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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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.
The 7 Best Campgrounds in Northland, New Zealand (For a Summer Roadie)
Last updated Jul 11, 2026July 11, 2026
My honest Northland campground shortlist for a summer road trip: Matauri Bay, Elliot Bay, Puriri Bay, Uretiti, Rarawa, Russell TOP 10 and Maitai Bay, with current booking notes and the real tradeoffs.
My 15 Best Beaches in Crete (Updated 2026 Guide + Map)
Last updated May 11, 2026May 11, 2026
From Elafonissi’s pink sand to Seitan Limania’s slot canyon – the 15 beaches in Crete actually worth your time, what each is like, where to skip, and the local stuff the TripAdvisor lists miss. Updated 2026.
How To Get Around Vanuatu (Buses, Scooters, Taxis + Car Hire)
Last updated Jun 8, 2026June 8, 2026
How I would get around Vanuatu and Efate: local B buses, T-plate taxis, scooter hire, rental cars, airport transfers and outer-island transport.
Where to Eat in Thamel, Kathmandu | 6 Spots I’d Go Back To
Last updated Aug 9, 2026August 9, 2026
The Thamel restaurants I would actually go back to before or after an Everest Base Camp trek: momos, coffee, fresh bowls, burgers, pizza and a rooftop dinner.
Lake Waikaremoana Track: My 3-Day Route After Hiking It Twice
Aug 1, 2026August 1, 2026
My three-day Lake Waikaremoana Track route via Waiopaoa and Marauiti, including the Hopuruahine finish, water taxis, road access and why the roughness is part of it.

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 :)