Maori Dancers Wikipedia

I have always been sceptical of 'cultural' experiences ever since I was forced to dress up in a hideous skirt, blouse and hat which made me look like a fat oompa-loompa so at first I wasn't really sure if I wanted to take part in the Maori Cultural experience that my Stray Backpacker bus offered.

Being in New Zealand, cultural or traditional experiences are readily available but they've never really been something I would choose to do, for obvious fear of being humiliated again. It's not ignorance but more of a lack of understanding and a fear of the unknown for me but it is understandable that for some backpackers on a budget, it's the adventure they want to splash out on, not the culture.

BEER Wikipedia

If you're backpacking for the first time, or even if you are an old hand at it, it is still a crazy time that takes you from one comfort zone to a completely unknown place. We are all human and react to challenge and the unknown in different ways but the point is that we react. Sometimes with dignity, sometimes not.

Sometimes we do things when we're backpacking that we think we cannot ever admit to but actually we can because more of us do it than we realise.

]]> Kate Cooper Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:01:04 +0000 http://www.nomadshostels.com/Fun-Stuff/movies-released-in-2010-that-will-make-you-want-to-travel

Narnia Wikipedia

There is nothing quite like a good movie to either showcase a countries finest assets or make you want to quit your job for something a little more exciting and promising. We have all seen, or at least heard of, those great movies that inspire people to travel but for those of you who are thinking about booking a trip somewhere in 2010 here are some films due for release in 2010 that are guaranteed to get you thinking about booking that trip.

Even if you have no plans to go anywhere, chances are at least one of these films will make you reconsider and make you want to travel somewhere.

Naked Cycling Wikipedia

The nudist revolution! It's everywhere, top 10 nudist beaches around the world and now even top 10 nudist beaches within each individual country, there was even talk of a nudist cruise. I applaud it, I just can't do it myself, I am 100% British and it isn't in my genetic make-up, I'm sorry. However, I find it both fascinating and awesome that more and more people are stripping for more and more reasons. So, ignoring the obvious naked activity that most people will happily adhere to and also the mass of naked, drunk backpackers, here are 5 things that you can do in New Zealand absolutely naked (legally!).

Toronto CN Tower Wikipedia

Restaurants with that little bit of something different or restaurants that give you an experience as well as your meal and wine are always going to attract the masses. It comes as no surprise that a restaurant that is located very high in the sky is going to be popular. Undeniably you will get unrivalled views of the area you are dining in, but I have to say you need to be ok with heights for some of these restaurants and dining experiences.

However, these high dining experiences are all awesome and will have you sobbing in to your same old salad or no longer novel noodles and longing for that handsome man to come and whisk you off for a dinner you will never forget.

Fish and Chips Wikipedia

I have had a culinary awakening since arriving in New Zealand and this has surprised nobody more than me. I actually think that in about 6 months time when I arrive back in Britain I am in for major disappointment which is why I am offering these tips to my home country so that they may learn and prepare for my arrival. When I first arrived in New Zealand and I went for scout around the supermarket I was not only shocked but also appalled. Isn't New Zealand supposed to be cheaper than Britain?

With a little bit of delving it became apparent that it isn't about price it is about the attitude and mindset that New Zealand has about food and this is something we can all learn from.

Mosquito Wikipedia

Known for bringing out extremes of all sorts, Cairns and tropical north Queensland play host to several ferocious predators.... from taipans (highly venomous snakes!) to crocodiles and drop bears! But none of these deadly animals are much threat to fun loving backpackers in Cairns. There is however one predator that loves to prey on helpless backpackers as they sun themselves and try to recover from the night before..... this is of course the dreaded mosquito.