Backpacker travel insurance is the best way to ensure your carefree holiday remains carefree. With backpacker travel insurance you can be sure to save your money and still put your worries to rest.The ideal backpacker’s holiday is one that traverses boundaries and braves danger, the luxury resorts and billion-dollar views are passed up in favour of rustic hostels and priceless experiences. It’s about adventure, and where there is adventure, there is risk. Without the security that comes with 5 star hotel vaults and from the certain knowledge of where one will be spending the night (more than a few hours in advance) there is even greater risk of things going awry. Travelling backpacker style often means being a traveler prepared for the worst, being a traveler with a plan. And when it comes down to it, there is no better plan, than a backpackers travel insurance plan. Backpacker travel insurance offers policies and plans which can be tailored to your needs and made within your budget. Cheap backpacker travel insurance does not have to mean compromised cover, your holiday adventure can still be fully secured and your worst nightmares kept at bay. The beauty of travel insurance for backpackers is that it is designed with backpackers in mind: policies for single trip, multi trip, or even annual trip travel insurance are available. Whether you are looking for backpacking travel insurance to cover the inherent risks of your lifelong dream to backpack your way around Australia or whether domestic travel is a little too on the safe side – and you need insurance cover for an overseas sojourn with no set return date, backpacker travel insurance will ensure you get the cover you at a cost you can live with. There are insurance plans and policies to cover hitchhiking, trekking, road trips, boat trips. Whatever traveling you have in mind and wherever you want your travel to take you, backpacker travel insurance gives you the flexibility that is necessary when it comes to taking a backpacking holiday. A policy suited to you, and your as yet unknown destinations, a policy designed with your uncertainty in mind, backpacker travel insurance is sure to provide you with the best cover you can hope for at as little a cost as you can imagine. When you purchase a backpacker travel insurance plan you are not buying hidden extras which simply won’t apply to you, you are not paying for add-ons that are more likely to be implemented when you slip on a spilt martini along glass tiles of the roof top pool of some ritzy five star hotel. No, with backpacker travel insurance the policy is tailor made for the type of risks and dangers a traveling backpacker is far more likely to encounter. Backpacker travel insurance can provide monetary compensation for flood damage to your belongings, health cover for malaria and other tropical diseases, immediate cash pay outs to cover the expense of an urgent mechanic repair to your combine van. For backpackers who are serious about their travelling and sensible about their cover, backpacker travel insurance is the only way to go.

The third largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui is a tropical paradise, situated in the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea, about 85 km east of Surat Thani and 700 km south of Bangkok. Bestowed with natural scenic surroundings, spectacular as well as diverse flora and fauna, wonderful beaches, magnificent coves and bays, amazing islets, and dazzling waterfalls, Koh Samui is truly a mix of all that are best in the country.
Since Koh Samui gives harvest to more than two million coconuts each month, the island is also sometimes referred to as the ‘Coconut Island.’ Until 1970s’ Koh Samui was only popular as a backpackers’ destination. But, Koh Samui has now grown to include a range of attractions and facilities to enjoy a variety of activities from diving, snorkeling, and sailing to trekking and hiking.
The major draw of the island is undoubtedly its coastline, endowed with pearl-like white sandy beaches and coves and beaches. Of the beaches in the island, most popular is Chaweng beach, which is the longest in the island.
The beach and its surroundings are a center for fun and entertainment. Further, the area is dotted with a range of world-class hotels, resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs. Another fantastic beach in the island is Lamai Beach, which is much favored for its teeming nightlife. For a magical experience, take a tour to Bophut beach, whose surroundings are strewn with an array of old Chinese shops, superb gift shops, and eateries with sumptuous pizza.
Close to the Bophut Beach is Choengmon Beach, which is also a much sought recreational area. Likewise, for vacationers seeking solitude amid serene setting, then one of the best choices would be Maenam beach, situated in the north of Samui Island. Also, popular are Samui Beaches such as Big Buddha Beach, Taling Ngam, and Lipa Noi Beach.
With these spectacular as well as tranquil beaches, Koh Samui is truly a mecca to enjoy an array of leisurely and adventure activities such as para sailing, scuba diving, sea skiing, fishing, and sea canoeing. If you don’t want to indulge in any of the aforesaid activities, then simply take a stroll along the stunning beaches to experience its unrivalled beauty and elegance.
Apart from the activities that are revolved around its unparalleled beaches and shorelines, Koh Samui offers much more. Thai cuisines are regarded as among the best in the world. Hence, become an adept in Thai cooking by taking advantage of superb Thai cooking courses rendered by some of the excellent restaurants in the area.
If you are looking for something different while your stay at Koh Samui, then head to the nearby stadium to spectacle amazing Thai boxing, which includes five rounds of three minutes each. Likewise, if you don’t mind some violence, take opportunity to spectacle such traditional activities as buffalo fighting. One of the best options for fun lovers would be monkey show. Further, nothing would be better than a hiking or trekking trip for those interested in exploring the natural serenity of the place, comprising lush green vegetation, verdant hills, and brilliant waterfalls.
Above all, Koh Samui’s sightseeing options are aplenty, with a range of unusual as well as refreshing attractions. Probably the most significant of the Koh Samui’s landmarks is Big Buddha, a temple whose focal point is a 12 m high golden statue of Buddha that can be seen even away from several kilometers. For nature lovers, a visit to the Butterfly Garden with hundreds of rare species of spectacular bufferflies would be a unique experience. Also, found within the garden are a bee house and a museum featuring some rare species of insects from across the nation as well as other countries. Similarly, take a tour to Samui’s Crocodile Farm to have a fascinating look on different types of crocodiles such as Siam crocodiles, saltwater crocodiles, and Caimans.
Not to miss attractions in the island also include phallic rocks, which is popular among the locals as Grandfather Rock and Grandmother Rock; Lamai Overlap Stone, which is considered a challenge to climb this impressive boulder; Secret Buddha Garden, which is home to beautiful temples, statues, and waterfalls; Snake Farm, which has to its credit some of the most poisonous as well as scary snakes in Asia; and Samui Aquarium and Zoo. Equally marvelous are the temples or wats in the region, such as, Hainan Temple, Hin Lad Waterfall Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda, and Pagoda Khao Chedi.
From stylish sea view villas and bungalows to beachfront resorts and world-class hotels, all of the accommodation options in Samui are superb. Majority of them provide top-notch facilities including air-conditioned rooms coupled with en-suite bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, and dining room. Additionally, many of the villas and apartments offer maid service, apart from facilities such as superb swimming pools and complimentary airport transfers. Fantastic accommodation options are also available for budget conscious travelers.
With these incredible attractions and activities to enjoy, Koh Samui is truly a pearl of the Gulf of Thailand.

“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.”

- Ansel Adams

General Advice

Make regular backups of your photos in case something happens to your camera or if the memory card gets full. You can burn CDs or DVDs in Internet cafés (make sure you have a good sturdy jewel case which protects the media) or you can store your pictures on your MP3/media player or an external memory stick. If you are on a really fast (and I mean reaaaaaaaaally fast) connection you can even upload the photos somewhere on the Internet such as Flickr or Picasa.

If you make two copies of your photos (in case one is lost) make sure you store them in separate places (e.g. one in your daypack and one in your backpack) so you do not lose both of them if one of your bags gets lost.

If you want to ask someone to take your picture try to find someone with an advanced camera with a tele lense – they are usually skilled at taking photos. Give them instructions how you want the photo to look e.g. crop the picture above our knees, include all of the church towers.

Do not forget to recharge your batteries before heading out into places where recharging may be difficult (such as longer treks). Bringing spare batteries is a must if photography is your main interest.

If you are on a formal cruise or another place where you get your photo taken and the photos are displayed on a wall for purchase (most of the time at outrageous prices) and you are a bad person you can use your digital camera to take a photo of your picture. Now you did not hear that one from us This also works for the postcard section (“Gee, I did not know that the Sydney opera house looked like that inside.”)

Personal Experience – The Memory Card Mess

Keep track of your memory cards if you have several ones. I met an Irish couple in Jordan who managed to lose their card with all their photos from the trip. Memory cards are getting really cheap these days so get a big one (if your camera can handle it) so you do not have to bother with several cards.

Rule of thirds

Many people perceive the camera as a rifle: aim in the middle and hopefully you catch what you shoot. Many times pictures with people, animals and other stuff centered in the middle look pretty static and sometimes downright boring.

The trick is not to always put your subject straight in the center of your picture. The rule of thirds states that you should divide your image into different sections. Imagine two horizontal lines and two vertical lines in your viewfinder like a tic-tac-toe grid. Where these lines intersect is where you should place your subject.

Try to put the horizon on one of the lower or the upper lines of the image.

Use flash

Flash is not only useful when light is low. If the sun is positioned behind the subject the subject can turn into a dark silhouette.

Move in close

Do not be shy. Moving in close on your subject can create a strong sense of presence. This technique may not always be appropriate, e.g. at certain religious procedures. Some people have a strong aversion of having their picture taken for various reasons.

Diagonals

Diagonals can be used to provide a path for the viewers eye to follow in the photo. It can be used to lead the eye in one direction into the photo and in on direction out of the photo such as in the below example.

Personal Experience – The Mineralnye Vody Mistake

On the small airport of Mineralnye Vody in Russia my friend brings up his camera to take a picture of a plane he finds quite amusing – something most people would never set their foot in. Two Russian guards materialize from nowhere and demand him to hand over the film. Which he did after a few minutes of “negotiation”.

Use natural frames

You can sometimes find natural frames which you can use to frame your subject. This can range from doorways, window frames, rocks, trees, etc. and can give a good composition to your photo.

Use your imagination

Change your level e.g. shooting upwards from a low position or downwards from a high position. Also experiment with changing from horizontal to vertical position in your camera.

Taking photos is all about being creative. Try to look for new ways of seeing your subject. What if you climb the stairs and get above it? What if you lie down on the ground? What if you turn the zoom lens while you take the photo? What if you use the timer on your camera and hurl it into the air and see what happens? What if you break all the “rules”in this section?

They say you’ve never been to Europe, unless you’ve been to London. The largest and most populous city in the European Union, London is both a vast, urbanized metropolis and a city rich in heritage sites, among them Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower Bridge. London is the capital city of the United Kingdom, the country that gave birth to such legends as the Beatles, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare. London’s Bridge to the World
London is both a historical and business hub, so it comes as no surprise that the city plays host to millions of visitors each year. In fact, London is almost never without tourists. Travelers from different points of the globe pay homage to this magnificent city all year round. While the elite indulge in luxurious accommodations in London’s many posh hotels, backpackers and students frequent very cheap hotels in London, also known as hostels. And because backpackers and serious travelers make up the bulk of the city’s visitors, there are thousands of very cheap hotels in London. Go Cheap in London
Of all the very cheap hotels in London, the most famous is the Generator London Hostel in Bloomsbury. Its proximity to some of London’s great sites and train stations makes it ideal for the traveler on the move. The Generator is the only hostel in London that provides organized entertainment every night, and is a great place to meet people from all over the world. At only £12.50 a night, the Generator is indeed one of the very cheap hotels in London.
Astor Hostels London Group boasts of having five very cheap hotels in London. Astor’s famous Hyde Park hostel is located right next to must-see trendy places like Notting Hill, Portobello Road, and Oxford Street. Also in the vicinity is the slightly pricier Astor Quest Hostel. Unlike the Hyde Park hostel, Astor Quest has en suite facilities. Located south of the river Thames, Astor’s Victoria Hostel is perfect if you intend to do a lot of sightseeing. Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the House of Parliament are within walking distance of Victoria Hostel. You can find Astor’s Museum Inn Hostel only less than three minutes away from London’s tube stations. It is also within walking distance of Covent Garden.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a little peace and quiet in the middle of the city, Astor’s Leinster Inn Hostel is perfect because it is found in a quiet, leafy square in central London. Its location makes a popular choice among the very cheap hotels in London.
Another very cheap hotelsin London is the Piccadilly Backpackers hostel. It is located in the heart of SoHo, just a few steps from the famous Piccadilly Circus. The London House Hotel near the Kensington Gardens is recommended for the traveler on a budget who desires a bit of privacy. Its location is central enough without being too crowded.
There are many very cheap hotels in London for young travelers. Most of these very cheap hotels in London are clean and comfortable, and they come with basic amenities. If you are in London to sightsee and experience the city’s pace and culture, be kind to your purse strings by staying at very cheap hotels in London.

They say you’ve never been to Europe, unless you’ve been to London. The largest and most populous city in the European Union, London is both a vast, urbanized metropolis and a city rich in heritage sites, among them Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower Bridge. London is the capital city of the United Kingdom, the country that gave birth to such legends as the Beatles, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare. London’s Bridge to the World
London is both a historical and business hub, so it comes as no surprise that the city plays host to millions of visitors each year. In fact, London is almost never without tourists. Travelers from different points of the globe pay homage to this magnificent city all year round. While the elite indulge in luxurious accommodations in London’s many posh hotels, backpackers and students frequent very cheap hotels in London, also known as hostels. And because backpackers and serious travelers make up the bulk of the city’s visitors, there are thousands of very cheap hotels in London. Go Cheap in London
Of all the very cheap hotels in London, the most famous is the Generator London Hostel in Bloomsbury. Its proximity to some of London’s great sites and train stations makes it ideal for the traveler on the move. The Generator is the only hostel in London that provides organized entertainment every night, and is a great place to meet people from all over the world. At only £12.50 a night, the Generator is indeed one of the very cheap hotels in London.
Astor Hostels London Group boasts of having five very cheap hotels in London. Astor’s famous Hyde Park hostel is located right next to must-see trendy places like Notting Hill, Portobello Road, and Oxford Street. Also in the vicinity is the slightly pricier Astor Quest Hostel. Unlike the Hyde Park hostel, Astor Quest has en suite facilities. Located south of the river Thames, Astor’s Victoria Hostel is perfect if you intend to do a lot of sightseeing. Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the House of Parliament are within walking distance of Victoria Hostel. You can find Astor’s Museum Inn Hostel only less than three minutes away from London’s tube stations. It is also within walking distance of Covent Garden.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a little peace and quiet in the middle of the city, Astor’s Leinster Inn Hostel is perfect because it is found in a quiet, leafy square in central London. Its location makes a popular choice among the very cheap hotels in London.
Another very cheap hotelsin London is the Piccadilly Backpackers hostel. It is located in the heart of SoHo, just a few steps from the famous Piccadilly Circus. The London House Hotel near the Kensington Gardens is recommended for the traveler on a budget who desires a bit of privacy. Its location is central enough without being too crowded.
There are many very cheap hotels in London for young travelers. Most of these very cheap hotels in London are clean and comfortable, and they come with basic amenities. If you are in London to sightsee and experience the city’s pace and culture, be kind to your purse strings by staying at very cheap hotels in London.