Travel Guides
I bet you are fit enough to travel if you are an avid traveler, but are you FIT enough? FIT or Free and Independent Travel is how people describe a type of travel that I call it as Self-guided-travel (or in Chinese, 自助行). FIT is the latest terminology among travelers to describe those travels that are studied and planned by travelers themselves to achieve immaculate travel experiences with maximum freedom and independence without any restriction laid upon by the travel agencies or limitation found in any travel packages.
FIT type of travel advocates self guided travel planning, from itinerary planning, booking flights, accommodations, to the freedom in choosing what to eat, where to go, which to visit, how to save and who to make friend with. FIT lets you do what you can’t in packaged travel. Backpacking and flashpacking are 2 of the categories of FIT travel.
Why FIT is becoming more popular among travelers nowadays? The technology advancement in broadband data or WIFI connection, smart phones, tablets and apps available have made internet surfing, researching, comparing and booking process so much easier and quicker. Travelers can now learn, survey, plan, search and book everything online to fulfill their travel needs, and all could be done from home!
There are a few types of travelers who are particularly keen on FIT:
- Budget travelers- A budget concerned traveler will love the flexibility of FIT has to offer to control his/ her budget on any travel;
- Avid travelers- An avid traveler who loves to explore off the beaten track will always choose FIT as his /her only travel type;
- Photography hobbyists- If you are enthusiastic in travel photography like me, FIT will give you maximum freedom in choosing the right place, right time and enough time to build up your travel portfolio;
- Backpackers- Backpackers love to stay long and cheap at each destination to experience the local culture which FIT allows but not packaged tour;
- Flashpackers- Flashpacking is a combination of the above 4 types and which I advocate for. A flashpacker is looking for freedom on travel, flexibility, comfort in terms of accommodation and transportation, may go off the beaten track sometimes, and all within a reasonable budget. Flashpacking is the type of travel with advantages of both FIT and package travel. I have the freedom and independence on travel, as well as the comfort and relaxation.
I’ve been adopting FIT in most of my recent travels. Among the best past FIT travels of mine are both of my Europe trips and the more recent Beijing trip. If you are planning for your own FIT trip to Europe, check on my Europe travel planning guide before you plan.
At the end of the day, traveling is meant for giving you fun and unforgettable experiences to one destination and holiday. Choosing a type of travel that suit you is very important to achieve that objective. For me, FIT definitely is my cup of tea. Are you FIT enough? 
– Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo guide
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I still remember my first ever visit to Scotland many years ago. Scotland to me is a much peaceful nation than other countries of the United Kingdom. With its vast areas of highlands and lakes, I’ve gained an unbeatable experience traveling in Scotland during Spring when the weather was mild and the highlands were lushing green. Of course, Scotch Whisky and hotels in Edinburgh that I stayed were just amazing and made up the great travel!
After so many years, Scotland came to my mind again lately when I was planning to visit to Europe again this year or next. Eventhough I’ve been to a few English and Scottish cities many years ago, I failed to squeeze in an itinerary to revisit Scotland on both of my recent Europe travels as they were far from my planned travel routes. So I said to myself then Scotland has to be part of my itinerary if I got another chance to visit Europe again!
Why I love Scotland so much? Scotland to me is just like a paradise on earth. I remembered that I also mentioned Suzhou and Hangzhou of China as a paradise on earth but if compared with Scotland, they are a different kettle of fish. While Su and Hang are magnificent with gardens and rivers and bridges, Scotland is the bee’s knees for its magnificent highlands, castles and lakes (loch).
Among the Scottish regions that I love most without the shadow of a doubt are the most developed Central Belts where Edinburgh and Glasgow are located, and the Highland region with my favourite lochs around Inverness. And planning a driving tour around is always the better option if compared with any public transportation.
In Edinburgh you can’t help but notice the presence of the fortified castle which towers over the city atop the Royal Mile. Edinburgh Castle is ever-present and should be the first stop on your itinerary. Also the 400 years old University of Edinburgh. Staying in the George hotel Edinburgh at the heart of the Edinburgh is surely a good starting point.
Not far away is the Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, which is a city of literature with its world renown University of Glasgow. The University of Glasgow is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world founded in 1451.
Need me say more? Inverness is the city of lakes (loch in Scottish) with highlands and castles surrounding it. One of the most famous lakes is Loch Ness with its miserable Nessy! To its west is Fort William. My best exprience in Scottish Highlands was staying in one of the highland guest houses where I could soak in the breezy environment and witness the process of sheep fur or fleece shearing!
So Scotland is not just about its fantastic Scotch Whisky, albeit carrying along a bottle of it would certainly add points to the whole travel experience! – Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo guide to Scotland
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One of the main concerns in planning a holiday to Beijing is definitely to whether join an all-inclusive travel package from one of the local travel agents or, just book a flight and travel around the city by ourselves. Many are worried by the communication issues, conveniences issues as well as the proximity issues of [...]
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One of the biggest challenge I have faced during my Italy travel is definitely travel photography. I can consider other travel challenges such as communication or cost saving being part of my travel experience in Italy. However, being an avid travel photography hobbyist, I couldn’t leave alone those challenges in capturing the magnificent scenes and [...]
