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Matthew

Matt is the editor of the successful travel blog Backpackingmatt.com and is currently living in the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown, New Zealand. When he isn't jumping off bridges or trying other adventurous NZ activities, Matt is busy planning the next step of his journey - whatever that may be.

A Nearly Missed Flight in Bali

I’ve just finished spending an unbelievable week on the Indonesian island of Bali. Much of my time was spent exploring the island on a rented scooter – watch Backpackingmatt.com for a travel video in the coming days. I’m on a flight to Bangkok now, but just a couple hours ago I didn’t think I’d be here …

After a five-hour scooter ride through thick jungle, in a tropical downpour, on a single track and pothole filled road, I finally arrived in Medewi Beach yesterday evening. I had hoped to spend the afternoon surfing in this undeveloped surfing-meca, but unfortunately I arrived too late.

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Meeting a Slightly Crazy (but wise) Shoeless Man in Bangkok

I’ve been in Bangkok, Thailand, for four long, eye-opening and unbelievably hot days. Everyone has told me that nothing can compare you for Southeast Asia; to understand it, you quite simply have to be here, walking the streets, taking in the smells (some of which are amazing, others horrendous), the rush, the sounds and the people.

It’s a concrete jungle complimented by a surprising amount of green and teeming with heat, humidity, horns, exhaust, trash, temples, street carts, tuk tuks, hawkers, neon lights and 7-11s.

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5 New Zealand Experiences You Can’t Miss

I’ve called New Zealand home for the past 11 months – it has been an absolutely fantastic place to live, and I truly believe it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Every direction you turn you’re greeted with a view that will quite literally take your breath away.

If it isn’t already, a visit to Aotearoa should be on your bucket list.

In a compact and easy-to-travel country the size of Colorado, you have a fascinating mix of landscapes and activities at your disposal. Add to this friendly locals, great food, and world-class wine and you’ll see why a visit to NZ is a must. Here are 5 New Zealand Experiences You Can’t Miss:

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Benefiting From the Internet While Traveling

Staying Connected While Traveling

Staying Connected While Traveling

I think more than most people, we as travelers depend so much on the internet to lead the life we do.

Interesting as traveling by nature in one way or another is about seeing new places, experiencing new things, and I’d argue becoming more connected with this world we live in – its cultures, its landscapes, and its people. This doesn’t necessarily require an internet connection – but boy does it make living the life of a traveler easier.

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Travel Tips for Wellington New Zealand

Wellington New Zealand

If you’re visiting New Zealand and traveling between the North and South Islands, chances are you’ll spend at least a bit of time in the capital city of Wellington. Don’t expect a typical port city as Wellington deserves more than just a quick stopover before heading across the Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island.

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5 Tips for Meeting Fellow Travelers

As travelers we all choose to travel for a number of different reasons: personal growth, general wanderlust or a desire to learn more about the world. We often travel for a deeply personal reason, one that many of our close friends and family members don’t quite understand. Sometimes though, we travel for much simpler reasons that most people can relate to: the goal of seeing new places, experiencing new and exciting things, and meeting new people.

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