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The Smarter Way to Travel™

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  1. Top 4 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2018

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    There is no greater thing than travelling to foreign lands and experiencing new cultures. Unfortunately, travel doesn’t come for free. Once your flights have been paid for along with any visas you might need and travel insurance, you could well have already spent several hundreds pounds. And that’s before you’ve even set foot in your destination. When you arrive you then have to think about accommodation, food, internal transport, activities – the list goes on.

    There is no way to avoid spending money when you are abroad but there are ways to minimise how much you need to spend. Choosing a destination that doesn’t cost a fortune to enjoy is the best way to travel on a budget. This means that Australia, Norway, and the Seychelles are pretty much out of the question. But, don’t worry, there are dozens of cheap destinations around the world that will offer you everything you could possibly want from a vacation but won’t break the bank.

    1. Nepal

    Travelling to Nepal is like stepping back in time, before nature was completely destroyed by man. Nestled in the Himalayas, the natural beauty of Nepal is breath-taking – and that’s not just because of the altitude! Most travellers that head to Nepal usually have one thing on their mind: Everest. Trekking to the Everest base camp features on a lot of bucket lists and is far from impossible. Just grab your backpack, hire a Sherpa, and get trekking. It’s not an easy climb but it is exceptionally rewarding. When you’re done, head back to Kathmandu and fill up on delicious Nepalese food in a local eatery.

    2. Nicaragua

    No, I’m not just going for countries that being with N. Nicaragua is a Central American gem that is often overlooked in favour of its neighbour Costa Rica. While Costa Rica certainly has a lot to write home about, it is significantly more expensive than Nicaragua and far from budget friendly. Nicaragua boasts beaches, rainforests and volcanoes as well as an interesting cuisine and good weather. Could you ask for any more from a vacation destination?

    3. Bolivia

    If you want to experience South America and you don’t have loads of cash to splash then Bolivia is your best bet. But, don’t let Bolivia’s affordability let you think that it is an undesirable travel destination. Bolivia is an incredible place that is full of beauty and adventure. Most people who travel here beeline straight for the famous salt flats in Uyuni. These are truly spectacular but just the tip of the iceberg of what Bolivia has to offer. The jungle and waterfalls in Samaipata and the white-washed buildings in Sucre are equally delightful and sure to captivate your heart.

    4. Cambodia

    Cheaper than neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam and more interesting than Laos, Cambodia is the ultimate Southeast Asian destination. Not only is it home to the phenomenal Angkor Wat temple complex, but it has all kinds of other attractions that are less well known. Head to the coast and Sihanoukville will keep you entertained with its laidback vibe and cool nightlife. Meanwhile, Kampot is filled with spiritual wanderers swinging in hammocks and eating Khmer delicacies. Give Cambodia some of your time and you won’t be disappointed.

  2. 5 Travel Essentials for Long-Haul Flights

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    Unless you are flying first class, long-haul flights can be a real drag. You’re stuck in a metal tube, whizzing through the sky at an unfathomable speed, wedged into a narrow seat with your legs contorted as they try to fit into the leg-room provided. Ok, it isn’t as bad as I’m making out. And, besides, flying long-haul means you are either going or coming back from some exotic destination. The flight is just part of the experience.

    However, there are things that you can do to make these long flights more bearable. How is that possible, I hear you ask. Check out my list of travel essentials and you will see how your long-haul nightmare could turn into something dreamy.

    A TV Series

    You know all those times you wished there were more hours in the day so you could carry on watching your favourite show? Well now you have all the time in the world. Grab your tablet, laptop, or smart phone and load it up with episodes of that show you have been desperate to watch.

    Most online streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime allow you to download TV series and movies onto your device to then watch later without an internet connection. This is crucial as you probably won’t have a WiFi connection at 30,000 ft. Although planes are now increasingly providing WiFi, it is often quite slow and expensive to use so it is better to avoid the risk altogether and download everything you need at home before you go.

    A Battery Pack

    Some planes have charging points. Others do not. Unless you are 100% sure that your plane has a charging outlet and will accommodate whatever you need to plug in (often they only have USB sockets), you should take your own back up power supply. If you are willing to invest in a decent battery pack, you will find that for less than £25 you can get a small, nifty device that will allow you to fully recharge whatever device you have between 3 and 5 times.

    Make sure the power supply is fully charged before you get on the plane and then use it to keep your devices alive while you travel. You will thank yourself when this means you can carry on bingeing through the TV shows you downloaded.

    A Neck Pillow

    Being comfortable cannot be under-estimated when it comes to long-haul travel. It will make your flight infinitely more bearable and stop you from getting off the plane with your neck cramped into some horrendously awkward position. Some neck pillows go around your neck and clip together at the front, under your chin. I recommend buying one of these as they stop your head from lolling forward while you snooze.

    Snacks and Water

    Planes really dry you out so it is important to stay hydrated. Taking a water bottle with you is essential as planes usually only provide you with a small cup of water every now and again. Of course, you can ask for more but do you really want to be the passenger pestering the stewards every 10 minutes for a drink? As for snacks, plane food is rarely gourmet and often is barely edible. Taking your own stash of snacks means you don’t have to rely on plane food or risk starving to death in transit.

    Beauty Bag

    Men, this one is for you too. Everyone should have a little pouch filled with the following things while they travel long-haul. Firstly you need moisturiser. Your skin will dry out on the plane so a good moisturiser and some lip balm will stop your skin going flaky while you travel. Secondly, grab yourself some toothpaste to get rid of your plane breath before you land. That’s it! Simple yet effective.

  3. How Does the World Celebrate Easter?

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    Easter is coming up and we are all looking forward to having a bit of time off work while schools are out. This time of the year is celebrated differently all over the world. While we indulge in Easter egg hunts and eat our body weight in chocolate, other countries view the holiday through a much more religious lens. Ceremonies, rituals and festivals pop up across the planet to commemorate this holy period – so why not go and join in with the fun?

    We have compiled a list of some of the most interesting ways Easter is celebrated around the world. If you like the sound of them, be sure to add the destination to your travel bucket list!

    Brazil

    With the largest Roman Catholic population in the world, Easter in Brazil is a really big deal. An important part of the holiday involves relaxing at home or travelling to be with relatives in other parts of the country. The Brazilians also exchange chocolate eggs with one another. In addition to this, the Brazilians have one particularly weird tradition. It is common to make straw dolls of Judas, which are then hung in the streets and beaten up. If there has been any political scandal in the previous few months, sometimes the straw figures of the disgraced politician will be used instead.

    Sweden

    As a secular country, it might seem odd that Sweden is on this list. Sweden celebrates Easter in a way no other country does. During the holiday, the children dress as Easter witches and go from door to door asking for sweets (just like Halloween in the U.S). This tradition stems from folklore, rather than Christianity but there are some elements of Swedish Easter than remain religious and relate directly to the suffering of Christ.

    Corfu, Greece

    If you happen to be on this Greek island over Easter, make sure you stay off the streets on the morning of Holy Saturday. On this day, the residents of the island throw pots, pans and earthenware out of their windows, smashing them on the streets. It is believed that this is a way of getting rid of old things in order to make way for the new, as is the general tradition in spring. It is a noisy and chaotic tradition but it is good fun to watch and even join in with whilst soaking up the ever-present Greek sunshine.

    Czech Republic

    Perhaps one of the weirdest celebrations you will see over Easter, in the Czech Republic men run around the city spanking women. Ok, it isn’t actually quite as bad as that. Handmade whips, crafted from willow and ribbons are used to gently spank women, as it is believed that the willow tree is a symbol of fertility. By spanking women with its branches, the fertility is supposed to transfer into the victim. Don’t worry, the spanking is playful – no-one gets hurt!

    Philippines

    When it comes to going all out for Easter, no country tops the Philippines. On Good Friday, Catholics drag crosses through the city, self-flagellate and dress just as Jesus is supposed to have done on that fateful day. Passion plays are also performed in the city and in San Fernando, the play ends with the actual crucifixion of three devotees. That’s right, three people are actually nailed to crosses. They are let down afterwards but it is still quite a gruesome spectacle to behold!

  4. Top 5 Incredible Places Everyone Should Visit Before They Die

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    The world is an enormous place and it is impossible to see it all, even if you spent your entire life traveling.

    They say that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer and we couldn’t agree more. There is so much beauty and wonder out there, once you get a taste of what’s on offer you’re bound to be hooked. So, to satisfy your wanderlust we have compiled a list of places that you need to visit in your life-time.

    Get your passport ready and start planning your round the world trip to see these incredible places.

    1. Semuc Champey, Guatemala

    Nowhere on earth showcases the sheer power of Mother Nature quite like Semuc Champey. Located in the Guatemalan jungle, the sight consists of a number of natural rock pools that flow down, one into the next, in a series of waterfalls. Water, lush jungle, secret look out points and eerie caves. What more could you want? Be sure to check out the swing that flies out over the water for an adrenaline rush while you’re there.

    2. Temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

    A 3am wake up call is usually the last thing you want while you’re on holiday, but if it means you get to see the sun come up over the most incredible temples on the planet, it’s really not so bad. The temple complex at Angkor Wat is an astounding feat of architecture from a time when it seemed inconceivable that such incredible structures could have been built.

    3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

    Who would have thought a huge piece of salt would be such a tourist attraction. Well, the salt flats of Uyuni are the biggest on earth and well worth the travel time it takes to get to this remote part of the world. Jeep tours take intrepid travellers far out on to the salt flat, where they can take photos and walk around. The serenity that accompanies this isolated stretch of white salt is unparalleled and the photo opportunities are spectacular.

    4. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

    Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress in the heart of Sri Lanka. It is quite striking to behold as it looks like a colossal boulder that has just been placed in the middle of this beautiful island. However, the first sight is just the beginning. Once up close, travellers will be able to climb the rock to the top. Here, they are treated to spectacular views of the lush plains that spread out to the horizon. Make sure you go to Sigiriya early so you don’t end up hiking in the midday heat.

    5. Chefchaouen, Morocco

    The city of Chefchaouen is a little piece of calm in the chaos of Morocco. The walls of the buildings that line the streets of Chefchaouen have been completely painted blue, giving the whole city a completely magical feel. The number one activity here is taking a leisurely stroll in the permanent sunshine that bathes the city. Snap some photos, sample some local delicacies and lap up the magnificent beauty of this incredible place.

  5. Top 4 Travel Trends for 2018

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    There have been some very distinct trends developing in the travel world recently and 2018 looks set to be the year that these trends hit the mainstream. No doubt, the fact that travel has become so accessible means that the travel landscape is changing at an unprecedented pace. As air fares continue to drop and budget hostels crop up all over the world, you no longer need to be one of the rich and famous to be able to travel.

    We are certainly seeing a shift in the way that people travel but which trends are the most popular in this day and age and how have they transformed the tourism industry? Let’s take a look at some of the most important travel trends of 2018.

    Responsible Travel

    More than ever, there is a sense of each one of us being an international citizen. That means we can no longer, in good conscience, visit countries in an exploitative or damaging way – it is truly and universally unacceptable. This is great news for the world in general as we are now taking more care with the way we travel. We do not want to use tour companies or stay in hotels that do not properly remunerate their staff. Nor do we want local people to have to degrade themselves for our entertainment. Responsible travel is all about seeing the world without leaving a mark; to immerse yourself in culture rather than viewing it as an outsider; to respect our differences rather than ridicule them.

    Travel to the Middle East

    Contrary to what the tabloids will have you believe, the Middle East is heating up as a travel destination right now. Its growth in visitors since the beginning of 2018 is greater than that of Europe and South America – two regions that have traditionally been huge tourism hotspots. It may come as a surprise to know that the area that has seen the biggest increase in international arrivals is the Palestinian Territories. Banksy has even opened up a brand new hotel in Bethlehem, despite fears that people would not stay there due to the instability in the region.

    New Family Dynamics

    Two parent families are nowhere near as common as they used to be ten years ago. Today, it is estimated that there around 2 million single parent families in the UK and it is about time the travel industry reformed to reflect this shift. A number of travel companies now offer tours packages specifically designed for lone parents travelling with children. These often come with a discounted price because of the reduced number of travellers. Gone are days of single parents being penalised for being alone and in comes a time where families can enjoy themselves equally regardless of their make up.

    Solo Travel Will Become More Popular than Ever

    People have been travelling alone for decades, but it was once quite an unusual thing to do. Nowadays, solo travel is just as normal as group travel and in some parts of the world you’re far more likely to meet a solo backpacker than a horde of mates. What’s more, solo travel has a number of merits that group travel does not. You don’t have to compromise on your plans or spend ages waiting for everyone to agree on where to eat that night. When you travel alone, you can do whatever you want, whenever you want and simply go where the wind takes you on a day to day basis. This is a nice escape from the confinement and rigidity that makes up the daily grind.

  6. Top 5 Central American Hot Spots

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    Costa Rica aside, Central America doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves. Due to its rather turbulent past, travellers have been put off visiting this thin stretch of land. But, today, Central America is completely unrecognisable from what it once was and has reinvented itself as a modern region with a fantastic traveller infrastructure.

    Not only is Central America blessed with spectacular weather all year round, but it has some of the most exceptional natural beauty in the world. Combine this with bustling cities and quaint villages and you’ve got the ideal travel destination.

    So, here are some Central American hotspots that should definitely feature on your bucket list.

    Caye Caulker, Belize

    If you are looking for a paradise island with the most chilled out vibe on earth then look no further than Caye Caulker. Accessible by boat from the port in Belize City, this island is a far cry from chaotic mainland Belize. The people have a deeply-rooted ethos that you should move slow and be happy. The island offers great snorkelling and diving opportunities and is the starting point for trips to the famous Blue Hole dive site. It also has some fantastic restaurants that serve fresh lobster for fabulously cheap prices.

    Antigua, Guatemala

    Antigua is an explosion of colour and is in equal parts beautiful and busy. As one of the main tourist zones in the country, the city is well set up for visitors. There are dozens of restaurants and bars as well as street vendors and markets. If you want to pick up some souvenirs during your time in Guatemala then the main market in Antigua should do the trick. Selling everything from toys to food to clothes to gorgeous hand-woven fabrics, this market has it all. For something more adventurous, strap on your hiking boots and head to one Antigua’s nearby volcanoes.

    Utila, Honduras

    Mainland Honduras still very much bears the scars of its former troubles – some of which are not fully extinguished. But, Utila is the calm in the storm. This lovely island is filled with expats seeking a more relaxing life and diving enthusiasts from all over the world. Utila is one of the cheapest places on earth to get qualified as a scuba diver and the quality of the diving here is unbelievable. Divers will have chance to swim among eels, tropical fish and even whale sharks.

    Ometepe, Nicaragua

    The first thing you will learn about Nicaragua when you get there is that the Nica breakfast is really good. The next thing you will learn is how incredible Ometepe is. Situated right in the middle of the immense Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe is an island that is known for its outstanding nature, which includes the twin Maderas and Concepción volcanoes. Other points of interest include Santo Domingo beach, the Ojo de Agua and the San Ramón waterfall.

    Monteverde, Costa Rica

    Most people think of beaches and rainforest when they think about Costa Rica and there is no doubt that both of those things can be found in abundance here. However, there is a slightly less well-known terrain in Costa Rica, known as the cloud forest, which will take your breath away. Monteverde is a small town in the highlands of Costa Rica. The temperature here is cooler than most other parts of the country and the scenery is second to none. Be sure to save a couple of days to explore the hanging bridges that run through this cloud forest.

  7. Top 5 Cities to Visit

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    Some people travel to escape the city. They want to be free from the chaos and stress that comes with a bustling city full of people. But, there are some people who live for the buzz. For these people, nothing is better than the chance to be swept up in the excitement of a brand new city. The bright lights are just too hard to resist.

    If you fall into the category of people who love checking out cities while you’re abroad, or you think you might find them interesting then read on and let us open your eyes to some of the best cities in the world. So, get your travel bucket list and get ready to make some additions.

    Tokyo, Japan

    Japan is a completely different world to anything you will have experienced before. The culture is fascinating and, at times, utterly bizarre, and there is no better place to fully get to grips with it than the country’s stimulating capital. From the towering buildings of the inner city to the delicious noodle houses that pepper the streets, there is something interesting to be found on every corner of the city.

    Melbourne, Australia

    Known as the food capital of Australia, Melbourne has a truly phenomenal culinary scene. Australia itself doesn’t have much by way of national cuisine but it does spectacular versions of everyone else’s food. Throughout the city you’ll find street food, Asian eateries, South American offerings and plenty more to satisfy your appetite. Once you’re full, be sure to explore the beautiful parks and museums that can found throughout the city.

    Medellin, Colombia

    Sitting in the mountains of Colombia is the city of Medellin – a former red zone that has turned into one of the most thriving travel hotspots on the continent. Medellin is a mixture of cultures and scenes and the city is divided into a number of distinct regions, each with their own selling points. Right in the centre you will find the Botero Museum and sculpture park and over in El Poblado you will find the bars and clubs. You might also want to check out Parque Arvi, located at the top of a cable car track.

    Fes, Morocco

    Fes is everything you imagine Morocco to be and it is here you will get an authentic taste of Moroccan culture. Sprawling markets, known as souks, are found across the city, selling everything from clothes to jewellery to furniture. Make sure you’re well versed in the art of haggling before you attempt to buy anything so you get the best price you can. Fes is also famous for its tanneries and gastronomy so make time to explore both in your itinerary.

    Vancouver, Canada

    Vancouver is the perfect city for people who aren’t sure if they want to spend too much time in a city. The centre of Vancouver is full of high-rises, broken up by malls, brunch spots and purveyors of culture, including galleries and museums. But, if you drive just one hour out of the city you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature in the country. With the Rockies on one side and the Pacific on the other, those who travel to Vancouver really are spoilt for choice.

  8. Top 5 European Airlines

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    Flying can either by an incredible experience or an incredibly stressful experience depending on a number of factors. The most significant of these factors is which airline you decide to travel with. In Europe, we are fortunate enough to have a huge number of different airlines at our disposal, from budget flights that get you from A to B for just a few pounds, to heavyweight players who guarantee all sorts of luxuries.

    Sometimes the destination you want to travel to will only have one or two carriers that service it. In this case, your airline choice is pretty much made for you. However, as is much more often the case, there may be several airlines for you to pick from. If you’re faced with this kind of decision, then you should know a bit about the airlines rather than just blindly choosing. Here are our five favourite European airlines to help get you started.

    Lufthansa

    Passengers and the media are constantly praising this German airline and if you take a flight with the company you’ll see why. The product really is top of the range and while it is not a budget airline, you get what you pay for. The service is exceptional, the seats are comfortable and the airline’s premium classes are utterly divine. In fact, Lufthansa won an award for having the best first class dining – you know you’re doing well when even the dreaded plane food is good.

    Aeroflot

    It might surprise you to see this notorious company on the list of best European airlines. But, Aeroflot have come a long way since its early days and has dramatically improved its commercial offering. The planes are infinitely safer and the pilots are no longer ex-soviet fighter jet pilots, but instead correctly trained commercial captains. The airline was even named number one in Eastern Europe.

    Swiss International Air Lines

    This airline is just a baby, having only launched in 2002 from the remnants of what was SwissAir. The airline is part of the Lufthansa family so it should come as no surprise that it meets the standard of its big brother. The staff has been lauded for its smiles and accommodating nature and the comfort level seems satisfactory at least. Of course, the jewel in the crown on these flights is the complimentary Swiss chocolate that is given out at the end of the flight.

    Norwegian

    Based out of Oslo, this European airline has finally given travellers the chance to fly trans-Atlantic without forking out huge sums of money. Recently, Norwegian took the limelight in the aviation world thanks to its introduction of low cost flights from Europe to New York. You would think that a flight of that distance for such a small price would come with a few inconveniences, but the airline is remarkably classy. The seats are comfortable, the stewards are willing to go above and beyond and the food is pretty good – although you will have to pay extra for it.

    Air France

    France has certainly had a few hiccups recently, particularly due to labour and finance issues. However, this doesn’t seem to have had any long-lasting effects on the airline, which has now wowed the world with the unveiling of its new first class suites known as “La Premiere”. The ultimate in aviation luxury, these suites have certainly given this European airline the boost it needed to cement its position in the top five airlines on the continent.

  9. Top 5 Multi-Day Treks in the World

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    Anyone can do a day hike, but it takes someone with a really adventurous spirit to take on a multi-day trek. These excursions require stamina, resilience and determination. If you think you tick these boxes and are ready to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors then you might want to think about adding on a multi-day trek to your travel plans.

    Take note that most multi-day treks will require some advance planning so make sure you factor this in. You should also make sure you pack appropriately for the trek – this means making sure you have the right clothes and gear.

    The Salkantay Trail, Peru

    Most people have heard of the Inca Trail, but far fewer have heard of the Salkantay. Just as beautiful and challenging as its better known counterpart, this trail has the added benefit of being absolutely free. Simply hire the gear you need in Cusco and head off – you don’t even need a guide! Once you start walking the path winds through the mountains of the sacred valley, over the Salkantay pass and all the way to Aguas Calientes, the base town for visiting the famous Machu Picchu.

    The Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

    The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most famous treks in the world but it is not for the faint hearted. The trek can last up to 14 days depending on which route you take and how quickly you walk. But, every single drop of sweat that falls from your body as you walk is made up for by the staggering views of the Himalayas that accompany you every step of the way. The Annapurna Circuit allows you to see Nepal at its finest.

    W Trek, Chile

    If you’re the kind of person that likes the idea of being completely immersed in nature then the W Trek will be right up your street. This trek runs through the Chilean part of Patagonia and takes between 5 and 7 days. Along the way you will see glacial lakes, beautiful forests and rugged wilderness that constitutes one of the last vestiges of completely untouched nature. The highlight of the trek is the chance to see the jagged Torres del Paine peaks.

    Kepler Track New Zealand

    Encompassing around 60km of pure, natural beauty, the Kepler Track is a spectacular trek that boasts some breath-taking vistas. The route is one of the easiest on this list and can be completed in just 3 days. The track is well maintained, which makes it both easy to follow and pleasant to walk on. Points of interest along the track include waterfalls, caves and lakes.

    Dogon Country, Mali

    The trek through the Dogon Country is perfect for people looking for something a bit different. The trek leads explorers through traditional Dogon villages, filled with friendly people who are happy to share their culture and traditions with those who want to learn. In addition to the picturesque landscape of West African desert peppered with stone huts, this trek is rich with history just waiting to be uncovered.

  10. Top 5 International Foods To Try On Your Travels

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    It’s no secret that one of the best things about travelling the world is getting the chance to sample exotic foods from foreign lands. There is something exciting about stumbling across some local delicacy that is a taste sensation unlike you’ve ever experienced before. Of course, this is accompanied by bragging rights, which allow you to smugly recount your gastronomic tales to your friends. So, if you’re planning on travelling anytime soon, keep your eyes peeled for the following culinary delights.

    Langos, Hungary

    This isn’t the healthiest thing on this list but it might just be the tastiest. Langos is a simple dish that consists of a disc of deep fried dough – roughly the size of a dinner plate. The dough is pulled out of the deep fryer and left for a few minutes so the oil can drain off. It is then smothered with generous lashings of sour cream and sprinkled with cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous you can opt for other toppings such as ham or onions.

    Ceviche, Peru

    Some people are wary of eating raw fish – and with good reason. Done badly, it can cause you some serious health problems. However, ceviche, when prepared properly, will dispel all your fears of raw fish. This mouth-watering dish is made with raw fish, which has been marinated in lime, onion, chilli and coriander. It is usually served with sweet potato or corn kernels. It’s an unusual flavour but one you will grow to love.

    Nasi Goreng, Indonesia

    Who ever said simple food can’t blow your mind? Nasi Goreng is one of the simplest dishes on the menu in Indonesia and yet it was voted to be in the top 50 most delicious dishes on earth. Made up of fried rice combined with egg, chicken and, sometimes, prawns, it is a hearty meal that will leave you fully satisfied. What’s more, if you buy this in Indonesia it will only set you back a dollar or two.

    Tagine, Morocco

    A tagine is a type of Moroccan stew, which typically includes lamb, apricots, vegetables, spices and a small amount of liquid. It is then left to cook for hours on end on a low heat. The end result is meat that falls apart in your mouth and a flavoursome stew that can be eaten with couscous. If you don’t like lamb or apricots then mix up the recipe with other meats and dried fruits.

    Pho, Vietnam

    Pho is a staple in Vietnam and while it might not look like much, it will keep you full all day. The premise of pho is simple. It is essentially a big bowl of noodle soup. But, it is so much more than that. The broth that makes up the soup is made from simmering bones and the meat is slow-cooked so it is as tender as can be. Your server will place some noodles in a bowl, pour some broth over it and then garnish it with beansprouts, coriander and lime.