HindlesWorld
Travel | Explore | Discover
Travel Smarter, Explore Deeper, Discover More.
Welcome to HindlesWorld
We’re Jez & Mel: independent travellers and storytellers. From staying in bamboo huts in the Philippines to luxury railway-themed hotels in Thailand, we share authentic DIY itineraries, cinematic stories, and a unique way to measure joy through our TripWorthIt™ Tool.
Travel Smarter, Explore Deeper, and Discover More, while spending more wisely on every journey. Find out more on our About or FAQ page.
Check out our new Been & Scene Blog to read about our latest cinematic travel adventures
Travel
DIY itineraries & travel tips to help you see more, spend less, and enjoy comfort on your terms.
Explore
Cinematic stories, unique encounters, and emotional moments that inspire your next adventure.
Discover
Our TripWorthIt™ Tool compares destinations by more than just price: measure the joy you’ll get too!
Latest Adventures

Is Koh Chang Thailand’s Most Underrated Island Paradise?
Koh Chang was meant to be our underrated island paradise: lush jungles, turquoise seas and pink-sand islands. Here’s what we found when we explored beyond the resorts: there’s loads of choice, beautiful beaches, and the easiest Trat island to get to from Bangkok. But how does it really compare to its cute neighbours, Koh Mak and Koh Kood?

Is Your Next Holiday Worth the Money? Five Ways to Measure Travel Value
Traditional travel ratings tell you if a place is good. Built on five pillars [Comfort & Ease, Authenticity & Connection, Adventure & Exploration, Sustainability & Eco-Balance, and Value Score] this framework measures what actually creates travel joy. The TripWorthItTM Travel Index Tool tells you if it’s right for you. Find your “Travel Persona” before you fly.

Costa Rica Self-Guided Tours
Planning a Costa Rica adventure? Our self-guided journey took us from volcanoes and cloud forests to wildlife-rich beaches and remote eco-lodges. We stayed in five incredible hotels and rated each with our unique TripWorthItTM Travel Index Tool. Discover which properties scored highest and see the highlights in our cinematic videos filmed across Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and the Osa Peninsula.

Why Koh Kood Should Be Your Next Thai Island Stop
Discover why Koh Kood beats overcrowded Koh Samui for authentic Thai island experiences. With pristine beaches, healthy coral reefs, and genuine Thai hospitality, this hidden gem offers everything that made Samui special before mass tourism took over. Koh Kood remains Thailand’s last paradise with uncrowded beaches, excellent snorkelling, and traditional fishing villages. Learn why smart travellers are choosing Koh Kood’s authentic experiences over Samui’s tourist traps, plus practical tips for visiting before this secret destination becomes mainstream.

Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak: Which Thai Island Should You Visit?
Which Thai island suits you best—Koh Mak, Koh Kood, or Koh Chang? We share our first-hand journey via Boonsiri, the stays we loved (and one we didn’t), and how each island feels on the ground—quiet romance, wild nature, or lively convenience—so you can pick your perfect escape.

El Nido Disappointment vs. Darocotan Island Bliss – A Tale of Two Palawans
If you went to the Philippines, would you rather go glamping on a quiet island off-grid or stick with the crowds in bustling El Nido?
We did both. And for us, there is absolutely no comparison as to which is better.
Meet Jez & Mel - And HindlesWorld
HindlesWorld is where we share our passion for meaningful travel. Whether it’s watching elephants in Thailand, driving across Costa Rica, or island hopping in the Philippines, we believe in creating experiences that stay with you.
Want to create your own? It’s easy! Follow our Been & Scene Blog and you’ll get Travel Guides & insights into the adventures we’ve had. These might inspire you to follow a similar journey.
Or, you can just sit back and Explore with us as we share our latest journeys on our YouTube Channel.
Hopefully, you’ll enjoy me blogging about Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Luxury Travel & Exploration Adventures and will subscribe to get notifications when there’s new stuff to read!
Finally, why not Discover your Travel Persona. We’ve created something unique (and free!), where you can test out what type of hotel or resort destination you need to fit your style. This is where the TripWorthIt™ Holiday Index Tool comes in. There’s an easy quiz with 6 questions that are designed to quickly find the travel style that matches your persona.
Explore HindlesWorld for inspiring DIY travel adventures, where you will learn About how to build transformative journeys yourself. Discover tips, stories, and ideas to enhance your journeys and creative pursuits.
Travel Smarter, Explore Deeper, Discover More!

