TravMonkey.com

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

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

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

In a word, "no". I can actually feel myself boiling up with anger when thinking about this issue. It amazes me that anyone can actually sit down and consider taking a laptop around the world. I'm not talking about staying in posh hotels or on a business trip, but when traveling on a budget for a long period of time. The answer is just so obvious, why would you need to ask the question in the first place? Let's see, what type of person would ... Read More

Traveling the world often sounds like a romantic adventure of exploration and discovery into the unknown. Often it is, but there are some people who are just not cut out for spending long periods of time away from home, away from what they are so familiar with. For many people traveling is an amazing experience and for some even a life changing one but there are those people who don't fit in to either of these two categories. Some people just have a ... Read More

From a Beijing hospital to a drag bar down a dark Jerusalem alley, I have a habit of finding myself in questionable places . . . usually alone. But I don't mind. Ever the free spirit, I quite like solo travel. As with any travel, you will inevitably end up in some dubious locations and/or situations. As women, we are presented with unique challenges, but fear not - a grain of knowledge and a heaping mound of common sense will serve you well. 1. ... Read More

For experienced travelers reading this you'll probably be thinking that you don't need advice on how to meet people because it is pretty easy and kind of just happens. For first time travelers it is often reassuring to know that "going it alone" won't mean you'll be on your own for long. What most people won't tell you is that there are times when you will be on your own. You may find yourself in a situation where you are by yourself and ... Read More

Traveling with friends can be a real test of friendship To travel alone or with a friend or friends is one of the most common questions asked before embarking on a long trip. It's a very difficult question to give a definitive answer, as it is all about personal preference and what type of trip you'd like to experience. I believe traveling alone makes the trip a completely difference experience to traveling with a friend. I'm not saying that one is in any way ... Read More