Backpacker - Travel Blogs & Travel Guides: 2023

Best Tour Companies For Solo Travellers And Singles

It’s time to compare the top group tour companies for solo travellers and singles.

Vintage cars and colourful buildings on the Malecon, Havana

From visiting Plaza Vieja to sipping on a mojito at La Bodeguita Del Medio, and enjoying the vintage cars and colourful buildings, here’s how to spend the perfect 24 hours in Havana, Cuba.

“You have to go to Cuba NOW before it’s too late!”

They were the words that rung out as I waited outside Havana airport in the pouring rain, unable to find a taxi, after spending two hours in the immigration queue.

“This better be worth it,” I thought.

I don’t know how many people had suggested Cuba when I was planning my travels last year. There was a lot of talk about the country going through a period of change. Many said that the old charm was gradually disappearing. As I returned to the UK after my trip, I was met by the news of developments in the relationship between United States and Cuba. It seemed my timing was just right.

When I visited Havana, first impressions were of a strange but beautiful city. Over the next 4 days, it really grew on me. So, if you’re planning a trip, (and remember “you have to go now before it’s too late”) here is my guide to the perfect 24 hours in Havana, Cuba – a crazy, magical city on the brink of so much change.

THE PERFECT 24 HOURS IN HAVANA, CUBA – WHAT TO DO IN ONE DAY IN HAVANA

10am: After breakfast, take a walk along the Malecon – the esplanade along the seafront. The views of the city are beautiful, particularly when combined with an endless stream of vintage cars passing by the ramshackle multi-coloured buildings along the water.

Considering cat sitting? Find out exactly what to expect from your first house sitting assignment.

Recently I revealed I’d started house sitting. I realised that it could really complement my life as a travel blogger. Along with looking after a cute pet, you also get to experience life in different places around the world.

After many months travelling, interspersed with short periods at my family home, I’ve started to REALLY miss my former London life. I used to go for walks along the river, discover cute local pubs and restaurants, and thrived on that all-encompassing London buzz.

Applying For A Cat Sitting Job In London

While Trusted Housesitters has properties available all over the world, I decided for my first assignment I’d like to head back to London. I applied for four cat sitting jobs in the space of week. They were all looking for someone for a few days in January. Two had over 20 applicants and after playing the waiting game I received generic “thanks but no thanks” messages via my account.

Perfect beach scene in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

House sitting offers you free accommodation in amazing locations around the world. Plus, you get the bonus of looking after some cute pets along the way! Find out how to become a house sitter and where to find dog and cat sitting jobs too.

The thing about us travel bloggers is we’re never in one place for long. But with that lifestyle comes the problem of where to live.

Playing with Enzo at our first house sitting assignment

Last year, I spent several months living in London, a month in South America and jetted off on 47 flights to 16 different countries. In between trips I spent a week or two at home. Yes my family home. I knew it was temporary but it still took some getting used to! Goodbye London life, independence and quick drinks with friends after work. But then again, how often was I even in the country to do that these days anyway?

Tegalalang Rice Terraces, near Ubud, Bali (Photo: Macca Sherifi)

Ubud is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Bali, Indonesia. From incredible waterfalls and rice terraces, to volcano hikes, yoga classes and massages, find out the top things to do, places to visit, eat, drink, and of course, a few of my special tips for travelling around the region in my Ubud blog!

Ubud is one of those super cool towns I’d read about before I visited Bali in Indonesia. Friends raved about the natural beauty, the spas, food, waterfalls, day trips, yoga and more. I felt like everyone had a favourite spot in the area, and feeling cynical I wondered whether it was going to be horribly overhyped and touristy!

You know what? It really wasn’t. I mean, there were plenty of people visiting but it didn’t have that horrible touristy vibe where you feel like all real culture has been lost. It lived up to the hype, and perhaps even surpassed beyond my expectations.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. So after spending so many enjoyable days there, I wanted to write this Ubud travel blog with a few of my top places to visit and things to do. Some are obvious (hello rice terraces and waterfalls!) and some are places that I discovered with my friends and couldn’t wait to share!

Top Things To Do In Ubud, Bali – The Ultimate Ubud Guide

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Ubud’s most iconic photos are of the beautiful lush rice paddies to the north of the town. They’re as stunning as the photos, and the green is so bright, you feel like you’ve cranked up the saturation!

You can enter free of charge, but to continue to different sections, you’ll pay small fees (a few IDR). You can also pay to have photos at the famous Love Bali sign or to pose with one of the workers in the famous hats!