Budget Travel

December 11, 2012 by jfalbelda

An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise: Icmeler, Turkey

resort towns in Turkey

View of the mountains and ocean in Icmeler, Turkey.

If you’ve never heard of Icmeler in Turkey (pronounced each-mell-er), then don’t worry, most people haven’t! Located in the far southwest, it enjoys much better weather than the rest of the country and has become an ever-popular resort area over the past 20 years.

What makes Icmeler special is its beautiful location, comfortably hugged between green hills covered with pine trees which offer some of the best hiking in the country. The closest airport is about 100 km away so things haven’t been over developed like some other seaside resort areas in Turkey, namely Marmaris across the bay.

Icmeler Turkey beaches

There are plenty of affordable hotels and restaurants to enjoy, but nightlife isn’t based around a throbbing club scene like in Bodrum. You can relax with some live music at the local pubs and manage an early rise to enjoy great diving in Icmeler and the surrounding area which is full of caverns to explore. There are also a lot of other water sports available like waterskiing and banana boating.

All around, Icmeler is a great place for a beachside vacation in Turkey that offers great options for both budget minded and luxury travelers.  It also offers a much more authentic experience than some of the other options nearby. Bon Voyage!

 

November 4, 2012 by jfalbelda

My Official Transition from Backpacker to Flashpacker

What is a Flashpacker?

I am now 25 years old. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to believe that I’ve made it to a quarter century as I have only legally been allowed to have a beer in my own country for less than five years. As far as the world goes, I am definitely well into the dreaded “adult” bracket, but don’t get me wrong though, it’s a great age. I can hang with the 21 year olds and not be that weird older guy who insinuated himself into the table, and I can still be respected in a conversation about my stance on the presidential race with those double my age. I guess I have the best of both worlds, and I have really felt that same sentiment in my recent travels in Asia.

Up until very recently, (i.e. my trip to Istanbul and Bulgaria exactly one year ago), I felt that when on the road, the only accommodation option my “kid” budget could accommodate would be a shit hostel bed, bumping heads and brushing toes with fringe members of society. Read More »

October 14, 2012 by jfalbelda

Experiencing Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Temples in Cambodia

Angkor Thom

While visiting temples isn’t usually something I go out of my way to do these days (I’ve been dragged to more mediocre Mayan ruins by my mom than I can count), the amazing Angkor complex in Cambodia is one place that is worth a visit (UNESCO says the same). Ever since I had a charismatic Dutch professor in college, Jan Nijman (dude is a modern day Indiana Jones) who talked to us about the wonders and grandeur of Angkor Wat, I have ever since been intrigued.

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October 7, 2012 by jfalbelda

Cock Fighting in The Philippines

Cockfighting in General Luna, Siargao

The ash from my cigarette fell between my legs as I wiped the beading sweat from my brow. I thought to myself, “it must be 110 degrees in here” as I sipped my warming beer for a little relief from the blanketing humidity.

I looked out around the cockpit at the local Filipinos chit chatting with one another, eating oiled peanuts and most definitely arguing who they thought was going to be the big ticket bird that day. I asked the guy next to me when he thought the first fight would start and he said once the first two cocks are matched and fitted with blades outside, they’ll bring them in and the rest of the spectators will follow. Read More »

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