Blog - Page 5 of 10 - My Turn To Travel

Backpacking Colombia: 1 Month Colombia Itinerary

By Owen / August 6, 2018

If there is one country that every backpacker I met in South America told me they loved the most, it is Colombia.

Colombia is a great country for anyone looking to have an adventurous holiday. It is full of life, colour, happiness, music and a culture that is so rich you can’t help but admire. It may not be the first destination of choice for most people, but, once you choose to visit this country, you will have an adventurous time.

Travelling to Colombia for 30 days is the most ideal because there’s so much to do, see and experience. The sights and sounds will help you relax and unwind as you enjoy your holiday. Personally, I was in Colombia for a month.

With this itinerary, we shall be looking at the most coveted locations in Colombia, and what you shall expect in each and every one of them. But, before we begin, here are a few reasons why you should consider Colombia seriously for your next holiday.

Anywhr Review: Is Surprise Travel For Everyone?

Thoughts

By Owen / July 17, 2018

Would you ever pack your bags and head to the airport without knowing where you’re flying to?

Would you be fine letting go of control and let someone else plan your trip for you?

Could you handle that excitement, tension and surprise?

I recently got to try out Anywhr after hearing (and talking) so much about it. Disclaimer: I’ve spoken to the owners and have some insider knowledge, but I paid full price for my trip and this piece is entirely my own opinion.

The Day I Entered Brazil Illegally and Got Denied Entry to Guyana

Brazil

Guyana

Venezuela

By Owen / June 27, 2018

It all started after my 6-day trek to Mount Roraima.

We arrived back in the border town of Santa Elena at 3pm, and I was contemplating to stay for another night or head back to Brazil, where I was before.

I was in the office of the tour agency, and Hairim, one of the staff, offered to drive me to the border. Should I rest here in Venezuela where everything was cheaper, or find an expensive place to stay in non-touristy Boa Vista?

Hmm decisions, decisions.

11 Things to do in Phonsavan & Xieng Khouang Province, Laos

Laos

By Owen / June 11, 2018

Xiengkhouang is a province best known for the mysterious Plain of Jars site near Phonsavan, the provincial capital.

Besides this historical site, there are beautiful waterfalls and trekking opportunities nearby, and the chance to learn about how the war affected the people at the UXO Centre.

Here are the 11 things to do in Phonsavan and the greater Xieng Khouang region.

Backstreet Academy Review: Alms Giving in Luang Prabang

Laos

By Owen / May 27, 2018

“So, how does it feel to be giving alms for the first time?”

I asked Her*, a Laotian born and bred in Luang Prabang, Laos.

I was surprised when he told me he hasn’t done it before because alms giving – or tak bat as it is called here – is a Buddhist tradition. Her belongs to the Hmong ethnicity in Laos and the Hmong people believe in animism (belief in the spirit world).

I offered him my basket; Her scooped the rice while I placed the crackers into the bowls of the monks and novices walking past us barefooted.

101 Things to Do In and Around Cusco, Peru

Peru

UNESCO

By Owen / May 20, 2018

When you travel long term, one question you get asked a lot is: “What is your favourite city?”

For 6 months, I never had an answer because there are so many cities worth visiting in South America.

That is, until I came to Cusco – and stayed for more than 5 weeks.

Many people will say it’s the most touristic place ever (it’s true) and shun it, but that is one of the reasons I love it there.

Touristic cities are brighter, more colourful, and usually safer. These may not seem like attractive enough reasons for you, but after being on a continent with very similar history and architecture long enough, you’ll appreciate these subtleties.

Touristic cities also have more things to do. Here are a few.

Graduation Trip Around South America: All Countries Checked ✓

South America

By Owen / February 25, 2018

One year.

That’s how long my #GradTripAroundSouthAmerica took.

In this one year, I managed to visit ALL countries in South America, spending a few months in some and a few days in others.

I do not visit a country for one day just to tick it off a list. I spend time getting to know the locals, have some local food, and actually explore the cities. In fact, I couchsurfed in the countries I spent the least amount of time in.

If that is not the best way to know a place, I don’t know what is.

I’ve seen a lot, experienced a lot, and probably grown too. But that would be a post for another day. For now, let’s have some fun.

Since this is my graduation trip, I brought along an inflatable graduation hat and took a photo in every country with an iconic point of interest.

Here we go!

Kaieteur Falls: Guyana’s Isolated Gem of the Forest

Guyana

By Owen / January 11, 2018

According to Amerindian legends, the savage Caribs frequently raided the peaceful Patamona tribe. To appease the Great Spirit Makonaima and ask for protection, the distinguished Patamona chieftain, Chief Kaie, paddled his canoe over the Falls.

Folklore has it that Kaie and his ‘wood skin’ canoe turned to stone and now form part of the rocks of the falls. Perhaps his self-sacrifice worked and he won appeasement, for the magical falls is named after him: Kaieteur. (‘Teur’ translates as ‘falls’; Kaieteur – Kaie’s Falls.)

Mount Roraima Hike: Up On Top Venezuela’s Lost World

Venezuela

By Owen / January 3, 2018

You’ve probably not heard of Mount Roraima, but I’m pretty sure you’ve seen it before.

Remember the Disney-Pixar animation ‘Up’?

The one where the old man and the boy scout flew a whole house up in the sky with balloons and ended on a mountain top?

The flat top mountain where they roamed about towards ‘Paradise Falls’?

That mountain was inspired by Mount Roraima.

This mystical mountain did not only inspire an animation; it also inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to create ‘The Lost World’ in 1912.

Ever since I’ve seen pictures of this peculiar mountain, I know I must visit it.

Leticia-Tabatinga Border: Crossing from Colombia into Brazil

Brazil

Colombia

By Owen / December 21, 2017

Regional flights in South America are ridiculously expensive.

Especially when compared to South East Asia, where I come from.

Thus, I had to look for an alternative way to get from Colombia to the north of Brazil, where I intend to cross the border into Venezuela.

Thankfully, I found out that Colombia and Brazil are connected by 2 neighbouring towns located in the Amazonas: Leticia and Tabatinga.

The cheaper alternative to get from Colombia to Brazil (and vice versa) is to take a domestic flight, cross the border, then fly (or cruise/ride) in Brazil. Here is a quick guide.