the Travel Enthusiast
- 21 Mar
The backpacker’s guide to Ecuador
Quito
Ecuador is small and somewhat overshadowed by its larger and more touristy neighbors Colombia and Peru, but even as the second smallest country on the continent has more natural diversity and more culture to offer than many larger places. Ecuador packs a huge punch: it has the tallest active volcano on the planet (Cotopaxi), it straddles the equator, and it has the lovely and always surprising Galapagos Islands.
If you’re into nature exploration and wildlife watching, the stunning geography and the endemic species of Ecuador are just the thing for you. If you’re more interested in historic sites and colonial heritage, then you can take your pick of several great world heritage sites. And the best part is that Ecuador is backpacker friendly, and it’s easy to see all these wonders on a shoestring. Here is a backpacker’s guide to Ecuador for travelers longing for something special. …
- 20 Martylerd in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTS
The most fascinating ghost towns in Asia
Dhanushkodi, photo by -Chandra- on Flickr
Ghost towns with creaking saloon doors and the occasional tumbleweed are interesting relics of the American wild west, but ghost towns can be creepy, unsettling and completely fascinating wherever they are. The thing about ghost towns is that they mostly manage to fool you by looking like they are still inhabitable, and yet there is no other soul in sight except you, or some other travelers in search of new experiences.
Asia’s ghost towns are particularly intriguing, even if some of them have never even had any inhabitants. All of these places have some interesting and often morbid story to tell, and all of them will make a shiver go down your spine. Here are some of the most fascinating ghost towns in Asia. …
- 16 Marpapillon in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTS
The best World Heritage Sites in the Philippines
Banaue Rice Terraces, photo by bertconcepts on Flickr
The Philippines might not look that huge on the map, but considering that the nation has over seven thousand islands and the longest coastline in the world, the Philippines has enough places to visit to last for a lifetime. Although it is the second largest archipelago in the world, the Philippines is quite far off the beaten path when it comes to tourism in Southeast Asia.
But for a backpacker or indie traveler, this is just as well, because you won’t have to brave the hordes in search of a place where you can relax. The Philippines is home to extraordinary natural beauty and an equally extraordinary culture, both of which have achieved several UNESCO titles. Find out more about this amazing country by visiting some of the best World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. …
- tomtum in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTS
The most spectacular volcanoes in Asia
Mount Bromo, photo by Michael Day on Flickr
Volcanoes might seem like lava spitting, smoke belching hell machines (and they really are that, if you happen to live at the base of an active volcano), but travelers with a sense of adventure will always want to see them in person, simply because volcanoes tend to be some of the most impressive natural sites on the planet.
Whether you want to see a destructive force of nature from a safe distance, or to see the extinct remains of a volcano that has most certainly terrorized a lot of people in the past, you should head to the Asian continent, home to some of the most impressive volcanoes on the planet. If you like visiting exciting natural sites, travel to see some of the most spectacular volcanoes in Asia. …
- kachou_n in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTS
5 great destinations in Belgium
The gorgeous city center of Leuven
The country of chocolate and medieval architecture, of equal rights and waffles is known around the world mostly for the controversies it sometimes causes, and for a having a rather shady history in the colony. Belgium is not the first country one things of when mentioning Europe and tourism in the same sentence, but in fact Belgium has lots of great sights with which to lure in visitors, not counting its delicious desserts.
The country if far from being a boring and stuffy headquarter for the EU, and it has a surprisingly rich and diverse heritage. The cities are intriguing, the countryside is heavenly, what more could you wish for? Here are 5 great destinations in Belgium. …
- 14 Mar
Backpacking in Vietnam
Vietnam, Halong Bay, photo by Joseph Hunkins
Read a short summary of Vietnam’s history and what you’ll find is far from being a pleasant read. But for a country whose most recent and most horrific war ended a scant three and a half decades ago, Vietnam is remarkably fun, light-hearted and welcoming.
Like many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, Vietnam is a popular backpacking destination, where travelers with not much money but with a thirst for new sights and experiences have have the trip of a lifetime. The cities are a flurry of activity, the countryside is scenic beyond belief and the culture is fascinating. If you want an exotic holiday, or the craziest adventure you’ve ever experienced, try backpacking in Vietnam. …
- itachan in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTS
The natural wonders of Turkey
Pamukkale, photo by Esther Lee on Flickr
Turkey has become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations in the past few decades, and whenever anyone talks about the appeals of Turkey there will be mentions of bazaars, hookah bars, kebabs and a wealth of historical and archaeological sites.
But as interesting as Turkish culture is, the natural beauty of the country also plays a part in attracting tourists. Turkey is surrounded on three sides by sea and one side by mountains, so it is graced with a nice climate and some interesting quirks of nature. While exploring Turkish culture and its delights, take some time to check out some of the natural wonders of Turkey as well. …
- papillon in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTS
Visiting the oldest cities in the world
Luxor
It might seem almost strange that the neon colored jungles that are modern big cities could be anything but brand new, and living completely in the present.
But most cities don’t need to look old in order to be old, and while you might be walking down a newly paved alley fringed with modern cafes and restaurants, it’s possible that others have walked on the same streets a few millennia ago. …
- 13 Martibi60 in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTS
Bhutan’s scenic monasteries
Taktsang Monastery, photo by taxidesign on Flickr
Bhutan is a tiny patch of land lodged between Tibet and India, two nations that get significantly more international attention, and lots more tourists too. But Bhutan has its fair share of enthusiast despite not being part of the mainstream resort circuit.
For a backpacker or an indie traveler, Bhutan is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural experiences, and one of the last remaining places in Asia that can truly be called unspoiled.
One might say that Bhutan is poor, but in a country where they actually have something called an indicator of Gross National Happiness it is easy to find things that are more important than luxurious hotels and resorts. Discover the beauty of Bhutanese culture and nature by visiting some of Bhutan’s scenic monasteries. …
- 06 Marlizzy_a in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTS
The most spectacular waterfalls in Asia
Shiraito Fall, photo by Zengame on Flickr
Niagara, Angel Falls, Victoria Falls, Plitvice Falls. Almost every continent in the world is home to a few of the world’s most famous waterfalls, but when it comes to Asia, not many waterfalls are the topic of conversations. But Asia can boast of some of the most stunning natural sights in the world, and there are more than enough waterfalls on this vast continent that could do with a little more attention.
There are countless waterfalls in Asia that could easily compete in terms of beauty and sheer awesomeness with any of the ‘stars’, and any list of the most spectacular waterfalls in Asia only manages to scratch the surface! …
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