One of the southern-most points in Australia, Bruny Island lies off the south coast of Tasmania. Though despite being just a short drive and ferry ride from Hobart, less than 10% of travelers to Tasmania visit, choosing instead to head to more famous parts of the State like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park.
Their loss!
While Bruny Island may only be 50 kilometres across, the unassuming island is one of Tasmania’s best kept secrets, and while small in size, it certainly packs a heavy punch; think stunning natural beaches, elusive quolls and white wallabies, and sustainable luxury at its finest.
You’ll need at least 3 days to really do the island justice, and when it comes to accommodation, we can highly recommend Free Spirit Pods; gorgeous, fully self contained eco-pods set on the waterfront, backed by 8 acres of bushland on North Bruny Island.
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Tasmania lies roughly 400 km from mainland Australia however it seems like a world away; a magical destination where you can escape the crowds of Australia’s main cities, and access vast wilderness and astounding natural wonders like no-where else in the world.
There’s a relaxing pureness about this small island State, and its towns transport you back to simpler times where modern stresses cease to exist. It definitely offers all the modern conveniences you could hope for, but has somehow managed to maintain its unique culture and charm. Managed to preserve it’s World Heritage Areas, wildlife, beautiful landforms, natural and cultural history, and brought them into modern times.
But it’s difficult to really experience all Tasmania has to offer without a car, so there was no question about how we would get to the Island of the Devil; we would journey overnight from the mainland on Spirit of Tasmania. By transporting ourselves along with our personal vehicle and all our gear we were assured of getting the most rewarding experience Tassie could offer.
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There’s a lot to consider when preparing for a trip. You’ll need to book your flights, check your visas, pack your essentials, and maybe even learn how to use a VPN to stay safe online as you travel.
There’s certainly something to think about from every angle. To take some of the stress out of strategising, we’ve got a handful of tips that’ll make your travel well planned. So tighten the straps on your rucksack – here’s our 8 Tips For Your First Solo Backpacking Trip
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Tasmania is world famous for its pure air, clean water, and crisp climate. And if you landed here without context, to our ‘lush crisp landscape battered by chilly seas’, pulled up to an imposing 19th century Coaching Inn, and were handed a single malt whisky, we’d forgive you for drawing parallels to Scotland.
After-all, you need a very stable, cool climate to brew the perfect malt whisky (not even modern climate controlled warehouses are as good as brewing in the perfect natural climate), and some of the purest air and water in the world.
Which is why Scottish Whisky has become so famous.
While both superb locations for making whisky, the difference of Scotland and Tasmania is that the distilling of spirits was outlawed here from 1838 to 1991. Though since the law was overturned Tasmania has experienced a craft malt Whisky revival, and the artisanal Whisky movement has earned the reputation of ‘Scotland Down Under’.
150 years was a long time for Tasmanians to wait between drinks, but the State’s pure ingredients and passionate distillers have more than made up for it since.
And that 19th century Coaching Inn? It exists! It sits at 26 Main St Kempton. 40 minutes from Hobart, the Coaching Inn is now a cellar door, with a distillery you can tour in the convict brick stables.
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Australia has a long history of sheep farming, and within 50 years of their arrival in 1788, sheep had become the main source of income for Australian industry.
29 sheep arrived in Australia with the British First Fleet. 230 years later, wool markets around the world are dominated by Australian exports, and our country has more than 27 million sheep; raised largely for wool over meat.
Humble farming has defined Australia for centuries, and sheep are considered the iconic Aussie flock; farmers continue to work sheep stations throughout the country to feed and clothe the nation.
A true-blue producing nation, there are now 85,681 farms across Australia, and many sheep properties invite you to stay; to swap those white sneakers for gumboots and experience country life in a real and authentic way.
One such property is Rathmore, an hour from Hobart in Tasmania’s Central Highlands; a historic sheep property settled in 1828, which is unique in offering a choice of accommodation.
Choose to stay in the beautiful sandstone homestead with the land owners, with grand bedrooms and period furniture, or in the historic shearers’ quarters, recently revived to offer a country experience that is rustic chic.
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Restricted to Tasmania during the pandemic, Mike and I have made an effort to explore our home state. Though being ‘confined’ to such a naturally beautiful island with a number of world famous wilderness destinations free of crowds and chaos is far from limiting!
Our experience in the Huon Valley was the perfect balance of wild exploration, while still being able to relax in luxury after days full of dramatic adventure; a balance made possible by checking into the ultra modern Cygnet Retreat.
Nestled in Southern Tasmania just a short drive from Hobart, Cygnet is now known as the place to escape the fast-paced stresses of our modern day to day.
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Growing up in Hobart, I have many fond memories of heading to our family shack along the coast of Southern Tasmania. It had been years since I had returned to this southernmost part of Australia and I was eager to share the area with my American husband.
Basing ourselves in Dover, this region is defined by a culture of holiday homes; you won’t find high-rise cookie-cutter hotels here; it’s authentic living in seaside towns, from cosy waterfront studios, to beach-side bungalows, and locally owned villas in forested surrounds.
Surrounded by wilderness and relaxation, we were fortunate to stay at what must be Dover’s most unique and stunning property, a turn of the 20th century farmhouse that has been very much renovated into a luxury holiday home.
Known as the Peninsula Experience, this unique and secluded property actually boasts two separate houses which includes The Cape House and The Boat House. This is our experience at The Cape House.
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The Huon Valley has long been a popular day trip option from Hobart. After-all, just a 30 minute drive south of the city and you’ll be at the source of some of the finest food and freshest ingredients in the country.
Apple growers, craft cider makers, boutique winemakers, salmon producers, and other homegrown produce means even many locals make the drive just for lunch.
But this is a region defined by more than just its food excellence, and if you’re visiting the State, the traditional day trip from Hobart won’t even come close to doing the region justice.
Because on top of the apple cider, salmon sushi, and mouthwatering apple pie (trust me, you’ll order two servings), the Huon Valley also serves up incredible natural beauty, and a huge range of adventure. And they serve it to you on a platter!
The Huon Valley is full of beaches, caves, thermal springs, and is the gateway to the southern forests and World Heritage Wilderness Walks. You can explore by jet boat, hang glider, foot, or car, and if you’re hungry inbetween, fuel up on produce from local roadside stalls.
The Huon Valley is not a day trip destination. It’s worthy of far more time. We recommend at least four to five days for exploring the region.
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The first time we visited Alaska we flew into Anchorage and planned out a self drive itinerary by land. The thinking was that this would allow us to see and do more.
And while we had an incredible time, camping in the rugged interior of Denali, and encountering bears along some of the States most scenic drives, we actually missed out on the big show.
Because cruising actually allows you to experience more of Alaska than a land based DIY tour; while cruising offers the best of both worlds, and allows for land based excursions, driving means you completely miss out on sailing on the icy seas.
Cruising in Alaska means whale watching at 6am as soon as you fall out of bed. It means the opportunity to visit islands and towns not accessible by road. It means dining on fresh salmon as you float past massive blue glaciers, and snow-capped mountains shrouded in mist.
If you’re thinking of cruising Alaska, the word epic barely does the experience justice. Here are 7 things you can expect to see.
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Of all the amazing experiences you’ve had abroad, which do you remember the most? Do you remember the hotels and hostels? Do you remember the bars? Could you tell me about the trains you took, the medieval churches, or any of the city parks?
And perhaps you do remember the hotels and hostels. Though when you think about these memories, why do they stick out? What’s the common theme? For me at least, my most memorable moments abroad have always been shared with the people I meet.
Let’s be honest, many of the travelers we meet may only be in our lives for a day. But we appreciate these people for the time we shared together. And some of those we meet do stick with us forever. But even if you don’t stay in touch, the best memories in your lives include each other and that’s a bond which ties you together for life.
The following post is about how to connect with travelers abroad, and why the friends you meet traveling are friends for life.
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Adventure has been the new pretty for a while now, and women who travel are continually redefining the traditional notion of “sexy” through their passion for exploring the world and adventurous soul.
These women are smart, independent and strong. They navigate unknown cities with a great sense of direction, but also enjoy the spontaneity of getting lost. They’re not searching for money, status or looks, they’re searching for knowledge and world experiences.
These women may not be the most dolled up, but they’re certainly the most authentic. Self sufficient women who challenge, encourage and inspire you to see, do and be more.
Though it’s not even that the following women have all of the above mentioned qualities which ultimately makes them sexy. It’s that they have gone against the “norm” to create a lifestyle that they love. It’s that they’re genuinely happy in life. And happy people are beautiful. They become like a mirror and reflect that happiness back on you.
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It was on the second or third day of our Ireland tour when a particular opportunity arose; a chance at a totally new experience for me. We were traveling north from Dublin, and as was explained by our extremely outgoing and animated Irish tour guide, it was optional if any of us wished to try walking across the structure to be found at our next stop.
It was the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Suspended almost 100 ft above sea level, the rope bridge spans a dizzying gap over the North Atlantic from the mainland to a small island. Today it is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers (and birdwatchers!) to the North Coast every year.
If you are bold enough to cross the 65 ft (20 m) bridge, stretching from the mainland to ‘Rocky Island’, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Rathlin Island, Scotland and the Causeway Coast. Though legally blind, at least I didn’t have to worry about not looking down!
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It’s no secret that Mexico is known worldwide for its stunning beach escapes. While most people looking to book a Mexican beach holiday look to places like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Cabo San Lucas, we’re recommending you look to Tulum for its laid-back luxury with a bohemian vibe. This once-sleepy beach town nestled along the Caribbean coast has quickly emerged as a global luxury hotspot that’s known for its eco-friendly elegance. From lounging in private beach cabanas with your toes buried in glistening soft white sand or indulging in gourmet beachside dining, Tulum offers the perfect mix of relaxed vibes and upscale experiences including booking into luxury wellness retreats. Join us as we explore how to enjoy Tulum at its finest, from lavish accommodations to peaceful spa treatments, all set against the backdrop of one of Mexico’s most picturesque coastlines.
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Planning a trip to Canada but unsure when the best time to go is? The honest answer is that any season can be a perfect time to visit Canada and will ultimately depend upon what kind of experience you’re after. Each of Canada’s four seasons offer up different sights and attractions. Whether you’re a fan of snowy adventures like skiing in Whistler, lush valleys ablaze with colourful springtime wildflowers, sun-soaked summer days spent kayaking on idyllic lakes, or viewing the fiery autumn foliage of Algonquin Park, Canada offers a year-round travel destination eager to be explored. Canada is a country that transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering you a chance to experience its natural beauty in different ways throughout the year. Join us as we explore what each season has to offer and help you decide when to embark on your Canadian getaway.
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Nature, with its raw beauty and unpredictability, provides the perfect backdrop for thrilling outdoor sports. Immersing yourself in the untamed spirit of the great outdoors allows you to experience adrenaline-pumping excitement that often pushes you to your limits. Nature’s raw power both challenges and exhilarates, whether its battling wind, water, or earth. We encourage you to step into nature’s arena to experience some of the following top thrilling outdoor adventure sports that allow you to embrace the forces of nature and experience the world in its most primal state.
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The simple fact is that for most of us travel is fleeting, and we aren’t afforded the luxury of roaming around the world endlessly. But while the excitement of travel must come to an end, you can continue to relive those special moments and places you’ve visited through the power of art. By channelling your travel memories into artistic pursuits, you can stay connected to the places that made an impression on you. Here are innovative and creative ways to transform your travel memories into art that will hopefully enrich your everyday life by offering constant reminders of your endeavours and allowing you to relive your travel adventures.
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Setting out on a solo road trip can be a freeing and empowering experience, offering unparalleled freedom and the chance to discover new places and maybe even a bit more about yourself in the process. That being said, there’s no denying that cross-country road trips can often be filled with seemingly endless hours of driving which can see boredom creep in to compete with your excitement. Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can transform these quiet miles into periods that may actually enhance your trip or at the very least keep you entertained during the downtime transiting between destinations on your road trip itinerary. From in-car entertainment to unique ideas for creating stops to avoid long periods of monotonous driving and boredom, let’s explore how to make every moment of your journey an enjoyable one next time you’re planning for a road trip.
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One of the most cherished ways to remember your travel experiences besides taking photos is to pick up memorable souvenirs during your travels, and unique jewelry pieces may just be one of the best souvenirs you can get. Unlike typical mass-produced trinkets that countless tourist acquire, jewelry not only serves as a beautiful reminder of your adventures that you can wear all the time, but also embodies the essence of the places you visit and often the talented artistry of their people. Wearing jewelry that you’ve picked up during your travels will likely evoke fond memories of your experiences for years to come and often serve as the perfect conversation starter with others which in turn will invite you to share your travel stories and spread awareness and appreciation for different cultures. From the famous gemstones of Africa to lovely Vietnamese jadeite jewelry, let’s take a journey around the globe to discover some of the finest timeless jewelry treasures the world has to offer.
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Most travelers return from their holidays with countless photos of their experiences, whether it be having witnessed iconic landmarks, showcasing sampled fancy foreign cuisine, or capturing vivid beach sunsets. Another major subject matter travelers regularly focus on is travel portraits. While many of us simply consider taking travel photos as a hobby, there is a healthy market for travel photography from normal everyday travelers. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and the increasing demand for authentic and relatable content, there is a growing interest in travel photography captured by ordinary people. Let us look at how you can start marketing your travel photos to help fund your future trips or possibly create a full-time business that allows you to find a career you truly enjoy.
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There’s no denying that Africa has inspired many a traveler. Those fortunate enough to set foot upon the continent often proclaim that visiting Africa changes you forever. It’s a place where you can be in the middle of nowhere yet feel somehow like you’re at the center of everything. Africa is the cradle of humanity and the Earth’s heartbeat. It’s a land of contrasts, from the sweeping savannas of the Serengeti to the majestic peaks of Kilimanjaro. Marvel at the towering Egyptian pyramids, trek through the lush jungles of Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas, experience the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the Namib Desert, or simply relax on the pristine beaches of the Seychelles. Join us as we uncover just a few of the must-see African travel destinations to add to your bucket list in 2024. Uncover the secrets of this continent for yourself and come away with memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
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Indonesia is one of the world’s top adventure cruise destinations, offering an exotic archipelago of over 17,000 islands. From the vibrant coral reefs of Raja Ampat to the lush greenery of Bali and the cultural richness of West Papua on New Guinea, each island in Indonesia offers a unique and unforgettable experience. By far the finest and easiest way to explore the often remote islands of Indonesia is by embarking on a cruise. Cruising allows you to uncover hidden gems, immerse yourself in local culture, and really embrace the natural side of this tropical paradise. Join us as we embark on a journey through Indonesia’s archipelago.
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Considering a solo trip through Massachusetts? Well, if you’re looking to get off the beaten tourist path, you’re in luck. There are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the state. Massachusetts offers a wide range of activities and attractions to suit every interest. Whether you enjoy exploring historic sites, hiking in nature reserves, dining at diverse restaurants, or attending cultural events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy solo. Massachusetts is known for its diverse and welcoming towns and villages, where solo travelers will feel comfortable exploring on their own. Whether chatting with locals at a neighborhood café or joining a group tour, solo travelers can easily connect with others and make new friends along the way.
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Singapore is a foodie’s paradise, where flavours from all over Asia come together to dance on your taste buds. It’s a place where food tells the story of a rich, multicultural heritage, making it a top spot for anyone who loves to eat. From bustling hawker centres to cosy restaurants, you’ll find dishes influenced by Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and China. So, if you’re planning to visit Singapore soon, here are some dishes you absolutely must try.
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Maxi dresses have become a timeless wardrobe staple, offering comfort, style, and versatility for women of all ages and sizes.
These floor-length wonders are not just a fashion trend; they’re a go-to option for a wide range of occasions, and perfect to take with you traveling.
Whether you’re planning a casual outing or a formal event, or need to cover up your knees at religious sites overseas, there’s a perfect maxi dress waiting in your closet to make you look and feel fabulous.
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Antoni Gaudí ‘s designs transformed numerous cities in Spain, inspired countless architects around the globe, and made Spain a captivating place to explore not only for lovers of architecture but for all travellers. Come explore the life and works of the extraordinary Antoni Gaudí, as we look into his three most iconic masterpieces: the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera.
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