My visit to the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces. This is one of many in a back catalogue of travel stories from my earlier travels.
Nomadic Backpacker: Budget Travel Guides & Stories
Practical advice based on more than 30 years of travel. Find first-hand information on public transport, border crossings, budget travel and destinations around the world.
Visiting Ceuta: Spanish Autonomous City in Africa
Ceuta is one of two autonomous Spanish cities (the other one being Melilla) that are located across the Strait of Gibraltar in Africa.
I passed through here in 2008. In 2024, I stayed two nights. Proper backpacking!
Visiting the Step Pyramid of Djoser – Saqqara
The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, just 30 km south of Cairo, is Egypt’s oldest pyramid, built some 200-300 years before the more famous pyramids at Giza.
Self-Guided San José Walking Tour (Costa Rica)
My self-guided walking tour takes you to all the main places of interest, and then some, in San José, Costa Rica, one of my favourite capitals in Central America.
How to Take the Madarail Train: Toamasina to Brickaville, Madagascar
Planning to take the weekly Madarail Dia Tsara train from Toamasina (Tamatave) to Brickaville in Madagascar? Here is how to buy tickets, current schedules, prices, and tips.
Things to do in Tirana (Albania) for Backpackers
Things to do in the vibrant city of Tirana, Albania, plus getting there and away tips.
Cheapest way to get to and from Mexico City Airport
If you are travelling light, there is no need to take an Uber to or from Mexico City Airport.
Find out how to use the cheap public transport and save yourself a fortune.
Things to Do in Chișinău, Moldova for Backpackers
Chișinău is the capital of the Republic of Moldova, which gained independence from the Soviet Union on August 21, 1991.
The former Soviet States are among my favourite countries for a bit of exploration.
There are, of course, lots of statues and monuments that are worth seeing and some really good places to get a cheap meal and some liquid refreshment.
How to get from El Salvador to Nicaragua by boat
If you want to travel overland from El Salvador to Nicaragua and are keen to avoid going through Honduras, then your only option is to take the boat across the Gulf of Fonseca, from La Unión to Potosí. This post provides you with a step-by-step guide for those making the journey.
Post updated with 2026 logistics.
Perquín, the Guerrilla Capital during the Salvadoran Civil War
During the Salvadoran Civil War, the small town of Perquín served as the guerrilla capital and the headquarters of the FMLN (Frente Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional).
Escaping the oppressive heat back down in San Miguel, I headed north for 3 hours for some respite and to discover this lesser-known town.