Despite being wedged between the two most populous countries in the world, Nepal is a country that does not receive much tourism, compared with more developed countries. Although it is most notable for its 2015 earthquake, Nepal has so much more to offer than most westerners expect. If you’re considering traveling to an obscure country, read on to see what makes Nepal unique.

General Info

Although Nepal borders China to the north and India to the south, it had a miniscule population of nearly 30 million people, as of 2016. The national language is Nepali, although there are fifteen recognized regional languages, as well. The currency is the Nepalese Rupee and 1 NPR equals 0.012 AUD.

What can I do in Nepal?

Known for its mountainous geography, Nepal is a country that people primarily go to for its outdoor activities. If your dream is to climb the Himalayas, Nepal is a great place to do so. For those who are a little less adventurous, there are plenty of hiking trails for both beginners and experts. If you want a more casual experience, check out a Kathmandu sightseeing tour, which will show off some of the religious buildings and beautiful architecture.

That sounds nice, but what about food?

Nepalese food can be similar to its surrounding countries. Some of their main dishes are Momos and Yomari (both types of dumplings), but they also have soups, lentil and egg patties, and even their own version of a pizza (Keema chatamari).

And where should I stay?

Kathmandu has plenty of Airbnbs to choose from, for roughly $10 per night. Visitors rated Nepalese Airbnbs an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars, so you know the hospitality will be great just about anywhere you go.

I’m sold. How do I get to Nepal?

Flights from various parts of Australia to Kathmandu are anywhere from 750 AUD to 1000 AUD. Most flights will have a single stop, but otherwise, the trip is a fairly straight shot.

Although Nepal is an up-and-coming country, it has a lot more to offer than people expect. When planning your next trip, keep in mind the rich culture of this country, and consider it for your next vacation.

No matter where you live, you have probably seen or read about a road trip experience. Media portrays these trips as fun, easygoing, and a great way to bond with your travel companions. But is road tripping all it’s made to seem, or is it an overrated form of travel? I won’t answer that for you, but let’s look at some of the pros and cons that can help you decide whether you should take a road trip.

Pros

Enjoy Underrated Attractions

No matter where you are looking to road trip, you will likely find an attraction, a restaurant, or even a national park that most tourists tend to overlook. It’s here that you’ll often see the most real version of a place; it’s where you can stop being a tourist and just be a person. After the trip is over, these places are the ones you’ll most remember.

Group Bonding Time

The cliché is real — road trips are a great time to learn more about your traveling companions. You’ll spend time together in a small space for days, and there will be times where the drive is boring. After the fun and excitement starts to wear off, you can expect to open up a bit and relate to each other on a more personal level.

Fully Customizable Travel

Do you want to visit a city that has no close airport? You may end up traveling for the same amount of time you would if you drove, but spending way more. Or, you might book a hotel and find out it looks much worse in person than it did online. Taking a road trip means being able to customize your travel itinerary to suit your needs, so you can avoid situations like these.

Cons

No Room To Breathe

Although staying in close quarters may lead to a heart-to-heart moment, it can also be the catalyst for epic fights. People get sick of each other after spending so much time together with no out, so be ready to argue over nothing, just because.

The Cost

Although road tripping may be less expensive than an international vacation, it can often be more costly than expected. Gas drives costs up, food and lodging can be a surprise, and you never know when your vehicle will break down. It’s a good idea to have extra money stashed away, just in case something goes awry.

Where’s The Excitement?

Unfortunately, no road trip is going to be interesting 100% of the time. You may have days of travel without an exciting element. Be prepared to entertain yourself in other ways, or else you may regret taking this kind of trip.

Taking a road trip can be a fun experience, but it can also be grueling. Before you commit to the idea, make sure you consider both the good and the bad. You may be surprised at how you feel after weighing all of the consequences.