If the same old family holiday in the UK felt just a bit dull this year, you might want to start thinking about ideas for a trip in December 2009. Click on the custardy coloured bits below to find out just how much fellow STA travellers enjoyed their Christmases and New Years:

Relaxing on a white sand beach in Bermuda…

Visiting an orphanage in Phnom Penh…

Splashing in the pool on top of Mount Isa…

Ripping it up in Dublin… or

Coughing from the pollution in Kathmandu Valley…

… and don’t be afraid to leave comments or questions for our Explorers on their blogs to get further advice and opinion about how they found their festive time abroad.

The Budget Backpackers had some down time waiting for a bus back to Manilla. Not a bad bus to be waiting for by all accounts- considerably better than the shuttle service from Didcot Parkway train station I imagine.

Bitter thoughts about my dislike of public transport aside, Matt and Emily spent the time wisely by uploading some images of their recent activites. Included is impressive scenery, some Red Horse beer (extra strong of course) being guzzled and wayward hair. I say wayward, but was kind of liking it, though the accompanying comment suggests such a freestyle barnet is not Matt’s preference,

“In need of a haircut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

All the piccies are through this link.

The Budget Backpackers had some trouble uploading their collection of images, but success was finally theirs. So for your viewing pleasure enjoy some visuals of their time in Kuala Lumpar. For the purposes of illustrating this STA nugget, I’ve included their suitably impressive image of the Petronas Twin Towers.

As for the Philippines, they’ve budget backpacked their way to within its borders. There is mention of mistaken identity regarding Sunday; yes, they actually thought it was Saturday, and that was before the

“…few beers at only 35pesos which is like 40p so not bad!!”

Despite bad weather, in true STA Explorer style, Matt and Emily have endeavoured up and onward, with what seems like abundent trekking. One such outing was a substitute for caving; you can read why caving fell off the to-do list here…

Well, it is according to Budget Backpackers Matt and Emily, who are stuck there for nine days as the execution of the Bail bombers has prevented them from following their original round the world itinerary. This is a potentially controversial judgement, as Kuala Lumpur is in fact ‘the fastest growing metropolitan area’ in Malaysia (thanks, Sir Wiki) and the travellers do admit that it’s ‘a 24 hour city’ with ‘loads of great food’ and hot designer labels - if you’re into that kind of thing, which they aren’t. In truth, they can’t wait to get to the Philippines for a spot of volcano climbing instead.

Are there any KL fans out there who know of places and experiences in the city that might change their minds? Go over and argue your case.

The Budget Backpackers have warned us that they’re about to head into an internet dark zone as their adventures in Thailand take them to the famously beautiful National Marine Park on the island of Ko Tarutao. The couple have been enjoying their time as 2 of the only tourists in Trang before they head to the island, so now’s the time to head over and ask them anything about travelling with STA in Thailand before they temporarily disappear. Fear not though - Matt promises he’ll blog from Kuala Lumpar on the 10th, so we’ll keep you posted!

Our STA Explorers The Budget Backpackers are heading to the Full Moon Party in Koh Pha Ngan! Two tickets for hedonism central please!

The duo intends to stay in Koh Pha Ngan for about week before investigating the isles around and about. They’re disappointed at having to leave the ‘amazing’ Laos (sounds like an illusionist) early where they met some loveable peeps, but the lure of island hopping and party time is too much.

I’m sure there will be an update about the festivities, but for now why not fill us in on your full moon party antics, should you have some that is?

The Budget Backpackers are living up to their name as they’ve found an 80p-per-night hostel in Vang Vieng:

despite a few cockroaches under the bed the place is spotless and has a brand new shower and fan and an ensuite toilet!

They’ve also been tubing down the Nam Song river visiting bars for a shot of lao lao (whisky) along the way. Now’s your chance to get some free advice if you’re thinking of travelling in Thailand on a shoestring: Matt and Emily are a damn friendly duo so go post a question about anything concerning Hanoi or Laos, where they’ve managed to stick to a pretty tight budget so far…