Backpacker - Travel Blogs & Travel Guides: 2025

Ubud, Bali – The Ultimate Ubud Travel Guide

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!

Enjoying the view in Yosemite National Park

Find out how you can tour the USA’s most iconic national parks without leaving home… AND win a 3 week trip with Trek America including flights!

One of my top trips of last year was my adventure in California with Trek America. It was a mix of things that made it special. The incredible coastal views along the California highway, the epic landscapes of Yosemite National Park, the vibrant food and culture…oh and the small matter of an awesome bunch of travel buddies! We hiked. We camped. We bonded over log fires. Incredible moments I’ll never forget.

For me, Yosemite was the highlight of our California Callin’ road trip. We spent a few days there, hiking to waterfalls, camping under the stars, checking out the gigantic sequoia trees and the final bucket list came when we spotted a bear crossing the road!

View of The Treasury from the top of the Al-Khubtha Trail in Petra, Jordan

Thinking of visiting Petra? From tours, ticket prices and hotels, to hiking trails and what to wear, this guide will help you plan your trip.

From visiting the Treasury to trekking to the Monastery and finding the most beautiful viewpoints, find out what to expect on a Petra tour.

Wondering how to meet solo travellers when you’re away? You’ll never get lonely with my tried and tested ways to meet people while exploring the world!

I’m a huge fan of jetting off on holiday with my best friends, but there are certain times when the travel experience is heightened by travelling solo. When you only have yourself to think about, you can create a trip that’s totally suited to you.

Plus, without anyone to hide behind, you tend to make more friends, take a leap out of your comfort zone, and relish the adventure! Hey, I never would have gone volcano boarding in Nicaragua or hang-glided in Rio if I had some of my scaredy-cat friends there to chicken out with!

Volcano Boarding Nicaragua — Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

It’s fair to say solo travel has a bit of a stigma. Not only is it a daunting prospect for the one doing it… it’s also the kind of thing your mum will have a big opinion about! Will you be safe? What crazy things are you planning to do? And after days of fun… what happens when you get lonely?