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10 Reasons to Add “Visit Edinburgh” to Your Post-Lockdown Bucket List

June 1, 2020 in Europe, Scotland, United Kingdom

Edinburgh Castle glowing at sunrise from Edinburgh's Grassmarket neighbourhood.

I have been fortunate to visit Edinburgh twice now and it’s one of my favourite cities. Here are all the reasons I love Edinburgh and why I recommend visiting when it’s safe to do so. For some ridiculous reason, I never wrote about Edinburgh after my first time in the city two years ago (shame on me). So here I am today, ready to tell you all the reasons why I love Edinburgh. After falling instantly in love on my first visit, I was wondering if I would feel the same way two years later. Well, in case it...

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11 Free Things To Do in York, England

Here are 11 of the best free things to do in York, if you hope to visit York on a budget (I promise it’s doable). What’s this? Two York blog posts in one hit? To coincide with my York week on social media, I thought I would publish both of these York blog posts. So whether you want to spend one day in York or are looking for the best free things to do in York, we cover all bases. But just, like, make sure you visit York when in the UK, okay? It’s worth the hype – it’s ridiculously historically beautiful. Like it should be illegal for a city to be this photogenic 😍. General York travel tips Before we dive in, I just wanted to point you towards my one day in York blog post. It has lots of general York travel information, like how to get there, where to stay (I personally stayed in Astor York, a great hostel) and if York is a good place to visit alone (spoiler alert: I visited York as a solo traveller and would do it again in a heartbeat). Free things to do in York 1. Do a free walking tour I did a Footprints Tour in Oxford and loved it, so when I saw the company operated in York too, I knew I had to do their free walking tour. As it turns out, while I was there on the weekend, I ended up having a private tour as no one else turned up. Now, I’ve done walking tours across the world but I’ve never been solo before. Anyway, we covered a lot of ground and it was great to be able to ask questions easily as we walked between sights. Some of the places you visit include Clifford’s Tower, St Mary’s Abbey, York Minster and York City Walls. I should also mention that while there is the word “free” in the name, tips are appreciated. 2. Wander through the York Museum Gardens Open every day, a visit to the York Museum Gardens is one of the best things to do in York whether you’re alone or with kids. Located in the city centre, the 10 acres of botanic gardens include an array of flora and fauna. Established in the 19th century, the York Museum Gardens is as well-known for its beautiful plant collection as it is for its stunning historical backdrop – the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. 3. Visit The Shambles Visiting The Shambles is another one of the best free things to do in York. Once home to a slew of medieval butchers, some of the leaning and historic timber-framed buildings date back to the 14th century. Today, it’s home to a variety of stores, including shops selling Harry Potter merchandise and Christmas accessories year-round. If you’re keen to take photos of The Shambles, get there early! 4. Have a picnic in Rowntree Park The 30-acre Rowntree Park borders the River Ouse and sits just outside York city centre. Grab some supplies from The Shambles Market and head to the park for a peaceful waterfront picnic. Rowntree Park is also home to an ornamental lake, a tennis club, a skate park, a basketball court, a cafe and a children’s play area. 5. See the view from Clifford’s Tower One of York’s most beloved landmarks, Clifford’s Tower is the largest remaining part of York Castle. Sitting atop a large earth mound, the present-day stone structure was built in the 13th century and is said to have been used as a treasury and a prison. While it costs to go inside Clifford’s Tower, there’s nothing to stop you from exploring and taking in the view from outside. 6. Visit the National Railway Museum The National Railway Museum is not just any old railway museum. In fact, it’s been named one of the world’s best railway museums, which is why it’s on this list of the best free things to do in York. Focusing on Britain’s rail history and its societal impact, the National Railway Museum is home to several iconic locomotives. This includes Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. 7. Go window shopping While shopping is fun, if you’re looking for only free things to do in York, window shopping will have to suffice. Don’t worry, York has so many cool stores, like candy and homemade fudge shops, multiple Christmas shops (open year-round) and a delicious store dedicated to cheese and cheese only. Have I convinced you yet? 8. Go for a walk along the York City Walls Amazingly, the York City Walls that surround the city centre today were built about 700 years ago. However, some of the limestone walls were partially rebuilt about 150 years ago to allow public access. Often called The Walls or The Bar Walls, one of the top free things to do in York is to take in the amazing views from the York City Walls. As mentioned, we visited on the free walking tour. 9. See York Minster (from the outside, anyway) Undoubtedly the city’s most iconic structure, York Minster has been the centre of Christianity in northern England since the 7th century. However, the current cathedral (a stunning masterpiece, no less) dates back to the 13th century. York Minster is primarily known for its unrivalled medieval stained glass collection. Now, it’s only free to enter York Minster if you’re attending a service. However, you can marvel at its exterior for free any time of day. I’ve also heard there’s a nice view of York Minster from Dean’s Park (to the Minster’s north side). 10. Visit Shambles Market Another one of the best free things to do in York is to visit Shambles Market. I headed here for lunch as there are plenty of street food options. I ended up enjoying a pulled pork toastie from Dark Horse, but there are more than 70 stalls at Shambles Market. They sell everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing to baked […]

The Perfect Itinerary For One Day in York

Here’s my one day in York itinerary, featuring the best things to do in York over 24 hours. During my visit to the UK in 2019, I knew I wanted to visit historically beautiful York. However, with limited accommodation options, I could only swing two nights and one day in York. Fortunately, you can fit a lot into one day in York. This itinerary includes suggestions for places to eat in York, plus the best things to do in York. If you’re looking for free things to do in York, head to this post. General travel tips for your one day in York How to get to York Firstly, I got a National Express bus to York from London and then left York on a train bound for Edinburgh. Besides driving, this is the easiest and cheapest option to get to York, as the closest airport is Leeds Bradford, which is about a 50-minute drive away. Where to stay in York I stayed at Astor York, which is located in a Grade II-listed Victorian building about a 10-minute walk from York city centre. While not in the centre of town, there were shops and dining options moments away and I was able to walk to the train station, which is a win in my books. There are pros and cons to staying at Astor York. Firstly, the staff were friendly and there were a couple of spacious and comfortable common areas. My one con was the metal bunk beds, which I think should be banned from hostels as they’re so unstable and squeaky! Nonetheless, if you’re searching for affordable accommodation in York, I recommend Astor York. As for hotels, top recommendations on Booking.com include the five-star Grand Hotel and Spa in the city centre and Grays Court. Located beside York Minster, it’s the former home of King James I (that’s all 😏). Finally, if you have a thing for Scandi interiors, please click this link and take a moment to appreciate Jorvik House. Is York a good place for solo female travellers? In my opinion, York is a great place to visit alone. Firstly, it’s a compact city so it’s very easy to walk everywhere. There’s also cheap accommodation available and plenty of things to keep you busy. I definitely recommend visiting if you’re a solo traveller – even if it’s just to spend one day in York. The city is worth it 😁. One day in York itinerary Wake up early during your one day in York to take photos Okay, these were pre-COVID times, but York was positively heaving with people when I visited. I mean, my one day in York did coincide with the weekend, but still, the crowds were intense. If you’re like me and enjoy taking photos, I highly recommend waking up just a little bit early. I was able to peacefully take photos of York’s cute shops and streets like the Shambles without bustling crowds. If you’d prefer just a peaceful morning walk without photo-taking intentions, I suggest heading along the river. It was positively golden when I visited in autumn. Enjoy a York breakfast When you only have one day in York, you have to start with a delicious breakfast. I cannot for the life of me remember where I had brunch in York. I usually write everything down in a travel journal, but apparently not that X. Anyway, here are the most popular recommendations: Brew and Brownie, Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms and Cosy Club. Just take a moment to appreciate Brew and Brownie’s Instagram page? Those pancake stacks! Those brownies! YUM. Do a free walking tour When I only have limited time in a city, I like to do walking tours to see (and learn) the most in a short amount of time. I did a Footprints Tour in Oxford, so I decided to do the company’s free two-hour walking tour in York as well. My tour actually turned into a private one, as I was the only person. But it was great to be able to converse easily with the guide and ask questions. He told me a lot about York’s long history and we saw popular York attractions like Clifford’s Tower, St Mary’s Abbey, the York City Walls and York Minster. Have lunch at the Shambles Market Located in the centre of town (coincidentally next to the Shambles), the Shambles Market is open every day. Its 70-plus stalls sell everything from vintage clothing to handmade gifts and fresh produce. At lunch, I made a beeline for the food court, which has so many street food options to choose from. I decided on a pulled pork toastie from Dark Horse and it was a very wise decision. I must also draw attention to the cake stall that sells the most amazing homemade treats. I highly recommend both the huge meringues and the Maltesers tiffin (it was SO good). Choose your adventure For a small city, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy in the afternoon during your one day in York. One of the best free things to do in York is to visit the National Railway Museum, which just so happens to be known as the world’s greatest railway museum. Other options include stepping inside York Minster, visiting York Dungeon or indulging at York’s Chocolate Story. My final suggestion is the world-renowned Jorvik Viking Centre, which takes you back in time to Viking-era York. Have a pub meal for dinner For a small city, York sure has a lot of pubs. To choose the best spot for you with only one day in York, check out these guides via TimeOut and CN Traveller. However, my recommendations are The Kings Arms because of its waterfront location, The Habit for its roof terrace and House of the Trembling Madness because hello, what a cool name! See a show at the Grand Opera House My final suggestion for your one day in York itinerary is to spend an evening at York’s Grand […]

15 Things To Do During a Weekend in Riga

Here are my recommendations for the best things to do during a solo weekend in Riga, Latvia. I, for one, am very glad I got to spend a long weekend in Riga in 2019. During my solo trip around Europe, I visited the three main Baltic cities – Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. Although Vilnius was my favourite, I still really enjoyed my time in Riga. There’s plenty of things to do in Riga to keep you busy, as well as a picturesque Old Town, cheap food and friendly locals. Here’s my guide to a weekend in Riga, to help you plan your own Riga itinerary. Weekend in Riga – general travel tips Getting to Riga Firstly, I got a Eurolines bus from Vilnius to Riga. If you’ve read any of my Europe posts, you will know that FlixBus is my preferred mode of transport. However, it doesn’t operate in the Baltics, so Eurolines is their local counterpart. The ticket was cheap and there was entertainment, so it got my stamp of approval. Don’t miss all of my top tips for visiting Europe on a budget Getting around during a weekend in Riga I didn’t take public transport once in Riga (shocking, I know). But my accommodation was walking distance from the bus station, Old Town and the main attractions. However, if you’d like more information on Riga’s public transport system, check out this guide. Where to stay during your weekend in Riga I ended up staying in a place called Appart-31, which I found on the one and only Booking.com. Located in a residential building, it was very secure with codes and a key needed to gain entry through the multiple gates and doors. There are about four rooms off a common area that includes a bathroom, living area and kitchen. My single room was extremely cheap and comfortable, but my only issue was that I didn’t see an employee or owner once. This just irked me as a) the bin was overflowing at one point in the kitchen and b) I was using a shared bathroom. Another option I was interested in (but there was no availability) was The Naughty Squirrel. In a central location, the hostel has amazing reviews and nightly entertainment. Alternatively, the Radisson Blu is where you’ll find the Skyline Bar mentioned below. Here are my top tips for staying in hostels and my favourite hostels across the UK and Europe What to wear in Riga I visited Riga at the end of September and it was already getting quite cold. Hence I ended up wearing a couple of layers – a jumper and jacket, along with jeans and my trusty Allbirds. I also had to bring my umbrella out for the day. Here’s my comprehensive packing list for Europe in autumn, just in case. Is Riga safe for solo female travellers? I found Riga to be a safe place to visit as a solo female traveller. It was easy to get around by foot, the people were nice and there were plenty of things to do in Riga to keep me busy. I’d recommend it to fellow solo travellers. For more tips on travelling alone in Europe, check out this blog post. Things to do on a weekend in Riga Start your weekend in Riga with a wander around the Old Town First things first. I recommend starting your weekend in Riga in the Old Town. It’s beautiful, with cobblestoned streets, colourful historic buildings and many shops and eateries. Some of the places I recommend visiting in the Old Town include House of the Blackheads, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, the Three Brothers and the Swedish Gate. While you’re in the area, head to the waterfront at Lielais Kristaps for scenic river views too. I actually headed back to the Old Town a couple of days later and a Harvest Festival was happening in the Old Dome Square. There were an orchestra, young dancers and many market stalls – it was so fun and offered a glimpse at local life. Walk through Bastejkalns Park I visited Riga at the end of September and this park – right next to the Old Town – was awash with pretty fall colours. With multiple bridges and walking paths, I recommend making a pitstop here while visiting the Old Town. Spend an evening at Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs is a hip bar located in an ancient wine cellar, which is known for its live music and traditional Latvian pub meals. As I was travelling alone, I didn’t go here but it seemed to always pop up when I looked into the top things to do in Riga before my visit. Buy an amber souvenir This is a random one, but if you’re looking for a quintessential Baltic souvenir, may I suggest picking up a piece of amber jewellery from one of the many shops in the Old Town? I purchased a set of amber sterling silver studs for €6 and wear them regularly. Visit Alberta Street for the Art Nouveau architecture One of my favourite things to do in Riga is to see the amazingly historic Art Nouveau buildings along Alberta Street. Built between 1901 and 1908, the buildings are beautifully decorated with sculptures, columns, balconies and intricate details. If you’re a fan of architecture like myself, don’t miss visiting Alberta Street during your weekend in Riga. Visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia I didn’t end up visiting the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, but I’ve heard only good things about its exhibits. Its mission is to remember and remind people what happened to Latvia from 1940 to 1991 and to commemorate those who were unjustly convicted and murdered. Head to the Skyline Bar at sunset Another of my top recommendations for things to do in Riga is to visit the Skyline Bar at sunset. Located at the top of the Radisson Blu, this modern bar has floor to ceiling windows on both […]

The Best Things To Do in Innsbruck On a Day Trip From Munich

Here’s a step-by-step guide to an Innsbruck day trip from Munich, including how to get there and the best things to do in Innsbruck. So, full disclosure: I’m publishing this blog post purely so I can share all the pretty photos I took on my Innsbruck day trip from Munich 💁‍♀️. I had four nights in Munich on my most recent solo trip around Europe and to be honest, I didn’t fall head over heels for Munich. Hence I decided to spend my last day doing a Munich to Innsbruck day trip, which I’m officially proclaiming the best day trip from Munich. It’s a long day trip at two hours each way on the bus, but picturesque Innsbruck is definitely worth the extra bus time. Here’s how I organised my Innsbruck day trip from Munich, plus the best things to do in Innsbruck once you arrive. How to get from Munich to Innsbruck (and back again) Firstly, if you’re unaware, I would estimate I’ve been a FlixBus passenger over 50 times by now. I’ve used FlixBus to travel across Europe twice now and I’ve only had one bus cancelled on me. Otherwise, they’re such an efficient and cheap mode of transport for travelling across Europe. So, in case it wasn’t obvious, for this particular Munich to Innsbruck day trip I took a FlixBus. The bus station was walking distance from my hostel in Munich and the bus drops you just outside the city centre in Innsbruck. As I visited in November, the Munich to Innsbruck bus journey was a snowy winter wonderland (I, for one, was in heaven). With snow-covered villages backdropped by mountains, it was like I’d stepped into a fairytale. I tried to take a few photos but let’s just say, Austrian bus journeys are the prettiest. Here are my other tips for travelling across Europe on a budget Things to do in Innsbruck on an Innsbruck day trip from Munich Begin your Innsbruck day trip from Munich with a stroll through Old Town Innsbruck Okay, first things first. On your Innsbruck day trip from Munich, I suggest starting in the Old Town area (downtown or Innenstadt on Google Maps). It’s home to laneways, cafes and shops. I went for a wander down Maria-Theresien-Straße, which is the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. It offers both baroque architecture and colourful buildings. Down the street’s southern end you will also find the Triumphpforte. The Roman-style arch was built by Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century in honour of her son’s wedding (talk about a nice wedding present). There was construction surrounding the Triumphpforte when I visited, otherwise I’d share a pretty photo 😂. Photograph the colourful houses by the Inn River This is one of the most photogenic spots in Innsbruck and a must-visit destination on your Innsbruck day trip from Munich. Standing on the downtown side of the river, you can capture this row of colourful buildings on the other side; backdropped by snow-capped mountains (if you visit in autumn/winter like me, that is). I actually had to sneak behind some huts being set up at the Christmas market to get this shot, but it was most definitely worth the struggle. Here’s the Google Maps link. Do a spot of shopping in Innsbruck If you’d like to pick up a souvenir in Innsbruck or, you know, need to buy a beanie because you left yours in Munich (🙄), there are quite a few shopping centres located walking distance from downtown. In the centre of town is Kaufhaus Tyrol, the city’s largest department store. Across the street is RathausGalerien, which is an upscale shopping destination. Meanwhile, behind the train station is SILLPARK. Innsbruck’s largest shopping centre, SILLPARK is home to over 70 retailers, as well as plenty of food options. If you want to get really fancy, the Swarovski flagship store is also located in Innsbruck. Even if you don’t have the cash to splash on Swarovski crystals, there are several modern art installations inside the store too. Enjoy sachertorte for morning tea at Strudel Cafe Kröll For morning tea, I definitely recommend popping into Strudel Cafe Kröll. Although they’re known for their strudel and sachertorte (chocolate cake of Austrian origin and a Viennese specialty), the cafe has plenty of other freshly handmade and delicious pastries to choose from as well. As an escape from the cold, I enjoyed a mini sachertorte and it was the perfect size for me. Visit Hofburg Innsbruck The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) in Innsbruck is a former Habsburg Palace, built for Emperor Maximilian I in the 16th century. The Imperial Tour is a guided tour that happens every day at 11 am. Some of the places open to the public inside Hofburg Innsbruck include the Imperial apartments, the extravagant Giant Hall and the Chapel. Go for a stroll through Innsbruck Hofgarten Next door to the Old Town you will find the Hofgarten – an early 15-century landscaped royal garden. When I visited in November I was actually scared of getting hit on the head by clumps of snow melting off tree branches 🙈. Nevertheless, the Hofgarten is home to the Palm House, historic landmarks and a restaurant. It would be a great place to visit in Innsbruck in summer. Climb to the top of the City Tower (Stadtturm) for incredibly scenic views Located in the heart of Innsbruck, seeing the views from the top of the City Tower is my top recommendation for things to do on an Innsbruck day trip from Munich. When I visited it cost €4.50 to climb the 133 steps to the viewing platform at the top. I’m not usually one to spend money on viewpoints, but I am so glad I did in this instance. The views from the top are incredible, as you can see the city from all angles; backdropped by picturesque snow-capped mountains. Fun fact: starting in the Middle Ages, tower guards kept a lookout over the city from this very spot for almost 450 years. […]

How To Have The Perfect Wrocław City Break

If you’re searching for cheap places to visit in Europe, I recommend planning a Wrocław city break. Keep reading to discover the top things to do during a weekend in Wrocław. The aim of the game today is to convince you to plan a Wrocław city break. If there’s one city I unexpectedly fell in love with during my 3-month trip around Europe in 2019, it was Wrocław (pronounced Vrotswav). I didn’t know much about this charming Polish town before my visit. I initially chose it as my next stop in Northern Europe as there was a direct bus from Berlin and I was on a mission to visit more underrated European destinations. This is because of my instant infatuation with Gothenburg. Well, it’s safe to say I was instantly crushing on Wrocław as well. What’s not to love, when it’s home to a colourful Old Town, friendly locals and cheap traditional food and drinks. If this city isn’t on your radar yet, I highly suggest planning a Wrocław city break. You only need two full days to see Wrocław’s top tourist attractions. Here are my recommendations for the best things to do during a weekend in Wrocław. Check out this post for my other favourite cheap cities to visit in Europe Wrocław city break – general travel tips Getting around Wrocław on your Wrocław city break As I mentioned, I arrived in Wrocław from Berlin via FlixBus. I used Wrocław’s public transport system a couple of times, as the bus station is a fair distance from the Old Town. Thankfully, the trams are easy to use – you can pay by card and purchase tickets onboard. There are also TV screen displays, which make it easy to determine your stop. I’m pretty sure it’s just over $1 AUD for a one-way ticket. You may find this guide useful too (you know I did). You might find these posts helpful: my top tips for travelling alone in Europe and how to travel across Europe on a budget. Where to stay in Wrocław during your Wrocław city break Accommodation in Wrocław is a lot more affordable compared to other European cities. I actually found a private room for $50 AUD a night, which was how expensive some dorm room beds were in other places. Anyway, I decided to “splurge” and I am so glad I did. I stayed at TOGOTO Wrocław Hostel, which is a new property. It was a little bit of an adventure to get there, as it just consists of one floor of a random building a block from the Old Town. But you receive detailed instructions before your arrival. Once I stepped inside, I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with a very modern room and establishment. My room was spacious, with a large ensuite and a comfortable bed. The only downside was that because my room was located off the kitchen/common area, I could hear people chatting until quite late at night. But that was only a minor inconvenience to an otherwise very pleasant stay. Alternative options for your Wrocław city break include Mleczarnia Hostel (great reviews) and Grand City Wrocław, which may be one of the cheapest 4-star hotels you’ll ever stay in. Here are my top hostelling tips for fellow solo travellers Solo travel in Wrocław Before I arrived in Poland, I was unsure if it was a good destination for solo female travellers. But I needn’t have worried, as I found it very easy to navigate Wrocław. Furthermore, nearly every local I talked to was happy and able to converse in English. The hostel I mentioned is also located just a block from the Old Town, so I felt comfortable walking back there at dusk. All in all, I’d recommend a Wrocław city break to fellow solo female travellers. What to pack for a Wrocław city break I visited Wrocław in September and it was already getting cold. The day I arrived, it was in the mid-teens. But then on my last day, it was a refreshing 5°C in the morning. All I could think about was how do the locals put up with cold weather for so long! Anyway, if you happen to visit in the shoulder season like me, I recommend packing layers. In the photo below I’m wearing socks and sneakers, jeans, a thermal long-sleeved shirt (Heattech at Uniqlo is the bomb dot com), a jumper and a pretty lightweight jacket. I honestly should’ve probably been wearing a beanie as well! Check out my entire packing list for autumnal trips around Europe The best things to do in Wrocław on a Wrocław city break Start your Wrocław city break with a free walking tour As always, I began my time in Wrocław with a free walking tour. It’s a very comprehensive tour, as you visit sites like Stare Jatki, the old city prison, the Ossolineum Institute and Gardens (great places to take photos) and Market Hall. We then crossed the bridge and ended on Cathedral Island, outside the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It’s one of the best things to do in Wrocław when you first arrive, so you can decide where you want to spend your time. If you don’t want to walk the walk, there’s an alternative option. You can do a two-hour tour from the comfort of an electric car. I saw them zipping around the Old Town and the bestselling tour on GetYourGuide is very affordable. Get up early to take photos around the Market Square Wrocław’s Market Square in the Old Town is one of the largest in Europe. The 13th-century medieval market square has not one but two town hall buildings. Unfortunately, it sustained some damaged during World War II, but its colourful buildings have since been carefully restored. If you want to take photos/solo traveller selfies in the Market Square, I recommend heading here as early as possible to miss the crowds. I’m very glad I did and my “early” was […]

The Ultimate Bali Solo Travel Guide – What You Need To Know Before You Visit Bali Alone

As someone who’s visited Bali, Indonesia on multiple occasions (both with my family and as a solo female traveller), here is my top advice for solo travel in Bali. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in Bali for solo travellers and the top things to do in Bali alone. Hi, my name is Hayley and I miss Bali. But seeing as we can’t travel there right now, the next best thing (for me, anyway) is to write about it. I’ve visited Bali on several occasions and last year I stayed for a whole month (and didn’t get sick 🙌🏻). Bali will always be one of my favourite places and it’s already been the focus of quite a few blog posts. But I thought I would talk about Bali from a solo female traveller’s perspective today. With detailed information on the best places to visit, things to do in Bali alone and general travel tips, this is the only travel guide you’ll need to read before you solo travel in Bali. General solo travel in Bali tips Firstly, I want to direct you to this post, as it covers all of my top Bali travel tips. But here are some additional tips, specifically in regards to solo travel in Bali. Getting around Bali as a solo traveller Arriving at the airport You’ll undoubtedly be arriving in Bali via plane. The airport has gotten a lovely renovation in recent years (I still have fond memories of the previous airport). Nonetheless, once you step outside you will be overwhelmingly greeted by hundreds of locals holding signs that display different names. Most accommodation in Bali will offer to organise airport transport for you. I take them up on the offer as it’s the easiest option, especially when you’re arriving in a foreign country late at night. Alternatively, you can visit the taxi desk at the airport. Day to day transport As for day to day transport, if you feel comfortable renting a scooter, it’s one of the most popular options. There are locals renting scooters everywhere in Bali, which shouldn’t set you back more than 60,000 IRP per day. However, if you want to hire a scooter I recommend organising an international driver’s licence before you leave your home country. Personally, I rely on walking and Blue Bird taxis as a solo traveller in Bali. Blue Bird has an app, but I’d just walk and wait for one to appear on the main road. Once you arrive in Bali you’ll understand what I mean. The Balinese streets are overwhelmingly filled with a lovely combination of scooters, cars and taxis. Now, Blue Bird is the best company because all taxis have meters for the most affordable rate. If you hop into a different taxi, the driver may try to barter with you or “forget” to turn the meter on and no one has time for that. Uber and Grab are also present in Bali, but drivers are prohibited from entering many of the main tourist areas. As for public transport, the only option is the Kura-Kura public shuttle bus service. It travels between Bali’s most popular tourist attractions and destinations. I’ve never used this bus network, but I have seen them travelling around Bali. Travelling around Bali alone On my last solo trip to Bali, I also travelled from Kuta to Ubud and back again. In the first instance, I got my family’s driver to drive me as I wanted to stop at a few different places along the way. He’s fantastic, isn’t pushy like some drivers and speaks great English. If you’d like his details, let me know. On the other hand, from Ubud to Kuta I paid 60,000 IRP to travel on a shuttle bus with other people backpacking Bali alone. I just booked it at the travel desk outside my homestay in Ubud. If you’re a fellow budget traveller, this is a good option. Money tips When I visit Bali, I travel with my Citibank debit card as I don’t get charged any international fees. I also predominantly use official bank ATMs. If you prefer, you can also bring cash in your local currency and change it at a money exchange. Although a few high-end restaurants have card facilities, cash is king in Bali. Tipping is also always appreciated at both restaurants and spas. What to pack for solo travel in Bali As luck would have it, I’ve already written a post that highlights the 10 things I highly recommend packing for a trip to Bali. Check it out here. How to avoid Bali Belly on your solo trip to Bali We have to get real for a second because Bali Belly is a menace I am, unfortunately, all too well acquainted with. It’s essentially an upset stomach or travellers’ diarrhea that you can get while travelling around Bali. Predominantly caused by contaminated food and water, stay away from Bali’s tap water as it isn’t potable. Although experts say to not drink the ice in Bali, it’s government-regulated now and safe to drink. I also take Travelan before lunch and dinner in Bali and it seems to be the magic ingredient. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited as I was when I travelled around Bali for one month without getting sick. Life goals, friends 😂. If you do inevitably get struck down by Bali Belly, make sure you stay hydrated, take rehydration drinks (available from convenience stores) and stick to a bland diet. Bali Belly is also why I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your solo trip to Bali. Is Bali safe for solo female travellers? This is probably one of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to solo travel in Bali. In my option, Bali is safe for solo female travellers. Personally, I’ve never felt afraid while walking around Bali alone. On my last trip, I stayed in high traffic areas, so I felt comfortable walking to and from dinner at night […]

My Complete Solo Traveller’s Guide to Lovely London

My latest solo travel guide focuses on lovely London. Keep reading to find out where I stayed in London, solo London travel tips and the best things to do alone in London. It’s about time I wrote a guide on solo travel in London. I’ve spent nearly a month in London overall, so I’m basically a local 💁‍♀️. It’s one of my favourite cities to visit – there’s just so many cool neighbourhoods to visit and attractions to see. It’s also a great city to visit as a solo traveller. So here’s my guide to visiting London by yourself, including the best things to do alone in London. If you’ve ever wondered what to do alone in London, I have you covered. Solo London travel tips First up, here are a couple of travel tips for fellow solo travellers visiting London alone. Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings in busy places as there are pickpockets in London (like every other major city in the world). I also found I felt safe walking from the tube back to my hostel at night alone, as it was located on a busier street and there were always people around. However, I only did this on a couple of occasions. As always, do what feels right to you. All of the amazing things to do alone in London listed below are daytime activities anyway. How to get to London alone Hello, my name is Hayley and I am now a pro at travelling to London alone. So far I’ve arrived and departed from London by plane, train and bus. I’ve flown in and out of London from both Vancouver and Australia – check Skyscanner for the best flight deals. I’ve also taken the Eurostar from London to Paris and FlixBus to Bruges. Within the UK, I have taken National Express buses and the train from London as well. So yes, there are plenty of ways to get to and from London. How to get around London Public transport is fantastic in London, so take advantage. I used the tube most days and even caught a few buses. I simply relied on Google Maps to figure out which tube line or bus would take me to my destination. The best hostel in London for solo travellers In my opinion, the best hostel in London for solo travellers is Wombats City Hostel. I’ve now stayed there multiple times in a six-bed female dorm room (with ensuite). It’s conveniently located 10 minutes from both Tower Bridge and Brick Lane in East London. The hostel is also walking distance from two tube lines and two grocery stores. I like the large common areas at the hostel and the onsite bar. The bar hosts weekly events as well, which is the perfect place to meet other solo travellers in London. I’ve also stayed overnight at the Astor Victoria as it’s walking distance from Victoria Coach Station. Let’s just say, Wombats is 100 times better. I had to walk up seven flights of narrow stairs to my female dorm, which isn’t the easiest with a nearly 20kg suitcase. I also thought the shared bathrooms weren’t the cleanest and the common areas at Wombats are so much better. Here are my top hostelling tips & travel essentials for fellow solo travellers Fun things to do alone in London Here are lots and lots of things to do in London on your own. You won’t be bored in London after reading this list! 1. Walk along the Thames to see the best London attractions If you’re wondering where to go alone in London, here are several ideas. On my first day in London in 2017, I ended up walking from my hostel near Tower Bridge to Oxford Street. It was a lot of steps, but I passed so many beautiful London attractions on the way. Firstly, there’s Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. I haven’t been to the Tower of London yet, but I’ve heard it’s worthwhile. Then there’s St Paul’s Cathedral before you make it to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It was pretty quiet until I got to Big Ben, which is always overflowing with tourists. Don’t forget Westminster Abbey either. On another day, I walked on the other side of the River Thames to visit some Christmas markets. This is where you’ll find the Shard, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe. A final, but nonetheless awesome option, is to take a cruise along the River Thames. I’ve included some options from GetYourGuide below. 2. See the Queen at Buckingham Palace Can you even say you’ve been to London if you don’t visit Buckingham Palace? It’s fortunately located in central London, so there are other things to see and do nearby. If you happen to visit in autumn like me, don’t miss seeing all the falling leaves in St James’ Park and Green Park. It’s magical! While we’re on the topic, check out my autumn packing list 😉 3. Do a free walking tour Can you believe I’ve never done a free walking tour in London? I’ve done one in like every other country in Europe, but not London. Anyway, don’t be like me and join a free walking tour. It’s one of the best things to do alone in London (and any place for that matter). 4. Go shopping along Oxford and Regent Streets Oxford and Regent Streets are hectic, no matter when you visit. But Oxford Street is home to all of my favourite English stores (a.k.a. Primark), so it’s always on my personal list of things to do alone in London. If you end up visiting London at Christmas, you also must see the Christmas decorations along Oxford and Regent Streets. While you’re in the area, head to Carnaby Street, which has more independent stores. I loved the handmade products and unique London souvenirs inside We Built This City. Here are plenty of magical photos from London at Christmas time 5. Wander […]

The Best Places to Visit in 2020, Based on My 10 Favourite 2019 Destinations

Let me help you plan your next vacation! Here are the best places to visit in 2020 (a.k.a my 10 favourite destinations in 2019). My epic 2019 adventures already feel like a dream. As I type this in mid-December, I’ve only been back in Australia for two weeks. But so much has happened since then that I really can’t fathom that I visited 16 countries in 2019! As I was deciding how to do a brief end-of-year recap of my travels, this post idea came to mind. I thought I’d attempt to pick my 10 favourite destinations, out of over 40 I visited in 2019. So here we are, the places I think you should visit in 2020. I also wanted to note that I visited all of these destinations solo too. Let’s go! My favourite destinations in 2019 (and where you should visit in 2020) Edinburgh I fell in love with Edinburgh when I first visited in 2017. So much so, it instantly became one of my favourite cities. I was scared that it might not live up to my expectations the second time round, but fortunately it exceeded them. Seriously, if you haven’t visited Edinburgh, remedy that immediately, as it’s a city filled with beautiful historic buildings and amazing eateries. I highly recommend heading up to Edinburgh Castle and along the Royal Mile in the early morning to take photos without crowds. A few of my other favourite things to do in Edinburgh include visiting Dean Village, checking out the free museums (yes, plural) and enjoying the delectable French toast at Mimi’s Bakehouse. I really need to write about Edinburgh sometime soon, don’t I? Where to stay: I’ve stayed at Kick Ass Greyfriars (formerly called Budget Backpackers) both times. It’s in a great location and my dorm room was so cheap. Here’s everywhere I visited in the UK and Europe during my three-month adventure in 2017. Hallstatt Hallstatt is the first of two Austrian destinations on my list. I did a day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg and all I can say is… WOW. It’s a very small town, but it sits on a lake and is surrounded by mountains, so it is the definition of picturesque. Fortunately, I visited after the first snowfall of the year, so the combination of blue skies and snowy mountains made for beautiful photos. I could honestly look at photos of Hallstatt all day, but I should probably keep writing 🙃. London I’m so glad I decided to spend over a week in London in 2019. This has to be one of the best places to visit in 2020 (or any year, let’s be real). I don’t think I could ever live in London, as it’s just too big and busy for me. But I hope I can manage to visit every couple of years. That would make me very happy indeed. A big blog post about London is coming up, but some of my favourite things to do include doing a day trip to Oxford, seeing a musical (or two), shopping along Oxford Street and spending the day in East London. I loved checking out the street art in Shoreditch and having lunch along Brick Lane. Where to stay: Definitely stay at Wombats (I didn’t like Astor Victoria personally). Gothenburg Gothenburg was the second destination I visited on this trip, but it left a lasting impression. It’s one of the best places to visit in 2020 as it’s still a bit of a hidden gem (a.k.a there aren’t hoards of tourists). Gothenburg didn’t have a lot of must-see attractions, but I loved just wandering and eating. Don’t miss seeing the view from Skansen Kronan, eating a massive cinnamon bun from Cafe Husaren and a brownie from Brogyllen, and walking through the park. Where to stay: Backpackers Göteborg. Although it’s located out of the city centre, it was easy to get a tram directly to the bus station and then I walked everywhere else. Wrocław Okay, Wrocław was a complete surprise to me. I basically chose it as it was in between Berlin and Warsaw. But as it turns out, I liked it so much more than both of those destinations. Its Old Town is filled with the most colourful buildings, everyone I spoke to was very friendly and the food was delicious (and SO cheap). Don’t miss the perogies at Pierogarnia Stary Młyn. Where to stay: I highly recommend checking out TOGOTO, which is right next to the Old Town. It’s brand new, so everything is modern and clean, and the private rooms were so cheap! Vilnius Vilnius exceeded my expectations and was my favourite destination in the Baltics. I’ve already written a blog post about Vilnius (look at me go), but definitely check out Užupis, do one or two walking tours, and head up to one of the city’s many viewpoints. Where to stay: I really liked my stay at Old Town Trio. It was walking distance to everything, the room was big and very comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious. Athens One of the most interesting places to visit in 2020 has to be Athens. I didn’t really know what to expect from Athens, but I was really surprised from the moment I stepped onto the metro at the airport. The city was this interesting (and captivating) combination of old and new. Like you can casually walk past an ancient site on your way to shopping at Zara. My top recommendations for things to do in Athens include this walking tour, devouring loukoumades at Lukumades, wandering around Plaka, checking out the street art and views in Anafiotika, and enjoying a burger at Mama Roux. I did not have a bad meal in Athens, just lots and lots of good ones. If you, like me, also want to visit a Greek island while staying in Athens, check out this post for a look at the tour I did. Where to stay: I stayed at Mosaikon and I would happily […]

The 10 Best Places to Visit Alone in Australia

I’m back with another solo travel-focused post today. This time, we’re talking about my favourite solo travel destinations in Australia for solo weekend getaways. Here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Australia alone. My solo travels are not limited to overseas destinations. Yes, I’ve travelled solo across Europe and North America. But I’ve also visited many Australian cities alone as well. Don’t be daunted by solo travel in Australia, because I guarantee you can have a great time Down Under with or without a travel companion. Based off my personal experience (and wishlist), here are the best places to visit in Australia alone. Can you tell I’m a Queenslander? 😂 Note: Australia is a big country and most people will recommend hiring a vehicle to see all the best sights: from cute country towns to cosmopolitan cities. However, I chose these Australian solo travel destinations as you can visit them without hiring a car and still have an unforgettable vacation. The best places to visit in Australia for solo travellers 1. Melbourne Let’s start with my current home, Melbourne. Thanks to the immense amount of things to do and its great public transport network, I believe Melbourne is one of the best places to visit in Australia if travelling alone. However, I would recommend spending more than just a solo weekend here. Some of my favourite things to do in Melbourne include visiting St Kilda, having brunch and a browse of the boutiques in Fitzroy, spotting street art in the CBD and going for walks through the city’s many gardens. You also shouldn’t leave Melbourne without doing a trip along the Great Ocean Road. I did an organised tour a few years ago and thought it was excellent. Where to stay in Melbourne: I have a post on where to stay in Melbourne. But my parents have stayed at the Atlantis – great location, good price and comfortable beds. I also recently stayed at Space Hotel, which has dorms and private rooms. The central hostel is fantastic and has a rooftop deck, lounge and gym. I’ll be back on return visits to Melbourne for sure. Read more: Where to eat in Melbourne, free things to do and general things to do, where to take the best photos and other day trips to check out. 2. Magnetic Island This may be a surprise entry, but I had to include Magnetic Island on this list of solo weekend getaways in Australia. Located a 20-minute ferry ride from my hometown, Townsville, this is where my parents live. It’s one of the best solo travel destinations in Australia because it’s made for tourists. With public buses and two great hostels located in different bays, Magnetic Island is one of the best places to visit in Australia if you’re travelling alone. On Magnetic Island, I recommend doing the Forts Walk, seeing the sunset at Horseshoe Bay, feeding the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay and swimming at Alma Bay. You can get to Townsville by flying or taking the Greyhound bus from two other destinations on this list: Cairns and Airlie Beach. The bus even drops you directly at the ferry terminal – now that’s convenience 😉. Where to stay on Magnetic Island: Bungalow Bay or Base are the two hostels I mentioned. Bungalow Bay is probably my favourite though, purely because it’s located in Horseshoe Bay. Read more: Things to do on Magnetic Island and where to find koalas (I share my secret spot). 3. Sydney Ah, Melbourne’s rival and Australia’s biggest city. Sydney is another one of Australia’s best solo travel destinations. Although I think Melbourne has more things to do, Sydney does have the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. However, I found that it takes longer to get places in Sydney when using public transport, so be prepared. You can get the bus to Bondi and do the Bondi to Bronte Walk. Then you can hop on the train to Instagram’s favourite place: The Grounds of Alexandria. Where to stay in Sydney: Can we talk about the epic views from both Bondi Backpackers and Sydney Harbour YHA?! They’re also top-rated on Hostelworld, which is what matters most to me. Read more: Fun things to do in Sydney As you’ll see with these places to visit in Australia, I only recommend hostels for solo travellers. Read this post for my top hostel tips and check out this post for great ways to meet people when travelling alone. 4. Hobart I know Hobart isn’t the first place you think of visiting on a solo weekend getaway in Australia. But if you have the time, it’s a short flight from Melbourne and a totally different city. It’s home to beautiful architecture, Australia’s most unique museum and some delicious food. I recommend visiting Mount Wellington, getting up close to Aussie animals at Bonorong Sanctuary and wandering around Salamanca. Where to stay in Hobart: I stayed at The Pickled Frog and wouldn’t recommend anywhere else. They offer free day trips to both MONA and Mount Wellington, and the hostel is conveniently located in the CBD. Read more: A visit to Mount Wellington, top things to do and where to eat in Hobart. 5. Cairns So Cairns is located a five-hour drive north of Townsville (the two cities have been frenemies forever). Thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s the fourth most-visited destination in Australia. Because it’s such a tourist hotspot, Cairns is also one of the best places to visit in Australia when travelling solo. The city centre is compact and easily walkable, and there are plenty of tours available. Top attractions near Cairns include Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Kuranda and Fitzroy Island. You could easily spend a week enjoying Cairns and its surrounds. Where to stay in Cairns: I’ve stayed at Gilligan’s before for a friend’s 21st and it’s a total party hostel (there’s an onsite nightclub). If that’s not your style these days (I feel […]

10 Top Tips For Travelling Alone in Europe

We head back to Europe this week as I let you in on my top tips for travelling alone in Europe. It’s a great destination for both first time and frequent solo female travellers. Sorry for the radio silence around here this month. With my 30th birthday and subsequent trip to New Zealand, life has been a good kind of hectic. But I’m back at my desk in Melbourne and ready to share this week’s post with you. I think Europe is a great place for solo travellers and I personally can’t wait to return. If you’re unsure about travelling alone in Europe, then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover my top 10 tips for safe solo travel in Europe. Before we dive in, here’s my entire itinerary for travelling alone in Europe, if you’d like some specific solo travel destination suggestions. My top tips for travelling alone in Europe 1. When travelling alone in Europe, stick to daytime travel To travel between destinations in Europe, I used a combination of buses, trains and planes. However, FlixBus was the main transport I used in mainland Europe. It was cheap and it always got me safely to my next destination in daylight. Being able to make my way to my accommodation during the day and via public transport made my life so much easier. A bonus is that public transport is always quieter during the day, so getting to your accommodation with your luggage is breezier than trying to get your suitcase onto a peak hour train. This makes me anxious just thinking about it. I got one night flight from Ljubljana to Brussels and getting from the airport to my accommodation was a struggle. No solo female traveller wants to be trying to figure out public transport and wheeling her suitcase through a nearly-empty station at 11 pm at night. 2. Learn language basics For every city I visited, I tried to learn the basics: hello, goodbye, please and thank you. Sometimes in Eastern European cities, this was difficult, but a danke in Austria and a merci in France can go a long way. As does a smile – it’s universal 😊. 3. See how safe you feel at night I avoid walking around some places in Melbourne alone at night and I’ve lived here for over two years now. So when I’m in a foreign city, I’ll usually assess the situation and whether I feel comfortable being out after dark. In Budapest, I wanted to take night photos and because I visited at the end of autumn, the sunset early so I could do this at 6 pm. There were plenty of people walking around checking out the nearby Christmas Fair so I felt fine. But in Amsterdam, I stayed at the Generator, which was located within Oosterpark and a 10-minute walk from public transport. I wouldn’t walk through a park alone at night back home, so I tended to head back to the hostel before dark. This is one of those situations where you should 100% trust your gut. For me, my comfortability changes from city to city. 4. Travel with a crossbody bag Before visiting Europe I’d heard and read too many pickpocket stories. So I decided to use a crossbody bag as my everyday bag. I felt better having all of my important possessions in front of me, instead of on my back in a backpack. In saying that though, I always kept my passport under lock and key at my hostel, along with a different debit card just in case. If you’re looking for what to pack for an autumnal trip to Europe, I’ve got you covered. 5. Use public transport This may just be a personal preference, but I never feel too comfortable using taxis/ridesharing services in new cities when I’m alone. I’ve also heard horror stories from friends, so I’ll always use public transport wherever possible. Public transport across Europe is incredibly efficient and cheap, and Google Maps makes it easy to figure out how to get from A to B. A quick Google search will tell you any public transport tips as well. But if you have any questions, ask the hostel staff for tips and tricks. Which leads me to… 6. Stay in hostels when travelling alone in Europe I may now be in my 30s (😱) but I will still stay in hostels on my next solo trip to Europe. Although I may try and book more single rooms when possible, I believe hostels are the best accommodation option when travelling alone in Europe. They’re cheap, usually located in central and convenient locations, and they’re a great way to meet people. If you think you’ll get lonely travelling around Europe alone, stay in hostels. I hung out with my hostel dorm mates in Edinburgh, Brussels, Amsterdam and more. I also stick to female-only dorm rooms as well. For more tips regarding staying in hostels as a solo female traveller, check out this post. 7. Go to the supermarket Another great thing about hostels is that most of them have kitchen facilities available to guests. Like I mentioned, I don’t really enjoy walking around cities alone at night. So I’d usually have a traditional/must-eat meal for lunch and then buy something from the supermarket to have for dinner back at the hostel. Supermarkets are filled with traditional food as well, you know. I totally had a bread and cheese feast one night back at my hostel in Paris. Then I’d usually try a local sweet, because when in Rome/Zagreb/Bratislava 😉. 8. Don’t be afraid of dining solo As I said, I’d usually eat one meal out a day to sample the local delicacies. Back home I regularly dine out alone and pass the time either reading a book or scrolling on my phone. I did the same thing while travelling around Europe alone, or I’d plot my afternoon activities. Tourism is such a big industry in […]