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Where does it come from?

Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32.

The standard chunk of Lorem Ipsum used since the 1500s is reproduced below for those interested. Sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 from "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" by Cicero are also reproduced in their exact original form, accompanied by English versions from the 1914 translation by H. Rackham.

SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL GUIDE

The backpacking trail through Southeast Asia is well worn. People have been traveling it since the 1970s. Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and through the temples of Angkor Wat. It then heads back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai Islands before moving down to into Malaysia and Singapore. There’s a few variations on the trail but this is what it mostly covers. The warm months of November-April draw the biggest crowds. Everyone is escaping the cold in Europe, and it’s not too hot in the region. Despite the vastness of the region, the tourist trail is much more uniform in many ways than Europe. Prices can be quite similar in places, transportation types don’t vary too much, and general travel advice is usually the same.

Destination Guides for Southeast Asia

• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Typical Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap. You can find dorm rooms for as little as 8,000-20,000 KHR or 16,000-40,500 LAK ($2-5 USD) in parts of Cambodia and Laos. In Thailand, you will typically pay 200-440 THB ($6-13 USD) per night. In Vietnam, expect to pay 100,000-175,000 VND ($5-8 USD). In Indonesia, between 100,000-135,000 IDR ($8-10 USD). Throughout the region, you typically expect to pay around $15-20 per night for a private room with A/C. Prices are higher in the cities and touristy areas (and especially on the touristy islands) and lower in rural areas.  You can usually stay cheaply by booking hostels and guesthouses, so Couchsurfing and Airbnb don’t really need to be used here. Budgeting $10-20 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia.

There is no need to book accommodation in advance when traveling around Southeast Asia.  Backpackers have the tendency to just show up and book a room on the spot.  I only book the first night’s accommodation in any city (which is only because I’m usually too tired to walk around looking for a place to sleep at that point).

Food – Food is very inexpensive in Southeast Asia and if you are spending a lot of money on food, you are doing something wrong. Even with a balance of Western meals and local dishes, I rarely spend more than $15 per day on food unless I decide to feed my sushi addiction.

In Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular form of eating. On average, these meals cost no more than $1.50 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining major streets and at the markets. In Thailand, you even find markets specially for street food. In Singapore, you’ll find street food (or “hawker stands” as they are called there) to be around 4.25 SGD ($3 USD) for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price does not increase that much. Food you can find for $1.50 USD at a street stall will only cost $3-5 USD at a local restaurant. Western meals, including burgers, bad pizza, sandwiches, cost around $5 USD for cheaply made food. This is going to be the most expensive part of your food budget. If you want something that actually tastes like it does back home, you’re looking at spending at least $10 USD for your meal. In the mood for a really nice bowl of pasta? $8 USD. Want a deliciously made steak? At least $20 USD. In short, even though the food is cheaper than back home, it is expensive by local standards and eating a lot of western food will diminish your ability to spend little in this region.

Transportation – The easiest and cheapest way to get around Asia is by bus. A bus will take you everywhere and anywhere you want to go, no matter how far. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well established and oiled tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-8 USD for a 5-6 hours journey. Overnight buses cost $10-15 USD depending on distance. Local public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars. In Bangkok, the public bus costs 4 THB (10 cents) while in the above and underground trains (they one of each) costs 35 THB ($1 USD). In Singapore, the local train system starts at 1.40 SGD ($1 USD).

Taxis and tuk tuks (small shared taxis with no meter) will require a bit of haggling and cost more than local transportation. Taxis and tuk tuks are normally double to triple what the local transportation is and you often have to haggle for the price. They start really high and you work towards something you are willing to pay. Eventually you come to a conclusion, which is usually about half the price they started with.

Outside of Thailand and the Singapore-Bangkok train (which is long and overpriced), train service is limited and not worth considering.

For flights, Air Asia and Tiger Airways can get you around the region cheap and fast. They often have incredible sales so if you’re in a rush, these two airlines can get you where you need to go!

Activities – Activities here are pretty cheap. Most day tours only cost around $20 USD, often times less. Learning to scuba dive will set you back a few hundred dollars and the multi-day pass to Angkor Wat is 160,000 KHR ($39 USD). For everything else, check the country and city guides for prices on various activities.

Moreover, never book anything before landing in any city because that’s a sure-fire way to overpay.  Always wait until you get there. There are tons of tour operators and small shops dotting the backpacker streets that you can negotiate with to get a good price.

Money Saving Tips

Southeast Asia is really cheap. You can get by on as little as $15 USD per day if you want, though $25 USD is more realistic. There’s little opportunity to really spend a lot of money. The two reasons why most people end up overspending is that they eat a lot of western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, you’ll need to cut down the drinking and try to eat as much local food as you can. After all, did you travel half way around the world to eat a crappy burger? Doubtful. If drink a lot or eat Western food, you’ll end up spending close to $35 USD per day.

Top Things To See And Do in Southeast Asia

The country specific guides have more in-depth things to see and do but here are my regional highlights:

Explore Bangkok – Bangkok is the hub of travel activity for Southeast Asia. You’ll be able to get anywhere you want from here, experience amazing food, find cheap shopping deals, and experience a great night life that will keep you up until dawn. I hated it when I first went, but after a few days, I saw just how amazing this city was.

Go jungle trekking – No matter where you do it, jungle trekking is a must for any traveler. The area is covered in amazing jungles with a diverse wildlife. Some of the best treks are in Laos and Malaysia, though the ones in Thailand are the most convenient.

Admire Angkor Wat – One of the greatest human creations in history, this temple complex is best done over the course of a few days. Even if you don’t like temples, the place is still amazing to see as it’s a testament to the genius of humanity. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. It’s beautiful here.

Attend the Full Moon Party – The biggest one-night party in the world can sometimes see up to 30,000 people. Party until dawn covered in glow paint and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand.

Learn to dive – There are many great dive sites around the region. Learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipidan (Malaysia), as well as Indonesia and the Philippines.

Eat in Singapore – Thought Thailand had great food? Try the hawker stalls of Singaporefor great eats. Don’t forget to also visit Little India and Chinatown. They have some of the best and cheapest food in Asia!

Situate yourself on some tropical islands – There’s more tropical islands in this part of the world than can be named. You have some of the best in the world here, places here you can lie on the beach, soak up some sun, and cool off in azure blue water. Some of the best: Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), Ko Chang (Thailand), Ko Tarutao National Park (Thailand).

Get your temple overload – There’s a lot of everything in Southeast Asia – lots of food, islands, clothes, drinking, and lots of temples. You can’t turn a corner without seeing another temple. You’ll get temple overload at some point, but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple.

Dive Sipidan – Located off Malayasian Borneo, Sipidan is one of the best dives sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia but there’s a lot to see here besides diving. Go the extra mile, and make your way off the tourist trail a bit.

Fall in love with Bali – Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia. It’s famous Kuta beach (overrated) and is known for its parties and surfing. However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. Many beaches are great for families, while the rice terraces in the center will show you what green really is, and Ubud is an artistic town with great food and traditional dancing.

See Halong Bay – A few hours outside of Hanoi, Halong Bay is the inside passage of Asia. An island filled bay, sailing trips out here give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Watch out for scams – make sure you go with a reputable company. Paying more is worth it. Cheaper is not better here.

Take in Ho Chi Minh City – Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teething mass of people and cars work together, but it does.

Watch the sun rise over an Indonesian Volcano – One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. You’ll not want to miss out on getting a snap of the smouldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand.  If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasodo, the monthly ritual which the Tenggerese take part in. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life.

CENTRAL AMERICA TRAVEL GUIDE

I love Central America! Surrounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the slender land bridge of Central America runs from Mexico to South America and is made up of seven nations – Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Political and civil unrest in the 1980s kept most tourists away for a long time,but this reputation is beginning to change as Central America becomes one of the most popular regions for backpackers (and, in the case of Panama and Costa Rica, American retirees). The region’s rain forests are filled with unexplored Mayan ruins and wildlife, its beaches great for surfing, and reefs filled with life. Accommodation, food and transport are all cheap in the region making it a budget traveler’s dream. Your money will go a long way here and this travel guide will give you all the tips you need to have a memorable trip.

Destination Guides for Central America

• Belize
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Panama

Typical Costs

Accommodation – A night in a hostel will range between $5-10 USD for a dormitory room. A private bed will cost you between $15-25 USD for single or double bed with private bathroom. In Costa Rica or Panama, you will pay on the higher end of that range. Family owned guesthouses or hotels will be the most affordable accommodation besides hostels. These rooms average $25 USD per night for a private room with an ensuite bathroom, and most of these serve breakfast, not to mention the added bonus of meeting a local. In cheaper countries in the region like El Salvador, a private room can cost $15 USD per night while in a more expensive destination like Panama City, you can expect to pay on the higher end, about $30 USD per night. Camping can be done easily at hostels and in national parks. Most hostels have space where you can pitch a tent or string up a hammock for $1-3 USD per night. National parks require camping fees that vary from country to country. See country guides for specifics on where to stay!

Food – The cheapest way to dine is to eat at the roadside restaurants that dot the region. At local restaurants, you can expect to pay around $5 USD for a meal. If you want really cheap food, you can find empanadas (fried pastries usually filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes) for $0.50 USD. If you are into cooking, head down to the local market and pick up fruit, vegetables, meats, and dairy for around $15-20 USD per week. If you are looking for slightly fancier restaurants, you can except to pay at least 25% more. A typical restaurant meal for a main dish and a drink is about $10 USD. Western food will cost about three times as much as the local dishes, so wait to have your favorites until you get back home. See country guides on specifics of where to eat!

Transportation – In cities, public buses are the cheapest and most convenient way to get around. Fares cost less than a dollar, and buses are widespread. You can catch most routes for $10 USD. Longer bus rides and overnights from one country to the next are generally around $30 USD. Be prepared though – buses here (often called “chicken buses” due to their abundance of chickens and rice transported on them) stop everywhere, let people on, and let people off. They are slow and very few are direct. This region of the world actually relies a lot of hitchhiking. The buses can be late or sporadic and sometimes extremely full. I’ve done this in Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama, because there is a limited regional air network here and flights are expensive. A flight from Guatemala City to Belize City is $250 USD, whereas the bus is only about $35 USD.

Activities – Entrance to the national parks is typically inexpensive, as are trips to see the Mayan ruin sites, usually around $5-10 USD. Diving is likely to be your most expensive activity, costing between $50-80 USD for a two tank dive. The entrance fee to Tikal is $22 USD.

Money Saving Tips

While country guides to the region have more specific ways to save, here are four general rules for saving money in Central America:

Visit the Mercado – Although eating out is cheap in Central America, it makes sense to shop at the markets for your food to take on day trips or to prepare at your hostel. Fruit costs mere pennies.

Eat on the side of the road – The local, cheap side of the road eateries will be the cheapest food you can eat – costing no more than $2 USD for a meal.

Hitchhike – Hitchhiking is one of the most popular ways to get around the region and used extensively by locals. You’ll find people regularly willing to pick up people and give them a lift.

Avoid flying – Buse rides may be longer, but if you are trying to see this region on a budget, you should not fly. Flights are about 10 times more expensive than the bus.

Top Things to See and Do in Central America

The country specific guides go into depth on a region with so much to do but here are my regional highlights:

Visit the Panama Canal – First opened in 1914, the Panama Canal is 50 miles long and raises ships up from the Pacific, through Panama, before lowering them back down again to the Caribbean. The canal uses three sets of locks — Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks on the Pacific side and Gatun Locks on the Caribbean side. The most common place to see the canal is at Miraflores Locks.

Coffee plantations – The entire region is known for its coffee, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama. Tour the plantations, and see how the beans are grown, picked, and ground. You can also pick up fresh coffee at heavily discounted prices. I’ve found the best coffee to be from Monteverde, Costa Rica….and I don’t even like coffee! But I drank this – it tasted like chocolate!

Volcanoes – Many of the volcanoes in the region are doable, and you can usually take a tour up to the rim. Pacaya in Guatemala is still active and frequently erupts ash clouds over nearby Antigua City, while Arenal in Costa Rica is the one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. Just don’t get lost in the jungle surrounding the mountain like I did!

Go diving (or learn) – The shores around Central America are home to many coral reefs. As such, diving is hugely popular. The colors and variety of fish will amaze you, as will the clear visibility. Diving here is cheaper than in the Caribbean and most parts of Mexico. Popular dive countries include Panama, Honduras, and Belize.

Visit Chichicastenango – Most people who come to Guatemala visit Chichicastenango, the largest native market in Central America. Most stalls carry handicrafts, blankets, pottery, and souvenirs, and these markets are often also the best places to get to grips with local food for very little money.

Carnivals – The biggest carnival in the region is La Cieba in Honduras. The streets fill with bright costumes and dancing, while bars and clubs burst with locals and tourists, all vying to soak up the party atmosphere.

Explore the Mayan ruins – These haunting sites date back to the pre-Columbian culture that once ruled this area of the world. The most impressive of these sites is Tikal in Guatemala, although Copán in Honduras and San Andrés in El Salvador are also prominent. The intricate wall carvings, imposing pyramids, and crumbling columns make for amazing photographs and should not be missed.

Tour the museums – Most cities in the region are filled with museums, particularly those paying homage to the Mayan civilization. The Gold Museum in San José, Costa Rica is fascinating. For Mayan artifacts, head to the Copán Village Archaeology Museum.

Trek through the rainforests – Much of the region is covered in vast, humid, and stunning rainforest. A popular way to see these is to take a canopy tour, where you’ll be suspended on a zip-line and glide over the tops of the trees. The rainforests are filled with diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, jaguars, lizards and tropical birds. There are plenty of trekking tours, and every country has a park that allows you to explore the vast jungles.

Caye Caulker, Belize – This little island is quite popular with backpackers. It is less expensive than some of the larger islands in the country and has a relaxed atmosphere to it. July is a great time to go because of their lobster festival. For the rest of the year, there is also snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and more. Make sure you also eat at Wish Willy’s for amazing seafood and chicken.

Take in the Nicoya Coast, Costa Rica – This is a beautiful peninsula riddled with quaint little towns and plenty of beaches. It is constantly sunny here, and there is lots to see and do. Some of the main attractions include Barra Honda National Park, Isla Tortuga, scuba diving, and driving along the coast. My favorite town in this area is Santa Theresa.

Sail the San Blas Islands – This archipelago in Panama consists of 378 islands and cays to explore. Taking a day, or even a week long sailing trip throughout them is super fun. There are incredible seascapes to behold, as well as fascinating people to meet and colorful reefs to see. There is an abundance of wildlife to check out and the boats make frequent snorkeling and SCUBA diving stops. These trips are popular with budget travelers and can be organized anywhere in the country.

Dive the Blue Hole – This place in Belize is part of the Lighthouse Reef system and near-perfect circular hole 480 feet deep. The water is almost completely motionless, so visibility is about 200 feet. The blue hole is an amazing place to dive or snorkel and is considered one of the best natural spots in the world!

Head to Antigua, Guatemala – Considered one of the best-preserved colonial cities in all of the Spanish America’s, Antigua is a major travel hot spot for backpackers. There are tons of pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, plenty of hostels, and even Spanish schools if you want a reason to stay longer!

Visit La Libertad, El Salvador – For those of you who are big on surfing, this is considered the best place to catch a wave in Central America. While there is the risk of bumping into a swarm of beach-bum types, it doesn’t take away from the amazing waves, the endless seafood barbecue, and cool accommodation.

Go to Ometepe Island, Nicaragua – Located inside Nicaragua Lake, this is the largest volcanic island in the world that resides inside a freshwater lake. It is easy to get to and is close to Managua—the capital city. While on the island, Moyogalpa is an amazing place to start, as it is the hub for tourism here. There is a plethora of restaurants, and hotels. When you are ready to explore, be sure to check out Cascada San Ramon, a waterfall reached via a beautiful four-hour hike.

Explore Herrera Gardens & Conservation Project – This is a 250-acre reserve. It’s a long-term, ongoing reforestation project located in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. The site contains over 3 miles of garden trails and approximately 10 miles of marked forest trails. You can take guided tours for bird watching, botany, and tree climbing.

Walk through Macaw Mountain Bird Reserve & Nature Park – Located in Copan Ruinas, Honduras, this enclosure is in a tropical rainforest brimming with an amazing range of birds. You will see everything from the brilliant Buffon Macaw to the crazy Keel-Billed Toucans. Included in the ticket price is a three-day access pass to the park, a one-hour guided tour, and a 20-minute walk through an adjacent coffee plantation.

CARIBBEAN TRAVEL GUIDE

The Caribbean is made up of over 5000 islands, reefs and cays, each with its own unique attractions and price ranges. In recent years, even very secluded islands have been transformed in to some of the world’s most exclusive vacationing destinations. There is a misconception that a trip to the islands will be extremely expensive and not a viable destination for budget travelers. While accommodation can be expensive, costs of food and activities can vary greatly island to island. With so many places to choose from in this guide, you’ll find a corner of the Caribbean suitable to your budget.

Destination Guides for the Caribbean

• Aruba
• Bahamas
• Curacao
• Jamaica
• Saint John
• Saint Lucia

Typical Costs

Accommodation – Hostels cost around $20 USD per evening in the off season, with budget hotels coming in at around $80 USD for single or double occupancy. While there are a lot of islands in the Caribbean and prices vary widely, remember that overall, this is an expensive part of the world

Food – Prices vary considerably depending on which island you are on, with a cheap to go meal in the Dominican Republic costing as little as $10 USD or as much as $20 USD in Aruba. My advice for the region: avoid restaurants near cruise ports and resorts, find the local markets, and cook your food as often as you can. Rarely are the fancy meals worth their exorbitant price!

Transportation – Bus services on the islands are inexpensive, rarely more than $3 USD. You can hitchhike safely around most of the islands too (save Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti). On islands without a bus system, a taxi may be the only form of transport with fares getting up to $15 USD for even a short journey. To get between islands, you’ll need your own boat or to fly. In the Lower Antilles, there are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option.

Activities – In general, tours, historical, and architectural attractions are relatively inexpensive ($5-20 USD), while diving trips usually costing a minimum of $125 USD. Snorkeling is about $20 for the day.

Money Saving Tips

While each country guide has specific tips, here are some general money saving tips for the region:

Travel off-season – Prices for vacations plummet the third week in April. You can save 30% or more are possible during the “summer” season (April–December 21st).

Drink local alcohol – Rum is around 1/3 the price in the Caribbean than in the US, and many islands have their own local beers which are much cheaper than the more famous imported beers (such as Corona, Budweiser etc.).

Camp – Some islands allow visitors to camp on the beach for around $10 USD. This can be a good way to save money on accommodation on some of the safer, less inhabited islands or on those where typical hotel prices are astronomical.

Take a cruise – Cruising can offer a low-cost way of seeing various islands, as well as getting your transport, accommodation, and food paid in advance. Many cruises can be as cheap as $50 USD per day, especially if booked far in advance or very last minute. You won’t see much of the culture of each place but if you’re short on time, this gives you the most for your buck.

Couchsurf – Couchsurfing is a website that connects locals and travelers. It’s a form of cross-cultural exchange as well as a means to get a free place to stay each night! There are hosts all over the region and, with accommodation costs so high, this is a sure fire way to save money and meet locals who can take you to all the cheap places on each island!

Top Things to See and Do in the Caribbean

Antigua – 365 pink and white beaches can be found in Antigua, one of the largest Caribbean islands. If you’re into sailing, sign up to be a deckhand or just observe Sailing Week, the world renowned regatta.

Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica – This is the most popular visitor attraction in Jamaica. At 660 ft, it consists of an impressive waterfall and collection of plunge pools which lead directly into the ocean. You can add bouldering to your tour for a more energetic way to get back to the beach.

Havana, Cuba – Often eliciting images of revolutionary heroes and a turbulent history, Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean. However, in recent times, the city has emerged as a tourist hotspot, rich in history, architecture, and culture. Try to visit the country in July when Santiago (the second-largest city) celebrates its annual Carnival de Santiago de Cuba. From July 24-26, the streets fill with music and dancing, a real sight to behold.

Go snorkeling or diving – Divers and even snorkelers can visit shipwrecks and coral reefs in the waters surrounding most islands. In general, diving trips can be expensive, averaging around $150 USD per person, but if you bring your own snorkeling gear you can enjoy the underwater sights for free.

Trunk Bay, St John – Frequently voted one of the best beaches in the world, Trunk Bay is picture perfect with white sands and clear water. It does cost a few dollars to get onto the beach, but the coral and marine life you’ll see when snorkeling makes it all worthwhile.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery, Barbados – Barbados is famous for its rum, and Mount Gay is one of the oldest and most respected distilleries in the world. This tour takes you through the history and process of distillation. For $10 USD, take the tour – it’s worth it just for the huge discounts on Mount Gay that you receive at the end.

Cayman Turtle Farm, Cayman Islands – The Turtle Farm is the most popular attraction in the Cayman Island and is the only farm of its kind in the world as it specializes in controlled breeding. There are plenty of adult turtles weighing in at hundreds of pounds and others that are smaller than a few inches. No matter their size, all seem ready for a photo op.

Go zip-lining in St. Lucia – Looking for an adventurous break from sun-tanning? Try zip-lining through the rain forest canopy in St. Lucia. Expect to pay around $75 USD for the use of twelve different zip-lines.

Learn about Reggae’s roots – Jamaica is home to the reggae music and culture. While Bob Marley’s legacy reverberates throughout the island, you can get the most out of your reggae immersion by visiting the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Marley’s hometown.

Lose yourself in the clouds – Holywell National Park lies in the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica. Walk along the mountain’s edge, and find yourself in a sea of clouds, with birds and monkeys screeching around you. A short drive from Kingston, this tropical park can easily be visited in an afternoon.

Visit the world’s “wickedest” city – Port Royal, at the mouth of Kingston harbor (Jamaica), once held a reputation as the “wickedest city on earth.” In the 17th century, it was a haven for buccaneers, and consisted mainly of bars and brothels. At the end of the century, much of the city sunk as the result of a huge earthquake. Underwater archaeological excavations are underway, but you can still visit some of the ruins and tour a small information centre during your visit.

Kayak around the islands – One of the best ways to explore these islands by water, but if you can’t afford your own powerboat, a half-day kayaking tour is a great alternative. Prices will vary by island, but for example, you can expect to pay around $100 USD for a six-hour guided tour in Aruba.

Pretend you’re a pirate – If you’re looking for more pirate culture, check out the Pirates of Nassau Museum in the Bahamas, which consists of informative historical exhibits and a replica pirate ship.

Hike Gros Piton in St. Lucia – These twin volcanic peaks that rise out of the water are a marvel to behold, but even more of an experience to climb. Gros Piton is open to experienced hikers. Beware, at 2,619-feet, it’s a steep, challenging, but rewarding climb.

Sail around the Virgin islands – Sailing around the islands is one of the most popular and fun activities you can do. You can get day sails or multi-day trips. I sailed around for a month and had a phenomenal time. Here is how to Sail for free.

How to convince Shipmates that Incident Free Operations are Achievable

Five years ago, I wrote an article for the maritime news website gCaptain in which I made the case that incident free operations were achievable.  While the article was geared specifically towards commercial shipping and the offshore oil and gas industry, the premise of the article is applicable to a variety of “high risk” industries.

When you take a look at the safety policies of most large businesses, you’ll likely see some variation of a “safety vision” or “safety goal” stating that the company will conduct its operations incident free (no injuries).

The reality is, at least for most employees, the idea that a large company can operate incident free over an extended period of time is incomprehensible.

“Eventually, someone’s bound to do something stupid and cause an accident.” is a common statement you’ll hear under peoples’ breath.

One way to change this perception among our coworkers is to rethink how we present the goal of “incident free” operations. As I said in my article:

What if we took these same “IFO non-believers” and assigned them to do a complicated task.

Now, what if we broke this complicated task down into individual steps and agreed that we would not perform any of the steps until the entire group was confident that each step had been thoroughly analyzed and risk assessed to eliminate the possibility of anyone involved getting hurt.

I believe a consensus would eventually be reached that each step of the task could be completed safely. Sometimes additional expertise, equipment, or time may be needed, but a consensus will eventually be reached that the job is either 100% safe or is simply not worth doing at all.

The point is, if we can agree (with confidence) that accomplishing one task, one step at a time incident free is achievable, it’s not that much larger of a step to believe that incident free operations are achievable overall. Even when we look at a time frame of a billion years; a ZERO likelihood of an incident occurring per step multiplied by a billion steps is still ZERO!

Safety does not have to be complicated.  Almost every workplace injury, especially in the maritime and offshore industries, is a result of someone not taking the time to properly risk assess a job or doing something that they already knew was not the safe and/or against company policy.  Changing this mindset is what will eventually lead us into achieving our goal of working “incident free”.

EUROPE TRAVEL GUIDE

One of the great rites of passage is the summer backpacking trip through Europe. For young people, especially college-aged Americans, the summer trip is one of the most memorable experiences people have in their life. From beautiful Paris, to smoke filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, to Oktoberfest, to the beaches of Greece, there’s so much to see on the continent I couldn’t name it all even if I tried. But even if you aren’t about to backpack around Europe, the continent holds wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and wonderful people. Every country is incredible different than the next. I’ve visit the continent every summer and always find something new that blows my mind. This extensive backpacking travel guide will help you visit the continent on a budget.

Destination Guides for Europe

• Belgium
• Denmark
• England
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Norway
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Romania
• Scotland
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine

Typical Costs

Individual country guides have more specific information but here are some general costs:

Accommodation – Hostel dormitory rooms cost between 18-40 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6 bed dorm in Berlin for 15 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 32 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris will cost on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens will cost on the lower end. Campsites cost between 9-15 EUR per night per person for a tented space. In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 6-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. A private room in a hostel will cost you around 27-55 EUR per night for a double bed with a shared bathroom. Cheap hotel rooms start at 27 EUR for a two star hotel with breakfast, private bathroom, wi-fi, and double bed.

Food – Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops where you can get sandwiches, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 4-7 EUR You find these shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas. You can cook your own food for around 65 EUR per week. These small sandwich shops offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on between 9-15 EUR per day. Restaurant meals cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west. Even if you are eating out for all your meals, you still get by on as little as 9 EUR per day. See country information for more specific food costs.

Transportation – Transportation around most European cities by local tram, subway, or bus is typically 1.80 EUR for a one-way ticket. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country and depending on whether you take the slow train or a high speed train. A high speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 190 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 95 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona is about 150 EUR. Non-high speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% the price of high speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short trains rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR. Buses are cheaper than trains. The main bus service is called Eurolines and it reaches throughout the continent. Every country has its own national bus service but for international long distances, Eurolines is a great option. In the east, the major international bus company is also Ecolines, which primarily serves central Europe, the Baltics, and other Eastern European countries except the Balkans. Additionally, hitchhiking is also a popular method of travel in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.

Activities: Most museums and tours start at around 14 EUR. It’s cheaper of course in the east. Full day tours cost between 35-100 EUR. Prices vary drastically per country so it’s hard to give a good general cost. See country information for more details.

Money Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information but here are some general tips on saving money in Europe:

Picnic – This continent has a lot of little tiny shops where you can be pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.

Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? That’s ok, there are other ways to save money on food. Eat a local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, outdoor street vendors, and the like. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places will give you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price.

Plan accordingly – Transportation can eat into your budget. Traveling costs money. A good way to save money is to avoid moving in weird directions. Move in a straight line, and avoid doubling back and avoid paying too much for transportation.

Couchsurf – Hostels can add up really quick. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using the service Couchsurfing, which lets you connect with locals who will let you stay with them for free.

Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares as little as $5 USD from many of the discount airlines like Transavia, Easyjet, Wizz, and Ryanair. Watch out for fees though! These airlines nickel and dime you.

Drink less – Those 5 Euro beers really add up. Hit happy hour or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.

Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific is Camp in My Garden (http://campinmygarden.com/), which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or a nominal fee (around 4-10 EUR). This is a new service that started in 2010 but more and more people are signing up for it each day. All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer.

Get a city tourist card – Local tourism offices issue a tourist card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. In Oslo Norway, the VisitOslo card saved me 27 EUR and I got free public transportation. By buying the Paris museum pass, I saved 78 EUR off the normal price of the museums, and I saved over 65 GBP with the London card. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get this card.

Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money.

Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars when I traveled around. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.

Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people to and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible).

Top Things to See and Do in Europe

There is a lot to do in Europe and trying to list everything on a continent would be too difficult to do. Below are some of my favorite activities. Clicking on the city and country links in this article will help you branch off and get more details.

Get lost in Paris – The city of lights is everything people say it is. I felt like I was in love the first time I stepped foot in the city. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world – the food, the wine, the atmosphere, the history. It’s hard not to see the magic. You’ll never be able to see the city in just one visit. There’s too much to do. It would take years to see everything. But you can get a good idea of the city over a few days. Click here for my guide on how to spend 5 days in Paris.

Amsterdam – There’s more to the city than just coffee shops and red lights. I love this city so much, I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals. Amsterdam has a vibrant art and music scene and friendly locals willing to help you out. Make sure you get out of the center into the Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes.

The Greek Islands – These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun. The island of Ios is party central, Kos and Crete are popular destinations for Brits, Santorini has history, Mykonos is luxurious, and Paros is quiet. With hundreds of islands, you can always find what you are looking for. I try to go every summer. Read more about the Greek Islands here.

Relax in Barcelona – Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties til dawn. Barcelona knows how to get down. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, Gaudi architecture, and history dating back to Roman times.

London – Get a taste of English culture in diverse London. The museums here are some of the best in the world (and free), plus the city offers great food, and the pub culture is wonderful. Head to Brick Lane for some amazing Sunday food markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints – London is not a cheap destination.

Berlin – Hip and trendy Berlin is a energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. There is a ton of cheap Middle Eastern food. Be sure to check out the history museum – it’s one of the best in the world.

Oktoberfest – Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going through Germany at the end of September. There are people from all over the world, lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, toast, and party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?)

Prague – Prague is a beautiful city with amazing history. It’s a cheap destination and during the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food. It is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve seen.

Interlaken – Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a great place to unwind with some good hikes, hot chocolate, and outdoor sports. It’s a good alternative from all the cities and museums you constantly see. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers.

Explore Rome – This thriving historical city has amazing food and nightlife. Moreover, with its tiny little streets to wander through (you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin), it’s a history buff’s dream. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city.

Hike around the Cinque Terre – This is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliff side towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. You’ll find some wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills. For a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult.

Wine and dine along the French Riviera – Have fun in the sun, hob nob with the rich and famous, and sail (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. You can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Nice is nice and Monaco is just a skip away.

Krakow – Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s even nicer than Prague! It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city as it is the center of education in Poland. You have a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Auschwitz concentration camp is also close by.

Cornwall – The best part of England is outside London, and unfortunately not a lot of people leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, friendlier locals, more natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, small towns, and overall what you think of “traditional England.”

The Swiss Alps – Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. In fact, whether Italy, France, or Switzerland, all the alps are great!

Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina – By far my favorite festival, this giant food fight happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other and the streets become ankle deep in tomato juice. Afterwards, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

Find more than Dracula in Romania – Not a lot of people visit Romania but this is off the beaten path country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered medieval towns, gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea, and incredible hiking – all at dirt cheap prices. I spent $30 USD per day here and experienced the country without any of the crowds of central and western Europe!

Visit the ruin bars in Budapest – The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest. These bars are built in abandoned buildings and lots and feature funky art installations and decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals. People of all ages flock here. If you skip these bars, you miss out on one of most unique things about the city.

Hang out in Scandinavia – My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people beautiful and friendly, the cities clean and historic. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen, Stockholm, Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland.