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

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form.kadence-form-909_a36df7-31 .kadence-blocks-form-field.kb-submit-field { display: none; }

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.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form.kadence-form-909_17d8d6-2c .kadence-blocks-form-field.kb-submit-field { display: none; }

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.
My 13 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka | Updated 2026
Last updated May 14, 2026May 14, 2026
The 13 things actually worth your time in Sri Lanka – from sunrise on Sigiriya and the Kandy-Ella train through Adam’s Peak overnight, leopards in Yala, and crab at Asia’s top 50 in Colombo. Updated 2026 with current prices and honest editorial filtering.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan | The Best Areas and Hotels
Last updated Aug 4, 2026August 4, 2026
I’ve been to Koh Phangan twice.. and I’m not gonna lie, the first time I HATED it! I went for…
Best Kumano Kodo Tours: Guided, Self-Guided or DIY?
Last updated Jul 27, 2026July 27, 2026
The Kumano Kodo tours actually worth considering: Walk Japan for fully guided, Oku Japan for self-guided, Kumano Travel for value, plus the honest case for booking it yourself.
Welcome Flat Hut Hike (The Best Overnight Hike In The South Island?)
Last updated Mar 26, 2025March 26, 2025
The Welcome Flat Hut hike, also known as the Copland track, is a 2-day trek that takes you through the…
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.

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!

More About Me

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form.kadence-form-909_17d8d6-2c .kadence-blocks-form-field.kb-submit-field { display: none; }

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 :)