Goa's state capital, nowhere near the beach and the rather pretentious hippy posturing that many may find irritating, Panjim is a fascinating place to wander around, with Portuguese street names, decidedly European architecture, the fantastic Broadway Book Exchange, and the stunning toothpaste-white Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Most buses will head here from the beach resorts.

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Just outside Uyuni, and on the edge of Salar de Uyuni, is the Train Graveyard - a collection of rusting hulks, former trains from as far afield as the UK, that have now been left to the elements. Dust devils whirl around you and the silence is eery.

Uyuni, easy to take in as part of a tour of Salar de Uyuni.

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Earthwalkers is a fantastic, friendly, buzzing guesthouse. Run by a group of young Norwegians and employing brilliantly friendly, happy and professional Khmer staff, they have clean, comfortable rooms and great service as well as a welcoming and sociable bar and restaurant area. Tours to Tonle Sap, Angkor Wat and other spots can easily be organised, as well as onward travel - nothing is too much hassle.

One of the best things about staying at Earthwalkers is the chance to make a genuine difference in Siem Reap and further afield - Earthwalkers runs a fund dedicated to helping underprivileged Cambodians, and also co-ordinates voluntary work, as well as holding regular Apsara dancing shows by local children.

Siem Reap - Airport Road. Most tuk tuk and motorbike drivers in town know it;
www.earthwalkers.no, or book online via www.hostelworld.com.

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Chances are, if you take a bus to Dalat, they'll be waiting for you when you get off. These guys, recommended in Lonely Planet amongst other places, are English-speaking tour guides with their own motorbikes, who will take you on a day tour of Dalat, or if you're feeling more adventurous, up the Ho Chi Minh Trail through the Central Highlands, to Hoi An or further afield.

Real professionals who really know their stuff. They can show you a side of Vietnam you might not be able to see otherwise.

Try to find the genuine Easy Riders, as there are many impersonators.

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The first is that if you take the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay in the dark, you can enjoy the beautiful and eerie sight of phosphorescent algae glowing green-blue in the wake of the ferry.

The second is the Steyne Hotel. Dodgy name, but a fantastic, busy place, about six bars in one, and a real landmark in Manly. Get upstairs and outside on the balcony.

Circular Quay, Sydney - regular ferries

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This tenedor libre (all you can eat) restaurant is a fantastic place for an orgiastic eating experience, surrounded by noisy Mendocinos having a great night out - the best in town. Choose from literally hundreds of freshly cooked dishes, a brilliant grill, and wash it all down with a good wine from the heart of Argentina's wine country. Look out for the waiter called Antonio - he is a star - and go on your birthday (they'll even give you a present).

Central Mendoza

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A small hostel in the Barrio Bellavista area of town, it doesn't even have a sign to speak of out the front, but this place is magic. Run by some very amiable people, it's close to some great bars and restaurants - a good night out is no more that a few minutes walk up the road, and the metro is about ten minutes away. Very sociable.

Book through www.hostelworld.com

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