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.
Confidence You Didn’t Know You Had Solo travel is just you vs. the world. No travel buddy to fix your mistakes. No one to blame when you miss the bus. Just you. And that’s exactly why it works. Every tiny win builds up. By the time you go home, the stuff that used to stress you out (speaking up at work, eating alone, asking dumb questions) feels like no big deal. You’ve done harder. Benefit of solo travel? Confidence. Period. Main Character Energy, Activated Travel with friends = compromise. Traveling alone = director’s cut. Want to nap all day? Fine. Want to do a sunrise hike even though you’re running on two hours of sleep? Go for it. Want to eat noodles for breakfast five days straight? Who’s stopping you? This is where you figure out what you actually want, not just what the group chat votes on. That’s the freedom nobody tells you about. It’s messy, selfish in the best way, and addictive. Solo travel glow-up = realizing you’re the star of your own story. Spoiler: Solo Travel Isn’t Lonely The wild part? You meet way more people when you travel alone. Hostels are literal friend factories. Breakfast tables, dorm rooms, bar crawls — it takes about two minutes before someone asks, “where are you from?” Next thing you know, you’re scootering to waterfalls together. Even the “bad” moments turn social. Missed flight? Stuck bus? Congrats, you’ve got instant bonding buddies. Some become travel flings, some become lifelong group chats. Either way, you don’t stay alone for long. How to meet people while traveling solo? Hostels. Tours. Say yes more often. The Glow-Up That Stays With You The tan fades. The bracelets break. The party pics get buried. But the solo travel glow-up doesn’t wash off. What sticks: Independence — you know you can handle yourself anywhere. Adaptability — plans collapse, you pivot. Self-love — you actually enjoy hanging out with yourself. Perspective — daily drama back home feels tiny after dodging scooters in Hanoi. That’s the upgrade no one can take away. Different Travelers, Same Glow-Up It doesn’t matter who you are — the glow-up still hits: Gen Z → chasing vibes, TikTok sunsets, hostel chaos. Millennials → career breaks, digital nomad mode, experience > stuff. Solo female travelers → flipping the script, traveling safe + bold, building their own communities. First-timers → realizing “alone” actually means free. Staying Safe Without Killing the Vibe Real talk: safety matters, especially if you’re female and solo. But it doesn’t have to kill the adventure. Basic rules: And remember: travelers look out for each other. A solid hostel community has your back — always. How to Start Your Solo Glow-Up Ready to dip your toes in? Keep it simple. 1. Pick solo-friendly regions. Southeast Asia, Australia, Central America — all loaded with social hostels. 2. Stay in hostels, not hotels. Hotels give you a bed. Hostels give you people. 3. Say yes more. Karaoke nights, cooking classes, scooter trips. These are the moments you remember. 4. Pack light. Nothing kills solo freedom like dragging a 25kg backpack through a bus station. 5. Romanticize your own company. Coffee for one. Sunsets solo. Journaling. Weird at first, empowering later. Wrap-Up: The Real Glow-Up Solo travel isn’t about proving yourself to anyone else. It’s about proving to yourself that you can thrive anywhere. The glow-up isn’t the tan or the tattoo. It’s the confidence, the friendships, and the “I can do this” energy you bring back home. So yeah. Book the flight. Pack the bag. Start your story. Find out why Mad Monkey Hostels…
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…
