This award winning hostel was one of our favorites. The common rooms, kitchens (a little small, but one on each floor) and bathrooms were spotless and recently renovated, the beds were comfortable and long (enough for Terry’s long legs not to stick out from the covers!), awesome rooftop views equipped with BBQs, and a helpful [...]

This ‘apartment’ style hostel offers free wireless internet (certain times throughout the day), a small pool, spacious and well decorated double rooms and kitchens in each dorm room. The owner was extremely helpful and books all sorts of tours, diving and onward travel directly from the hostel. A short walk from The Esplanade [...]

We have nothing but great things to say about Pro Dive in Cairns! The three day live-aboard was nothing short of professional, entertaining and enjoyable. Although a packed schedule, we never felt rushed and the crew definitely made it their mission to be attentive to all the divers and ensure the experience was ‘once [...]

This mammoth hostel, converted from a 1900 department store, located near Central Station and Railway Square is extremely popular among backpackers and travelers of all ages. Although a little more expensive than the competition, the extra pennies are worth the cleanliness and free activities that the hostel offers. The café downstairs offers the “Meal [...]

In Ubud, there are plentiful Balinese homestays where basic accommodation can be found for $10 (fan rooms with shared bathroom) as well as luxurious 5 star hotels with all the amenities, such as the Four Seasons. Harder to find are the mid range but great value hotels such as Puri Garden Hotel. The [...]

Tucked away in a small alley off Monkey Forest road, Sania house is an authentic jewel of a homestay. The family that resides in the traditional Balinese compounds couldn’t be any friendlier and cuter with new chubby babies sleeping and little boys putting on plays. The rooms and bathrooms were recently renovated and every [...]

In the artistic capital of Yogyakarta, we stayed in the hip area of Prawirotaman, bursting with cafés, intellectual talks and university students. Ministry of Coffee guesthouse fit right in with very comfortable rooms, plush beds, English cable TV and free internet (we did truly laze around here in style at least two full days to [...]

So far, Thailand beaches have been really relaxing and we’ve found some of our favorite spots in the last seven weeks and found that some are overrated in the guide books. Although similar, there are a few things that stand out in each that could make or break your beach time.

Ko Samui [...]