ActiveCampers
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Hi
Anyone who knows us knows we mix up long campervan trips, cycle touring/camping, and backpacking.
Well, just come back to UK from a short month long backpacking trip around Sri Lanka - just us and a couple of small rucksacks
Don't know how many of you guys have ever tried, but long backpacking trips are fairly similar to long motorhome holidays, in that you just arrive in a country and head off where you want, stay where you want, and move around whenever things take your fancy.
First time in Sri Lanka but it was easy to get around, only involved in one minor traffic accident, and didn't die when hanging out of overpacked train and bus doors. Local transport costs pence.
Accommodation was mainly homestays and guesthouses, all ensuite, AC when needed, and clean, and ranging from £13-18 per night including breakfast that was usually a mega feast. Home cooked feasts from £1.50..... Not much beer though Even "local" restaurants can be £1-2, just the ones targeted at westerners were more.
(Interestingly, whilst the homestays were great and of reasonable standard, the owners mostly still lived in their usual small homes/huts, and the food we ate was much more than them. Didn't feel overly comfortable, however, the money earned from us (more than if they were doing a "basic job" was almost always being used to put their kids through private school or extra lessons - so massive commitment to their futures rather than buying "stuff" for them. e.g. one place had 32" LCD TVs in our room, and the family had a 15" old style TV! But seeing this and chatting to them shows their priorities are right and not on "stuff". Theirs kids were happy just saying hello, playing outside, and using "old" toys...… Something we can learn from maybe! )
Saw wild elephants, leopard, sloth bear, crocks, and others (on excellent safari) and swam with massive (1m+) wild turtles just off a normal beach.
Lots of walking, climbing and exploring.
A few youngsters out there, but many middle aged people too! Some backpacking, some with private driver on tours.
Anyone tempted
Any more info - see blog here - otherwise just some pics below - slightly different to Europe
Anyone who knows us knows we mix up long campervan trips, cycle touring/camping, and backpacking.
Well, just come back to UK from a short month long backpacking trip around Sri Lanka - just us and a couple of small rucksacks
Don't know how many of you guys have ever tried, but long backpacking trips are fairly similar to long motorhome holidays, in that you just arrive in a country and head off where you want, stay where you want, and move around whenever things take your fancy. First time in Sri Lanka but it was easy to get around, only involved in one minor traffic accident, and didn't die when hanging out of overpacked train and bus doors. Local transport costs pence.
Accommodation was mainly homestays and guesthouses, all ensuite, AC when needed, and clean, and ranging from £13-18 per night including breakfast that was usually a mega feast. Home cooked feasts from £1.50..... Not much beer though
Even "local" restaurants can be £1-2, just the ones targeted at westerners were more.(Interestingly, whilst the homestays were great and of reasonable standard, the owners mostly still lived in their usual small homes/huts, and the food we ate was much more than them. Didn't feel overly comfortable, however, the money earned from us (more than if they were doing a "basic job" was almost always being used to put their kids through private school or extra lessons - so massive commitment to their futures rather than buying "stuff" for them. e.g. one place had 32" LCD TVs in our room, and the family had a 15" old style TV! But seeing this and chatting to them shows their priorities are right and not on "stuff". Theirs kids were happy just saying hello, playing outside, and using "old" toys...… Something we can learn from maybe! )
Saw wild elephants, leopard, sloth bear, crocks, and others (on excellent safari) and swam with massive (1m+) wild turtles just off a normal beach.
Lots of walking, climbing and exploring.
A few youngsters out there, but many middle aged people too! Some backpacking, some with private driver on tours.
Anyone tempted
Any more info - see blog here - otherwise just some pics below - slightly different to Europe
