The Most Extreme Road Trips Across the World

Traversing these roads will inspire awe and wonder for those willing to forego discomforts and heart stopping moments that they entail. Whether you are gazing out through a muddy, dirt smacked window of a bus, its motors revving desperately to clear a narrow road or gliding through an endless stretch of sand on a SUV, these roads are ensure that you are in for a white-knuckle adventure.

Karakoram Highway, Pakistan and China :- A centuries old trail that was part of the famed trading route known as Silk road. The Karakoram Highway is the world's highest altitude paved international road. The 1200 km route slices through the majestic Karakoram Range and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery and top notch hiking and trekking spots. The KKH is a stunning feat of engineering and a poignant reminder of the more 1000 people who were killed during its construction. The road stretches from Abbottabad in Pakistan to Kashgar in China.

Canning Stock Route, Australia :- Crossing the rugged and unforgiving Canning Stock Route is a modern day explorer's ultimate dream. This is one of the most secluded and remote tracks in the world and gives off a brutal, take-no-prisoners vibe. Those who are ready to bear the brunt of this arduous journey will have the rare chance to interact with the indigenous people of this isolated land. The Nguarra, Martu and Tjurabalan are the custodians of this desolate land and still live along the route. A trip through the Canning Stock Route is a chance to explore the rock art sites that dates back to thousands of years and get a glimpse of the fascinating culture of the locals.  

North Yungas Road, Bolivia :- Well, the North Yungas Road is referred to as the "Death Road" for nothing. This infamous route that connects La Paz to the rainforests of Yungas region is a series of dizzying turns flanked by almost 90 degree drop cliffs on either side. Unsurprisingly, the route is notorious for accidents (almost 200 people used die to every year on the route) and the Bolivian government took steps to modernise the stretch in 2007 by building a new track which bypasses much of the original road. However, due to the original track's infamy, it remains an extremely popular tourist attraction.

Manali-Leh Highway, India :- Flanked by stunning landscapes that alternate between towering snow capped mountains and arid plains, traversing this 490 km stretch is going to be one of the memorable rides of your life. Traffic along the highway ascends and descends through narrow passes, fords through rivers and glacial melts which results in some serious white knuckle moments but gives you the chance to capture some of the most awe inspiring vistas on the planet. If you are planning to take on this stretch and looking for a hotel in Manali, you're in luck as most hotels in India allow you to an online hotel booking.

Trans Sahara Highway, Nigeria :- The ultimate desert adventure, this 4500 km highway sprawls 3 countries and tests your mettle and guts like no other stretch on earth. The road attracts the brave, the crazy and the foolhardy in droves and is a chance to soak in the spellbinding vistas of the Sahara. Certain sections of the road are plagued by security risks but the biggest danger is going head to head with one of the harshest environments on the planet.   

Budget Travel Tips for 2014

Here is the low down on taking the sting out of high airfare prices and bagging the perfect deals for your vacation in 2014.

Higher airfares: - Probably the most restrictive factor for travelers this year will be the sky rocketing air ticket prices. Apart from rising prices of crude oil, the other major factor pushing up the prices is the consolidation of airliners. As of today, only four major airliners fly in the United States; lesser players mean less pressure on them to lower the prices and consequently fewer deals for the customers. Sadly, there is no solid strategy to evade the situation. Travelers will have to forgo luxury accommodation, fancy restaurants and expensive sightseeing to offset the cost and travel within their budgets.

Skip the hotels: - Take advantage of vacation rental sites like airbnb, FlipKey, HomeAway and Rentalo which allows you to stay in an apartment at a fraction of the cost of a fancy hotel.  The sector is in its nascent stage and is plagued by few issues, however, the massive amount of savings more than compensates for the minor discomforts. Hotels in India are increasingly suiting up to counter the trend by lowering the prices. Hotel booking in India has also become significantly easier thanks to numerous online portals competing for the traveler’s attention.

Watch your currency: - While hunting for an overseas vacation, consider how far your currency will go. Last year, the Indonesian Rupiah took a whopping 7% plunge against the dollar, rendering Bali one of the best value vacation spot for the Yanks.  Even the Japanese Yen fell significantly against the dollar making the once expensive island an affordable travel option.

Chasing India's Hippie Trail

While India's best known hippie spots like Goa and Varanasi are getting choked by the tentacles of commercial tourism, travelers are migrating to smaller, quieter towns in their quest to self discovery, relaxation and the ever elusive 'shanti'. Here are the top spots for those who enjoy a laid back vibe flavored with a splash of alternate consciousness.

Hampi :- Monuments like Virupaksha temple has earned Hampi a spot in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list. However, unlike other destinations steeped in history, Hampi has managed to carry off a hammock swinging, motorcycle riding, laid back vibe. A 26 sq.km village located on the banks of Tungabhadra River, Hampi was once the capital of the medieval kingdom of Vijayanagar. Though primarily visited by architectural geeks and pilgrims, the town has seen a steady rise in the number of hippies who have settled in shacks across the river.  Most hotels in Hampi accept online hotel booking so you won't have a hard time finding an accommodation here.

Tosh :- Located in the far reaches of Himalayas, the village is a secluded settlement where modern influence is  yet to creep in. The village comprises of a group of houses built into the mountains and overlooks the serene Paravati River.  The region is inhabited by a close knit farming community who tend to their fruit orchards, sheep and marijuana plantation.  Tosh is accessible from Barshaini town (two hour trek or half an hour taxi ride). While Tosh may not have some of the best hotels in India, rest assured you will find a clean, comfortable place to retire for the day. 

Kasol :-  Located below Tosh, on the banks of the Parvati River is the quaint little town that serves as the base for trekkers to Pin Parvati Pass. The Hebrew signboards and numerous dreadlocks that navigate its street is a dead giveaway of its reputation as a hippie paradise. Cheap accommodation and delicious food has lured many a traveler to Kasol into becoming permanent residents. Evergreen and Little Italy are the two popular cafes where you can have some freewheeling spirituality discussions while sipping cappuccinos and munching on an apple crumble.

Vashisht :- Located about 3 km from Manali, Vashisht is popular amongst families who come here to take a dip in its hot springs. But a cursory glance around and you will see the Rastafarian colours in the rooftop cafes and groups of didgeridoo wielding backpackers. For a change in scenery, head out to the Jogini waterfall, accessible via a trek through a village, this serene spot rewards you with stunning views.

Gokarna :- The three beaches of Gokharna – Om, Kudle and Paradise with their Rastafarian cafes and dreadlocked backpackers is a picture perfect hippie beach town. Om beach is named after the Sanskrit symbol it resembles and is home to the most popular shack in town, the Namaste Cafe. Paradise beach is home to long term settlers and is quieter than the other two.

6 Budget Destinations to Experience in 2014

2014 is coming around the corner and travel enthusiasts everywhere are already chalking out their travel plans for the year. Here is a list of budget friendly travel destinations to consider in the coming year.

Nicaragua: - Not the place for the casual traveler, but for those who love a splash of adventure and even danger to their travel escapades, Nicaragua is sure to impress. When done right, Nicaragua is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America, also the cheapest. You can easily spend two weeks here for the price of what you would spend on a two days in a European city. Head to San Juan del Sur, the upcoming surf town where the parties stretches to noon the next day.

Cambodia: - For a country still nursing its wounds from a rough past, Cambodia is one of the friendliest country in South East Asia. An added bonus is that their language is one of the easiest to pick up for English speakers. Base your itinerary around the Siem Reap, Phenom Penh and Sihanoukville.  It is rare to find cheap air tickets directly to the country, best bet is to fly to Bangkok and then take a bus to cross the border.

India: - Probably the country that is most talked amongst travelers and not without a reason. Visiting India is akin to visiting 4-6 countries all at once. The country can be overwhelming but those ready to brave the challenge will be rewarded with a unique and unforgettable experience. Hotels in India tend to stretch across all budgets so you will find a place to stay regardless of your wallet power.  The best way to hotel booking India is through the official website of the property.

US Virgin Islands: - Long a favored haunt for Americans without passport and those who can't afford a European trip. The Virgin Islands give you that remote and exotic feeling that you have gotten away but can be gotten to in a bearable flight duration. The recommended islands are Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix. Most of the hotels in the island accept online booking which makes it easier to find an accommodation online.

Portugal: - Easily one of the best budget travel destination in Western Europe, despite its diminutive size, Portugal is home to a diverse range of landscapes. From the pristine beaches in the south, to the sprawling metropolis of Lisbon in the center to the rugged mountains in the north – Portugal has enough to keep you coming back.  Whats more? You can order a bottle of wine in most of the restaurants for fewer than 3 Euros!!

Lithuania: - Eastern Europe has been witnessing a steady upslope in tourism and Lithuania is one of the destinations leading the way. Most tourists to the country head to the capital city of Vilnius, home to some spectacular architecture in the form of churches, town halls a medieval towns. Lithuania was one of the last countries to adopt Christianity and has several interesting Pagan remnants apart from World War II sites.

Top 5 Budget hotels in Jaipur

If you  are visiting Jaipur and don't have  the budget to splurge on one of those opulent palace hotels, then pick one of these budget hotels in Jaipur. The prime touristy areas in Jaipur tend to be expensive so its a good idea to book a hotel a little away from the city center.

Devi Niketan :- This is a family owned heritage hotel located in a quiet suburb of Jaipur. The fourteen rooms in the hotel are divided between two floors, apart from which the hotel features numerous shared spaces like courtyards,library and a rooftop.  There is a outdoor swimming pool with a massive deck. Despite its budget status, the hotel boasts of plenty of warmth and character and has garnered plenty of positive reviews. 


Baba Haveli :- Another affordable, gem of hotels in Jaipur that is extremely well maintained by the owner who started his career as a taxi driver. The most striking feature of the hotel is a captivating set of hand drawn murals across its walls. Guests in the hotel can enjoy the stunning sunset over the city from the rooftop restaurant. The sole drawback is the location, which is a good 30 minute cab ride from the city center. Prices start as low as Rs. 1200 per room night.


Sunder Palace Guest House :- This is a clean, comfortable and cheap guest house in Jaipur that has garnered massive amount of positive reviews amongst backpackers. The hotel is  strategically located in a by-lane away from the crowded streets yet is extremely close to the railway station and the shopping district. 

Hotel Anuraag Villa :-  The highlight of Anuraag Villa is the tranquil garden surrounding the property which is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Jaipur. This is a simple, clean and unpretentious hotel with a friendly staff and delicious vegetarian food . The hotel is located in a quiet residential district close to the Old city.  If you are looking for a budget heritage hotel in India that offers extreme value for money, you won't find a  better property than this.

Hotel Pearl Palace :- One of the highest rated boutique hotel in India, Hotel Pearl Palace is cozy, family owned budget hotel in Jaipur.  The interiors of the hotel are decked with Rajasthani handicrafts and artifacts and the rooftop restaurant is a great place to take in the views of this colourful city. Prices start as low as $8 for a small double room to up to $24 for family rooms that can sleep six people.