Today, GoPro announced the latest edition of their popular cameras with the release of the Hero4 series. If you thought these cameras already packed a punch just wait until you take a peek at this new edition.
The company released three new cameras: The HERO4, with two levels of awesomeness called Black and Silver and a new budget-friendly option aptly named the HERO.
The HERO4 Black is the flagship of the bunch, delivering the next level of GoPro image quality, versatility and performance for professional photographers, videographers and action sports junkies.
The HERO4 Silver sets the new standard for ease-of-use with first built-in touch display. That’s right, no longer will you need to purchase the LCD Touch BacPac™ as it comes built-in with this model.
If you are looking for the perfect entry-level GoPro, look no further than the new HERO. This no-frills version still comes packed with enough features for the novice yet at the most affordable pricing ever.
Designed with simplicity in mind and built directly into a rugged, waterproof housing, HERO captures high-quality 1080p video at 30fps and 720p video at 60fps.
HERO captures the same eye-popping footage that’s made GoPro one of the best-selling cameras in the world at a retail price of just $129.99 USD firmly positioning it as the affordable option.
If that’s not enough to get your adrenaline pumping you might want to watch their latest promo video below!
Our intrepid explorers Mike and Alex were on a bike tour in a rough part of Buenos Aires during their recent trip to South America when a thief on a motorbike attempted to steal Alex’s expensive camera gear at gunpoint.
The entire incident was caught on the GoPro camera mounted on his forehead. The video has since gone viral with over 5 million views in the first 48 hours and media coverage worldwide. Not quite the exposure that the boys were looking for but a great way to take a bad situation and make it positive.
Situations like this happen all over the world but a little common sense goes a long way to ensuring your safety.
1. Make sure you don’t advertise that you are carrying expensive equipment. A lesson that can be used in everyday life and not just travel.
2. Always take out travel insurance and give the assailant what they want. Your life is far more valuable than any material good.
3. Learn some very basic phrases if you don’t speak the local language. While Alex may not have been able to understand what the assailant was saying, a basic phrase like “I’m sorry I don’t speak (insert language)” would have been helpful.
When planning a trip most backpackers spend hours and hours scouring the internet in search of any deal that can save them a few bucks. All this effort yet the moment the step onto foreign soil they spend unnecessary money, wasting cash in ways that are easily avoidable.
Today we want to help you stop the bleeding from your wallet and show you how you can save some hard earned money by simply not spending it in the first place. We have compiled a list of ten common expenses that you can easily avoid.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the top 15 U.S. airlines pocketed over $3.35 billion in checked bag fees in 2013. That is an insane amount of money that we are just throwing down the drain. There is no real reason for most people to be checking luggage these days. Before you travel, take a look on the airline’s website and see what their weight restrictions are, then pack smart in your carry-on and you should never have to worry about these fees again.
If for some reason you do need to check your bag, do some research. Many airlines allow 1 free checked bag, especially if you are a member of their frequent flyer program. If you are moving overseas you can often save some money on airline fees by shipping stuff over.
Unless you are traveling to the far reaches of the earth you should be able to find a free WiFi hotspot. First point of call should be your hotel or hostel, simply ask at reception for the password. If they don’t give you free access try the local library as most will offer up a connection these days.
Otherwise head for the local food court, cafe or fast food joint. McDonalds is one of the easiest places to surf the web in the comfort of a nice booth.
Yes, we agree that reading a good book is a great way to pass the time when you are traveling but buying a guide like Lonely Planet is something you simply don’t need to do anymore. In this modern day and age you can hold 10,000 songs on a device not much bigger than a credit card. You can also hold thousands of travel guides or books on a tablet. There are tons of travel sites that allow you to download free destination guides and even more apps on offer. Simply pick your favorites and away you go.
If you really love the old-school feel of a book, visit a local library. Many hostels will have their own small selection of books that you can use. Just remember to leave it for the next person.
Looking for something great to read next? Check out the 52 Best Books for Travelers.
In the spur of the moment we all make some questionable purchases. While it may seem like a great idea at the time, no one really wants that snow globe or tacky keyring. If you must, send a postcard with a nice note. Your friends and family will appreciate the effort and thought that went into it.
It is important to know that some hostels will charge you for bedding like sheet covers and also for a towel. To avoid the cost, pack your own! A simple bedsheet and a small microfibre towel will not take up much room in your pack but it could save you from those unwanted extra fees.
With the advances made in WiFi call quality, there is no real need to pay for that call home. Services such as Skype, Viber, and Google Hangouts are a great way to communicate with your friends and family while you’re away. Just make sure you set it up on their computer before you leave and give them clear instructions on how to use it.
Are you serious? Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair charge £2 per person per flight. On a return flight, the money you save could pay for an extra meal, or even a bed in many cities. Unless you have priority pass credit cards, which include priority boarding for free, it's usually not worth paying extra for this service.
The plane isn’t going to leave you at the airport if you are the last person to board the flight. The only people who really NEED to be boarded first are families with children, the elderly, or the disabled. If you fit one of these categories you don’t need to pay for priority boarding anyway.
If you know that you have to pay for the food on your flight pack your own. Not only will you have control of the food you get to eat but you can eat whenever suits you and you save some money. Win-Win-Win!
It is probably not a bad idea to avoid airline food anyway as it usually is very high in sodium which will dehydrate your body. Read more on our guide – Everything You Need to Survive a Long Flight.
While this one may seem strange to include, you would be surprised how many people will hastily pay for an umbrella during the wet season.
Our Tip: If it starts to rain, find the nearest bar and tell the bartender you think you left your black umbrella in the bar and can they check. The chances are pretty good that they have a black umbrella in their lost and found (think about it, when you have had a few drinks it is easy to forget your umbrella).
Unfortunately banks never seem to know when enough is enough. They seem to find new ways to gouge us at every opportunity. Don’t be surprised to find an extra fee or more added onto your statement when you return.
Most private ATM’s will charge you just for the privilege of using them. Go to Vegas and you could be up for as much as $5 each time you pull out cash.
So what do you do? Well, our first tip is to avoid private ATMs and where possible only take money out from your own bank. This is a challenge when traveling internationally and to remote areas so look for cards that waive any foreign transactions.
Now we could have included restrooms/toilets in our list but there are still many places in the world that do charge for the convenience of a clean toilet. We’re pretty sure that when the time comes you will pay that fee!
Have we missed any others? Tell us what things you won’t pay for in the comments section below.
A while ago on our Backpacker Travel Facebook page we asked you what you wanted more of. The overwhelming response was for more backpacking tips and pictures worldwide.
Each year thousands of travel lovers, like you, decide to backpack our way through various countries in search of excitement, adventure, and freedom. Twenty to thirty years ago, backpackers were predominantly white, middle-class young people, though this has now changed considerably.
Here’s our list of ways that you can backpack more sensibly, safely, and responsibly – to find a balance between having fun, returning home safely, and positively contributing to local communities so you have a better all-around backpacking experience.
If you’re backpacking with a group of your friends, take it in turns to be a designated “responsible” one, so when you’re out drinking in an unfamiliar place, someone is always on the lookout for trouble and makes sure everyone gets back to the hostel safely.
The best advice we can give is to use your common sense, but also make sure you don’t listen to all the horror stories you hear or you will never leave your hostel room.
Here are a few basic points of advice from the Foreign Office:
So easy to do in this day and age as most places have internet cafes or offer WiFi. Worst case, use a telephone.
You may think it’s hard to get away from the tourist trail if you're basing your trip on Lonely Plant or any of the other guide books but being prepared can help prevent you from getting in trouble. They can be vital for providing maps when you first get into cities, allowing you to be prepared before you arrive and aware of scams and no-go areas.
Seems pretty obvious, but especially true in South American cities apparently.
If you don’t have valuable possessions to worry about you’ll be able to relax and have a much better time.
Obviously don’t carry all your cash with you, we used a Nationwide Debit card as they're one of the few who don’t charge you for transactions abroad. We found traveler's cheques increasingly useless though they were of use in some of the more remote areas.
Do make sure you have some money though, if someone does try and mug you they may get pissed off if you have nothing to give them. We also suggest you carry a “dummy wallet” with small change and any additional kept in a money belt. There’s nothing more obvious than going to pay for a snack in a market and then sticking your hands down your pants flicking through wads of cash.
No one likes to lose possessions but it is important to remember these are only material things, nothing in your bag is worth risking your life for. Get insurance then it won't matter!
If someone asks simply play the dumb tourist card and say you can't remember!
By simply following these basic principles, you are already one step ahead of most travelers out there and well on your way to a worry-free journey.
For even more in-depth tips, check out our Backpacker 101 Guides.
It is a well-known fact that you should never mess with the folks at airport security. Since 9/11 you can’t get away with the slightest joke, just take a look around any airline check-in and you are sure to find a stern sounding sign advising not to poke fun about carrying weapons or drugs and the like.
There have been many cases where some idiot made a stupid joke only to be pulled to the side for a thorough bag and body search or worse yet denied boarding. Well, yesterday the stakes were raised when a passenger onboard a flight sneezed, then said “Sorry, I just came from Africa.”
With the recent death of a man in Texas that had contracted the Ebola virus in Africa tension levels are at an extreme in the US and any threat, no matter how stupid, is being taken seriously. So, while it came as no surprise when the US Airways flight was stopped on the runway what happened next was like something out of the movies.
Ambulances rushed toward the plane on the tarmac and men wearing blue Haz-mat suits boarded the flight. Thankfully the flight attendant did a great job in diffusing the situation onboard by making an announcement to the passengers and playing down the ridiculousness that was about to happen, humiliating the passenger who had caused it in the process.
Check out the video below to see how it all went down. Skip to 0:30 for the flight attendant announcement and the guy gets escorted off at about 7:20.
You can only imagine the hell this guy is going to face after being removed from the flight. Not only by officials but more so from any of the millions of people who have now watched his idiotic behavior on YouTube.
Sorta can’t help but think of this memorable scene in the animated movie Monsters Inc.
Have you ever seen someone ejected over a stupid comment?
If you’re anything like us, you end up leaving your Christmas shopping until the very last minute. Well, look no further, we have put together a list of the top 10 gifts that are sure to wow even the pickiest of travelers.
Best of all – the majority of our picks are under $100!
This wireless, fun-sized speaker is small enough to fit in your hand and loud enough to get the party started. Super lightweight and compact, toss it in your bag or backpack – or clip it onto a strap. G-POP rocks Bluetooth wireless (with a speakerphone too).
Unless you’ve been living under a rock you have no doubt seen any number of YouTube videos shot with one of these tiny cameras. The new Hero4 packs in all the best features to make it easy for you to capture those special travel memories.
Show off where you’ve traveled to while livening up your wall with this colorful world map. This fun world map poster lets you scratch off each of the countries you have visited making for an excellent conversation starter. Measuring 88.1cm x 52cm.
Now you can charge all your devices while you are traveling. This all-in-one adapter works in over 150 countries with 4 international (US/EU/UK/AU) plug adapters. An additional 2 USB ports will charge your smartphone, tablet, camera, or any other device. Simultaneously charge 3 devices using the one wall plug!
This ultra-lightweight daypack is the perfect addition to your travels. With comfortable, multi-point straps and enough room to store all your hiking or sightseeing gear, this is an excellent gift for any traveler.
Popular travel blogger Matt Kepnes (aka Nomadic Matt) shows you how to travel the world on the cheap. How to Travel the World on $50 a Day reveals Matt’s tips, tricks, and secrets to comfortable budget travel that you won’t find anywhere else.
This neat little compact camera packs an almighty punch with a 20.2-megapixel sensor and ultra-bright Carl Zeiss f/1.8 lens. Small enough to fit in your pocket giving you the freedom to take incredible pictures no matter how active your travel schedule is.
The Comfort Pal Travel Neck Pillow is one of the best travel pillows for the airplane, bus, train, or car. This luxury memory foam neck pillow includes a microfiber pillowcase & carry bag for easy storage in your pack when not in use.
This lightweight hammock is designed with durability in mind for the adventurous traveler or camper. It stuffs into the attached compression sack for ultimate portability. With a range of colors, you can’t go wrong.
The world’s largest capacity external battery pack and portable charger with dual USB ports with 12000mAh rechargeable battery power capacity. Small enough to fit easily into any bag or pocket. Provides instant power whenever you need to charge your mobile devices. Perfect for long flights, road trips, or whenever you are away from a power source.
Thinking of taking a spin down to Spain some time in the next year? Then this is for you! Busbud.com, the number one worldwide bus travel booking platform, is offering you and a friend of your choice the chance to win unlimited bus travel around Spain for one month.
Spain is one of those countries that is perfect for exploring overland. With a captivating history and cultural wonders at every turn, you are sure to be in awe on your month-long journey. Did we mention the food? Your taste buds will thank you for the explosion of flavors from dishes like paella.
To enter, simply provide your email address in the box below, and keep liking and sharing for more chances to win! And most importantly, don’t forget to answer the question at the end: What’s your favorite thing about traveling by bus? For inspiration, check out Busbud’s recommendation for the Ultimate Spain Bus Trip.
You have until 5 PM EDT on the 26th of October 2014 to enter.
Busbud makes bus travel easy. By connecting travelers to bus operators, Busbud makes it a breeze to search, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all around the world. Busbud.com and the free mobile application are the most comprehensive source of city-to-city bus schedules and tickets around the world, gathering schedules for over 10,463 cities in 89 countries, in 11 languages, and 21 currencies.
This leading worldwide bus travel booking website saves you the extra trip to the bus station. Find the right bus ticket online, in your own language and currency. Search, compare and book your bus tickets now on Busbud.com.
Buena suerte!
** Update** WOW Airlines ceased operations in 2019
With the cost of flights being such a large percentage of most people’s travel budget, we are constantly on the lookout for deals to save a few dollars. Well, as of this week, a relative newcomer to the world of low-cost airlines has been creating a buzz by announcing flights as low as $99 between the United States and Europe!
WOW Air is a small, low-cost carrier based in Iceland that is solely owned and founded by entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen (Richard Branson, eat your heart out). In October 2012 WOW Air took over the flight operations of local carrier Iceland Express and now flies to Iceland from a number of European cities.
This week, the airline’s U.S. site went live offering passengers the chance to fly across the Atlantic for under $100 (one way, including taxes). That’s less than what most of us are paying on other airlines for just the taxes.
Update: Unfortunately it seems that while the $99 deals have all been snapped up, you can still bag a bargain with current prices on the site ranging from around $146 flying from either Boston or Washington D.C. to Reykjavik.
While not quite in the realm of Ryanair’s fee structure, don’t expect any extras included in your fare. Along with checked luggage, WOW passengers will also be charged for carry-on bags if they are over 5kgs (11lbs). As with all other low-cost carriers, services like food, beverages and extra legroom are all add-ons.
The Running of the Bulls is a must-see for many tourists that involves running in front of six bulls and a number of steers that have been let loose, on a course through the streets of Pamplona. The running in Pamplona – Spain is the most famous running locally known as San Fermin, although there are other runnings held in towns and villages across Spain, Portugal, and in some cities in Mexico and southern France, during the summer. Unlike bullfights, which are performed by professionals, anyone may participate in an encierro.
According to the Spanish, the running first began in North-eastern Spain during the early 14th century. While transporting cattle in order to sell at the market, men would attempt to speed the process by hurrying their cattle using tactics of fear and excitement. After years of this practice, the transportation and hurrying began to turn into a competition, as young adults would attempt to race in front of the bulls and make it safely to their pens without being overtaken. When the popularity of this practice increased and was noticed more and more by the expanding population of Spanish cities, a tradition was created and stands to this day.
The celebration is dedicated to Pamplona’s very own Saint Fermin, who was killed one morning back in the 4th century by bulls that dragged him through the streets of the old town, reportedly after a few too many sangrias.
While the excitement and hype of this event draws thousands of tourists each year injuries are common and participants are often gored or trampled by the bulls, whose hooves grip poorly on the paved or cobbled street surfaces.
To enter you must be over eighteen and “get in” before 7:30 am. It is against the rules to run under the influence of alcohol, although most of the participants I see have rocked up after a massive night of partying and are clearly under the weather. Really the only other rule is that you mustn’t run in the opposite direction of the running (but seriously who would want to do that).
A double wooden fence is used along the course where the streets permit, while in other parts the buildings of the street act as barriers. The idea is that there is just enough room for a person to slide through but not enough for a bull. Some of the fences are permanent fixtures for the entire 9 days while others are mounted and dismounted every morning.
I have arrived the night before day 2 and already the town is buzzing with excitement. I have driven my car here from San Sebastian and find it extremely difficult to get a parking spot for the day so I can look for a place to stay…yea that’s right I didn’t book a room.
After searching all day for a bed unsuccessfully, I am forced to sleep in the car tonight. It’s a looooong night…..
When dawn finally breaks I am up and strolling through the streets. To my surprise, there are thousands of drunken people still wandering about from the night before… I wonder if they will make up a portion of the runners.
Having researched a little about the running I position myself nicely on top of a gate at the second turn. This turns out to be a great spot indeed! Before the runners can enter the course the officials hose down the streets to wash away the filth (a combination of alcohol and pee).
The anticipation builds as we draw closer to the start and I can see the nerves appearing on the faces of the runners as they jockey for position along the course in front of me. The first rocket is set off at 8 am to alert the runners that the corral gate is open. A second rocket signals that all six bulls and six steers have been released.
At first, the collective crowd slowly edges forward but it’s not too long before there are people sprinting past me and I catch a glimpse of the first of the six bulls. Along with the bulls, there are a number of steers, whose primary function is to keep the pack moving forward and prevent any of the bulls from turning. On this occasion, however, they fail and one of the bulls has turned and I watch as it lines up a young guy and pins him to the barrier. It’s one of those train crash moments where you can’t look away but his screams confirm his severe injuries.
After the event, I go and take a look at the carnage from the incident and you can see from the picture the two distinct gore holes where the bull has pinned the guy. There is also a lot of blood on the ground….. I decide at this moment not to run tomorrow.
Without a doubt, this is one festival not to be missed!
If you’ve made your way around the world with a backpack you’ll know how important it is to find the right gear to keep you comfortable. Brand names and looks mean nothing if the footwear is not the best possible fit for your feet. You can find orthotic insoles with Docpods.
A great backpack is a given. A comfortable pair of shoes is essential, but what about your socks? Is one of your most important pieces of equipment being misunderstood and underappreciated? Does the humble sock really deserve to be relegated to the bottom of your packing list?
Keeping your feet beautiful and happy should be your top priority if you plan on walking any serious distances while traveling. I’ve learned a lot about my feet over the years running ultra marathons, traveling, and working in the military. I once had a blister the size of my heel, and at times haven’t been able to walk because of the poor condition of my feet. By the time you’re having issues with your feet, it’s going to be too late. Your best line of defense is preparation.
My personal experience has led me to a number of conclusions about what is best for your feet. Here is a list of my top tips for keeping your feet looking beautiful and feeling happy while backpacking the world:
Start out light; train up in a steady manner until you are comfortable carrying all of your kit. Go out in all conditions so you know your personal limits; again, work up to the harshest environments and conditions, don’t start there and expect to enjoy yourself! Apply common sense and ask for advice. Hikers and backpackers are a community who loves to share and help each other.
Do not compromise on quality and comfort; the insole must fit and not allow your foot to move, blisters commonly occur in the heel region as a result. Research and test footwear before purchasing. Brand names and looks mean nothing if the footwear is not the best possible fit for your feet.
I have never found a shoe or boot that keeps all water out. I prefer to wear shoes and boots that have a high standard of drainage in-built. Better let it out as quickly as possible rather than trap it inside next to your foot.
Socks that are specifically designed to fit your feet are the most appropriate. Find socks that compliment your feet and the footwear that you have purchased; there is no point in spending good money on great footwear to compromise them with poor quality, ill-fitting socks. Cotton is not appropriate for anyone considering a long backpacking adventure. I use a Merino Wool, Coolmax, and Bamboo blend.
Have multiple pairs and change them regularly, particularly if they get wet or you are in a hot environment. Keep your socks clean, dry, and free of dirt.
If you wear boots, break them in before you leave on your journey. There is no better way to ensure blisters than to walk for hours in shoes you have just bought. Wear your shoes indoors over a few days (without walking too much) and let the heat of your feet shape and soften the shoe material. Not only will they fit better but your feet will thank you for it in the long run.
Make sure your toenails are trimmed and filed. Keep your feet clean and dry, take your shoes off and air them regularly. Avoid letting calluses form. You can develop blisters under a callus, which become very hard to treat. Reduce (but don’t eliminate) calluses.
Know how to apply preventative tape to your feet and toes. Tape hotspots and know how to deal with blisters if they occur. If you do tape your toes and feet remember to roll your socks on and off to avoid rolling the edges of the tape.
Learn how to prevent and treat blisters, there are numerous articles and no end of good advice on this subject. If you are doing the hard yards find out and use blister patches, taping techniques, and a favorite of mine Hikers Wool or Sports Wool which you use to wrap your toes.
Carry a first aid kit that has appropriate foot care included. When I travel I always bring a nail file, clippers, and strapping tape just in case I can feel my feet begin to rub.
Remember to treat your feet with the respect they deserve. You won’t realize how important they are until it’s too late!
