Recommended Reads

Recommended Reads – January 7th

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My Bad

I must apologize up front for being so slack with these of late. You’ve perhaps noticed that I no longer refer to them as Friday’s Recommended Reads. Doing this once a week would kill me.

You bastards write too much!

Couple your prolific penmanship and the very busy Christmas and New Year’s season (which you’ll read about soon) and you’ve got a recipe for precious little reading and even less recommending.

But I’ve got a bumper crop of reads this week as a peace offering. I hope you’ll forgive me.

What’s Going On?

It’s been a hectic few weeks for this Aussie on the Road. It seems that even though I’m not really out on the road like I’d like to be, I’m still finding plenty of excuses to be busy.

I spent three very fun days back in my sleepy hometown of Ben Lomond to celebrate Christmas with my family before heading back to Sydney in time for my first New Year’s Eve in the city. My night featured fireworks, good times with my brothers, the crucial midnight kiss, and even a little short-lived romance.

Not a bad way to start 2012 by any stretch of the imagination. I’ll give you all the blow by blow to that evening real soon.

I’ve also been lucky enough to have been featured on two of my absolute favorite blogs. Amanda from A Dangerous Business recently interviewed me for her Thursday Traveler feature and I also had a guest post – 8 Things to Love About South Korea – featured on my pal Nomadic Samuel’s wonderful site.

I remember reading A Dangerous Business back when I first started the blog and wondering if I’d ever be quite as successful as Amanda. I’ve certainly not reached that level just yet, but it’s a bit of a nerdish thrill to see my words up on a site I respect so much.

Let it be known, the Aussie on the Road has tried guest posting and he’s got a taste for it. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you want a bit of this action on your site.

Oh, and a special note to Clairefrom Lakwatsera de Primera on their recent marriage to Charles! I was lucky enough to party with Claire, Charles, and Gaye earlier this year and had a great time.

korean kids fighting
My class turns on me!

Teacher! Teacher!

One last thing before I launch into a pretty epic selection of recommended reads for the week. I’ve recently returned to schooling in the form of a 120 hour TEFL certification through TEFL Online.

While I know that online accreditations such as this aren’t respected worldwide, I’m hoping that pairing it with my two previous years of ESL Teaching experience will put me in good stead for a potential teaching gig in Thailand, Cambodia, or Vietnam.

I’m one unit in and flying through it. Bring on South East Asia!

The Reads

I know why you’re all here. I’ll shut up and get to recommending.

Destination Reads

The Magic Carpet Fight by 1000 Fights

I recently stumbled across this wonderful blog when I participated in their adorable Mistletoe Moments competition. While I didn’t win (I was a runner up) I consider myself a winner for having found another great new blog to read.

This week’s entry focuses on the ups and downs and does and don’ts of exploring the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. I can honestly say visiting a market isn’t high on my list of priorities, but it doesn’t look half bad. Might just need to update the ol’ bucket list…

Australia Zoo: One of the Best in the World by Our Oyster

I was lucky enough to visit the late Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo when I was sixteen and even more fortunate to have met the man himself. To say that Steve Irwin was a warm and genuine guy doesn’t do him justice, and it’s great to hear that his wonderful zoo on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast still draws in a crowd and wins people over.

Written by the James half of Our Oyster, this one should give you added motivation to add the zoo to your Australian travel plans. Definitely beats Taronga in my mind.

How to Have Fun in Las Vegas without Gambling and Booze by A Dangerous Business

I had my own very fun, mostly sober visit to Las Vegas back in 2009 when I was on my six week tour of the United States and I’m actually a little bit proud to say that I’ve managed to hit all five of Amanda’s very savvy tips on how to enjoy Sin City without quite so much sin.

From seeing a show to just exploring some of the decadent casinos on the glitzy Strip, this is a great guide for those wanting to check Vegas off of their bucket lists without having to recreate images from the fall of Sodom.

Freezing in a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia by Adventurous Kate

From the lights of Vegas and the bustling markets of Istanbul to the chilly skies over Turkey. Adventurous Kate lives out one of my many bucket list dreams by flying over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon.

Her pictures alone are worth a look. I am – as the kids say – “V Green Jelly”.

How I Ended up in Danakil Depression by Jack & Jill Travels

Visiting the hottest place on earth doesn’t sound like a recipe for good times, but Jack & Jill ventured into the dusty basin and came out with a firm appreciation of the stark beauty of the place.

I’ve got to say, having seen their photos and read their story, it looks like a very interesting place.

The Quest for the Puerto Princesa Underground River by Arctic Nomad

How on earth did I forget to add the stunning Puerto Princesa Underground River from my list of travel dreams? Especially when I’m day-dreaming about a life in South East Asia later this year.

The Arctic Nomad gives a great blow by blow of her trip to the river with lots of pictures to inspire your own travel fantasies.

Visiting a Korean Spa by Bucket List Nation

I never did make it to a jimjjilbang (spa) while in Korea and whenever I read about people’s cringe-worthy experiences at one, I really do regret not nutting up and baring all for my Korean brothers.

Just don’t expect any revealing photos from Kalyn, you dirty perverts.

19 Epic Adventures by Travel Bloggers in 2011 by Traveling Canucks

Looking for some travel inspiration? The hip cats at Traveling Canucks have compiled a list of nineteen exciting destinations as well as linking to a string of entries about each. It’s a recommended reads list with the very specific theme of awesome!

Nullarbor Traveler: Where the Journey is the Experience by C’est Christine

I first heard about the very cool Nullarbor Traveler when I interviewed Mel from The Mellyboo Project last year, and it was this interview that inspired Christine to get out and try the trek herself.

Two rave reviews from Mel and now Christine paint a bloody tempting picture. Go read and consider adding it to your next Australian journey.

5 Secret Sydney Beaches by Get in the Hot Spot

I’m a sucker for a good beach and the deliciously named Annabel Candy highlights five lesser known Sydney beaches that are worth checking out if you want a break from the press of bodies on Bondi, Coogee, or Manly.

While my personal favorite (the divine Shelly Beach in Manly) doesn’t rate a mention, there are five real winners here for those wanting some fun in the sun away from the tourists.

My Hometown is Better Than Yours by Rottin’ in Denmark

An ex of mine draw my attention to this very funny post. Laden with pictures of beautiful Seattle and served up with liberal lashings of humorous commentary, this one paints Seattle as the single greatest place in the world.

I laughed out loud several times.

Bald man in a funny hat
Rocking a hat on New Year's Eve in Sydney

Thought-Provoking Reads

So I Went Alone: The Beauty of Solo Travel by 25 Travels

I’m no stranger to traveling on my lonesome. Hell, I up and moved to South Korea on my own when I first got into this traveling gig. I’ve always enjoyed the experience, but hadn’t ever stopped to contemplate why.

Nelly over at 25 Travels talks about her recent solo travel experience as well as reflecting on why it’s such a unique and powerful way to see then world.

A Breakup Letter by What’s Dave Doing?

Dave’s a Kiwi living the dream and traveling around the world, and it looks like he’s finally decided to tell the big bad real world the bad news.

Oh, to someday write this letter myself.

There is No Tomorrow in Travel by Nomadic Matt

This week’s obligatory ‘get up off your ass and live life’ post comes from the blogging royalty that is Nomadic Matt. If you needed any extra motivation to get up and get out there, you’ll likely find this one a tonic for laziness.

543 New Goals for Your Bucket List: No More Excuses by Bucket List Journey

As if my 200+ items weren’t enough, Annette over at Bucket List Journey had to go and give me a whole lot of new ideas. Not cool!

If you’re looking for a few more things to daydream about, this is a pretty good place to start. A bit of a life experience shopping list to work from.

An American Prison Rape by Expat Chronicles

Colin may have closed his Bogota brothel tours, but there’s still a good dash of NSFW in this post about his friend’s experience in prison and observations he made on rape culture while in the joint.

It’s a really enjoyable read despite what might be seen as pretty confronting subject matter. I know I learned a few valuable things about what not to do should I ever end up in the joint.

Why I Hate Running & Still Ran a Half Marathon by GQ Trippin’

I fell a little bit in love with running when I first was first introduced to it via the Couch to 5k back in early 2009. While I’ve had some joy running the City 2 Surf here in Sydney, a half marathon is still eluding me.

Gerald doesn’t share my love for the art of running, but he explains here why he still went ahead and toughed out the grueling Big Sur half marathon in California.

11 Things to Take from 2011 by Man vs Clock

At the risk of making our bromance feel just a little suss, I think it’s safe to say that Man vs Clock has risen to the top of the pile when it comes to deciding upon my absolute favorite blog.

Anthony writes about self improvement, dealing with life’s setbacks, and battling negativity in his own life in a way that reminds me of the guy I am and gives me a bit of hope for someday being a happier, more well rounded person.

This post in particular is full of things that should put a smile on your face heading in to 2012.

Helpful Reads

How to Have Friends Everywhere by Cailin Travels

One of my absolute favorite things about traveling has been the wonderful people I’ve met and the lifelong friends I’ve been able to make. While I have commented in the past on how to make friends in hostels, Cailin goes one better and gives some helpful tips on how to maximize you’re enjoyment while traveling and ensure you’re never alone.

Unless, y’know, you want to be.

The Definitive Guide to Making Money from Your Travel Blog by Travelated

It’s by know means the most detailed or exhaustive guide I’ve found, but this post from Travelated is packed full of tips to help would be location independent bloggers make a little extra moolah from their blogs.

If that’s what you’re looking for, I’d also recommend Nomadic Matt’s eBook on the subject or looking at a project such as the very groovy Travel Blog Success.

Four SE Asian Scams to Watch by Heels & Wheels

With South East Asia firmly on my horizon, I read Bobbi Lee’s post about common scams in South East Asia (and how to avoid being suckered by them) with interest.

It almost makes you shake your head and marvel at the inventiveness and audacity of some people.

And you just know that Lauren from Neverending Footsteps would use brute force as her solution to all four of the dilemmas presented…
snickerdoodle cupcakes
The famous Snickerdoodle Cupcakes as baked by yours truly

Holiday Reads

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes by Brown Eyed Baker

I made these decadent beauties while I was home for Christmas and they were a real hit with my family and any friends who came by to visit. Combining my love of the cinnamon sweet Snickerdoodle cookies with the awesomeness that is a good cupcake – Snickerdoodle Cupcakes were off the charts delicious and surprisingly easy to make.

Not just a Christmas treat, but a damned fine addition to any Christmas Eve spread.

Surviving the Holiday Season Abroad: A First Timer’s Guide by The Mellyboo Project

The lovely Mel recently celebrated Christmas away from home much as I did in 2010 – doing Christmas in New Zealand. And having survived the experience, she’s put together some tips for other people spending their first Christmas away from home.

A very nice companion to my own piece on surviving Christmas away from home from a few weeks ago.

Desperately Seeking Santa by Man on the Lam

Celebrating Christmas away from home makes for an interesting experience and Raymond recounts his recent Christmas in Bangkok in typically irreverent fashion. Lots of pictures and funny captions. A light-hearted look at Christmas away from the familiar.

A Christmas Eve with a Difference: Moonlight Kayaking in Melbourne by Pack Your Passport

Oddly enough, I may well be doing the same tour (albeit not on Christmas) after winning an Urban Adventures voucher in last year’s World Nomads Blog Your Backyard competition.

But can you think of many more beautifully serene ways to usher in Christmas than paddling down the Yarra underneath the moonlight starry sky bordered by streetlight lit banks? Looks stunning.

2012: New Year’s in Sydney, Australia by Wayward Traveler

Having just spent my first New Year’s in Sydney, I read Annie’s post about her own New Year’s experience with a knowing smile. I guess I never quite realized what a big deal the Sydney New Year’s experience was until very recently, and Annie does it all justice with this wonderful post and some great photos.

 

In Case You Missed It…

That’s it for another week (month?) of Recommended Reads. But if you’re still thirsty for a little more reading, here’s what you’ve missed since the last installment.

Oh, and Happy New Year!

Australia, Gold Coast, Theme Park Review

Theme Park Review: Dreamworld, Australia

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As I said in my account of my day long visit to Dreamworld late last year, Australia really doesn’t do theme parks to the same level that the United States does.

The list of Australian theme parks is pitiably small and sadly, what lacks in quantity isn’t necessarily made up for in quality. Of the seven or eight theme parks in Australia, I’d say only Dreamworld feels like a theme park in the traditional sense. Neighboring Movie World does have a lot of likable features (and I need to visit it in the light of day to give it a proper chance) – but the sheer size and scale of Dream World puts its head and shoulders above its Aussie competitors.

I grew up with Dreamworld as a semi regular fixture in my life. My family would periodically spend a very expensive day exploring the park when I was young, I returned once in the tenth grade for a high school excursion, and visited one last time as a college student with my family.

But heading back during last year’s Queensland tour, I hit up Dream world alone. Here are my thoughts.

About Dreamworld

Situated on the tourist laden strip that is the Gold Coast, Dreamworld is based quite close to rivals Sea World and Movie World in what is something of a theme park district in Australia. In fact, there aren’t any theme parks of any real size anywhere else in the country.

Being so close to one of Australia’s big tourist spots, Dreamworld is almost always busy. Regular buses run out from the city to the parks (for the princely sum of around $7) and there are plenty of parking spaces for those wanting to make the drive out.

Dreamworld Candy and Nut Store
The colorful (and delicious) candy store

Dreamworld charges a heart-stopping $80 for adults to enter the park, but that’s the kind of high price you can expect pretty much anywhere in Australia. An extra $10 gets you into the park an hour early and is a good way to get all of the thrill rides done before the queues pick up. I figure if you’ve already spent $80 on tickets, it’s worth an extra $10 to not stand amidst the masses of humanity waiting to ride the Tower of Terror 2.

Like most major theme parks, Dreamworld features another of themed areas including Gold Rush, Ocean Parade, and the unique Tiger Island precinct.

You can find out more by checking out the Dream World website.

Thrill Factor

Dreamworld prides itself on its Big 7 Thrill Rides and they really do have a very good selection of heart-rate lifting coasters and thrilling drops.

Four roller coasters – the Cyclone, Buzzsaw, Tower of Terror 2, and Mick Doohan’s Moto Coaster – join the dizzying Giant Drop and the stomach-churning Claw & Wipe Out to give thrillseekers a veritable smorgasbord of options.

The Buzzsaw at Dreamworld
A view up from the Buzzsaw towards stormy skies

I’ve ridden all but the Giant Drop. It had developed a collosal queue by the time I made my way to it.

  • Cyclone: A traditional loops and corkscrews style coaster transplanted from Luna Park in Sydney.
  • Tower of Terror 2: Previously the world’s tallest roller coaster. Launches you backwards at over 100 miles an hour up a 115m tall tower with over six seconds of very groovy weightlessness.
  • Buzzsaw: The park’s newest ride. A heart-stopping sky loop roller coaster.
  • Mick Doohan Moto Coaster: A relatively tame motor-bike themed ride with lots of banking turns.
  • The Claw: My favorite ride. A massive gyro swing with some dizzying views.
  • Wipeout: A Waikiki Wave Flip style ride. Lots of upside down time over a ‘shark tank’.
  • The Giant Drop: The world’s tallest vertical drop ride features a 119m drop.
The Cyclone roller coaster at Dream World
The Cyclone climbs into the brooding skies

With seven pretty epic rides scattered across the park, thrill junkies aren’t going to be disappointed. There’s also the early entry option to ensure you get multiple rides in. I hit Buzzsaw twice and the Claw three times during my visit.

Thrill Factor: 7 out of 10

Family Factor

Most of my experiences with Dreamworld have been as part of the family unit. I’ve got many fond memories of traipsing around the parks with my brothers and sister in tow while my mother surreptitiously flouted the park’s ‘no outside food rule’ by handing us pre-made sandwiches in an effort to stave the flow of money out of her purse.

On that front, Dreamworld is a pricey prospect for a family. A day at the park for an average sized family is going to run around $260 plus the inevitable junk food and souvenirs in the park.

Ride wise though, there’s a veritable butt-tonne of rides and attractions on offer for a family visiting the park. These include:

  • Shockwave
  • Rocky Hollow Log Ride
  • Thunder Rivers Rapid Ride
  • Reef Diver
  • Captain Sturt River Boat
  • Dreamworld Railway
Thunder River Rapid Ride at Dreamworld
The Thunder River Rapid Ride was one of my favorites as a kid

There are also a few non-ride related attractions in the park as well such as a pretty decent IMAX theatre, the Australian Wildlife Experience zoo, and the truly gorgeous Tiger Island – where Bengal and Sumatran tigers perform in a show designed to raise awareness as well as money for the endangered beauties.

A man feeding a tiger at Dreamworld
The tigers on show at Tiger Island

There’s also a live sheep sheering show for those interested in a bit of Aussie outback culture.

A family really could spend a day exploring the park and not do it justice. And that’s without jumping next door to White Water World – Dreamworld’s sister park.

Family Factor: 7.5 out of 10 (loses a point for sheer cost)

Kid Factor

In addition to the swathe of family friendly rides and attractions mentioned above, Dreamworld is also home to a kid specific Wiggles World section named for the famous Australian group. With Dorothy the Dinosaur and Captain Feathersword strolling around the region and bright colors abounding, there’s no missing the kid friendly area of the park.

Wiggles World Dream World
The bright colors on display at Wiggles World

Kid friendly rides include:

  • Dorothy’s Rosy Teacup Ride
  • Big Red Car Ride
  • Kite Flyer – A lie down zooming ride.
  • Avalanche – A classic Matterhorn. A childhood favorite.
  • Sky Rocket – A kid friendly roller-coaster.
  • Rainforest Rampage – Fire foam balls at one another. Epic!
  • Mighty Go Round – Classic carousel.
  • Avis Vintage Cars – Vintage cars on tracks. A childhood favorite as well.
Kite Flyer at Dreamworld
The Kite Flyer. Looks like fun.

I’d also go so far as to say almost all of the family rides are kid friendly, although a few of them (such as the Shockwave) have height restrictions that would preclude the littlest of kids.

Live entertainment in the form of Tiger Island, the Australian Wildlife Experience, and performances in the Dreambowl are also good ways to keep the little ones occupied. The Wildlife Experience in particular is a lot of fun – letting kids pet wallabies and get up close and personal with iconic Aussie animals.

Kid Factor: 7.5/10

Atmosphere

Dreamworld has a nice blend of the traditional theme park gaudiness and over the top design tangled with Australian touches such as gum trees, the koala mascot (Kenny), and the very Aussie stretch around the river boat ride, sheering demonstration, and Australian Wildlife Experience.

The themed areas have a great deal of character, although only Gold Rush really feels 100% committed to the task with its dutsty roads, old timey stalls, and abundance of rust and cobwebs.

A dusty street in Dreamworld
The streets of Gold Rush, Dreamworld
A rusty car in the dingo enclosure
The very groovy dingo enclosure at Dreamworld

Wiggles World is colorful and the coastal themed Ocean Parade has plenty of water and model sea-life on display, and the entrance area feels very Disney with its tall buildings, colorful walkways, and gigantic fountain.

The near constant Gold Coast sun means your visit is almost certainly going to be on a warm day, which is good news if you wish to visit the neighboring Water Park or want to ride the enigmatic Flow Rider.

Atmosphere Rating: 7.5/10

Food

There’s a pretty admirable selection of foods available at the park, although how much of it is open depends on the crowds in the park. My own visit saw only about one third of the hot dog stands, snow cone sellers, and pizza places open.

Fudge at Dreamworld
Amaaaaazing fudge

There’s a Boost juice on site for the remotely health conscious, as well as a very good candy and fudge store. I had a delicious lunch at the brasserie style buffet by the river for a relatively affordable $24. It’s close to a good old fashioned roast dinner with a little bit of Asian fusion mixed in. Very Aussie.

The one drawback, as is the case in most theme parks, is the price. Everything at Dreamworld is just a little bit more expensive, so I can’t say I blame my mother for sneaking food in back in the day.  The selection is ok without being remarkable.

Food Rating: 6.5/10

Best Ride

While others might say the the Giant Drop, Tower of Terror II, or Buzzsaw are where it’s at – no ride grabs my attention more than the underrated Claw. A massive Gyro Swing that moves at speeds of up to 75km and brings you to 240 degrees – the Claw is arguably my favorite ride in the world (thus far).

the claw dreamworld
32 people having the time of their lives on The Claw

I rode it three times during my recent visit and would have ridden it more had a bunch of kids fresh from school not commandeered it. It’s just a lot of fun – balancing fear factor with less physically jarring movements than a roller coaster or the Giant Drop boast.

Overall

Australia’s biggest and best theme park does a pretty good job of not feeling like a rinky dink colonial knock-off of its American forebears. There’s enough size and spectacle to make it feel like a real theme park with just enough Aussie in it to not feel like a clone.

While it boasts a grimace inducing price tag, that’s in line with the traditionally high prices you’ll come to expect when spending any amount of time in Australia.

With great quality of life comes great cost.

A day at Dreamworld is not a cheap prospect and it’s not particularly Australian to visit a theme park either, but there are a few very good reasons for a visit beyond the obvious rides. Tiger Island really does need to be seen and supported. The Australian Wildlife Experience is a passable zoo as well, and the opportunity is there to hug a koala or see a big saltwater crocodile in action.

A Bengal Tiger
A beautiful Bengal tiger

 

You pay a premium for the opportunity, but you won’t regret a day spent exploring Australia’s premier theme park.

Have you ever been to Dreamworld?

What’s your local theme park like?

Countdowns, Life on the Road, Musings

My 2012 Resolutions

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As I said in my recent 2011 in Review post, the year that just went by was not one for personal triumphs. While it was not a year without its successes and memorable moments, the fact that I failed to tick off a single one of my 2011 Resolutions would indicate something of a failure on my part.

Bad Chris. Bad, bad Chris.

I didn’t finish a novel. I didn’t get down to 90 kg. I didn’t visit two new countries. I didn’t finish my Master of Applied Linguistics (hell, I dropped out). I didn’t run a half marathon either.

Very bad Chris.

With 2011 not being the year it might otherwise have been, I’m heading in to 2012 determined to make it a year I look back on with nothing but fondness. A big part of that is going to be achieving the ten 2012 resolutions you see below. I’ve selected ones that are not only achievable, but ones that will also help turn 2012 into what I hope will be a year to rival 2008, 2009, and 2010 – a triple threat of the best years of my life.

And I’ve already started on two of them…

#10 – Complete my TEFL Certification and return to ESL teaching

Excited Korean kids
Saying goodbye to my favorite class at Storia Academy in Gwangju, 2009

I’ve actually already made some headway on this front. I spent January 2nd churning through the first module in my TEFL Online certification and submitted my first two essays yesterday. I should hopefully receive my marks back today. Twelve units and a grammar test to go and I’ll be a ‘qualified’ ESL teacher.

The plan from there is to take up a teaching position somewhere in South East Asia. With so many of my favorite bloggers currently calling the region home (Raymond from Man on the Lam, Lauren from Neverending Footsteps, Mica from Kaypacha Travels, Anthony from Man vs Clock, and Byron from Byron & His Backpacks) and my good friend Mel from The  Mellyboo Project headed there at some point – it seems like South East Asia is the place to be as a travel blogger.

I also miss the ESL teacher/expat lifestyle, and since I won’t be saving $10,000 anytime soon – teaching abroad is what I’ll need to do.

I say that like it’s a chore. I’m never going to like working – that’s just how I’m put together. But I did enjoy making kids laugh and seeing that look of recognition dawn on their faces. It will be good to see that again in a totally new setting.

#9 – Travel to 2 or more countries

I previous years I’ve set myself the demand that this be two new countries, but I think I’ll be satisfied with just leaving Australian soil in 2012. I’ve got my free week at Fiji’s Mango Bay to look forward to, and if I manage to achieve resolution #10, I’ll tick this off the moment I set foot in my new South East Asian home.

I’m hoping that 2012 will see me hit Fiji, Thailand/Vietnam (as my base), and neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Laos. And there’s still hope to ring in the 2013 scuba diving at Palawan in the Philippines.

#8 – Improve my physical shape

hairy man china
Tone! I need more tone!

This one goes against my friend Anthony’s recent post on Art of Conversations about applying the S.M.A.R.T line of thinking when deciding upon your resolutions. This isn’t something I can really quantify, as there isn’t a specific goal weight I have in mind.

It might be hard to believe from looking at me, but this broad-shouldered and cuddly lad once bore the nick-name of ‘Scrawn’ and was a pretty decent 800m runner who could put his hands around hi waist and link them up.

Yeah, I was tiny.

I don’t ever anticipate getting back to that level again. I wouldn’t want to. I like being a solid guy and looking like, despite my easy grin and glasses, I might be able to handle myself in a fight.

So I’m not aiming to shed 15kgs or reach a certain size of jeans. In fact, I’m hoping to instead replace some of my beer belly and love-handles with some tone. I’d love to be a guy who has the kind of biceps or triceps that set lady’s loins afire. Getting a compliment on my body would also tick off a bucket list item…

#7 – Be a better friend and brother

I labor under no illusions. I am a very lucky man when it comes to the supportive family I come from and the wonderfully diverse group of people I count amongst my friends.

I’ve had brothers fly to Fiji to keep me company after a break-up. I’ve had a friend return to University a month early to comfort me after my first heart-break. I’ve had friends who wired me cash or friends who listened to me cry into the phone over something they might have considered trivial.

Hell, I’ve got an ex-girlfriend who counselled me through the break-up of the girl who came immediately after her.

But while I am well aware of how good I have it, I feel like I am not always the friend or brother I should be. Too often I let my own issues (see #1 on this list) prevent me from being there when I am needed. I turn down too many social invitations and feel like I can be – from time to time – a tad selfish in reciprocating the time and care my friends and family have given me.

This is another 2012 resolution that isn’t easily quantifiable. I can’t measure how good a friend I am, but I can make efforts to be there more often for the people who I care about. If I can come out from this year feeling that I’ve spent more time with the people I care about than I have in previous years, I’ll consider this a successfully completed goal.

#6 – Finish a race of 10 or more km

City 2 Surf
Happy to have finished the City 2 Surf in 2010

I miss running. While my ongoing battle with dodgy shins means I can’t do it as often as I’d like, there are few feelings I find more invigorating and life affirming that coming to the end of a tough run and realizing that you’ve done it.

I most recently felt that feeling as I ran teary-eyed across the finish line of the 2011 City 2 Surf.

It’s a feeling that I would like to have more often in my life, and being able to run races also puts me in a position to improve my physical shape as mentioned in resolution #8.

If I’m still in Australia when August rolls around, I’ll do my third consecutive City 2 Surf and aim to finish it in under ninety minutes. If I’m not – I’ll find a race in whatever country I’m calling home and I’ll run it.

I won’t necessarily stop at one race either. I’ve always felt that my best race is a 5k. I completed the Manly 5k in 2010 in just on 26 minutes and feel like I can do much better with training. I’d love to run a few 5kms this year in addition to one (or more) 10k races.

#5 – Get Korean Tourist up and running

A family in South Korea
My parents and youngest brother in South Korea in 2010

I’ve recently joined forces with my just-retired father to begin work on a passion project of his. Ever since his first visit to South Korea back in early 2008, he has been absolutely obsessed with all things Korean. He visited again (without me) in 2009 and again earlier in 2011. He’s already planning another trip for 2013 to cover the places he hasn’t already hit.

While I think I know the Korean culture quite a bit better as a result of having lived there, I won’t dispute that my Dad knows the sights far better than me.

So, we recently started Korean Tourist as a way to share our passion for the peninsula and introduce more people to the country we both love so much. The site isn’t much to look at right now, but my resolution is to have it up and completely running before the year is out.

This will include individual pages for each region and major city in the country, spotlights on the various festivals, detailed information on Korean culture and tradition, and plenty of my Dad’s photos to complete the pitch.

Long term we’re hoping that it will become a go to site for people wishing to plan a potential Korean vacation and, when my mother has retired as well, my parents plan on running tour groups from Australia into Korea. If that does happen, Korean Tourist will be the site from which tours are booked.

Exciting times.

#4 – Finish a novel

I’ve been working on a novel (well, about ten different novels, actually) since I was 17. While I did finish one (a semi autobiographical piece about love and break-ups), I’ve not finished anything since. I’m anywhere between 5000 and 30,000 words in to about five or six other projects.

My problem isn’t ideas – it’s finding motivation and the dedication to stick to one project even when another shiny new idea pops up and waves its arms to grab my attention.

So in 2012 my goal is to finish a novel from start to finish. I don’t care if it’s not a best-seller (although that would obviously fold in nicely to my ‘never have a real job again’ dream) – but I’d like to at least persist with it and write right up to that last full stop.

#3 – Tick 5-10 items off of my Bucket List

This is the one I’m really looking forward to. With over 200 items on my bucket list now, I’ve got a lot to choose from. It might be a bit much to hope for a trip to Antarctica or a threesome in 2012 (although a guy can dream), but I reckon it’s a pretty reasonable goal to aim to check off at least five of the items that make my list.

Any suggestions as to which ones I should aim to complete?

#2 – Improve Aussie on the Road’s web presence and profitability

2011 was a great year for Aussie on the Road. While it’s not a mark on what sites like Nomadic Matt or Everything Everywhere pull in, I still managed to draw a respectable average of 150-300 hits a day in and generate over $1000 in income through ad-sales and sponsored posts. By year’s end the site was pulling in a minimum of 50 hits from Google a day – an improvement on the 3-4 it drew earlier in the year.

The site’s Page Rank jumped from 0 to 2 and it’s Alexa Rating dipped below 190,000. Not great numbers, but a positive step.

This year I’ve broken my Aussie on the Road goals up into a few smaller tasks.

– $200 a month income ($2400 in a year)
– Increase PR to 3 or 4
– Write 3+ posts a week
– Average 500 hits a day

#1 – Be happier

fake smile depression
This smile? Yeah, it's fake. I was miserable that day.

Ridiculously unquantifiable, but let me explain.

As I’ve mentioned on several occasions on the site, I suffer from depression and have for the better part of the past fifteen years. By and large it’s a very manageable issue. I have down days but I’m able to breeze through them.

But there are darker periods too.

 

There are days or even weeks in a row where I’m constantly tired and completely devoid of energy. There’s been periods where I spent the better part of every day on the verge of tears for no real reason. Hell, May of this year was one long month of complete and utter emotional exhaustion. While I’ve never given serious thought to the so-called ‘easy way out’, there’s definitely been periods where little has been more appealing to me than just sleeping away the rest of my days.

Grim, huh?

Depression has been such a constant companion that it’s shaped my entire adult life. It’s caused the end of otherwise promising relationships, inadvertently lead to my horrendous work situation in Korea earlier this year, and stopped me from enjoying much of my 2009 tour of the United States. In a lot of ways it’s meant that I’ve opted to take easier routes throughout my life. I’ve opted for the easy Uni course, the menial job, and the safe route because it’s easier than dealing with the sadness that comes with any setback I might encounter.

And I don’t intend to just let it keep having its way with me

In 2012 I intend to deal with my depression and not let it completely rule my life.

How? Beyond the normal avenues of medication and therapy, I also intend to work towards a healthier lifestyle through exercise and diet; be more proactive in my pursuit of the things that make me happy; and through being a better friend and not letting my fear of failure stop me from taking a risk – I hope to get more of the things I want.

Case in point being a girl I recently found out I’d missed my shot with after both of us had liked the other for months. I left my run late and she’s moved on. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s a bit sobering to realize that hesitation and doubt on my part stopped me from having a shot with somebody I quite liked.

I need to chase after happiness. I can’t expect it to just fall into my lap.

Smiling Australian
This? This is a real smile. I need more of them.

In 2012 I intend to tackle my depression head on and I intend to actively work towards getting the life I want. Too often I sit and I bemoan the lack of romance or excitement in my life. I complain that I’m not working in the field I should be or not leading the life I’d like.

And while it’s true that my depression has had a profound effect on my ability to obtain this mythic life I want, it’s lazy for me to blame things entirely on the condition. I have it in myself to go after the things I want, and I’m not going to use depression as an excuse not to be a happier person.

As I said, this one is unquantifiable, but I think it will be the most obvious one for me to know if I’ve achieved it. If I can look back at 2012 and feel that I’ve squeezed every last drop out of it – I’ll know I achieved this goal.

Your 2012 Resolutions

 So, there are my 2012 resolutions but I’d love to hear yours. What are you aiming to do in the year to come?

And what do you think of my resolutions? Reckon I can tick all ten off by year’s end?

 

 

Australia, Brisbane, Busan, Fiji, Gold Coast, and 8 more
Gwangju, Korean Festivals, Life on the Road, Musings, Relationships, Seoul, South Korea

2011 in Review

 6 Comments

There’s been a whole slew of these posts lately, so I’m sure this one will get lost in the shuffle. In a lot of ways, 2011 is perhaps best lost in the shuffle. After two wonderful years in South Korea and a rewarding and growth inspiring first year in Sydney, this year has been one of false starts and heart-breaks.

In 2011 I broke up with my travel companion and girlfriend of two years; got crazy in Fiji; returned to Korea; fell in love again; battled depression; did a midnight run from my school in Korea; returned to Sydney and found a new job; dabbled in online dating; met a whole bunch of new people; made money from my blog; returned to study; got a few promotions; and spent a fantastic Christmas at home.

There were some great moments mixed in there. I made some unforgettable friends while I was in Busan, had a bunch of crazy sex, finally had a one night stand (and friended them on Facebook, coz that’s how I roll), had a blast in Fiji, and welcomed my first nephew into the world.

But it was also a year not without its low-lights. I had two rough break-ups, quit a job and fled a country, and reached an all time low in my battle with depression.

While I won’t look back at 2011 as a terrible year, it has definitely been a step down from the halcyon days from 2008 through 2010. I look forward to 2012 as a year where I’ll hopefully improve on the good parts of my current life and add much more fun, excitement, and (dare I say it) love to it.

So, without further ado, here’s my 2011 in review!

 

January – Breakups, Fiji, and a Return to Korea

January was a whirlwind month for me. I started it in Fiji, spent a week back in Australia, and then relocated to snowy Busan in the south-east of Korea.

New Year’s in Fiji saw me on Robinson Crusoe Island with my soon-to-be ex-girlfriend, Fallon. We rang in the New Year underneath the stars and drenched in sea water. A quiet kiss (which recently won an honorable mention as a Mistletoe Moment of 2011) was a fitting end to our time together.

Fallon left Fiji early on January 2nd and my brothers and good friend Grant breezed in later that afternoon to keep me company. We went on a two week odyessy through Fiji that featured visits to Mango Bay, Mantaray, and Kuata on which I drank a lot of Vonu, got to scuba dive a beautiful reef, and met a whole bunch of cool people.

Then it was back to reality in Australia as I rushed through sorting out my affairs before I left for Korea. A flurry of farewells and some hasty packing later, and I was touching down in freezing cold Busan to meet my new employer and start a new chapter in my Korean life. After a first night of noraebang, beer, and good times in my new home – I settled back into a life of ESL teaching, social alcoholism, and striking out with pretty girls.

Graffiti at Kuatu, Fiji
My brothers and I leave our mark at Kuata, Fiji

 

Foreigners in Busan
Hanging out with Anne in Busan
A man stands at Yonggungsa Temple in Busan
Standing with some stony new friends at Busan's seaside temple

February – Drunk Chris

February was an absolute write-off in a lot of ways. A combination of reckless abandon and a reluctance to contemplate my sadness while sober meant I’d spend a good 3-5 nights a week out drinking with new friends and old. I visited my old stomping grounds in Gwangju for a few nights out (and had my first one night stand, go me); roamed Texas Street with my old pal Byron; and began to fall a little head over heels with a pretty girl from Seattle.

It was very much a pleasant return to the country I’d come to love. Lots of new friends, lots of drunken kisses, and even a bit of the old slap and tickle.

But underneath it I was struggling with the sudden transition from comfortable, coupled Sydney life and single, drunken Korean life.

It was only going to get worse.

Koreans and foreigners in Gwangju
Hanging out with Britton and some newly made Korean friends at Tequilaz in Gwangju
korean student syringe
Posing with a super cool gift pen given to me by this student

March – New Romance & Cherry Blossoms

March saw me blunder from single life straight into almost couple life with a new squeeze. While I didn’t think so at the time, hindsight shows that (amazing though the girl might have been), I’d basically replaced one independent Pacific Northwest girl with another.

Fight the truth though I might, there’s no denying that the few months I spent with her bounced worryingly between wonderfully sweet and painfully tense entirely too often as I tried valiantly to forget I was still in love with my ex and she came to realize that wasn’t something that was going to change.

Despite all of this, we had a good time together. We explored the windswept Gwangalli Beach and spent a pretty awesome weekend at the picturesque Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival as well as spending entirely too much time on Skype.

It’s funny how months on, even though things weren’t always good, I can recall the pleasant times with a handy filter removing the fights and the teary moments. Life is good like that.

Riding a bull in Korea
I ride the mechanical bull at ME World in Busan, Korea
Green suit kissing girl
I plant a kiss on a pretty girl in my bright green suit. St Patty's Day in Busan.

April – Things Fall Apart

By April I was beginning to realize what a mistake returning to Korea so soon after the break-up had been. With things at work unbelievably tense, my relationship with the American girl slowly falling apart, and my depression seizing upon the overcast weather to twist the knife farther – I spent more days crying than not.

It was a tough month mingled in with a few fun memories. A weekend in Seoul with my parents was a lot of fun and I continued to enjoy drunken good times with my friends Anne, Jinho, Inhee, and Crystal.

Oh, and my friend Toni visited all the way from Oz. Alas, there was no making out :-p

The girl and I came to an end midway through the month and I handed in my resignation at my God awful job. While I’d originally planned to find work in Seoul, Busan, or Gwangju – I ended up just decided that Korea was not where I needed to be.

With that in mind, I began to plot my escape…

A man poses with tulips in Seoul
Gayest photo I've ever taken? Potentially.
Locks at Namsan Tower
A display of padlocks at Namsan Tower
Two girls in Korea
Toni and Crystal enjoying ddeok galbi on Toni's visit to Korea

May – Midnight Runs and Rough Times

After  a drunken goodbye with my Busan friends and a tearful goodbye with Kimberly, I boarded a 9am flight out of Korea. Despite having handed in notice and being legally free within the fortnight, I couldn’t stand being so far from my friends and family before.

And so I embarked upon my midnight run.

Fleeing Korea was a tough thing. It was sleeping on a Seoul train platform and sneaking out of my apartment terrified my boss would spot me. It was a second set of brutally painful goodbyes with a girl I’d grown very fond of and trying desperately to snatch some sleep on a too hard bench on Guangzhou airport in China.

It was returning home and realizing that a big change hadn’t fixed anything. I was still fucking miserable.

I spent much of May back in my dual home towns of Ben Lomond and Glen Innes. My days were spent tangled in bedsheets watching TV, sleeping, and exchanging angsty texts with ex-girlfriends. To say I’d reached a grim new low was an understatement.

I slept all day but was always tired. I cried a lot. I called hotlines and worried family members.

And I know full well matters weren’t going to improve in sleepy Glen Innes, no matter how wonderfully supportive my family were.

ddeok galbi busan
At my farewell ddeok galbi dinner with Mike and Derya
ben lomond snow
Snow might be beautiful, but damned if it isn't depressing

June- A Couch-Surfing Sydney Return

I remember how happy I felt when my bus cruised across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and I saw the Opera House lit up for some festival I can no longer recall.

I had come home.

My good friend Dave met me at the station and we immediately headed out for my first night as a single Sydneysider. The night itself was of no real note, but it was a welcome return after what had been a rough past two months.

My June was split between my friend’s couch (in the house I now call my own), my old bedroom in St Leonards, and my new job in tech support at iiNet. After the terrible April/May, it was good to land back on my feet in Sydney and start making money again.

June also saw the birth of my adorable nephew Ezekiel. Here he is!

cute baby
My adorable nephew Ezekiel

July – A Visit from Abroad

My July was a month moving in the right direction.

After a month of couch-surfing, I found my own place up in Lane Cove and began to settle into a more regular routine of paying rent, working, and fending for myself.

Midway through the month my friend Heather (from The Kimchi Chronicles) for a two week visit that included a Rocks Ghost Tour and a visit to the Sydney Aroma Festival. While I look back and wish I’d had more time to show Heather around while she’d been here, I think she had a good time even with my busier than expected schedule.

July also saw a personal triumph as I managed to finish out the City 2 Surf for the second year running. My time was down and I walked a wee bit more of it than I’d have liked, but to finish it on my own was a turning point for me. 2011 had dished out a hell of a lot of tough tests for me, and beating a physical one reminded me that I was going to be ok.

Things started to get better.

harts pub
Heather enjoying a bite at Hart's Pub during the 2011 Aroma Festival
bondi winter festival
Steph and I enjoying a hot chocolate at the Bondi Winter Festival
City 2 Surf Bondi
I pose after surviving the 2011 City 2 Surf

August – Baby Steps

I made some tentative steps back into travel and socializing in August. With money finally in my pocket I was able to begin exploring Sydney again. Dinner and drinks with the Pinay girls was a real highlight in a relatively low key month.

I went on a whole bunch of eHarmony inspired dates that didn’t amount to much.

August was, largely, a quiet month.

September – Networking

September marked my triumphant return to travel. Not only did I start my popular Bite with a Blogger segment by interviewing the vivacious Mel from The Mellyboo Project, the bubbly Nicole from Bitten by the Travel Bug, and the lovely Annie from Wayward Traveller – but I also participated in the ridiculously fun Great Nomads Chase in which I got to meet Nicole from Hola Chica Travels.

That chance meeting lead to a blast of a day celebrating Chilean Independence Day on Bronte Beach.

September also marked a renewed dedication to turning Aussie on the Road from a simple travel journal into a much more widely usable resource. I got some handy help from Bitten by the Travel Bug along the way, and made a lifetime friend in the form of the entirely inappropriate Mel.

Good times and getting better.

great nomads chase sydney
Posing with my team during the 2011 Great Nomads Chase
australian hotel sydney
Mel poses with beers at the Australian Hotel
an old couple eating
A couple enjoying the 2011 Night Noodle Markets

October – Road Trips and Queensland

October was without a shadow of a doubt the best month of 2011 for me. Not only did I embark on a kick-ass road trip to Tea Gardens with some good friends, but I also spent two pretty awesome weeks up in Queensland catching up with old friends and making new ones.

In the space of those two weeks I participated in a Zombie Walk, explored Dream World, celebrated Halloween at Movie World, spent a week sunning myself at beautiful Tangalooma resort on Moreton Island, got my back waxed for a laugh, and ate at some stellar restaurants.

It awas also the month that I abandoned the expensive North Shore in exchange for a move to Sydney’s much cheaper and more down to earth inner west. Savings commenced.

tea gardens beach
Posing at beautiful Dark Point near Tea Gardens
brisbane zombie walk
A terrifying zombie during the Brisbane Zombie Walk
tangalooma moreton island
Ben, Muzza, and I on Moreton Island

November – High School Reunions and Basketball

With my trips to Tea Gardens and Brisbane clearing out my savings, November had to be a tad more low key. Even then I managed to get back to my home town for my 10 year High School Reunion as well as attending my first Sydney Kings game and falling a little bit in love with the NBL.

November also marked a renewed desire to get the hell out of Australia.

Look, I love this country. I really do.

But I don’t want to spend the rest of my life here. While good friends settle down with partners and buy houses, all I can think about is all of the adventures I’m missing out on having and all of the cool people I’m missing out on meeting.

Add that to the fact that I really don’t date Australian girls, and you can see my dilemma.

Roll on December.

high school reunion
Some old mates from high school and I at my 10 year reunion
nbl sydney kings
Sydney Kings! Goooo!

December – Family Time

For a long time I’ve been meaning to do some kind of tribute to my fantastic family, but so far I haven’t had the time (or the words) to do them justice.

But December was a month made better by continued interaction with my family. From a my nephew’s Christening in Newcastle to Christmas at home to my brothers’ imminent arrival for some New Year’s shenanigans, December has been all about spending time with my favorite people.

It’s also been a time for reflection and planning. Not only have I put together my epic bucket list, but I’ve also begun work on some more achievable (in the short term) 2012 resolutions, compiled a list of my favorite travel blogs from 2011, and contributed guest posts to Nomadic Samuel (8 Things to Love About South Korea) and Gap Daemon (Introducing the Break-Up Tour).

Grandfather and grandson
My grandfather chats with my youngest brother at my nephew's Christening
christmas lonely planet
I get some Lonely Planet guides for Christmas! Thanks Mum & Leigh!

In Summary

2011 has been a really strange year. I’ve spent it across four countries, two relationships, about ten different beds (not including hotels/hostels), two Aussie states, the birth of a nephew, a few one night stands in Korea, one hell of a lengthy drought here in Australia, and more beers than I care to count.

While 2011 has not been a year I’ll remember with a great deal of fondness for various reasons, I look at it as a year of immense personal growth. I dealt with the end of my first genuine relationship, I had a few rebounds, I confronted my long-standing battle with depression, and I took some time to examine myself and see things in myself that needed work.

I’m far from done on my road to getting where I want to be and being who I want to be, but through all of the trials and tribulations – 2011 has given me some good tools to get me there.

And with my recent commencement of study on a TEFL certification, 2012 might yet see me return to the realm of ESL in some exotic South-East Asian locale. Fingers crossed!

 

 

aussie franz josef So there’s my year in review. It wasn’t as travel packed as I might have liked, but it was still one hell of a ride. There were tearful goodbyes and hot hostel sex. There were arguments and new friends made. A lot of tears and just enough laughter to balance the ledger.

How was your 2011? What was its highlight? Lowlight?

And what do you have in mind for 2012?

 

 

Countdowns, Life on the Road

10 Essential iPad Apps for Travel Bloggers

 16 Comments

One of us, one of us…

I recently caved in to social convention and allowed myself to succumb to the irresistible force that exists behind Apple and its iEverything revolution.

While I’d had an iPod since 2008 and an iPhone since early 2010, I’d thus far resisted the siren song of the tablet. The outlay of $700+ to get a device that, while shiny, doesn’t really serve a purpose. I mean, it doesn’t take calls like my phone and I have a laptop for my blogging and the like.

But there’s something irresistibly and frustratingly trendy about a tablet, and when Telstra announced you could get them on a $60 a month plan which included data – I jumped at the chance.

With iPad in hand and with time to burn, I immediately Googled iPad apps for travel bloggers and was shocked to find there wasn’t a comprehensive list out there. There were lists for bloggers and lists for travelers, but nothing for travel bloggers. For instance, a freelance blogger in Canada would benefit from a copy of TurboTax Canada when the tax season rolls around. However, you probably wouldn’t find that one on a list of iPad apps for travel bloggers. I had to remedy that!

The list below is far from exhaustive, but they’re apps I’ve found through my exploring that I think nicely compliment the travel blogging lifestyle. Have I missed any?

Flipboard – Free

If there is a better way to leaf through your favorite blogs, I’ve yet to find it. Flipboard seemlessly turns the pages of blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and various other sources into something resembling a newspaper. I was quick to add my Google Reader to the app, and damned if it hasn’t made putting together my semi-regular Recommended Reads a whole hell of a lot easier.

The travel section event boasts specific options for prominent blogs such as Nomadic Matt or Wild Junket. I’m going to make it one of my 2012 resolutions to join that illustrious duo.

Another option, if you’re after a way to read your favourite periodicals from home, is the very groovy PressReader – which lets you download the latest digital editions of your favourite newspapers from at home and abroad.

A handsome man and two pretty girls
When I become a featured poster on Flipboard, I will be a pimp like this man

WordPress – Free

While all of us aren’t using the WordPress platform for our blogs, it seems that the vast majority of travel bloggers are employing WordPress in either its hosted or unhosted forms.

While I’ve got my desktop at home and my laptop for when I’m in a hostel, I’ve found that having the iPad while riding the bus or killing time in the work break-room. It’s a much less unwieldy option than finding a power outlet and a desk to make use of my far too large Toshiba laptop. Enter the WordPress app.

While it isn’t perfect (I have difficulty managing pictures through it, for example) it’s a good option if you want to tap out a raft draft and don’t like the in-build Note Pad’s lack of flexibility. A definite in a list of

Twitter – Free

It goes without saying that social networking is vital in building a blog’s following and its web presence. Twitter is one of my favorite ways to interact with other bloggers as well as my readers, and the iPad app offers a pretty sexy layout that makes it easier than ever to navigate between your general feed and your mentions and interactions.

Others might prefer alternatives such as  Tweetdeck, but the official Twitter app does the trick for me.

Dropbox – Free

One of the banes of my blogging existence has been working on an entry at work (as I do with most of my entries) and realizing that the pictures I needed are still on my home PC.

Enter Dropbox.

By setting it up across my iDevices and my PCs at home, I’m able to get to the vital files on my iPad and then upload them to my blog for use on my work terminal. I can also access notes I made on other devices without having to fish them out of my bag and power them up. That’s what I call winning.

A man rides another man in a ball-pit while holding a rifle
Don’t be caught without Dropbox or my friend will mount you in a ball-pit and fire rounds into the air

Yelp – Free

Whether you’re a fan of Yelp or TripAdvisor, no blogger should be without access to one (or both) of these great review sites. While I prefer the Yelp app, both are fonts of useful info when you’re looking for a bite to eat or a place to lay down your sleepy head.

Yelp itself isn’t up and running in every country or city yet – it’s very US focussed for now – but it’s a fast growing alternative to Trip Advisor, which I personally find a little cluttered and difficult to navigate.

Another decent alternate is Around Me, which links you to restaurants, bars, and sites near to you using your iPhone or iPad’s 3G GPS.

WiFi Finder – Free

While a great many hostels are fast jumping on the free WiFi bandwagon, it’s a sad fact that there are still a lot that don’t provide this basic service.

Hurrah for Free WiFi Finder. While it’s far from an exhaustive list of places offering free Wi-Fi, it gives you a good indication of whats available using your phone or iPad’s GPS. No more expensive data roaming!

Facebook – Free

Much like Twitter, Facebook is an essential app for anybody who takes their social networking seriously. Whether you run a fan page or just want to keep your friends back home up to date with your latest adventures and get access to your photos, the Facebook app is one I’ve seen on every single iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad I’ve ever laid my hands on.

While the current incarnation of the app doesn’t yet support the spiffy new Timeline feature and its fan page notifications are mediocre, it’s still a good way to keep in touch on the fly.

A backpacker boards a train in the 1980s
Best photo of a backpacker ever! Photo from Geograph

Foursquare – Free

I know a lot of people who don’t see the value in checking in wherever you go in exchange for points that don’t really mean anything, but I’m a big advocate of FourSquare.

Not only is the app developing a good collection of hints and tips at various venues around the world, but it’s also a nice easy way to check what’s nearby and get an opinion of whether it’s worth visiting. I’ve shaped my meal orders or my beer selection based on FourSquare recommendations in the past.

It’s also a platform that is gaining mainstream acceptance in the form of deals available at various chains, bars, and hotels that reward check-ins. I can get a free upgrade to a pint at Hart’s Pub the next time I’m there, for example.

It’s also a hassle free way to keep track of where you’ve been. While other apps (such as the aforementioned Evernote) are great for keeping notes, just scrolling through your check-in history is a good way to remember the name of that whole in the wall Thai place you wanted to recommend. It was a big help to me when I was putting together tales from my time in New Zealand last December.

Analytics App – $6.99

If you’re anything like me, you’re a sucker for statistics when it comes to your website. Whether you’re checking your Feedburner subscribers or freshing your site stats to see how many hits you’ve had, there’s something addictive about seeing your success and popularity quantified. Analytics HD offers a wealth of facts and metrics about your website and does it with a pretty sexy layout that is easy to look at and even easier to use.

Drunk girls in Fiji
Website stats get me drunk much like Bacardi got these girls drunk

Google Maps – Included!

While I do enjoy stumbling off the beaten track and having an adventure, sometimes I just want to get from point A to point B without breaking my leg or being shivved by a shady character.

Google Maps is a lifesaver on that front. It’s my go to app when I’ve got a dinner party to get to or an obscure location to explore and I don’t want to gesture wildly and communicate in broken English with somebody.

It also works pretty well when I’m not stuck in Chinatown too.

If you’re a driver, Google Maps might not do the trick. We got lost on our way to Tea Gardens due to its slow update time. There are a variety of paid GPS apps that do a better job, I’m sure.

A Game – Varies

Whether you’re sitting on an overnight bus or struggling to sleep on uncomfortable airport seats, a good game is going to be your best friend when you’re miles from home and don’t have money to buy a magazine or rent a hotel room.

There are no end of addictive games out there, but a few of my favorites are listed below.

There you have it. It’s not a definite list, but it’s a good jumping off point for those looking for iPad apps for travel bloggers. Have I missed any? What apps can’t you do without?