Useful Tips for First-Time Travellers to Japan
It’s been just over a week since we returned home and my mind is still wandering back to the incredible energy, order, colour and calm of Japan. Before I forget the practical thi
Japan’s Konbini Culture — Why Convenience Stores Deserve a Place on Your Itinerary
Before visiting Japan, I never imagined myself raving about convenience stores… yet here we are. During our recent Golden Route adventure through Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, one thin
Clouds & udon: a day at Mount Fuji’s 5th Station
After a couple of wonderfully chaotic days in Tokyo, getting up close to Mount Fuji’s snowcapped peak felt like the perfect change of pace. It wasn’t just something we could do
Shinjuku and the Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya vs Shinjuku — streets apart, equally unforgettable Tokyo has a way of pulling you in from the very first step. For us, the afternoon began where it simply had to — at t
On the Menu at Pumphouse Point
At Pumphouse Point, dining is a five-star experience rooted in warmth, flavour, and a deep connection to Tasmania’s pristine landscape. Each morning begins in the communal Shoreh
Tasmania |Pumphouse Point Lake St Clair 2025
How can anyone resist three nights of deep rest, crisp alpine air, and nature’s pristine silence. Speed Read Pumphouse Point is a distinctive adults-only wilderness retreat nestl
A short stay in Singapore: essential tips for a perfect visit
A recent trip to Singapore made me fall in love with this city all over again. Singapore city is clean and organized. The people are super friendly. The food is ridiculously good.
India’s Taj Mahal – are you ready?
What’s the best time to visit? Are there entry requirements? Can you always expect a crowd? These questions and more answered. Please read on. The Taj Mahal backstoryA bit of a t
India | The Golden Triangle: which vaccines?
Monty and I recently returned from a brilliant tour of India’s Golden Triangle. India is a big country, geographically and culturally diverse. Before you go, make sure your routi
On the spice trail at Chandni Chowk
“There are three trips you take to India: the one you think you’re going to have – that you plan for; the one you actually have; and the one you live through once
Delhi Street food – sensory overload at Chandni Chowk
“Indian food is like a symphony of spices, where every note plays its part”. A month prior to arriving in India, we booked a food tour of Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk. We wanted
Antique and Homewares Shopping in Bowral and Moss Vale – A Guide
Before our recent trip to Bowral in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, I read blogs, googled, chatted with friends, and engaged with people who knew Bowral locals. Whenever
NSW | Bowral – Truffle Hunting – No pigs required
It’s a blue-sky day. The country air is clean and crisp. The tip of my nose is touching a top layer of soil secretly blanketing a small mound. I can’t see it but can smell a di
McLaren Vale – an intriguing winery awaits
Want to have a drink with Dali? Well, obviously you can’t drink with Dali but you can certainly experience his crazy, wondrous world simply by visiting The d’Arenberg C
Adelaide in three days
There’s plenty to see and do in Adelaide but if you have just one week, why not try this itinerary on for size. The last time I visited Adelaide with South Australia-born Mon
Launceston – heritage trail map
Where: Launceston, north-east Tasmania Quick overview: It was originally named Patersonia but later changed to Launcheston in honour of the New South Wales Governor Philip Gidley K
Dubrovnik – Walk the Wall
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is an extraordinarily beautiful part of the world which is easily accessed by road, but even better by sea. To truly appreciate Croatia’s coas
Adelaide – a winery, beach bar, marina and the CBD
Monty and I spent a week in Adelaide in March this year. For the first three days I roamed the city and its surrounds with my friends who I’ve known since primary school. Thr
Amalfi Coast – Capri in one day
Capri. An island surrounded by a sea of glorious turquoise. Peppered with resplendent villas owned by the glitzy glitterati and bejewelled jetsetters. Favoured by celebrities and i
Sicily | Diving into Palermo – no swimming required
A mix of grandeur and grit, Palermo holds surprises at every turn. Keeping track of Palermo’s historic roots can be a dizzying process, suffice to say, today the city is spectacu
Spotlight on Sorrento
Italy: spotlight on…Sorrento Sorrento is perfectly positioned for day trips to neighbouring coastline tourist destinations such as Positano and Amalfi, the island of Capri in the
Sorrento vs the Amalfi Coast Where to stay?
Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast – where to stay You’ve heard it all before. Beautiful Amalfi and Positano with their picturesque hillsides blanketed with pastel-coloured houses fa
Sicily’s Catania – More than just a stopover for Etna
Located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, Catania is more than just the starting point for tours to the famous active stratovolcano Mt Etna. The second largest municipality in
Santorini Snapshot
Greece: Santorini Snapshot Pre-covid we spent one glorious week in Santorini. For sunseekers and fun lovers this is THE place to be.Where is Santorini?Santorini is in Greece, a cou
