Backpackingmatt.com - Adventure & Lifestyle Blog

backpackingmatt December 28, 2010

10 Fascinating Places I Traveled to in 2010

Destinations, Travel Advice, Travel Photos 67 Replies

It’s hard to believe that 2010 is coming to a close – yet what a year it’s been for travel. In 2010, I inadvertently circled the globe. While not your typical RTW trip, my year was a fantastic mix of backpacking, working, and of course blogging. I met like-minded 20-somethings, experienced new things, was challenged, and continued to live an unconventional, yet satisfying life. Hopefully in 2010, Backpackingmatt.com has provided you with some inspiration, some advice, and plenty of tips for your own experiences backpacking around the world.

Here are 10 Fascinating Places I Traveled to in 2010:

1) Raglan, New Zealand

Ragland, New Zealand — Raglan, New Zealand

New Zealand quickly became one of my favorite countries and was the country where I spent most of 2010. Backpacking in New Zealand is easy, relatively cheap, and everything you’d expect it to be. Look forward to more New Zealand specific information in 2011. The first destination I traveled to in New Zealand was Raglan. Found about two hours south of Auckland, Raglan has the feel of a surf town of the 1970s. It’s also one of the best spots in New Zealand to watch the sunset. Check it out at Manu Bay – home of the world’s longest left hand break.

2) Bangkok, Thailand

I’m not typically a fan of big, chaotic cities (blame it on my Iowa upbringing), yet I fell in love with Bangkok. Ironically, it was the chaos that won me over. I enjoyed wandering the streets, soaking up the foreignness, and treating myself to Thailand’s unbeatable street food. With a nightlife scene that is unsurpassed by most places in the world, cheap prices – from accommodation, to food, to transportation, and awe-inspiring temples, I imagine you’d fall in love with Bangkok if you visit in 2011 too.

3) Sydney, Australia

Australia‘s largest city is situated directly on the stunning Sydney Harbor, has world-class restaurants, quaint cafes, historic pubs, and plenty of sunshine. What more can you ask for? Beaches? Deal. There are heaps that are only a short ferry ride away. I unfortunately only budgeted for two short days in Sydney, and expect it will be one of the first places I visit when I head back to the Southern Hemisphere. Sydney is sexy, sophisticated, and terribly addictive. If you’re spending a day there, check out these Sydney Travel Tips.

4) Koh Lanta Island, Thailand

Koh Lanta is an absolute island paradise that presents an excellent combination of chilled-out beaches, local culture, and plenty of nightlife options if you seek them out. Found in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta is an easy two-hour ferry ride away from Krabi in the south of Thailand. Compared to the neighboring Koh Phi Phi Island, Koh Lanta offers a bit more space to explore, get away from the crowds, and get a taste for untouched Thailand paradise.

5) Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Dolphin in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s Northland is a spectacular area with year-round warm temperatures, white-sand beaches, emerald blue waters, and you guessed it – hundreds of small islands in an inlet off the South Pacific Ocean. It’s an absolute must on your backpacking trip to New Zealand; there is an excellent nightlife scene, friendly local Kiwis (and Kiwi birds nearby!), heaps of backpackers passing through, and plenty of ways to get out and experience the beautiful Bay. I recommend dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands as the ideal way to see the area and also meet the Bay’s resident Bottlenose Dolphins.

6) Bali, Indonesia

Exploring Bali on a motorbike stands out as one of my greatest memories from Southeast Asia. It was a fantastic way to see Bali’s diverse island scenery, meet local Balinese, and was significantly more budget friendly than using the island public transportation. Bali is an intensely spiritual island with hospitable locals, vivid green ride paddies, nearly untouched beaches where you can get $10 / hour massages, and some of the world’s best surfing. Visit Bali now as tourism is quickly beginning to take over much of the island.

7) Queenstown, New Zealand

I often say that Queenstown might be one of the most spectacular places for a town anywhere in the world. If you’ve traveled to Queenstown on New Zealand‘s South Island, chances are you’d agree. Set on the brilliant blue waters of Lake Wakatipu with shocking views of The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is a resort community that offers up everything for the adventure sports junkie or outdoor enthusiast. Try bungy jumping, skydiving, jetboating, or paragliding all on your visit to the Adventure Sports Capital of the World. If you’d prefer to stay grounded, check out some of the world-class hikes or Great Rides in the Southern Lakes area.

8 ) Chicago, USA

The Windy City is not only one of the favorite places I visited in 2010, but it’s one of my favorite cities in America. I love Chicago’s downtown scene, the old neighborhoods surrounding Wrigleyville, the waterfront, the Shed Aquarium, and come Christmas — the Christkindlmarket.

9) Kaikoura, New Zealand

Another epic South Island New Zealand town, Kaikoura is tucked between the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean. Kaikoura – kai, meaning food and koura, meaning crayfish – was once only a small crayfishing (lobster) town. Today it’s a mecca for anyone interested in seeing the whales that run up and down the East Coast of New Zealand. Whale Watch Kaikoura runs excellent half day tours where you’re almost guaranteed to see whales. It’s a fascinating experience being so close to such massive creatures.

10) Franz Josef, New Zealand

My home in New Zealand for almost three months was Franz Josef on the wild West Coast of the South Island. Franz Josef is home to the world’s fastest moving glacier – the Franz Josef Glacier. Visiting Franz Josef is a must on any trip to New Zealand – just don’t try to spend three months; you might go crazy. Check out this travel video for tips on visiting this epic area of New Zealand. Thanks for your support throughout 2010 – here’s to seeing more of the world in 2011. What about you? List some of your favorite travel destinations from 2010 in the comments section below.

backpackingmatt December 24, 2010

And The Winner of $250 Is …

Uncategorized 6 Replies

Two weeks ago in my December Update, I announced the first contest ever run on Backpackingmatt.com. I teamed up with HotelClub.com and would be giving away a $200 hotel voucher as well as $50 of cold, hard cash.

All that was required to enter was a comment on the post as well as a Tweet or a Share on Facebook.

I received 10 Facebook Likes, 81 retweets, and 63 excellent entries. Some of you hoped to use the voucher at the start of your RTW trip, some of you wanted a weekend away, and one entrant wanted to host a New Years Eve party for travel bloggers in Bangkok.

To select a winner, I entered the numbers 1 – 63 in Random.org. Each number coincided with your comment number.

Random.org picked the number 8 which makes the winner …

Cailin …

of TravelYourself.ca.

Cailin had this to offer as to where she would use the $200 HotelClub.com voucher:

In February I am planning a trip to Australia and visiting Asia (for the first time ever woooo!) I would definitely use the HotelClub.com voucher while on that trip.

If you have any Asia travel tips for Cailin, please leave them in the comments section below.

Thanks to everyone for the entries – expect more of these on Backpackingmatt.com in the coming year.

backpackingmatt December 21, 2010

4 Reasons You Should Buy Travel Insurance for Your RTW Trip

Travel Advice 20 Replies

Planning a big RTW (Round The World) trip?

Considering dabbling in long term travel?

Spending a couple months backpacking around Thailand?

Congratulations on making the decision to escape your comfort zone and travel the world.

Chances are you have heaps of things on your mind: What kind of backpack to choose? How to get the cheapest airfare? Will you survive long term travel?

One big decision you’ll also have before setting off on your backpacking or round-the-wold trip is whether or not to invest in travel insurance.

Many backpackers choose to not take out a travel insurance policy as they feel it is highly unlikely they will make a claim and therefore it’s a waste of money. While it may hurt initially to put down the money for an insurance policy, it’s foolish to backpack without travel insurance.

There are heaps of benefits to taking out a travel insurance policy, and here are four great reasons you should invest in travel insurance before setting off on your trip of a lifetime:

1) No-Fault Cancellations

Most travel insurance policies will cover you in the event that your transport has been canceled. The cost of flights are often the most expensive costs of your backpacking trip, and in the event you need to purchase alternative tickets this feature is essentially priceless.

Cancellations cover can also cover losses due to bad weather, illness and failures in service where the transportation provider is at fault.

2) Emergency Medication

For backpackers who require prescription medication to be taken frequently while abroad, travel insurance is a must. In the instance where your bag has been lost or stolen with your medication inside, a comprehensive travel insurance policy will cover the costs of having an emergency prescription filled in a foreign country.

In many cases this can be a huge expense, and if not covered by an insurance policy this could spell disaster – and possibly cut your backpacking trip short.

3) Cash and Passport Cover

Any backpacker’s nightmare is to have their cash and passport lost or stolen while overseas. Not only can it take weeks to get a replacement, the cost involved will very easily break your budget. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind while visiting another country.

If you find yourself without your passport or cash, insurance cover will provide emergency travel funds as well as a replacement passport, meaning you can continue your backpacking trip hassle-free.

4) Accident Liability Cover

Accident liability cover is a feature provided under most travel insurance policies. This feature covers you in the event that you have been involved in an accident that has caused damage or harmed a third-party where you are liable. For example, if you are exploring Bali on a motorbike, crash into someone, and a third property has been damaged or injured, this feature of travel insurance will cover any legal expenditures resulting from the accident.

Along with a range of additional benefits and features of travel insurance, the four reasons mentioned are great reasons to purchase a travel insurance policy before departing on your long term backpacking trip.

What’s your take? Any tips on choosing a travel insurance policy? Leave any benefits to purchasing a travel insurance policy or your experiences in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Allianz.

backpackingmatt December 18, 2010

Friday Travel Photo: Sunny Praia de Belixe, Portugal

Europe, Mainland Europe, Travel Photos 4 Replies

Today’s Friday Travel Photo helps you escape the cold of winter and takes you to sunny Praia de Belixe, Portugal. It was submitted by Stephen Burgo of the GoMad Nomad Travel Mag.

January is the ideal time for a backpacker to visit Southern Portugal; the temperatures aren’t quite as extreme, the tourists are few and far between, and accommodation prices are cheap.

Of Sunny Praia de Belixe, Portugal, Stephen says this …

If you travel to the futhest reaches of southwestern Portugal (and the whole of the European contenent) you’ll find the small town of Sagres. It has four supurb beaches, including this one, Praia de Belixe, surrounding the town. In Sagres you’ll find young surfers living out of Volkswagon vans and plenty of other Europeans that have moved to the area for the outstanding weather, beautiful cliffs, and the real estate bargain of western Europe.

For the best of the beaches, check out:

The sheltered, south-facing Praia da Mareta for bathing
The Praia do Martinhal for windsurfing
The wild Praia do Tonel for surfing
The Praia de Belixe for a stunning setting under cliffs.

The town of Sagras itself is nothing special, but pleasant enough complete with the necessities to keep the family, surfer, or backpacker content.

Be sure to check out Stephan’s travel mag – GoMad Nomad Travel Mag and his personal blog the Bohemian Traveler.

Do you have a photo you’d like featured here? Email me at matt [at] backpackingmatt [dot] com.

backpackingmatt December 11, 2010

AT&T: A Case of Horrendous Customer Service & How to Access Data on Your Unlocked iPhone in the US

Travel Advice 21 Replies

One of my Seven Tips for Maintaining Your Travel Blog on the Road is traveling with the assistance of an iPhone.

There are heaps of benefits to this, but first and foremost it helps you keep on top of your emails and in touch with your Twitter followers; along with Google Maps and traveler friendly apps, the iPhone is an essential tool for any backpacker or budget traveler.

Since moving to New Zealand and unlocking my iPhone, I’ve used it hassle free in four different countries:

New Zealand — (Service Provider – 2degrees)
Australia — (Service Provider – Lebara)
Indonesia — (Servic Provider – Simpati)
Thailand — (Service Provider — 1 2 Call)

In each of these countries, it was as simple as picking up a Sim Card at a convenience store, popping it in my iPhone, and adding some credit. With budget friendly data packages, staying connected even in areas without WiFi was not a problem.

I wrongly assumed that after moving temporarily back to the States I’d be able to easily use my unlocked iPhone. My first mistake? I ignored this recent report that named AT&T the worst wireless service provider in the United States.

What follows is my best attempt at reliving the worst customer service experience I’ve ever been a part of.

I stopped by an AT&T Authorized Retailer in Waco, Texas. After explaining my needs – to use data on my unlocked iPhone 3G – the agent recommended I purchase a GoPhone Sim Card. For $19.99, I could purchase 200 MB of data. Sweet. Maybe this will be easy.

After leaving the store, I powered up the iPhone to find AT&T service, five bars, and the 3G icon. All was on track … until I realized the internet didn’t actually work.

I decided to call AT&T’s customer care.

The initial verdict was an unlocked iPhone wouldn’t work with AT&T’s prepaid GoPhone Data Plan. Interesting, as it worked without a single problem in four different countries.

I explained to the first representative that if data wouldn’t work on the phone, I had no interest in continuing service with AT&T.

“Yes, I understand I can still use voice and text, however without data, I’m not interested in your service. I wouldn’t have signed up and given you $40 had the first AT&T employee given me correct information.”

I explained I wanted a refund, and the Customer Service agent then transferred me to the Payments & Processing department – according to the customer service agent, they would be able to process my refund.

After being transferred to Payments & Processing and explaining my situation again (shouldn’t this be noted on my account?), the Payments & Processing agent explained they couldn’t perform the refund, I’d have to talk to Customer Service or the original store directly.

At this point, I asked to speak the supervisor.

I explained the situation to the supervisor before being told I’d have to talk to Customer Service.

I was transferred to Customer Service and began to explain the situation surrounding my case. Before I could finish, I was told that this was out of the hands of customer service, and I’d have to talk to someone in Payments & Processing (Apparently Agent #1 & Supervisor #2 didn’tt know what they’re talking about).

This agent assured me she would explain my situation to someone in Payments & Processing that could help and placed me on hold.

I was transferred to Payments & Processing. They had no idea why I was calling. Now loosing my patience, I asked to be transferred immediately back to customer service.

I was transferred to Customer Service and again explained my situation (why isn’t this noted on my account?). I asked for a supervisor who informed me I’d have to go to the store directly to process the refund.

Accepting that this was the case, I politely asked that the supervisor call the store and explain my situation so there were no confusions when I went back.

“I’m sorry sir, we’re unable to make outbound calls.”

AT&T – a bloody phone company – unable to make calls.

After one hour and thirty minutes on the phone, four different transfers, three different supervisors, and four different answers, I still had no data and no refund.

I arrived 24 hours later at the same store to find the same agent behind the desk. “The data on my iPhone isn’t working,” I explained, “and customer service has requested I come here for the refund.”

“I’m sorry sir,” this lovely lady in her Texas accent explained, “Customer Service should known that all GoPhone Sim sales are final. We can’t give you a refund.”

My blood began to boil. I dialed 611 to reach another Customer Service agent. I explained my situation (Really, why isn’t this noted on my account?) and again immediately asked for a supervisor.

The first thing out of his mouth?

“Sir, the store isn’t going to be able process the refund – you shouldn’t have been asked to go back in.”

More misinformation.

Ironically, it was this fourth supervisor (William) who ultimately pointed me in the right direction. He explained there might be some way to change the iPhone’s internal settings, but I’d have to be on a WiFi network. William offered to research the situation and call me back (though he never did).

I subsequently figured out the fix on my own.

I’m absolutely shocked at the pathetic level of customer service I received. It all barrels down to misinformation – from the moment I walked into the store until the moment I finally was connected with William, almost every member of AT&T’s customer service offered incorrect advice. What kind of company operates off of grossly uniformed employees?

One I’ll never do business with again.

If you’re backpacking or traveling around America and trying to get service on your unlocked iPhone, these are the steps you’ll need to make it happen. Whatever you do, don’t call AT&T’s customer service department.

How to Access Prepaid Data on Your Unlocked iPhone in the US

Step 1: Connect to a WiFi Network

Step 2: Go to unlockit.co.nz & select continue

Step 3: Select “Custom APN”

Step 4: Select Your Carrier – “US – AT&T” (or any other US carrier offering prepaid data)

Step 5: Select “Create Profile.” This will generate your custom APN profile and download it to your phone.

Step 6: Select “Install” and then “Replace” in the subsequent dialog

Your iPhone is now ready for a Prepaid Data plan.

Have you used an unlocked iPhone in the United States? Who was your service provider? Have you been a customer of AT&T & experience subpar customer service? Leave your experiences in the comments section below.

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