Advice

Angkor Wat. Even the name conjures up a sense of wonder and mystery, an appreciation of both the incredible feats of mankind over the millennia and the inexorable power of nature in equal measure. Or maybe that’s just me. In any case it would be fair to say that I was rather looking forward to my time at the vast Angkorian temple complex near Siem Reap in Cambodia, albeit tinged with a slight concern that perhaps it wouldn’t live up to the picture already formed in my overhyped imagination. I needn’t have worried. If your first view of the towers of the main attraction, the smiling faces of Bayon or the encroaching jungle at Ta Prohm don’t leave an indelible impression on your consciousness, I’d suggest double-checking for a pulse. It really is that sort of place, and one that you owe it to yourself to visit at least once during your lifetime. Here’s a few things I figured out while I was there to help you make the most of your time in this unbelievable part of the world.

How many packs are too many? For many years I’ve laughed at a good friend of mine who seemed to have more backpacks than he did pairs of underwear. As I stood and gazed upon the contents of my wardrobe a few days ago however, I came to the realisation that I’m not much better. There seemed to be luggage for every occasion, from the super small black bag that fitted only a bottle of water and a city guide, to the stained and dirty blue suitcase that carted most of my stuff home from the UK several years ago. Several day packs of different shapes and sizes, plus the 90 litre behemoth that accompanied me on my last round the world trip. In this apartment, I swear half of my storage space has been taken up by storage space. Obviously, therefore, it was time to go pack shopping…

Gather round, children, and let your Uncle Dave tell you a story about the good old days of air travel.

This story starts back in the foggy mists of time. Back before Michael Jackson died and Britney lost the plot. Before Enron went bust and commuters started sprouting white earphones. Before Bush stole the presidency and Gore became the Climate Crusader. Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about those mystical decades known as the late 20th century.

Now I know you’re not going to believe this, but back in those halcyon days air travel was actually quite exciting and going to the airport was almost fun. The security lines didn’t take two hours to get through, and you didn’t have to take your shoes off and stand there like a naughty toddler while you waited. Klaxons didn’t go off if you had a bottle of water in your hand luggage. You didn’t get to star in your own soft porn film as you walked through full body scanners. There was even a chance that some goon from the TSA wasn’t going to rifle through your bags and pick out the best stuff to sell on eBay.

About to head off and see the world but feeling a bit daunted by the whole thing? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The great thing is that it really doesn’t have to be that hard – a little knowledge goes a long way.

Here’s a few useful tips that I wish I’d known before I went travelling for the first time.

My five awesome things to do in Paris, that may involve getting drunk, being solicited and breaking traffic laws. Amongst other things.