Last summer my friends flew from LA to the Caribbean for $89. They hadn’t been back more than two weeks before they flew off to Switzerland for $227 return.
Most people’s reaction to that is “Nice for some“. Because not everyone works for an airline, can figure out how to accumulate millions of points, or has the time to watch airline fares like moving points on the stock exchange.
But here’s the kicker … neither did they.
They don’t have airline discounts, despite my constant badgering they haven’t signed up for any frequent flier programs, and they don’t spend any time researching to find cheap flights. So how the hell do they do it??!!
It’s because last summer, I told them to sign up for Cheap Fly Club, which is a free email subscription that sends you notifications of stupidly cheap flights.
I guess they do listen to some of my advice!
Read More
People generally don’t picture India when they think of tropical beach destinations, but Goa offers a slice of peaceful seaside paradise that is far removed from the chaos and overcrowding you’ll find in New Delhi or Mumbai.
India’s smallest state, Goa offers a great introduction to India where you can get a relaxing taste of the country’s culture, wildlife, and natural beauty without having to navigate your way through crowds and confusion.
The entire state’s population is about one tenth of what you’ll encounter in India’s major cities, though Goa is still well set up for tourism, offering visitors easy transportation and a wide variety of accommodation options.
Hotels in Goa range from affordable basic backpacker hostels to luxury 5-star resorts. Wherever you decide to set yourself up, you’ll find yourself on or near the 100-kilometre coastline that stretches along the Arabian Sea, offering up dozens of picture perfect beaches.
This handy guide to Goa’s top experiences will also allow you to discover why you’ll want to add this coastal gem to your next Indian itinerary.
Read More
Cuba tourism is booming, and all American’s can now legally travel to Cuba – with some limitations.
American travelers have been restricted from visiting Cuba for years now due to a trade embargo preventing the US from spending money on the island, and while “tourist travel” is still prohibited, travel restrictions are now less severe, and any American wishing to travel to Cuba may do so for one of 12 reasons.
Read More
Australia is a county shaped by migrants; it is said that one in four Australians were born overseas, and this rich, cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths.
While European settlers started the trend in the late 1700’s, Australia today sees migrants from more than 190 countries; from India, the UK, and, most notably, China. (Fun fact, Mandarin has become the most spoken language in Australia after English).
Australian cities have become a melting pot of cultures, and no-where is this more prevalent than the Melbourne suburb of Box Hill. Home to Melbourne’s largest Chinese population, well over half the population of Box Hill was either born in China or has Chinese ancestry. And this is a fact that Melbournians are incredibly proud of.
One hotel that has embraced and showcased this beautiful ethnic diversity is the Art Series Hotel – The Chen. Named for the Chinese born artist Zhong Chen, who migrated to Melbourne as a teenager, The Chen is a boutique hotel that celebrates not only Chen’s abstract art, but Australia’s rich multiculturalism.
Read More
Growing up in Australia in the 90s, my knowledge of Broken Hill came about from the cult film Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Being only five years old I may not have fully understood the plot line at the time; of two drag queens who make their way across the Australian Outback from Sydney to Alice Springs, but I do remember it being both comical and colourful.
Much like Priscilla, I had only ever passed through Broken Hill briefly en route to Alice Springs to witness Uluru. However, this year I decided that needed to change.
A town named by the early explorer Charles Sturt, for he wrote in his diary that the site looked like a Broken Hill, this year we based ourselves in town for a couple of days.
Made famous by mining, Broken Hill has become the capital of Outback Australia. While I had always thought of the town as a quick stopover, I would end up being pleasantly surprised at the many offerings the town has along with the beautiful landscapes that surround it.
Red Earth Motel proved to be the perfect luxury Outback base.
Read More
Ask any resident or visitor to Tasmania about the biggest highlight of the island and most will say Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park makes up part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which is one of the largest conservation areas in Australia. Home to a wide array of rare and endemic plants and animals, it showcases the best nature and wildlife Tasmania has to offer.
According to latest statistics, half of all travelers to Tasmania come to see its wildlife and many natural attractions. Most travellers place Cradle Mountain on their itinerary due to its ease of access and range of facilities available.
The Cradle Mountain Hotel offers the chance to take in this wild and rugged natural Aussie icon in comfort and luxury. Our own personal Cradle Mountain Hotel experience was one we will never forget and already has us planning our next getaway to this remarkable part of Tasmania.
Read More
Every year during September and October, tulip season in Tasmania is one of the most spectacular draws to the Cradle Coast.
A tulip farm atop a 12 million year old volcano, Table Cape Tulip Farm features acres of patchwork fields that fly into a rage of color each spring.
Unsurprisingly, people come from far and wide to see this spectacle, and delight in wandering through the farm. In fact, these are the largest tulip fields in the Southern Hemisphere that you can actually wander in.
Read More
I don’t know if it’s because I’ve recently turned 30, but I definitely remember a time when I used to have more energy.
Whether you’ve traveled for an active adventure, or urban exploration, a very common goal among travelers is to get the most out of every day. After-all, you have limited vacation days, and you’ve traveled to an exotic location – you want to experience as much as possible.
But there’s no denying that moving around all day comes with one downside; exhaustion, aches and pains. Long days of traveling, sightseeing, and walking are incredible, but they definitely take their toll.
Many travelers experience soreness, muscle pain, and fatigue overseas, and it can be especially difficult if you’re wondering how you can possibly head out again tomorrow.
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, wondering how you’re possibly going to continue with your itinerary, I’ve got you covered. Pranamat ECO is a therapeutic accupressure massage set you can travel with, and a great way to relax and get rid of muscle pain.
Read More
Have you ever heard of Ladakh?
Based in the Trans-Himalaya region, this is India’s Land of High Passes, also known as “Little Tibet.”
If you’re a beach lover, chances are that Ladakh won’t exactly thrill you. But if you are a nature enthusiast and a fan of the mountains, a trip here definitely won’t disappoint.
What makes Ladakh unique is the landscape. You might be surprised to know that the local population lives at an elevation between 2,700m and 4,500m. Even the capital of Ladakh, the city of Leh, is at an altitude of 3,500, (which can cause travelers some high-altitude symptoms).
And within that spectacular landscape? There are a huge range of tourist places in Ladakh and exciting things to do.
Read More
I won’t lie; I wasn’t originally keen on the idea of visiting Bali. I wasn’t interested in nightlife or beach parties, and mistakenly believed that Bali’s fun was limited to the beer cans of the Australian party travelers.
And it’s true that Bali is not exactly a secret paradise – it’s one of the world’s most popular island destinations, and while fifty years ago there were only a very small handful of hotels available, nowadays there are over 5,000 to choose from.
So imagine my surprise when I was told adamantly that being packed into a hotel or resort with a large number of tourists isn’t what Bali is about; when I was told that Bali is actually rich with culture and pristine landscapes that are worlds away from the hectic nightlife and commercialism I had assumed all of the island had become.
Surely we were talking about two different Bali’s. Because what she was describing wasn’t anything close to the drunken Facebook photos I had seen.
But we were. And there are in fact, two very different worlds available for tourists to Bali.
Read More
Our recent week in Strahan saw us hike to thundering waterfalls, take a steam train through tangled forest, and cruise through Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area.
There were long stretches of wild ocean beach to explore, massive sand dunes to conquer, and ruins of early convict prisons set up in Tasmania’s wild west.
Follow this itinerary to experience it all!
Read More
Solo travel is an incredible, life changing experience, and I look back on my experiences as a solo traveler with extreme fondness. But like anything in life, travel has its ups and downs, and one particular experience that you’re also likely to encounter is loneliness.
Each of us is likely to experience loneliness in everyday life, but we rarely expect it when we’re traveling. Or for those of us who do expect it, the terrifying thought is what keeps you from getting on the plane.
And when the feeling inevitably creeps in, we feel uncomfortable talking about it, almost like it’s ungrateful to feel lonely while you’re on the trip of a lifetime.
I’ve heard travelers say things like they shouldn’t feel lonely because they’re in Paris. Or who wants to hear from a friend who is struggling with depression while vacationing on a gorgeous beach?
But it’s time to put an end to the notion that exciting cities or lovely scenery act as a magical force-field to loneliness, because it’s not true. Acknowledging that you’re allowed to feel lonely when you’re traveling is extremely important, because it then empowers you to beat it.
And you can beat it.
Read More
I’ve spent the last few months in two minds about whether to go through with this year’s edition of the sexiest female travelers of the year. Sure, every year attracts feedback to some extent that the very idea of this post objectifies women, but in the climate of current campaigns like #Metoo, there is a high likelihood that these voices would intensify.
But ultimately, sexualizing women has never been what this series is about. Despite an admittedly click bait title, this series is about promoting the idea that beauty is a diverse term that describes every size, shape and color; that it doesn’t matter whether you are Caucasian, African, Hispanic, or Asian when it comes to being beautiful.
This series is about highlighting inspiring, confident, and strong women, who re-define the traditional notion of “sexy” through their passion for exploring the world and their adventurous souls.
The incredible women we are highlighting this year are not models; they’re role models. They may not be the most dolled up, but are certainly the most authentic: self sufficient women who challenge, encourage and inspire us to see, do and be more.
Read More
Humans have always been a nomadic species. Our adventurous spirit has long seen us travel the world in search of new lands and experiences. Even today we yearn to escape the confines of our regular lives in search of new cities and countries.
While travelling to a destination allows you a glimpse into a different culture and way of life, choosing to live abroad takes the experience to a whole other level. You’re able to fully immerse yourself into a destination, and gain a behind the scenes look at what a country is really like; the experience opens your mind to new ideas, helps you grow as a person, and gives you a greater sense of self confidence.
Whether you choose to backpack across Europe for 12 months or migrate to another country permanently, you become what is known as an expatriate (expat for short); a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than their own.
To live abroad is something everyone should experience at some point in their lives, but you do have certain responsibilities as an expat. And one of those is staying on top of tax.
Read More
Visiting new places can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. From the joy of meeting new people to experiencing different cultures and eating unusual foods, traveling is a wonderful way to enrich both your mind and your spirit.
But don’t be fooled into thinking that you have to be young and carefree or older and wealthy to take advantage of everything the world has to offer. Even those with kids can have exciting and meaningful trips that involve more than the Disney Vacation Club.
The following are our top three tips for traveling like a pro even with your small kids in tow.
Read More
I met Oren Liebermann in 2014, 5 months after he had been diagnosed with diabetes. Though his journey to diagnosis was anything but conventional.
In the middle of a yearlong backpacking trip around the world with his wife, Oren was teaching English to young Buddhist monks in Pokhara, Nepal, when his body began to fail him. He had picked up a virus in Kenya weeks earlier, and had been traveling for two months as a medical time bomb.
He had been brushing off signs of poor health for months; dismissing constant thirst as a consequence of the Bangkok heat; exhaustion in the Himalayas to the altitude, and weakness / extreme weight loss to malnutrition.
But after visiting a local clinic in Nepal, a doctor gives him a diagnosis that will change his life forever: “I’m sorry to tell you, my friend, that you are a diabetic.”
Oren’s reaction? “Holy shit”.
Read More
It is a nation of breathtaking scenery, medieval castles, rich culture, and of course, Guinness. This magical island known as Ireland has long been charming visitors, with its residents offering their warmest welcome and all too eager to share why they believe their country is one of the finest.
Ireland is a destination suited to nearly every type of traveller; I assure you its treasures will leave a lasting buzz much stronger than any amount of Jameson could ever inflict. Here, old world charm meets modern day luxuries, making an Irish holiday both magical and carefree.
So whether you’re a solo backpacker seeking a true adventure or simply want to enjoy retired life with the love of your life, pack your bags and head to the Emerald Isle for a holiday you won’t soon forget.
Read More
Melbourne may be Australia’s second largest city, but just outside the city (and even within) you’ll find incredible natural attractions where you can witness a wide range of wildlife.
Just outside Melbourne’s CBD you’ll find some of Australia’s finest sanctuaries for authentic wildlife encounters, home to both Australian and international species. And within the city, there are an incredible range of attractions, including the zoo, the aquarium, and many nature parks prolific with native wildlife.
Admission fees can start getting quite expensive after you hit a few of these attractions. So we recommend purchasing a Melbourne iVenture Card for up to 40% of the city’s best wildlife experiences (the card also includes a wealth of attractions within the city itself).
Read More
Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities, and draws visitors from all over the globe with its elegant European feel, convenient and reliable public transportation, wide array of delicious gastronomic offerings, and wealth of exciting attractions.
With year round festivals and events, there is always something happening in Melbourne. Whether you fancy watching sports, enjoying loads of entertainment options, or simply want to relax in beautiful gardens, Melbourne makes for the perfect holiday no matter what your personality is.
Here are some of Melbourne’s top attractions and experiences you must experience.
Read More
Regardless of whether you’re a romantic, your honeymoon should be one of the most unforgettable holidays of your life. But if you’re struggling with romantic honeymoon ideas, you’re not alone.
These days your option are endless, and it can be difficult to figure out where you want to go. Type “honeymoon” into Google and you’re bombarded with hundreds of pages, suggestions, and honeymoon packages abroad. It’s overwhelming!
We understand that wedding planning is hectic and stressful, so to ease some of that strain, we’ve collated a short list of romantic honeymoon ideas – 10 international honeymoon destinations for when you tie the knot.
Read More
Who says you can’t travel with all the comforts of home? Summer in Australia is fast approaching, and the Gold Coast is the country’s top coastal destination. An iconic Australian beach city famous for surf, sand, and sun.
And when it comes to choosing accommodation, we highly recommend an apartment; something which offers you ample space to lay out after an exhausting (but exhilerating!) day, and facilities that make a beach getaway easy; like your own laundry, kitchen, and a private balcony.
One of our favorites for contemporary self-catering apartments is Ambience on Burleigh Beach, in a convenient beachfront location between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta.
Fronting what is easily the best beach on the Gold Coast, it’s also a great base for more theme parks than you could ask for, as well as access to Queenslands most beautiful national parks.
Read More
As you walk along Hobart’s waterfront, the breeze carries a thousand captivating stories of those who were there before; from convicts, crooks, and captains of industry, Tasmania’s history is made up of a cast of remarkable characters, each with an intriguing story to tell.
Though the best way to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Tasmanian stories is not at a museum; it’s at the world’s first storytelling hotel.
Nestled on the waterfront of Hobart’s Franklin Wharf, and inspired by the history and colourful characters of Tasmania’s past, MACq 01 is an exciting new luxury hotel, and the perfect base for exploring Hobart and surrounds.
An ultra-exclusive $45 million project, doors have only recently opened on what is Hobart’s hottest new boutique hotel.
Read More
Phuket is a lovely place to take in the best Thailand has to offer however the newly opened MAI HOUSE Patong Hill gives you every excuse to stay in.
High up on the lush tropical hillside overlooking Patong Beach and the sparkling Andaman Sea, the exotic 79-room resort is one of the newest in Phuket, standing out as an oasis of modern Thai culture and chic relaxation.
With spacious rooms for families, couples or individuals, including rooms with private pool access, and private outdoor jacuzzi’s, local character and the historic flavor of Phuket Island intertwines with contemporary 5-star facilities to provide you with a magnificent and personal getaway to another world.
For those seeking a modern luxury experience in the Patong Beach district of Phuket, this is hotel opening you don’t want to miss!
Read More
When it comes to London’s bar scene, gin is definitely in, and there are an excellent range of specialist drinking dens to choose from. This is our list of the best.
Legal drinking age in the UK is 18. Remember to never drink and drive – we have included recommendations of hotels within walking distance of each bar.
Read More
The small and picturesque town of Manali lies in a valley nestled between mountains in the northern state of India, Himachal Pradesh. The beautiful town is the gateway to an ancient trade route that leads to Ladakh and then to the famous Karakoram Pass connecting India and China.
Manali is natures treasure chest with its majestic mountains, flowing streams and rivers and mystical springs. To get a really immersive experience in Manali, one should stay there for at least a week.
There are many good hotels in Manali to suit everyone from the backpacker to the luxury traveler. Once you are settled in, you can embark on your voyage of discovery. Here is a list of top 5 places you must experience when in Manali.
Read More
