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

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

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

Before I left home for my last 22 months traveling stint I remember a lot of talk about the film "Hostel", knowing that it was a horror flick and that I'd be frequenting many hostels throughout the trip I decided to avoid the movie. Here's 5 movies that I think you should avoid (or watch for the braver amongst us) before traveling: 1. Wolf Creek (2005) "The Thrill Is In The Hunt." Setting: Australian Outback Backpackers venture out into the Australian outbreak to see "Wolf Creek" a ... Read More

Riding in the back of a tuk-tuk is not the "norm" at home. Mike at Vagabondish tagged me as well as a couple of others to give our 5 reasons for traveling. For me, I wanted to do some long term traveling from the age of 18 onwards. The problem was my mother was set against it and I didn't have enough money to fund the trip, perhaps at the time I didn't want it enough. After college I left for university and 4-5 years ... Read More

Myself and Steve Irwin A few months back I paid a visit to Australia zoo after a two week road trip down the East Coast of Australia. I'd heard good things about Australia zoo and thought I'd see it for myself. After just two minutes in the park I noticed the Crocodile Hunter branding over almost everything, the word "crikey" sprang out of every sentence and signpost. This was all in good humour and as a Steve Irwin fan I was finding the whole ... Read More