Our blog showcases a variety of travel stories, while the main part of our site displays the typical travel costs for thousands of destinations around the world. If you're looking for travel costs or planning guides about a specific place, you can browse the list of countries or search for a destination here.
Nepalese girl, Manang, along the Annapurna Circuit
Nepal is mesmerizing and beautiful. It is a land of peaceful mountain people who welcome travelers into their homes and show them the serenity of the land and the friendliness of the nation. During our year-long trip around the world, we spent a month in Nepal. During that time, we spent almost three weeks hiking through the Himalayas, and it was one of the best experiences of our life.
Our truck, undergoing repairs
When taxi cabs and public buses fail you, try the beer truck instead. We found ourselves stuck in a small town, a mere intersection really, between Lalibela and Dessie, in the African country of Ethiopia. It was in fact a holiday, and buses were scarce.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
In 2006, we spent a month in Vietnam. We crossed the border from China in the north near Sapa, where we spent an amazing few days amongst the Hmong people and their beautifully terraced rice fields. Next we ventured down to Hanoi, and then spent a few days on a boat in the Halong Bay. Afterwards we made our way south, but for now we have plenty of photos to show of Northern Vietnam. If you find yourself wandering around Southeast Asia, don't miss this amazing country, especially Sapa (sometimes spelled "Sa Pa") and the surrounding areas.
Married couple Jack and Jill (what perfect names!) will soon be leaving on an around the world journey. We virtually sat down with them and had an electronic conversation about trip planning and budgeting. Tentatively, they are planning to leave in April, but that’s all up in the air right now.
We aim to please, and that’s why we’ve been busy working on some great new features for Budget Your Trip. Check 'em out!
Phil Paoletta is a guy after our own hearts, simply because he willingly chose to go to West Africa. It's an amazing place, and if you read Phil's awesomely named blog, Phil in the Blank, you'll get a sense of what it's like. Don't let his "loose stool count" scare you away. Seriously.
Cambodia is one of our favorite places in the entire world. If you haven't been there, put it on your list. Here are a few great pics of Cambodia from feleciacruz.
The Hmong people of northern Vietnam
If you've traveled in a developing country, you've probably been in a situation where you need to negotiate a price. Actually, you've probably been in this situation hundreds of times. Whether it's a taxi ride or a souvenir, in many places in the world it is perfectly normal to negotiate for a price.
Many tourists and travelers have trouble with this concept. Depending on where you are, it might only cost a few bucks at the most. But to that local shopkeeper or taxi driver, it's a lot of money. Why not just give them that little extra that they are asking for? What's the harm? They need the money, and they are supporting their families, right?
One of the rock churches of Lalibela
Despite what you may have heard, Ethiopia is not starving. It is green, lush, and full of life and culture. It is diverse and amazing. From the highlands in the north to the tribal lands of the south, to the religious and historical sites to the stunning landscapes, Ethiopia offers something for everyone. We spent a month in the country. You should, too.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Going on a long term trip, for multiple months, or even a year? When we planned our first multi-month adventure, our friends and family kept asking us "how do you pack for a trip like that?" Our answer: "Well... uh... I have no idea!"
Now that we've done it a few times, we know how to answer that question. And we're not the only ones. We've assembled some of the best packing list items and advice from people who have actually survived their trips.