Nong Khiaw: A Quiet Corner of Laos

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The Nam Ou River in Nong Khiaw, Laos

“But Jon, isn’t pretty much everywhere in Laos quiet?” Yes, but quiet isn’t always created equal, and while you might find plenty of laid back places in Laos, none are likely to be in a more scenic location (and provide you with more travelling comforts) than Nong Khiaw. Sure, you could rent a motorbike and … Read more

Should Travellers Be Working for Free in Guesthouses and Bars?

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The main street on Koh Rong, Cambodia

“Are you looking for workers?” asked a weary looking couple at a guesthouse/restaurant in Koh Rong, Cambodia. “Not at the moment” was the reply from the offbeat Italian owner, and on they went. I heard this conversation twice in the 5 nights I spent there. I wanted to get to the bottom of why she was turning down free labour, as everyone else on Koh Rong seemed to be lapping it up; in pretty much every bar and guesthouse I saw travellers happily plying their trade.

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Travel Playlist: A Musical Journey Around the World

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One of the things I love about travel is getting onto a bus (or train) headed somewhere new, putting my headphones on and watching a new world go by. It’s the sense of freedom I imagine someone in the throws of a midlife crises feels when he hops into his newly purchased Porsche, cranks the stereo up and hits the road.

Music has been a big part of my travels, and everyone loves a good playlist! If you need some travel inspiration, check out these songs about (or sometimes just named after) places around the world. Click on the title to listen to the song on YouTube or just watch the whole playlist below.

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The Perils (and Perks) of Getting a Haircut in a Foreign Land

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The Perils:

They might forget to cut one side

Maybe the guy had been having a few beers, or hairdressing wasn’t really his passion in life, but still, getting half a haircut for the price of 1 isn’t such a good deal. This was in Singapore, and arriving home for the customary post-haircut mirror check was a horrific experience. In his defence, the haircut did cost about $3, so I couldn’t complain too much, and it didn’t look as bad as the above photo, from the TV show Nathan Barley.

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Travelling to the Maldives? Spend a Day in Malé!

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Spend a day in Malé, the Maldives!

Walking the streets of Malé, I felt like I’d somehow slipped into another dimension: Everything was almost as it should be, but something felt off, like there was always a mystery waiting around the next corner. Just like an episode of Quantum Leap or Sliders, the atmosphere and feel of Malé is familiar but different, … Read more