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» Here are some e-mailed comments (click here
to contribute any of your own), sent in 2008:
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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
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I’d just like to congratulate you on such a terrific website. I’ve been reading it for the past few days at work trying to plan some kind of trip/working on the go adventure while Im 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
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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 - Criag
 ...for e-mailed tips go
here.
» Comments sent in 2007:
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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
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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 cliched 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
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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 travelers who seek my advice. - Michael R
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I came across your website 5 years ago, whilst day dreaming at University about the day that I’d finally get to go traveling. I’ve been a regular visitor to your site since then, and now finally, in one week, I’m 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
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Just want to say that you have the best backpacking site around. Your suggestions for packing were spot on. I'm currently roadtesting them as we speak. I highly reconmend the Berghaus Freeflow IV 35 + 8 as a backpack... see more on comments page. - Jonathan
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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
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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
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I can’t 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
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My husband & I are 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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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:
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I have to offer my most
sincere thanks for by far the most outstanding travel site I’ve 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 week’s 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
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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
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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
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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
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Awesome site!! I’ve
travelled around a fair bit to a quite a few different countries. I’m
coming up to 5 years away from the UK and I’m going through planning the
next leg of travelling, should take a few years, your site certainly has
all the info you’d need, both for the first time traveller and
experienced – certainly better than say lonelyplanet or roughguides. -
Paul Broomfield
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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
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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
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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 he’s a boy and an ex
Israeli soldier so I kind of ignored him thinking he didn’t 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
can’t 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Dear Travelindependent,
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
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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
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Hello there, I just wanted
to say that your webpage 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
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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
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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:
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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 apss
it on to my friends!! Thanks - Dean Bromley
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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
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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 traveler, 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)
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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
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You're what to pack section is absolutely undeniably fantastic. I am backpacking
for the first time this year. Ive 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, im 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
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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
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What a great site, you should be proud of your hard work and effort. My wife
will upset with you though…I've decided to go on a little walkabout and you are
to blame. - Mike Flake
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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This is "The Godfather" of the websites. Masterpiece!
- Cameron (http://www.offroad-argentina.com.ar)
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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)
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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
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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
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Fabulous website! Everything that is necessary to know before facing the
(travel) world is in it! - Laure
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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
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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
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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!!
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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
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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
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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:
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 sceptical partners. -
Ricardo
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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
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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!"
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
lessing 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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:
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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 arses and condescending but you've hit
just the right note. - Brendan Phelan
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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
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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
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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
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I think its absolutely
marvellous 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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