Backpacking Southeast Asia - Discount Airline Routes to Fit More Into Your Backpacking Adventure

Backpacking Southeast Asia is the experience of a lifetime. Most backpackers try to cram as many destinations as possible into a limited time frame. This article will provide some routes that Southeast Asian discount airliners fly, that may help you visit a few more destinations on your trip, without breaking the bank.

The two main and most popular discount airliners in the area are Air Asia and Bangkok Airways. Both Airliners offer service to most areas of Southeast Asia. One of the major transportation hubs they use in Southeast Asia is Bangkok, Thailand. The central location of Bangkok makes it a great place to branch out and cram a few more destinations into your trip.

From Bangkok, backpackers trying to cram in some beach time, Bangkok Airways offers flights to Phuket and Ko Samui. If you are looking to make a side trip up to Chiang Mai to see a bit of Northern Thailand, both Air Asia and Bangkok Airways offer discount service.

For backpackers looking to visit Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor, it can sometimes be difficult to fit into your itinerary, given its location. Siem Reap is accessible from Bangkok, Ko Samui, and Singapore on Bangkok Airways. Siem Reap is also accessible from Kuala Lumpur on Air Asia.

For backpackers looking to travel Vietnam, but do not wish to go through Cambodia, Air Asia offers service to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

For those travellers that want to go from Thailand straight to Singapore, without visiting Malaysia, there a few options available. Bangkok Airways offers service to Singapore from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Siem Reap, and Ko Samui. Air Asia offers service from both Bangkok and Phuket.

To find out more information backpacking Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Southeast Asia, visit http://www.timetogobackpacking.com. Also check out http://www.timetogobackpacking.com/Plan_Your_Itinerary.aspx and try out the free itinerary planning application designed especially for backpackers.

Putting Together the Perfect Scuba Diving Adventure

You are finally an officially certified diver and you can't wait to travel to an amazing scuba diving location. How do you begin to plan the trip? Instead of simply writing a check and telling a travel agent to book something for you, why not build your very own adventure from scratch?

Select a location known for great diving. With your budget in mind, decide how far you can afford to fly or drive. Whether driving to a nearby beach resort area or flying to a different hemisphere, you'll need to spend some time learning about your destination. Discuss locations with the dive staff or club members from the shop or school where you received your certification. Divers love to brag about their scuba exploits and can supply a mountain of information.

Will you take your personal dive equipment or use rental gear on location? Bringing all of the gear is really only practical if you are driving; it is simply easier and more convenient to let the local dive shop outfit you in another country. The only supplies you will need from home are your certification card, a dive log, and maybe your own mask. Don't let a leaking mask ruin an otherwise perfect dive opportunity!

Research the local dive shops or scuba tour groups you will use. Ask for referrals before booking anything! Try to arrange discounts on rental gear for reserving several boat dives. Ask for advice on what dive spots are appropriate for your level of scuba certification.

Find out what lodging options fit your budget and style. Ask about scuba packages that may be available at a preferred rate. Find out if any units have kitchens so that you can save money by preparing a few meals on your own.

You will of course spend a good deal of your vacation above sea level, so find a resort or condo that also has fun recreational amenities. Depending on your interests, look for great golf courses or tennis courts. Find out if there are bikes or kayaks for rent. Is the beach secluded or teeming with families? Check to see if there is a grocery store close by so that you can stock your kitchen with snacks.

With the planning finished, now you can savor the anticipation of an exciting scuba diving holiday on the horizon. To build confidence, sign up for a refresher course at the dive school if it has been a long time since your last dive. Have a great trip!

The diving lessons will impart information as to how best to use dive equipment such as the scuba diving computer and what is the science behind diving as well as responsible diving practices. You may also discuss some of the best places to take a scuba diving vacation. You'll find all the free information you'll need on our website.