Grab your MadPass now—unlimited stays across Southeast Asia for 90 days!
Travel tips for while you’re backpacking Southeast Asia and Australia, or some travel inspiration if you’re sat at a desk wishing you were here. Written by backpackers living or traveling around this side of the world. We’ve got travel advice for Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Pack Smart: Make the Most of Carry-On Space Packing efficiently is an art that blends careful planning with creative thinking. A well-organized carry-on makes traveling easier, helping you bring all the essentials without overloading. Follow these tips to optimize space and stay stress-free. Know Airline Regulations Before You Pack Start by scoping out the rules for your airline. Some carriers have generous allowances, while budget airlines love to test your creative packing skills. Knowing the size and weight limits upfront is key to avoiding any airport drama. According to Von Baer, personal items will typically measure no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches/ 45 x 35 x 29 cm, such as their Liberty backpack shown below. Ensuring that your bag is carry-on compliant can save a lot of time, hassle, and money. Pro Tips: Pack Thoughtfully for Any Destination Your destination, planned activities, and local climate should guide your packing decisions. Instead of overpacking for every possible scenario, focus on versatile items and adaptable outfits. Practical Choices: Heading to the tropics like Siargao or Gili T? A swimsuit, mix-and-match casual outfits, and lightweight activewear should have you covered for beach lounging, jungle treks, and spontaneous rooftop parties. Packing Cubes Are a Game-Changer Wrestling your bag mid-trip like it’s guarding buried treasure? Say goodbye to chaos and hello to packing cubes – your travel sanity savers. By separating items into categories, they make it easier to access what you need while maintaining order. Pro Tips: Wear It, Don’t Pack It Your heaviest jacket, clunkiest boots, and bulkiest sweater? Wear them. Not only do you save space in your bag, but you’ll also look like you’re ready to take on the world (or at least the airport). Practical Tips: Max Out Every Pocket and Compartment Your carry-on is prime real estate, so make every inch earn its keep! Got some flat stuff? Stash them in those sneaky lid flaps or laptop sleeves, and keep your inflight must-haves close in your personal item – because snacks and chargers wait for no one. Pro Tip: Removable pockets or compartments are perfect for protecting fragile items while keeping them within reach. Choose Compact, Multi-Purpose Gear If it doesn’t multitask, it’s not coming along. Travel gadgets and accessories should do more than one job to earn their spot in your bag. Multipurpose tools save both space and time, making them essential for efficient packing. Smart Picks: Traveler’s Experience: A collapsible water bottle proved indispensable during a month-long trip. Empty for the airport, it expanded when needed and easily fit into my bag afterward. Pack Like a Layering Ninja Packing chaos, begone! With these stealthy tricks, your luggage will be as sleek and efficient as your travel game. Pro Tips: Bonus: Wrapping fragile souvenirs in t-shirts? Genius and space-saving. Keep Essentials Accessible Having frequently used items accessible during your travels is key to avoiding unnecessary stress. Keep these items organized and within arm’s reach for convenience. Must-Have Tips: Keep them in a zippered pouch or easy-to-reach pocket for those “oh no, where’s my ___?” moments. Smart Packing = Happy Travels Efficient packing is all about mixing a dash of creativity with a pinch of genius to cram in all your must-haves while keeping things stylishly organized. With these tips, your carry-on will become a reliable tool for worry-free adventures and work trips. Pin Now. Read Later.
Group Trips: All Planned, No Surprises Group trips offer a set itinerary, with accommodation and transport sorted out for you. You follow a schedule, see the main sights, and move along with the group. It’s straightforward, but it comes with limits. Pros of Group Trips Stress-Free Planning Everything’s pre-arranged. How to get from A to B won’t be a worry for you. The tour company handles it. Good for New Travelers First time backpacking? A group trip can be less intimidating. With everything taken care of, you’ll have a guide and a built-in group of travelers to hang with. Instant Friends Making friends is a breeze! You’ll be with the same group throughout the entire trip, sharing experiences from start to finish. Cons of Group Trips Stuck to a Schedule You don’t have much say in the itinerary. Early mornings, set time limits, and no flexibility if you want to stay longer somewhere awesome. Tourist Traps Group trips often focus on popular spots, which can mean missing out on the more authentic, local experiences that independent travel allows. More Expensive All-inclusive tours come with a price tag. You’ll pay upfront for convenience, and there’s usually little wiggle room to control your spending. Mad Pass: Total Freedom, Your Way With the Mad Pass, you’re in control. Unlimited stays at Mad Monkey Hostels for 30, 60, or 90 days. No fixed schedules, no rushing, just your own adventure, on your own terms. Imagine having one pass with unlimited access to Mad Monkey Hostels in six countries Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Pros of the Mad Pass Full Flexibility There’s no set route. Want to spend a week in Gili T or a quick getaway in Hanoi? You have full control. Move as fast or as slow as you want. Unlimited Stays Stay at any Mad Monkey Hostel across Southeast Asia. One payment, no worries about booking new places. Just show up. Meet New People Everywhere Mad Monkey Hostels are social hubs. Every new location means fresh faces, new friends, and epic hostel events like pub crawls and pool parties. Budget-Friendly The Mad Pass saves you cash. Pay once and your accommodation is covered for up to 90 days. That leaves more budget for street food, adventures, and fun. Real Local Experiences Because you’re not locked into a set plan, you can explore beyond the tourist trail. Follow local tips from fellow travelers and hostel staff, and dive into the culture. Cons of the Mad Pass No Fixed Routine Some people thrive on structure, and the Mad Pass doesn’t come with a daily plan. If you prefer having a strict itinerary with everything mapped out, the freedom of the Mad Pass might feel a little overwhelming at first. So, What’s the Verdict? If you want someone else to plan your trip and like the idea of traveling with the same group, a group tour might work for you. But if you want total freedom, flexibility, and the chance to meet new people everywhere you go, the Mad Pass is hands down the better option. With unlimited stays, the freedom to travel at your own pace, and a budget that works for real backpackers, the Mad Pass offers the adventure you’re really looking for. When it comes to group trips vs Mad Pass, there’s no contest—grab a Mad Pass and start your ultimate Southeast Asia adventure. Need planning tips? Check out our itinerary blogs to make your Southeast Asia adventure planning a breeze. Itinerary in Cambodia for 30 Days: Ultimate Guide for Backpackers 30 Days Itinerary in Thailand: The Ultimate Guide for Backpackers 60 Days Itinerary in…
World Ocean Day, celebrated every June 8th, is a global event that unites people in protecting and preserving our beautiful oceans. As backpackers, we often get the chance to explore the world’s most stunning coastlines and pristine beaches. But with great adventure comes great responsibility. This World Ocean Day, let’s dive into sustainable travel practices and discover how Mad Monkey Hostels are making a splash with their weekly beach clean-up activities. Sustainable Travel: Why It Matters Traveling sustainably is about making choices that benefit the environment, local communities, and future travelers. It’s about leaving the places we visit better than we found them. When we backpack across coastal regions, our actions can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems. Here’s how you can contribute to the cause: Tips for Sustainable Travel Reduce your carbon footprint by packing only what you need. Lightweight backpacks mean lighter loads for transportation, which translates to lower emissions. Opt for biodegradable toiletries, reef-safe sunscreen, and reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags. This minimizes plastic waste that often ends up in the oceans. Whenever possible, use public transport, cycle, or walk. These options are not only eco-friendly but also provide a richer travel experience. Eat, shop, and stay local. Supporting local businesses helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with imported goods and contributes to the local economy. Mad Monkey Hostels are a great example of eco-conscious accommodations. They implement sustainable practices such as reducing water usage, minimizing waste, and supporting local conservation efforts. Beach Clean-Up: A Hands-On Approach to Conservation One of the most direct ways backpackers can contribute to marine conservation is by participating in beach clean-ups. These activities help remove harmful debris from coastal areas, protect marine life, and raise awareness about ocean pollution. Weekly beach clean-up at Long Set Beach. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Koh Rong. Mad Monkey’s Weekly Beach Clean-Ups Mad Monkey Hostels are not just about providing a place to stay—they’re about creating a community that cares for the environment. Every week, Mad Monkey organizes beach clean-up activities at various beach locations. Here’s why you should join: Each piece of trash you pick up is one less hazard for marine life. Beach clean-ups have immediate, tangible results that contribute to healthier oceans. These events are a fantastic way to meet fellow backpackers who share your passion for sustainability and marine conservation. Who knows, you might find a new travel buddy! Beach clean-ups often include educational sessions about the impact of pollution and how to reduce it. This knowledge is invaluable and can be shared with others to amplify the impact. Spending time on the beach, doing something positive, and enjoying the natural beauty is a rewarding experience. It’s a perfect blend of leisure and activism. Swimming with a turtle from a safe distance in Apo Island. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Dumaguete. Marine Conservation Tips and Etiquette Being a sustainable traveler means respecting the places you visit. When it comes to marine conservation, here are some tips and etiquette to keep in mind: Observe marine animals from a distance and avoid touching or disturbing them. Remember, we are guests in their home. Plastics are a major pollutant in our oceans. Reduce your use of single-use plastics by carrying reusable alternatives. Whatever you bring to the beach, take it back with you. This simple rule ensures that you leave the beach as pristine as you found it. Share your knowledge about marine conservation with fellow travelers. The more people are aware, the bigger the impact we can make. Join local initiatives like those organized by Mad Monkey Hostels. Your…
