RSVP Blog

Posted by: chad1958 at September 28, 2008 4:53 PM

Very true mate

Posted by: outbackdrifter at September 29, 2008 6:59 AM

hi outbackdrifter they dont know what their missing ,see your own country first

Posted by: chad1958 at September 28, 2008 4:53 PM

Were have all the female adventurers gone, one who want to see there own backyard, who really like to live on the edge, step outside there comfort zone & live life to the full ???, from what I can see you are very thin on the ground at the moment

Posted by: outbackdrifter at September 28, 2008 1:44 PM

I thing age plays a role, If i'm travelling by myself, the additional social contact of a hostel is good, but i do get some funny looks from the young-uns now i'm 30.

If i'm travelling with someone, then the comfort and privacy of a hotel is great.

Posted by: nightfalltech at September 2, 2008 4:35 PM

Posted by: willow29 at August 24, 2008 4:18 PM Yes... the good name of the Barrow Creek pub has been sullied forever due to unfortunate and tragic circumstances. Same as Truro, Belanglo, Snowtown, the corner of Flinders St & William St in Melbourne (right by where I work), and so many other great places in this grand nation of ours. I prefer to remember the place for what it meant to me at the time I went though there.

Posted by: chad1958 at August 24, 2008 4:03 PM - The Silverton is an interesting pub if you're into a bit of nostalgia - they filimed some of the Mad Max takes there, and few other things as well. The pub has relics from the movie's props. It's a bit of a hoik from Broken Hill, but a trip worth taking. There was an old 'museum' when I was there last, and from memory, there's a 'Sun Farm' that produces electricity via focusing the suns rays onto water-heaters attached to large highly polished parabolic dishes. I guess it boils down to what you consider 'must see', but I enjoyed the trip out there...

Posted by: heart2heart57 at August 24, 2008 4:46 PM

HxH, I bet the Barrow Creek pub was a welcome sight to Joanne Lees!! I lived in Humpty Doo for many years and the pub was voted "Australia's roughest pub" for many years in People. We had to build a new one for families :)
The German Arms was a good one in the Adelaide Hills.

Hey Chad, I agree :)

Posted by: willow29 at August 24, 2008 4:18 PM

hi willow29 and outbackdrifter i havent been to silverton but will make it a must do . i have been overseas and we live in the best country in the world

Posted by: chad1958 at August 24, 2008 4:03 PM

Posted by: willow29 at August 12, 2008 7:17 PM - Yah, country pubs have their own personality. The Adelaide Hills pubs, and indeed most of South Oz, have a uniqueness to them with all that German and English tradition sneaking in - sausages hanging from the bar, jars of pickled calamri and razor fish, smoked tommies, ploughman's lunches, pork pies etc.

Possibly on of the most unique (and extremely welcome one at the time) would be Daly Waters pub. I'm not sure if it's till the same, but it used to have no windows, the old style 'slam fridges', rabbit traps and all sorts of things draped on the walls etc. And *lots* of cold beer... :) And isn't the Barrow Creek pub a welcome sight? As is Silverton. Gascoyne Junction, Willuna. So many great places steeped in history.

Sadly, a lot of the older pubs here in Vic are converting to modern city syle venues. The quaint old Narbethong pub the other side of the ranges is now a 'trendy' building with polished wooden floors. Some things are best left just stuck in time...

Posted by: heart2heart57 at August 23, 2008 12:42 PM

chad, I have had a beer or 7 at both Hermidale & Cambiligo, as for Broken Hill there are still plenty of pubs to wash down the dust, the rest I have not been to yet, If you like pubs check out Silverton, Packsaddle, Tibooburra & Milparinka :)

Posted by: outbackdrifter at August 23, 2008 11:19 AM

hi out backdrifter ever been to hermidale or cambiligo near cobar? broken hill had 32 pubs when i was there now thats a pub crawl but dont forget the welcome home inn at longreach or the local at ilfracombe then i must mention winton ; barcaldine and last my humble local the centenary at townsville

Posted by: chad1958 at August 18, 2008 6:24 PM

If you like old country pubs, you should try a road trip out thought far western NSW & up into western Qld, it full of old country pubs, in some places the pub is the only thing that is there...............the ultimate pub crawl :)

Posted by: outbackdrifter at August 16, 2008 8:12 PM

I love my hotels, When I travel I pick my Hotels to enhance the already wonderful experience travel is. I live to Travel I work to Travel and when I Travel I always make sure its a 5+ Star Experience. Be it land or sea the better it is the better I like it. A great Hotel be it big or small is the ultimate outcome of many peoples work and the highest commitment to delivering world class hospitality and excellence in general. Like the produce of a World Class Chef or Drinking the finest Champaign they are experiences to partake in as much as one can possible indulge in. Those who say staying in one of the fine establishments detracts from the overall travel experience do not know what they are missing. Banyantree2008

Posted by: banyantree2008 at August 15, 2008 11:30 PM

I love old country pubs! They have such character. The Aldgate Hotel with its home cooked pasties and scotch eggs, pickled eggs in a jar, salamis hanging from the rafters, beef jerky and the kids out on the front porch with the dog, a bag of crisps and a bottle of coke ( in a real bottle). Oh and schnitzels that are so huge they dont fit on the plate.

Posted by: willow29 at August 12, 2008 7:17 PM

what about the old country pub i and a few mates did the around aus trip in 1980 . there are some great old pubs out there but a lot of people think australia ends at the outskirts of sydney and melbourne

Posted by: chad1958 at August 12, 2008 6:31 PM

Whether you prefer Hostel or hotel, doesn't really matter in my opinion. Travelling is interesting regardless of where you lay your head at night. Whether it is inside a cosy swag on the deck of a junk meandering its way up a tropical river, with or without another or on the finest Egyptian cotton with a high thread count. For me it is about being somewhere away from home, preferably exposed to a culture that is different, with interesting people who do things differently. Personally I like to be challenged to think about what it is that is really important in life and confirming sometimes that we all have common needs. Sometimes that can be confronting, other times not. When I come back home I like to reflect on what it is that I have learned about myself and what it is that I may have contributed to others.

Posted by: happyseagypsy at August 12, 2008 4:49 PM

Money issues aside I look for the right location relative to what I want to see and do and a place with some real character (not the euphemistic kind either but something that is nicely memorable).

Pensions, b&bs, guest houses, hostels can all fit this bill. It just depends. On my coming up trip I'm staying in a nice mix of hostels, and small hotels. Sometimes hostels turn out to be relatively "bad value" compared to some of the really interesting places I've found to stay...

Hostels are not necessarily for the more adventurous - but more for the cost conscious who want to meet others in the dorms/common areas. That can be both a blessing and a curse. In one trip I did a long time ago in Europe I stayed in a huge German hostel (for 200 people) all by myself off season! A few weeks later I was in Venice hostel with 20 fully booked bunks in the room. Large hostels can be no fun. But I like the Sydney Central Station one for a short stay no matter how crowded it can get.
I've stayed in some horrors over the years ( defined by bad attitude, maintenance and facilites.)

I've spent up to 9 months on one trip staying in shared rooms - now I like some private space more so I don't mind paying for my own room from time to time - I can sleep better and not worry about my gear.

In corporate life I've had more than enough of hotels. But they are good for the first night somewhere after a longhaul flight.... or if they have some unique view/location.

For me "small is beautiful" - I like contact with the owners/operators and more of a "home stay" feeling where they are really hands on in the place - you can get that at small hotels and all sorts of places (cabins, b&bs, the better run hostels). There's a huge range of options between hotel and hostel...

And don't forget camping! Rather remote and "unserviced" places are the ultimate private room! On my last trip to Africa I purchased a great little tent that is spacious but still relatively light/compact for bushwalking.

Posted by: exploringall at August 12, 2008 2:15 AM

Are there any peregrinos/peregrinas out there? You'll know what I mean! How did you find the Camino? Do it alone or in a group?
Joe

Posted by: peregrino02 at August 10, 2008 10:33 PM

lookingforward7..

When in Chiang Mai, we took a guided walk up to the hill tribes.. the walk was about a week's duration, some of it very steep but well worth the effort. When we stopped for food in one tiny village (merely a dirt compound with several huts around it) my ex & I negotiated to stay for several days & join the next walk when it passed through. It may still be possible to do this.
It was in the centre of the golden triangle, & life seemed not to have changed for hundreds of years.
The 'village' had a secret opium den, a miniscule hidden room above the maize store accessed by a scarily flimsy bamboo ladder...the chief insisted on showing us everything!
There was also a very bad-tempered goose, who ruled both the village & his several wives.. in order to cross the compound, it was necessary for one of us to distract the goose while the other made a dash for our room! The first time we were blase about the danger... oh, we were wrong... so wrong!!

On the walk we were lucky enough to encounter a wedding procession winding its way around the mountain.. the bride was carried aloft with dozens of banknotes attached to her headdress, & the costumes of the people were resplendent with coins sewn on to them! Later at a market, I bought an antique belt, also adorned with coins... it was interesting to find several old Australian coins amongst the varied denominations.

What a wonderful trip to be doing..
Enjoy!

Posted by: decoratress at August 10, 2008 8:29 PM

I love Thailand and have been there many times. I have trekked thru to rubber plantations and fished in the rivers. I loved wandering around Bangkok as they have magnificent temples and wonderful fresh seafood markets. The food is extremely cheap and we at from one end of the city to the other. The city is immense and so diverse. I would suggest you google cheaper accommodation places and try to get somewhere within walking distance of the overhead railway. That way you can always get from point A to point B very cheaply and easily. Exploring Bangkok is fascinating but it is huge and very crowded so the air conditioned monorail is a blessing at times trying to get home after a long day. Go to the weekend markets, it takes about a week to get around them but lots of fun, very cheap and they sell literally everything.

Posted by: iaminperth at August 10, 2008 8:04 PM

Lucky you Lookingforward! Have a brilliant time. Is worth learning a few phrases too. It really is appreciated. And the zoo in Chiang Mai is worth seeing. Best hint I can think of is to carry tissues with you whereever you go. Lots of places do not have loo paper.

Posted by: willow29 at August 10, 2008 7:26 PM

I hope you enjoy your holiday lookingforward7. I'm afraid I haven't been to Thailand yet.
I've tried most places to stay in Australia or overseas - camping, B & Bs, motels and hotels, most still very enjoyable even if the ground seems to have got harder when camping!.. I've even tried a backpackers stay - what a disaster! 3 hot and humid nights in a room where the windows wouldn't open. I disliked sharing my bed with cockroaches - so it was off to the hotel next door!
I've always enjoyed the camping though, and would love to travel around Australia but with no rush.

Posted by: faraday1 at August 10, 2008 6:53 PM

Hi. i'm going to Thailand in 3 weeks. Does anyone have any suggestions for cheap but nice guesthouses around chiang mai , golden triangle & bangkok. Also would like to stay somewhere nice but not too dear around krabi or phuket areas. I land & leave from phuket. Hope to backpack the middle period but have a bit more luxury to finish off! Any suggestions most welcome. So excited

Posted by: lookingforward7 at August 2, 2008 12:24 PM

There are other choices besides Hotels or Hostels, there is camping, which has come a long way in the last 20 years or so, more comfort & chioce in how you camp, were I live which we are now seeing alot of people on camping holidays instead staying in hotels, hostels or pubs, I think one of the main reasons we are seeing this the cost of fuel but camping is still the best way to see country side, no matter what country you are in

Posted by: outbackdrifter at July 29, 2008 11:05 AM

Posted by: dxxz at July 24, 2008 7:43 AM,

I totaly agree with you, For the few times I do stay somewhere other then living out of the back of my landrover, its always a hostel, Its really great meet people & plus its cheap which is getting more & more important the way the cost of traveling is going now

Posted by: outbackdrifter at July 27, 2008 9:54 AM

I've travelled a lot, using both hotels and hostels, bed and breakfast places, camped, and also lived in China, so had an apartment in a Chinese area living amongst the 'locals' rather than in a tourist or expat area.

There are times when hotels are terrific. But for me, when I travelled around Canada for instance, and Italy, I chose to do the 'hostel' thing because I wanted to meet people, - I was travelling solo as I often do. Other 'travellers' have so much to offer - stories - tips - places to visit - and I have met some most interesting people. Hotels are impersonal and I rarely get to chat with other guests - but they are rather nice for a touch of luxury, a good long soak, etc.. ~smiles~ and of course rather nice with a yummy companion! (but then so would sleeping in my double swag - I live in hopes! ). One night I woke up at 2 am (ish) while in my swag and all I could see was billions of stars in the otherwise blackness of the night....nothing beats that feeling....(unless it's someone cooking bacon and eggs as the sun rises).

Posted by: dxxz at July 24, 2008 7:43 AM

Well, for me, it depends on who I'm with and the reason for travel. I like 5 star, but something that is intimate and quiet is my first priority. But if I was camping under the stars with a wonderful partner, or finding some out of the way bed & bath, that would beat being alone in a 5 star any day!

Posted by: loveatfirstbite at July 23, 2008 1:46 PM

oops..lost a post?.. about reminiscing about the memoirs and experiences based on stumbling upon 'romantic' liasons.. breaking taboos and conventions..the luxury of being free of the daily mundane..and how it sparks the imagination..erases inhibitions..?? the succumbing to the romantic within....and the memorable places where it all so romantically happened..sigh.. (staying on topic)..the hotels..pensions..the kindness of strangers homes..if only we could bottle the feeling of being on holiday..

i think we need to remind ourselves that one is never too old for the seduction of romance..too idealistic?

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 22, 2008 8:25 PM

oldergent at July 22, 2008 3:16 PM

no offence taken OG..just wondering why you thought that..that's all..

as part of my profile says..i wish i was filming and recording wildlife on the river..or anything to do with nature..preferably when no one is around to disturb the ambience..which i do when i have the opportunity..while everyone else is sleeping.. i'm up before dawn recording birdsong and filming..no one else is usually interested..they'd rather sleep..

but of course..I would also enjoy 5star ..or any reasonable accommodation if it were interesting and had some character..for me..a place needs a certain atmosphere..watching Le Tour would happily stay anywhere..such beauty..atmosphere..if i were young and fit enough..would love to do a cycling tour around France..but at a much more leisurely pace!

and thank you..i take it as a compliment..

cheers...nw

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 22, 2008 5:35 PM

Naturalwoman,
no offence meant, I was going on your photo's and a woman of your looks usualy equates to 5 star everything. No reason really that you should not like the good life in the country, my apologies if offence was taken.
Cheers OG

Posted by: oldergent at July 22, 2008 3:16 PM

loved sleeping in the earthly silence and serenity of the dugouts in Coober Pedy..also staying in them..a very unique 'underground' experience..minus any unwelcome 'wombats'.. :)

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 22, 2008 1:42 PM

I have spent many nights in the bush. One hot night near Borroloola, I camped far enough from the river to avoid the crocs and far enough from the road to avoid anyone else but I slept with an unusual bolt action shotgun. The night was so still, you could hear the slightest noise.

In the middle of the night, I heard footsteps creeping towards my tent. I sat up, and very noisily engaged the bolt and the next minute, the footsteps went running off in the opposite direction. I slept in the car for the rest of my trip.

Posted by: willow29 at July 22, 2008 9:01 AM

Posted by: oldergent at July 21, 2008 10:09 PM

i wonder why you think it strange of my post (according to my profile)..to love the simple rudimentary pleasure of sleeping outdoors in the bush?..remember once catching a rather deadly chest cold sleeping outside in a sleeping bag by the fire by myself near Uluru whilst other campers slept sensibly and warmly inside their tents..and i loved every second of it...

and plenty of other isolated places where the mattress for the night was either a bed of grass..parched land or grains of sand..a bit of a swagwoman deep down..nw

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 22, 2008 12:33 AM

NW. @ 7.06 pmStrange post for a woman of your profile. But I too like the desert fire and sleeping bag, but not the 5 star, just give me a clean bed, clean linen, shower and toilet facilities ( in the city) and somewhere to cook my own food and I am happy, times change as you get older.
Cheers OG

Posted by: oldergent at July 21, 2008 10:09 PM

I'm guessing this depends more on your financial situation.
I prefer my own facilities (ie shower) but beyond that, as long as its clean as I'd rather be out and about exploring than sitting in some hotel or hostel (no matter what the quality).
Any savings are put towards staying more days ;-)
This is a relatively minor issue compared to the issue of shared verses single (Hotel/Hostel)
So many holiday deals list cheap shared prices.
An advantage of Hostel is that its shared so again, you get the savings (unless you have a travel friend)

Posted by: trusttheuniverse at July 21, 2008 10:02 PM

give me a swag..a desert an open fire..best sleep ever..or just under the stars anywhere beyond the city limits..

but..of course..a bed with fresh linen..and the promise of temporal excitement somewhere exotic..or achingly beautiful and unspoiled..or heaving with character..beauty and charm however simple or extravagant would be passionately pounced on and embraced with lingering sounds of purring satisfaction..

Posted by: naturalwoman08 at July 21, 2008 7:06 PM

For me, couchsurfing is the answer.
You get the best of both worlds.
Home accomodation, people who love to show you their home country, city, space and entree into places you didn't know existed.
Hotels can be nice in small doses or for special occassions, however they offer little in the way of socialising or meeting like minded people.

Posted by: wandering61 at July 19, 2008 1:17 AM

I may be out of line here but I own my home and am used to comforts that I would not do without whilst on a vacation so for me to holiday in a hostel would be a step backwards not forwards...of course i want a five star vacation where I dont have to lift a finger...i think they lift fingers and share in a hostel
P.S. Did frequent a hostel in port douglas many years ago and was best meal around for value..didnt sleep there though!

Posted by: franngipanni at July 17, 2008 9:29 PM

I love the smaller boutique hotels with loads of character and charm.

Posted by: egernia at July 17, 2008 10:33 AM

No, I love the hotels, the more stars the better! I love to trek and wander, straight after a big breakfast I am off and don't usually return until late afternoon. By that time I am usually so grotty and sweaty from all the exploring and just love the wonderful showers, beautiful fresh bed linen and the whole ambience.

Posted by: iaminperth at July 16, 2008 9:43 PM

"Put aside the cost and consider what you would choose if given the free choice!"

In that case, hotel for sure! A hotel doesnt mean a multi level building in the city - it can be a discrete resort that blends into the surroundings.You can still mingle with the locals and go exploring but come back to a real toilet, hot water, fluffy white robes and room service if you want to.

Posted by: willow29 at July 16, 2008 4:59 PM