12 Must-Try Classic and Viral Foods in New York City

New York City is an absolute foodie playground and one of the most iconic food cities in the world. Before our trip, my sister and I spent months sending each other Instagram reels, viral eats and must-visit restaurants, but even after a week of eating our way around the city, we'd barely scratched the surface.

One of my favourite things about eating my way around New York was just how varied every meal was. We went from classic bagels and cheesecake to Vietnamese tacos, smash burgers and some of the city's most talked-about viral treats - all within a few days.

10 Must-Do Experiences in New York City

New York City is one of my favourite places on earth. The energy is electric, and ever since my first visit in 2018, I've been dreaming of the day I could return. This year, I finally got my chance - and it was every bit as exciting as I remembered.

To me, walking around New York feels like stepping onto a giant movie set. From the towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks to world-famous shows, unforgettable food, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, there is something incredibly magical about this city.

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, here are my top recommendations for 10 must-do experiences in NYC.

5 Fun Things to do in Brisbane with Kids

Brisbane, the sunny capital of Queensland, is one of those cities that's incredibly easy to explore with kids. With beautiful weather, plenty of green spaces, family-friendly attractions and a relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect destination for a short getaway.

We recently visited Brisbane to celebrate our daughter's birthday, and she absolutely loved every minute of it. Coming from a small country town in New Zealand, everything felt like a big adventure - from spotting koalas, seeing the tall buildings and riding ferries to exploring Bluey's World.

If you're planning a family trip to Brissy, here are five activities that I think deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Little Adventurer Flight Logbook: The Perfect Keepsake for Travel Families

Travel families - this one's for you!

I recently came across the Little Adventurer Flight Logbook and instantly thought it was such a clever idea. Designed right here in New Zealand, it's the perfect keepsake for families who love to travel and want to capture those special memories along the way.

From your child's very first flight, you can record where they travelled, who they flew with, and all the little details that make each adventure memorable. It's something they'll be able to look back on for years to come.

New York City's Must-Do Secret Food Tour

If you’re a foodie, this is one of the best things you can do in New York City.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I love a good food tour. It’s one of my favourite things to book at the start of a trip, and after doing Secret Food Tours in Berlin and Edinburgh, I had high expectations for NYC.

This one absolutely delivered.

2026 Long Haul Flight Essentials

I’m about to start packing for my first long-haul flight in almost seven years, and the excitement is real. This isn’t just any flight either - it’s one of the longest in the world, taking me to one of my absolute favourite cities (eeek!). I’ve definitely written a version of this post many years ago, but this is an updated 2026 edition, refreshed with everything I actually pack now after years of travel experience.

Plantation Island Resort: The Ultimate Family Holiday in Fiji

Located in Fiji’s stunning Mamanuca Islands, Plantation Island Resort has long been a favourite for family holidays – and it’s easy to see why. Everything here is thoughtfully designed to make travelling with kids genuinely easy, while still feeling relaxed and enjoyable for parents. From the excellent Kids Club and nanny services to free meals and transfers for children, the resort takes the stress out of family travel.

2025 Travel Year in Review - Family Travel, Road Trips & Fiji

Happy New Year everyone!

I haven’t written one of these yearly round-up posts in about five years - back when I had a lot more countries to add to the list. But I thought I’d bring it back just for fun, especially now that I’ve gotten back into blogging in 2025.

Christchurch with Kids: 5 Awesome Things To Do

Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand's South Island and we love any excuse to visit! It’s an easy, family-friendly base for South Island road trips and a great city break in its own right, especially with kids.

We’re not locals, but over the last few years we’ve visited three times with little ones at different ages - 4 and 2, 1.5, and a tiny 3 months - to see family and explore more of Christchurch with kids.

5 Favourite Places I’ve Travelled Solo - and Loved Every Minute

Solo travel changed me as a person.

It made me brave. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone, trust myself, be independent, and learn to love my own company - all while doing my favourite thing: exploring exciting new places! 

If you can travel solo, you can do anything.

Wairarapa with Little Kids - Our Favourite Things to Do

We live in the Wairarapa and honestly think it’s one of the loveliest places to raise young children. With its wide open spaces, quiet friendly towns, and slower pace of life, it’s ideal for little ones to grow, explore, and play.

My Top Ten Favourite New Zealand Experiences

It’s no secret I love exploring my own country, New Zealand - we’re so lucky to have a place full of wild landscapes, jaw-dropping views, and unforgettable adventures right on our doorstep. While there are so many amazing things to see and do here, I wanted to share ten of my absolute favourite New Zealand experiences to date - the ones I still think about long after the trip is over.

Queenstown with Little Kids - Why It’s a Must-Do Family Trip in NZ

I’ve taken my daughter to Queenstown twice now, and it’s one of my favourite places in New Zealand to visit with young kids. The first time we went was just before she turned two (gotta make the most of those free flights for under 2's!), and we made a big family trip of it with my two sisters, brother-in-law and nephew. More recently, we went again just before she turned four as part of a South Island roadie with my mum - and to my surprise, so many activities were still free or super affordable for her.

If you’re looking for a destination that’s scenic, relaxing, adventurous and family-friendly, Queenstown ticks all the boxes. Here's everything we loved, plus a bunch of tips if you're thinking of going with your own little explorer/s.

A Magical Winter Day in Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting somewhere so surreal it feels like another world - where waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs and misty mountains disappear into the clouds - Milford Sound in New Zealand is that place.

There’s a stillness here that makes you feel small in the best possible way, and deeply grateful just to witness it.

My daughter and I recently did the most incredible winter day trip with Southern Discoveries, and I can’t recommend it enough - especially if you’re travelling with little ones and want a stress-free experience without the need to drive.

My Top 10 Favourite Stays Around the World

Over the past ten years of travel, I’ve stayed in everything from noisy hostels and funky Airbnbs to boutique hideaways and five-star resorts. I’ve always been more of a budget-conscious, best-deal kind of girl, and for many years that meant simple stays with just the basics. But through this blog, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some truly incredible hotels - each one unique, memorable, and a little taste of luxury that I’ve come to really appreciate. Honestly, who doesn’t love a plush bed, a dreamy view, and amazing service?

Greytown Festival of Christmas: Bringing the Magic to Midwinter in New Zealand

Every winter, just when we’re starting to feel over those bone-chilling frosty mornings, Greytown lights up with a little mid-year magic: The Festival of Christmas. Held every July in this charming Wairarapa town (we might be a little biased - we live here!), it’s our favourite winter tradition - and if you haven’t been yet, consider this your official invite.

Top Five Things to do in Upolu, Samoa

Samoa is a laid-back South Pacific paradise, known for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of its people.

Last year my family and I spent 10 unforgettable nights in Upolu, Samoa, and I’m finally getting around to writing about it! 

Bali with a Toddler | Our Experience & Tips

As someone who absolutely loves Bali, we couldn’t wait to take our daughter to one of our favourite places in the world. This was actually our fifth time visiting - but our first with a toddler in tow! 

I know travelling with a little one can feel a bit daunting at first, but after spending 10 nights in Bali with our 16-month-old daughter, I can honestly say it was such a special trip, and I’m so glad we did it.

Read on for all the highlights from our trip - from beach clubs to Balinese dance shows, plus a few handy tips at the end if you're planning a Bali holiday with your own little one.

Chasing Adventure: What 2025 Has in Store

Kia ora!

Just popping in to wave hello and let you know - yep, I’m still here!

The Best Place to Stay in Apia, Samoa | Taumeasina Island Resort

If you’re looking for somewhere extra special to stay in Samoa - somewhere luxurious, relaxing, and incredibly family-friendly - look no further than Taumeasina Island Resort. Just a 5-minute drive from the heart of Apia, this dreamy resort sits on its very own private island and was the perfect base for our very first overseas holiday as a family of four.