5 of the best stopover destinations between Europe and Australia
While we can all be glad a trip to Australia no longer means spending weeks at sea, long-haul travel still has an uncanny ability to make us resemble our passport photos. Long flights connecting to other long flights, are hard work for any traveller, but they do offer an opportunity to taste-test new destinations. These are my favourite stopovers between Europe and Australia. During the time I have been living in Australia I have made several trips to Europe and explored lots of other destinations on the way. I have made a conscious effort to enjoy stopovers in different locations on each trip. While I don’t have a lot of…
17 Things you might not know about Istanbul
Turkey’s historic city Istanbul is known for many things, like being the world’s only city to straddle two continents, and being a great place to buy a Turkish carpet. However, this ancient city has lived many lives and has lots of stories to tell. There are probably several you haven’t heard yet. Here are 17 things you might not know about Istanbul. 1. Despite being the capital of the Roman Empire three times, and being by far the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is not the capital. Ankara is the nation’s capital city, since Ataturk declared Turkey a republic in 1923. 2. Constantinople (also previously known as Byzantium, Stamboul and…
Kek Lok Si – South East Asia’s largest Buddhist Temple
As well as the colours making it a photographer’s dream destination, Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most beautiful, unique and peaceful places you can visit in bustling Penang. Perched on a quiet hilltop, this fascinating temple harmoniously blends two forms of Buddhism with traditional Chinese beliefs, and is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. The result is a quiet place of worship covered in stunning artwork. It is definitely worth visiting when you are in Penang. The history of Kek Lok Si Temple Constructed between 1890 and 1930, thanks to generous donations from five wealthy Chinese merchants, Kek Lok Si is still…
48 Hours in Noosa
If you haven’t visited Noosa yet, you really should. While offering swanky boutiques and indulgent resorts, the Noosa region of the Sunshine Coast is also a great location from which to launch into several adventures, and make the most of the beautiful natural surroundings. Even if you only have a few days or a weekend to spare, there are so many great things to do in Noosa, and it’s only 90 minutes from Brisbane, making it the perfect weekend getaway. Noosa, at the northern end of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers, and with good reason; it really has something for everyone, and…
House sit and see the world for free
House sitting is a great way to extend your travel budget, enjoy accommodation standards you couldn’t normally afford, or get to know a new area by living like a local and exploring it for longer than a quick holiday. But how do you arrange a house sit and what is involved? Here is my introduction to house sitting. What does house sitting involve? House sitting is the exchange of services (looking after someone’s home and pets) for free accommodation. International variances in homes and lifestyles mean each opportunity is different. The most basic expectation is that house sitters keep the house in good condition until the owner returns. There can…
Three of Europe’s best coastal hikes
Europe has some incredible scenery, and a hiking adventure is one of the best ways to truly appreciate it.The European continent has it all, beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and spectacular rivers, with unique and charming towns and villages, often historic, scattered throughout, not to mention the food! There is an enormous variety of walking paths, offering everything from simple strolls to hardcore hiking. These three walks are my favourite coastal hikes in Europe, and worth the effort for the views alone. The Lycian Way, Turkey Covering more than 500 kilometres, the Lycian Way (Lykia Yolu) is made up of several historic pathways that stretch along Turkey’s beautiful south west coast…
Scenic Drives on Australia’s Sunshine Coast
As well as having spectacular beaches, the Sunshine Coast has a charming hinterland. Several quirky little towns enjoy a rainforest setting and views over the Sunshine Coast and Glasshouse Mountains. The Sunshine Coast hinterland is easily accessible from the coast, and exploring it makes a great road trip. If you don’t have your own vehicle it is definitely worth hiring a rental car to really enjoy the hinterland at your own pace. The Blackhall Range and the Glasshouse Mountains have long been an inspiration to artists and craftspeople and, as such, the hinterland has become the cultural centre of the region. Culture vultures can enjoy an artistic tour of the…
Eumundi Markets, the best markets in Australia
Hidden away in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the small settlement of Eumundi has the most interesting market I have seen in all of Australia. The market showcases local produce, with an eclectic array of arts and crafts, and is a must-see during a visit to the Sunshine Coast. Following the mantra “Make it, bake it, design it, sew it or grow it”, the Eumundi Markets are a celebration of the talents of the local community. There are over 500 stalls, spread across three different sites, all within walking distance from each other, within Eumundi. Eumundi Square To the north of Napier Street, several small shops are built to form a…
Best diving spots in Croatia and Montenegro
Formerly little known parts of eastern Europe are becoming increasingly popular as countries like Croatia and Montenegro open up to tourism. Budget flights and low prices at the destination, with food, drink, and accommodation all easily affordable, make these countries an economical option as well as something that’s still a little out of the ordinary. And where better to dive, than somewhere that is still a relatively undiscovered? Croatia and Montenegro are becoming popular holiday options with divers too, thanks to the warm climate, with lots of sunshine combined with miles and miles of coastline. All inclusive dive holidays to Croatia or Montenegro let you explore the underwater worlds without…
5 Awesome sights to see when you retire
There are some very special places in the world, many of which need to be seen to be believed. Far from the everyday life most of us experience, there are some awesome sights, humbling encounters and fascinating experiences to be had. If you’re planning your retirement, read on for some inspiration. I recently told someone about my mother’s 70th birthday trip to meet my brother and me in Vietnam, and was told how inspirational it was that Mum wanted to go ‘somewhere exciting’ to celebrate her birthday. My response? “Why not?” I love the idea of my family inspiring others, so, having helped Mum plan that trip, have thought of…
