Hayley on Holiday

A Local’s Guide To Magnetic Island

October 25, 2012 in Australia, Magnetic Island, Queensland

Another reason to love Australia - Magnetic Island

Here it is – my guide to the best of Magnetic Island, including the top things to do on Magnetic Island and how to get around. Updated April 2019 As a Queensland resident and traveller, I know a lot of national and international visitors love to visit our east coast. And why not? It has fantastic beaches, lush rainforests and authentic outback towns. Just don’t skip Townsville up north and head straight for Cairns, because you will miss out on a gem: Magnetic Island. My parents moved to the island from our hometown of Townsville in 2011 and I am...

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Lest We Forget: 10 Years Since the Bali Bombing

October 12, 2012 in Asia, Bali, Indonesia

I remember the exact moment I heard about the Bali bombings that killed 202 people and injured a further 240 on the Indonesian island paradise of Bali. I was driving home from my first time out on the Great Barrier Reef with my dad...

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Where To Find Koalas on Magnetic Island

August 17, 2012 in Australia, Magnetic Island, Queensland

Searching for the best places to see koalas on Magnetic Island? As a semi-local, I’m here to share my insider tips so you can find a cute koala in the wild on Magnetic Island as well. Updated February 2021 Koalas are awesome. Even more...

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The Best Experience Gifts to Buy Grounded Aussie Travellers This Year

Now, I know us Aussies are confined to domestic travel for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, our country is huge and filled with many beautiful places to visit (head to this post for some solo travel inspo). If you’re searching for the perfect present for a grounded Aussie traveller like myself, I highly recommend an experience gift from RedBalloon. They’re a great way to have an at-home adventure, support Aussie businesses and create long-lasting memories. Keep reading for an overview of some of the most popular experience gifts available through RedBalloon. RedBalloon Experiences I feel like most Aussies have heard of RedBalloon by now (if not, where have you been?). The Australian company has been around for over 20 years and is all about gifting experiences and supporting local Australian businesses – two things I absolutely love! The Christmas gifts section on their website is insane in the best way possible. No matter what experience you’re thinking of buying that special someone, you’re bound to find it on RedBalloon. Here are some of RedBalloon’s most popular experiences: Wine and Dine It’s been a tough year for a lot of people, so a Wine and Dine experience may be just what the doctor ordered. Dining out experiences While we’re on the top of common sayings, they do say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach! Fortunately, RedBalloon has experiences from brunch to degustation lunch, fine dining to cheap eats and everything in between. Enjoy a memorable meal served alongside incredible views of places like Uluru and Sydney Harbour. For my fellow NQ locals, you can enjoy a six-course Modern Australian tasting menu from the award-winning Ochre Restaurant overlooking Cairns Marina. Feel like royalty with a High Tea experience A quaint High Tea experience is the perfect gift for your best friend, mum or grandma. There are High Tea experiences available in many major cities, like Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. Personally, The Ultimate Chocolate Fondue High Tea with Sparkling in Brisbane sounds right up my alley. Wine tasting from Maleny to Margaret River RedBalloon has a bucket load of wine tasting experiences and winery tours available. From the Sunshine Coast to the Yarra Valley to the Barossa, all of Australia’s most popular winery regions are covered. Some of the most popular (and unique) experiences available on RedBalloon include the Make Your Own Blend Wine-Making Experience at Penfolds in South Australia and a Picnic Among the Vines with a Wine Tasting Masterclass in the Hunter Valley. Wine and Dine at home If you’d prefer to Wine and Dine at home, RedBalloon also has experiences like online cooking classes, a Homemade Pasta Making Kit and an Australian Gin Tasting Set. Fly away! Okay, so we may not be able to fly overseas right now, but we can take flight within Australia. RedBalloon’s flying experiences include scenic plane and helicopter flights, hot air ballooning, indoor and outdoor skydiving, and paragliding. At the top of my list would be this scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays, but here are a few other options: Skydive inside or outside I’m too chicken to skydive, but you can choose to skydive over locations like the Gold Coast or the Great Ocean Road. As for indoor skydiving, you can give an experience at iFLY, which is located in many Aussie capital cities. See a different side to your city from a hot air balloon I’m yet to enjoy a hot air ballooning experience myself, but what a magical gift to give that special someone. I used to see hot air balloons floating over Melbourne in the early morning on my way to work and I just think the views would be incredible, so this is my top pick. Plan a great getaway Enjoy a getaway close to home next year, thanks to RedBalloon. They offer weekend getaways, glamping experiences, spa retreats, romantic getaways and so much more. At the top of my wish list would be this Luxury Treehouse Getaway in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Go glamping Glamping is definitely a travel trend that’s not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s all about a luxury camping experience that combines adventure with comfort. Personally, I’d love to experience glamping on Rottnest Island, as I haven’t visited the island since I was a kid. Take to the sea on a cruise A scenic boating experience with RedBalloon is the perfect summertime gift for every family member. Choose from lunch and dinner cruises, sailing boat experiences and scenic cruises coast to coast. Some of my favourite options include this Full Day Great Barrier Cruise and Snorkelling Experience from Cairns, a Whale Watching Cruise on the Gold Coast (a very affordable option) and this Sydney Sunset Harbour Cruise, which includes a three-course dinner and drinks. Shark diving, if you dare! If you’re a little bit more adventurous than me (please see the comment about me being a chicken under skydiving), there are 12 different shark diving experiences available via RedBalloon. You can observe great white sharks in their natural habitat in SA, Swim with Whale Sharks in Exmouth or Ocean Dive with Sharks on the Sunshine Coast. Which option would you choose? Too many choices? Now, you may struggle to decide on an activity (I get it, there’s a lot to choose from). So, RedBalloon also offers experience vouchers, gift vouchers and e-gift cards. Finally, I have to mention that RedBalloon price matches too, if you happen to find a cheaper direct price. When it comes to keeping a grounded traveller happy this festive season, you seriously can’t go wrong with giving an experience from RedBalloon. It’s a different way to create unforgettable memories in 2021. There’s truly something for everyone on their website – whether you’re searching for a spa getaway or a fabulous gift hamper. Merry Christmas! Thank you to RedBalloon for partnering with me on this post. All photos sourced from RedBalloon.

My Short But Sweet Salzburg Travel Guide

Here’s my Salzburg travel guide, featuring the top things to do in Salzburg, where to stay and my food recommendations (of course). Well, I’ve already written about my Hallstatt day trip from Salzburg, so it was about time I followed up with my Salzburg travel guide. I ended up really enjoying my time in Salzburg. Known for its starring role in The Sound of Music, Salzburg is surrounded by mountains and looks pretty amazing in autumn 😏. Austria is brimming with pretty towns and cities and Salzburg is definitely one of them. Fun fact: it has only 150,000 residents but gets approximately 6.5 million annual visitors. Here’s my brief Salzburg travel guide for you to follow during your own weekend in Salzburg, which covers everything from transport to accommodation to the best things to do in Salzburg. To get you started, here are two comprehensive posts on budget travel and solo travel in Europe. Salzburg travel guide – general travel tips Getting to Salzburg I took a trusty FlixBus from Heidelberg to Salzburg, with a lunchtime stopover in Munich. The bus journey from Munich to Salzburg is only two hours, but the bus does drop you off on the city outskirts. However, across the road, you can hop on a public bus into the city centre. There’s a ticket machine conveniently located at the bus station to make life even easier. Other options include getting a train or flying into Salzburg Airport. Accommodation in Salzburg I stayed at Yoho International Youth Hostel in Salzburg and I would recommend it to fellow budget-minded solo female travellers. I stayed in a four-bed female dorm room, which had a private shower and a toilet down the hall. There’s also an onsite bar, free breakfast, cosy common areas and they play The Sound of Music every night. It was fun being able to watch Salzburg on the screen before exploring the next day. If you’re looking for a completely different experience, Hotel Sacher Salzburg is a five-star property established in 1866. Its luxurious rooms feature original paintings and silk wallpaper. There’s also three onsite restaurants and the infamous Café Sacher Salzburg, which serves the original Sacher cake. If you want to meet in the middle, Hotel Wolf Dietrich is a more affordable hotel in Salzburg and one of Booking.com’s top picks. Solo travel in Salzburg I found Salzburg to be a very safe destination to visit as a solo female traveller. I did find myself walking back to the hostel at dark and I felt comfortable. Furthermore, it was easy to get around Salzburg and the locals were very friendly. Salzburg travel guide – 10 things to do in Salzburg 1. Head up the Imbergstiege Staircase for amazing views I randomly found the Imergstiege Staircase on Google Maps, so headed up the stairs to be greeted with amazing views. I highly recommend taking the time to soak in the views from every angle. Walk around, up and down and you can capture Salzburg surrounded by snow-capped mountains (if you visit in late autumn/winter that is). Don’t miss it! 2. Visit Salzburg Museum If you’d like to learn more about Salzburg, the Salzburg Museum focuses on the city’s art and cultural history. 3. Stroll through the Old Town Of course, you have to spend some time strolling through Salzburg’s Old Town. You can cover a lot of ground in a limited time, as I wandered from Mozartplatz to Residenzplatz to Salzburg Cathedral and Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse –one of the city’s oldest streets. The main street, Getreidgasse has the prettiest signs and it may just be me who notices these things, but it looked exceptionally clean too. 4. Visit scenes from The Sound of Music There are organised tours that take you to The Sound of Music locations both in and on the city’s outskirts, including the original The Sound of Music tour bus. However, if you’re on foot like me, one of the most popular attractions is Mirabell Palace and Gardens – home to the Do Re Mi fountain. Then there’s St Peter’s Abbey, Cemetery and Catacombs. Another option is to head out of town to the 17th-century Hellbrunn Palace, which is home to The Sound of Music pavilion. 5. Walk along the river The Salzach is the river that flows through Salzburg and going for a walk along its banks is one of the best things to do in Salzburg. I also loved the autumnal Old Town photos I was able to capture from the Müllner footbridge. 6. Learn more about Mozart at Mozarts Geburtshaus Translated to Mozart’s birthplace, this is where the legendary composer was born in 1756. One of the world’s most frequently-visited museums, the three-story attraction gives you an inside glimpse into Mozart’s life. If one Mozart attraction isn’t enough, you can also check out Mozarteum and Mozart’s Residence, which features a Mozart Sound and Film Collection. 7. Do a day trip to Hallstatt There was no way I was visiting Salzburg without checking out Hallstatt. I decided to do an organised day tour to Hallstatt from Salzburg and wrote a whole blog post about my experience. But you can’t miss it. Seriously. LOOK AT IT. 8. Visit the Museum der Moderne Focusing on art created from World War II to the present day, the Museum der Moderne has two locations: Mönchsberg and Rupertinum. Fun fact number two: Mönchsberg is the name of the mountain, which has hiking trails if that’s more your cup of tea. You can also just take the lift up to the top for the views, minus the art. 9. Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress Another one of the best things to do in Salzburg is to visit Hohensalzburg Fortress. Towering over the township and possibly Salzburg’s top attraction, it’s actually one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses. The views from up top are worth the trip! 10. Do a day trip to Munich Alternatively, you could also do a day trip from Salzburg to Munich. While it would be a long day, […]

My Top Picks For The 21 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

Looking for the best places to travel alone in Europe? Well, you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling to discover the best cities in Europe for solo travel and my recommendations for the safest places to travel alone in Europe. So far I’ve published posts on the best places to travel alone in Australia and the United States. Hence it’s now time to turn my attention towards Europe. Altogether, I’ve spent approximately six months travelling solo across Europe and in that time I’ve visited (and revisited) many amazing cities. So, from my personal solo travel experience, here are 21 of the best places to travel alone in Europe. I base whether a city is a good place to visit alone in Europe on a few elements. This includes good public transport and easy navigation, hostel options, a variety of activities you can do alone and friendly locals. Before we begin, make sure you check out these two informative guides: top tips for travelling alone in Europe and my Europe budget travel tips. Best places to travel alone in Europe 1. Dublin I flew into Dublin after visiting family in Bristol and my initial thought was, this city is BUSY. But besides the crowds, Dublin is one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel for multiple reasons. This includes the fact you can easily walk between most attractions or catch public transport. I only caught two buses: one from the airport and the other to the train station. Dublin is also overflowing with hostels and fun things to do. I recommend doing a free walking tour (how unusual), visiting the Chester Beatty Library, having a picnic lunch in St Stephen’s Green and going on a Dublin doors excursion. Where to stay in Dublin: Abbey Court Hostel, which has pros and cons. Pros: central location and large common area. Cons: small eight-bed dorms and tiny ensuite bathroom. Related Dublin posts: 20 things to do in Dublin and my Ireland/Northern Ireland itinerary for solo travellers. 2. Amsterdam I’ve said this before, but when I first visited Amsterdam at the ripe old age of 18, it was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed by the eccentrically-dressed locals, the smell of pot in the air and by our eye-opening adventures into the Red Light District at night. But when I returned 10 years later, it felt like I was visiting a different city entirely. Amsterdam is now firmly one of my favourite European destinations and it also happens to be one of the best places to travel alone in Europe. With friendly locals, good public transport options and many walkable districts, I highly recommend visiting Amsterdam as a solo traveller. Where to stay in Amsterdam: Generator Amsterdam, which again had pros and cons. Pros: modern facilities in a scenic park setting. Cons: expensive and located about a 30-minute walk from the city centre. Related Amsterdam posts: My three-day guide to Amsterdam and where (and what) to eat in Amsterdam. Omg, that post makes me want a fresh stroopwafel immediately. 3. London Ah, lovely London. I don’t feel the need to live in London like so many fellow Aussies, but it’s one of my favourites cities in Europe to visit. I love that I’ve been there multiple times, yet I still have things to tick off my London bucket list. As one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel, spend your time visiting museums, having lunch at its many marketplaces, strolling through its colourful neighbourhoods and shopping along Oxford Street, of course. I also highly suggest seeing a show on the West End. I went to two matinees on my recent visit to London and my row alone was made up of multiple people seeing the musical alone. Where to stay in London: I’ve stayed at Wombats multiple times and it’s fantastic. Good common areas, kitchen facilities, an onsite bar with nightly activities, and modern rooms. I also stayed one night at Astor Victoria because it was close to the Victoria Coach Station, but it had nothing on Wombats. Related London posts: My solo traveller’s guide to London, an Oxford day trip from London and London at Christmas. 4. Copenhagen Copenhagen is definitely one of the most expensive cities to visit alone in Europe. Nevertheless, it’s a great city for solo female travellers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from, a long list of things to do and the friendliest locals. From the talkative guy behind the counter in 7/11 to the supermarket clerk, everyone politely switched to English without hesitation. Where to stay in Copenhagen: Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger was expensive, but the dorm rooms were modern and large with plush beds. There’s also a kitchen, multiple common areas and you’re walking distance from many of Copenhagen’s main attractions. Related Copenhagen post: My budget travel guide to Copenhagen and if you’re interested in a Malmö day trip, check out this post. 5. Belfast Belfast may be one of the most surprising cities on this list of the best places to travel alone in Europe. However, I really enjoyed my weekend in the city. I did a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and spent the following day seeing the sights and joining an eye-opening political walking tour. This is my top pick for things to do in Belfast if you want to learn more about the city’s history. Belfast isn’t the city that instantly comes to mind when thinking about the safest places to travel alone in Europe. But I felt comfortable walking around the sleepy city centre during the day and along the main street at night to get back to my hostel. I didn’t know what to expect in Belfast as I’d previously heard mixed reviews, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re travelling alone in Europe and the UK. Where to stay in Belfast: Vagabonds, a very welcoming and cosy hostel located just outside the city centre. Related Belfast posts: A weekend in […]

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 […]

My Top Picks For The 21 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

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 […]

A Comprehensive List of My Travel Essentials

My 3-Month North America Itinerary For Solo Travellers

My 10-Week Solo Travel Adventure Across The UK and Europe

My 23 Favourite Solo Travel Destinations Around the World

A Local’s Guide To Magnetic Island

Lest We Forget: 10 Years Since the Bali Bombing

Where To Find Koalas on Magnetic Island

WORKING ABROAD

AUSTRALIA TRAVEL

USA Travel

EUROPE TRAVEL