AUSTRALIA’S backpacker tourism industry is facing the biggest crisis in its history, with many tour operators struggling to survive following big falls in young travellers.
The number of people staying in hostels has fallen by nearly seven per cent over the past two years, down from 593,000 per year in March 2010.
So you’ve decided to travel to New Zealand for a backpacking experience of a lifetime? Great!
New Zealand really is the adventure capital of the world. It’s a popular place among backpackers and those with round the world tickets, as tourism in New Zealand really caters to the budget and backpacker minded.
NZ loves international travellers, so here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your trip:
Fantastic blog by Benny Lewis , Original Story
Eight years.
That’s 416 weeks, or almost 3,000 days.
This is the amount of time that I have not had a fixed home; moving to a new country, culture and language every few months and taking absolutely everything I own with me. It has been a significant percentage of my life, and it’s still long from over.
I had actually done some travelling before – a couple of summers in the states, and an entire month already in Spain. But about this time back in 2003, on the week of my 21st birthday, I left Ireland for good. I had graduated university a few days before, and knew that I’d only be coming back “home” for visits (I’ve never once missed the family Christmas dinner). But it’s not really my home any more. Since then, “wherever I lay my hat, that’s my home”.
After devoting my life to them, university and schools had taught me nothing of any real importance. I had gone through as many books as I could and thought I knew it all, but the fact of the matter is that I have become the person I was meant to be in the last 4/5 of a decade, while on the road. And I certainly still have a lot left to learn.
Read the full article on Daily Good
For your free cars and campervans check out transfercar.co.nz & transfercar.com.au
Jerome Luepkes is a Berlin-based business consultant and travel writer.
For most people, travel is about seeing new places, experiencing new things and meeting new people. Apart from the fact that travel can take time and cost money, there is also a small matter of what to take with you when you set out on your next expedition.
I believe that travellers can improve their overall experience by simply learning what to do without, and only taking those things which are essential for a safe and healthy trip.
Here’s a list of the top 10 things to take on the road:
1.- A proper suitcase and an extra one
It seems even too basic to put the suitcase at the top of the list of things to bring to your trips that you should not forget, but this is no-nonsense.
Of course you will carry a suitcase or a backpack. make sure that complies with the rules of the means of transport that you are going to use. Remember that airlines are very strict about it.
And always put an extra bag in your luggage. Now you can buy cheap folding backpacks that take up very little space. They will serve you for the return trip. When you realize that you have bought so many souvenirs that you can’t actually take them back home with you. Really, this is a tip that you will thank almost every time you travel.
2.- Clothes. Make an independent list for them
When you pack your suitcase and get to the clothing section, forget the famous “just in case”. Carry the essential. In fact, that’s what we’re talking about, the essential things to bring to your trips. If you are a luxury traveller, you can afford to include as many extra garments as you wish. If not, remember that public laundries are conquering the planet and there is one in every other corner. This will allow you to wash your clothes in the middle of the trip. Which means half the weight. One thing you should not miss is spare underwear. Extra tip: pack old underwear that you can get rid of. This way you will gain room in the suitcase along the way.
3.- Footwear
The footwear is one of those elements difficult to put in the suitcase. The best thing to get out of this little bump is to choose a type of footwear that fits all occasions. If you travel in summer, wear comfortable sandals. Many sports stores sell open footwear designed to walk for hours. If you travel in winter, wear breathable boots. They will serve you for rainy days and for the rest. Put some flip-flops on if you go to the beach, or to a spa. They do not take up much space and can save your day.
4.- Pyjamas
Is the pyjama one of those essential things to bring to your trips? Without a doubt it is. Put a light one in the suitcase. If you have booked hotels with shared bathroom you will need it. Besides, it is most likely that nothing happens during the trip, but what if there is an emergency and you must leave your room in the middle of the night? Better sleep with pyjamas.
5.- Hat and sunglasses
Caps, Hats and sunglasses are necessary at all times of the year. This is evident in summer, but we usually forget them in winter. That’s why we add them to this list of essential things to bring to your trips. The light of the clear days of winter is as annoying as in summer. And a hat will keep you warm in the coldest months. You will travel more comfortable if you carry both in your suitcase.
6.- Towel and toiletries
You never know what the hotels you visit will be like. A microfiber towel can save you from bad hotel management and does not take up much space. Always travel with one. The same applies to toiletries. Do not trust complimentary ones. Just in case.
7.- Sewing kit
We are talking about essential things to bring to your trips, so keep the kit small. Scissors, thread, needle and maybe a couple of buttons will be enough. They may not let you carry your suitcase in the cabin, but it will be worth it. Especially if you travel to a place with not many shops. The buttons tend to undo at the worst moment and the same happens with zippers.
8.- Firs aid kit
Bandages, cotton, a couple of gauzes and some type of antiseptic will serve to heal a small wound. If you walk a lot, you will see that the chafing of the shoes is your worst enemies during a trip. That is why we stress the need to carry bandages.
9.- Medicines
Check if the country you are travelling to allows you to enter medications in your restaurants, your health supplements are also a must and you can add natural appetite suppressants to avoid cravings, you can read about them in the Phenq reviews real. If so, always take with you analgesics, anti-dizziness pills, laxatives and antidiarrheals. If you have any specific disease do not leave the treatment at home! And make sure not to ignore the vaccines that are mandatory requirements to travel to your destination.
10.- Documentation
Passport, ID, driver’s license, visas … Make a list of all the documentation you need during the trip and make sure you take it in a safe but accessible place. You will need it.
Check out the full article by Jerome Luepkes on Couchsurfers
If you are looking for a cheap ride check out Transfercar.co.nz or Transfercar.com.au!
Often Transfercar receives questions about where you can park your car or campervan overnight for free. It’s fair enough we think, that if you
already have a place to sleep in, you shouldn’t have to spend extra cash on accommodation, so we’ve found a website that that has the answers you seek:
The Department of Conservation (DOC rocks!!) manages over 250 vehicle-accessible camping areas on conservation land. Although not all of them are free, many are and others are really cheap. But remember, you get what you pay for. Many of these patches of dirt have only basic amenities such as water and toilets, but hey, it’s still free!
Be aware guys that parking campervans and camping on the side of the road in many regions and towns is prohibited so stick to these areas if you can.
Happy travels!!
Transfercar is pleased to let you all know that 8 out of the 9 HAPNZ (Holiday Parks NZ) are now open and ready to take in visitors to the region following the devastating earthquake that hit Christchurch city on 22 February.
Continue reading Holiday Parks in Christchurch back in business
