Kudos

» Here are some e-mailed comments (click here to contribute any of your own), sent in 2010:

• I used this site almost exclusively to inform my packing for 3 months around Malaysia - other websites weren't as comprehensive or realistic. My wife and I never met a single couple during that trip (nor since!) who has as small and light a load as us, yet we were of course lacking nothing - simply because we'd thought about it a bit before we went. Many thanks to this website which proves the maxim - the smaller your pack then the better your trip. Incidentally, the stats were my wife and I checked in on our outward bound flights with 15kg between us (9+6). This stuff DID last us 3 months very well, and in fact when we do our next trip we will be able to pack even lighter! We had 30-35L backpacks and never needed any more space, and we could always keep them with us on coaches so we never had to worry about security, and needless to say it made walking around towns etc. finding accommodation much easier than it could have been otherwise. Cheers!

• Thank you so much for putting together this amazing resource! I am travelling 6 months around the world as my first foray into independent travel and have found it invaluable. Having thrown myself in at the deep end I was beginning to panic at the scale of the journey and my lack of experience! This site has completely put my mind at ease, the information is measured and there is a perfect balance between caution and adventurous spirit. Now I just can't wait to set off!

• Fantastic organization - no other travel site is so comprehensive and intuitive! your "what to pack" bit made me review my approach to travel entirely. I've even dedicated a blog entry to packing a la travel independent! (http://backpackersguide.tumblr.com/post/898164511/what-not- to-pack) - Lena

• Love this site. It's been a big help for me. No bullshit, just like your being told by a well travelled mate. - Jim

• I am so excited I found this site- I am planning a trip thru the middle east especially for Iran...very informative and gives me much more confidence in going it alone! Cheers guys, brilliant site, will be following you more now! - Travis, Melbourne

• Best travelling site on the entire web, and I've spent many frustrated hours looking at nonsense. Will be my Travelling Bible before I leave (in a years' time), and I can only say: thank you. For providing sensible, charming, well written advice on subjects that I want to know, in a format that makes it easy to browse and easy to read. Amazing. - Holly

• My name is Bob W and I'm from Newport, Kentucky, USA. I stumbled across your website last week and I've been visiting it every day since. Your website is absolutely fantastic! The information you have posted for nearly every country in the world is invaluable. You really have the budget traveller in mind. Most websites I've come across provide information that caters to the pampered traveller who want to spend a lot more money for resort travel. It's great to find all the information i need all in one website. While i already have been backpacking a few times I also feel that your website is an excellent resource for those who are getting started. Thanks again for your amazing website. I will, without a doubt, refer to it when planning any vacation from now on. Keep it up!! Peace - Bob

• I don't know your name, but I just wanted to let you know that your site is the single most helpful site in my travel planning.  I plan to do a 360 around the world in one year, and your site has taken 90% of the stress out of planning it. The only thing I'll do differently the general suggestions on your site is that I'll have a larger pack because I'll mainly be camping. I'm doing this for the huge expense of lodging that I can save, and I figure I'll only have to add a tent, sleeping bag, mess kit, and pocket stove which you can get in extremely compact sizes these days, so hopefully it won't require a significantly bigger pack. - Andrew

• I have been visiting your site since 2002, and lordy, you're a godsend to the to the travel community. Huge thank you. Anyway, I am sending you my garbled thoughts in case they are of use to you [see comments in Central and South America pages]. - Monty

• This is a great site... such an asset to have all the information in one place! Nicely formatted and summarized! One thing I noticed though, was that I did not see Taiwan listed under Asia....it is a great place to visit and houses the Taipei 101 building. Hopefully you can add Taiwan to the list too! - Sandra

• Hi, I'm sure you hear this all the time but I just wanted to say THANK YOU! your site was absolutely invaluable for all the tips and inspiration while planning our trip. I'm always recommending you to anyone who is thinking about travelling. Keep up the amazing work, I'm feeling inspired to head off again! - Lorna

• What a fantastic site with loads of very informative and interesting stuff.. A boon for the die hard travel fan like me - Salome

• My name is Travis and I have been reading your site for the past two months. I have never travelled before but I will be leaving on a 5 month journey to Africa (Cairo to Cape Town) this September. I love your site and it has been very useful to me. I think I have read almost every country summery probably like 10 times as I sit on my couch and dream. I very much appreciate you putting your time into this great site to help others without all the bullshit. Thanks Again - Travis

• You have a brilliant site, I'm off travelling soon and I've already read it a couple of times over! I have one tip regarding travel insurance for cameras. If people are travelling with a DSLR, don't get it covered on normal travel insurance, as it will be very expensive. It's much cheaper to go for a specialist camera insurer, I've found i can insure my DSLR and lenses worth about £1k for £65 a year, much cheaper than a normal travel insurance company. The added bonus is this covers theft and accidents, so if i drop it im still covered, whereas with a normal travel insurance company i may not be. Keep up the good work! - Alex

• I would just like to tell you how much appreciated your site. I’m currently 2 months away from embarking on a month around Japan with my boyfriend and best friend, the former has never backpacked before and my best friend and I did 2 weeks across Europe a couple of years ago. Reading up on all the different sections certainly refreshed my memory, particularly in the “what to pack, what not to pack section”, and the anecdotes of what other contributors added reminded me of what I loved (and sometimes hated) about the whole experience. I’ve referred the address on to both my companions and my uncle (who is a well seasoned traveller, cycling his way around the globe). I suppose if I could add anything to what to bring, it would be the mention that a bag of sharable sweets from home (jelly babies, pear drops, even a packet of Polos) is often a good way to start a conversation with others, especially since many are unique to your home country, and are lighter than a jar of Marmite. Again, thanks for providing a great source of information - R. Addicott

• I very much agree that a lot of the websites that are available are for commercial gain. Awesome website here though. I just wanted to say that I spent an extensive time in Central America, and although I saw many amazing things in all the places, the one place that I truly hold in my heart in Honduras. In my 4 months that I spent in Honduras, I managed to see such a diverse range of places yet all within one country. I went from down ridden cities, to beautiful white beaches, to Mayan ruins, to the jungle, to waterfalls. It's a wonderful place, with amazing people, and I often feel that its a country that gets forgotten because its surrounded by Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. If anybody has the time to visit this country, then La Moskita (the Jungle) has such friendly people, and beautiful scenery. The Bay Islands have the party vibe, and lush beaches, Copain Ruins has the culture, and the architecture. This country has something for everybody and is well and truly worth taking the time to explore. - Laura

...for e-mailed tips go here.

 

 

»   Comments sent in 2009:

• Really love your site - have been finding it invaluable (and anxiety-alleviating) as I prepare to leave for a nine month journey to Asia (my first time there). I have come to trust the voice that these pages are written in. Thank you many times over. - Adam C, San Francisco USA

• I just stumbled across your site last night, by typing "what to pack for South America" into Google. I then spent a couple of hours reading everything I could. Absolutely awesome site, loads of really helpful info. I've been backpacking before in Asia, and everything that you guys have said is pretty much spot on (especially the small pack stuff!) Also I found your link to Hostel booker really helpful - only, annoyingly, a couple of days too late, as I had already booked two nights in a Buenos Aires hostel with Hostel world and been charged US$30 extra in commission, as I found out only after reading your site. Keep up the good work, independent info without bullshit advertising or a commercial bent is so, so hard to find nowadays. When I get back, I'll be sending in some info for sure. - Michelle, New Zealand  

• We would like to say a big warm heart felt thank you for the excellent information on your website, particularly the What To Pack section. Luke and I discovered your website late last year when Googling what to pack for our 12 month world trip. I guess you must get emails like this all the time, but your advice has made a huge difference to our trip. To be completely honest, initially we were both horrified at many of your suggestions! The thought of discarding our beautiful new packs (mine 60L plus 15L, and his 75L plus 15L) seemed unthinkable. How could we ever leave home without necessities such as denim jeans, mosquito nets, sleeping bags, extensive first aid kits, and all of those things that tend to get packed just in case but never ever used?
  Anyway, the more we thought about it, the more it made sense. We eventually bought new bags (mine is a lovely little 34L, and his is a 35L plus 8L in extra pockets - but only used for emergencies). After we came to see the great wisdom in packing light, we delighted in telling friends and family about our new packing plans just to see the horrified looks on their faces! People have all sorts of crazy ideas about what defines an essential travel item - e.g.. beanie just in case it gets cold when your are heading to SE Asia, a hair straightener, complete sewing kit....We carry our packs onto the plane for all of our flights - as they are over the 7kg limit for Air Asia, we buy a checked allowance just in case but after 10 flights we still have not been forced to use this. When catching buses, we keep them with us and the peace of mind that this brings is great.
  We have now been on the road for 4 months, so far we have been travelling in SE Asia (and finding it difficult to leave). After reading the Where To Go section, we added a few places that we probably would not have travelled to, including Sumatra which has been our favourite so far.
  Everywhere we go we see travellers carrying and struggling with not only enormous backpacks, but smaller packs on their fronts as well. Lots of people comment (often enviously) on our small packs, and say they wish they too could have a small pack instead. We always tell them about your website, and the joys of having a small bag (I hope we may have even converted a few people!).
  We have picked up things and discarded others of course. We both travel with cut down pillows which we store in compression sacks - one little luxury we did not want to give up. I have since bought a pair of light weight jeans that I wear at least 4 or 5 times per week, but only after doing without for 2 months to see if I really needed them (turns out I have a denim jeans addiction). We initially invested in a lot of supposedly technical fabrics, but except for a few choice pieces, we have found that clothes bought locally are not only cheaper but often more suited to the local conditions.
  One thing that we do often buy locally if we will be in the same place for a while, is a plastic bucket for washing and soaking clothes overnight. Not exactly an essential travel item I know, but it has led to some pretty funny conversations with fellow travellers. While in Sabah, I had bought a particularly good bucket, and decided to take it with me to the next two destinations as we had pre-arranged transfers. While staying at a jungle river camp, one English girl confided that when she first saw us with the bucket - she wondered if she had somehow overlooked an essential piece of hiking equipment.... while the Dutch people on the bus thought perhaps that I had motion sickness. Anyhow, I think we may have inadvertently started a trend, as the next time we saw them they too had a bucket! I am thinking of looking into a fold away bucket, so we will always have one close at hand, as it is not always possible to find somewhere to soak clothes..
  An innovation we claim as uniquely our own is the Luggage Mule (inspired by drug mules but entirely harmless and legal). In an early bid to overcome the tight weight restrictions that budget airlines impose on carry on baggage allowances (for example 7kg with Air Asia as I mentioned earlier), we purchased a fisherman's type vest with a multitude of pockets for Luke to wear onto the plane. We would load up all of the pockets of the vest to bring down the weight of his bag from 9kg to the required 7kg - and so the Luggage Mule was born! We have since decided that cargo pants are just as good, but if your bag is small enough, and you spend a little extra on a checked allowance, the airline staff don't really care too much what weight your carry on bag is.
  Anyway to get back to the point, thank you for your sound, sensible and comprehensive advice. We are the truly converted to the packing light philosophy and every time we see someone with a massive backpack, we are also eternally grateful. - Sarah and Luke McL..an, Melbourne Australia.

• Your what to pack page has been incredibly helpful, it's exactly what you'd wish to find; brilliant. Well done again on a great webpage. - Harry F

• Doing some research for a trip to Japan. I have just discovered you website and found it amazingly useful and informative. It's good to get some real life, down to earth advice that will actually help rather than generic, commercial 'tips' that everyone knows anyway.. - Claire, Austraila

• Hey there, I'd like to thank you for your fantastic site! the best thing it did was reaffirm my thoughts on a small pack. when I purchased the pack I'll be taking to Europe next year and showed to my family they thought I was crazy.. its a comfortable 35L. However after viewing your site we are in agreement that a small pack is the only way to go. - Nick B

• Its today three weeks until I depart for a month long trip to Europe. Being from the US, I suppose its a little clichéd, but I've always wanted to travel. I figure if I survive Europe, I can gradually increase my ante, working up to Central Asia and the like. Until yesterday, the "Let's Go" 2009 Europe book and some random websites, including CouchSurfing.org have been my only guide. Needless to say, I was scared shitless and dreading more that anticipating my trip. There is still so much to do and in my "real life" I am organized, confident and assertive - in my travel planning life I was being a total wimp. And feeling completely clueless. After looking at the $230 backpack I bought (75 L) I thought...hmm....this may be too big for a month. A chance Google later and I stumbled upon your site. Not only did I immediately go and return the backpack to exchange for a 44 L (and saved $130 which I turned around and spent on good walking shoes, a travel alarm clock, converter/adapter, twisted elastic clothesline and hidden money pouch), I bought two internal plane tickets (Dublin to Edinburgh for only $10!!! and Edinburgh to Barcelona for $100). I actually made some progress! I scoured the site for the entire day. Here I am again today, seeking out more information and taking action. Thank you so much for putting a cohesive site together - while it may be aimed at more exotic travels it is nonetheless comprehensive and addresses questions and issues I thought no one would publish answers to. Many Thanks - Liz

• I just wanted to say thank you so much for this incredible, comprehensive, well-written, delightful website on RTW travel. It's amazing. - Katy

• I am a 31 year old male from the UK who has had enough of sitting in an office like a battery hen, and has decided to go travelling RTW all on my own. Never done anything like this before (my only holiday abroad so far has been in Tenerife...when I was 16 ...with my mates grandparents). Daunting to say the least - at first glance anyway. So what a joy it was to find your site and sap confidence from the wisdom that graces your pages. So, I thought Id take the time to say I think your site is totally brilliant, and although I cannot confirm at this stage how much of your info is correct (for obvious reasons) - I know common sense when I see it (which, ironically, is not that common these days!!!). I respect your forthright style (again, not that common these days), and can see that you have really spent the time to get this as right as is generally possible. What to pack advice is a Godsend. I have recently bought a 45 litre pack, and after packing it with exactly what I am taking (again, following the majority of your advice, and clipping where it may not apply to me) I am even considering downsizing it again!! Hard to believe that everything gets in it really, but it does!! - James M., UK

• Cracking website - the information is so detailed and incredibly useful. We have recently come back from a year long RTW trip and this site was integral to the success of it. It was our planning bible. Keep it up - we will be using it to plan our next one! - Mike & Victoria

• Compliments. This is one of the best websites I have seen on this topic.  Kudos. - J. S. Barron, Boston

• I wish to express my gratitude for grace you show to those of us unprepared for the excursions we have planned. I found a great amount of precise, concise and interesting information that has helped me greatly in arranging my trip to the far east. I even purchased a book per the recommendation on you site, "South East Asia: A Graphical Guide by Mark Elliot", and have found it to be a source of outstanding knowledge of the locations I plan to visit. So thank you very much. It is greatly appreciated. I also would like to mention that I enjoyed reading the info on your site in an aesthetic manner. It is not only clearly and well written, it is also well formatted. I enjoyed the general layout of the pages and found it leading my reading in a schematic and well thought-out way. - Guy

• My name is Ray G, I found your site in a bit of Googling, and I can't tell you how grateful that I did! The information hosted on the site is incredibly helpful, especially for a first time traveller. I hoped I might be able to give back by adding a piece of info to it as well - Ray

• I have been reading a lot of travel blogs and generally researching the backpacking scene. When I came across your site, I loved it for the detailed and practical information which is not available anywhere else. Everything else is either too commercialised or written by people who aren't true to the backpacker spirit. Your website gives a very first hand and realistic version of how traveling is and should be - at least to me. - Rohan, Bombay

• What a wonderful thing you've created!  I did an 18 month world trip in 2006-2007 and, until now, had yet to find a site so in sync with my take on travel.  Wish I had found you before I left. Your "what to take" section is so right on that I can hardly wait to read the rest.  By the way, I turned 60 while on my trip, so anyone thinking this kind of travel is just for the young, should think again. - Ricia J

• I just thought I had to email you to say what a great website, I have been looking at holidays for Michael S who told me about it. I work as an independent travel agent and arrange flights and tailor made trips, as well as packages, and this site will be of great use to me and I am sure to pass the address onto my customers. So thanks and I am glad I came across it! If you do ever decide to add travel links I would be really interested! - Claire

• I am just on a trip through world and would like to say that your travel site is the best one for getting the things done so far. Thanks for that. Whilst travelling I built an list of practical resources who could be useful for other travellers I think: http://travellinks.gutesnetz.de. You'll find there a few links which helped us finding extraordinary cheap flight (the buzz from kayak for example) or to check the security for a given airline, to find information about current monsoon situation or to contact people who are in the country right now. I would very much appreciate if you would include this as a link on your site. I would be very glad if other people can benefit from the work I've done. - David

• Thank you! Have read thought your site a few times especially the bit about rucksack size and what to pack. I started off with a 60+15 litre back, that was too big (and heavy even when empty), then bought a 55L- decided after reading your site it was still to big so have now settled on a 35 litre which I have just packed and can get everything I need in and more! I'm now ready for my travels around Australia with a backpack half the size I started off with! Thanks again -Katie

• First of all, your website is great. I'm about to go on my first backpacking trip and your list has been invaluable. Kudos for the good work. - Heather

»   Comments sent in 2008:

• Oh my goodness! Im so glad I came across your website. This is just what I need for planning my trip, I had no idea where to start, what to take etc. Thank you thank you thank you. - Bronwyn

• I've found a fault, at last, albeit a very small one. After using the site for months and months the only possible flaw is that it took me a few minutes to find were to congratulate you on such a fantastic site. Perhaps a form a the bottom of the guest book page would be better? Anyway... that's all by the by. I very rarely go out of my way for something like this, but seeing as it is a free site and doesn't ram advertising down your throat I will. The website is absolutely fantastic, its so incredibly simple, like all the best sites. There isn't too much content, just enough to keep you interested and state the facts. Every link you can imagine is listed throughout the pages and it truly defines what it is to plan your travels...to the point, simple and organised. The best travel site there is. Bar none. Well done. - Whizzergo.

• Incredible site. Amazing. I've been travelling the world for many years now, Sri Lanka to Brazil, Turkey to Laos, and all I could say while reading your country intros is WOW. like you've found your long lost partners. invaluable info; yes, including the correct observations re young Israeli tourists - some of them are a shame, sorry bout that :). I'd really like to highlight one more place, though, which compares in beauty with any other place I've been to: The Sinai. so near the beaten Red Sea coast, a trek or at least a visit to the High Mountain is simply amazing. anything between 3-7 days trip can be arranged with the local Bedouins around Dahab (time to bargain!). although St. Catherine Monastery and Mount Sinai can become a bit packed with morning-tours groups, the rest is waaay off it. pity so many spend so much time along the coast, without noticing the heavenly area above. Thanks again guys, it is a pleasure. - Nemrut, Israel

• Your site has been an invaluable resource in my RTW planning over the last several months. I leave in about a week and a half! I will be gone for a year (Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Australia!). At any rate, I have immensely appreciated your website and please, please keep up the good work! - Vincent Andrews, USA

• Just wanted to say that I love your site. I've been dipping in and our of it for the last two years or so, whenever I feel like down or in the need of mental escapism I look at your site, the inspiring quotes and feel optimistic and inspired. Thank you.
  In between I've done little bits of solo independent travel and I know for sure that in my life I'll travel for longer and see some more of what your site describes. Your passion for travel and passion to share information is a gift to the visitors to your site, so many thanks from me and on behalf of those who may not get round to emailing you too! - Lisa, UK

• I have been thinking about heading away for years but it has been delayed for one reason or another, including my own health. I am finally going in about 10 weeks for one year of travel. I was getting a bit anxious as it has gotten nearer to the departure date, especially given the whole health thing. This website has put my mind at ease and helped me relax about the whole thing. So, thanks - Siobhán, Ireland.

• I just wanted to quickly email and say what a fantastic site you've created. I recently decided that I need to do a big trip before I get much older - I'm 30, recently single, living in London with a decent job, friends etc but I want to go and see the world. I've spent ages on the Thorn Tree in the past couple of weeks, getting frustrated because I couldn't find basic answers to the questions I had. Your site has answered them all! So, thanks again - and just by spending an hour on your site I'm now contemplating changing my original plan of SE Asia, Oz, NZ and South America to somehow fit in India. There's too much to see in this world! All the best - Harry

• Hey there, My mate and I are dreaming of and have just started planning our OE, your site is a Godsend! Fantastic information, I can't tell you how thankful I am, we were so lost! Now we have a place to start! Cheers, Saraid.

• Wow! You guys have a great site. So useful and honest. I agree with a lot of what you say. I traveled in SE Asia for almost all of 2006. And in one week from now I will be going to Guatemala for 45 days, starting on July 1st 08. Even though I consider myself pretty well traveled, I still found a lot of good reminders and new information on your site. Super thorough! I love reading about some of the places I've been and seeing what your take is on them. You must travel full-time...? Anyway, great site, and thanks a lot for your  hard work. I say "BEST WEB SITE FOR BACKPACKERS" !!! - Mark.

• I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful your site was in helping me prepare for my first solo overland trip through SE Asia.  I had never done anything close to a trip like that and I had no idea where to start.  I found your website and followed it's guidelines for what to pack. I ended up with a 30 litre pack and a shoulder bag.  I think I was one of the lightest travellers I ran into!  Because I packed light I was able to hire a motorcycle driver to take me and my baggage through the remote mountains in NW Vietnam; which turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.  I'm preparing now for a similar trip through Central America and have found myself again at your website.  Thanks for all the great info! - Deanna
  

• Id just like to congratulate you on such a terrific website.  Ive been reading it for the past few days at work trying to plan some kind of trip/working on the go adventure while I'm still young and this is by far the most complete site out there.  I just wanted to let you know that your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Yours in travels - Tom

• First of all, maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad props to you and everyone's comments for your incredible site. I've only been to Europe once for a week.. and, with your site, I've found the courage to backpack from Ireland to New Zealand over the next year or two - and that's a gift to myself for turning 30. (Who says that "gap travel" can't be held back a few years while you earn money, pay some bills, get fired/quit/resign, THEN decide to go vagabonding?) So you've helped changed my life directly - and I sincerely thank you and your readers for that. - Craig (backpackersguidebook)

• Thank you so very much, the information contained in Travel Independent is amazing! I am presently planning a backpacking trip to the UK. I was delighted to read the reference to 'older' travellers, as I will be approaching 60 and travelling solo. The Travelling Alone section is appreciated. It is in my plans to travel light. I first anticipated one bag. Then after reading 'What To Pack' I'm now considering the small backpack! Thanks for the tons of practical advice! - Sandy, Canada

»   Comments sent in 2007:

• I'm sure you get loads of people letting you know just how useful your site is, but I hope this brightens your day a little. I travelled for a year in Canada on a working visa just over two years ago and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I returned home to finish uni and start my career. Life as I knew came to an abrupt halt last month when I was made redundant and finding a new position not the easiest of challenges. It occurred to me only 2 nights ago what a perfect opportunity this is to go and see this little planet we live on. Being a lone female this is quite a scary prospect and I have only the vague bones of a plan as of yet. Working around visiting friends who live in distant locations and working visas to try and fund this game, while I disappear along the less walked paths in the meantime. I don't know why they can't make RTW ticket 18 months long?! I found your site while I tried to figure out just how many pennies I needed to save and was blown over by the answers to so many questions that I didn't even know how to begin to research. So thank you for making this experience even more enjoyable, when I haven't even left yet! Once again Thank you, Thank you and Thank you! Warm Regards - Catriona Johnston

• I mailed you over a year ago at this point to say thanks for the great site and help you out with a few typos.  At this point my girlfriend and I are on the road 6 months. We took many of your recommendations to heart on setting off and time has definitely born them out. We still check out your country summaries before we move to a new place. The small bag is a winner. What amazes me is that in six months we've met nobody with anything approaching the size of our packs. '"Travel light" is such clichéd travel wisdom but I guess most people haven't read it's possible to fit everything into a 40 litre pack. I've managed fine with 34 litres; my girlfriend who feels the cold has a 45 litre to fit her sleeping bag.  Other than that, we seem to enjoy ourselves best when we stay put, meet local people and get local knowledge. Also the South American Explorers' Club trip reports and the New Zealand BBH guide have both been superb for really good recommendations. Congrats again on a great site, I'd recommend it to anyone doing independent travelling. - Mark

• Since my first adventures some 20 years ago, I've been trying to tell non-travels about the virtues of independent travel. Since recently stumbling upon travelindependent.info, I've read nearly the entire thing. No other site has so caught my attention, mainly because I am astonished to find that it reflects my experience and discovery so closely. Now I know where to send new travellers who seek my advice. - Michael R

• I came across your website 5 years ago, whilst day dreaming at University about the day that Id finally get to go traveling. Ive been a regular visitor to your site since then, and now finally, in one week, Im off on a trip around the world. I just want to sincerely thank you for running this page. It has been a massive help in organizing and understanding every aspect of my trip. Thank you again. - Joe

• Just want to say that you have the best backpacking site around. Your suggestions for packing were spot on. I'm currently road testing them as we speak. I highly recommend the Berghaus Freeflow IV 35 + 8 as a backpack... see more on comments page. - Jonathan

• Just discovered your website while searching online for info on Indian trains and wondering how I was going to fathom out the confusion of their rail system.  Thanks to you I have stopped panicking and have browsed, albeit somewhat quickly, through the other sections of your site.  Bravo for the straightforward, no nonsense, no frills, fantastically comprehensive approach.  Will look forward to studying it in more detail in the future. Congratulations, very impressive. - Louise Lister

• I have wanted to travel all my life and have been lucky enough to do some small journeys in pretty developed countries. I am now off to India and Nepal and very excited. Your website, found through Google, is absolutely unbelievable. A wealth of incredibly useful advice, please NEVER LET IT LAPSE!! It's superb. Well done and a thousand thanks.  Keep up the superb work and thanks again. - Andrew

• I cant thank you enough for your comprehensive site. It answered all my questions and covered things I hadn't thought about. Keep up the great work! - Angela Burke, Dublin, Ireland

• My husband & I are about to go on a year long trip around the world and love your website - it's been the single, best source of practical advice we've seen, and explains lots of the confusing information we've read elsewhere. Thanks - Debs and Ben

• I'm just dropping a quick line about your website.  I've just discovered it, and after only a few minutes of checking it out, I can say I'm mightily impressed by the hard work you've clearly put into it. Best regards. - Mwape William Goble (backpacker.org.uk)

• Heading off to travel this year and been doing lots of research, so far this is way beyond the best we have found so far. Thank you very much - Lee and Shell

• I just want to say thank you for the great site! I recently went on my first backpacking trip to Thailand and Laos and I used your site extensively for my preparations. Your recommendations and advice is simple and practical. The single most valuable piece of advice was to take a small pack (followed closely by no sleeping bag). I cruised around happily with my little 30litre pack laughing at all the others cursing and struggling with their massive backpacks (usually combined with a slightly less massive 'day pack' on their chest). I just can't comprehend how 95% of backpackers haven't figured out the immeasurable joys of a small pack, it makes no sense. I've browsed a lot of independent travel websites and yours is by far the best. I now have a severe case of the travel bug and I will definitely be using your site for all future trips. Thanks and keep up the good work. Cheers - Lloyd. (South African living in the UK)

• I received the wonderful present of a RTW ticket for my graduation from college. I am so excited, and surfing the web for information, I came across travelindependent. its exactly what I was looking for. I have already spent hours searching the website, taking notes, and just generally been enthralled with what you have to offer. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. - Paige Rexrode

• Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say what an absolutely fantastic site, the information you have provided is top notch and is going a long way towards helping my wife and I plan our round the world trip. You have alleviated a lot of fears and made plenty of great recommendations that we would never have thought off (Iran! lol) My only wish is that you had a forum whereby travellers and would-be travellers could ask questions and pass on tips. Keep up the great work. - Karl

• I've come across your site in the past and have always read bits here and there but never realised how chockers it is full of info until now as I'm researching about travel in Iran, Pakistan and China. So much good info crammed in, thanks! Puts my website to total shame but I was hoping for a link to http://www.travoholic.com I didn't see it there on your links page and would appreciate it! It's basically a budget travel guide with a focus on Europe, Australia and New Zealand at the moment but once I start travelling again I'll start covering more places. - Kirsty

• I'm a first time traveller - have literally just booked my ticket. Am not doing serious backpacker travelling - at the moment going to oz and nz - but found your site so helpful in that it doesn't patronise, is realistic and caters for every type of traveller - for example I will not need a sterilised needle in Sydney - but know where I might need one! Other general sites I have been on have said that this is an absolute must... I did think they were being a little over dramatic! Its very refreshing to find something that provides a service because it wants to - not because its trying to make money. The advice on this site is genuine which is rare! Keep up the good work! Your advice is truly appreciated! - Claire Whatley

• Just wanted to say that your site is proving to be enormously useful in planning my backpacking trip to Australia and other parts. will be sure to pass on wisdom gained on my return to help out fellow travellers! Laura

»   Comments sent in 2006:

• I have to offer my most sincere thanks for by far the most outstanding travel site Ive seen yet. I have no comments to offer regarding content of the page, except for the fact that I consider myself finicky when it comes to the English language and that I have found no mistakes at all. Your site is the first one I have found that I consider actually useful I thank you for being honest, comprehensive and concise without compromising quality (and presentation, of course) I have no backpacking experience as yet (will do after going around Europe in a weeks time) and I can tell you now that to date I have been close to soiling myself about it. Such honest advice from your page has actually lifted my confidence in travelling. Thanks again, and I look forward to putting forward my own comments when I get back. Yours in travel - Dan Nailer, Canberra, Australia

• Wow! I'm so glad I found your site! I've done a bit of travelling, I spent a month in Thailand last year and a few weeks in India when I was eighteen, but nothing major! In July my boyfriend and I plan to spend 7 months in Asia before going to Australia- We have already spent months saving and are so excited! This weekend we went to buy trainers and clothing for the trip - The advice given to us from the "what to pack section" was the most valuable advice I have ever read!!! The women in the shop who has done a lot of travelling in India and Tibet was convinced we needed heavy walking boots (not trail running shoes)- she said we will "hurt our ankles carrying a big heavy rucksack"- to which we replied "we are not going to be taking a big heavy rucksack!!! (only between 30 and 50L)". The only thing that spoilt travelling for my boyfriend last year, was carrying his huge  85l pack around in the boiling hot heat. Reading your advice has given us the confidence to travel light and choose between essential items and waste of space- thank you! - Kirsti Sheach

• I wanted to thank you for making such a comprehensive and honest site. I am 25 and have done many one week trips (I always make it a point to visit a new one no matter how much I loved the last one).  I am currently starting the beginning phases of planning a long (6 month to 1 yr) trip as a "last hoorah" before settling down into a family.  I ran into your site fairly quickly and skimmed a bit and then looked at some other sites. Consistently, I have come back since your points have always made more sense.  I have now read everything front to back and purposely used your site link to buy my books since I want to be able to give a little thank you for your knowledge.  Thanks again for making a site that includes so much information with many an ethical point included.  Keep the good words coming! - Shaun Williams, Chicago, IL

• I've been on a few back-packing trips around Europe and now I'm finally planning a big trip around the world with my girlfriend. I stumbled across your website recently and immediately read it compulsively for about a week. It challenged many preconceptions I had on packing and the down-to-earth advice you give is so obviously born out from experience. It's refreshing to have such an agenda-free and comprehensive alternative to the guide books. I'll be coming back to read again and again! - Mark, Dublin, Ireland

• Awesome site!! Ive travelled around a fair bit to a quite a few different countries. Im coming up to 5 years away from the UK and Im going through planning the next leg of travelling, should take a few years, your site certainly has all the info youd need, both for the first time traveller and experienced certainly better than say lonely planet or rough guides. - Paul Broomfield

• I can't remember how I got onto your website but undoubtedly through several searches regarding travel... I have to say, your website is comprehensive, user friendly, covers everything you need to know from before you go travelling to when you're on the road. Great job, I will be using this website as my bible in the next 6 months as I travel the world! Will definitely be happy to contribute! - Belinda Kimson

• Hello, I am leaving on a 5-7 Month world trip at the end of January. I must say your site is amazing - great work! I really think that the information is awesome and appreciate all the effort that has gone into it! Thanks - Dennis

• I am not a travel veteran but feel like the tips on your website have given me the benefit of years of experience and helped me avoid the typical pitfalls. The one red herring threatening to blight my whole trip was packing as much stuff into as big-a-backpack-as-I-could-find. One of the guys I am travelling with said I should pack really light but hes a boy and an ex Israeli soldier so I kind of ignored him thinking he didnt need nearly as much stuff as me anyway. After I read your What to pack section I thought about having to carry that crap around for 6 months because I cant bear to chuck it away. Put things into perspective a bit plus your advice on pretty much being able to buy things anywhere. Your halve your packing, double your money rule is now imprinted on my brain. I just hope I can stick to it! - Alex Henty

• Id just like to start off by saying thank you for all the information you have taken the time to share with us all. I am due to set out in about a year and will look to head to as many of the sites you have suggested as possible. Thank you again for you site, keep up the good work. - Kyle Allen

• I've been using your website for the past year or so as I was planning my round the World trip. I found it an indispensable source of useful information and tips, so I thought I may offer one of my own; I carry a dozen or so, reusable zip-ties, 7mm ones meaning they are pretty strong. So far I've used them for several things; strapping stuff to my rucksack when I'm running out of space, securing the shower head somewhere when there is no bracket to hold it, keeping all my cables tidy in my rucksack, compressing things and zip-tying them together. I find them a very versatile object to have with me; they're light, cheap and strong, and have almost as many uses as a Swiss Army knife. - Neil Jones

• I've just spent a good hour or two reading through some of the information on your website.  I love the hints you have given about supporting local economies - in the midst of planning my first major excursion, I wouldn't have thought about the differences between giving to beggars vs. putting the effort into finding local businesses. You're so right!! - Louise

• I think travelindependent is one of the best travel sites on the web. For several years now, I keep coming back to your site, especially for the fantastic guidebook reviews, every time I'm about to go on a big trip. - Leah Matthews

• Dear Travel independent, Thank you sooooooooo much for all the useful information. I am planning on going to Mongolia and work at a volunteer project and do some traveling after that. I am very nervous. Me a girl, 24, alone. But this website made me so much better just by knowing what to do. I went to India a lot since the age of 7 with my parents. They did volunteer work for the hill tribes in the South. I've always though that this book is great! Point-it Traveller's language kit by Dieter Gaf. Its very useful if you want to learn a new language or if you don't want to at all! - Love your work! Thank you - Sue, Amsterdam

• I am off travelling for an extended period for the first time in a couple of months.  I read your website with rapt attention. An excellent resource superbly put together. Thanks awfully! - Alan Lush

• Hello there, I just wanted to say that your web page is great, full of useful info..... I was thinking about visiting Iran by myself for quite some time, and after reading your website, my mind is made up - will only have to see whether my financial situation improves!! - Thank you!!! - Ellie

• What a fun, honest and helpful website. I always have a quick read before heading off to my next destination and it always turns out to be spot on! So accurate and so inspiring- just wish I had enough money to go to all of your 'highlights'! It's very cool- well done! - Hannah Sierp

• I have found this site great, I have spent hours upon hours trying to find info on back-packing round the world having only ever done package holidays to Spain, one site just led to another and another and I still didn't have any answers ............. your one site has filled me with so much more confidence that I can actually do this ...... thanks. - Beverley

• Great site, very useful, straight to the point information, perfect as am about to reach information overload! Many thanks' - Ann Ho.

»   Comments sent in 2005:

• I have only one thought when I come onto to your website (which is often), that it is my bible.  Forget LP/Rough guide etc, this is the holy grail of everything you need to know or to get you started when travelling. I can't believe it took me days of journeying from useless web link to web link until I found it. LP should have you as their premiere link!  Thank you so much for your work and enthusiasm in creating and updating this site. - Karen

• Hi. I am just planning my first RTW trip.. and just stumbled across this site and it has been one of the most helpful things I have encountered so far! Thanks! I will be sure to add some of my experiences here! - Emma

• Truly a brilliant site, really do appreciate the invaluable advise on a lot of subjects. Even just planning packing for our 1st RTW experience was proving a nightmare but your knowledge speaks volumes. If it convinces at least one person to get out of the office they are stuck in and live the life they have always wanted then u should be very proud of your yourself. Thanks for the words of wisdom. Now bring on the rest of the world. - Robo P.

• Hi. I am just planning my first RTW trip.. and just stumbled across this site and it has been one of the most helpful things I have encountered so far! Thanks! I will be sure to add some of my experiences here! - Emma

• Wow this is a great web site. By far the best I have come across. I have been travelling for the past few years and think I even learned a few new things here. I think a new backpacker would gain a lot of experience from this web site before they even set foot abroad travelling. Keep up the great site. Thanks for your help and the great web site I will defiantly be spreading the word about this spot. Thanks Again - Dustin from Chico California

• Just a quick word - what an excellent site you are running here. I did a mini world tour 3 years ago and there were so many things that I said i'd remember for the next trip I do (I'm doing one next month) but I completely forgotten about until I read your "What to Pack" section, absolutely brilliant!! I'll pass it on to my friends!! Thanks - Dean Bromley

• Hi. I'm off to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in December for two months and have been trawling the internet for basic travel advice, as it will be my first major backpacking trip. Can I just offer a big thank you for your, to the point, no bullshit, well written website. I now feel a lot more confident and less nervous about the coming months. Cheers - Mike Ozanne

• Bloody bonza mate!!! I managed to travel for 3 months in SE Asia, Europe and Middle East with only 1 bag and weighing no more than 10kg by the end of my trip, thanks to the advice on what to take. Also, for the budget conscious, ultra light traveller, you can't go past hemp clothes, check out: http://www.braintreehemp.co.uk/ for the gear. Warm in winter and cool in summer, this brand is revolutionary and can't be beat! - JE Lynton, (Perth, Australia)

• I just wanted to say that as a first timer (who could be considered slightly anal about organisation) your site has really helped. I especially benefited from the "what to pack section", having never backpacked before and being plagued by an incessant need to carry everything but the kitchen sink, this section was most welcome and I'll definitely take your advice! Your site so simple, well presented and accessible that I'm no longer worried about my forth coming two and half month backpack across the USA, and even though my trip isn't trekking across the Himalayas barefoot, or anything close, I still found your sight informative, fun and definitely a must see for anyone heading off on an independent trip. Keep up the good work and hopefully I can offer some of my own advice when I get back from my stint on the backpacking trail. Looking forward to checking back with you. - Catherine Beere

• You're what to pack section is absolutely undeniably fantastic. I am backpacking for the first time this year. I've just been looking at 70-90L sacks and writing a list of everything-but-the-kitchen-sink to take. Funnily enough, I've got loads of clothes, make-up and shoes (yep, I'm that kind of girl) but you've convinced me to take your list of bare essentials, and I find the idea of travelling without 'stuff' really liberating. - Vicky Ward

• GREAT site, this is the traveller's bible, thank you for taking the time off that many find hard to take unless they get paid for it. I appreciate the variety and the straight-up approach, as with covering the pros and cons of certain issues.  Thanks again, keep up the good fun, and good travels! - Margot

• What a great site, you should be proud of your hard work and effort. My wife will upset with you thoughI've decided to go on a little walkabout and you are to blame. - Mike Flake

• I am getting ready to go away travelling to the Pacific and then SE Asia, and I just wanted to let you know how incredibly useful I am finding your site. It contains just the right amount of facts/opinions, is interesting and informative, the 'what to pack' section is a great help and it is written on the level. I shall continue using the site right up until and probably during my trip. This is the best site I have found of this kind - cheers guys. - Alex.

• Hello, First and foremost I want to say your site is BRILLIANT. It has eased many of my anxieties of travelling and helped me get a good understanding of what I'm heading into. I'm 18, from Canada and I'm about to head off on a 6 month adventure through SE Asia and Australia with 3 of my best friends. We are all grateful for your website. Thank you!- Daniel Kingsbury

• Thanks mate. This is a really great site you've set up! I'm off to Patagonia in couple of weeks, and though a very experienced backpacker/bushwalker, I was pleased to find some interesting new tips. Your writing is non-pretentious and amusing. Relevant and thoughtful. Absolute pleasure to read. I don't think I've ever enjoyed reading a 'things you should take' section until now. They are usually utterly boring and, often, simply a transparent attempt for someone to flog off their latest hi-tech crap that is a 'must' for every walker. - Simon McLaughlin, Hobart, Tasmania

• I came across the website recently and thought it was great - I was so impressed I decided to drop you a line to say thanks for a job well done. The site is well presented, easy to navigate and contains so much useful information that is relevant to the travelling contingent. I have been back to visit the site a few times since and each time I do I find myself really getting into it :). I think the most remarkable thing for me is that the site caters for everybody; from a first timer to someone who has travelled before and you have managed to pull it off in a way that is accessible to all. I would like to get back to you again with some more detailed feedback, including some comments and suggestions. In the meantime allow me to say thanks once again for such a tremendous resource - I wish you all the best and look forward to speaking to you again soon. - Mat Smith

• I am 36 (bit of a late starter!!) and have the opportunity to do some travelling - this site has been a fantastic eye opener to help me know what to take and where to go... thank you - Barbara

• Your site is great. My husband and I completed a year-long RTW trip in April of last year and now, when I'm sitting in my office really missing being on the road, I search the web for good travel sites - yours definitely qualifies! A couple of things came to mind as I read through various sections of your site: 1) A tip for those avid readers in foreign lands who can never find English language books at a reasonable price - Look for the 'classics' section in the local bookstores. There is usually a fairly large selection for the equivalent of US$3 or $4 as compared to US$20+ for current titles. We found many books throughout Eastern Europe and also in Asia. Never hurts to read David Copperfield again!! 2) I would highly recommend spending time wandering through Eastern Europe before it is all part of the EU and things get too expensive. We travelled from Istanbul to Warsaw over the course of one summer (Turkey - Bulgaria - Romania - Hungary - Slovakia - Czech Republic - Poland) using local trains and busses and staying in a nice mix of the larger cities and small towns. Some areas were as inexpensive as the remote areas of Thailand and certainly as much of an adventure! Thoroughly enjoyed your site - I wish I had found it BEFORE our journey! - Macie Whittington

• This is "The Godfather" of the websites. Masterpiece! - Cameron (http://www.offroad-argentina.com.ar)

• I'd just like to say that I think this is an excellent site. I agree with most of your descriptions and ratings of countries I have travelled to, like Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos (a little harsh - I loved it), Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Namibia (a little harsh - I thought it was fantastic) and others. - Rachael, Rachael also supplied some interesting and helpful details regarding Pakistan, click here to view them)

• Just a quick note to say how good this web site is. I'm not sure how much feedback you get but wanted to let you know. I am off on my trip for a year in 6 weeks time and have been getting info off this site for the last couple of months. I found this site through a link on the lonely planet thorn tree. Since finding it have recommended it to anyone I know thinking about travelling themselves. Thanks again. - Richard Steele

• I just had to say that you have a brilliant site. I'm a travel agent for STA Travel and I must say that your site is a great reference for me to direct my customers. Not only do you give info about certain countries, but you also give helpful advice for packing, hostels and the low-down of travelling in general. Your site is beneficial to the virgin traveller or the traveller looking to obtain some info on a desired destination. Keep up the good work! I'm looking to backpack Africa for a few months and your site has definitely giving me some knowledge of things to expect. I can tell that whomever wrote this page is a very well travelled individual. - Jarrett Johnson, STA Travel NCC

• Fabulous website! Everything that is necessary to know before facing the (travel) world is in it! - Laure

• I'm currently perusing the 'what to pack' page, and halfway through, I simply HAD to drop you a line to tell you how comprehensive and thorough your website is! I'm planning a trip to Europe, and as the time grows near, I've discovered that your website is the best of the travel sites I've looked up. Thanks a lot! - Jeanie, Canada

• Fantastic web site, it provides you with all the info you could ever imagine, plus all the tips, ideas and different topics you would not have thought about before travelling!!! Very useful website!! - Jemima

• Thank you for the incredible web site. I am planning a trip through all of the West African nations you listed on your site later this year. As of now, it has been very hard to find current, relevant information. I found your comments to be honest and refreshing. Thanks so much. I'll be sure to post any relevant updates upon my return!!

• You are the man! This is seriously the most amazing site I've come across. I thought www.onebag.com was good, but this is better. I haven't travelled that much, been to Europe, Bali, and Korea and keen as anything to get on the road again. But I love planning and reading and dreaming about it. So your site has been really helpful. Thanks!!! for the great work. Gratefully - Gloria

• This site is fantastic. I am in the early stages of planning a several month trip for next year with my husband, and have found the advice and information here to be really useful. I wish I could contribute more but at this point I have only been to England, Italy and Trinidad and Tobago. I understand why European countries/GB are not discussed much here, but the budget backpacking logic can certainly be applied to those places, even if they are more "on the beaten path". Even in much-trampled Florence one can find those little miracles by just having an open mind and talking to locals. Anyway, as soon as I have anything to contribute to this site I will, as I'd like to help out. I heartily endorse your "what to pack" list, b/c truly, less is more. Having tried to bring an over-stuffed pack on a trip just once taught me that harsh lesson. - Justine

• Just wanted to say thanks, I'm backing for the first time in my life this August. I especially liked the information on travel insurance (one that insures my new iPod, that saved me a lot of research), and Opodo (very inexpensive, even less than buying direct from the airline). Thanks - Andre, Los Angeles

»    Comments sent in 2004:

• Thank you. I've found the website genuinely inspirational. You are providing a brilliant, organised, and thorough guide for travellers and wannabe travellers (like myself). Also I was really touched by many of the quotes, statistics and antidotes that you offer. Please pat yourself on the back for giving something back to the countries that you have visited by promoting responsible and thoughtful travel. I think that your site is as perfect as you can get and the minor errors are part of that! - Lisa

• My boyfriend and I used information from this website for a trip to Southeast Asia and India/Nepal last year. Recommendations and advice are right on, especially as far as places not to miss, accuracy of prices, and people vibes. I'm using your site again to look in to our next trip, a honeymoon in central America. Thanks for this awesome website!

• I would just like to thank you for such an amazing website. I am going off on my RTW trip in 5 weeks and have been desperately trying to source information from my mates who have previously been. Being 30, most of my mates did this some time ago, but I've been surprised to find out about lots of friends of friends my age who are also going off on RTW trips. But trying to glean info from people is a bit tricky. Most people forget what they took. The website is like a bible to me - I've printed off all the sections and read them avidly on the tube to work every day, underlining bits like a Lonely Planet reader!! - Rebecca Filmer

• Thank you for this site...it's truly is everything I need, or at least where to find it elsewhere if not here. I am in process of planning my first real trip and first trip alone for that matter and this is a great place to get started. - Nicole

• Just wanted to say what a fantastic and inspiring web page! I'm about to set off travelling the world with a friend in 3 weeks and am beginning to panic about the packing saga and last minute things! The website had been of great help and I will take many of the suggestions and tips on board in particular with packing minimalist! - Jen

• By far, the best site I've found.  Thank you for your time and effort.  I've referred my unbelieving brother to your packing list for his round the world trip. - Sharon

• Thanks for the excellent resource on packing (lite) and what really to take. Really helpful for us people who are new to this and helping to convince those of us with skeptical partners. - Ricardo

• Love it! What I prefer is the real point of view from independent travellers, and not the "all is perfect all is beautiful and easy" usual stuff... - Yasmina

• I would like to say that your site is by far the most in-depth and most informative site that I have found on the web... :) - Jillian - Thanks Jillian for sharing some of Marley's insight: "Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!"

• I just wanted to compliment you on your site. I'm travelling now for a long time, was searching for some futile info on China and stumbled upon your site. If only I had found it before my travels commenced! It is extensive, answering a lot of important and to the point questions you normally have to read 50 guidebooks and 500 forums for. Furthermore I found the information not only very accurate (compared to my own experiences) but also highly sensible. It seems like you finally made sense out of the world in general and travelling in particular. - Tjerk Jan Schuitmaker

• Hey, thanks very much. You are the best I have found so far on the net for planning my SE Asia trip. I appreciate the time you put into this. Good community service. - Max Goldschwartz

• We are about to go off backpacking for a year and I have sooo many questions.  Your website is truly inspirational and I feel a lot happier about things after reading it. I have saved it in my favourites and know I will be studying it closely over the next eight weeks before we leave. Thank you very much for writing it - it is great to hear first hand what works, rather than relying on guidebooks. Thank you, I feel like I can go now as I feel more prepared. - Rachel

• A most comprehensive and valuable site. Having travelled to many countries, I have actually experienced and can relate to a lot of which is contained in your pages. Re your comments on bargaining, I was disgusted on one occasion visiting friends in Sumatra, where one of a tourist group hassled a stall keeper to a point where she sold an item for a 5 cent profit, not taking into account it was an on-sale and I knew the actual value. I was incensed enough to buy a similar item and ensure she got a good profit. - Frank Daniels

• This site is fantastic! You've tipped the scales for me in the debate of 'stay or go' - I'm off! Only problem is... where?! Thank-you! - Laura

• This is a great site.  I've travelled extensively but just now setting off for Africa.  I really liked the sections and the opinions rather than just facts.  Good work! - Esther

• Bought a 25litre rucksack because it was so comfy and then got concerned it was way too small for our world trip. However I have looked around at numerous other rucksacks and none comes near it so after reading your advice on packing light I was encouraged to use it! Thought packing advice was great and plan to follow most of it - obviously including not taking sleeping bags or mosquito nets! - Jane

• Your website offered some awesome tips for me as far as bus travel goes (I will be doing a TON of it) and how to pack in order that I don't smack people in the face as I get on and off :).  It offered some encouraging info about travelling alone as a woman, as well as a hoard of other important info.  Thanks for taking the time to make such a great resource centre for fellow backpackers.  Most people I know think I'm off the rocker for wanting to go into "forbidden, dangerous Central America" by myself as a female. However, I have a much different opinion of the world that I seem to share with you. It is refreshing to read that danger exists here in the United States just as much as any other major city.  Awareness and a positive attitude is the key. I have a new level of excitement and confidence largely due to your site.  Just wanted to write and tell you that I very much enjoyed it.  I will be using it frequently, I assume, as it has already been a huge help in lessening my overwhelming feeling about my trip. - Candace Garrett

»   Comments sent in 2003:

• This site is by far the best site I have found for my type of travel (backpacking). Even though I feel that I have done a fair bit of travelling, I was constantly learning things and relearning the stuff I thought I knew. The site is easy to use and totally commonsense, free of all the travel hysteria which can create paranoia and get in the way of the experience. Of course you need to know the dangers, but they must be seen in perspective so that you can accept the REAL risk and get on with the good stuff. I really appreciated the 'on the road' section as well as the 'what to pack' and travel photography sections. well done! - Corey Anderson

• Great site, plenty of info without getting too serious or judgemental. I'd love to upgrade Thailand from honorary to full membership, on your list of countries ruined by tourism - but it's your list, not mine! I'd also highly recommend Rarotonga as a stop off in the pacific - I can't begin to describe how much more pleasant and relaxing it is compared to the usual, Thailand, Singapore, Bali, etc. Fantastic destination to unwind. - Steve Johnson, Edinburgh

• We are travelling Asia next year and have trawled countless websites and travel guides amassing endless amounts of information (most of which has been helpful/interesting) then I came across your site - WOW, I just wish I'd found it first and saved myself hours and hours of eye strain!!  Congratulations on a fantastic site that as far as I can see covers everything you could possibly need, I'll definitely be recommending it :o) - Lynne Palmer

• What a truly amazing site! The information and tips included here are invaluable whether you're a newby or a seasoned traveller. I'll be sure to recommend it to everyone. Well done to all involved! - John, England

• Just wanted to say thank you for all the valuable information on your website. I thought it was very easy to read and I really found some good tips! Especially your preaching about travelling light really attracted me. I am about to leave for South-America for 5 months and I am really going to try to pack as little as possible. Although this won't be easy because I want to bring my own sleeping bag, my diving glasses and some other stuff... But I am really going to think twice before packing it! Thanks and keep up the good work and travelling! - Stefan Beekman, The Netherlands

• FANTASTIC SITE! Easy to use, really to the point. I've wanted to plan travelling for ages and haven't know where to start, all the books I've read don't want to commit to giving you the details you really want to know. I don't think I could have been confident in planning my travelling without this site, you have positively influenced my life in a huge way. Many thanks - Ella Bowden

• Refreshingly straight-talking, full of genuinely practical and useful information, an inspiring and yet seemingly realistic view of travelling. Just what I was looking for to help plan my year out. - Simon Pyne

• Superb, such an excellent website, I would say best on the net for budget light travel!! normally you have to pay for information like this!!! and so easy to read as well! - Jack Ogden

• Thanks so much for a fantastic site. Am off travelling for the first time and everything has proved invaluable, especially the what to pack section. As others have said, its nice to read something that's just honest with no ulterior motive, makes a change from just about anything else I've seen. Have already recommended to friends who have thanked me for passing it on. Good luck, and thanks again. - Tay Khandwala

• An amazing website with all the bits that you really want from guide books, but together in one easy to read place. The best independent website designed for travellers I've stumbled across so far!! Thank you :) - Kirsten Anderson

• Your site is one of the best travel sites I've seen. The pictures are great, and the fact that you're very blunt on stating opinions on what is and isn't worth seeing is very helpful (an antidote to guidebooks that call every single thing "fascinating", "spectacular", ...) The "on the road" section would be really useful to someone who's never travelled in the developing world before. - Gaijin (LP Thorn Tree post)

»    Comments sent in 2002:

• Nah, brilliant! I loved all the tips and advice and really understand where you're coming from. Too many travel sites are up their own arse's and condescending but you've hit just the right note. - Brendan Phelan

• The best travel advice site that I have found so far, It's good to get info from someone who has done this before, I'm planning my first trip and have found this extremely useful. It will be recommended. - Tom Sharp

• Great site; I'm off travelling for the first time in a few months and this site is just what I was looking for - straightforward and honest tips and insights from someone who obviously knows what they're on about. All the best - Rob Whiteley

• The info you provide is fantastic. Very factual and incredibly useful for others planning a trip (like me). Very relevant info that you don't get anywhere else - until you arrive in the country and its too late! - Una McCullagh

• I don't think you could do any better. Every time my supervisor leaves, I maximize this site and try and read as much as I can until he comes back. He's back eep. - Lu Edwards

• Fantastic site! I am in the preliminary stages of planning for a backpacking trip (my first-at last!). The information within has answered many of my questions without being too sugar-coated or trying to scaremonger-a happy medium! Nice one! - Lee Tompkin

• I think its absolutely marvelous that you have spent so much time sharing you excellent knowledge with everybody who is looking to travel. I am leaving for an around the world solo trip in about 3 weeks and have picked up some excellent ideas from your site - truly a light travellers bible. Thanks - Rick

• Review published in the Budget Travel section of Suite101.com - check out - 'Out of the Backpacks of Babes'. Here is an extract:

'Ms Budget Travel encourages all her Gentle Readers to read through the excellent section on On the Road and bookmark it, she has seldom seen a more succinct and comprehensive guide to all the stuff you wish you'd known before you ended up anywhere --- likewise the Before You Go bit is extremely useful and Giles has done the research on places he hasn't gone to (yet) which is overall what really makes his little corner of the Internet shine --- Giles does quite a bit of information collecting and organizing.

Ms Budget Travel really does encourage you all to have a look round and even if you are a virtual traveller you'll find some fun --- his travel photos are wonderful. And to Giles, Ms Budget Travel says, Well done. If we meet on the road she'll be delighted to buy you a soothing drink . . .'

• Thanks for all the advice! you should maybe become a travel writer or something, because I found your style very easy to read and impossible to 'put down'. As you say, its really good to have advice from someone who has all the experience and isn't selling anything. I especially liked the useful 'what to pack' part: as a first-timer, you have helped put my mind at rest. Looking forward to reading more of your stuff. - Bryony

• You're site is really the best one out there, every day after work I go straight home, flop down on my bed, flip open my laptop and spend the rest of the night pouring over all the info you've put out there. THANK YOU(!) really... - Eric Gearhart

• Been surfing your page for the last few months in preparation for a 6 month trek through SEA and beyond. I've been all over the web and in comparison to what's out there, you've done an excellent job of presenting the most important information in the most easily understood format. keep up the good work and frequent updates! - Nadi

• I've been travelling off and on for 25 years and agree pretty much with all you've said. Liked your acknowledgement that not all backpackers are young - well, I was when I started but no longer and I guess I'm one of the contributors to stuffing up Thailand, Bali etc. Also a mention, hate buses but the sleeper variety in China are excellent. Very nice balanced, common sense site - you've said all I would have if I was a more sharing type. Thank you. - Ezrah

• Thanks! This is a pretty exhaustive site, and I've gleaned heaps of useful hints. The "what to pack" section is great - I expect that my pack will be significantly lighter thanks to your words of wisdom. - Kel

• I am genuinely impressed with your site, extremely comprehensive. I am planning a year trip at the moment and have found a distinct lack of useful accurate material either on the internet or in book form. A great deal of it seems to have bias and misleading information. The site is perfect for people, such as myself, who need a lot of answers, but don't want to ask lots and lots of repetitive questions on the internet.  I have got the read this first series, which you mention - which is good, but still leaves you with loads of questions your site is firmly in my "favourites" and have saved it in my links. I am sure I will spend a good few hours to come on it. You have also added some invaluable links, which nearer the time will be well used, thanks - it looks like it has probably taken you months. - Karen Taylor

• Just wanted to say what a fantastic web site! Loved the photography (a hobby of mine) and thought the page "Me at famous places" is awesome!! Your photo's bought back lots of memories from my travels..... Thanks! - Neil Burling

• 'Most helpful'? Just your honesty. Finally A site on the net that is not trying to sell me a tour or full absolute crap and advertisements. How refreshing to have some sound advice with amazing experience behind it. Thank you Thank you Thank you! - Paloma Wregg

• Many, many thanks for your very useful site. I have only read the "what to pack" section and already feel so much more confident about travelling on my own. I regularly look at the thorn tree but some people write such rubbish. Again thanks for the advice... yours and Mark Twain's! - David Kenning

• I absolutely love your website! I'm emailing the link to all my travelling buddies. I found it when reading one of your replies to someone's question on the Torn Tree, and literally could not leave my computer until I had finished reading it all. Totally compelling reading! - Anonymous

• Just checked out your excellent site, it should be published as a book! Superb photos as well. - John Bowman

• I am currently planning a trip and therefore have not tested all the information on the site, but have travelled about 5 years ago and I am most impressed with this site. I looked at the sight to check up on the places I was going to go to and to see your advice on a number of issues. Your guide is comprehensive and seems to cover all issues I had in my head. Also your points have helped me convince my girlfriend that I am right on a number of issues and for that I can't thank you enough!!! Thanks for all the advice. - Ciaran

• Your travel site is great. It offers real and valuable info (from a backpacker perspective). Excellent work. - Tahn

• Definitely A +, thanks it was good. I saved the site and will pass it on. And it does not just apply to backpackers , anybody that decides to do any travelling can benefit from the insights presented here. So accolades to you . - Posted on Lonely Planet Thorn Tree

• I would just like to say that this is an excellent source of information, especially for a fist time traveller like myself. (I am off to Peru/Ecuador/Bolivia and I am a female travelling alone) It has put my mind to rest about a number of things, especially what clothes/equipment to take. Thanks very much! Also thanks for the condensed info on anti-malarial tables/inoculations - its nice to have a travellers perspective as well as the doctors. - Kerry Arnold

• I'm really impressed. It must have taken you ages to write it all down! For me as a first-timer, your site is exactly what I have been looking for: condensed information on the issues that matter the most. My back will thank you for your packing hints. - Jerome Collin

• Fantastic site comprehensive, truthful, refreshing. thanks for providing such a great site. - Ormel

• All I've got to say about your site is tops!!!!! - Toni-Ann Stollery

 

"Enjoy every day on this earth, no exceptions... it's the only reason we're here."

Elisabeth Coutts

 

 

       

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