Many of us dream of going on safari at least once in our lives. To see the exotic landscape and get up close and personal with beautiful and majestic animals really is the experience of a lifetime.
South Africa is a great destination to choose for all of this, and if you want to make the most of it, these tips will help you to maximise the magic.
Read MoreThese beach camping destinations around Australia are gorgeous, and they’re some of my favourites. Here’s where to go to sleep (and wake up!) this summer by the sea.
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland: You’ll find a gorgeous array of beach camping sites in the Whitsundays, but one of the standouts is Whitehaven.
Pristine white sands and glistening blue waters await, with the campsite and toilets nestled in the bush just metres back from the beach. It’s only small (with seven sites), so book early to grab a spot.
Read MoreTibet is a beautiful area within China* that is home to its own unique culture, style, and landscape. This fascinating place is the perfect destination for adventurers and travelers of all kinds! You’ll find ancient history, beautiful surroundings, and religiously-inclined locals who are happy and kind.
*Tibetans say their country is an independent nation: the Chinese government says it is part of China. Read more about the Tibetan sovereignty debate.
Here’s how you can visit the highlights of Tibet in 48 hours.
Read More“When it comes to travel, if you don’t snooze, you lose, and that’s why your own pillow is probably the smartest item you can stuff into your carry on tote, suitcase or back of the car when traveling for any length of time. Even one night spent embracing an offensive pillow can mess with your rest and make you crabby and sluggish!”
But there are a couple of issues here. Pillows are bulky, and don’t often fit into your bag. And it’s difficult to maneuver trains, buses, taxis, and other forms of transport when you already have your hands full, and then try to stuff a pillow into the mix. Of course you drop it. And now your favorite pillow is dirty and wet. And probably smells like old beer.
Though there is a solution to our travel pillow woes!! An Australian woman named Di Tipper has created the SleepKeeper Case – a product which is so simple that it’s genius, and means everyone can travel with ease with their pillow from home. It might sound like an oxymoron, but the brilliance of the SleepKeeper means that you can now travel light, with a full size pillow!!
Read MoreIf you’re planning on hitting the slopes this winter, Europe is home to some of the World’s most iconic ski resorts. And while skiing might have originated in Norway and Sweden, it’s the southern ski destinations that have cemented their names as a classic.
“From Ernest Hemingway in the 1920’s and James Bond in the 1980’s to the snowboarders of today, the mighty Alps provide both framework and backdrop for skiing in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.” You’ll find reliable snow, vast skiing terrains, legendary night life and family friendly facilities. There are Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels and destination spas with ultra-luxury chalets.
Europe has literally hundreds of ski resorts to choose from, though only a couple of classics. Here are our favorite top 10.
Read MoreThere’s a lot of conflicting travel advice online for finding the cheapest flights, and a lot of advice which is repeated so often it’s now general knowledge; be flexible with your dates, compare flight prices, travel during off season, don’t be afraid of a layover, etc.
But while the same old tips and suggestions pop up across different blogs time and time again, the travel industry evolves at such a rapid pace that every year is different from the one before. The tips and tricks which worked 12 months ago may not be up to date anymore.
So we’ve put together tips based on recent travel trends from the results of the 2016 Annual Flight Study from Momondo. Based on 13 billion fares across the top 100 routes searched for on momondo, this study has some fabulous insight on how you can save in 2017, making sure you’re always getting the best airfare!
Read MoreUsually associated with washing in rivers and pooping in horrible public toilets, a campervan holiday doesn’t exactly scream luxury.
However, a holiday on the great open road should not be completely dismissed by those folks who fancy the finer things in life. With the right choice of vehicle, it really is possible to combine the freedom and flexibility of a road trip with the luxury of a four star apartment.
That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the fanciest mobile homes the Aussie dollar can buy. Whether you’re buying or hiring, take a look and see what we mean – you might just be surprised!
Read MoreFinding suitable accommodation is a huge part of travel, and choosing a hotel can be one of the more time consuming parts of our planning. And sometimes we don’t get it right.
But for a sure bet, have you considered staying in a Casino hotel? With luxury accommodation, cheap rates, and some of the tightest security around, casino hotels can be some of the best hotels out there. And who knows, you might just end up paying for your entire holiday just by staying there!
The following are reasons you should consider staying in a Casino on your next trip.
Read MoreThere are many, many reasons you should purchase health insurance when traveling abroad, the most obvious being to protect yourself in the case of an emergency, though some countries are beginning to require health coverage as a mandatory condition of entry, meaning travelers no longer have the choice to travel without a plan.
Expat hubs around the world are beginning to require mandatory health insurance before issuing a visa, and more and more countries are deciding to refuse entry without it. Many travelers don’t realize that without the correct insurance, they could be turned away from the destination they are visiting before they make it past airport arrivals.
The following countries are among those jumping on the trend of making health insurance mandatory for those wishing to travel or live overseas.
Read MoreThe lifestyle of a digital nomad is highly coveted, especially among Millennials. Many of us identify with its appeal: escaping the 9-5, becoming our own boss, living and working wherever we want – provided there is Wi-Fi of course!
This revolution has proven that it’s possible to have a much more flexible work-life balance, with the aid of just a computer screen and the power of the internet. But becoming a digital nomad is not just an easy way out of doing any real work. As with anything in life, there are pros and cons.
But if you’re still keen to go for it, Ecommerce is a great choice for building a steady income online, and done right it can be very rewarding both for merchant and customer.
Read MoreHaving a passport is a wonderful thing. With it, you have access to thousands of incredible destinations around the globe. Without it, you’re stuck at home.
Whether your passport is stolen, misplaced, or wrecked, having to replace it while abroad is ridiculously stressful, and something which can really throw a spanner in your trip. Replacing it means traveling to your nearest consulate or embassy, and in some parts of the world these buildings might be in another country. Check mate.
So it’s important to keep it safe at all times. It’s a small document, but ever so crucial, and whether it’s before, during, or after your travels, you should treat it as if it’s gold.
Read MoreTo much of the developed world, especially in recent years, tattoos are seen as beautiful/trendy additions to one’s personality, with many tattoos succeeding in telling interesting stories about a person’s past.
But in some countries, tattoos are still seen as extremely taboo. Exposed tattoos in such countries can commonly result in arrests, and where a traveler is concerned, sometimes deportation.
So the following is a list of countries where you should be extra careful about flaunting your ink – otherwise you may end up in more trouble than previously thought!
Read MoreWhen it comes to luggage, my preference is to travel with a suitcase, with enough clothing options to satisfy my whim. So when the opportunity arose for a week long trek through the Dolomite Mountains, my first thought was: “Oh crap. I’m not going to be able to pack much.”
I dove into hiking blogs to figure out exactly how I was supposed to pack a 40-liter Deuter backpack with everything I would need. Here’s what I learned on the trail. May it help you!
Read MorePerhaps a story idea has been gnawing at you for years, begging to be written, but you just haven’t found the time to put pen to paper. Or maybe you’re worn down by the rat race and want to spend a year rekindling the sense of creativity that used to flow so freely before life got in the way.
Whatever your motivation, you’re considering leaving your day job in pursuit of your passion. As powerful and life affirming as this decision is, it’s also terrifying. Unless you’re independently wealthy, worries of how you’ll make rent and afford groceries without a steady income will inevitably weigh on you.
The good news is, the world is bursting with idyllic destinations that will provide you with ample inspiration, and where living costs are so low that you’ll be able to stretch your savings much longer than you could ever dream of doing at home.
Here are three unexpected, but incredible places to run away to when you’ve decided to quit your job and write your book.
Read MoreWe know you’ve heard it before, but Texas is big … really BIG. 268,597 square miles in fact; an area which is bigger than Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands combined!!
Texas is known for being so big and diverse that it’s practically its own country; a state which combines cowboys and country culture with glossy urban landscapes and sprawling city life, and one blessed with thousands of kilometers of rugged, gorgeous terrain.
The sheer diversity of the state means there are bound to hidden gems which even locals have probably never heard of. With such a wide swath of human experience on offer, visiting every corner of Texas would take months, if not years to explore!
Though for those who only have a couple of days to a week, the following are some of our favorite nooks and crannies; home to the most incredible hidden gems in the State.
Read MoreOver the last couple of decades, the internet has completely changed the way we plan and manage our travels, and as the internet continues to evolve, so does our approach to collecting information for an upcoming trip.
Ever since the blogging boom, the blogosphere has become one of the first places people use to search for ideas, tips and suggestions for their upcoming trip. But even blog articles aren’t as straightforward for planning a trip as they could be. It’s difficult to memorize everything you read before you leave, and if you want to have the information handy you’ll need to either print it out, or make sure you include roaming internet in your data plan to access the web page whenever you need to.
Neither solution is ideal. So I was excited to recently learn about GPSmyCity … a new app which turns travel blogs and articles into a GPS tour guide you can download to your phone, and access offline!
Read MoreFor someone who’s never done it before, chartering a private jet can be daunting and confusing. It’s estimated that over 8 million people fly every single day and, with commercial airlines becoming extremely busy due to high demand or simply cancelling and delaying flights, chartering a private jet can be very appealing for those with the means to do so.
But chartering a private jet isn’t a walk in the park, and it’s essential to do your research first, map out your entire journey, and ensure you’re as prepared as possible before spending your money chartering a jet. If this is something you’re interested in, keep reading and you’ll discover exactly how to charter a private jet and answers to commonly asked questions.
Read MoreEntering into a restaurant in Paris can be a formidable experience for uninitiated travelers. Not only do they have to contend with trying to make their wishes understood by a waiter who may or may not speak their language, but they must learn quickly how to adapt to local dining customs.
The Paris dining scene can be bewildering for those first time travelers who have no idea where to start, though if you’re confused about the difference between a bistrot and a brasserie, or if you feel intimidated by the prospect of going into any French restaurant and ordering a meal, then you’ve come to the right place!
Read MoreBest known for its beautiful beaches and parks and its near-perfect weather, San Diego is a popular destination along the southern Californian coast. With opportunities for wildlife viewing as well as a range of cultural, natural, and historic attractions available, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do.
There are many incredible experiences in San Diego for those with a large budget, from hot air ballooning with an ocean view to incredibly delicious and innovative dining scene. However this is a fantastic destination for the budget traveler too, and there are just as many incredible experiences for those who don’t want to spend their life savings.
The following is a budget guide to San Diego from my local point of view; things to do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, while still getting the full San Diego experience.
Read MoreA romantic getaway is a perfect excuse to explore a new corner of the world. And it when it comes to dreamy European cities, there’s nowhere quite so magical as Prague.
Winding cobbled streets, cosy pubs on every corner, bohemian outdoor markets and breath-taking views no matter where you look, the so-called ‘golden city’ was made for couples. With careful planning, in just a short weekend break you can see all its varied sights and enjoy plenty of quality time with your other half.
To help you organise a faultless trip, we’ve put together five date ideas guaranteed to have you leaving the Czech Republic feeling blissfully loved up.
Read MoreMany people make resolutions heading into the new year, and from a travelers perspective this may be to travel more, seek out immersive experiences, or even learn a new language. Though for me, this new year meant cleaning the house. Tidying up our garage, donating clothes, and cleaning out some old drawers. And it’s quite amazing what you find when you clear out your old draws!
Like $450 in forgotten cash.
You’re probably wondering how it’s possible to just “forget” about $450 in your sock drawer. That money represents a flight, a couple of nights at a hotel, or even a couple of weeks throughout a cheap country in South East Asia. But I’m not able to spend it. My problem is that my $450 is in Turkish Lira. And Euro. And Pounds. And Canadian Dollars. And Czech Koruna. And honestly there are a lot of coins and bank notes that I don’t even recognize!
Over 10 years of travel, all of that leftover currency adds up, and if you’ve been adding to your own jar over the years, you’ve probably got hundreds of dollars sitting there too. Here’s how to exchange those mixed foreign coins and bank notes for actual cash.
Read MoreThe idea to attempt a long walk had been in my head for some time. The book Wild, by Cheryl Strayed, came into my hands, shortly followed by Patrick Leigh Fermor’s A Time of Gifts; two autobiographies which detailed epic adventures across magical landscapes on foot.
It became clear to me that something very special happens to a traveler in this situation, so I decided I had to be involved. Though having never walked long distance before, I had to figure out where I should start.
The obvious choice for most travelers these days is the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St James. One of the most popular long distance routes made famous by films such as The Way with Martin Sheen, thousands come from all over the world to walk it every year. I imagined I’d probably be one of those thousands until – surprisingly – I started to learn a little bit more about European pilgrimage routes.
Read MoreLocated above the Arctic Circle (from the “capital city” Rovaniemi in the south all the way up to Utsjoki in the north), Finnish Lapland is an exotic region in northern Finland sculpted by round-shaped rugged mountains (tunturi), extensive pine forests (taiga), treeless flat lands (tundra), pristine lakes and rivers with gold nuggets.
Lapland is a unique destination which casts a powerful spell. Offering a wide array of activities for any nature lover, and with a certain sense of magic in the air, travelers visit for the midnight sun, the Sámi peoples, the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and roaming reindeer.
This is as close as reality gets for those who dream of a winter wonderland, and even with four very distinct seasons, contrasts are a key factor in the allure here; where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days, and the hustle and bustle of towns and ski resorts is just minutes away from the peace and quiet of the wild wilderness.
Read MoreTransportation costs don’t stop just because you’ve arrived at your destination. There are always additional expenses as you rent cars, hire taxis, or take the bus, and much of the time these expenses are costs which travelers overlook when planning your budget.
Though like with any other part of your vacation, you can save a little money in these areas too, if you know the right questions to ask and the right plans to make.
Read MoreTraveling with one backpack is a skill to be learned and perfected. Even the most seasoned travelers fight the urge to over pack, and most will likely admit to throwing extra items into their bag last minute. Though practice makes perfect, and over time I’ve managed to hone my packing skills to the point where everything fits into one backpack whether it be for 2 days or 2 months.
There is something liberating and exciting about being able to live out of just one piece of luggage. When you’re hauling heavy bags it’s awkward on public transport, inconvenient to drag across town, and airlines will hit you with extra fees. You’re less likely to travel off the beaten path with all that weight, and it’s difficult to find your things when and as you need.
So if your resolution for the new year is to travel lighter and pack less, consider the following rules.
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I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!
