There are thousands of people like me on the internet. We’ll help you plan your trip by telling you where the best attractions, towns, nature spots (and lots more) are. Why choose me though? Well, I’ve been doing it for almost 10 years now, with multiple trips to places like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos Indonesia and India. I’ve also lived in Singapore and Taiwan, and currently reside in my home town of Dunedin, New Zealand.
I reckon a huge part of getting travel advice (or any kind of advice) is getting it from the right sources. What is good advice for one person is terrible for another, especially with travel. When it comes to travel bloggers, go for someone similar to you! Is that me? You’re about to find out…
- I love a good deal.
- I’ll only swim in the ocean if it’s calm, clear and shallow (aka the tropics).
- I like walking. I always try to seek out hiking trails when I travel. Not only the hard ones — I love finding short, easy walks that lead to beautiful views. The South Island of New Zealand is perfect for this.
- I play golf (recently got back into it after about 20 years). It helps that I play at the stunning course pictured below! I’m hoping to play some famous courses over the next few years – might need to geta bit better first though!
- I’m competitive. I enjoy any kind of game, test of skill etc, and I love competing with people (lots of banter included). I’m a master at the classic ps1 game Jonah Lomu Rugby — let me know if you think you can beat me!
- I love stories. TV shows, movies, books, anime and games (the latter two I got into during the pandemic) – there’s so much variety out there and you’ll never run out of things to watch – choosing wisely is key.
- I enjoy watching sports, and am planning to go to some big events in the next few years. Maybe the 2023 rugby world cup in France. I’d also love to visit India when the New Zealand cricket team is touring. My teams are the Highlanders (rugby), NZ Warriors (league) and the Black Caps (NZ cricket team). I also got into the Premier League when living in Asia.
A Bit About My Travels
I’ve done a lot of solo travel, travelled around the world with my wife, had a honeymoon in Bali, travelled with friends, family, short trips and long. I’ve been adventurous when travelling, and also incredibly lazy. I love to try the local food, and am always looking for good burgers or BBQ. I’ll even eat the occasional meal of McDonald’s, which is blasphemy in certain travel circles.
My favorite travel experiences include hiking to a remote mountain village in China, exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas (including Machu Picchu) in Peru and wandering the labyrinth lanes of the various medinas in Morocco. Sunsets on Don Det, sunrises over Lake Titicaca.
Let me help you plan your trip to these places
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Singapore or Vietnam — I’m your man. Keep reading just below for lots of information about them.
I’m also relatively knowledgeable about the following places: Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, China, and Myanmar.
I’ve done shorter trips to heaps of other countries, but I wouldn’t say I’m an expert in them. Check out all the destinations I’ve written about here.
New Zealand
I’ve written over 40 posts about New Zealand over the last few years. I hail from the South Island of New Zealand and have travelled extensively throughout the island. This has led me to the opinion that the South Island (Te Wai Pounamu) is the most beautiful island in the world. The North Island is alright too…
Planning a trip to New Zealand? Start with these posts: Two Week New Zealand Itinerary || The Best Beaches in New Zealand || The Best Things to Do in New Zealand || Ranking the Great Walks in Fiordland National Park
Singapore
I lived in Singapore for two years, and it was in those long, lazy days in the office that this blog came to be (I taught for 25 hours a week but had to be in the office for 40, with no marking or planning to do). I went pretty much everywhere that looked interesting in Singapore over those two years, so if you’re planning a trip there I’ve got you covered.
Here are some posts to start with: 2 Days in Singapore: The Best of Both Worlds || The Best Beaches in Singapore || The Best Walks in Singapore || The Best Things to Do in Singapore
Indonesia
I first visited Indonesia in 2014 and have been there a few times since. I’ve spent upwards of 3-4 months in the country during all those trips, visiting over a dozen islands. Indonesia is an incredible country, and with 17000 islands there’s heaps of variety. Bali is the most popular by far, but head for places like Java, Sumatra, and Flores and you’ll escape the tourist crowds.
Check out these posts if you’re planning a trip to Indonesia: What’s a Trip to Bali Really Like? || The Best Things to Do in Indonesia || 10 Awesome Islands Near Bali || Backpacking in Indonesia: Costs, Tips and Places to See
Thailand
Thailand is another place I’ve returned to often since I visited for the first time in 2012. I reckon Thailand is the perfect travel destination. You’ve got dozens of paradise islands, heaps of interesting history, monkeys, great food and a tourist trail that’s easy to escape from if you’re sick of the crowds.
Check out these posts if you’re planning a trip to Thailand: The Ultimate Two-Week Thailand Itinerary || 10 of the Best Islands in Thailand || What’s a Trip to Thailand Really Like? || Phu Chi Fa: The Best Sunrise in Thailand?
Laos
Laos was the highlight of my first first 6-month trip around Southeast Asia. I loved the relaxing riverside villages, the mountain views, waterfalls and the general vibe of the place. It’s an easy place to travel but also feels a bit more remote than nearby Thailand.
Check out these posts if you’re planning a trip to Laos: Backpacking in Laos: Costs, Tips and Places to See || The Best Things to Do on Don Det (stunning island in the Mekong River) || A Three Day Mekong River Cruise in Southern Laos || The Mysterious Plain of Jars
Vietnam
I’ve been to Vietnam a few times over the last decade and have visited heaps of places, from the far south to up near the border with China. I even saw snow up there! I lived in Hoi An for a couple of months (nicest city in Southeast Asia I reckon) and I highly recommend spending a little longer there – so much good food!
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out these posts: Two-Week Vietnam Itinerary || The Best Things to do in Hoi An || Ha Giang Province Travel Guide || The Best Things to Do in Hanoi || The Best Movies Set in Vietnam
India
I’ve been to India twice now (around 3 months total) and still have heaps to see. I’ll be saying that forever though, there’ll always be somewhere new to go in India! India is a travel experience like no other – definitely not easy but it’s home to counless incredible historic sights, stunning nature and a very interesting culture and history.
Planning a trip to India? Check out these posts: India Travel Tips || Hampi Travel Guide: Exploring India’s Best Ancient Ruins || Two Weeks in Rajasthan || Backpacking in Himachal Pradesh: Monasteries and Mountains || Two Days in Delhi
And that’s all you need to know about me and my website — happy travels!
Jon Algie
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Haha! Loved the creepy interview..
Cheers Neethi!
Hi it’s a wonderful post, I’d love to teach in Singapore. Is there any agency you an recommend?
No agencies Cordelia just apply directly at the schools.
Hahaha, I didn’t find it that creepy….honest 🙂
Haha, Other Jon will be happy about that!
I really enjoy reading your blog, (and the creepy interview :))
I’m Indonesian, and love how you describe my country, you are welcome to come here again… 🙂
Always fascinate by New Zealand and hope I can visit there sometimes,
good luck with your journey
Thanks for the kind words Anie, I hope to visit Indonesia again soon!
Hi, I am Brandon, I am Chinese, my wife and I just move to Singapore, now I have job, and my company is nice, give me EP, so my wife has DP, but the biggest problem is she doesnt has a job here, she tried to apple cove 30 schools, no respond…we dont know where is the problem, we want to find out, so hope she can find a job soon, and I hope make friend with you~
Hi Brandon, sounds good. Is she applying for English schools? If she’s Chinese she might be better going for Chinese tuition centres, I’m sure there are a lot of them.
Very interesting and lovely blog! Look forward to reading many of your posts:)
Thanks Rashmi!
Jon…bro! Just had the pleasure of stumbling across your blog. Love your sense of humour, reminds of a very funny guy I know…um…MYSELF! I taught English in Korea in the early 90’s and then went to Guatemala and to make a long story short, one night in the No-tel Motel (American English term) and baba boom – instant family! I stayed the course for 23 years, I have two great bambinos in Quetzaltenango and now at age 60, I have to start all over again. Talk about leaving my comfort zone…OUCH-A-WA-WA!
The plan is to look for work in Macau first. If I can’t find work there Plan B gets activated. Plan B includes Korea and Japan and now, thanks to Jon, Singapore! Never considered Singapore before.
Will keep checking out your blog broski.
Thanks for the comment Andy, I appreciate it! Sounds like you’ve lived an interesting life — and it’s never too late to leave your comfort zone again, I reckon that’s what keeps people young. Good luck with the job hunt, let me know how it pans out.
Hey there Jon,
I felt a great sense of pleasure reading ur chat (this is what it is ? Right ?)
I am a 17 yr old from India, a country where one can find everything. From High rise snowy Mountains to Monuments, Exotic Beaches to Peaceful Lagoons, Lakes to Deserts, Chirping nd dense Forests to Lively Cities. I hope that u enjoy this place by Heart 🙂
Now coming to point,
U know that in India almost all the people are of only one kind… Indians have the same schedule every day and that is they go to work, come back home, and this goes into a loop every day ! Parents want their children to be studious and u know kind of top in every exam…. We Indians have an Orthodox approach towards life…
But there are some like me those dont want to live a life such ordinary… U know we get our life once. So why not live it to the fullest.. i jst like u want to travel, want to go to new places randomly, meet new ppl, experience new cultures and feel that serene nature…i wanna roam around the whole world..I wanna show ppl how beautiful this earth is. I wanna capture photographs and take behind just the memories with me to the heaven. I wanna skydive,i wanna snorkel,i wanna climb up tall Mountains and feel that cool breeze..I want to stand different, and dont wanna live a boring life..
At the present moment i have travelled most part of India on my father’s money ? but not that time is coming to an end… College yrs, then job, marriage, family, retirement and then death. now i have 2 options, either get into that mainstream indian life or get out of it and take my footsteps to wherever the road takes me.. but u know we middle class indian all lack money to travel 🙁
So jst wanna say-
CAN I TRAVEL WITH U ?
I ll do whatever u say… All forms of work.. I ll write blogs, do work, learn photography,adobe. I ll pickup loads(even urs ) while travelling ?and u know whatever u can think of to travel 🙂
I ll come out to be a great companion.. Pl can i come with u !! Can i work with u … Can i get a job….
i dont need any money !! I need is jst some food and lots of travel. Pl respond…
Hey Divij, I love the enthusiasm. Unfortunately I’m not in the position to be hiring people and my girlfriend does a lot of that for free anyway. Good luck though and follow your travel dreams!
Hey man i wanted to see if i could talk to you about your trip true peru also if you could give me some insight on how u are able to travel for such long periods of time.
Sure, give me an email if you like!
Jon, I just happen to swing thru your travel blog while online. Great info and you did a good job explaining little things to any novice traveller. I travel a lot but don’t have a blog 🙂 I just got back last week from a 14 country backpacking. Now I was planning my next destination and that when I happen to see your pictures from Machu picchu 🙂 I have never made it to South America though I live in North AM. Over all great insight and you are so blessed to have a great partner Gia who love your passion. Hope to meet you sometime because I am sure we will have lots to share and let me know if you happen to visit here. Happy Backpacking
Thanks for the kind words! It must have been an awesome trip, I’ve been stuck in New Zealand for like a year now so looking forward to getting back out there. Definitely go to Machu Picchu if you get the chance, there’s heaps more to see in Peru too. Let me know if you’re ever in New Zealand — cheers!
Hello Jon
Could I please have your permission to use some of your photos for a book I am writing on SE Asia? Naturally I will give you the photo credit. The reason I would like to use some of your shots is that they are best I have found that don’t come from a commercial service.
Please let me know, I would be very grateful.
Sincerely Robert Walker
Hey Robert, it should be OK. Can you give me an email @ jonistravelling@gmail.com with some more details? Thanks!
Hello,
Very Interesting reading your stuff. Thanks I came across this. I plan to travel to Bali this december, any suggestions about the places to stay. I plan to spend six days with my wife, dividing it into three days in two different islands.
I come from Bangalore, that’s a southern city of India.
I must say I visited many places abroad and been many times to N.Z. I must say that N.Z is arguably one of the best places to visit. this is not me saying, but heard this from many western and British tourist I met during my trips.
Cheers and all the best.
Quentin
Hey Quentin, yeah New Zealand is awesome! For Bali, I’d probably go three nights in Ubud (a good base for exploring central Bali) and then three nights on one of the Gili Islands. That way you’ll get plenty of beach time (Gili Islands beaches are better than beaches in Bali) and you’ll be able to see the volcanoes, rice terraces, waterfalls and temples of the interior. Enjoy the trip!
Nice one buddy. thumbs up from a fellow blogger from india
Man your blog is so amazing!
Probably I am a little bit late but I am here reading your inspirational story.
I was looking information about Lake Toba and I came across your post. Thank you so much. I am writing an article and I needed some information about that place.
I hope you are doing well back in New Zealand.
Greetings from an adventurer latino living in Canada.
Kind regards,
Javier
Hey Javier, thanks for the comment — hopefully we can get back to places like Lake Toba soon!