We earned our backpacker spurs our first time around in Bangkok by flopping down in some real holes. We were grateful for them too but this time wanted better.

Arriving once again during Chinese New Year, after a long day of trains and flights, we were keen to avoid our Bangkok curse so we booked our room online.

Having bedded down now in several different areas of Bangkok we were intrigued by this faded but possibly about to come up part of town and thought reasonable proximity to Lumphini Park an added bonus.

We stayed at this place because our go to Kanchanaburi abode the Jolly Frog was full. Our songthaew driver had told us this while we were sitting in the back of his truck waiting for more fares, and made two attempts to take us to the Sugar Kane instead. We assumed he was fibbing and insisted once he lowered his fare to our satisfaction that he take us to the Frog. Damn. The Jolly Frog was full. And there goes our ride.

The previous night had been spent in the hostel garden experimenting with the effects of a bottle of SangSom ‘Thai Whisky’ on the brain and body.

A reasonably large city, the centre of the former Inca capital is a compact mix of attractive Spanish architecture and sturdy Inca walls.

Sara, based in the UK, turned 30 and, after five years in her job, realised that life is going far too fast for her liking and wanted out of the rat race.

There is something about casinos that consistently attracts the movie industry. With their main function of redistributing money casinos comfortably provide the machinations necessary for both comedy and drama.

Of all the places in the world to visit while on holiday, a journey to the Maldives ranks among the most beautiful, exciting, and romantic. Just a glance at the sandy beaches, the sparkling blue water and the waving palm trees is sure to leave an imprint upon your memory as you reach for your camera. You may be asking yourself: where to start?

Rebecca Davison spent a year and a half in New York working for YAI, the Young Adults Institute, a not-for profit organisation providing services for people with learning disabilities.