January 3, 2020
Getting around Hanoi like a local Despite first appearances (crazy traffic, anyone?) and more than 9 million people, Hanoi is a relatively easy city to get around. Transportation — especially modes that are used by locals — is cheap and convenient. Even taxis, which can be pricey in other countries, are surprisingly cost effective in Hanoi, and Vietnam in general.…
December 7, 2019
Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest on Better Homes & Garden’s Tastebud Traveller podcast, giving listeners a taste of Vietnam, like a local. I’ve lived in Hanoi since the end of 2016, and I’m always up for chatting about my experiences, insight and — of course — offer up my insider tips. I share the spotlight with…
November 26, 2019
Why you should always travel with a sarong There are literally 101 uses for a sarong — other than as an item of clothing or a beach cover up. Watch the video for cool ways to wear one, and scroll down for tips from solo female travellers who always travel with a sarong. It is such a versatile item! When…
June 19, 2019
As a solo female traveller, it is important to feel supported while you travel to new and exciting destinations. I remember my first international trip — to Vietnam — and how nervous I was. Because I was travelling alone, I had no idea about immigration processes or airport security, or long haul travel, let alone what to do when I…
April 15, 2019
Recently, I went on a trip to Central Vietnam — I’d been itching to get back to Hue City, which I visited in 2010 on my first trip to Vietnam. It was a well-deserved break and coming off the back of a stressful time, including health issues among other things. The trip itself was super relaxing because I went with…
April 5, 2019
I recently wrote about things I used to hate about travelling, but now love. Actually, it’s more in line with “hate less” than “love”. One of these things is travel planning. I used to leave it all up to my travel agent and tour companies, but now — after Bali, where I first organised my own travel — I plan…
August 9, 2016
If you have a long stop-over, for example at Changi International Airport, Singapore, consider booking in at a transit hotel. You don’t need to leave the airport and you can have a shower, nap, swim, something to eat. At the very least, there are tea and coffee making facilities. You’ll arrive feeling much more refreshed. I always tend to stop…
July 26, 2016
I saw a video similar to this on Facebook the other day and tracked it down on YouTube. It’s an excellent of example of a packing light travel hack. Whoever thought of using socks to organise your packing is a genius. I might be tempted to trade in my packing cubes! Free packing list! I’ve done the work for you because this…
July 5, 2016
Always, always, always trust what your gut tells you. It knows better than you, and gets you away from sticky situations. Pick being stuck somewhere unpleasant in the beating hot sun over going along with someone you don’t trust. Choose to move on rather than stay put—despite finances!—if that’s what the gut tells you to do. Follow your gut always.…
March 25, 2016
Some people buy plug converters and some buy transformers. In today’s day and age, most of our electronics have adaptive charging, meaning they can accept inputs of 100-240 volts. For this reason, I have a set of 5 converters only (cost me $10 on Amazon) that covers the whole world. No transformers necessary! Dannie Fountain www.leconsulting.org Get more awesome tips when…
March 18, 2016
I’ve travelled non-stop for the past year with zero accommodation cost by house sitting! Amanda Connolly www.travelust.co Get more awesome tips when you download my free Departure & Arrival Guide! Free travel guide! Have you downloaded my Essential Tips for a Hassle-Free Departure and Arrival yet? This beautiful 7-page travel guide details just about everything I do to make sure the first leg…
March 11, 2016
As a frequent business and leisure traveler, one of the worst parts of traveling for me is always baggage claim and security. To help alleviate these things, I’ve started traveling much lighter than I used to. I have a carry on bag from Away Travel that includes a phone charger in the bag itself, as well as a laundry bag…
March 4, 2016
If you are traveling within south-east Asia for 1-2 months, then the cheapest and fastest way to commute between countries is opting for the Air Asia ASEAN pass. Priced at just $115 for a one month pass, you can avail up to 10 flights (depending on distance and credits used). I used this pass and traveled to and fro Thailand,…
February 26, 2016
Always learn a basic greeting, Thank you, and Do you speak English? in the language of the country you are traveling to. Trying to communicate in the local language (even with a broken accent!) shows respect and courtesy – two things which will carry you far when trying to thrive in a new culture. Sierra Donahue www.takeme-withyou.com Get more travel…
February 19, 2016
Keep all your essential travel items in one secure, easily accessible location to enable packing for spontaneous adventures. I have a drawer that I keep my passport, passport photocopies, electrical adapter, carry-on cosmetics, and a slew of other handy necessities so I always know where to find them when I need them. Sierra Donahue www.takeme-withyou.com Get more travel tips when…
February 12, 2016
Always bring pocket-sized tissues when you travel. You never know who will or won’t provide toilet paper! Brianna Rice www.archivesofadventure.com Get more travel tips when you download my free Departure & Arrival Guide! Free download! Have you downloaded my Essential Tips for a Hassle-Free Departure and Arrival yet? This beautiful 7-page travel guide details just about everything I do to make sure the…
February 5, 2016
Be flexible with arrival and departure dates when booking flights to get the cheapest tickets available – you really never know which particular day will save you the most money! Sierra Donahue www.takeme-withyou.com Get more awesome travel tips when you download my free Departure & Arrival Guide! Free download! Have you downloaded my Essential Tips for a Hassle-Free Departure and Arrival yet?…
I often get asked that if I had to travel with just one app, what would it be? I can reply without hesitation that it would be CityMaps2Go. This handy app – available for iOS and Android – allows me to download maps of the cities I am will be visiting for access offline. No nasty and expensive data connection…
Having been to Europe twice, which means flying across two time zones (the first of which is only an hour and a half difference from Adelaide), I have successfully* managed to reset my body clock to the new zone both times. I wanted to share the “how” with you. 1. Get a good night’s sleep before you travel. Starting a…
My trip to China in 2011 flying Qantas had the effect, among other things, of making me quite paranoid about my luggage not arriving. Three days without your stuff is not pleasant. Last year I flew Singapore Airlines, and had no such drama (I’m flying with them again for this year’s trip). My bag arrived in Rome the same time…