Get Lost

Hi, I’m Tristan and I’m a travel-bug, wanderluster, or whatever you call someone who’d rather be exploring the world than sitting in a cubicle.

In this blog I share my tips, tricks and travel guides so you can get lost and have the adventure of a lifetime, or a lifetime of adventure..

How Much Does It Cost to Climb Kilimanjaro? (Full Breakdown)
Last updated Jul 30, 2026July 30, 2026
A full breakdown of what Kilimanjaro actually costs – operator fees, park fees, tips, gear, flights, and the extras nobody warns you about.
Where to Stay in Kii-Tanabe Before the Kumano Kodo
Last updated Jul 28, 2026July 28, 2026
The best places to stay near Kii-Tanabe Station before the Kumano Kodo, from a modern private room to cheap hostels and character guesthouses.
The Best Time to Walk The Kumano Kodo (And When NOT To Go!)
Last updated Jul 28, 2026July 28, 2026
The Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage route in Japan, which has increasingly gained popularity among hikers and travelers from…

Essential Travel

Bucket List Hikes

Check out these guides on some of my favourite hikes around the world

Rinjani

spotlight japan

Discover the perfect itinerary for a weekend sojourn in kyoto

Skip the chaos of Tokyo and Osaka and head straight to Kyoto – for a quieter, cuter, and more authentic Japan experience

As Seen On:

My writing and photography has been featured in some of the following publications.

Hiking

Detailed trekking guides to some of my favourite hikes

Beaches

Discover the best secret beaches

Camping

Get out into the outdoors

Food & Drink

My favourite places to eat, drink and the low down on local food to try

Accommodation

Reccommendations on where to stay, whatever your budget or travel style

Japan

India

Tristan Balme cape brett lighthouse at sunrise

New Zealand

Tanzania

Tristan Balme The best beaches in koh phangan Haad Klum

Thailand

Greece

Sri LAnka

Vanuatu

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Tristan Balme The best camera for climbing kilimanjaro explained

Send me a message?

I always happy to answer any Q’s you have about anything you’ve read here. Just drop me a line in the message box adjacent. I’ll try my best to reply within 1-2 days :)

How To The Perfect Week In Vanuatu

What to Do

Where To Stay

Where To Eat

Get more inspiration

I send weekly updates about new blog posts, as well as travel guides and money saving hacks.

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Best Things To Do In Kiribati (Tarawa + Kiritimati)
Last updated Jul 12, 2026July 12, 2026
After three visits to Tarawa, this is my honest guide to Kiribati: what to do on Tarawa, what Kiritimati offers and why this is an experience rather than a beach holiday.
The Best Dive School in Koh Phangan | Better Than Koh Tao?
Last updated Aug 26, 2025August 26, 2025
Koh Phangan might not have the same reputation for diving as its neighbor Koh Tao, but that doesn’t mean the…
Hiking The Abel Tasman Great Walk (My Tips)
Last updated Aug 24, 2025August 24, 2025
Disclosure: I’ve hiked the Abel Tasman twice (almost). Once in the reverse direction from Totaranui to Marahau doing a car…
The 5 Best Luxury Resorts in Koh Samui (My Honest Shortlist)
Last updated Jul 7, 2026July 7, 2026
My honest shortlist of Koh Samui’s best luxury resorts, with current USD prices, one full resort stay and two shameless pool-crashing visits.
How to Become a Dual Pilgrim (Kumano Kodo + Camino De Santiago)
Last updated Jul 25, 2026July 25, 2026
When I first heard about the Dual Pilgrimage Certificate, I was immediately intrigued. I get to do two hikes that…
Best Cafes In Port Vila, Vanuatu (2026 Update)
Last updated Jun 3, 2026June 3, 2026
The Port Vila cafes I would actually use: Coco & Co, Tanna Coffee, Cafe Vila, The Playground, Cafe Waves, Tana Russet, and Nambawan.

Tristan Balme

Hey there, I’m Tristan! A kiwi traveler who loves adventure. I travel with my legs and my stomach – trying new foods, learning about culture, and hiking. I write guides for some of the more remote places I’ve been. My aim is to help you travel with confidence, no matter the destination!

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Travel Recommendations

Best Travel Insurance
World Nomads

💸 Travel Money Card
Wise Visa Debit

Mobile Data / Travel SIMs
Airalo eSIM

Where to book Accommodation
Booking.com

Adventure Tours
Skyhook Adventure

(View all my travel recommendations here)

I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy through these links. This helps keep the site running and might buy me a beer after the next hike :)