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ASIA

5 stunning ways to step off the beaten path in Vietnam

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Does Vietnam tickle your travel taste buds? If so, you’ve got great taste. This country is mesmerizing and addictive (trust me, I’m on my fifth visit).

And you’re not alone – there were 13 million international visitors in 2017, and the numbers are rising. But don’t let the crowds put you off – this country has so much to offer that there’s plenty to go around. You needn’t be overwhelmed by queues or have to jostle for photo ops in competition with other tourists, instead you can delight in undisturbed villages, hidden (I mean seriously difficult to find) coffee shops and stunning landscapes as if you were the first person there.

Cruise through Lan Ha Bay

Ha Long Bay is a, if not the, Vietnamese icon. It’s really quite a phenomenal experience to cruise among the 1600 limestone islands and islets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. But I insist on trying an alternative – Lan Ha Bay. This is actually the less crowded, southern section of Ha Long Bay.

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Lan Ha Bay

Just as stunning, it is easier to appreciate nature’s beauty here thanks to the reduced number of boats cruising around. Oh, and there’s the added bonus of white sand beaches among the limestone towers, as well as many floating fishing villages (and spot the adorable dogs that live on these tiny floating homes).

When we cruised through Lan Ha, it felt notably calmer than Ha Long, and cleaner. With warnings spiking this year about the environmental impact of Ha Long Bay’s crowds, you’ll not only be seeing somewher[……]

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EUROPE

THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO PARIS, FRANCE

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To call our recent trip to Paris spontaneous is a bit of an understatement.

We had been in Sibenik, Croatia for three weeks, and while we loved the small coastal city, we were starting to feel the grass grow beneath our feet.

Travis and I were just one month in to our new full-time travel lifestyle, and as much as we hated to admit it, we were bored. We had done everything in the area multiple times, and we were on a first name basis with the waiters at the restaurant around the corner.

It was time to shake things up.

After some blanket “Europe” searches on Google Flights we narrowed it down to two cities where we could fly to that day: Paris and Berlin.

Torn at the prospect of both destinations, we turned the decision over to fate and flipped a coin.

Heads: Paris. Tails: Berlin.

We landed in Paris that night with no plans, no lodging and no expectations, and a week later we left with a newfound love and appreciation for the beautiful city.

While Paris is by no means an uncharted destination, here’s my take on the city of lights…

Where to Stay

This sounds obvious, but Paris is a huge city, and where you plant yourself is crucial to maximizing your time, money and energy. The city is divided into arrondissements, or districts, each with a different flavor and ambiance.

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Paris by Arrondissements (Credit: Paris Discovery Guide)

There are a million and one hotels in the city, many that are quite pricey, so I would recommend utilizing Airbnb to stay in an apartment in[……]

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EUROPE

14 Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Copenhagen You Must Visit for your next Denmark trip

Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey through the enchanting streets of Copenhagen, where hidden gems await your discovery.

While iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid and Tivoli Gardens are undoubtedly captivating, beyond the well-known attractions lies a treasure trove of vibrant, cheery, and off-the-beaten-path wonders just waiting to be explored in the city of Copenhagen. From colourful canal side houses, charming cobblestone streets, cosy cafe scene, contagious energy fills the air with these must-see hidden gems in Copenhagen. Copenhagen, the Danish capital, is renowned for its captivating landmarks, but it’s time to dig deeper and uncover the hidden gems that make this city truly shine.

As we dive into the heart of this Nordic wonderland, get ready to be dazzled by the unexpected, enchanted by local traditions, and captivated by the joy that radiates from every corner. These hidden gems are not just about ticking off a checklist, but about immersing yourself in the unique charm and cheery spirit of Copenhagen. So, put on your explorer’s hat and let’s embark on this journey of delightful surprises!

Copenhagen hidden gems:

Nyboder

Stepping into Nyboder is like stepping into a living piece of Copenhagen’s history. This quaint neighbourhood, with its charming yellow houses and cobblestone streets, exudes a sense of nostalgia. It’s a Copenhagen hidden gem that allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich maritime heritage and imagine the lives of sailors w[……]

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AMERICAS

Colombia: The Best Kept Secret In Travel

When Patrick from The Cali Adventurer blog approached me to pen a few guest posts about the travel hot-spots in Colombia, naturally I was delighted. As co-founder of Amakuna, a luxury travel company which specialises in creating tailor-made holidays in Colombia, there’s nothing I like doing more than sharing my top tips for travelling around this magical country. The team at Amakuna has travelled the length and breadth of the country. We know every boutique hotel bolt-hole, the best lobster shacks, the most picture-postcard perfect coffee fincas and the liveliest salsa bars. Dying for an innovative cocktail in Cartagena? Easy, El Baron is the place for you. Ask for Noah, he won’t disappoint. Gasping for a wonderfully creamy, velvety cappuccino? Simply head to Azahar Coffee in Bogota. Single origin heaven awaits. But before I give away all the secrets (and there are many) of this little-discovered country, it’s worth reflecting first on a bit of Colombia’s history and what makes it now such an attractive tourist destination.

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It is almost eleven years ago exactly since I stepped off the plane in Cartagena, arriving from Panama City. Looking at a map, you wonder why you can’t simply drive it. It looks like it would make a wonderful road-trip, hugging the Caribbean coast the whole way, the type of trip perfect for an old Land Rover Discovery. Unfortunately, that stretch of land known as the Darien Gap is one of the least accessible by vehicle in the world, not to mention pretty[……]

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OCEANIA

5 reasons to hop across the pond from Australia to New Zealand

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New Zealand is cracking open its borders after a long year of isolation, allowing lucky Aussies to enjoy all the country has to offer.

This two-way trans-Tasman bubble means there’s no need to quarantine on either end of your journey, so if you’re looking for a change of scenery, then New Zealand has it in spades.

And as Australia is the only country allowed in, if there was ever a time to jump across the ditch and visit your Kiwi neighbours without the usual crowds, it’s now! We know it won’t take much convincing, but read on to discover five fantastic reasons to visit New Zealand and make your next overseas getaway one to remember.

1. To be blown away by Milford Sound

If we’re talking scenery that puts New Zealand on the tip of everyone’s tongues when asked “where in the world do you want to visit most”, Milford Sound is at the top of the list. Blue water tumbles into the Tasman Sea, dozens of waterfalls spill from the surrounding cliffs and bottlenose dolphins mingle with passing boats. Covered in a blanket of mist, the scene here is so surreal it feels almost otherworldly. But such beauty comes with a price – the Milford Sound usually receives around a million visitors each year. Not this year, though! This year, it’s all yours.

2. To taste world-class wine among stunning scenery

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No doubt you’ve picked up a bottle or two of Otago wine in your time, but there’s nothing quite like trying it at the source. Some of the world’s best Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling and[……]

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ASIA

The Ultimate Thailand Backpacking Route

Okay, so you’ve made the decision to go travel around Southeast Asia and you’ve heard that Thailand is the obvious place to start. Well, my friend, you’ve got some solid advice coming your way because Thailand is the perfect place to begin that backpacking adventure. But where do you even start when planning your Thailand backpacking route?

By the end of this blog, you’ll be absolutely sure of which places you want to visit and how long you’re planning to spend in each place. Let’s make one thing absolutely clear: you’ve made the best decision already… you’ve decided to go backpacking through Thailand, and what an epic adventure it’s going to be!

Why go backpacking in Thailand?

Thailand is clearly at the top of every solo traveller’s bucket list, and for good reason. With its broad range of appeal, it’s easy to see why backpacking in Thailand is still trending in 2023.

If you’ve ever spoken to anyone who has been to Thailand, you’ve probably heard about the golden temples in Bangkok, the idyllic beaches of the southern islands, and the lush mountainous jungle in Chiang Mai. You may have even heard about some secret spots, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love insider knowledge?! Don’t worry, we’ll cover those secret spots a little later on. Let’s just say that you’d be crazy to miss these three secret locations when backpacking around Thailand!

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SaveHow long to spend backpacking in Thailand?

There really is no simple answer to this game-changing decision, with so much t[……]

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EUROPE

COMPLETE ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Italy is known for its amazing food, iconic monuments, and incredible art. Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world and receives approximately 65 million tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this Italy travel guide and the following Italy travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Italy are Rome, Venice, and Florence.

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Trevi Fountain Rome Italy

WHY VISIT ROME

Rome Italy is full of iconic sights but the best way to experience Rome’s La Dolce Vita is to wander and get lost. Rome has 280 fountains, beautiful piazzas, famous stairs, winding cobblestone paths, catacombs, trattorias with red-checkered tablecloths, creamy pasta dishes, and Italian coffee.

WHY VISIT VENICE

Venice is a floating city made up of 120 islands and 450 bridges. The city is a maze of small streets, bridges, and canals all full of timeworn buildings, strings of laundry, and window boxes of flowers. You will have the best experience wandering Venice Italy without a time schedule or agenda, stopping in as many cafes and little bookstores as possible.

WHY VISIT FLORENCE

Florence has it all. Cobblestone streets, shutters adorn worn buildings, insanely beautiful doors, frescoes galore, the Duomo, beautiful gardens, old city walls, Chianti wine, leather markets, famous public art, and, of course, David.

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Almafi Coast Italy

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY

WHERE IS I[……]

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