My Year in Travel: 2019

Happy Holidays fellow-travel lovers! Another year has flown by in the blink of an eye and it has been another fantastic year full of travel, new achievements and great memories.

A Month Island Hopping in Fiji | Travel Diaries

Hey all! Long-time, no post. I've just returned home after spending a month overseas in Fiji. For those that don't know, from October I started working as a Social Media Consultant for a group of three sisters resorts in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji - basically a dream job!

Doha, Qatar 24-Hour Layover Guide

On my recent trip to Europe, I flew Qatar Airways and braved the current longest flight in the world - Auckland to Doha (18 hours). I extended my layover in Doha which I love to do in new cities to get to explore places and cultures that I wouldn't usually visit.

Top Things to do in Ypres, Belgium | Ieper Travel Guide

Ypres (also known as Ieper) is a quaint town with a haunting history in the Belgian province of West Flanders. Being such a small town I wasn't expecting much but I was totally surprised and swept away by its charm.

Crete Heraklion & Agia Pelagia Holiday Guide

In August, I spent an incredible week in Crete, Greece's largest island. It's a fantastic holiday destination with so much to offer to suit every kind of traveller.

The Ultimate place to stay in Athens: AthensWas Luxury Hotel

For an out-of-the-ordinary hotel experience in the ancient capital of Greece, look no further than AthensWas. The design-driven 5-star hotel is located in the heart of historic Athens, only a few minutes’ walk to the iconic Acropolis Hill and other major points of interest. It's the perfect place to stay for the ultimate Athenian experience.

West Coast Road Trip: New Zealand's Incredible Hidden Gems

Rich in wilderness and epic natural landscapes, the West Coast in the South Island is the longest and least populated region of New Zealand. Vast mountain ranges and native forest meet alongside the endless big blue ocean.

Tep Wireless Pocket Wifi: The Secret to Travelling like a Pro

When travelling abroad my number one travel essential is my Tep Wireless pocket WiFi device.
It gives me unlimited data in over 100 countries and allows me to travel with the utmost ease.

Edinburgh's Must-Do Secret Food Tour

Have you ever wondered what traditional Scottish cuisine is like? That's exactly why I love joining food tours. It's such a fantastic way to discover a new city or place and learn all about what the best local food is.

European Summer Holiday 2019 | Photo Diary

Hey travel lovers! I'm back fresh from a month-long holiday in the UK and Greece and had such a blast! It's been a while since I've written anything personal on my blog so I thought I would share a snippet of my travels and a few favourite photos.

Top Ten things to do in (& around) Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is an insanely beautiful place but, more than just pretty, it’s got a wild heart. There are so many amazing outdoor activities to try, adrenaline rushes to be had and ways to push yourself right out of your comfort zone and feel really, truly alive. Not only that, but Queenstown boasts some dang delicious food and gorgeous views too. Pretty much, it’s awesome and you should definitely be excited about going there.

Ultimate JUCY World South Island Getaway

Road tripping in a JUCY campervan and exploring new places in the South Island of New Zealand, cruising the majestic Milford Sound and living it up in Queenstown? YES, PLEASE.

Where to Eat in Queenstown: 8 Foodie Hot Spots & Eateries

Queenstown is a small but mighty tourist town in the South Island, jam-packed full of delicious eateries and foodie hot spots to fill your trip (and you up too).

Five Fun Things to do in Las Vegas (besides Gambling)

Las Vegas might be known as the gambling capital of the world but despite its reputation, “Sin City” is filled with exciting activities that can appeal to everyone – not just gamblers or party-goers.

10 Flight Essentials to Pack in your Carry-On

Long-haul flights can be a great time to kick back, relax and chill with the latest movies back to back. On the other hand, it can be a painful test of endurance. That’s where taking the time to pack your carry-on thoughtfully is crucial.

With another long haul flight looming for myself next month (the current longest flight in the world, eek!), it's the perfect time to share the ten inflight essentials that I pack (and you should too) for every single flight.

Shanghai Layover Guide: How to spend 48 hours in Shanghai

I had a fantastic layover in Shanghai last year on my way to Europe. It's such an attractive and fascinating city with a great mixture of old and new. It far exceeded my expectations and surprised me in a good way.

10 Must-Try Kiwi Foods in New Zealand

If you're heading to New Zealand, be sure to try some of our much-loved and iconic Kiwi cuisine. Although there are some similarities to Australian and British, New Zealand has some very distinct foods that are must-tries as you can’t find them anywhere else!

Best Backpackers in New Zealand: North Island Edition

We all know backpackers/hostels can sometimes be a bit hit or miss, so it's definitely worth doing a bit of research first to find those absolute gems. I've handpicked ten of my top favourite backpackers in the North Island of New Zealand, in popular and also unique places worth putting on your travel itinerary.

QT Wellington: The Best Place to Stay in New Zealand's Capital

If you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary hotel experience in New Zealand's coolest little capital, look no further than QT Wellington. Celebrating all things art and design, it's unique and more than a little bit quirky - basically everything I love about Wellington.

The harbourside, design-driven boutique hotel is full of exceptional and quirky art pieces which extend all the way to the rooms. It's the perfect place for a sophisticated work stay or special weekend getaway.

Why I love travelling New Zealand with Stray as a solo backpacker

I've had the pleasure of travelling with Stray twice now, New Zealand's award-winning guided hop-on-hop-off bus network for adventurous travellers.
Last year I discovered the South Island with their Ron pass and this year I explored more of the North with the Jonah pass, and both trips were unforgettable experiences.

I can't rave about Stray enough, they are the ultimate way to travel New Zealand, especially as a solo backpacker. Read on for my top reasons why!

New Zealand Bucket List: North Island Edition

The North Island is the gateway for travellers of New Zealand and offers beautiful, diverse landscapes and as many fun adrenalin-pumping activities to rival the South Island.

I had the best time ticking off so many cool sights and activities while travelling with Stray - an award-winning guided hop-on-hop-off bus network for adventurous travellers.

The Ultimate Fiji Getaway: Paradise Cove Resort, Yasawa Islands

When you close your eyes and imagine paradise, what do you see? If it's glittering turquoise waters hugging a white sandy beach, fringed with swaying palm trees, then look no further than Paradise Cove Resort in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji.

Checking In: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

I recently spent three nights at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort on the beautiful Coral Coast of the main island, Viti Levu. It definitely wasn't a long enough stay but it was a wonderful introduction for my first time in Fiji, receiving the warmest of Fijian hospitality.

15 photos to inspire your next holiday in Fiji!

Bula! I'm back fresh from eight incredible nights in Fiji and I had such an amazing time. It was my first visit to Fiji in the Pacific Islands and I already can't wait to return.

Lake Bled, Slovenia Travel Guide

Out of all the places I visited on my recent six-week trip to Europe, Lake Bled was my ultimate favourite. I'd seen it so many times in pictures but nothing compares to laying your eyes on it in real life. It's a slice of Slovenian paradise and one of the most beautiful places I've been to.

A Wine Lover's Dream Tour from Lisbon, Portugal

During my recent week in Lisbon, one of my top highlights was doing a Setúbal Region Wine Tasting tour with Taking U There.

This private guided tour is a true wine lover's dream and it was a fantastic day out visiting two different wineries and a special liqueur producer in the Setúbal region. I absolutely loved learning about and trying the high-quality (and very well-priced!) wines and seeing more of Portugal's picturesque countryside.

A Perfect Stay at Main Street Hotel Ypres, Belgium

On my recent first visit to Belgium, I began in the historical town of Ypres. I spent two wonderful nights at Main Street Hotel, which was my favourite place I stayed at in my whole six weeks in Europe.

A Taste of Slovenia: Ljubljana's Must-Do Foodie Tour

I was most excited to visit Ljubljana, Slovenia on my recent European travels. I had heard so many wonderful things, including that it's one of the most underrated capital cities in the world.

I absolutely loved my time there and I already can't wait to return. My favourite thing I did was join one of LjubljanaYum's Food Walk Tours, Ljubljana Essentials. It was an incredible afternoon of experiencing the yummy side of the alps and discovering some amazing Slovenian cuisine.

Incredible Tour from Lisbon: Sintra, Cascais & Pena Palace

During my six nights in the incredible capital city of Portugal, one of my favourite days was doing the Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Tour with Inside Lisbon.

Checking In: Where to stay in Bruges, Belgium

On my recent first visit to Belgium, I spent two incredible nights in the romantic town of Bruges.
I stayed at the award-winning Eco-Hotel Fevery Brugge which was super cosy, great value for money and had the friendliest service. If you are heading to Bruges yourself, then this family-run hotel is a perfect choice.

How to spend the perfect first day in Lisbon

I'd heard so many fantastic things about Lisbon and Portugal and I couldn't wait to visit for the first time. I spent six incredible nights in the capital city and loved it so much I'm still dreaming of moving there.

My time kicked off to a fantastic start thanks to Inside Lisbon's Experience Walk.
In a small group, you get shown around by a friendly and passionate local guide to hidden local places, beautiful squares, spectacular viewpoints, and you get to try some of the top local cuisines and even catch a ferry.

Berlin's Must-Do Secret Food Tour

Being a huge fan of German cuisine and heading to Berlin, I immediately signed up for Secret Food Tours Berlin, an award-winning company that runs foodie tours worldwide that I'd heard so much about.

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

Ever wondered when the best time to visit New Zealand is? There’s no simple answer.
It depends on your weather preferences and what type of experiences you’re chasing.

A Perfect Stay at Hotel Indigo Berlin Alexanderplatz

Thrilled to be back in the capital of Germany, I spent four incredible nights at Hotel Indigo Berlin in Alexanderplatz, a boutique hotel inspired by its local neighbourhood in the heart of Berlin.

I could not have been more impressed by my cosy room with a view, the friendly service and amazing food. If you are wanting to stay in Alexanderplatz (which is my favourite area to stay in Berlin), then this hotel is an excellent choice.

Shanghai's Must-Do Food Tour

Being a total foodie and having a 48-hour layover in Shanghai, I was so excited to try authentic Chinese food for the first time.

I absolutely love doing food tours in each new country I visit, it ensures you try some of the very best, you get to learn all about it and it sets you up for the rest of your time there.

New Zealand Bucket List: South Island Edition

The South Island of New Zealand is a paradise for adventure travellers, offering magnificent mountains, fiords, wildlife, glaciers and everything in between.

Known for its bucket list activities, there is no shortage of unforgettable must-do things to do.
Here are ten of my top picks if you're heading to the South Island.