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..

Where to Stay in Kathmandu: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
Aug 9, 2026August 9, 2026
The best areas and hotels to stay in Kathmandu – Thamel, Boudha, Patan and Lazimpat – with my picks for every budget.
What To Do In Kyoto | 2-Day Itinerary (With Map!)
Last updated Aug 4, 2026August 4, 2026
I get strange looks from people when I tell them I didn’t really rate Japan (I didn’t realise this was…
Samaria Gorge Hike: My Complete Guide From Chania
Last updated Aug 4, 2026August 4, 2026
My experience hiking Samaria Gorge from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli, including the Chania tour, trail, beach, ferry and current logistics.

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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Kumano Kodo Packing List: What I’d Actually Bring
Last updated Aug 10, 2026August 10, 2026
My practical Kumano Kodo packing list: what to carry, what to send ahead, what to skip, and the small items I was glad I had.
Best Places to Eat in Koh Phangan (6 Spots I’d Go Back To)
Last updated Aug 8, 2026August 8, 2026
My honest Koh Phangan food guide: the markets, Thai restaurants, coffee spots and one Italian place I would actually go back to.
Kumano Kodo Luggage Transfer: What I’d Actually Do
Last updated Jul 25, 2026July 25, 2026
How I would use luggage transfer on the Kumano Kodo, including Yamato, daily luggage shuttle, costs, timing and what to carry.
Best Time to Visit Sigiriya: Go Early (What I Did)
Last updated Jul 4, 2026July 4, 2026
The best time to visit Sigiriya is first thing in the morning. My honest Sigiriya vs Pidurangala verdict, current tickets, wildlife and practical timing.
7 Best Things to Do in Kii Katsuura, Japan | Updated 2026
Last updated May 18, 2026May 18, 2026
The honest guide to what to do in Kii Katsuura after the Kumano Kodo: Nachi Falls, the tuna market, onsens, whale watching, where to stay, how long you need, and why the town makes sense after the trail.
Best Hotels in Leh Ladakh (For All Budgets) | Updated 2026
Last updated May 20, 2026May 20, 2026
Where I would actually stay in Leh Ladakh in 2026: the best luxury, boutique, mid-range, budget and hostel options, plus why your first two acclimatisation nights are more important than usual.

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 :)