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While more than 90% of Australians live in the urban coastal areas of the country, the Australian Outback draws in backpackers from around the world every year. The Outback contains an insight into Australia’s rich culture and indigenous peoples. Navigating this vast territory could take up to six months if you allow it to, and hostels could fill fast if you don’t plan accordingly. Here are some recommended hostels in parts of the Outback you are bound to visit.

Alice Lodge Backpackers

Alice Springs is the second largest town in the Northern Territory and one of the most popular destinations for travelers in the Australian Outback. The town of Alice Springs is a good example of the European and Aboriginal influences on modern Australia, with art galleries and exhibitions displaying this region’s diverse culture. The Camel Cup is a popular camel racing event in town, giving you another unique reason to spend a few days here.

Alice Lodge Backpackers hostel is located a close 5 minute walk from the center of town. A relatively small hostel, Alice Lodge Backpackers offers all of the amenities to keep travelers comfortable. The hostel offers a free wi-fi connection, free breakfast, free airport pickup, a swimming pool, washing machines, and more. Top rated on Hostel Bookers for cleanliness among other things, a one night stay here will cost you beginning at about $23.80 USD.

Dingo Moon Lodge

Darwin, appropriately named after Charles Darwin, is the capital of the Northern Territory (the region that Alice Springs is also a part of), and has almost triple the population of Alice Springs. A popular attraction for locals and tourists are the weekly markets, such as the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, that have almost anything you’d like to buy (including food!) and street performers.

As for accommodations, there are several budget hotels and hostels throughout Darwin. The Dingo Moon Lodge is rated high on Hostel Bookers and a recommended place to stay. The Lodge is near the city center and was renovated recently. Free wi-fi access is available in the entire facility, and the Dingo Moon Lodge provides a complimentary breakfast as well as free tea, coffee, and other drinks. Prices for one night here will cost upwards of about $26.39 USD. Also, be sure to put the free access to laundry machines to good use before continuing on your trip around the Outback.

Kimberley Klub

Broome is located in the Kimberley region in Western Australia. It is a popular tourist destination, with tourists comprising of more than double its population during the peak season. The beaches in Broome are picturesque tropical beaches with white sands and turquoise waters. Cable beach is Broome’s famous beach, and is home to one of Australia’s most well known nudist beaches.

The Kimberley Klub budget accommodation is located in the center of Broome. With a pool, and entertainment such as pool tables, a theater, and more, you will never get bored during your stay here. The facility offers wi-fi in designated areas, but for a small fee. A one night stay in the 12-bed dorm room will cost about $30 USD.

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Myrtle Beach is a haven for golfers looking for the same appeal that golfing in Florida offers with it’s nice weather and scenic backdrops, without having to drive an extra couple of hundred miles down the east coast. Myrtle Beach is family friendly with so much to do, including spending the day on a golf course.

The best time to go golfing in Myrtle Beach is in the summer months because that is when courses are cheapest. Conveniently, this is when beach goers flock to the area– a great excuse to plan a beach trip with family or friends and also spend some time golfing. Prices for tee times can drop by almost 50% if you go at the right time of year. Needless to say, fall and winter months are when golfers are in some force in the area, but the peak season, the time when courses are looking their best and the weather is welcoming, begins in March lasting through April.

The list of golf clubs and country clubs in Myrtle Beach seems almost endless. There are over 100 golf courses beginning just north of Myrtle Beach and ending just south of it– a 60+ mile stretch of coastline. Several of those Myrtle Beach golf courses are considered to be very high end, luxury courses.

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club is the most well-known club in Myrtle Beach and it is located so close to the beach that it boasts beach access. Built on 270 acres, the course consists of long tees, fairway traps, and elevated greens. As the Dunes Golf and Beach Club has gained prestige in recent years, it has been ranked among the top courses in America according to Golf Digest, and it has hosted the Senior PGA Tour Championship. It costs about $200 on a given day to golf, but most people will tell you it is well worth the money and you’ll get what you pay for.

Pine Lakes Country Club is another upscale golf resort that gives an old-fashioned, southern vibe. Built in 1926, Pine Lakes was the first golf club in Myrtle Beach. Its exclusivity means that only club members can golf, with the exception of guests who are staying at a select few hotels nearby.

The King’s North golf course located at the Myrtle Beach National Golf Club and Resort is worth mentioning because of its size and design. It has a resort-style design and includes an island fairway. Myrtle Beach National is away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach, and King’s North was built throughout a pine forest, giving golfer’s a serene setting to golf in.

Finally, the Grand Dunes Resort offers arguably the most visually appealing course with the best views. Its design has drawn hoards of golfers. Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, the course also offers views of the forest surrounding it and its 34 acres in lakes. It costs under $100 to golf here, providing a refreshing change from the high prices of some luxury clubs in Myrtle Beach.

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This post is a paid advertisement by Vonage.

Imagine a future where your smartphone comes with unlimited data, but without a calling plan. Living in this distant future that’s already here doesn’t mean you have to abandon voice communication. The new Vonage Mobile app for iPhone and Android brings this new reality closer with free worldwide talk and text to all other users of the app. Whether your phone is connected over 4G, 3G, or Wi-Fi, your entire address book is only a tap away. Just remember that calls still use a portion of your data plan.

Vonage Mobile certainly isn’t the first smartphone app to provide free calling and text messaging from mobile phones, so what make this different? Unlike Skype for iPhone and Android, which maintains a separate address book, Vonage Mobile integrates your existing address book – which means free app-to-app calls and text messages are available without needing to reconnect with people who already provided contact information. And the Vonage Mobile multi-invite function lets you invite anyone (or everyone) from your contact list with one simple text. Skype requires you to search for users and invite each person one at a time.

Vonage Mobile doesn’t limit calls to people with the app, or even to people who have a smartphone. You can call direct from Vonage Mobile to virtually any phone number on the planet. You can dial internationally without needing to activate special services with your mobile carrier. And most importantly, you can do this with the address book on your phone and your existing mobile number.

There is a cost associated with calling phones directly, but according to Vonage, the app offers international calling with per-minute rates that average 70 percent less than major mobile carriers and 30 percent less than Skype. This savings estimate is based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called. Billing is also more convenient, with payment integrated directly into your iTunes or Android Market account, instead of maintaining billing in a separate login.

Vonage combines exceptional call quality with an integrated phone experience to offer a more complete calling solution. Unlike other free voice apps, which often echo badly or sound like you’re talking on tin can, when calling app-to-app Vonage delivers what they call ‘high-def’ voice quality, which is much better than a standard cell phone call.

These are some of the major highlights of the Vonage Mobile app:

• Free domestic and international calls and texts to anyone with the Vonage Mobile app.
• When calling a landline or phone directly, you get international calling with per-minute rates averaging 70% less than major mobile carriers and 30% less than Skype.
• In-app credit purchases are tied directly to your iTunes or Android Market account.
• Inviting multiple people right from your address book via SMS or email is easy.
• Vonage Mobile automatically identifies contacts who already have the app.
• Your mobile number double as your caller ID (so your friends won’t be surprised by an unfamiliar app-assigned number)
• Works on Wi-Fi and 3G/4G worldwide.

If better call quality to any of your existing contacts isn’t enough to make you try out Vonage Mobile, there’s just one more thing you should know. Vonage is currently offering free calls from virtually anywhere in the world to the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. There are a few circumstances where free calling may not work, like business calls, premium and special service numbers, and satellite phones, but for the most part, free really means free. You also need to stay under 3000 minutes per month, but who talks that much anyway?

Download Vonage Mobile now and check it out on your iPhone or Android phone. Invite your family and friends so you have someone to text or call, then let us know what you think.

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The term “RTW” is catching on in the blogosphere and among travelers who set off to take a trip literally Round The World. You’ll be seeing more airlines and travel agencies offering deals for RTW trip so let us introduce you to the concept and culture of the RTW.

What Is An RTW?

Basically, RTW stands for round the world usually followed by the word trip. Generally speaking these trips are routes around the globe, touching place in 3 or more continents continents before flying back around to the starting point. RTW trips are often around a year long, although they can be as short as 3-6 months, or extended to 18 months and beyond.

Who Are RTWers?

An RTWer is someone who has taken a trip around the world with a definitely beginning and end date. That’s the standard definition anyway and it can vary but RTW trips are those with the set purpose of making it around the globe as part of an organized trip. Many of these people who take RTW trips are students in a gap year, people taking career breaks or sabbaticals, and many others fall somewhere in between. RTWers purchase RTW tickets (many airlines and airline partners offer them like Star Alliance and One World) and make arrangements once they’ve saved up enough to take the trip. Some do work from the road but often once RTWers return it’s back to their regular jobs and lives with more infrequent travel.

• Tickets need to be booked and planned in advance and typically range from $2,500-$5,000.
• There are a number of good online RTW trip maps and planners.
• Many backpackers find ways to bring their jobs (and incomes) along with them on the road. You can read about digital nomad tips and tools, how to make money with your travel blog, or consider long distance telecommuting.

Meet Some RTWers

There are a number of resources you can use to find other people who are taking an RTW. There are entire lists of frequent travelers and RTWers as well as good resources on how you can overcome the obstacles and travel the world yourself. For those of you on Twitter, you can do a search of the #RTWsoon hash tag and follow those soon-to-be RTWers and read their tweets and blogs about their personal RTW trip plans, routes, fears and anticipation.

The Definition of RTW Varies

Despite our attempts to clearly define RTW, the truth is that it varies widely. Most RTW trips are different from the next, with varying routes, some focusing on certain areas of the world, and different ideas about what an RTW exactly is. The specific definition isn’t as important as the idea behind and RTW and now you should have a pretty good idea of what an RTW is and the types of people that take RTW trips.

Some RTW trips are short, others span years, and there is even a segment of travelers that break up an RTW into separate trips – now doesn’t that throw you off a bit? Of course there are those that start an RTW, or use them as girlfriend getaways and never return home for good and just keep traveling. Once you catch the travel bug it’s difficult for many to even stay put in one place.

Ready To Be An RTWer?

Find the resources you need to plan an RTW here, including where to find RTW tickets, overcoming the obstacles to traveling the world, and recommended RTW destinations.

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An RTW is a trip “round the world” and involves much more planning than a simple 2 week vacation. An RTW typically lasts for around a year or more and while RTW tickets help to organize and determine your schedule, there is also a great deal of flexibility you’ll have during your RTW trip.

Everyone plans an RTW differently based on where they want to go, the time in their life (i.e. taking a gap year), and of course budget. This is just a basic recommended RTW planning outline designed to help guide you to mapping out your trip and plans. Planning an RTW is exciting from the moment the idea pops in your head to take an RTW trip around the world.

Making The Decision To Take An RTW

This is the first step that’s required for all of your other plans to come in to being. You may get this inspiration while stuck at your cubicle at work, on a whim fantasizing at coffee shop, or after reading a number of travel blogs from RTWers. Once the idea strikes you, it’s time to turn that dream into a reality. Most don’t know where to start and many give up and never take the RTW. It’s left behind as something they “should have done” or as a regret while the daily routine continues. Don’t make excuses for not taking that RTW, start by breaking the problem down into its components – here’s a guide to help you do that.

Make A Map

You can go online but you’ll probably get a better kick out of going to the store, grabbing a large map of the world, some tacks, and string. During these initial stages of RTW planning, you don’t want to bog yourself down with budget concerns, RTW ticket restrictions, or detailed routes for the moment. Start by ticking off places you’ve always wanted to see, would love to visit again, and where you’ve got friends along the way. Keep in mind that most RTW tickets will require you to stop in 3 continents at least and you’ll get about 4 intercontinental flights per stay. You’re also not allowed to backtrack in most cases so use those criteria as loose guidelines.

RTW Airfare

Check out both the Star Alliance and OneWorld to get an idea of how much your travel plans will cost. Your RTW airfare is a good barometer of what you’ll need to save in order to make your RTW trip plans a reality. Generally speaking, setting aside around $5,000 is a good starting and saving point. Don’t be intimidated by the numbers at first, they’re just good to know so you can begin saving towards them. It’s not the time to give up!

• RTW tickets range fro $2,000-5,000.
• You can book individual flights instead of getting an alliance package. Depending on your route it may turn out cheaper.

Getting The Time

It really depends on what point in your life you’re at as well as how much money you will have saved for your RTW that determines how to plan the time for an RTW. If you’re already on a gap year then you’ve got the time and can focus on the savings part of the equation. For those of you who are already working then you may be considering a career break or sabbatical. In some jobs it may be feasible to work from the road if your employer lets you, which is a good way to keep your income flowing as you travel. It also increases the likelihood your job will be waiting for you when you return from your RTW trip.

It’s much easier to take time off the more you’ve got saved up as well. Taking your time saving can discourage your plans by continually delaying them. RTW trip plans are best made a year or 18 months in advance. Anything longer than that greatly decreases the chances your trip will ever happen. Plan on taking the time off from work by casually inquiring about it with your employer or looking for other opportunities to increase your income until your trip. You won’t be thinking about your job as soon as you set foot on to your first RTW flight, so don’t worry too much about it before you go either.

Use The Right Tools

Search for flights and local travel by using Kayak, hostels through HostelBookers, and take a look at our recommended RTW backpacks. If you’re still in doubt you can find out how to overcome the obstacles and travel the world, and get a quote on travel insurance from World Nomads.

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One of the most common questions people have about RTW trips is where to start looking for tickets. Most people actually may not even be aware that RTW tickets and plans are available.

Both Star Alliance and One World offer RTW ticket plans but that’s only one of your options. It is possible to organize your own RTW by booking in advance and using individual flights. That’s a bit trickier though since you’ll have to do some serious planning and pricing to compare with a package deal. Finally, you can always go by winging it at each destination but this is almost always the most expensive option, not to mention a difficult one to organize if you’re on a tight time frame. A year sounds like a lot of time to travel around the world but once you hit the road, you’ll quickly realize how fast time can fly and how little time you may end up spending in some destination due to your itinerary.

Alliance Passes

The two major ways to book an RTW ticket are through Star Alliance and One World. The way that these programs work is to give you access to the members of the airline alliance and set up a flexible travel plan ahead of time but that lets you shift dates and destinations on the fly as well. Typically the requirements are usually that you must travel in the general direction of west to east (or reverse), fly over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and can’t return to a continent once you’ve left it. Most people are surprised at how flexible the requirements can be, many assume the route is the most difficult thing to negotiate with the airlines when it’s actually managing your personal schedule that really takes the most work.

Star Alliance

The Star Alliance round the world tickets program lets you fly any of the Star Alliance member airlines, including Lufthansa, United, and Air New Zealand. The RTW airfares are based around the number of total miles you’ll be flying which is around 24,000-39,000 total. You’re free to fly around under that total limit, of course barring the exception noted above. (It’s important to verify the requirements and the safest bet is to call the alliance group directly for all of the restrictions and limitations which may vary.) There may also be regional restrictions as well.

One World

A bit more restrictive than the Star Alliance RTW tickets, the trip can last from 10 days up to 12 months. You’ll have access to the 11 partner airlines in One World, some of which include British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. Your route must have you visiting at least 3 continents and you get about 4 flights within each continent. As with the Star Alliance, you can select coach, business, or first class for parts or your entire route. There is also a One World Explorer plan which lets you fly more affiliate airlines in addition to the 11 alliance members.

How To Come Up With An Itinerary

There are several online maps and trip builders, even Google Maps you can use to create your travel route. It may be best to start this way and create a red line around the world touching upon the places you want to see the most. Then check the various restrictions of the RTW tickets for both the Star Alliance, One World, and others like World Journey. Finally, you can also price out the route (be as flexible with your dates as possible) mixing airlines, selecting low fare carriers locally, and by visiting the airline websites to look for deals and lower prices. You can adjust your route then according to budget and airline restrictions – using this method, that will take you a few hours, you can find the lowest prices. It’s even possible to mix a RTW ticket with individual flights you purchase so be creative and don’t restrict yourself when you’re starting out. Aside from budget your main priority is to see the places you want to see.

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The best places to include on your itinerary for your RTW trip are the countries and cities you want to see most. Despite all of the reviews both good and bad you should always go where you want to if possible on an RTW. That said, we have some recommendations for your RTW trip, including the many of the best places to backpack.

Boracay, Philippines

Beautiful beaches and a short flight from Manila, even this popular tourist destination is neglected like most of the Philippines by RTWers. The Philippine islands of which there are over 4,000 hold some of the most varied environments in the world. Of those islands Boracay is a trip we highly recommend, one look at the night sky and you won’t be disappointed. More information: Backpacking in the Philippines

The Outback, Australia

A backpackers dream, the Outback is a lot of rugged territory you can cover easily by getting an Austrail Pass for unlimited train travel for 6 months at around $800. Many RTWers don’t plan enough time for Australia and neighboring New Zealand which both could easily take a month of a 1 year RTW trip. More information: Backpacking in Australia

Thailand’s Beaches

It’s hard to argue with this one since so many travelers, backpackers, and RTWers end up in Thailand. There are stunning beaches there, some overcrowded and others not quite as full of tourists. The further north of Phuket you get the better off you’ll be. More information: Backpacking in Thailand

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The location of the city, airport status as a hub, and well integrated bus system makes Buenos Aires an ideal place for RTWers to spend some time. It’s close to Uruguay and Brazil, both of which you can reach for a rather inexpensive bus fare. You can also head south and see Antarctica or visit Chile. There is also the city and culture of Buenos Aires itself, a very diverse place. More information: Backpacking in Argentina

Johannesburg, South Africa

Another RTW destination that is near many great places to see and travel, Johannesburg is an vibrant city. The subway system makes it easy to get around and by following some basic safety tips it can easily be one of your favorite RTW stops. More information: Backpacking in South Africa

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a booming tourism industry due to its relative political stability in Central America. Also boasting beautiful beaches, Costa Rica is well known for its adventure sports. It’s a bit more expensive in Costa Rica than neighboring Nicaragua or Panama but you can get to either easily by bus. An excellent way to explore the region on your RTW trip. More information: Backpacking in Costa Rica

Some Other Suggested RTW Destinations

• Prague
• Rio de Janeiro
• Dublin

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It’s important to pick the right backpack for your RTW as there is a large variety in features, options, and prices. Below are some of the backpacks we recommend for their durability, features, size, and comfort. We’ve used these packs ourselves and feel they are a good bunch to choose from. REI also makes good backpacks.

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Not only is Ataturk Airport in Istanbul one of the best airports to sleep in, but it is a major airline hub that can connect you to most anywhere in the world.

Istanbul has long been a bustling tourist destination, and that description only becomes more fitting with time. Located at the cusp of several civilizations, and a bridge between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is easy to get to by virtually any mode of transportation, from almost anywhere on the map. It also doesn’t hurt that it has a large, and continually expanding airport, Ataturk Airport. The airport, located on the European side of Istanbul, is only about 23 kilometers from the city, making it a short commute to Taksim, the most popular destination on that side of the Bosphorus.

Elsewhere, Istanbul presents never ending entertainment, culture, and history. Beyoglu is a popular street with lively bars and plenty of shopping, while history buffs can enjoy the Ayasofya (Hagia Sofia) and Blue Mosques nearby.

You can fly from Ataturk International Airport, or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (also in Istanbul, but on the Asian side) to any airport in Turkey. Istanbul provides just a small preview of a country with a vast history and culture. Turkey is teeming with history ranging from the time of the ancient Greeks, to the Ottomans, which means there are plenty of ruins to see. Greenery and mountains are also abundant in Turkey, making it a destination for hikers and nature lovers. If you want to take a quick break from your busy travel schedule, Turkey’s beaches are popular and accommodating to travelers from all corners of the world. Oludeniz, one of the most recognized beaches in the Mediterranean, offers the best of both worlds; not only can you have a relaxing day in the clear waters, but the Lycian Way, a vast hiker’s trail passes through the nearby mountains.

From Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, you can hop a quick flight to any destination in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, or Africa because of the city’s location as a bridge between continents. Flying to Asia and the Pacific may seem like a stretch from Istanbul, but the options are endless if you’re planning a RTW trip. Australia is one of the more popular destinations for backpackers, and therefore a common stop on RTW trips.

Sydney Airport, like Ataturk Airport, offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy their airport stay, with many hotels nearby at your convenience. Hotel Club outlines these accommodations, all of them being 2-star hotels or higher, in a manner that makes choosing the right place to sleep easier on your tired eyes. Only about 15 kilometers from the city center, a stay at one of the Sydney airport hotels can make your trip a bit easier.

Australia is a massive country though, and is made up of more than just the major cities. Be sure to give yourself enough time here if you plan on covering a lot of territory. Also consider getting an Austrail Pass: a train pass that will allow you to get almost anywhere in Australia.

Turkey and Australia may be on opposite ends of the world, but they are similar in the rich culture they have for you to experience– and Ataturk International Airport can get you started.

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