Author: Summer
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Crossing the Petrapole/Benapole border from Kolkata to Khulna
The Petrapole/Benapole border is the only land border between India and Bangladesh that is open for foreigners to cross. It’s also the only Bangladeshi land border which issues visa-on-arrival. We made the crossing between Kolkata and Khulna without any major problems in the end, although it did take most of the day. Read on for… Read more
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A guide to bus and train travel in Sri Lanka – Kandy to Ella and more
Many visitors to Sri Lanka fall into the trap of forking out large amounts of money for expensive private transfers. While this may be the quickest and most convenient way to get around, it isn’t necessary at all. Sri Lanka’s relatively developed network of bus and train travel means that the whole island can be… Read more
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Galle self-guided walking tour
By far the most intact colonial fortified city in Sri Lanka, Galle marks the location of the first Portuguese landing on Sri Lanka in the early 1500s. Following its capture by the Dutch in the 1640s, Galle was heavily fortified, briefly functioning as the capital and then becoming the major port of the Dutch East… Read more
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Negombo self-guided walking tour
As the closest city to the nation’s main international airport, Negombo is a popular entry or exit point for visitors to Sri Lanka. With its touristic strip featuring a plethora of seafood restaurants and beachfront hotels, the city is favoured by many as a laid-back alternative to the bustling metropolis of Colombo. While it is… Read more
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Practical tips for foreign travelers in Pakistan
Traveling in Pakistan is a great experience but is not without its challenges, be it adapting to the conservative culture or the varied climate. However Lahore, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan are easy enough to travel independently. People in Pakistan are generally warm, friendly and respectful towards foreigners, but there are some things that are worth keeping… Read more
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Transport in Gilgit-Baltistan – how to get there and how to get around
The province of Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most visited in Pakistan, popular with both foreign and domestic tourists. However, transport to and from the region from the rest of Pakistan can sometimes be a little tricky, as can transport within the region itself once you arrive. Check out this quick guide to public transport… Read more
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How to cross the Wagah border from India to Pakistan
Disclaimer: we crossed the Wagah border from India into Pakistan in April 2025. I wrote this guide at the time. A few weeks later, the border was closed after a rise in political tensions between India and Pakistan. The diplomatic situation between the two countries is always fraught and can change quickly. I recommend checking… Read more
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Thursday dhamaal in Lahore – Sufis at Shah Jamal
Every Thursday night, adherents of the Sufi order of Islam in Lahore gather to participate in dhamaal, which is essentially a type of ritual ecstatic dance. There are several places to witness this – one of the best-known is the Shrine of Shah Jamal, located in the area known as Fazlia Colony near to the… Read more
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How to visit the Maldives on a backpacker budget
The Maldives on a budget? Is that even possible you might ask? Yes is the resounding answer to that! The Maldives is just like stepping into the pages of a holiday brochure – aquiline tranquil waters, brilliant white beaches, sun pretty much guaranteed. It’s everything you expect and more! Most international flights land at the… Read more
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Astana self-guided walking tour
Ultra-modern Astana is a planned city. While it is spread across a relatively big area, most of its monumental buildings are located along an east-west axis and the main sites can be covered on foot in a day; there is plenty of walking involved but it’s doable – trust me, we did it! Check out… Read more