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

This Hotel Did Something INCREDIBLE for My Wife – Luxury Thai Train Hotel in Khao Yai
On our second night at Thailand’s most unique luxury hotel, something happened that made my wife cry — and completely changed our trip. Discover the InterContinental Khao Yai, where Bill Bensley’s design turns 1920’s train carriages into luxury suites and heartfelt Thai hospitality leaves lasting memories.
24 Hours in Bangkok: A whistle-stop Adventure Staying in a Wacky Hotel
Landing in Bangkok is like stepping into a kaleidoscope—one that smells of sizzling street food, hums with tuk-tuks, and glows with gold temples, neon signs, and tangled cables. We only had 24 hours before island hopping, but instead of letting that stop us, we turned it into a challenge.

Our Emotional Stay at Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai
Arriving in the hills of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, unsure of what we’d find, our stay at Chai Lai Orchid turned out to be an emotional roller coaster. Elephants roam freely. You can opt in to activities if you want. But the sensory overload became too much for me. Find out why here.

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.
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!

