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

Island Hopping Adventure: Our Epic 4-Day Coron to El Nido Boat Trip
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves lapping a deserted beach, diving into turquoise waters before breakfast, and sailing to hidden islands with 20 strangers who feel like family by day four. Is this the ultimate island hopping boat tour?

The Ultimate Boat Trip Expedition in the Philippines
Traveling in the Philippines, you quickly realize boats are essential for exploring its 7,650 islands. When deciding how to get from Coron to El Nido, we opted for a four-day slow boat expedition with Big Dream Boatman. This unforgettable adventure included snorkeling in marine parks, sleeping on deserted islands, and bonding with fellow travelers. The crew’s care, the stunning scenery, and the thrill of island-hopping made it the highlight of our trip. Though not a luxury experience, it was an incredible way to see remote parts of Palawan while embracing nature and adventure. Would you take the slow boat route?

Hiking in Vietnam – the Good, the Harsh…and the Frightening!
Planning our trip to Asia was an incredible adventure, mostly self-guided, but for northern Vietnam, we found a package that included Halong Bay & Sapa. From a night train from Hanoi to expertly guided hikes, we had a seamless experience. Having a guide enriched our journey providing deep knowledge of the region. The CHAPA Express train to Lào Cai offered a surprisingly comfortable ride, setting the stage for our Sapa adventure. With its mix of mountain charm and vibrant markets, Sapa felt like a blend of Kathmandu and an alpine village—an unforgettable highlight of our Vietnamese travels.

The Best Self-Drive Tour of Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches make it an adventurer’s paradise. As one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, it’s perfect for a self-drive tour. I crafted a 2-week road trip to avoid crowds, maximize unique experiences, and see sloths, toucans, and all four monkey species—plus explore cloud forests, hanging bridges, and stunning beaches.

14-Day Philippines Travel Itinerary
Discover HindlesWorld for inspiring travel adventures! Get your FREE 14-Day Philippines Itinerary Travel Guide and explore the Central Philippines beyond the big cities.
✔️ Wander through Bohol & Panglao
✔️ Experience the magic of Siquijor
✔️ Explore Coron & Busuanga before an epic 4D3N island-hopping tour with Big Dream Boatman to El Nido
✔️ Relax on Darocoton Island at Dryft Camp
Plan your dream escape—download your free guide now!

Luxury Halong Bay Cruise
Hạ Long Bay had always been a dream destination for us, but we feared overcrowding and pollution. To ensure a serene experience, we chose a luxury cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, spending two nights immersed in its beauty. From kayaking past towering limestone formations to dining in a candlelit cave, every moment felt surreal. Our journey began with a seamless transfer from Hanoi, leading to a tranquil voyage with stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable adventures on the emerald waters.
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!

