There are many different ways that a person can travel these days. Perhaps in the past it was just taking a suitcase and heading off for a short trip, but now options are there to stay longer through either working holiday visas or through volunteer agencies. This blog is going to look at a few specific agencies that offer the possibility of individuals doing volunteer work abroad. Most of the agencies mentioned offer some type of payment in terms of room and board, and on occasion a monthly stipend. The benefit beyond the small monetary reward is that volunteering will allow you the chance to really make a difference in world locations that need it.

WWOOF – World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms www.wwoof.org

Opportunities are abound with this organization that places volunteers to work on different organic farms in more than 53 different locations. Thousands of host farms offer board and lodging in exchange for a day’s work on their farm.

Sudan Volunteer Programme, Sudan – www.svp-uk.com

This program provides the opportunity for volunteers to teach English in one of the worlds most impoverished countries. Volunteers are placed to schools and universities and may also be assigned to community projects beyond their teaching duties. Though volunteers must pay for their own airfare all other costs, including housing and food are covered. A small monthly stipend, to cover incidentals, is also given to volunteers.

Help Exchange – www.helpx.net.

Help exchange is a website list that connects hosts, around the world, to willing volunteers. The projects are very diverse ranging from working in schools, building houses, community centres, to working on farms and gardens. A small membership fee is required to sign up for the web site, www.helpx.net. Food and lodging are exchanged for work. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time in very diverse parts of the world.

HF Holidays – Europe   www.hfholidays.co.uk

HF Holidays a well known European walking tour operator is always looking for volunteers to guide its treks. Trek leaders are given accommodations, meals and the opportunity to explore diverse areas of Europe. This company provides a great opportunity for individuals that love nature and want to show others their passion for it.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy, USA  www.appalachiantrail.org

At a length of over 2,000 miles the Appalachian Trail is an epically long journey through the eastern United States. Along its expanses are more than 2,000 endangered or threatened species. In exchange for food and accommodations, which are usually pretty basic, volunteers help maintain and at times re-construct this historical trail.

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No matter how amazing, outrageous or downright bizarre, the most memorable travel experiences have one thing in common: they’re spontaneous. Being endlessly surprised by the unexpected is the sweetest of cherries atop the already darn delicious cake that is travel.

Often, the most unforgettable experiences that you find yourself shaking your head at in retrospect and excitedly sharing with anyone who’ll listen are not the huge, world-famous sights but the small moments of things you could never, ever imagine happening at home. In light of encouraging everyone to get out on the proverbial road, here are a couple of my fondest, strangest travel memories.

Japanese skiing

Although Japanese culture is one of the most widely known and respected Asian cultures in the wider world, a holiday there will prove that you can get culture shock no matter how well you think you know a place. On my Japan ski holiday, my group and I settled for a traditional ryokan, a Japanese B&B where you sleep on a traditional futon mattress on the ground. It was a lovely, peaceful place and we enjoyed the cultural experience of rebelling against something we all take for granted in the Western world – sleeping on a bed.

What we were not expecting was the, er, communal baths. At first pleased by the fluffy robe and slippers we were presented with, the gift of the wicker basket was slightly more puzzling.  Meaning it involved naked strangers bathing, soaking and washing together… naked.  Oh, except for the wash cloth strategically draped over their heads like a funny cloth hat. Culture shock with a naked twist.

Sri Lankan street life

A single week in Sri Lanka could easily fill an entire book with these sorts of moments, so I’ll recount one of the most basic yet memorable.

Driving in Sri Lanka is never dull; although it should be added that for most vehicles on the road, driving is only a third priority at best, after honking and overtaking. It’s somewhat like a video game, in fact, dodging fearless dog, cow and human pedestrians. Meanwhile, ‘Lanka Ashok Leyland’ buses bearing brazen metallic colours own the road, and do they know it – typically admitting and ejecting passengers from a side door without actually stopping, sometimes hardly slowing.

On top of that, the stunning and ever-changing scenery makes concentrating on the vaguely festive activity of driving even more of a challenge. Jungles to farmland, tea plantations to mountain ranges pass by in quick succession. The only thing guaranteed throughout the country is a rich and colourful range of temples, mosques, ancient sights and street food stalls offering delicious local fare – spiced mangoes, anyone?

Thai tuk tuk ride

Along with muay thai, elephants, and mouthwatering pad thai, tuk tuks are somewhat of a symbol of Thailand. Though I’d been warned by guidebooks and expat friends alike to expect to be ripped off – not to mention a hair-raising rush this side of unpleasant – I gave into the temptation. When a bright pink tuk tuk pulled up beside me outside the Grand Palace complex, its driver asking if I wanted a ride, I knew I’d regret it if I declined.

This is inner city travelling at its most extreme – virtually open to the elements, rather rattly and with questionable driving skills. For the record, I was ripped off (though it was still remarkably cheap in comparison to the transport options back home!) and cajoled into visiting a silk store. Still, the ride was worth it. I’d say not for the faint-hearted but, in some ways, I think it’s especially for the faint-hearted.

Author bio: Maria Lucia is a psychology student and avid traveller from East London.

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This is a continuation of a previous blog that discusses both ways to have a great time in Copenhagen as well as connecting to the Danish people. While at the end of the day in a city as beautiful and fun as Copenhagen there is no way to totally go wrong you may still not maximize the fun you could have. Danes are an open bunch, the most so in my personal travels, and they will surprise you how quickly they will take you under their wing and invite you out with them if you are in the right places.

Do experience Nyhavn but when night time comes go to Norroborro… 

Nyhavn is a picturesque spot, a post card really (and it is on many), that show cases a Copenhagen from yesteryear with sailing boats and multi coloured buildings. Go to a get a pint in one of the bars in Nyhavn and you will be paying $10 – 15 US dollars for it. A tip if you hang around here, when Danish people visit Nyhavn they go to the supermarket and buy their own beers and sit on nearby benches instead of the expensive terraces.

Getting back to the point, when night time arrives there are loads of fun options – that real Danes, often of the younger and more artistic variety will be doing – in Noroborro. This section of town is thriving at night with a youthful energy and cheaper pubs, food, and clubs. If you are looking for fun check out the Stengade – a music venue run completely by volunteers, Drone – a fun stylish bar that’s a friendly hipster’s paradise, or Rust – a lively night club with various floors playing live music or DJs.

Do Ride a Bike in the City 

Copenhagen, along with Amsterdam are the quintessential bike cities of Europe. From the moment that you leave Copenhagen central station you senses will be flooded with bikes going by in every which direction. Now each city is graced with activities that will really connect you to the place and in Copenhagen riding a bike is one such thing.  Try it yourself, there are different places that you can rent a bike around the city. You’ll find that with a bike, a map, and a day or two of experience in the city you will have very little need of public transport. A bicycle will connect you all the way to the beaches of Amager all the way up to bohemian Norrebro.

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Few non-Queenslanders are in on the secret, but it’s also a great place to catch a music festival, and with an enticing range to choose from, why not base your Queensland road trip around the music festival calendar? You’ll learn that there is more to Queensland than you ever could have imagined.

Summafieldayze

Sydney can keep its fireworks; Queensland knows how to usher in the New Year, and that, my friends, is through Summafieldayze. Held in early January in what is more or less the ultimate festival location – renowned Gold Coast’s The Spit – Summafieldayze is a big deal of a festival always featuring an impressive mix of big-name and unknown indie bands.

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival

As the vaguely Melbournian name might suggest, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival is one for the indie kids, with more street cred than a Bondi hipster. It’s held on the first weekend of February in central Brisbane, the Queensland capital. Though next year’s line-up has not been released, this year’s boasted Flume and Nicolas Jaar, to name but a few. It conclusively proves that Queensland is more than just beaches and sunshine.

Golden Days Festival

Ahh, Golden Days. Every bit as halcyon as its name not so subtly suggests, Golden Days is a beachside festival held in mid November in Coolum, on the beautiful Sunshine Coast (which, by the way, is also as, er, sunshiney as its name suggests). This festival is a more relaxed option than the stereo-pumped Summafieldayze and techno-powered St Jerome’s, a weekend to really kick back and relax at. And why not indulge in a surf on the side while you’re there?

Caloundra Music Festival

Laidback and pristine, Caloundra boasts all the best that the Queensland coast has to offer. And there’s no better time to visit than late September for the not-for-profit Caloundra Music Festival, a beachy, family friendly affair.

It caters to music lovers from every genre, having featured performances by famous Aussie bands The Cat Empire, Living End and John Butler Trio in the past. We can’t wait to see who is on next year’s line-up. Whoever it is, we’re sure they will make sorting out the car loans for a vehicle with John Hughes well worthwhile – a road trip is called for!

Author bio: Jenny Johnson is a media student and freelance writer from the Gold Coast, Queensland.

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Flickr user ‘Benson Kua’

Walk the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is an area of ruins in the Italian capital with so much history behind it. From public speeches to executions and gladiator fights to parades, this was the epicentre of political and social activity. Monuments and statues remain, albeit a little run down, and you can visit the whole thing for free.

Climb the Spanish Steps

One of Rome’s main attractions, the Spanish Steps, is actually free to visit. The 138 steps that lead away from Piazza di Spagna won’t cost you a penny to climb, although it may cost you some effort! It is the widest staircase in Europe and therefore one of the most unique.

Drink water

On a hot summer’s day, and especially after climbing the Spanish Steps, you will be parched in Rome! Fortunately, the public water fountains in the city are all free to use so you can fill up your bottle and keep hydrated. And with some of the fountains having been there for centuries you’ll be drinking from a little piece of Rome’s history.

Flickr user ‘TheCreativePenn’

Visit the Trevi Fountain

This one is almost free. Technically it is completely free as there is no fee to see this huge and famous fountain. The legend is, however, that all those who throw a coin into its waters will be guaranteed a return trip. So it could pay worth parting with those few cents to ensure another fun visit to the Italian capital in the future!

Be amazed at the Vatican Museum  

This is one of the most popular museums in Rome and gives a fascinating insight into life in the Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state. It normally costs to enter, but on the last Sunday of every month it is completely free! So you’ll be able to enter and see fascinating works such as the Sistine Chapel if you can make your trip coincide with the month’s last Sunday. Get there early, though, as there are bound to be queues when it’s free!

One final way to save money in Rome is to book a self-catering apartment, such as those offered on Oh-Rome.com, rather than a hotel. Not only will the initial price be cheaper, but you’ll have the chance to eat in some nights too, making even more savings.

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Copenhagen is one of the most attractive and interesting cities in the world. There is much to do here, so much to the extent that you may need the advise of a good friend to send you in the right direction. The following blog is going to discuss a few ways to spend your time here in the capital of Denmark and have the best possible time that you can.

Do come here in Spring/ Summer 

Now winter does always provide the chance for a some cozy house bars and people gathering in the pubs, but in general – especially in Copenhagen – winter is best avoided. Copenhagen comes alive in the summer in a big way. As the sun comes out it warms the hearts of Danes and leads them outdoors to one of their many, many outdoor events. Summer in the city boasts the Distortion Festival – a five day long street party, and Sankt Hans Aften -a bon fire in celebration of the summer solstice, and so many out activities you will constantly be having a blast. 

Do Drink on the Streets 

In Copenhagen not only is it legal to drink on the streets there isn’t even social norms against it. In this city somehow people can drink, have a good time, and there really isn’t that much trouble because of it. For this reason in order to save money in bars, which the drinks are expensive, don’t just pre-drink at someone’s house, pre drink right on the way to where you are going. Also, beers in the park or around some of squares and bridges in town is just fine too. The bottom line is that there is as much fun on the streets as in the bars and here you are fully able to take advantage of it.

Don’t be afraid of Christiana 

Christiana is Copenhagen’s free town and is one of the most chilled out locales that you will ever see. Occasionally visitors to the city get scared off as there is a rumour that in the last few years the previously passive marijuana sales here have been taken over by more dangerous criminal organizations. Whether this is true or not don’t be afraid of this place, its a wonderland of different art and vibe that is fantastic and welcoming.

Don’t be afraid to talk to Danes

Danish people are amongst the friendliest and warm in the world. I once joked to a friend that it is nearly impossible to make a Dane mad as they are so open. Also Danish people are fantastic at English and always enjoy talking to foreigners. You’ll be surprised when you speak with them how worldly they are how well traveled.

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Anyone who tries to do and see all there is in Barcelona in one day is in for a surprise – a rather rude one – because this is a city that cannot be condensed. It just can’t! Regardless of your plans, budget or preconceived notions about what Barcelona has to offer, you cannot get a feel for the city without spending at least a week here, so you might as well get comfortable!

I would recommend getting a great hostel booked through Hostel Bookers as soon as possible as these places have the tendency to fill up fast. The last time I visited Barcelona I thought I could just walk into the first place I found and get a room no problem – no vacancies for a week, I found out. You would think I would’ve learned my lesson from the last time I was here and had to spend it on the beach but no – I’m not a fast learner. Turns out, many hostels now prefer to deal through sites like Hostel Bookers and don’t take people just off the streets, which is really a huge change from how things used to be even just a few short years ago.

So as long as you’re smart and not a moron like me, you’ll have a place to crash, preferably a private room, downtown where you can explore by day and party hard at night. The reason I say go for a private room is because people have a tendency to be super annoying in hostels, only thinking of themselves and being on their own schedules – and you want to be free to be one of those people too without suffering the consequences. If you want to sleep until noon and not be disturbed, or pop a quick nap in during the afternoon before heading out for the night, you’re more likely to be able to do so in a private room… so don’t cheap out!

This will leave you free to wander the streets and find adventures. There’s nothing like Barcelona when the streets are packed and the energy of the city is flowing. Visit the markets and just wander around looking at all the crazy stuff from food to clothing and everything in between. The first time I went to Barcelona I had no idea where I was going until I got there and picked up a map, and only then did I realize how many places there were to see and how little time I gave myself.

One entire day really needs to be devoted to the beach and all the amazing sights around it, from the fabulous bodies to the scary looking ones. Buy a cerveza from the vendors that wander along all day, take a dip in the sea and just generally love life. Even if you aren’t religious, you won’t be able to take your eyes off Sagrada Familia, the church that has been being built for well over a century and is truly ridiculous in design. Couple this with walking through the old quarters and grabbing a few tapas and you’ll have a great day planned right there.

Another day needs to be sacrificed to the night because if you haven’t experienced Barcelona at night, you are missing out hugely. The clubs are insane and everyone loves having a good time – so don’t feel bad about sleeping an entire day, which you’ll be able to if you took my first piece of advice!

Seriously though, Barcelona needs more than one day. It’s a fabulous city you’ll want to revisit as soon as you can.

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There is always a musical or a play on show at famous London theatres such as the Theatre Royal, the Adelphi, the Globe, the Royal Opera House, the Novello Theatre or the Almeida. If you are a tourist and have a busy schedule at least try to visit any of top ten theatres such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Lion King, the Dominion or the Queen’s Theatre. It can be an unforgettable experience to view “Singing in the Rain” or an equally enchanting live production in a classic theatre. London is one of the few cities in the world to have so many theatres exclusively devoted to kids, musicals, pantomime, classic Shakespeare plays and musicals. There are over 1200 theatres here. You could get to see Judi Dench, Rowan Atkinson and other big names in action.  There are other events taking place at these theatres and you could enjoy being part of a grand spectacle.

The best thing about London cinema theatres is that there is always some film festival or the other going on and you could get to see present as well as past masterpieces. From 30th April to 6th May you can enjoy a Sci-Fi London Film Festival at the Apollo Cinema in Piccadilly Circus. The Portobello Film Festival 2013 is scheduled for September 2013.The Sundance London Film and Music Festival 2013 will be held from 25th April to 28th April. The United Film Festival London starts in July.

One thing to keep in mind is that it may not always be easy to drive up to any theatre or movie theatre and hope to get a ticket. It is far better to book cinema tickets online and be assured of your seat. Even regular London dwellers know this and do it routinely. For some theatre shows and at some movie halls the ticket prices may be quite steep. A workaround is to get theatre vouchers London focused discount websites offer. You could get rebates up to 70% of the printed price. If you plan to make an evening of it with your friends or family, the savings are simply fantastic and enjoyment multiplies.

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Shopping in Haight-Ashbury

Haight Ashbury is one of the busiest commercial areas in San Franicso and is famous for having many independent businesses who specialize in alternative products. There are vintage clothes shops like Aaardvark’s Odd Ark too look for great thrift bargains and gems. Music shops such as Amoeba Records (housed in a former bowling alley), Recycled Records, and Grove Merchants – the latter where DJs find their spins. The Haight is also filed with fantastic book stores like the legendary City Lights Book Store.

Haight Ashbury Victorians

Haight Ashbury is also known for having great Victorian style architecture made of brick. Perhaps the best example of this is the Red Vic, a Bed and Breakfast – which also part museum and part street side cafe. A quick wander up Ashbury Street will lead you to the Grateful Dead House (710 Ashbury) the resident where the infamous band lived communally with other varied Haight characters.

Parks in the Haight-Ashbury

Haight Asbury also has access to several fantastic parks. A few of them include.
- Buena Vista Park which has sweeping views over the Golden Gate Bridge and a warm sun drenched green in the summer.
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco’s main park starts in Haight Ashbury then stretches to the ocean. With a variety of things to see and do this park suits all temperaments and personalities. Check out “hippy hill” which is easily recognized by the beating drums and the aromatic smoke that clouds above it all day long.

Nightlife in the Haight-Ashbury

Perhaps roaring nightlife isn’t the strength of Haight Ashbury, but still there are a few cool bars and pubs to fall into as the sun goes down. Hobson’s Choice specializes in cocktails; Club Deluxe plays live swing and jazz music; Mad Dog in the Fog is the Haights British pub, and Noc Noc is an edgy artsy bar full of locals.
A great time to be in Haight-Ashbury is for its yearly street fair on the second Sunday each June. Traffic is blocked and live stages are erected and food and varied stalls are set up.

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From national parks to mountain ranges and wetlands, which are home to some stunning bird species, you are bound to find plenty to do on cheap holidays to Mallorca. So here are a few locations you may wish to explore.

Mondrago National Park

Since 1992 this corner of Majorca, located on the south east coast, has been a national park, where the lush green trees are brought into contrast with the turquoise water lining it. Over a space of 785 hectares streams, ravines, beaches, cliffs and sand dunes are scattered, making it a fascinating place to explore.

There are four main routes to take around the Mondrago National Park, easily undertaken in a morning or afternoon, leaving the rest of the day for having fun on the beach. They have been designed to take in a number of interesting sights along the way, including viewpoints, such as that at Ses Fonts de N’Alis.

Along the way visitors can expect to see some of the rare flora and fauna which is native to the park, like the marine thistle and the houseleek. Further to this, there is a path leading to a bird observatory for those keen to spot some falcons, turtledoves and cuckoos among others.

Meanwhile there are plenty of reptiles and amphibians, such as toads, lizards, snakes and turtles, which have made Mondrago their home. Smaller mammals including mountain rabbits and dormice also abound.

Serra de Tramuntana

The backbone of Majorca is provided by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, stretching south-west to north-east and creating a stunning setting for getting into the great outdoors. It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010 with as many as 750 archaeological sites found in the area.

Puig Major is the highest peak in the range and in fact the tallest of all mountains on any of the Balearic Islands. Interesting shaped limestone formations carved by the elements over the years are home to a number of pine woods and several half-abandoned fincas, all adding to the charm.

Hiking in areas around the church at Lluc, or the towns of Soller and Pollenca is particularly good, with public transport able to drop walkers off nearby to start their journeys.

S’Albufera Wetlands

Formerly a lagoon, separated from the saltwater of the sea by a series of sand dunes, the S’Albufera wetlands have become marshes which provide the habitat for a wide range of species of flora, fauna, fish and animals.

This national park is a nature lover’s paradise and although a visiting permit is required for entry, this can be obtained from the reception centre for free. Due to the fact that it is of such importance as a home to immense biodiversity everyone must adhere to a series of rules for its preservation.

Entrance to the park is by foot or bicycle only, which helps to add to its tranquillity and all persons are asked to keep quiet. This is not only good for the wildlife, but adds to the enjoyment for other visitors, who are more likely to spot interesting species.

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