This time I had the chance to travel with my own guide: Julien who lived in Hungary and knows pretty well the “Must See” in Budapest! We had time to visit the Pest area (a day and a half), enjoy the nightlife in the jewish area and discover Buda (for a half day).
Author: Jennifer
Our travel book
4 months after coming back, here is the full tale of our World Trip! We used Polarsteps as our journal, writing down all our adventures for our friends and family. We now have printed a book (332 pages) with some photos and graphics. Just a small teaser:
LookBackPacker’s statistics
The aim of this Travel Blog is to share useful information through my personal experience, to help and inspire people into their own adventures. LookBackPacker.com is now gaining trust on search engines and its general internet presence is increasing, with an average of 1743 visits and 1136 visitors per month in 2022!
Explore Lapland in Sweden
As a birthday present, I received from my incredible man one of the most intense experience of my life: Visit swedish Lapland to watch Northern lights!
Budget for a World Trip
We travelled for 14 months and gathered all the prices thanks to TravelSpend application: Here is the detail of how much did we pay the planes, accommodations, activities, transportations, food…
The best travel Apps
As we just finished a long and wonderful World Trip of 14 months, it’s time for us to share with you my favorite and best applications to travel (or at least my top 8):
End of our World Trip
Time to go back home for Christmas! Looking back on those 14 months travelling, I prepared this last post with key figures, map, articles, video and our Best of!
Thailand
During our Travel around the World we passed a total of 45 days in Thailand. First from the North to Cambodia in September: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and the amazing ruins of Sukhotai, Kamphaeng Phet, Ayutthaya, Buriram and finally Khao Yai national park. Second time in the South in December where we enjoyed the beach in Koh Chang, Koh Phayam, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan before going back to Bangkok.
Tips & itinerary in Philippines
As we traveled one month in the Philippines I’ve gathered here all the useful information and the itinerary we followed. How to go and what to do in Boracay, Bohol (and Panglao), Siquijor, Palawan and Coron islands!
2 weeks itinerary in Japan
While we were in South Korea, Japan finally re opened its gates after 3 years of Covid interdictions. It was a great occasion for us to visit this country. Our budget kept us from staying too long, so we only had 13 days to visit Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo and the Mount Fuji.
South Korea after CoVid
We only had 12 days to visit the country as it wasn’t really in our plan nor our budget! I share with you all the details, budget and itinerary from Seoul to Jeonju, Busan and Gyeongju.
Visit Laos after CoVid
After 2 weeks in Vietnam, we found Laos little bit more quiet than what I remember from my previous trip, and the prices seem to have raised (we also upgraded the level of confort, while before I was mainly sleeping in dorms).
We arrived in Savannaket, did the Thakhek loop, Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang before going to Thailand from Louang Namtha to Houayxay.
Northern Vietnam in 15 days
r free 15 days visa we decided to focus on the Northern part of Vietnam (I already visited the South in 2017). We arrived to Hanoï, went for a cruise on Ha Long bay, then to Sa Pa and its amazing ricefields, did a 3 days loop around Ha Giang, and finished our trip in Ninh Binh, the terrestrial Ha Long bay!
Budget to travel to Mexico
After 2 months in Colombia, we arrived in Cancun and visited Yucatan’s Peninsula and crossed the country from Chiapas to Guadalajara, from June 19th to August 9th. Note: We are a couple travelling for 1 year and we’ve already spent half of our time and budget and time (20000€ total).[…]
1 month in Mexico
After 2 months in Colombia, we passed 9 days in Yucatan peninsula, and then 5 weeks to visit Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico, the Pueblos Magicos of Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and finally Guadalajara (total 42 days).
What to do in Oaxaca
After 2 months in Colombia, we passed 9 days in Yucatan peninsula and 7 days in Chiapas. Here is the detail of what we did in Oaxaca (4 nights in Oaxaca and 5 in Puerto Escondido).
What to do in Chiapas
After 2 months in Colombia, we passed 9 days in Yucatan peninsula, and we have now 5 weeks left to visit Chiapas, Oaxaca, Mexico and Guadalajara regions.
Yucatan peninsula by car
Arriving from Cartagena after 2 months in Colombia, we rented a car in Cancun for a 9 days road trip through Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo. Here is our itinerary, places to visit and expenses.
Budget to travel to Colombia
We passed 2 months in Colombia, travelling from the ecuadorian border to the caribeen coast, from April 17th to June 19th.
2 months in Colombia
Arriving from Peru, we crossed the Ecuatorian border and arrived in Pasto. I’m sharing here our itinerary from South to North!
How to visit Tayrona
We founded hard to find information about Tayrona and how to visit the parc, where to start, what to visit, where to stay…
Ayahuasca Ceremony in Colombia
Ayahuasca has became a huge touristic stuff in Latin America. I was surprised to see offers in the streets of Cusco, among the other tours in the Sacred Valley… It was hard to find the authentic experience I was looking for, but in Colombia I found the perfect place and occasion. Here is what happened, my recommendations and advices to have a great Ayahuasca experience:
Average prices in Latin America
When you travel you never know what to expect in term of price. As a tourist it’s always touchy as you have no idea if the price proposed is too expensive or not. Here I wanted to share with you our spendings, what you should pay for a meal, a night, and the activities like tours and so on…
Budget to travel to Peru
We traveled to Peru during 6 weeks, from March 3rd to April 15th. We’ve spent most of our budget visiting the historic places and enjoying tours in Huaraz.
Itinerary in Peru
We just passed more than one month in Peru, coming from Bolivia. Let me share with you the itinerary we followed, our feedback and tips.
Hikes around Huaraz
Huaraz is known for the beautiful trekkings you can do. In only one day you can visit with tours the beautiful Laguna Parón, Laguna 69 and Chavín de Huántar, but also Laguna Churup all alone. Here are the details of each hike we did.
What to visit in Lima? Pyramids!
Looking what to do in Lima, we often find the Miraflores district, plaza de Armas, cathedrals or parque del Amor… Beyond the classics, like the beautiful Museo Larco, I invite you to discover the Monumental Mateo Salado, el Parque de las leyendas, Huaca Huallamarca, Huaca Pucllana, and Pachacamac.
Cusco & the Sacred Valley by yourself
As we had time we decided to visit by ourselves the main sites around Cusco, and more! With this solution you can see more parts of the sites, take your time and walk cross the lands and cities in total freedom!
How to visit Machu Picchu
As we are just back from the Machu Picchu, I’m sharing with you all the tips, information how to get to Aguas Calientes, how to buy the entrance, what are the prices, the difference between Llaqta Picchu, Wayna, Huchuy and la Montaña… and where to get your Machu Picchu passeport stamp!
Budget to travel to Bolivia
We were there from January 27th to March 3rd. We went to Oruro carnaval where the accomodation price is tripled during this event (2 nights). Check the details of our itinerary.
One month in Bolivia
We started in Tupiza, did a 3 days tour of Uyuni, enjoyed Potosi and Sucre, a tour in Torotoro, La Paz, passed almost 2 weeks in Rurrenabaque, lived the Carnaval of Oruro, visited the ruins of Tiwanaku and finished our trip on Titicaca lake before crossing the border in Kasani.
Rurrenabaque, pampa & jungle
What to do in Rurrenabaque, what is the difference between pampa and selva, how much is a tour, what you should expect, where to eat, how to get to Rurrenabaque from La Paz…
Budget to travel to Argentina
We’ve spent a first week in Argentina from December 29th to January 6th, and went back to Salta from January 19th to January 27th where we rented a car (again I’ve split this spending in accommodation + transportation).
[VIDEO] Rutas Altiplanicas
More info: One month in Bolivia
[VIDEO] Salar Sunrise
During our road trip around Salta, we decided to sleep in the middle of the desert and enjoy the sunrise on this amazing salty desert!
Road trip around Salta
After a quick trip in Brasil we arrived in Salta from where we started a 4 days road trip.
From Iguazu to Rio
After visiting Iguazu falls from the argentian side, we decided to cross the border and enjoy a Brazil East coast! From Foz de Iguazu we went to Florianopolis, Paraty, Ilha Grande and finally Rio for a total 13 days. I share with you the detail of the trip and transportation!
Budget to travel to Brazil
We were there during the holiday period where prices are hard to negociate, from January 6th to January 19th. We went from Iguazu to Rio and took a plane back to Salta.
How to visit Tigre
Tigre is a very nice city outside of the capital you can reach by train in only 1h. There you have plenty of stuff to do, lot of restaurants, shops, fisherman life and gorgeous houses nearby the river. The boat tour is a must do to fully discover this delta[…]
Budget to travel to Chile
We travelled to Chile from October 30th to December 29th. We rented a van for 2 weeks in Patagonia where the accomodation and food are really expensive (I’ve split the rental fee in two: accommodation + transportation). We’ve also spent one month in a friend place in Atacama, waiting for the borders to open.
Visit Atacama during CoVid
We are staying in this beautiful region waiting for the borders to open. As the main sites are currently closed, we found great alternatives and discovered new amazing places! I’ve already visited and described the main sites in a previous post, but I wanted to share here the info up to date.
Van trip in Patagonia
We rented a van in Pucón for 16 days to discover the amazing Chilean Patagonia and its famous Carretera Austral. I’m sharing here all the good tips and what you need to know to do the same or better than us!
Discover PolarSteps
To share our travel around the World we’ve found this amazing App which follows you automatically and propose to tell the story of your trip step by step!
[VIDEO] Ruta Austral
More info: Van trip in Patagonia
[VIDEO] Wake on Geneva Lake
I almost forget to share with you this funny video I made last summer for the first time my partner sailed as captain! We were really starting the wake board but had a fun moment together! THANK YOU Julien, Marina & Jorane <3
Steps in Switzerland
Living close to the border (in Evian-les-Bains), we passed several week-ends enjoying this beautiful country! We started in Lauterbrunnen and Jungfraujoch in the fall, Morgins lake in winter with snow shoes and Defago Gallery steps during summer. Our last trip: Swiss Jura.
Best spots around Evian
I couldn’t leave this beautiful region before sharing the top natural spots I had the chance to discover here: Thollon, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Cornettes de Bise, pointe d’Autigny, Salève and multiples lakes! Hucel point of view Let’s start with the easiest and closest spot not to miss! This belvedere is only a[…]
Video library
Discover now the videos of my trips! Can be short magical moments, but also nice movies “best of”! They’re all stored here and on my YouTube channel.
World Tour with CoVid!
Yes we are young, we are (almost) free, maybe a little crazy, ok, but we won’t wait more: CoVid seems to be unstoppable so instead of being stoped by this flew, we’ll go with the flow!
Turning into Digital Nomad
Next step for a travel addict like me is to find a solution to work whenever you want, wherever you are! So I decided to launch an old project: JennysCom.com web design.
3 days in Lisboa
After our roadtrip to Andalousia and Algarve, I went directly to Lisboa to enjoy three days in this beautiful city. I was staying in Alfama and visited the below part (Baixa) and Bairro Alto, Chiado. The third day I went to Belem to enjoy the fresh air!
Exit Festival in Novi Sad
As the music can make you travel far away, I discovered Serbia thanks to the Exit Festival. Not focused on the visits, I only enjoyed the city center, good and cheap restaurants, and the magnificent fortress of Novi Sad full of ravers! It was the first big festival after CoVid,[…]
[VIDEO] Thailand 2018
A little souvenir for my friend Mathilde who joined me in Thailand during my asian trip, three years ago now! We only had two weeks so we first visited Kanchanaburi (sadly we haven’t grab any image), Bangkok, headed up to Ao Nang bay (Railay Beach and Chicken Island), and finished[…]
New book!
In 2007/2008, while I was travelling through Asia, I wrote to my mom every single day of my journey. With the current CoVid and quarantine situation, I decided to look back again to those old emails and to turn it into a book. Two years after the photo exhibition, I’m[…]
Quick visit to “5 Terre”
In 2020 we had the chance to visit the Five Lands in Italy. A beautiful coastal area which name comes from the five villages you’ll find there: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
One week in Andalusia
In september 2020 we planned a road trip in Andalousia, renting a car from Sevilla and visiting the maximum we could do: Cordoba and its Mesquita, Granada and the famous Alhambra, a quick stop in Rio Verde for my first canyioning session, Malaga, hiking in Caminito del Rey (close to Ronda), visiting the beautiful Cadiz to go back in Sevilla and visit the Alcazar!
7 days roadtrip in Jordan
I now live in Lyon, and Transavia had the good idea to open a new airline directly to Amman. To be fully free to travel, I rented a car and during 7 days I’ve crossed the country. I had an amazing time and felt welcome everywhere. I began by the North, Amman, the desert castles and the Jordan’s valley to the Israely and Syrian border. Then I took the King’s Road from Madaba to the famous Petra, and finished my trip in Wadi Rum Desert before going back North by the Dead Sea road.
From Hurgada to The Cairo and Guiza
After a gorgeous week on a Nile Cruise, we were back to our hotel in Hurgada but didn’t want to leave Egypt without seeing the pyramids! We had the chance to meet a guy in Louxor who booked for us a mini bus with two drivers who have been our guides through this crazy city: The Cairo! The first day we visited the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel and the Islamic Cairo. The second day we woke up in Guiza, visited the Pyramids and quickly the Old Cairo.
Visit by yourself the Nile Valley
We had booked with my mom a 2 weeks trip in Egypt, including 7 nights on a cruise and 7 nights in a Hurgada’s Resort. We didn’t buy the tour package and visited alone the Nile Valley. It was a crazy experience with a lot of surprises, but really worth it to enjoy a true experience, to be free and take your time to meet local people (and we paid 1/3 of the agency price).
Photos exhibition
FR. Parce que revenir sur les chemins parcourus est parfois une façon d’avancer, Jennifer vous propose un voyage au travers des siens. A 33 ans, cette jeune aventurière revient en France après près de 4 ans d’expatriation, et partage avec vous paysages fantastiques et personnages singuliers. Ces moments de vie[…]
[VIDEO] Best of Asian trip
Some images of the beautiful landscapes, the amazing people, and the crazy experiences I lived for 6 months during my trip « alone » through South East Asia.
[VIDEO] My visit in a Rohingya’s camp
In december 2017 I had the chance to pass a couple of days close to Cox’s Bazar, in Bangladesh, where hundred thousands people installed their camp to leave a dangerous situation in Myanmar.
Best of Morocco
I’ve travelled few times in this country, so here is my best of: Casablanca, Essaouira, Marrakech and chill places on the West coast (Oualidia, Tafedna, Imsouane.
Indonesia: From Java to Bali
After a nice break at La Reunion Island, I finished my 6 month trip through Asia by Indonesia with my mom. I joined her in Java where we visited Borobudur, Prambanan and the mont Bromo. Then we visited Bali, various temples as Tanah Lot, Ceningan island, Ubud and the temples and sites around, Amed and its places to do snorkeling, Lempuyang and Besakih, and finished this amazing trip in Kuta.
La Reunion island
One of most beautiful island in the World, this french land is lost in the Indian sea nearby South Africa, and has everything you can dream of: volcanos, paradise beach, mountains, waterfalls, good food, rain, sun, green, blue… Map created with Wanderlog, a road trip planner app on iOS and[…]
2 weeks in Cambodia
We arrived at Kep from Vietnam to pass just one night before going to Kampot or Phnom Pen. But our plans changed a lot, first because my credit card has been grabbed by an ATM (connection troubles) and then because I found on Koh Rong island the Paradise on Earth! I finished those two weeks passing by Sihanoukville and visiting the amazing Angkor Temples before joining a friend in Bangkok.
South of Vietnam in 2 weeks
Arriving from Laos, Vietnam is the 6th country of my Asian trip, and I really felt there for the first time in the border between South East Asia and China. Sadly I didn’t have time to visit the whole country (included Hanoi Bay) but I experienced in two weeks a lot of great times with amazing and very different landscapes.
Laos from North to South
Laos is an amazing country where I met Rafica, a french girl I will share my travel with from Luang Prabang and its nice waterfalls. We went to the North in Nong Khiaw, before taking the South direction, to go to the plain of Jarres, Na-Hin and its 7km cave, Paksé and the Bolaven plateau, to finish our trip in the 4000 islands.
Visit Myanmar for 2 weeks
In two weeks I only had time to focus on the main sightseeings: Yangon and its temple and street 19th, Bagan and its fields of ruines, Mandalay and its famous U Bein bridge, Hsipaw and the Shan community, before going south to Inle Lake and Hpa An.
Visit Bangladesh for 12 days
After three weeks in India, I passed the border from Kolkata to Bangladesh where I discovered the less touristic country where I’ve been, and where the people made me live ones of the best moments in my trip! In almost two weeks I just had time to visit the south, from the doors of the Sunderbans to the East part in Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar where I met the Rohingyas, to finally finish my trip in the capital, Dhaka.
15 days in South India
After a first week in the north of Mysore, It took me almost two weeks to discover the green and nice beaches of the Kerala, and the collection of temples of the Tamil Nadu before finishing my indian trip on the nice Bay of Bengal
First week in India…
After one week in India, it’s time for a small report of my journey from Mumbai to Mysore, passing by Hampi (1180km km, 22h in buses)!
Asian Project
Discover here my new challenge, my original plan, the map of the trip, estimated calendar and budget, and how to follow me…
[Who & Why]
Hi! My name is Jennifer, and I’m a travel addict… We often say “never look back, just look ahead”, it’s not good to think about the past and you should think about the future instead of going back to your old memories. I think the contrary: ALWAYS LOOK BACK! Look[…]
Uyuni salar
I couldn’t leave Chile before visiting this region in the border north of the country. So we booked a 3 days 4 nights tour with my chilean best friend and discovered real nature treasuries, like the region of the lakes, the geysers and warm water baths, inca’s hieroglyphs, canyons and volcanic formations, and cities lost in the desert… We Slept in a salt hotel before arriving to the main attraction: el Salar de Uyuni!
From Titicaca to Cuzco
In 15 days I’ve made a trip from La Paz to Cuzco, passing through Copacabana, Isla del Sol, Valle Sagrado (sacred valley), Machu Pichu and her sister: Choquequirao! I’ve met great people on my journey, I will never forget this travel which really changed my life…
Mexico DF in 3 days
I arrived in the beginning of my trip in Yucatan to DF and took one day to visit Teotihuacan site. When I came back after one week playing Indiana Jones in the pyramids, I took a week-end to enjoy the city and celebrate the “Dia de los Muertos”.
Yucatan in one week
I initially had a flight for Mexico DF but couldn’t go to this country without visiting the pyramids I’ve always been passionated about! So I took a cheap flight to Merida, and had one week to discover some sites of Ruta Puuc, Chichen Itza, Coba, Tulum, before visiting the great Calakmul! I’ve also visited Valladolid and its cenote, and the nice city of Campeche.
Cuba for 10 days
I had 10 days to visit this big island, I just had the first two nights booked in La Habana and I followed the flow. It lead me to Viñales, the tobacco and “mogotes” region, Playa Larga on the Bay of Pigs and Trinidad.
A step in Colonia del Sacramento
From Buenos Aires you can easily take the ferry to Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, or this small and cute old city, known as the oldest town in the country. One day is enough to visit everything, here is what I saw there: Map provided by Wanderlog, for making itineraries on[…]
A week-end in Cartagena
I’ve been sent to Colombia to work, and as I already knew Bogota from a previous business trip, I decided to pass the week-end in Cartagena de las Indias. I had time to enjoy the historic center, a bit around, and to go on the coast to Playa Blanca!
Rapa Nui / Eastern Island
To celebrate my 30 years old I was on this mysterious island, one of the most isolated, with my mom. In 4 days we achieved to visit the majority of the sites. It’s one of my favorite trip and defintly my best birthday ever!
Atacama all alone
Atacama is a region situated in north of Chile, less than 2 hours flight from Santiago, I’ve been there various time and always prefered to rent a car instead of taking a tour.
One week in Rio de Janeiro & Around
Ahhhhh Rio! I think this is one of the best city I’ve ever visited… I’ve been there first for the Carnaval and on various professional trips, and I always enjoyed the weather, the people, the music, the ambiance…
What to do in Santiago
I lived almost 3 years in this city so I know it pretty well, and lived my best years there! Between Europe and Latin America, you can find everything in this modern city, but for a tourist I would just recommend few days there, as Chile is very different from its capital!
5 days in Puerto Viejo
For my 29th birthday I decided to enjoy short holidays in Costa Rica! I was working in Panama so I took a night bus to the North border, crossed an old bridge, took an old bus to finally arrive in Puerto Viejo de Salamanca, THE PEACE ON EARTH.
Wales tour in Las Perlas Islands
Las Perlas, or Pearl islands are an archipel situated at 30 km from Panama Coast, lost in the middle of the Pacific. When I lived in Panama I passed a week-end there with friends to see whales!
San Blas Islands
Lost in the Caribbean sea, San Blas is an archipel of more than 360 islands where you will meet the Paradise on Earth! When I was living in Panama I’ve been various time to different islands, in group or in couple, with a guide or alone.
Ireland, the magic island
I moved in Ireland in 2006 and fell in love with this country, the people, the magic atmosphere in the pubs, and the amazing landscapes. I came back few times there, and visited almost all the island, from Dublin to Northern Ireland, from the Donegal to the Connemara, from Killarney to Cork.
A week-end in Edinburgh
Just a best of pictures of the week-end we passed in Scotland with my colleague Geraldine and where we visited the city with a guided tour!
Quebec & NYC
In 2008, after visiting Stockholm, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Bremen with friend, and Oslo all alone, I decided to cross the Atlantic ocean and discover the french part of Canada: Québec! Once I was there, after visiting Montreal, Québec city and Ottawa, I took a long night bus to New York with[…]
A week-end in Stockholm
See my old blog:
A week end in Oslo
In 2007, as I was studying, I discovered Ryanair and its cheap flights around Europe. So I went for a week-end in Oslo all alone and came back with friends from Germany and Brazil!