2anoo Travel - LIFE! 2017-04-02T00:11:00+01:00 2anoo Travel 2017-04-02T00:11:00+01:00 2017-06-12T14:03:09+01:00 12 things to do before you go Christina Perkins More

After travelling for a while now, we have learnt often from our mistakes to always do these 12 simple things before heading off:


1. Get good insurance

Be wary of the cheapest policies, simply because you are than likely not being covered for everything you might need or the circumstances (certain sports/activities, working abroad, kidnapping, terrorism etc...) The one time an airline lost all my luggage, i went to make a claim and found out I wasn't covered because I had paid for the insurance policy in a different country rather than my home country? After a strongly worded complain they agreed to pay out. Rather than reading all the terms & conditions, (who actually reads those anyway) we always make a quick phone call to double check our specific requirements. Also double check the excess charge too. Nothing worse than needing to claim and finding out you were not properly covered.

2. Get in touch with locals

We always try to make some sort of contact before we get there. If there isn't someone we already know, there is usually a friend of a friend to be put in touch with when we arrive. Or we even just reach out to someone that has been there before. Direct local advice on where to go or not to go is the best, you wouldn't want to miss out on anything. Or you can even use couch surfing or join facebook groups for quick, direct, local advice. 

3. Book the 1st nights accommodation

We are spontaneous travellers, but we always book our first night’s stay before we go. Its just one less thing to worry about when arriving in a new country, often jet lagged and sometimes immigration will ask for a local address on arrival. We even try to figure out a rough cost/the best way to get there when we arrive so that we save time & don't get ripped off in a taxi straight away. We once paid 5 times the price in a local taxi just because we didn't know any better at first. 


4. Pack Right

We only ever take hand luggage because we hate carrying stuff around and never even using it. If you do this remember no liquids, knives or guns etc... Check the weather of your destinations at the time you are going. Although don't stress too much, if you have forgotten something major, you can always buy it form a market or something when you get there. Check out the 2anoo backpacker kit with all your nifty little essentials, to save yourself time and money.

6. Make Copies

Make copies of your passport, licence, visa papers, insurance, phone numbers, worldwide emergency services/embassies. Email them to yourself & print a few copies to take with you, even leave a copy with someone back home too just in case

7. Sort a phone/sim

We like the thought of not having a phone while travelling but it does make it so much easier. You can get free wifi most places these days but only recently have we discovered how convenient it is to have data access when we travel (especially for maps & fb live vloging). We sometimes just buy a cheap phone or a pay as you go sim when we get to a country. Always check that your phone is unlocked if you are planning on using it and also check the companies mobile coverage for the areas your planning on going to.

8. Check visa and passport entry requirements

Most countries allow western travellers to visit for up to 90 days visa free, but not all. Check online before you travel. Some countries you need to arrange a visa in your home country, with different documents. Give yourself enough time, it could take longer than expected with several visits to the embassy to get it right. We forgot to have our middle names put onto some documents which didn't match our passports so we were denied and had to go again. Sometimes you can just get them online in a few days or sometimes you can just get them on arrival. Tina also stupidly rocked into China a second time round and completely forgot about needing a visa, was put with police and told to choose to return home for free on the flight she arrived on or pay for a flight to Hong Kong and get a visa there. She chose to go to Hong Kong.

9. Money :)

We always find you get a better exchange rates when we get there, than our your home country. If we are going away for a while we use travel cards with a 0% foreign transaction fee & that offer the best rates. Also remember to notify your bank bank/credit card companies so that they don't deactivate your card while you are away. We also always keep a little bit of emergency cash hidden away in a sock or something at the bottom of our backpack. Once an atm at an airport swallowed our travel card, we didn't have a credit card at the time, so the little emergency cash was enough for the hostel, food & drinks for a few days until we could figure something out.

10. Get vaccinated

Always book an appointment with your doctor beforehand to check what recommended vaccines you might need for your destination/s. In the UK some are free, some you have to pay for. Also while you are there, stock up on any prescription medication for the amount of time you are away for, they can usually prescribe at least 1 years worth at a time. 

11. Security

Do little bit of research beforehand, always check your home countries foreign travel advice or register with your embassy. Maybe pack a decoy wallet or money belt. And let some know of your whereabouts or travel plans & keep in contact while on the road.

12. Have fun...

]]> 2017-03-20T17:21:00+00:00 2017-04-02T20:35:33+01:00 Liebster Award Chris Cullen "Liebster in German means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome."

Come Read The 2Anoo Q&A Upon Receiving this award...


Having recently been nominated for the Liebster Award I thought I'd better find out what the Liebster award is. 

So here's the Spiel,

What is the Liebster Award?

The Liebster Award is made by travel bloggers for travel bloggers and is a great opportunity to be more involved in the community, discover new blogs and connect with them.


If you have been nominated for the award and you choose to accept it, you should write a blog post about the Liebster Award following these rules:


◦ Thank the person who nominated you and post a link to their site on your blog.

◦ Display the award on your blog.

◦ Answer their 10 questions about yourself.

◦ Nominate 5-10 other bloggers for the award and inform them via social media (the nominees have to have less than 3000 followers).

◦ Create your own set of questions for your nominees.

◦ Enjoy winning an award and pass this great feeling onto someone else!


In conclusion I would would like to Thank Shilesh Pahuja of “ My Heart on the Road“, for the recent nomination for the Liebster Award which was pretty cool.  My Heart on the Road is a Clean Cut Blog with interesting travel hacks and tips.

I think this award as well as being a pat on the back for the amazing blogs people have put together. It is a way of staying connected to that traveler life style of constantly meeting new like minded people, interacting, supporting mega ideas and swapping stories. 

Right Lets get into this!

Questions From My Nominator My Heart on the Road 

& Answers from Chris and Tina 



Out of all the countries/cities you have visited, which one did you like the most?


I think unanimously we both have a special place in our hearts for Bolivia don’t get me wrong we love the rest of the world that we’ve seen but there was just so much to do there and we left it unfinished.


What is your favourite travel hack/tip?


Favourite Travel Hack????!!! I would have to say a JellyBlag!! what started out as a Jellyfish scare game on the beaches of California
(literally pointing to nothing and shouting JellyBlag)
turned into an art form of Blagging or telling little white lies as we travelled to make big Hire Car companies, employers or Airlines to discount and assist us wherever possible…. 
(Rules of Jelly Blagging never harm or hurt someone’s feelings with your Jelly Blag and only target big firms that can afford to give a little extra ;P ) 


Which objects you cannot leave at home while traveling?


For Chris its got to be his Map of the World acquired from his boat captain in Seattle, Washington State. Plotted with his route around the world so far. Although lost for a time it is now safely back with its rightful owner after a year and a half stint in a Filipino’s wardrobe.


For Tina its her one and only true friend Sponge Bob. For long enough we were 3 traveling the world but since the addition of her best mate in tattoo form curtesy of a few Singha beers & a shop on Koh San Road, Bangkok, Thailand. Now she can’t go anywhere without her best bud.


What changed in your way to travel since you started your travel blog?


We find ourselves looking through the lens of a camera more which we have never been a great fans of. Preferring sometimes to put the camera at the bottom of the bag and fully soak up the experience.  Still playing with ways to combat this aspect of being a travel Blogger.


What are your fears traveling? And how do you overcome them?

As a solo traveler for a few years I (Chris) cared less for my safety and wellbeing doing what ever I wished no matter how dangerous. Since meeting Tina, I have really changed my perspective and upped my danger radar as I would never wish any harm come to her as a result of my ideas or actions.
On the other hand since being with Tina I have noticed her increased interest in countries of unrest such as Pakistan, Kenya, North Korea and Afghanistan. But must admit her driven mindset is pushing me to visit these countries and has really challenged my preconceived ideas. 


Which is the best way to travel? Alone, with your partner, in a large group of friends, with your family…?


All Of the Above! each have their benefits and downfalls. 


The Lone wolf is free to roll in and out of town with the wind but has no one to share his or her experiences with.

With you Partner is Idyllic but also a true test of your relationship when times are good they are very very good but when times are bad. Thats when people's true colours show and you will find out whether or not you are made for one another.

In a Large group is just Epic! For the Party, Activities etc but you rarely meet locals or other travellers as you are are one big Clique no-one can get in and no-one can get out so to speak you get invited to less and are limited to the group.

With Family I would highly recommend to everyone, at least once. When you are travelling working things out along the way and out of your comfort zone you see a completely different side to your nearest and dearest which can be nice.

Why is your blog called … ?

Our Blog/Company is called 2Anoo, as there are 2 of us and we wanted it to have a Tiki, Polynesian, Islander feel. 2Anoo literally stands for To a New it can be applied to a range of things like 2Anoo Destination, 2Anoo Adventure, 2Anoo Life, 2Anoo Experience, 2Anoo Friendship the list is endless. 2Anoo is a mindset always looking forward.


Why did you decided to start a blog? It was a travel-inspired decision?

100% Travel inspired we absolutely love to travel and wish to continue doing so for the rest of our lives. The Blog was a way in which to keep friends and family informed of our where abouts and what we were up to but soon became a vehicle for us to share our stories and sell our travel products to a much much wider audience. Thus funding more travel. 

How do you find inspiration and get new ideas for your blog?

We are constantly looking 2Anoo horizon, 2Anoo opportunity what ever comes to mind, be it places we wish to visit or things we want to try we aim high and smash it out of the park and thats what gives us our content.


Do you have a future or long-term plan with your blog?

The Blog is going to follow the whole journey of how Chris & Tina go from wandering back packers to thriving business owners showing others how to do the same if they so wish.


Hope that Q&A gives you more of an insight into what 2Anoo is about remember at any time anyone can hit us up and ask us literally anything and we'll see if from our experiences we can help or put you in touch with a traveler friend who's got the answers you seek. 

Ok on to the next bit, I would like to nominate the following 5 Blogs for the 

Liebster Award!

  1.  Jacqueline Minnick @ Not Quite Indiana Jones
  2. Nathan Milward @
  3. Chiara Wanky @ Tarutao Reef Project
  4. Helmi @
  5. Esmeralda Rodriguez @ Tequila Kiss

    Now Guys for my 10 Questions.

    • How Different are you now apposed to when you set out on your 1st travel Adventure?
    • While Traveling what sticks with you about the different people you have met?
    • Do you think everyone in the world should have the opportunity to travel at least once. Would you support this and why?
    • What has been your most magical experience while travelling?
    • Where is the one place you have to go before you leave this earth? 
    • Where do you see yourself and the Blog in 10 years time?
    • What have you enjoyed most about your blogging experience so far?
    • When you are not travelling how do you combat the itchy feet and need, to get away?
    • What location or time will always hold a special place in your heart?
    • Imagine the opportunity was given to you. To travel indefinitely for the rest of your life unable to return to your hometown or place of birth or to stay in one place for the rest of your days never to travel again. If It had to be one or the other which would it be and why?



    Hope all the readers enjoy this as much as I have putting it together. Thought initially it was a bit gimickey and time wasting but actually once you get started it makes more sense. Look forward to my Nominees post! 

    Thank you, Peace!





    ]]> 2017-03-04T18:15:00+00:00 2017-06-12T14:06:21+01:00 The 15 things we never travel without! Chris Cullen More

    I remember one of my first trips away, packing everything apart from the kitchen sink into one extra large, overweight suitcase on wheels, not being able to sweet talk the check in assistant and having to wear most of my clothes onto the plane. Then after all that effort not even wearing or using half the stuff in there!
    If travelling has taught us one thing, less is definitely more.
    We purposefully bought carry on size backpacks, so that we can't take too much, its cheaper and so much easier. But there are a few things we always squeeze in there...

    1. 5L Waterproof Bag (to keep those valuables dry)

    2anoo engine in the pouring raining, still an awesome day on the san blas

    We were on a boat in panama and the heavens opened, i had our mobile phones and passports in my handbag and they got completely ruined, just wish we had used one of these bad boys for our valuables at the time!

    2. Super Glue (to quickly fixes things while on the road)

    2anoo Jungle Hike after fixing my boots

    The sole of my walking boots was coming off, luckily i had my trusty super glue with me and e voila a quick fix. You can also be hero & help others in need too.

    3. Citronella Essential Oil (a natural mosquito repellent)

    4. Lighter (for all the camp fires)

    2anoo van life, camp fire & good friends

    Camp fire with beers & friends on the road towards Darwin, Australia

    5. Natural shampoo bar (lasts for over 50 washes)

    2anoo hair wash while travelling

    First proper wash in a while, sharing only 2 buckets of fresh water between us.

    6. First Aid Kit (just in case, hopefully you never need it)

    7. Padlock (for keeping your stuff safe, in suitcases and for hostel lockers)

    8. Ear Plugs (to help aid sleep on public transport or in shared rooms)

    9.  Adapter (for your chosen destination or a worldwide)

    10. Head Torch (to see in the dark & to shine in everyones eyes)

    2anoo head torch while backpacking the olympic peninsula

    Proberbly the one useful thing we bought along with beers and macaroni cheese on our way to the hot springs in Washington State, USA

    11. Tissues (for when theres no toilet paper)

    2anoo toilet in the san blas... don't fall down

    This was the only toilet on the island, the tissues came in handy!  

    12. Playing cards (because everyone loves a game of snap)

    2anoo card game... beer blow on the road

    The beer blow game, always essential ice breaker in any hostel!

    13. Journal (write down all the stories for the grandchildren)

    14. Pen (needed to write all the stories, for filling out immigration forms & taking new friends contacts)

    15. Inflatable Pillow (for a little bit of comfort)


    Whether you are an experienced backpacker or its your first ever trip, save yourself money, time & effort, find the link to the essential backpacker kit here:


    Safe & Happy Travels!


    ]]> 2017-02-24T12:20:00+00:00 2017-04-02T20:44:34+01:00 How do we fund our travels? Chris Cullen  

    Work Work Work Work Work thats all there is to it...


    People constantly ask us how we have managed to travel consistently without coming home to re stock the funds. Our Answer is very simple


    Making money in Phuket, Thailand

    Money won Gambling in Phuket, Thailand 

     We actually don’t even really save to go away (roughly £1000), as we go in the full knowledge that we are going to work when we get to our destination. 

    There are 2 x OPTIONS:  

    1. Sensible option: Apply for Jobs, Internships or Volunteering abroad before you go through reputable agencies (e.g. Camp America, Season workers, ESL Teaching, Au pairing, workaway google is full! Go application nuts see who bites) 
    2. Reckless but more fun option: Apply for a working holiday visa if needed head off and figure it out, knock on doors offer your skills the worst they can do is say no. Also if your staying in a place long term either camping or have rented accommodation cruise the local hostels as there is usually jobs posted on notice boards.
    Tina's daily commute on the Mango Farm Darwin, Australia 


    Work any job that comes your way and be willing to do anything… Usually your going to get smelly, your going to get dirty and your going to work harder than you probably ever have done in your whole entire life BUT the upside is your traveling and seeing the world!  

    Salmon Fishing in the Puget Sound, Seattle, USA


    We prefer Option 2 as you can get pretty lucky... 

     Limo Tour Guide Suposedly Hollywood USA


     Pool Party Bartender in Guadalajara, Mexico

     But even if your poor beyond belief, eating borrowed crackers drizzled with borrowed sachets of tomato ketchup and are trying to conjure up your next move work for FREE or for accommodation in Hostels (commonly Known as WOOFING in Oz in private homes/Farms etc). 

    Our Safari Tent which we worked a few hours a day to pay for in WA 

    It shows character to any would be employer, gets you out and about to stumble upon new opportunities and you are still exploring the country your in. Talk to and tell your story to anyone who’ll listen word of mouth is a powerful thing. Networking while traveling has definitely changed our luck more times than we can remember.

    Teaching English as a second language Seoul, South Korea

     And trust me working with locals be it in Thailand, Australia, Mexico or France you see a completely different side to the country. You are invited to family gatherings and events no tourist would ever see. 



    Turned up to work on the farm & boss took me out fishing instead, Yeppoon, Queensland OZ

     You can't go wrong with Gumtree & Craigslist and one we have never personally used but there is some epic stuff on is Workaway. Always join local Facebook groups offering jobs too. 

    There’s opportunities out there that are not going to come to you in your home town so go out and get them! 


    & please share with any potential traveler or someone on the road needing a boost.