Hi! I’m Manny, the tenured rant specialist, here at Raw Safari. :-)
Raw Safari isn’t just about story telling, it’s also a forum for sharing useful information about low-budget adventure.
Hitchhiking, camping, bargain hunting, photography, navigation, equipment and destinations… If you need info, I’ll be happy to help in any way I can. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll try to find out for you!
On this page are links to all the Q and A posts on the Raw Safari blog. Newest posts are at the top.
Also, at the bottom of this page, is the Raw Safari FAQ. These are the questions I get asked all the time, and they are all good questions!
>> Got a question for me?
Email me, or message me on Facebook.
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Pony messaged me on the FB the other day, with a bunch of questions about sleeping gear.
“What does a camping mattress cost?
How much do they weigh?
What is the most comfortable option?
What do you sleep on..?” >> read more.
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Q: Phone as Multipurpose Travel Tool – 2014-10-19
Olly wrote to me on Facebook, with some questions about using smart phones as travel tools. Phones have been on my mind lately. The new generation of $100 smart phones are at the point where they are suitable for use as an only-device. Right now I have a phone and a tablet. Maybe with a slightly bigger, slightly more powerful phone, I could make the tablet redundant..?
Olly:
…I’ve traveled for years as well and there’s a bunch of stuff on your blog I didn’t think about before, like Wikitravel and smartphones and GPS apps.
What’s a good GPS phone to get?.. >> read more.
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Q: Finance and Inspiration – 2014-09-13
The other day Tania emailed me with some questions about what inspires me to roam the planet, and how I finance my wandering.
Tania:
…Do you travel always? As in, do you have a base where you call ‘home’?
How do you financially sustain your travels?.. >> read more.
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Q: Where to Blog? – 2014-08-05
Anna is setting off on an epic journey across Europe and Asia! She asked me for some travel tips and some ideas on how to get started with blogging.
Ana:
“…I will start a trip in a few weeks, from Germany to Indonesia, overland, Southeast Europe, Romania, Turkey, Iran and India.
Do you have any recommendations or tips?..” >> read more.
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Q: Back / Pack Problems – 2014-06-27
Backpacking is awesome fun, but what if you have a health issue that makes carrying a bag painful and difficult?
Stefanie wrote to me on Facebook with some health related questions, about pack weight and diet.
Stefanie:
“…After I read the “Go Now” page I thought I might ask you for some advice (or your thoughts if you have no advice).
I’m 22, female and I want to do a world trip after finishing college. I will definitely do it but there’s something I’m worried about…” >> read more.
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FAQ: Hitchhiking:
Q: Does hitchhiking still work?
A: Yes! Most places I have been, if you are patient, and stand in the right spot, you can get a ride. Lots of places it is really easy. Some places it is harder. But it is possible everywhere.
Q: Is hitchhiking dangerous?
A: Not in my experience. I’ve been hitching for ten years, in lots of different countries and cultures, and I have had only good experiences. There is some risk associated with hitching, but that is true of almost all adventurous activities. Hitchhiking is an extreme sport. The risks go with the territory.
>> More info about hitchhiking here.
FAQ: Camping:
Q: Where can I camp for free?
A: Almost anywhere. Except in the largest, most densely populated cities, it is always possible to find some parkland, a river bank, or a roadside where you can pitch your tent. If you look carefully, and read a map, you can usually find a spot where you will be able to hide your tent and stay for as long as you like.
Q: What is better? A tent, a hammock or a swag?
A: It all depends on where you are. Different climates suit different types of shelters. The other main thing to think about with shelters is weight. Whatever you carry, you want it to be light! Anything over 2.5 kg is too heavy. I usually carry a tent, because it is really waterproof, and has extra space for a friend :-).
>> Read more about urban camping here.
FAQ: Equipment:
Q: What sort of gear should I take with me on my trip?
A: Less. The fewer things you have, the better. Also, try to only use light weight gear. If you spend a little bit of money on your equipment it will last longer, and you won’t break your back carrying it around. Hiking stores are the place to go for good gear. Compare weight and price, and you will quickly see you get what you pay for.
>> There is a detailed list of all my favourite gear and gadgets here.
Want to know how to travel the world on $10/day?
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