Iceland is not a best destination if you do not want to spend too much money

Iceland is not a best destination if you do not want to spend too much money. Sure, you can make certain choices and thus have cut costs, but Iceland's just be an expensive country. From nights to tour and also gave food and drink. Everything needs from the mainland to be flown and it shows immediately the beer you order. But, Iceland is in my opinion even more than worthwhile. It's so pure, clean and impressive! Are you wondering what takes a week Iceland? I put the cost to you at a glance.

Airfare.

Can all be quite pricey, but here you can look good with really arrive at a reasonable price. I flew with Ieclandair for just under € 300 return. Though I do have to say that I went to Iceland in late January; not exactly high season so :-) . Still, I think that € 300 is really feasible. KLM and SAS fly regularly in Reykjavik.

Accommodation.

This trip I was alone, that's why I chose a place as a starting point instead of pulling out. Something more comfortable. Kex Hostel in the center of Reykjavik is a must. Central, reasonably priced and they can help you with all kinds of little tour and trips to Iceland. A double here costs around € 55 per night. Then you get a simple, typical hostel breakfast at. I think it's really a challenge to find an accommodation that is cheaper than Kex. Especially in Reykjavik.

Eat Drink.

The prices in Iceland are quite similar to ours. If you choose local dishes such as dried fish, you are for under € 10 finished. What makes it expensive drinks. I remember when I unsuspectingly my first evening in Reykjavik ordered some wine and then could deal € 9. Seriously! It was not a bottle :-). Other drinks such as water, cola or juice are around € 3.50, changing a little. Coffee and tea is comparable to the Netherlands.

Tour mirrors.

In Iceland there are only a few providers of tour particles, all of which work together. The advantage is that it's nice and clear, only downside is that the prices are not negotiable. Here you will find the tour gave prices that I've done.

Actually I have never made a trip in retrospect very disappointing. I soon satisfied when I am traveling :-) . But of course there have been places that I would not necessarily recommend. Today four destinations on 4 continents, I would advise you not to!

 less Nile

Blue Nile in Ethiopia. Yes, this was really a pity ... It can also be related to the season in which we were in Ethiopia, but I found the Blue Nile waterfalls at Lake Tana really disappointing. The river Nile as we him know exists in the origin actually two different rivers; the white and blue Nile. And the latter therefore originates in Ethiopia. After a bumpy bus ride of two hours and for one hour with bad luck on a dust road, I looked all the way out to the fantastic waterfalls. But it was not more than a rather sad water stream that is falling down. I really thundering expected. Jammerrrrr.

 less Goradpur

The dirtiest city in India. Or at least the dirtiest city I have seen in India; Goradpur fantastic :-) . I think the picture speaks volumes, I was not here at my best. Well. It also had something to do with a bit of a confluence of things; We had traveled a day to get here, arrived at a dreadful hotel with super gore beds and the mercury rose to 40 ° C at 11h00 in the morning. Not the most ideal circumstances. And certainly not recommended.

 less Bethlehem

Center of Bethlehem . Bethlehem is one of the destinations in the Palestinian territories which is visited by many tourists. This has everything to do with the birth of Jesus Church. And although I do Bethlehem again as a base for the West Bank was to guess, I found the village itself a mockery. Even the birth church I felt really off putting and is nothing compared to the wonderfull and particular churches to be found in other cities.

 less Pisa

Tower of Pisa. Maybe not a destination that I would recommend not necessarily, but I thought 't really disappointing. I'm not sure what I expected, but a leaning tower :-) , but I thought 't in any case not really exciting. It is literally the Leaning Tower where everyone is trying to make the same picture and that's it. If you would go to Pisa, I wouldn t pretty skipping.

I recently wrote a blog post about Ethiopia as African jewel and that's in large part by the fantastic Simien Mountains

Not quite mundane destination, but so worth it! I recently wrote a blog post about Ethiopia as African jewel and that's in large part by the fantastic Simien Mountains. Green, wonderfull views, the most special monkeys you will ever see :-) and endless plains at over 3500 meters altitude. I was during our trek of 4 days it knocked several times by what height klachtjes, but that did not spoil the fun. If you go to Ethiopia, you should really grab along the Simien. From Gondar, you can arrange a guide, transportation and even camping gear. And for a song travels also bring their own cook. Sounds a bit decadent, but you are but what pleased me walk on, after 7 hours :-) .

 Trek Ladakh

Ladakh in India.
Ladakh is a pretty tough area. Then you have a bit of adventure and hard tours are say :-) . But if you like, you'll find a trek in Ladakh fantastically beautiful! It has a Tibetan atmosphere and the mountains are so incredibly beautiful. You walk regularly well above 4,200 meters, so really good for altitude sickness. Tip: do the trek through Hinju and Wanla and sleep in people's homes. An amazing experience!


At bounty island you think fast to swaying palms, white sand and a place somewhere in the Caribbean. I can indeed imagine bored more places :-) , but have you ever considered a bounty destination Malaysia? Many people think or to the more famous sister Thailand, but Malaysia as destination still less on the radar. Sin! I'm really a fan of Malaysia assured the Perhentian Islands; two wonderfull gems that you can call a bounty destination with law.

How do you get there?

By boat, of course :-) . You have to come first in Kota Bharu; which is about 6 hours by bus from Kuala Lumpur. There are frequent buses very good asphalted roads that direction. From Kota Bharu can you best take a taxi to Kuala Besut; from there you can take the boat to the Perhentian. The taxi ride is indeed only about 20 minutes and cost you little. Kuala Besut you can then early the next morning to catch a fast boat Besar; the larger and more popular island. The boat trip takes about half an hour. You can let drop on the beach of Besar. Tip: you just buy boat tickets at the port of Kuala Besut and take an early boat.

 Perhentian cool 2

 Accommodation?
There are plenty! Although the Perhentian still know relatively few tourists, the islands are really designed for. You can make it as luxurious and expensive in terms of accommodation if you want, but I'd really own the cheaper wooden huts on stilts go. These are simple, but the location and views are fantastic! And are you still further outside all day :-) .

 Perhentian cool 3

Difference between two islands?
The Perhentian thus consist of two islands Besar and Kecil. Besar is bigger and a little more focused on luxury. Kecil is more the backpackers paradise, suitable for me so :-) . You notice the accommodations, cozy campfires and sneaky beers that suddenly emerge in Islamic Malaysia from a cooler. If you have time, I would definitely go to both, but if you have to choose; go for Kecil.

Other tips?
On a bounty island course you especially well for sun, sea and sand, but also remember really diving and snorkelling not come! That can be really fantastic to Perhentian Kecil and especially. Coral Bay is a good diving school, you can take a wreck dive. And snorkelling can be the best for Coral View Resort. I've heard that coral or going backwards here, but I thought 't as good super nice. Last tip: make a snorkeling trip to Shark Point. You must then hold a boat on the sea, but you will be rewarded. Once you enter the water you really see dozens of small sharks

You will have to travel through a large city in China

This time in the budget set two weeks traveling through Tibet. As you may know one of my favorite places! Unfortunately, it is currently quite difficult to get a permit anyway to get into Tibet, but this may again ease anytime. If Buddhism appeals to you and you love great sweeping landscapes, I would definitely consider a trip to Tibet. I put to you at a glance what costs you can expect:

 Cost Tibet 1

Fly & train.
From the Netherlands it is not possible to fly directly to Tibet. You will have to travel through a large city in China. However, I would recommend to fly to Chengdu in southern China and the train to catch the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. You put then nearly 3,400 km away and crosses the highest railway in the world. Despite the 45 hours that lasts for the trip, I thought it was an awesome experience! Another advantage is that what you can gradually get used to the altitude; These Lhasa is 3,500 meters, it can be quite a shock when you get off the plane and are suddenly 3,000 meters above where you left ...

Anyway, the cost :-) . A return flight from Amsterdam to Chengdu will cost you around € 650. Slightly cheaper should also work, but this is a more realistic price. A single trip by train to Lhasa costs around $ 100, which amounts to more than € 70. Then I will not have a "hard sleeper"; it is none the less nice to have a crib in which 45 hours :-) . You share a common compartment with three others. Your train ticket anyway to reserve well in advance. The best you can from the Netherlands to book a hostel in Chengdu for one or two nights and ask them to arrange train tickets for you. Since they charge a small additional amount and you have no further need to worry about. Definitely go to Sim's Cosy Garden Hostel , too cute !!

Accommodations.
Lhasa itself have quite a lot of choice. I would anyway choose a hostel in the old, yet truly Tibetan part of Lhasa. There you have the most authentic atmosphere and you support with the Tibetan people. One night in a fine double room will cost you around € 8. Laugh eh :-) ! If you come outside of Lhasa, it is only cheaper. Count on € 3 per person for an overnight stay, but expect there not a luxury. The rural area in Tibet is truly rural say ... You get tremendous hospitality in return!

 Eat Drink.

Super Cheap, even in Lhasa. Around € 2 you really have a whole evening meal and for € 0.30 on top you also have a local beer. In Lhasa you have some very good restaurants. I can Snowland for dinner and Barkhor Namchen recommend for breakfast. The latter really has a fantastic rooftop terrace with views over the mountains. Remember that eating and drinking outside Lhasa is very limited in variety. You'll 't have to do mostly with yak butter tea (not to, sorry), tsampa (a type of barley flour), yak yoghurt (delicious!), Momos (a type of steamed dough balls with vegetables) and an occasional potato. Turn so sure what to eat before you travel through the rest of Tibet.

 Cost Tibet 2

Tours.
This is a tricky one. In short, it means that you must hold a booked tour of several days to get a permit for Tibet. One of the many bizarre Chinese rules ... The point is that you can only book through certain agencies that tour. 3x guess who the owners are of such bureautjes; yes, the Chinese. What does that you might think? First of all, you will not get an objective picture of Tibet when accompanied by a Chinese. Believe me, explains the history and current situation as it comes out best for them. In addition, not a whit with it, you help the Tibetans to preserve what little is left of their culture. Therefore, we always book two tours; one to get the permit and one, well, for real say :-) . I have a fan-tas-tic Tibetan guide for you: Lobsang. Take a real look at his website if you want to go to Tibet. He can help you with everything and makes custom made along the most beautiful tours. Ennn at a reasonable price.

Anyway, what cost tours now? That depends greatly on what exactly you want, I put below some things for you at a glance

Precisely as you backpackt because you sometimes end up in unexpected places and not always hygienic

When traveling, you can reach the craziest diseases and infections. Precisely as you backpackt because you sometimes end up in unexpected places and not always hygienic. It is therefore good to get you in advance to properly on your destination, any spraying on time and maybe take some minor precautions. Fortunately, I never held anything about a trip (touch wood!), But I've been sick so. What I've had? I hope you have a strong stomach :-) , they are:

Food poisoning.

Probably the most common illness of travelers. If you've had this sometimes traveling, you know it's no fun. It comes so suddenly and put the first hours of the toilet is your best friend. Usually you walk on food poisoning from eating cooked meat or unsanitary local water just is not drawn directly from the sewer :-) . It can sit in a small corner; so I have never suffered food poisoning in the dirty India, but was immediately hit on my first night in anyway Western Costa Rica. Just Always pay attention to eating meat or fish, do not eat unpeeled fruit, no ice cubes in your diet and let the lettuce but lie. Food poisoning is indeed often violently, but after a night it is often better. If the bad food but is off.

Travellers' diarrhea.

Another fine ... Now I have anyway a rather weak stomach and intestines, so to me it's soon to say wrong. It does not even necessarily a contaminated something that you get diarrhea. It is also often combined with the completely different food your body some getting used to. And oh, one is simply more sensitive than others. Often it is also better than that after a number of days. If not, you can add ORS to your water bottle. Those are the bags with a concentrated vitamin / mineral / salt powder so you do not quite go your stick.

Altitude sickness.

This is a somewhat different "disease", but no less annoying. I am very particular problems with had in Ethiopia. Above 2,500 meters there is a lot less oxygen in the air, giving your body extra to work hard and sometimes as a panting horse comes on top of a staircase :-) . I myself had particularly suffered from a somewhat fuzzy feeling in my head, frequent nosebleeds (I would never have!) And a body set up by fluid retention. If you really start experiencing headaches, you must descend. Often it already helps to decrease several hundred meters and give your body a little more time to acclimatize. And fine with altitude sickness is that it disappears like snow in the sun when you're back to normal height.

Parasite.

Tenon, still sounds gross ?! Well, I so had a nice held on our last trip through India . Very sorry. No idea where I got that thing on, but I was especially diarrhea and was tired fast. Nothing for me :-) . After a Dutch little test thus showed that I had a parasite. Now that's not all that exciting and you are so relieved by with a little help, but you should not take too long to walk around with remain. Then the worm cause damage.

Madrasah is the Arabic word for school. You understand it all; Here children receive education about Islam. There are two variants: a simple version which children learn the texts of the Koran by heart (and often do not even know what they are learning precisely because they do not speak Arabic) and another version where they receive education on average twelve years and thus eventually mullah, say the Islamic equivalent of a pastor. On both types of schools they also receive formal education, so what we learn here at school.

The Madrassa at 9-11 have since  been given a bad name in the West; it would fundamentalist hotbeds are those people inciting terrorism. In second and third world countries can not understand that there are simply schools that millions of children (especially the poor) with free education.

This Madrassa we happened to when we were in Amritsar, in India's northeast sat behind a bicycle rickshaw and could look into a zijsteegje. Ask in advance a while or you may enter, is usually not a problem. Chances are that you will get an enthusiastic tour. Please note that you do not have shorts or sleeves. And for the women: cover your head with a towel or scarf.

Another important advantage is that it is in the winter simply is less pressure in New York

In New York do you still soon to a summery image of beautiful, fashionable people, parading through the streets with a Starbucks cup in hand. Nice picnic in Central Park, a refreshing boat trip to the Statue of Liberty and an evening party in the open air. It so happened that I was in New York last January, in the middle of winter so. I thought it was a completely different experience, but not necessarily less fun. I put the pros and cons for you at a glance:

Benefits.

First of all, the snow :-) . You need a little luck, but New York is regularly covered in a fine layer of snow in the winter. Whether it's love or not; it really gives a special, fairytale atmosphere. The nice thing is that you can skate in Central Park! You know that movie Serendipity? Not that I now find such a great movie, but that scene on the ice rink in Central Park allows me still clear in my mind. So it 's also in real life. I must say that I the rink in size which was disappointing, but hey; you skate in the middle of the Big Apple :-) ! That makes for a lot.

Another important advantage is that it is in the winter simply is less pressure in New York. Of course, it remains a huge city with lots of tourists, but in winter it is really a lot less. Saves waiting time at all these buildings and attractions.

Finally, it is also in the winter finer travel in and through New York . Have you ever been in the subway after 3 days at 30 ° C? Yuck yuck. That problem, of course you do not have winter. This also applies to nice restaurants, museums and other attractions. In summer the air conditioners roar here, but in the winter it is a lot more pleasant.

Cons.
Well, I think the main drawback common cold is. It is really far below 0 bags in New York and then I can think of something nicer to then walk down the street :-) , but you can do to dress.

What I also did find one drawback was that the views of the city can be a lot less. If you're unlucky, what we had then, of fog and has for example no sense to go to the Empire State. A pity ...

All in all I would definitely recommend to visit New York in the winter. Sure, it can be quite cold, but the advantages are here in my opinion be against it. Be sure to take in any case, bring a hat and heavy coat

I am not a fast runner, so for me this is quite something. Those pesky interval workouts are apparently still good for something! The only way is up from now. Literally in kilometers, because now I fall in terms of endurance no longer under the half marathon. I have just again 25 km to sit ... Everything up to a kilometer or 27, I do actually fine, but when I think of the sessions to go over the 30 I get it anyway a little stuffy. Well, step by step. Preparing for an endurance training is essential to walk tasty and good. Sometimes you can not draw arrows, but there are some things you can do to be prepared.



Before you go running. Food of course is half the battle. Seriously. Without proper fuel your body a distance of over 15 km is really not well. Now I'm definitely not a nutritionist course, but I do have experience! Usually I make sure the evening before I be extra good and eat lots planned endurance. Chicken breast, pasta, lots of vegetables, quinoa; as it only contains a lot of protein and carbohydrates :-) . In the morning, I usually breakfast with fried eggs with a slice of rye bread and a big mug of tea. I'm like a crazy on! Every body is different, as long as you eitwitrijk eat and things moisturizes well.



While running. At distances from 15 km I walk myself with such vials belt. The first kilometers is never so fine, but then you notice anything more of it. I wear one myself from Nathan Trailmix with two bottles that sit tightly against your body. In total you can take as a pint of water with you during your run. In one bottle of water I always do in 't mix other I water with a krachtpoedertje :-) . You know t, however; kind of like an AA shakeje you get. For me it works mentally always good; the idea that I am a "power drink" drinking, instantly gives me strength to speak.

At distances from the half marathon I take something with a small piece. Gelletjes can, but I'm not so fond of. I get a gurgling stomach, yuck.



 endurance 2

After racing. Drink, drink, drink! And no desiccant drinks like coffee or alcohol eh. Water! And possibly a eiwitpoedertje if you are happy about it. I drink a lot of water and I eat once a salad with chicken, a boiled egg and vegetables. Tasty sandwich there and then relaxing time for little. Really super important for a good recovery! So after an endurance training does not do much more, good food and nice on the couch with a book :-)

Every day there namely busloads of tourists and in the park itself bump your merry succession

Every day there namely busloads of tourists and in the park itself bump your merry succession. Not exactly my idea of a nice walk through a national park. I'd Manuel Antonio was not so much recommend for the park itself, but because of the awesome beaches and because of the nearby town of Quepos.

 Manuel Antonio 2

Beaches?
Yep. Because in addition to the rainforest that Manuel Antonio rich, it also has wonderfull beaches. The sand is soft yellow, bright blue water and rainforest literally walk to the sea. Truly a paradise. The beach is at the back of the park, but since Manuel Antonio is not king, you walk there in 20 minutes from the main entrance way. So you have to pay the $ 10 entrance fee, but it's really worth it. The only downside to the beach is that the monkeys and raccoons are very cheeky :-) . So watch your stuff, because before you know it they steal your purse.

Quepos?

Quepos is the village where Manuel Antonio is at. In itself it is a small hamlet, but the location is very nice and I liked it hang a relaxed vibe. Definitely nice to stay a day or 2/3. Ennnn, we have here ever slept in one of the nicest hostels; The Wide Mouth Frog . The name alone you still smile does? This wonderful hostel is run by an Australian family that you understand well what backpackers need of :-) . The rooms are simple but clean and all set around a swimming pool. There is a huge kitchen, you can swap books, they have a laundry and hang hammocks everywhere. A double with shared bathroom cost you $ 35. Thick fine, especially for Costa Rica!

I certainly would not be persuaded to go to Manuel Antonio, but temper your expectations well in advance. Yes, you'll see animals and walk through a beautiful forest, but only on beaten path and behind a horde of Americans. You should not be an authentic experience here, but for $ 10 you have a nice day at the beach with some nice animals

Lombok is dominated by numerous mountains and volcanoes. Rinjani is this the highest and is ideal for climbing. The three-day trek starts in the Gunung Rinjani National Park. At the end of day one you sleep with your tent above the clouds and look from the crater of the Rinjani volcano (3726 m) and the Segara Anak lake. As the sun sets and the sky red color, you see the top of the volcano of Bali a few kilometers away stab through the clouds. Night falls and the porters put up tents and cook with limited resources a fantastic meal.

The next morning you walk on the crater rim from the inside to the lake and sleep on the slope of Mount Rinjani. That night you get up at 02:00 at night to see the sunrise. The shadow of the volcano is like a pyramid on the island and the sea. This is definitely one of the most beautiful treks you can make in Indonesia! The tour is pretty snappy (6 to 8 hours of walking per day), but it is doubly well spent. For more information, look here .

This picture was taken at the end of one day, one hour before nightfall. Tip: when you want more likely a pretty picture? try at the end of the afternoon to gather your energy and last about 20 minutes from the camp to walk up to the crater rim. The next morning you'll be back, but the evening light is always different than the morning. And who knows it is cloudy the next day. So do not sit down, but still ff turn that last bit.

The Sera Monastery the Cultural Revolution Mao passed reasonably well and it is definitely worth a visit

This time in 'The story behind "a photo series of debating monks. Lhasa, capital of Tibet, has three major monasteries: Ganden, Drepung and Sera.  The monks in the picture belong to the monastery of Sera. The monastery got its name because it was used behind a hill that was covered with wild roses (Sera means Wild Rose in Tibetan). Lived there before the Chinese invasion more than 5,000 monks, now there are only a few hundred. Moreover, it is this time strongly controlled by the Chinese police and there are lots of rules to which the inhabitants of monasteries must comply. Also there is teeming Chinese spies who keep a close eye on what is being said and by whom.  Monks, and especially in the large, powerful monasteries of Lhasa, which occupy a special position in Tibet. Monasteries are not only religious places, traditionally the political institutions largely determine the price momentum of the country.

The Sera Monastery the Cultural Revolution Mao passed reasonably well and it is definitely worth a visit. We visited between three and five o'clock in the afternoon, when there always is debated (except Sundays). Super interesting to see how the students try to convince each other of their religious views.


If you've been once in India, you know that this is a rather exciting experience. On each face. All those smells, colors, sounds; Your senses are constantly put at work. Deadly tiring but oh so special :-) . During our last trip through North India, we also went to the border with Pakistan. That sounds dangerous than it is though. About half an hour's drive from Amritsar contains a border crossing where they rebuild an entire party every day around closing the borders. That seemed to us a special experience, so at the end of the afternoon; hop in a taxi to the border. I did not know what I saw! Thousands of Indians and Pakistanis gather on their own side of the border and shouting filled patriotism across. Not aggressive, a little more comical mischief or so :-) . They wave flags, chant a hundred times' India, India! " and then march foreign military police officers to the border far to literally throw the door. And finished. And that every day.

I found this really one of the most bizarre moments trip ever. Looking ahead, also on the Pakistani side where all the women are fully veiled. So close at that time and yet so far away. If you are ever near Amritsar, skip this trip then really not. Any taxi can take you there. Agree or that the driver is also waiting for you, otherwise you have a problem. And make sure you're at the end of the afternoon and do something airy with

No, it's not a Koran reading book or what does this man in his hand. Although a Bible you might not expect in this part of Africa, is that really the case. As many as 63% of the nearly 100 million people in Ethiopia belongs to Christianity.

This picture was taken in one of the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela . Shortly after sunrise, when the light is beautiful gold color, my girlfriend and I were looking for the most famous rock church complex: Beth Giorgis. After having paid entrance and have pledged not to make films with my digital camera, otherwise a hefty fee, we could set off. As expected, the sun was nice angle to the churches, creating beautiful, long shadows. There was a ceremony going on with a lot of incense, singing and humming. There was a beautiful serene atmosphere.

Because I was afraid to ruin it with my camera and huge telephoto lens (70-300), I sit down at a distance. After about fifteen minutes the man came right down to us and started in a niche imperturbable to read his Bible. It took me no effort to take some pictures of him with it as best result. Very nice how the shadow is about half his body and face. Furthermore, the old, ragged cover of the bible jumps nice. It shows that a believer is his Bible used intensively. The white dress that he wears does moreover suggests that it is a priest, since it will often dressed in virginal white dress.

At the end of the morning so I had to sit quietly at a distance, two birds with one stone; a great morning which I enjoyed, and a beautiful picture!