🎉 Happy new year! ___ We celebrated tonight at @hardrockhotelpg with amazing DJs, cranking music and beach bonfires. What an incredible night! Check out my IG stories for behind the scenes access. ___ If you're in the neighborhood for NYE2020, I can recommend this party. ___ We hope that 2019 brings you great joy. ✌️ We're definitely looking forward to big things this year! 😁

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Top 77 Photos of 2018

2018 was a year of great personal change and growth. I got married in June and have been travelling the world with my wonderful wife, Jacinta. That also means I’ve been able to step in front of the camera on a few more occasions this year. I hope this selection of photos inspires you to reach for your dreams in 2019 and the years to come.
Read more at our travel blog.

21 Things To Do In Bali With Teens

I recently spent a week with my niece (14) and nephew (15), and like most teenagers, they’d be happy to spend a week in a plush hotel with on-demand movies and a high-speed internet connection… But where’s the fun in that? Teen years are a period of discovery. They’re fundamental in shaping identity by cultivating passions, likes and dislikes. So, when I took these teenagers to a region with a culture as rich as Bali, I wanted them to get off the Wi-Fi and try something completely new.
Read more at our travel blog.

Where do you want to travel in 2019? ___ As I'm compiling my top photos of the year and reflecting over 2018, one location stands out. ___ This shot was taken at Temple of Athena in Assos, Turkey 🇹🇷. The surrounding region, #Canakkale, definitely earned the title for "most surprising destination of 2018" for me. I didn't know what to expect and was blown away by the amazing historical sites, mouth-watering food and warm hospitality. It is a highly undiscovered destination, and I predict it will become more popular in the coming years. ___ As #HomeofTroy we visited the archeological site for ancient Troy (yes, it's real) and stood under the wooden Trojan horse used in the 2004 blockbuster film. That IG post happened to be my most popular for 2018 interestingly enough. ___ @troyayili2018

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🔖New blog post: 6 essential things to do in Chiang Mai (link in bio). ___ This is the magestic Wat Chedi Luang in the centre of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was built in the late 1300s and restored in the 1990s. And it only costs US$1.25 to see. Wow! Find out more in the link in my bio. ___ While in Chiang Mai we stayed at @movenpickchiangmai. ___ You can now also follow me on TripAdvisor - search for "travelwithbender". I'll share bite-sized reviews, tips, photos and updates.

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6 Essential Things To Do In Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is dramatic. Wedged between sheer mountains, spreading along an ancient alluvial plain, the unofficial capital of Northern Thailand conceals a tumultuous history dating back to the 13th century. A plethora of unique tourist attractions matched with extreme affordability, draws over 14 million tourists per year. Here are the top 6 attractions that made my list:
Read more at our travel blog.

"The only true wisdom is knowing that you know nothing." - Socrates ___ Soaring above the jungle and rice terraces at Kumulilir in Bali, Indonesia. ___ The expert guides at @baliforadventures helped us find this hidden gem, along with other amazing scenic and cultural locations around Bali on a day tour. ___ Found this amazing customisable tour at @voyagin. I tried this swing and took a pic of my brave niece having a turn. Would you dare to swing? ___ While in Bali I used my trusty @tepwireless hotspot.

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"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." - Arnold Schwarzenegger ___ Mesmerizing fire dancers during Bali Night Safari at @balisafari. ___ This is a clever concept where the humans are in a cage instead of the animals. We got carted around on the back of a truck covered in a cage to get up close to animals like lions, tigers and zebras. ___ One of the many teen-friendly activities we've been checking out in Bali recently. For discounted night safari tickets head to @voyagin. 🔸🔸🔸🔸

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🌋 Would you fly over an active volcano? ___ This is Mount Batur (Kintamani Volcano) in Bali, Indonesia. ___ We loved this scenic 🚁 helicopter tour from @baliadventuresky and @voyagin which offers the best views of Bali. ___ It last erupted in 2000 and triggered dozens of small earthquakes in 2009 over an 11 day period. ___ "The Warrior lives a life full of adventure, living on the edge of opportunity. Life on the edge keeps him in a space of heightened awareness and totally in the moment; therefore no matter what comes his way he is always prepared." - James Arthur Ray ___ While in Bali we stayed in @villa_amrita (near Ubud) and @hardrockbali (Kuta). We spent a few days with my niece & nephew and showed them around Bali. Check out our IG stories esee what we got up to. ___ #baliindonesia #baligo

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Our little piece of paradise in Ubud, Bali... @villa_amrita ___ "First think, second believe, third dream and finally dare." - Unknown ___ It's a fully contained 3 villa complex with full time staff to make meals and help out in any way possible. Yesterday Jacinta had a hot stone massage next to the pool and we enjoyed a full Balinese feast for dinner. ___ We're spending a couple days with my niece and nephew. They said they feel like the Kardashians in this villa. I can't disagree. ___ Check out our IG stories to see what we're up to in Bali this week. @travelwithbender

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🤓 What shape do you see in the ocean? ___ Shot near the Lad Koh View Point in Koh Samui, Thailand, from 45 m above. ___ I love how the amber hues of the rocks contrast with the teal blue of the sea. ___ I'll check out the IG accounts of the first 10 people who comment with ❤️❤️❤️, and give you a few tips to improve your photography. ___ I've started using @sandmarc ND filters for my DJI Mavic 2 Pro and they make the world of difference. ___ I've been using my @tepwireless hotspot around Thailand recently. Highly recommend 👌

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Pimsleur: My Secret Weapon to Quickly Learn a New Language

In most countries, the locals speak enough English to help us get around. But what happens if you come across someone that doesn’t speak English, or go to a country where English isn’t really spoken? Suddenly, simple things like getting directions, ordering a meal, or paying for shopping can get pretty difficult. With Pimsleur’s language learning method, speaking a new language (or two) just became super easy and affordable.
Read more at our travel blog.