Welcome to my weekly travel newsletter where I give you the best travel deals, stories, and news of the week!

 

A lot can happen in a week. You can have an epiphany while drinking with friends and realize you're finally ready to go home. That after 5.5 years backpacking the world, you're ready for the next step. You can watch the backpacking movie "A Map for Saturday" and, when they discuss going home, you can have a mini-emotional breakdown in front of a bunch of random strangers. Yes, a week can bring a lot of emotions. 

 

Needing a few days to relax after finishing my book, I headed off to secluded Bamboo Island. It's an island with no internet, no electricity except during dinner time, and nothing to do but sit on the beach and read a book. 

 

Funny thing. While on this island, a traveler there recognized me -which makes twice this week. I had to pose for photos. I'm finding this growing recognition awesome (I'm getting people out on the road) and unsettling (I'm not good or used to gushing praise). 

 

Today is my last day in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. I'm heading back to Bangkok then up to Hong Kong and Macau. It feels good to get moving again. It's been too long since I've been on a plane.

 

Lastly, come share random musings with me on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

Jason Cochran - Jason is an experienced guidebook writer who has written for Frommers, AOL, and a number of magazines. He's also my mentor and was instrumental in helping me turn my book into something readable. He writes about travel, history, and culture. Everything is deep and reflective, which is why he's considered a top writer. He is constantly teaching me to be a better writer.

 

If you're considering a visit to Hong Kong, consider flying into Macau. In my recent searches, I've found fares to be slightly cheaper than to Hong Kong. Moreover, if you are already in Asia, flying with Air Asia will save you up to 30% off the price of a ticket! My Bangkok to Macau round trip was $200 USD cheaper than Bangkok to Hong Kong. I tested out a few other dates and regional routes and found this stays true. Hong Kong is an hour ferry ride from Macau. So save money, and fly into Macau.