Travel Tips

The Art of Haggling (and when not to do it)

Posted by Katy on Sep 30, 2012 in Features, Starry-Eyed Guides, Travel Tips | 7 comments

Wherever I am in the world, one of my favourite pastimes is browsing the local markets, whether it’s a flea market in London, a souk in Morocco, or a small stall in Bolivia. Markets give you a real flavour of local culture, there is always a buzz of energy and so much to stir your senses.

Things You Need for Travel to a Developing Country

Posted by Katy on Dec 12, 2011 in Features, Starry-Eyed Guides, Travel Tips | 6 comments

 Planning a trip is by turns exciting, frustrating and occasionally panic-inducing.  Before leaving for South America, aware that I was going to some pretty remote and underdeveloped places, I was in a state of nervous tension. To make it a bit easier for next time, and hopefully for you as well, here’s my checklist of those not-so-obvious or easily forgotten things that you could really do with taking to a developing country.

Planning for Long-Term Travel

Posted by Katy on Nov 22, 2011 in Features, Starry-Eyed Guides, Travel Tips | 4 comments

Planning a long-term adventure is both hugely exciting and overwhelmingly daunting. At the moment the idea is conceived and when you begin to sense that it is actually a viable option, the sense of anticipation is enourmous and you feel on top of the world. But the moment you sit down and begin to look at the practicalities, a gulf opens up between where you are and getting to a point where the trip will be a success. But it’s not an impossible task. I am one of the least planning-oriented people there is, far but when taking an extended trip, some things simply have to be taken care of in advance. So here’s a bare-minimum, easy-to-do guide which will help you take care of the essentials and leave you free to dream about your trip!

25 Things I Wish I’d Known about South America

Posted by Katy on Oct 1, 2011 in Starry-Eyed Guides, Travel Tips | 10 comments

Now that I’ve finished my four-month adventure, I’ve had a few moments to reflect on some of the things I’ve learnt about travel in South America. If you’re planning to go, you might just want to bear some of these in mind – enjoy!

Dealing with dietary needs abroad

Posted by Katy on Aug 2, 2011 in Starry-Eyed Bites, Starry-Eyed Guides, Travel Tips | 12 comments

Dealing with dietary needs in your own country is one thing; where you are used to the products available, know the good restaurants to eat at, where friends cater for you accordingly. When travelling, however, you are in unfamiliar places, which may not have much knowledge of your dietary needs or have a culture where food is based heavily on things you cannot eat. However, there is no need to miss out or not engage fully with the experiences offered just because of your diet. As a Coeliac, I have a strict gluten-free diet and these are some of the lessons I’ve learnt from travelling in South America.

Backpacking in Style

Posted by Katy on Jun 13, 2011 in Starry-Eyed Guides, Travel Tips | 13 comments

This may seem like one just for the girls, but tune in guys, you may just learn something!

Yes, just mere weeks ago I did not have the first clue about backpacking and here I am giving advice about it?! Í’m not saying I know very much about the whole backpacking lark, but what I do know is that it is possible to do it in style.