Africa
Malawi on a Budget, Without Reducing It to Cheap
Malawi is often introduced to travelers through two shortcuts: the “Warm Heart of Africa” and the promise that it is inexpensive. The…
Topic
Travel
Africa
The Expensive Parts of Tanzania Are Often the Point
Tanzania can be affordable when the trip is built around towns, local food, buses, and time. It becomes a very different financial…
Asia
Singapore on a Budget Works Better Without a Checklist
Singapore is expensive if every hour needs a ticket. It becomes much more manageable when the city itself is allowed to be…
Asia
A Realistic Budget for Slow Travel in Laos
Laos is affordable until the route gets ambitious. A room and a plate of food may cost relatively little, but remote transport,…
Belize
Belize on a Budget Is Mostly About Boats and Tours
Belize can look inexpensive when a guide adds up a guesthouse, rice and beans, and a bus ticket. Then the trip reaches…
Asia
Vietnam Is Affordable. Moving Too Fast Is Not.
Vietnam has earned a reputation as an inexpensive place to travel, which is true right up until you try to see the…
Australia
Australia on a Budget Starts With the Map
Australia is not expensive because travelers have failed to discover the correct hostel. It is expensive because the country is enormous, distances…
Asia
Si Phan Don: The Mekong at Walking Speed
The name “Four Thousand Islands” suggests a place that requires a spreadsheet. It does not. Si Phan Don is a broad stretch…
Asia
Ten Days in Laos Without Racing the Map
The old version of this itinerary attempted Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Muang Ngoi and the Plain of Jars in…
Asia
Vang Vieng at River Speed
An inner tube is a poor vehicle for ambition. This is part of its appeal. The Nam Song River moves through Vang…