What Backpacker Mandatory Equipment

What Backpacker Mandatory Equipment

You plan to be a backpacker-tourist with a backpack on her back while walking-into the wild or wild? Well, what equipment to bring?

Here is a list of equipment required to backpacker though actual conditions will determine the destination of the items needed. At the beach in the tropics for example, you do not need a jacket when riding mountain wool jacket but it would be necessary.

Supplies are brought should be kept based on the classification function. For example, store food in a particular bag, lighters or other multipurpose items in another bag. How it is stored like this will help you when needed goods. Bring items that can serve double. For example, gloves or glove tents sleeping bags can be used as a purse.

Standard equipment

Backpack
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pillow
Tent (which will be home during the trip)

Food and Beverage

Bottled water taste
Permurni water (filter, iodine or bleach)
Stoves and fuel
Wind barrier screen (to keep the flame remains lit luminum made of foil)
Pot / pan that has a grip or handle
Waterproof lighter
Cup or mug
Bowls and spoons that light
Swiss Army knife or multi-purpose knife
Foam to clean the pan.

Clothing

Special shoes for the difficult terrain or hiking boots (the soles are not flat and anti-water)
Sandals and socks or shoes that light camping
Wool socks
Dalaman socks (if venturing into areas that dinggin)
Underwear (long underwear) Synthetic to the top and bottom
Synthetic shorts
Underwear
Synthetic T-shirt
Jacket and pants rain or wind
Wool jacket
Wool hat
Wool gloves
Bandana

Accessories

Directions (compass), or open a road map guide
Lighted hat (headlamp)
Tissue paper
Shovels plastic pots
Garbage bag
Lip Balm
Anti-sun moisturizer (sun screen)
Hand sanitizer (hand sanitizers)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
P3K equipment such as tape, aspirin, antiseptic tissue, drugs to cope with the itching and irritation due to contact with poisonous plants, such CORTAID ® Treatment Kit, moleskin, tweezers)

Additional Equipment

Sticks for trekking
Hat to protect head from sun or rain
Sunglasses
Magazines and pen
Camera and film
Alas tent (ground cloth)
Duct tape (a kind of isolation is very strong that can even be used to repair leaking pipes)
Hour hand
Whistle
Small strainer (the kind used to filter food particles while washing dishes)

Special Equipment

Women: bring as many tampons / pads even if you do not plan to use it, camping can result in some changes in your menstrual cycle.
Contact lens wearers: bring your cleaning fluids and glasses

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Packing tips when traveling

Packing tips when traveling

There are two types of people traveling in this world: those who by nature are few and their luggage can be a little hope. Which category are you? For all the items required for travel into the bag but the bag still feels light and compact look, follow the following guidelines.

Make a Plan and Plan That Hold On

As an architect who built the building, as well as people plan the contents of the suitcase. Make a list of luggage. List of goods to prevent panic in the last minute packing, serves as a guide when packing again at the end of the journey, and useful in unfavorable conditions such as loss or theft of baggage.

When planning any clothing that would be taken, consider the events you want to follow, day or night, and record equipment (clothing) that may be suitable for every occasion. Double-check the list to determine if a piece of clothing can be worn for all occasions. Bring clothes that can be combined with others, based on the suitability of color.

Check the weather forecast in the goal area and make plans based on these forecasts. Make sure you know the habits of local communities, such as wearing a t-shirt for dinner could be a fatal mistake, or stump sleeves may be preventing you from entering into places like St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. For almost all outdoor activities, bring some clothes that can be worn layered.

Ignore the rules of wearing apparel in accordance with the event. Today's world is generally given leeway to the dress code - for the tourists there seemed to be a kind of tolerance. Dark color-black or blue clothing jacket lets you get into a variety of dinners and performances.

Pack or not pack? That is the question!

Once the list of clothing has been made, Guide on it. When packing, Arrange the items you want to take it and check back list. Make sure that the clothes are going to take it's clean and ready to be packed. Contact a travel agent about the availability of various hotel amenities, like a hair dryer, iron and board, soap, shampoo, etc., so you know what you do not need and which should be taken.

For jewelry principle is do not bring valuables if you do not want to lose the goods. Do not bring clothing that may attract thieves. Bring your makeup equipment sufficiently to save space, do not bring perfume if moisturizer is enough.

Special for beauty tools, travel kits are always the answer. Got a travel kit is always available in a waterproof box that will save you time to pack before the trip and a riot after the return. Most personal beauty tools for the benefit of travel is not expensive, so buy such equipment whenever you see so when they arrive at their destination, you are not confused because your favorite hair gel bottle is empty for example. Do not fill the bottle to the brim because the air pressure in aircraft cabins may cause the bottle to be stuffed and overflowing.

Every item that you want to bring, visualize how to make it smaller, like make a copy of a page or a specific map from a guidebook instead of bringing the book completely. Get used to live efficiently. Bring only one bottle of moisturizer for a variety of needs rather than take a lot of bottles of moisturizer to hands, feet and face. Bring a regular toothbrush or razor from the electrical model.

Film and various accessories can be purchased anywhere and are usually easy to obtain, so frugal luggage space by leaving things like that at home. Create a little adventure on the way to find local goods shopping for deodorant and moisturizer.

As an incidental event, a number of items would be necessary. Essential items required include P3K tools, cans containing aspirin, and anti-sun moisturizer, and a special dryer indoors if necessary. Swiss knife will be very helpful, both for peeling fruit or even open a bottle. Remember, swiss knives are not permitted to enter the plane, so pack the knife in checked baggage

Once you complete travel kit, make sure it is packed in a bag that you always take it and make sure it's all in your hands during flight.

Art pack

Now you know what was taken, start packing. Iron all clothes before inserted into the bag. If everything neat and clean, chances are it will keep clothes neat and clean when it will be issued. Button all buttons and close all zippers.

Learn to fold. Fold like a man in clothes shops-they use that method for a reason. The better the fold, the fewer the tangles on the shirt. All clothing can be folded in various ways, t-shirts, jeans, shirts and sports clothes can be rolled and placed in a backpack or travel pack.

Methods interlock (interlock) in folding clothes is ideal for storage in a suitcase. Stack two pieces of clothes evenly and then fold one into the other so that one protects the other in order not crumpled. Put the tissue paper in between layers of clothing will also help prevent wrinkled clothes.

If using a method of folding and stacking, Arrange in chronological order, place the clothing was first worn in the top position. This will prevent the contents of suitcases laid waste to search for a specific outfit you want to use. Pack it with tight or tight. Loose packing leaves room really useful and can lead to crumpled clothing. Avoid any empty space, like in the shoe. The inside of the shoe is perfect for socks or underwear.

Always carry travel documents, medicines, jewelry, traveler's checks, keys and other items in tote bag (a bag that is always attached to you). Such items should never be included in the trunk.

Label each suitcase, on the inside and outside, with name and your phone number, but do not write your home address. If the address is required, specify only the address of the office.

Remove or check the contents of the bag as soon as you arrive at the hotel in order to prevent clothes crumpled added. When you want to come home, remember that the clothes were wrinkled and dirty needs a lot of places. So, check when folding laundry, pack your stuff just like when you first leave home.

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Tips For Women who travel alone

Tips For Women who travel alone

You are female and belong to a still worried traveling alone? What exactly do you worry? Security Problem?

Now many women to travel long distances alone, either for business or just for fun. Although the reason women are generally the same way with men, women do need to give extra attention to several things, the issues surrounding security issues to culture. But all that could be overcome by taking measures of prevention.

For security reasons, as well as budget and comfort, a trip should be planned every move, from packing until the election of a hotel room. American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) provides the following tips for women who want to do the trip alone.

Know Before You Go

Find out information about the destination as much as possible, especially if traveling abroad. Religious beliefs and culture of a region can directly impact on you that can force you to adjust the way they dress and act with the habits of local communities. What is considered sexual harassment in a country for example, may not be a serious problem in other countries. You should not close or open dress that showed parts of the body in order to prevent unnecessary attention.

At the Hotel

Upon entering the hotel, look for officers who will have frequent contact with guests and monitor everyone who enters and exits the hotel. Ask if there are officers who are willing to take you into the room when you enter the hotel at night. Ask for rooms on the upper floor, near the elevator, but far from the emergency exit, stairs, and all kinds of renovation work. Never accept room if the clerk calls your name or room number out loud.

While at the front desk, take the hotel's business card (which is the name, address, and phone number) and store card. When entering the room, make sure the doors have a place to peek and chain latch (deadbolt). If no, do not ever open the door for people who do not know.

Travel Documents

Make two copies of important travel documents, one taken in the course, one for the store to friends or family at home.


By packing smart

Paklah built as light as possible so you do not mind the load seems burdened, and because the two conditions that will make you an ideal target of pickpockets. Avoid handbags or clothes that look expensive. Lock all luggage and use the bag tagged with office address rather than home address. Bring just one credit card and do not put your money in one place.

Transportation

Before leaving, find out which mode of transportation options available in the goal area, especially if you arrive at night. Travel agencies can usually help determine the safest option and make the necessary plans. If you rent a car, learn the maps, write travel route, and take with a cell phone.

Know About Your Condition

Learn map locations to be visited so as to explore the destination, you do not look like a lost tourist. Ask where there is day care goods, and more importantly, where a forbidden area to visit.

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What to Bring When Traveling

What to Bring When Traveling

What are the things that must be taken when traveling to a region in Indonesia, no matter what type of activities that will be done? Perhaps there is an opinion, money can solve everything. So, take the money alone is sufficient. Under certain conditions, money is useless if the goods are required is not available in the local market.

Next goods which must always have in your backpack.

Identity card) or driver's license (driver's license). Without identity cards, you may experience problems when meeting with the police is conducting raids, when checking in at the hotel, or when going to rent a vehicle.

MONEY cash for emergencies in remote areas. A number of experienced back packer save cash in the pockets hidden in their clothing or backpack. In emergency conditions, for example at locations where the credit or debit card can not be used, the reserve fund of secret pockets that can be very helpful.

Hat, sunglasses, and a moisturizer to protect skin from the sun.

SHOES strong booth and sandals or thong

KEY for luggage or bags. Suitcases, bags, or backpacks should be always in locked condition to prevent the occurrence of theft.

TAS belajaan empty to bring your current home.

TOOLS earplugs. This tool is useful if you do not want to disturbed by the sound of the bell wake up call in the morning.

DENTAL floss, tampons, and shaving cream

Waterproof JACKET

DRUG anti-malarial and mosquito coils. There are still many places in Indonesia which is a malaria endemic area.

A sarong or cloth. Cain would have many benefits such as could be hats, towels, or even a cushion on the sand or grass.

THE last is not included but it is very important articles, which you should not be ashamed and should have a sense of humor.

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7 Tips For the Backpacker's to Jogjakarta

7 Tips For the Backpacker's to Jogjakarta
Tourist destinations most suitable for the beginner backpacker separately started his adventures in the area of Java is to Jogjakarta. Why? In addition to its diversity of culture and culture is very strong that the scenery is so qualified, cost of living in the city Gudeg is also very friendly to the pockets of the backpacker. Only in the city where we can eat well only with the issue of money Rp 4000, -. Although travel in Jogja area is fairly inexpensive and highly suitable for the backpacker tourist destinations, but there are a few tips to keep in mind when vacationing in this city.

1. Find out the standard direction of the wind in Jogja
This is what distinguishes other cities with the city of Jogjakarta. In this city, people prefer to give directions in accordance with the direction of the wind. If you ask the locals when we lose direction, normally will be given directions, "Jump wrote toward the south,". Loh? Where yaa south. You were asked again to another person. "Oh it try to the north again,". Well loo .. Confused us to become where it north, south, west, and east. In order not confused, you must know the standard direction of the wind in Yogyakarta. Population Jogja ordinary wear Parangtirits and Mount Merapi benchmark to refer to North and South. While the eastern and western boundaries are the Solo and Godean and Purworejo.

To be more safe, you should prepare yourself with a map. Only by removing pockets of Rp 10,000, - commonly sold on the outskirts of this road, you will be very helpful as it navigates the city of Yogyakarta.

2. Sosrowijayan, the backpacker paradise
Sosrowijayan is a street located in a small street in the area of Malioboro, or about 200 meters from Monument Station. This area is famous as a tourist village because many hostels are widely available at very affordable rates. For indigenous tourists, prices are set for per person per night is Rp 20,000, -. Lodging in this area has always been a favorite among tourists because of the cheap price and a very strategic region.

3. Shopping in malioboro use the Java language
If you're one of the shopping enthusiast, you certainly will not miss the agenda for beberbelanja on Malioboro street, one of the crafts center in Jogja Java. Along this road until near Fort Vrederburg, heavy traffic from the coachman with delmannya, rickshaw pullers, to the souvenir traders of Jogja. The price offered was fairly reasonably priced. However, his name would have to use the art of shopping.

Art in the most enjoyable shopping bargain art. To get the price you want, try to flirt with the merchant using the Java language when asking the price of an item such as, "Niki pinten ma'am, sir?" Now, by using the local language, the interaction with the traders would be more comfortable because he feels you are too local population or at least the immigrants who appreciate the local population.

Factor of the cultural approach is quite powerful in bargaining activities, especially if you are accompanied by the original inhabitants of Jogja. If it were so, then give it directly on the natives because the natives would know the standard price in Yogyakarta.

4. Fresh 1 / 3 the price
Still related to bargaining, try menarwar third the original price. This is the usual standard offer buyers in Malioboro. Basically most of the traders there to raise the price of their goods up to three-fold. Therefore, bid cleverly.

5. Discover the beautiful paradise bag on the top floor Bringharjo Market
One of the hidden place but unfortunately for you miss when shopping in the oldest market in Yogyakarta, Bringharjo. Maybe because it was so dense that meet market traders are located at the end of this Malioboro, it makes you focus too shopping in the floors below filled with batik traders as well as accessories and handbags with a fairly expensive. Well, actually there is one more who rarely touched the tourists when visiting this market. Yes, exactly on the top floor there Bringharjo Market paradise beautiful handbags at prices far cheaper than in Malioboro street and 1st floor Bringharjo Market.

On the top floor of this is devoted to selling a wide range of unique hand-crafting unique ranging from beautiful bags, slippers, to pillow cases, and others. The price was much cheaper. In addition to the cheap price, you also can shop with ease because they do not have to jostle like in Malioboro or on the first floor bringharjo Market. Because of its location quite remote and is on the top floor, the center of this craft is still spelled 'virgin' from the rush of tourists. Therefore, if traveling to Yogyakarta do not forget to stop by there.

6. Be careful rickshaw ride in Malioboro
Transportation rickshaws are usually the mainstay of the tourists in the streets around Malioboro. However, be careful in using this transport. Many rickshaw pullers who also became an agent of a typical snack shops Jogja there. They will get a commission if the passengers shop there. Instead of directly delivered to the destination, you are forced to stop at these shops and inevitably you will be buying these street shops. Therefore, your goal must clarfy to the rickshaw pullers.

However, if you intend to purchase a souvenir hawker of Jogja, the rickshaw is a fitting choice. Only with spend Rp 3000-Rp 5.000, - you can spin up to the palace at once to get snacks of Jogja. Cheap it is not?

7. Cheap food only available in this famous
The cost of food in Yogyakarta is very very affordable. Food for the backpacker who wants to save money but still only available in this famous glut. Angkringan are eating places located on the outskirts of Yogyakarta city streets with tents and mats are held for visitors to enjoy the food while lesehan (sitting on the floor). The menu is normally found in this famous fish is usually cooked rice, rice tempeh, quail egg satay, satay intestine, and fried. Eat well enough to spend Rp 4,000, Rp 6,000, - with a menu of rice tempeh, egg satay, and drinking. Hmm .. powerful enough to prop up the stomach.

If you're one penjajal culinary tour, then do not forget to enjoy the delights Oseng-oseng firecrackers worth Rp 9.000, -. This is one dish that is not sweet Jogja, as it generally. Spicy flavor are characteristic of this menu. The most famous would

oseng-Oseng Mercon is located in the vicinity of the street Malioboro. Worth a try!

Hopefully some of these tips can make your trip more enjoyable. Congratulations were backpacking! (Sab / photo: jalanasik)

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Backpacking Tips

Going abroad is no longer a dream now. With the increasing number of cheap airline tickets, free stay at home fellow backpacker around the world, dreams can come true around the world.
All lines of expenditure endeavored to find the lowest possible, even for free.

Backpacker comes from the backpack, which means a backpack or rucksack. Meanwhile, people who travel by using a backpack called a backpacker. So the activity of a journey undertaken by a backpacker called backpacking.

To travel as a backpacker synonymous with cheap travel. All lines of expenditure endeavored to find the lowest possible, even for free.

Here are tips on backpacking:

1. Find cheap airline tickets.
Diligent search for cheap plane tickets this information. If necessary, register (sign up) to a few websites so if there are cheap flight ticket promotion program, you'll be sent an e-mail.

2. Boxed Art backpack.
Try to pack the backpack and concisely as possible. The reason: because it will often change places. In addition, low-cost airlines only allow bags brought into the cabin free of charge a maximum of 7 kg. So, do you bring enough clothes and essentials. Forget that baseball is important rather than complicated and heavy-nenteng nenteng backpack,'ll actually will be making the trip.

3. Find information through the Internet, magazines, books about destinations would you go so you know exactly what you would do upon arrival.

4. Be cautious and alert throughout the journey. Keep passports, money and other valuables in a special bag and always embedded in the body. Never released in any place.

5. Do not bring valuable items.
If you carry a notebook and gadgets, be careful when sleeping in the dormitory room in backpacker hostels. Use the safety box in the hostel is to store valuables when sleeping and bathing.

6. For the backpacker women, do not wear excessive jewelry during backpacking. If necessary, use jewelry need not be at all precisely fishing was better than other people to do evil.

Sources: KOMPAS.com

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Korean handphone : Is it a must?

It is an option; for me at least.

Jang Geun Suk or Samsung Corby? You can only choose one! ^^

The red or the blue pill..hehe.

Why?

1. The process of buying/renting is tedious
2. You have cheaper option; Skype!
3. Wi-Fi is FREE almost everywhere in Korea.
4. Try to be WIRE - less for a while folks! ^^

Handphone buying/renting process in Korea


1. At the Airport
Check online -> book -> pick up handphone in Korea -> use

Once you reach Incheon Airport, you could rent a phone. After you pick up your luggage, just walk towards the airport limousine pick up area and you will see the phone rental counter right before the exit. Check KNTO site for Incheon Airport layout here.

List of rental phone services which might help you:
SRoaming - Phone rental 1,400 won to 2,700 won per day.
SKTelecom - Phone rental 2,000 won to 3,000 won per day.
KT Show - Phone rental 1,800 won to 2,700 won per day.

2.At the Guesthouse/Motel/Hotel
Some guesthouses/motels/hotels have the phone rental facilities. Namsan Guesthouse offers one time fee 5,000 won per rental and you return after you use. You need to pay the consumption based on your usage.
Say if you stay for 7 days: 5,000 won/7 ~715won per day!
Cheaper than the airport rental.


3.At Mobile shop
I bought a Samsung flip phone for 15,000won and credit 10,000won. It lasted for 3 months. Just walk into any mobile shop/center and inquire for used handphone. Some are FREE phone and you just need to pay the credit; if you don't mind about NOT having a fancy/up-to-date gadget.
However, you may need to show your alien registration card before you can purchase one OR like me, I just tried my luck and showed my passport.

Samsung Corby anyone? I want pink!!

Skype
Those who have Wi-Fi enhanced handphone, make full use of Skype. In Korea, Wi-Fi service is FREE almost everywhere. Just login to Skype to make a call/sms back home. When I was in Korea, the internet speed for home was 100Mbps. Talk about downloading HD Movie of 4Gb in less than 15 minutes! OMG! You can't compare with that measly throttled speed UNIFI promotion which only caters maximum 20Mbps. Malaysia still has a longgggggggggg way to go.

What I did was a call or two in a day to my friends/family members via Skype. Check Skype rates here.
A minute call to land line in Malaysia costs about 20.119won ~ 5 cents
A minute call to mobile line in Malaysia costs about 75.815won ~ 20 cents
One sms/text to Malaysia is 91.443won ~ 25 cents.
For Maxis/Celcom/Digi roaming, international sms/text cost about RM2 if I'm not mistaken.

I'd rather do calls because it's cheaper than sending text. ^^
Note: Rates may change.

WIRE-LESS to be STRESS LESS
I know that you want to be reachable anywhere and anytime but unless you are a businessman or you are a VVIP and your presence is needed every single second, then try to be wire-less at least for your trip/holiday. It doesn't hurt to be wire-less for a while. Life is all about bonding more with what you are presented with in front of you rather than frequently updating your tweets or facebook's wall posts. Hehehe..no hard feeling to those twitter or FB addicts out there. ^^

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Don't Repeat My Mistakes

I list out some of my bloopers while travelling in South Korea which I could remember. Hope it helps! 

1. I didn't activate my ATM card for international withdrawal

Before I depart to Korea, I did call my bank to activate my credit cards. (Make sure you have two cards at least, Visa and Master each) I also called to activate my ATM card ( I only have one saving account, bad move :( ). The worst part was the card was not activated because I didn't send a formal letter to the bank stating the reasons for international withdrawal. I didn't know that I could not simply call the bank and get the card activated! 

I had only around 50,000 won for 1 week in Seoul. The moment I went to the ATM machine in Dongdaemun, the card was rejected. I tried three times, it was still rejected. Hmmm..later that night I emailed my friend in Malaysia asking her sister's help to activate my card. Luckily, she could uplift the block because she was the manager in authorization department. 

I wanted to thank my good friend Hassan for lending me his money while I was in dire need for cash. May Allah bless you. 

Moral of the story: Make sure you follow the correct procedure with banks. Don't assume!

2. I went to the wrong bus terminal and picked the wrong date 

Hanim and I decided to choose Gwangcheon for wwoofing. Since Seoul has 3 different bus terminals, I wasn't sure which one to go. So I checked with the guesthouse's owner. He said I should go to the Main Bus Terminal. We took a taxi because Hanim had a huge trolley bag while I had a 15kg backpack. We ruled out subway even though it's cheaper. It was too much hassle going from Yaksu Station to Main Bus Terminal Station with heavy luggages. We paid around 10,000 won for the taxi.

Once we reached the bus terminal, the ticket officer told me that I should go to Nambu Bus Terminal instead. "What?!! Come on..you're bluffing right?" so I thought. I had no choice but to take the subway and headed for Nambu. Aigoo.. I should have double checked and asked for second opinion.

To top on that, we had to wait almost 4 hours for the bus. There were so many people going back to their hometown because of public holiday. My mistake. Again and again. Should have picked another date instead of that day. Click the link here for our ticket to Gwangcheon. 

Check this link for more information on Bus Terminals in Seoul. 

Moral of the story: Get second opinion if you're not sure and plan your itinerary well. 

3. I didn't check the review of WWOOF's host

Before going to Gwangcheon I was a bit curious on the WWOOF's host detail. It was stated in the WWOOF's book that the host could accept 20 WWOOFers at one time. 20! Wow..so cool. I imagined that I could meet other people from around the globe volunteering there. I didn't think twice and choose Gwangcheon. 

It was different from my imagination. The farm was so huge and only the host,his wife, me and Hanim working on it. It means working your ass off from dawn to dusk. Harvesting is normally done during autumn. It was fun and bitter memories at the same time. Sometimes we received help from grandmothers living in the village. They were paid around 40,000 won for whole day. So cheap! I pity them. 

By the second week, (I don't know why I persevered. Maybe because I took it in good stride) I thought that this was too much and at that moment Yong Jun came to save us. Read the rest here. 

Moral of the story: Try to Google for a review on the host before going. WWOOF is supposed to be a cultural exchange thingy where you trade working for 4-6 hours per day for FREE lodging and food. It is not slavery. 

4. I didn't rent/buy a handphone

Vandalism is pretty nil in South Korea so I refused to rent/buy a handphone and opting to use public phone instead. However, it is very hard to locate them sometimes and I could not contact my friends or WWOOF hosts when I had an emergency. 

It wasn't until the third month in South Korea that I decided to buy a used handphone. It happened by accident. I was on my way to Dongdaemun but I chose to drop off at Dongdaemun Stadium because I thought of exploring the area around there and later walked my way to Dongdaemun instead. After walking around 100 metres from the exit, I found a stretch of shops selling handphones but the advertisements outside the shop was written in Russian. I was curious. Hmm..maybe they sell cheap handphones for Russian workers?

I hit a jackpot. ^^. I barged into the shop and bought a used Samsung handphone for 15,000 won and prepaid reload for 10,000 won. There was a trick though. Normally they need your Alien registration card for proof, but I told them I hadn't get mine yet and I wanted to rent the handphone earlier. My application went through. Yeay!

You could get a used handphone for FREE too but it doesn't have much function. If you failed to rent/buy one, get your Korean friend to buy/rent for you once you reach Seoul. They could buy from GMarket too. 

Moral of the story: Just rent/buy a used handphone. It's cheap. 

5. I forgot to bring medication

WWOOFing is not easy. I forgot to bring some analgesic cream or Yoko-Yoko for my sore muscle after a hard day farming ^^. Intentionally, I left my Tiger balm because I assumed I didn't need it here. You never know when you need one. I had a severe stomach ache and I wished I had one with me at that time. If you are prone to gastric like me, prepare your prescription ahead. 

Moral of the story: Prepare your medication ahead. 

6. I didn't learn sufficient Korean survival phrases

I know it's hard to learn a foreign language. It's much harder if the language doesn't use the same English alphabet. Aigoo..Before going, I tried my best to learn Korean. But it wasn't enough. I stumbled too many times for the first month but slowly I picked up the important daily sentences used by the locals. Some regions have their own dialects (Saturi). If you go to Busan, they speak totally different Korean from Seoulites. I love Busan saturi though. It's like music to my ears.

Moral of the story: Buy one good Korean survival phrasebook like Lonely Planet's.

                                                  

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Essential Items for Backpackers

The Essential Items All Backpackers Must Take on Their Travels  

So you've booked your trip to go travelling. You've paid for your ticket, you've researched where you're going and now you're just dreaming of getting on that plane. Before you go you need to pack your essentials.

You need to pack wisely so you're not carrying too much unnecessary what. So just what will you need to help make your perfect trip?

1. Scissors. You must have scissors on your travels. Things need to be cut. Toenails get long. Clothes fray. Scissors are in the bag.

2. Sun Cream. You may be going to Antarctica or Bermuda. Either way you need sun cream. The sun never stops shining. Somewhere some place you will need it.

3. Passport. In this modern age a passport is a must. Has to be in.

4. Socks. You must have socks. Feet get cold. Socks get damp. Blisters can occur. Clean new socks are a must.

5. Underpants. Same thing. You must have under pants. Keeps things healthy. Good to put on when meeting new people for example.

6. A book. Any book will do. But you need a book. Long journeys can be boring. Break them up by reading trashy Jackie Collins/intense Frederick Forsyth/rubbish love stories/romance novels/thrillers/any old rubbish.

7. Sunglasses. When the sun comes out you need sunglasses. It's just a fact. They keep your eyes working, you need them in all environments and they make you look good. So there.

8. Antiseptic cream. If you're really traveling you'll need it. Getting tropical infections/lurgy in a remote jungle is no laughing matter. Take some. It will help save your leg from amputation.

9. Toothpaste and toothbrush. Teeth are the route to health. Ya got to keep them clean. Make sure to take both on your travels. You should make new friends quickly that way.

10. Money. Yes you'll have some in your pocket but keep some/a little in your bag too. You're then covered if you a) get mugged, b) drunkenly dive in the water fully clothed, c) have to run naked from the scene when a spouse comes home to find you in their bed!

11. T-shirts. If you're traveling you'll need t-shirts. Light, quick and easy. Suitable for all sorts of events. Take 3 with you and Wash in rotation. Job done.

12. Shorts. Take your pick from board shorts, swim shorts, bun huggers, athletic shorts, spandex shorts, walking shorts. Basically whatever you feel comfortable in. You'll need them.

13. A hat. A hat protects you from the sun. The sun is hot. It can burn skin. It stops you dehydrating. If in doubt wear a hat.

14. A compass. When lost in foreign lands a compass can help. I know it's old fashioned. But if you don't have GPS or a phone it's a life saver.

15. A language phrase book. You will be able to communicate with the locals. It will stop you saying the wrong thing and getting into a fight. Also handy when trying to eat something that won't make you ill.

Alex Haigh is a surf clothing designer and reporter. He covers the latest fashion trends from Animal backpacks to board shorts and more. Keep up to date with his latest reviews at the Havaiana flip flops video blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Haigh

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Friends of Budget Travel to Korea

Friends?

Those websites or resources which can help us to reduce expenses and enjoy the sights and trip more in Korea deserve to be called a friend. Perhaps BFF? (Best Friend Forever)

*Assuming you are not acquainted with any Korean natives


List of friends would be:

1. Newsletter from Airlines

My advice is to subscribe to all applicable airlines. They would from time to time send a lucrative deal to grab for different sectors. The offer will be limited to certain travel period and most of the time you can’t refund if you cancel your plan. Nevertheless, through this you would be able to reduce your flight expenses significantly.

For example; I went to HongKong on February 2009 for one week via Cathay Pacific offer equivalent to RM500 ~ USD138 for a return ticket. Normal ticket would double or triple of that price.

You may subscribe to these Airlines (with online/e-ticketing), as I did:

Malaysia Airlines

Cathay Pacific

Singapore Airline

AirAsia

2. Tour2Korea

I am very impressed with their website. It is very informative and almost a one-stop destination of all the things that you need to know about Korea. Superb! Seventy percent of the information here is enough for you to track the places but for budget travel in Korea, you may need to rely on a few other resources.

3. Lonely Planet

Most of budget traveler definitely know what Lonely Planet is. I frequently visit their thorn tree forum for Korea to get some advice from experienced traveler and even locals who replied in the forum. It’s online and most of the time is the latest information that you can absorb. 100% helpful and definitely will help to reduce your expense with proper planning.

4. Trip Advisor

Research..research..research. I can’t stress enough on this word. Even before going that road, I would only survive with tips and advise from this website. They are really systematic and structure their website in a very user-friendly mode. I like it when all of those travelers joined ideas and experience for other newbie like me. Massive information can be gained from here and in fact I did a lot of research on budget accommodation from this site as well. All those reviews are pretty reliable. One more thing, don't forget to subsribe to their newsletter.

5. Youtube

Seeing is believing. Right? Glad that other kind souls out there put extra effort and broadcast their videos in Youtube. Youtube is really a work of art. In terms of budget traveling, the pros are all on us. The travelers basically giving advise through this videos whether a place is worth a visit or happening places that you just cannot miss during your travel. I’m glad that I surf through youtube.

6. Fellow bloggers

If you can see that I link to a few bloggers in my blog. This is for me to keep myself up to date on the places that I want to visit. For example, Gwangju is definitely going to be my spot. Thanks to Kimchi and Cornbread, I could keep abreast with what happen around that area. Most of the bloggers that I link to, they are either have been there or currently there. It would be better if you could find a native blog but finding an English written blog by native Korean is a challenge for me. A mission for me though.

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