Tag Archives: Travel Advice

Why I love travelling South East Asia…

Many people have asked me why I travel to Asia more often than any other continent or region in the world. There’s not really a single answer to it.

I like the weather, the food, the people and the adventures and experiences you can have there.

In 2015 I did a Contiki tour called the “Asian Aventure“. I met many awesome people from around the globe on the tour and made a great new friend.  There where parties, of course, but the main reason why I loved this tour so much –  besides making new friends – were the places we visited and the experiences we had. We went to the North of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

Lets take  the following photo for instance:

Laos Pakbeng – In the morning

Have you every imagined waking up very early in the morning in a small village in Laos (“Pakbeng”). Going down to a small pier to catch a “slow boat” on the Mekong river even before the sun has fully risen ? 10 years ago I woudn’t even dreamed about it.

 

 

 

Cambodia Siem Reap – Temples

We also explored the amazing Angkor Wat and the other temples in Cambodia where one of the Tomb Raider movies was filmed.
There’s even a cocktail named after Lara Croft in one the bars in Siem Reap. 😉

I’ll definitely come back, because 2 days are not enough to see all the temples in this huge national park.

Or in 2012:

Bangkok – Dr. BJs’s Salon

I took a strawl though Bangkok and suddenly found this place. One of the many stores and venues with such a funny “In your face” name. You’ll find bars, restaurants, massage parlours and many other places with this very direct marketing. It makes me giggle. Every time.

In 2016 I went back to Thailand to visit some of the Islands  in the west. (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao).
We also took a day trip to this paradise like island:

Thailand Koh Nang Yuan

 

 

 

 

 

More Asian Adventures to come…

5 tips for your arrival at Sydney Airport, Australia

You’re flying to Sydney. Here are 5 tips you should read. I love this Airport and stayed there for several hours on my first arrival in Australia.

1. Get a local sim card

sim cards
Telstra - sim card starter kit

for your mobile phone. Using a local sim card with an Australian phone number is in most cases cheaper than roaming with your carrier at home.

Both Vodafone and Yes!Optus have retail stores in the public area of the international terminal. Also, you can get sim cards for Telstra at the Australia Post Office in the departure hall of the international area.

Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports the right 3G frequency bands. Telstra uses mostly 850 Mhz, while Vodafone and Optus use a Mix of 2100/900 Mhz (and sometimes 850 Mhz, depending on the area).

Check your phone’s manual or ask your carrier at home for details.
Also check details of your Australian carrier of choice, the frequencies may changed.

2. Get sunscreen!

My travel agent recommended SPF 30 or SPF 50 depending on your skin. The o-zone layer in Australia is not as strong as it is in Europe or the USA. You can get sunscreen at the pharmacy stores at Sydney Airport.

Here’s a list of locations at Sydney Airport.

3. Free Internet kiosks

You need to check your emails or update your Facebook status?. Sydney Airport has internet kiosks in several locations at International Terminal (T1) and Domestic Terminal (T2).  Most offer a free internet session for a specific time period

The Sydney Airport website has a list of locations.

4. Get a free Sydney city guide book

Free Sydney City Guidebook
Free Sydney City Guidebook

Before heading to duty free shopping and the customs and immigration counters, make sure to grab a free Sydney city guide book. some of them also include coupons for several attractions.

The city guide books are available in several languages.

5. take the train

Most people I know stay in Sydney when they arrive in Australia at Sydney Airport. When you stay in the Central Business District, the train is often a better option for transport from/to the Airport.
It’s a direct connection, no traffic jams and it’s eco friendly.

There are train stations at the International and the domestic terminal. According to airportlink.com.au a ticket to the CBD costs $ 15.40 AUD

in Australia