Valentine’s Special: The Top 10 Best / Worst Chat Up Lines For Backpackers

Backpacking is one of the most free times of your life. With no job to get in the way, no responsibilities and your worldly goods on your back; could backpacking be the ideal time to meet that potential someone!? With the amount of alcohol that’s consumed on the South East Asia trail, it’s not surprising there’s a few tales to tell! Talk about beer goggles; wait till you get your bucket goggles on! If you're looking to pick up on the backpacker trail here at S.E.A Backpacker, we've put together some perfect travel-themed chat up lines that definitely won't get you a slap in the face... try them out this Valentines Day and let us know the results!

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12 Signs of Travel Addiction: South East Asia Style

South East Asia junkie and keen writer Roseanne Schwab tells us of an unfortunate consequence of backpacking... A serious condition that can affect both young and old. Symptoms range from mild (uncontrolled drooling during broadcasts of The Travel Channel) to severe (inability to stay in one place for more than 24 hours). Are you suffering from Travel Addiction? Read these 12 signs and find out how severe your case is...

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Don’t Go Backpacking Without It: Your DIY Repair Kit

Every backpacker needs a repair kit. No matter if your inclinations take you deep into the wilderness, or onto the streets of a developing country. If you travel long or far enough something will inevitably break, wear out, or tear. When it does— you better be prepared. Brian McLaughlin, a keen traveller, writer and inventor, tells us how to prepare for every eventuality by putting together his genius Do-It-Yourself Repair Kit...

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Burma: Stepping Back in Time

Isolated from the rest of the world, Burma retains a sensual, sultry charm. In the summer months the heat hangs low and hazy, trapping the smoke of cheroots, traffic fumes and the heady sweetness of incense. Men dress in longyis (long sarong style skirts). Women’s faces are smeared with thanaka (tree bark). Down on the banks of the Irrawaddy in Yangon, men ferry back and forth loading up dilapidated 1940s flotilla ships with an assortment of wares. Ox-drawn carts clatter through narrow streets leaving plumes of dust. Entering Burma is like stepping back in time...

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7 Epic Journeys in South East Asia

Some involve arduous days on a hot, cramped bus, some consist of a five minute breezy ride on the turquoise sea... no matter how long or short, there are some journeys from your backpacking adventure that you will never forget! We spoke to backpackers to find out the most memorable trips in South East Asia. From the famous 27 hour Laos-Vietnam bus, to the infamous tuk tuks of Bangkok, how many journeys can you tick off?

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Backpacker Video Diaries: A Traditional Good Luck Ceremony in Laos

After teaching English to local children in a small village outside Luang Prabang in Northern Laos, Courtney, Kaberly, Danielle and Jacqui are asked to take part in a traditional Laotion ceremony. They are thanked for helping the students and blessed with good luck for their onward travels. A 'Baci Ceremony' only occurs once a year and the girls were overwhelmed and honoured to be a part of such an incredible cultural experience. Watch the video of their special travel moment here!

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10 Things Backpackers in Thailand Should Not Miss!

Whether you’re a party animal, outdoorsy type, culture vulture or beach bum, Thailand has something for everyone! Stunning white sands, tropical rain forests, delicious food, friendly locals and crazy night life; it’s no wonder Thailand continues to lure thousands of backpackers to its beautiful shores year after year. Check out these '10 experiences backpackers should not miss!'

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Backpacker Video Diaries: Teaching English in Luang Prabang, Laos

Four girls backpacking in Southeast Asia visit a small village where they teach English to a group of local children. Flash cards, enthusiastic students, dancing and even a chicken in the class! Watch Courtney, Kaberly, Jacqui and Danielle at work in the classroom on their first few days. Take a look around the village of 'Baan Phov Mok' and see the children take Danielle across a river and to a nearby waterfall for an adventurous field trip!

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Backpacker Video Diaries: Bug Eating in Bangkok!

It's a backpacker rite of passage. After a couple of beers someone in your group suggests that you go and eat some grub. Literally! In carts up and down the Khao San Road in Bangkok and elsewhere in the city, you'll see insects for sale as a tasty snack. There are crickets, silk worms, grasshoppers, beetles, cockroaches, and last but not least scorpions!

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Sumatra, Indonesia: The Forgotten Island

It’s a land that is often overlooked by backpackers on the well trodden South East Asian trail, yet Sumatra, the largest of Indonesia's 17,000 islands is an absolute gem. Located just hours away from the tourist laden shores of Thailand and Malaysia, it's people must be wondering what the other countries in Southeast Asia have that it doesn't. Amazing scenery, volcanoes, surf beaches, rainforests, enormous lakes, friendly locals and dirt cheap accommodation. What more could a backpacker ask for?

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