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Northern Ireland

12-Day Ireland and Northern Ireland Itinerary

January 22, 2018 in Europe, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Solo Female Travel, United Kingdom

Cork should be added to every Ireland itinerary.

Here’s my Ireland and Northern Ireland itinerary. Check it out to find out how I spent 12 days travelling across the island, solo and as cheaply as possible. I had high hopes for Ireland, as I’ve never met anyone who disliked the country. Unfortunately, the country didn’t quite meet my expectations. If I had a flexible Ireland itinerary and a rental car, I think perhaps I would have fallen more in love with the country. Nonetheless, I did still enjoy my time in Ireland, I just wasn’t swept off my feet, if that makes sense. My Ireland itinerary involved...

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

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 wasn’t obvious, I needn’t worry because Edinburgh is still firmly one of my favourite places. So much so, I hope one day to call it home (for a little while, anyway). Okay, keep scrolling to listen to me gush about Edinburgh like a lovestruck teenager. How to get to Edinburgh Firstly, let’s cover some important bases, like how to get to Edinburgh. You can fly to Edinburgh, but I’ve personally arrived by bus from Glasgow and train from York. Both times I left Edinburgh, I hopped on a train to London. When in Edinburgh, it’s pretty easy to use public transport. However, as you’ll see below, one of the reasons I love Edinburgh is that it’s a very walkable city. I caught a public bus once in two trips. For more information, here are my Europe budget travel tips and my tips for travelling alone in Europe. Best time to visit Edinburgh I have only visited in October, which is actually a lovely month to visit Edinburgh. Temperatures may be cooler, but I was also graced with predominantly sunny days. Nonetheless, May is the driest month of the year, closely followed by September. I recommend heading to Edinburgh in the shoulder season months of May and September, as the summer months of June to August are B-U-S-Y. Where to stay in Edinburgh Both times I’ve visited Edinburgh I’ve stayed at Kick Ass Greyfriars (formerly Budget Backpackers) in a four-bed female dorm. It’s in a great location near Victoria Street and just down the road from The Royal Mile. With modern and spacious rooms, I’d say the only downsides are that there isn’t a common area as such (instead there’s a chill room and bar) and the showers could be better. But for the price and location (and the fact there’s a kitchen), I’d return for a third visit. Alternatively, if you’re searching for Edinburgh hotels, there’s a Holiday Inn centrally located on the Royal Mile, which has good reviews. Otherwise, if you’d like a luxurious stay in Edinburgh, check out The Balmoral. Defined by its clock tower, The Balmoral is a five-star property with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Its notoriety comes from the fact it’s where J.K. Rowling famously finished writing the last Harry Potter book. You can stay in her suite for around £1000 per night –that’s all 😂. Speaking of hostels, here are my top tips for staying in hostels and my other favourite hostels across the UK and Europe (yes, Kick Ass made the list). Why you need to visit Edinburgh 1. The locals are ridiculously friendly One of the many reasons why I love Edinburgh is because the locals are so friendly. As a solo traveller dining out in Edinburgh alone, I never once felt self-conscious, as the staff were always welcoming and many even had a chat with me. This friendliness also extended to tour guides, bus drivers and hostel staff. Coupled with that irresistible Scottish accent, I want to become friends with every Edinburgh local. 2. There are many day trip opportunities Whether you want a different city escape, a water-based adventure or to go hiking, there’s a day trip waiting for you when you visit Edinburgh. You can head to Glasgow, an hour’s drive away, visit legendary Loch Ness or Loch Lomond National Park, or see St Andrew’s by the seaside. Here are plenty more Edinburgh day trip options from Visit Scotland. Personally, I’ve done two organised day trips with Rabbie Tours. The company is great, as they offer small group tours at very reasonable prices. There are also plenty of photos stops along the way, so you don’t spend hours at a time stuck on a tour bus. The two tours I’ve done are the Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highland tours, and the West Highlands Lochs and Castles tour. Don’t make me choose which one was better, as I thought they both included interesting stops and beautiful scenery. 3. Visit Edinburgh for the delectable food scene I’m going to write a guide to my favourite places to eat in Edinburgh, as I have had some amazing meals during my two visits. The way to my heart is truly through my stomach, guys. Some of the meals that made me love Edinburgh more include the Nutella and hazelnut French toast at Mimi’s Bakehouse Leith. The cakes and slices available at Mimi’s Bakehouse are also insanely delicious. Then there is the pulled pork sandwich from Oink, the jumbo pizza slices at Civerinos Slice and the homemade ice cream at Mary’s Milk Bar (complete with Edinburgh Castle views). Seriously, you will love Edinburgh’s food scene. 4. There are plenty of free things to see and do in Edinburgh Even after two Edinburgh visits, I still have attractions to tick off my list. Edinburgh is made for tourism, so it’s overflowing with free museums, family-friendly attractions and things to do. Some of my favourite free things to do in Edinburgh include visiting the National Museum of Scotland and The Writers’ Museum, walking along the Royal Mile, relaxing in Princes Street Gardens, and taking photos of Dean Village and Victoria Street. One of my favourite memories (and one of the reasons I love Edinburgh) is when I woke up around sunrise and wandered up to Edinburgh Castle. There were only a couple of other people around and the castle was glowing in the rising sun. It was an […]

Where to Take The Most Beautiful Photos on Magnetic Island

My latest post is all about where to take the best photos on Magnetic Island. Your Instagram feed will never be the same again! This blog post idea came to me as I ventured around Magnetic Island with my friend at the beginning of the year. We visited a lot of the island’s best viewpoints and attractions and took some pretty nice photos (if I don’t say so myself 😏). So here are my personal favourite photo locations around Magnetic Island. Here are my other Magnetic Island posts: a little local’s guide and where to find koalas. Where to take photos on Magnetic Island 1. Horseshoe Bay Horseshoe Bay is where my parents live. It’s on the other side of the island to Nelly Bay, which is where the ferry terminal is located. The main waterfront street is lined with cafes, pubs and restaurants. On the beachfront, you’ll find grassed space, picnic tables, a children’s playground and barbecue facilities too. With rocky headlands on either side, it’s one of Magnetic Island’s most photogenic places. I recommend heading here to capture the sunset. 2. Picnic Bay Jetty The Picnic Bay Jetty was the original ferry terminal. I remember docking there on school camps in 2000 and 2001. Today, it’s simply a scenic photo spot and a good place to go fishing. Ahead of you is the Townsville skyline, while you have the rugged national park landscape behind you. I’ve also seen people take photos underneath the jetty, California-style. 3. Hawkings Point This is one of the only places still on my bucket list. However, my sources tell me it’s one of the best places to visit on Magnetic Island for sunrise and sunset photos (see proof below). The track to reach Hawkings Point starts at the eastern end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay. It’s a short but steep track to the top of a boulder, which offers views over several bays and across to Townsville too. View this post on Instagram A lot can be said for island time 🌴, a lot more should be said about finding it 20 minutes from @townsvillenorthqueensland CBD! @thisismagneticisland (or Maggie as the locals call it) is certainly where the polar opposites of ‘relaxation’ and ‘exercise’ attract! 👣 If you’re up for it, eat all night and walk it off all day – with over 70% of the island made up of National Park @qldparks. Our tip? Take one of the many walking tracks like Hawkings Point ☝️ and soak up #goldenhour over the #GreatBarrierReef. ✨ #thisisqueensland by @photobohemian #townsvilleshines A post shared by #thisisqueensland (@queensland) on Sep 30, 2018 at 3:33am PDT 4. Florence Bay Florence Bay isn’t easy to get to. It’s located along the beaten-up Radical Bay Road that begins at the Forts Walk car park. Because it’s seen better days, the road is only accessible via 4WD and local car rental companies usually prohibit access. However, you can also walk down to Florence Bay. According to this website, it’s about a one-hour return trip. The extra effort is worth it though, as Florence Bay is always quiet, with gentle waves, rocky headlands and shady trees. It’s also one of the best places to go snorkelling on Magnetic Island. 5. Olympus Crescent lookout Okay, shoutout to my mum for this hidden gem, as it’s now one of my favourite places to take photos on Magnetic Island. To reach this lookout, you have to head to the end of Olympus Crescent in Arcadia and walk towards the boulders. From there, you will be greeted with stunning views overlooking Alma Bay. As always, people do live at the end of this cul-de-sac so please be courteous. 6. Geoffrey Bay Geoffrey Bay is one of the most popular places to take photos on Magnetic Island. People who hire the topless Barbie cars tend to head here for a photoshoot. As you can see below, it does make for a good photo backdrop. Geoffrey Bay is also where you can feed rock wallabies. Located at the far end or Armand Way (here it is on Google Maps), the rock wallabies live amongst the boulders. You can purchase feed from the local service station. This is also where you’ll find another one of Magnetic Island’s most popular photo spots – the balancing boulder. View this post on Instagram So, what does Sunday have in store for you? 🏝 📸 @siobhansanta A post shared by SeaLink Queensland (@sealinkqld) on Sep 14, 2019 at 4:31am PDT 7. Arthur Bay lookout Arthur Bay is another place to visit on Magnetic Island down the notoriously rocky Radical Bay Road I mentioned above. There are lookout points along the way (watch for signs) and the Arthur Bay lookout is one of the best. Capture the bay from above with framing pine trees. 8. Forts Walk The Forts Walk is probably the most popular hiking trail on Magnetic Island. This is because you can usually spot koalas year-round along the 4km-return trail. During my last visit in January, we saw four koalas. As the name suggests, the Forts Walk leads to historic World War II fortifications and other infrastructure. But it’s the views from the top that make this one of the best places to take photos on Magnetic Island. Enjoy sweeping 360-degree views from the top of the forts. You will be able to see Bowling Green Bay National Park in one direction, the Palm Island Group in the other and several bays too. 9. Arcadia to Nelly Bay bushwalk This 5-km one-way hiking trail takes you over the hills of Magnetic Island National Park from one bay to another. A moderate trek, the views from Sphinx Lookout look amazing. View this post on Instagram Local secrets, join us each week as we discover some iconic and some lesser known Magnetic Island secrets. #29/52. The sphinx lookout is located along the Mandalay to Arcadia hike, after a steep climb from the end of Mandalay Avenue you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of Horseshoe […]

16 Easy Tips For Travelling Across Europe On a Budget

If you’re looking for how to travel around Europe cheaply, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the best Europe budget travel tips from a seasoned solo Europe traveller. Altogether, I’ve spent approximately six months travelling around Europe on a budget and solo. I have previously published a guide to travelling alone in Europe, so I feel like it’s time to share my top Europe budget travel tips. From transport advice to general travel recommendations, I cover all bases. How much to budget per day for travel around Europe? This is a loaded question, as it depends on several different factors. However, on my recent trip to Europe, I was travelling alone, staying in hostels and predominantly taking buses between cities. I kept a record of my spending and my daily expenditure ranged from under $60 in Tallinn to $135 per day in Copenhagen. This includes everything – accommodation, transport, food and retail therapy! Hopefully, that answers the question of how much to budget per day to travel around Europe. If you stick to cheaper Eastern Europe countries like Poland and the Baltics, you could comfortably budget around $60 per day. However, if you visit more expensive places like London and Scandinavia, adjust your budget accordingly and safely aim for at least $100 per day (if not more). Europe budget travel tips – the transport edition 1. Take the bus I believe the cheapest way to travel around Europe is to take the bus. This is how I travelled around Europe on my previous two trips, with a train or two thrown in for good measure. On my recent trip, my cheapest bus journey was $10 and my most expensive was $50 (an eight-hour journey). I am a big supporter of FlixBus, as their buses are always clean, comfortable and on time. The only time I didn’t use FlixBus was when it wasn’t available (in the Baltics and the UK). To make your trip even more affordable, check out overnight buses. I did a couple of overnight bus journeys in the United States, but my body did not approve, so I stay away from them these days. Nevertheless, if you’re young and able to sleep anywhere (I’m incredibly jealous), overnight buses allow you to save money on accommodation and give you an extra day of sightseeing. Win-win! I also want to mention Eurail, as many people recommend trains as the cheapest way to travel around Europe. Yes, they do offer youth discounts for people under 27 years of age. However, I still believe FlixBus is more affordable. Definitely look at both transport options before purchasing your tickets. 2. Keep an eye out for cheap airfares If you only have a short amount of time in Europe (two weeks or one month, for example), flying may be a more efficient alternative. Fortunately, there are many budget airlines operating across Europe these days. I flew with EasyJet from Amsterdam to Prague in 2017 and the flight plus transfers cost me $100. However, if you choose to fly, it’s always cheaper to book well in advance. So once you have your Europe trip planned, look out for sales. 3. Walk the walk One of the reasons I like staying in hostels is that nine times out of 10 they’re located close to the city centre. This makes it so much easier to visit the most popular attractions, which are predominantly located in the city centre. I’m a big walker and would usually reach 10,000 steps before lunch in Europe. It’s a win-win as you get to see the sights and exercise, so you can indulge in delicious European treats later 😏. Sometimes it’s not possible to walk everywhere, which is when I would use public transport. I recommend heading to Google to figure out how to navigate a certain city’s public transport. I believe I used Uber less than five times in three months in Europe and only when I had no other option. One of my top Europe budget travel tips is to avoid rideshare services and taxis as much as possible. They are costly, particularly when travelling solo. Europe budget travel tips – general travel advice 4. Avoid travelling in peak season Another one of my top Europe budget travel tips is to avoid travelling in peak season. Although I would love to experience a European summer one of these days, it’s much more affordable (and less crowded) if you visit Europe outside of this peak season. To break it down, Europe’s off-season is November to March, while its shoulder seasons are April/May and September/October. In popular European destinations like Paris and London, there are crowds no matter when you visit. But on the other hand, I felt like the only tourist in Gothenburg in September. A totally underrated destination, by the way! I also find that accommodation is cheaper and hostels are less busy the closer you get to winter. Another slight positive for autumn travel in Europe is the weather and the glorious golden trees. Yes, it can be cold in some destinations, but I also experienced a lot more sunny days than rainy ones. Speaking of autumn, here’s my autumn packing list for Europe 5. Book in advance I mentioned this previously, but on my last trip to Europe, I didn’t take my own advice and paid for it (literally). Picture me sitting in my Helsinki hostel’s common room trying to book accommodation a week in advance for the UK. As you can imagine, I struggled to find a bed in affordable but also well-reviewed hostels. So unless you’re a spontaneous traveller, I highly recommend booking accommodation and transport in advance. By in advance, I mean at least one month to six weeks prior to your trip. The earlier the better, folks. 6. Seek out free things to do I know that in some destinations, there are specific world-renowned paid attractions everyone wants to visit. As long as you have money in your budget, I say […]

16 Fun Things To Do, See & Eat in Malmö, Sweden

Today we’re talking about all of the best things to do in Malmö, one of Sweden’s most beautiful cities. On my solo travels around Europe in 2019, I visited three Swedish destinations: Malmo, Gothenburg and Stockholm. We already know I’m a big fan of Gothenburg and I enjoyed my time in Malmö as well. It’s home to colourful buildings, delicious food, friendly locals and plenty of attractions. However, like the rest of Scandinavia, keep in mind that Malmö isn’t a cheap place to visit. Nevertheless, here’s a list of fun things to do in Malmö, Sweden. Malmö travel tips Firstly, I arrived in Malmö after a three-hour bus ride from Gothenburg. However, the city is only a 50-minute bus ride from Copenhagen across the Öresund or Øresund Bridge (depending on which country you’re in 😂). As always, I used FlixBus for both journeys. Once in the city, I just walked between the Malmö attractions mentioned below, but public transport is available. Here are my 10 best tips for travelling across Europe alone Where to stay in Malmö I stayed at STF Malmö, which is a great hostel in the Davidshall neighbourhood. Conveniently located next to the main shopping street, I was able to walk to all of the below attractions. STF Malmö has a spacious common area with plenty of tables, a large kitchen, good-sized dorm rooms and clean bathrooms. I highly recommend staying at STF Malmö. Before we dive into the best things to do in Malmö, check out my top tips for fellow solo travellers staying in hostels. The best things to do in Malmö 1. Start your visit in Gamla Väster One of the top things to do in Malmö is to visit Gamla Väster, Malmö’s Old Town and city centre. Gamla Staden refers to the entire district, which encompasses parks and Scandinavia’s oldest Renaissance castle (but more on that below). Stortorget is the 16th-century historic market square that’s home to Malmö Rådhus, the city hall. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, Rådhuskällaren is a popular restaurant located in the town hall’s basement. Other places to visit in Gamla Väster include Lilla Torg, another 16th-century cobblestoned market square surrounded by historic buildings. I also recommend heading to Jakob Nilsgatan, a side street filled with colourful houses that are waiting to be photographed. 2. Step inside Malmö City Library Seriously, this is one of the coolest places to visit in Malmö. First established in 1905, three buildings constitute Malmö City Library today. There is The Castle, a brick building; The Calendar of Light installation; and The Cylinder. I highly recommend making a quick detour to the City Library. 3. Do a day trip to Lund I didn’t realise that Lund is located less than a 15-minute train ride from the city. A Swedish university town, Lund is known for its lively student atmosphere, cobblestone streets and low brick houses. Top things to do in Lund include visiting either Kulturen, an open-air museum or The Historical Museum, stepping inside the 12th-century Lund Cathedral and exploring the Botanical Garden. 4. Go shopping in Davidshall Davidshall is where the above hostel is located. It’s a cool area that’s home to a lot of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and pretty side streets. It’s also where you will find Södra Förstadsgatan, the city’s main shopping street. Even if you don’t stay in the area, I recommend crossing the river and wandering through Davidshall. 5. Grab lunch at Malmö Saluhall When I went to the Saluhall at lunchtime, it was full of locals. It has stalls selling both prepared lunches and fresh local produce. So whether you want some delicious cheese, freshly-baked bread, a gourmet sandwich or a hearty salad from Holy Greens, there’s a stall for you. The Saluhall is also open until 9 pm on Fridays. 6. Visit Malmö Konsthall One of the top things to do in Malmö if you’re an art lover is to visit Malmö Konsthall. One of Europe’s largest exhibition halls, the light and bright space displays temporary classic and contemporary art exhibitions. 7. Do a day trip to Copenhagen If you’re wondering what to do in Malmö after you’ve visited all of the listed Malmö attractions, why not head across to Denmark for the day? In less than an hour, you can be in Copenhagen’s city centre. Go for a stroll along Nyhavn, do a free walking tour and see the view from the Tower at Chirstiansborg Palace. Here’s my budget travel guide, featuring the best free things to do in Copenhagen (you’re welcome 😏). 8. Go for a stroll through Västra Hamnen Another one of the best things to do in Malmö is to visit Västra Hamnen. From the waterfront neighbourhood, you can see Copenhagen across the ocean – how cool is that? I visited during the day, but I heard it’s one of the best places to visit in Malmö to see the sunset. Västra Hamnen’s two main attractions are the Turning Torso and the historic Malmö Lighthouse. One of the coolest things to see in Malmö, the Turning Torso is an iconic twisted building that’s both energy-efficient and home to offices and apartments. 9. Spend the day at Ribersborgs Beach If you’re looking for things to do in Malmö this summer, head to Ribersborg Beach and Ribersborg Kallbadhus. Located to the west of Västra Hamnen, Ribersborg Kallbadhus has two outdoor sea pools. Open year-round, you can go for a refreshing summertime swim or a revitalising ice-cold dip come winter. There are also five different saunas, massage facilities and an onsite restaurant. I personally visited in autumn and if you’re wondering what to pack, here’s my complete packing list. 10. Embrace Fika in Davidshall My name is Hayley and I love Swedish cinnamon buns. I had one every day I was in Sweden – no regrets. Fika is a Swedish ritual and more than just a coffee and cake break. As the official Sweden tourism website states: “It is a social phenomenon, a legitimate […]

Escape to Australia Through My Favourite Australian Novels

Read one of my favourite Australian novels to escape to Australia without leaving your home. This blog post idea came to me one afternoon as I was brainstorming alternative travel topics. Surprisingly I read more Australian novels when I was younger, as quite a few of these books are not from this century. In saying that though, I always try and support Australian authors whenever possible. So without further ado, here’s an extensive list of books set in Australia for a little bit of escapism. My favourite Australian novels Tomorrow, When the War Began series by John Marsden This is a flashback to my high school days! First published in 1993, Tomorrow, When the War Began is one of the most popular Australian books. Best of all, there are seven page-turning books in the series, which follows six teenage friends who go camping in the Australian bush. They return to discover that their hometown has been invaded and everyone in their small town is now a prisoner. Ultimately, the kids mercilessly fight back from the first book until the end. Plus, with boys and girls involved, there’s a dash of teenage romance as well. John Marsden himself has won every major Australian award for young people’s fiction. Tomorrow, When the War Began has also been made into a film and a short-lived TV series. Tomorrow, When the War Began and the entire series on Amazon The Dry by Jane Harper One of the best contemporary novels set in Australia, The Dry is the debut novel of award-winning Australian author, Jane Harper. Although I don’t read a lot of mystery novels, this book had me gripped from start to finish. It follows Aaron Falk, a Federal Police investigator who returns to his country hometown for his childhood friend’s funeral. They find him alongside his wife and child in an apparent murder-suicide. Alternating between the past and the present, everything is not as it seems in The Dry 👀. The Dry on Amazon Forces of Nature by Jane Harper Jane Harper has cemented her position as one of the best Australian authors with three bestselling Australian books. The latest is The Lost Man, which features different characters. However, Forces of Nature is my favourite out of her three Australian novels and Aaron Falk is the main protagonist once more. This time he’s investigating a case where a whistleblower mysteriously disappears on a remote hike/team-building exercise with four women colleagues. Readers hear from all the women as Falk and his partner try to piece together what happened. Forces of Nature on Amazon What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty Confession: What Alice Forgot is my favourite Liane Moriarty book. Set in Sydney, Alice has a gym accident and wakes up as her 29-year-old self in her 39-year-old body. She discovers she’s divorcing the love of her life and has three children. From Goodreads: “Ultimately, Alice must discover whether forgetting is a blessing or a curse and whether it’s possible to start over.” Is your interest piqued? While on Amazon I just read that What Alice Forgot is being turned into a movie too (🙌🏻). Yay! What Alice Forgot on Amazon Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty Thanks to its turn as an Emmy Award-winning TV show starring Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies is one of the most famous Australian novels right now. Alternating between the past and present, it follows three different women with children in the same school grade. Oozing with scandal, Big Little Lies is a juicy read you won’t be able to put down. Big Little Lies on Amazon Jessica by Bryce Courtenay Speaking of the best Australian authors, Bryce Courtenay wrote a lot of bestselling novels in his day, including The Power of One. However, we’re here to discuss Jessica. Based on an inspiring true story, it takes place on a struggling family farm in the Australian outback during the outbreak of World War I. It’s one of those heartwrenching Australian novels that stays with you long after you close its covers. Another book of his set in Australia is April Fool’s Day. I read this for my high school drama class and it’s a tribute to his son. He was a haemophiliac who contracted HIV/AIDS through an infected blood transfusion. Moral of the story: for the best Australian books, check out Bryce Courtenay. Jessica on Amazon Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta If you’re looking for Australian classic novels, may I suggest Looking for Alibrandi? First published in 1992, I remember reading it in high school, watching the movie (one word: heartbreaking) and then reading the book again 🙃. Josephine Alibrandi is in her final year of high school at a Sydney Catholic school. However, over the tumultuous year, she falls in love for the first time and discovers life-changing family secrets. Melina Marchetta has a way with words and is one of my favourite Australian authors. If you enjoy Looking for Alibrandi, I recommend reading her other Australian novels. Looking for Alibrandi on Amazon River Run by Nicole Alexander I randomly discovered Nicole Alexander through Kindle’s regular deals. But if you’re looking for novels set in the Australian outback you need to check her out. She has written quite a few Australian novels, but the only one I’ve read (so far) is River Run. Set over a week on a rural sheep property in the 1950s, Eleanor Webber returns home following a failed love affair in Sydney. Featuring mystery strangers, unwelcome guests and her trouble-making half-brother, add River Run to your reading list today. River Run on Amazon Cloudstreet by Tim Winton You can’t write a list of the best Australian books without mentioning one of Tim Winton’s bestselling novels. Winner of the Miles Franklin Award, Cloudstreet is highly regarded as one of the greatest works of Australian literature. Two families leave the country for the big city (Perth, Western Australia) and consequently end up living altogether in a house called Cloudstreet. Set over two decades (1944 […]

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 […]

My Awesome Guide to Amsterdam – aka The Perfect City For Solo Travellers

My next solo travel guide takes us to Amsterdam. Keep reading to discover why I believe Amsterdam is the perfect city for solo female travellers, plus all the top things to do with three days in Amsterdam. When I first visited Amsterdam as an 18 year-old, I thought it was a totally eccentric place. I remember the constant smell of pot in the air and locals dressed haphazardly in bright colours. I basically wasn’t in a hurry to return. But 10 years later I did just that and man, what a difference a decade makes. I’m now a total Amsterdam convert and recommend it to everyone, particularly fellow solo travellers. The city is full of friendly locals, beautiful architecture and a very impressive food scene. So here’s what I recommend you do with three days in Amsterdam. HERE’S THE ENTIRE ITINERARY FOR MY UK/EUROPE SOLO TRIP THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM RETAIL THERAPY Like many European cities, Amsterdam is a shopping hotspot. For souvenirs, I recommend checking out Dam Square Souvenirs. I also randomly walked past By Popular Demand one day and it was stocked full of so many interesting postcards and gift ideas. For the usual shopping suspects, check out Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat Streets. The Primark here stocks Amsterdam-inspired products as well. Finally, head inside Magna Plaza Shopping Centre and visit the very cool The Cool Collective. During the holidays there’s a HUGE Christmas Tree here too. VISIT THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE I visited the Anne Frank House during my first visit to Amsterdam. I’d read Anne Frank’s Diary in high school and it was incredible to see where it all took place. If you haven’t read the book, I recommend learning more about her story before visiting. GET READY TO WANDER I took an embarrassing number of architecture photos in Amsterdam, but it’s just such a photogenic city! I even found the crooked buildings charming. So fair warning: be prepared to spend a lot of your three days in Amsterdam wandering. I recommend strolling through The 9 Streets, the Canal District, Jordaan and De Pijp. You should also check out Magere Brug, which lights up at night. HOP ON A BIKE We all know about Amsterdam’s bike culture. There are bikes everywhere in the city and specific bike lanes too. If you want to be like a local during your three days in Amsterdam, check out MacBike or Discount Bike Rental for (you guessed it) bike rentals. FREE WALKING TOUR Guys, I have a confession to make – I did not do a free walking tour in Amsterdam. I know, who am I? I was thinking about it, but decided to just wander myself instead. Nonetheless, you know I always recommend doing a free walking tour. I did a SANDEMANs NEW Europe tour in Brussels and the same company operates in Amsterdam. They also have paid walking tour options as well. Otherwise, Freedam Tours is the top-rated free walking tour company in Amsterdam. GO ON A DAY TRIP I obviously spent too long wandering during my three days in Amsterdam, because I ran out of time to do a day trip. But I had written down quite a few things to do in nearby Haarlem. This includes dining at Stadsstrand de Oerkap (perfect for summer visitors), visiting the Grote Kerk and checking out Dessertbar. Another easy Amsterdam day trip option is Volendam. But if you don’t mind a long day, you could even visit Brussels. CHECK OUT A MUSEUM This city has so many museums, you’d definitely need more than three days in Amsterdam to experience them all. Museumplein is where you will find quite a few options, like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Moco Museum. I visited the area while the famous iamsterdam sign was in existence, which has now unfortunately been removed. But I had the weirdest toilet experience at the Cobra Cafe in Museumplein. The doors were translucent, but became less translucent when you turned the handle to engaged. I say less translucent because when I walked out I could see someone else next door to me and it was extremely awkward. Carrying on… Other museum options include the Rembrandt House Museum, NEMO Science Museum and the Hermitage. The most unique museum in Amsterdam must be Electric Ladyland – Museum of Fluorescent Art. It’s the first and only museum of its kind in the world. SEE THE SUNSET FROM PLLEK I’ve heard Pllek is worth a visit, particular at sunset. It’s home to a live stage, yoga classes and a menu that’s 75% vegetarian. RELAX ON A CANAL CRUISE This was another thing I did during my first trip to Amsterdam. We did an evening canal cruise and I loved seeing the city not only lit up at night, but from a different perspective. However, I know a daytime canal cruise would be just as good. I mean, it’s Amsterdam. GET THE FERRY TO AMSTERDAM-NOORD There are free ferries from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Amsterdam-Noord. The quick route from Centraal to Buiksloterweg is perfect for people who want to visit the A-DAM Lookout and the Eye Film Museum. I feel like this is another great sunset option as well. SPOT THE FLAMINGOS AT ARTIS I love including random suggestions in my guides. But one morning I was walking into Amsterdam with my dorm mates when we happened to walk past the ARTIS Royal Zoo and saw this flamingo enclosure. It was so random but so cool. HAVE A PICNIC IN THE PARK I stayed at Generator Amsterdam, which was located in Oosterpark. I enjoyed sitting outside and people watching while eating an early dinner. Amsterdam’s most famous park is Vondelpark, but another option is Westergasfabriek. BEHOLD BEGIJNHOF Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard in the middle of Amsterdam. It’s filled with historic buildings that date back to the 14th century. It was originally built as a sanctuary for the Begijntje, who were a Catholic sisterhood that lived like nuns. Today, single women still live in the […]