culture or the people?

All of the above and more. It’s mostly about the sense of freedom for me. Travelling makes you feel like anything is possible.

Who would be your ideal travel companion?

Someone that would make me laugh, even after 36 hours on a bus that breaks down in the desert or something. Maybe Noel Fielding. Nope – got it – Simon Bird from the Inbetweeners. Awesome.

What is your most treasured item that you have bought/collected/been given to you whilst travelling?

I’ve got a blanket with pictures of little houses and palm trees that I bought in Delhi for the bus trip up to Dharamsala. It’s like an old friend now. I’ve also got a set of wooden penguins- like Russian dolls- from Varanasi which I love.

What is the best beach you have been to and why?

The most beautiful beach I’ve been on was Tulum in Mexico. It’s everything you imagine a Caribbean beach to be and the sand is really soft and cool – you don’t have to do that embarrassing dance type thing because the soles of your feet are burning.

Where is the most spiritual place you have been?

The Golden Palace in Amritsar, India. The sights, the smells, the worshippers, the constant Sikh call to prayer. It’s amazing.

What is the most beautiful building/natural sight you have visited?

I went to Poon Hill while I was trekking in Nepal and got a 360 view of the sun coming up from behind the Himalayas. That was amazing. I really want to go back and do the whole Annapurna Circuit.

What’s the best party you have been to whilst travelling?

I spent Diwali in Delhi and that was totally bonkers. The bangers and fireworks were constant and so loud. I watched it all standing on a rooftop drinking rum and coke. The next day there was a low lying smog from all the fireworks hanging over the whole city.

What do you miss most from home whilst you are away?

Toast. And my mum.

If you’re thinking of travelling to the main body of the country (Bangkok and the North) during your Thailand trip, it’s important to know that these areas are affected by the monsoon season in September and October when the chance of flooding is high. However, you shouldn’t let this put you off your Thailand travels as this happens every year so the country is now very much adept at dealing with it.

The islands in the Andaman Sea, west of Thailand (Phuket, Lanta, Phi Phi) are affected by the monsoon season between the months June – October, with the heaviest rainfall being in September and the beginning of October. Some Islands are closed during this time so if you’re planning a Thailand holiday around these months, it’s a good idea to check if the island you want to visit will be open.

If, during your trip in Thailand, you’re heading to the islands in the south of the Gulf of Thailand (Ko Samui, Tao and Phangan) it’s worth knowing that these islands are affected by the heavy rains between the end of October and December, so if you’re planning a trip in Thailand, it’s best to avoid this side during November if you don’t want the rain to affect your Thailand travel experience.  

For those who’ve never experienced Thailand’s soggy seasons, you should know that it doesn’t just rain in Thailand, it pours. But it only pours for a couple of hours at a time and normally in the afternoon, so this shouldn’t affect your trip too much, as once it’s stopped raining, the temperature is still warm and you can go back to the beach to carry on with your Thailand holiday as normal!

Personally, I love the monsoon rains. The atmosphere they create is all part and parcel of the charm of the country. They’re warm and refreshing and it’s great to experience the country’s climate on the other end of the spectrum and watch how the locals cope, utterly unfazed.

Peru specialist Suze has a love for the great outdoors, and has travelled in search of wildlife across the globe; including Costa Rica and a stint in the Amazon rainforest. Despite being terrified of anything creepy and crawly, Suze made it through her Amazon experience in one piece and spent four months exploring South America. She counts volunteering at a tortoise conservation centre in the Galapagos Islands as one of her favourite travel memories.

Suze now works for Peru Travel Plan, organising unique trips to Peru and Bolivia.

What was your first great travel experience?

My trip to Brazil when I was 16 years old which was a month-long expedition with world challenge which involved trekking, camping in the jungle and volunteer work in the local community.

What has been your favourite journey?

My 4 month trip around South America, I visited the Galapagos, mainland Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru and Chile. I spent my time volunteering and backpacking.

What are your top 3 places?

Isabella Island in the Galapagos because of the unique wildlife there and the friendly local family that I stayed with.

The Salt Flats in Bolivia because of the stunning scenery.

Up the top of Mt Sinai in Egypt, for its beautiful view.

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

The Galapagos because it is in the shape of a tortoise.

When did you get the travel bug?

After my Brazil tour when I was 16, when I got home I felt like I was more aware of how other people live and how lucky I was.

What is the best hotel you have ever stayed in?

On my recent trip to Costa Rica we stayed in a small family run guesthouse and had dinner with the family. They had lots of animals roaming around outside and I felt really at home there- it was lovely.

What place/experience exceeded your expectations?

Laos, because I didn’t know anything about the country (didn’t even know where it was) and ended up going there as I was tagging on with other backpackers who ended up travelling there. It was really chilled out and a really nice country.

Where is the next place you are visiting/planning on visiting?

I am looking to travel to South Africa as I have always wanted to go on a safari and I have never been to that part of the world before.

If you had to settle in one place/emigrate somewhere, where would it be?

In Andalusia in Spain because I love the laid back Spanish way of life, the food and the sunshine.

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten whilst abroad?

I have eaten Caiman (a small alligator) in the Amazon Jungle and guinea pig in Peru (I only had one bite of it).

Where is the best place food-wise you have visited?

I would say Costa Rica because they eat lots of avocado- my favourite(!)

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

A bikini, a first aid kit, flip-flops, a camera and a toothbrush.

Which country did you find to be the friendliest?

Bolivia was really friendly, the local family that I stayed with was very welcoming and locals were always happy to help me with directions.

What weird modes of transport have you travelled on?

A camel, an elephant, a dugout canoe, the back of a trailer, a horse and a bicycle.

Have you ever worked abroad? If so explain….

I worked as a tour leader in Egypt and Jordan for about 6 months. I have also done volunteer work in the Galapagos and Bolivia.

Have you experienced culture-shock, if so where/where was the place you found to be most different from home?

Probably when I travelled to Brazil,  it was the first time that I had compared our culture back home in the UK to a different culture. It was also the first time that I had come across true poverty.

Who would be your ideal travel companion?

Someone who is not scared of spiders or creepy crawlies, and can calm me down if I ever see one. Also, someone who is really into adventure activities/sports.

What is your favourite beer from around the world?

Cusquena from Peru which is a Peruvian beer.

What is your most treasured item that you have bought/collected whilst travelling?

The llama fur jumper that I bought on my Peru trip that kept me warm on a 30 hour bus trip from Peru to Chile. I still wear it at home in the winter.

What is the best beach you have been to and why?

The beach in the Galapagos as there were marine iguanas on the sand.  Also, you can swim with turtles, stingrays and sharks off the shore.

Where is the most spiritual place you have been?

I would say Petra, in Jordan because in the evening you can walk down and go ‘the treasury’ by candlelight and listen to a local man playing the flute whilst drinking local Jordanian tea.

What is the most beautiful building/natural sight that you have visited?

The Salt Flats and surrounding landscapes of Bolivia.

What’s the best party you have been to whilst travelling?

The San Fermines festival in Pamplona in Spain where you stay up all night partying and then watch the bull run in the morning,

What do you miss most from home whilst you are away?

English pubs, salt and vinegar crisps, avocado, and English chocolate (Galaxy). I also miss English TV.

Moving away from the capital up to Taman Negara, (Malaysia’s best known National Park,) here you could spend some time amongst the rainforest canopy in a wooden jungle chalet. Whilst in the park, there are a host of different activities that you can sign up for, jungle trekking, fishing, the canopy walk or even a night safari.

Travelling away from the plantations to the coast, a stay on the island of Penang should not be missed during a trip to Malaysia. The island’s capital Georgetown is brimming with colonial history and local Malaysian culture, from spiritual temples to beautifully fronted shop facades.  For a personal sight-seeing trip around the island, jump on board a trishaw for a ride around the city. I believe that this is the best way to travel on this island and also the most enjoyable.

Relax on Langkawi

From Pulau Penang, it’s just a short boat ride over to the idyllic island of Langkawi. This island is and ideal place to end your Malaysia holiday. With so much to do on the island, it could warrant a whole two weeks stay itself.

This island is one of the most developed of Malaysia’s islands and offers a wide range of accommodation, bars and restaurants and sight-seeing attractions to keep children (and adults) of all ages entertained. During your time here, you could take a visit to the Aquarium, Crocodile Farm or Bird Paradise, or take part on one of the many water sports that are on offer on the island.

If you fancy something a little slower paced, then you can also head to the local spas or golf courses. However, if relaxing on the beach in the shade of your own palm tree with a good book is more what you had in mind, then Langkawi has it all.