Blog | Alpas Journeys

Need some travel inspiration? Check out my articles about the best travel itineraries for flashpackers, sustainable travel experiences, top-notch accommodation and useful travel tips and advice!

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Ecuador’s Beautiful Avenue of the Volcanoes – Quito to Cuenca in 2 Weeks

Ecuador – This small but diverse country has it all, the depth of the Amazon, snow-capped volcanoes and azure blue lagoons in the Andes, beautiful colonial towns, the wild Pacific Coast and of course the magical Galapagos Islands. While the Galapagos are still the main destination for most travellers visiting the country, Ecuador mainland is just as spectacular. Especially the country’s Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to Cuenca is not to be missed on a trip to the Land of Eternal Spring!

Transformational Travel – The Crisis as a Chance for a Shift in the Travel Industry

A lot has been speculated over the past months regarding the post-Covid travel industry and how it could come back greener, fairer and more sustainable. Against the background of climate change, overtourism, questionable tourism practices within communities and the disbalance of power between wealthy travellers and hosts often living in poverty, this is now a chance to use the industry’s standstill to restructure with sustainability at its core – economically, socially and environmentally. In many ways we are experiencing a „reset“. A chance to reflect on what has gone wrong and how we can start over better.

Flashpacking vs. Backpacking

Granted there is no clear definition of flashpacking. The urban dictionary defines a flashpacker as “a backpacker with a better budget – independent travellers with money to spend“. For me personally just tying it down to money is too easy. I wouldn’t even necessarily relate it to a certain age (although some places and hostel types are simply more popular with a younger backpacking crowd). But you can surely be as much of a flashpacker at 23 and 43. So what really distinguishes flashpackers from backpackers?

Connect with me!

Hi, I am Toni – Adventurer and Travel Addict and I’m so happy you’re here!

I’ve been working in travel ever since graduating from uni and I’m really excited to share my travel experience, tips and tricks with flashpackers looking for that extra special journey!

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Latest posts

Digital Nomad with Dog – 7 Things Travel Addicts need to know before getting a dog

I could never imagine spending my life without dogs. I’d just miss their loyalty, their unconditional love, their intuition, their goofiness – the list is endless. So there is this, but there is also travel. Just as I couldn’t imagine my life without a canine companion, I couldn’t imagine my life without living in different places, regions and countries. So how can we combine these two?

Best Places to Live in Colombia – A Digital Nomad’s Guide

What are the best places to live in Colombia as a digital nomad? While Medellin is undoubtedly the country’s creative and tech hub, there are a few other digital nomad friendly places worth checking out plus the top experiences in each destination.

Top 7 things to do in Lima off the beaten path

Have a little more time in Lima? Perfect! Besides being the world’s top culinary destination, Peru’s capital offers lots of cool places and activities off the beaten tourist path. Right by the Pacific Ocean, yet surrounded by the Sechura coastal desert and several archeological sites, Lima is a paradise for adventure junkies, foodies and history fans alike.

Kapawi Ecolodge – Ecotourism in Ecuador At Its Finest

Deep within the territory of the Achuar Indigenous Nation in the southeastern Amazon lies Kapawi Ecolodge. Entirely run and operated by the Achuar peoples, the project is a pioneer and brilliant example of Ecuador’s ecotourism enterprises. Kapawi has partnered with Reclaim Your Self, a premier yoga retreat company based in London. Together they joined forces and created a fantastic “Wellness Journey into the Heart of the World” – a truly transformational adventure. What are the lessons other ecotourism enterprises can learn from Kapawi?

Hiking in Oaxaca: Hidden Gems of Mexico’s Most Beautiful State – Sierra Norte and Camino Copalita

The state of Oaxaca in the south of Mexico is one of the most diverse in the country. A hub of indigenous culture, it’s home to the country’s most vibrant crafts and art scene, a unique renowned cuisine accompanied by the famous Mexican mezcal, archaeological sites and a breathtaking scenery spanning all the way to the tropical Pacific in the south. Made for off the beaten track hiking – what are the best hiking adventures in Oaxaca?

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to the Best Galapagos Cruises (Updated 2022)

What are the best Galapagos cruises to explore one of the most iconic wildlife destinations on earth? During my time as a Galapagos travel consultant, I have worked with about a dozen Galapagos cruise operators, big and small, pricey and budget. While many travellers tend to focus on the cost, look and comfort of the yacht or catamaran, the cruise itinerary and type of vessel is just as important. This comprehensive Galapagos cruise guide will shed some light on the best cruises for every budget, trip length and itinerary.

Best Things to do in Cape Range National Park – Swim with Ningaloo Reef Whale Sharks

Cape Range National Park is located on the North West Peninsula in Western Australia about 800 miles north of Perth. To me it felt a little like the end of the world. The region is famous for the Ningaloo Reef and the yearly migration of whale sharks between March and August. The closest city to the National Park is Exmouth and the base from which Cape Range and its breathtaking beaches such as Turquoise and Sandy Bay can be explored. Check out this guide and start daydreaming about the best tours and beaches around Exmouth, Cape Range National Park including swimming with the Ningaloo Reef whale sharks, humpback whales and scuba diving at some of the world’s best dive sites.

The Best Flashpacker Hostels in Lima

Lima is a fascinating South American metropole. Located right on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Peru’s buzzing capital combines the modern with the traditional, the simple with the luxurious. The city has grown substantially in the past decade and offers unique accommodation for every traveler’s taste and budget in a variety of neighbourhoods.

The Best Hiking and Glamping In North Devon – The Ultimate 5-Day North Devon Itinerary

North Devon – hiking, surfing, glamping. The Southwest of England is known to have some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the UK. North Devon is located on England’s Southwest Peninsula bordering Cornwall to the south. A hiker’s paradise, it’s home to the South West Coast Path, England’s longest National Trail. A surfer’s heaven, the wide sandy beaches are the starting point for some of the best surfing in the country. The region also offers amazing glamping spots. Having just returned, check out my 5-day North Devon travel guide featuring the best hikes and glamping spots!