TravMonkey.com

As both a student and tutor of foreign languages, take it from someone who’s been on both sides of the fence: learning a new language isn’t easy!  It’s not something that can be learned solely from a classroom, instructional CD, or a translational dictionary – but rather, from actual practice with native speakers, immersion into the culture of your desired language, and the confidence to speak the language at every opportunity without worrying about making ... Read More

Ever stumble upon an American “Deli” wondering if it was just a typo that they dropped the h? Ever speculate whether the foul wursty ingredients of a “hot dog” once went woof? Don’t freak out! Here are 10 tips (without VAT or “servis compris”) to speed you through the confusing congestion of customs and weird freeways of the “extreme sport” of foreign food eating 1.“Fast” food joints are not places to pick up cheap dates or begin your starvation regime for Ramadan. Fast ... Read More

How many times have you wanted to cut down on alcohol? Maybe you've just wanted to have a detox period? Or perhaps you wanted to cut out the alcohol altogether? I know I've wanted to cut down for some time and I occasionally take a detox period where I go cold turkey. If you find yourself being tempted into splashing your cash on something like the sandle that allows you to store alcohol within it - Get Drunk On The Beach: Booze Holding Scandle, then maybe ... Read More

Have you ever taken items around the world with you that you really didn't need? Perhaps you're planning your first trip around the world and are unsure if you really need to be taking so much gear? The days are suddenly slipping by and the day of your departure into the unknown is becoming ever closer to reality. So many questions circle in your head, "will I be safe?", "am I taking too many things", "am I doing the right thing going alone?". The ... Read More

The Gold Coast is an amazing place to visit whilst in Australia.  It's a very popular destination with Australian's and for good reason, there's some great waves and almost perfect weather year round. There are plenty of activities and sights on the Gold Coast and your credit card won't take a battering because we have 10 of the best free things to do for free: #1 Hit the Beaches - Swim or surf at one of many Gold Coast Beaches, all free to ... Read More

At any given moment in my life, I'm sitting blankly in from of a computer monitor wondering where to go. Notoriously indecisive, I always end up on a plane (or foul 3rd class train) somewhere, anywhere. Anywhere is always a fresh change of pace, but there are a few places I've encountered in my short life, that are a measure above "anywhere." There are also destinations that are ripe for change, good or bad, is doesn't typically matter. Destinations ripe for the picking. My ... Read More

Eating in Asia is like a multi-orgasm to the taste buds - your senses assaulted by a whole new world of powerful aroma and flavour. Over hundreds of different types of spices and sauces give Asian cuisine that unique taste that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It might pose as a challenge to many travellers who have yet to subdue to Asia’s culinary quirks. With some tips, eating in Asia can be a true adventurous way of discovering ... Read More

The art of travel is exhilarating and romantic; it tests our endurance and provides us with the rare and often ephemeral chance to live outside of ourselves. Traveling shrinks the world exposing us firsthand to the best and worst of humanity, the grandest and most destitute of extremes. Having traveled around Africa recently and before that Southeast Asia, I have found myself face to face with the harsh realities of the developing world. As a westerner, more specifically, as an American traveler, I ... Read More

Do you often find other travelers dropping names of places they've visited into the conversation? Have you ever had someone cling onto you whilst traveling? Have you ever had a traveller moaning about everything, how it's better back home? Picture this, you're sat around a small table with two travel buddies you've met in a quint little restaurant when a fellow traveler you met earlier at the hostel reception sits down to join you. After a while he becomes more predominant in the conversation, randomly ... Read More

Be it volunteering at a Turtle Conservation Park in Ecuador, constructing a school in the rural suburbs of Bombay, or counseling women with AIDS in Rwanda – anyone of us can help. Instead of travelling like the average backpacker, why not do something more and improve the lives of a unique community? Like you, I decided to find out for myself. Armed with that zest and energy, many can’t wait to throw themselves into the unknown. Wait a minute… where do ... Read More