Travel

  • Australia,  Sydney,  Travel

    Essential Sydney: the must see sites of this vibrant city

    Sydney is Australia’s most famous harbour city, receiving a staggering 25 million visitors from around the world each year.  If you are visiting for the first time then you are in for a treat as there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant city and if you are a return visitor then there is always something new to discover. Sydney is easily navigated on foot, with most tourist attractions located in the CBD. If you prefer to save your feet then the city circle train and the hop on hop off bus are good options for getting you from one side of town to the other. Here is…

  • New York,  Travel,  USA

    5 must see places to add to your New York itinerary

    Just mention “New York” and what may come to mind is the iconic tourist sites such as the Empire State building, the Statue of Liberty and Central park.  If you are looking to experience New York a little differently or even like a local then here are five places you should add to your New York itinerary. 1. High Line New York The High line New York is a linear garden that spans about 1.6 km along the former West side rail line. It’s elevated gardens and walking path is a little oasis hidden within the skyscrapers of New York on the lower west side of Manhattan. It was first…

  • Europe,  Travel

    7 Must see amazingly picturesque mountain towns

    Be inspired by these seven amazingly picturesque mountain towns that you should be adding to your bucket list right now! 1. Bellagio Not just famous for George Clooney’s hideaway holiday villa! This beautiful little village is located on Lake Como in Italy, with the magnificent Alps in the background. Considered the pearl of Lake Como, it sits on the tip of the lake, where it intersects into three to offer panoramic views of the lake and mountains.  The village has picturesque cobblestone streets with shops and restaurants overlooking the lake. When you have had a bite to eat take a stroll around the Villa Melzi and it’s beautiful gardens and…

  • Europe,  France,  Montmartre,  Paris,  Travel

    Walking the cobblestone streets of Montmartre

    Montmartre is my most favourite area of Paris and on my last visit in winter I stayed there for a wonderful ten days. I may be a romantic but to me Montmartre seems to capture the “old” Paris, the Paris where you could easily imagine sitting in a cafe and at the next table is Hemmingway scribbling on papers or a glance out the window and there is Monet, Dali and Picasso working away at their easels. If you are anything like me, then you will find much enjoyment just casually walking through the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, admiring the old buildings, wandering up stairs and capturing glimpses of the magnificent…

  • Travel,  Travel Tips

    Photographing iconic tourist sites and where to find the best vantage points

    Getting that ultimate holiday snap when you are not a photographer is easier than you think.  All you need is a steady hand and some inside information. Taking a great photo starts with finding the ultimate spot to take the photo from. Finding the best view is going to show your subject in the best possible way. Also consider timing of the day for where the sun will be, as you will want it shining on your subject rather than at you. So here is the list of the most popular tourist attractions and where to take the best photos from. Australia Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge Where…

  • Colmar,  Europe,  France,  Travel

    The town Colmar is straight out of a fairytale book

    If there ever was a town that makes you feel like you have stepped out of a fairy tale, Colmar would be that town. Literally, Colmar is straight out of a fairytale book. Located in the heart of Colmar is the enchanting “old town” – with its beautifully preserved 9th Century architecture, colourful buildings and little romantic canals, it truly gives you a glimpse of how life may have looked over 1000 years ago.  Colmar is not only known for it’s fairytale charm but also for it’s local gourmet produce and beautiful fine wine. I was absolutely enamored by this little part of town and it’s a must see if you…

  • Europe,  Italy,  Travel,  Venice

    A most unusual book shop in Venice

    Venice is known for canals, St Marks Square and its mysterious narrow passageways, and through the latter you can make some unique discoveries when you venture off the main path. I did just that and I stumbled upon this unusual bookshop in the area of Castello. The faded sign out the front simply said “Welcome to the most beautiful book shop in the world”.  I certainly thought that it has the most beautiful location in the world, so quite intrigued I went in to explore. What I found inside this most unusual book shop in Venice was extraordinary – a confusion of books of every kind, on any topic and…

  • Budapest,  Europe,  Hungary,  Travel,  Travel Tips

    The infamous Budapest to Belgrade overnight train

    I’m a big advocate when it comes to train travel.  Given the choice of trains or planes, I’ll take the train every time.  Let’s just say that I would prefer to keep my feet on the ground whenever possible.  Having travelled across Europe by train to various destinations, I have experienced the good, the bad and the downright ugly! The Budapest to Belgrade overnight train was in the downright ugly category.  Faced with the prospect of being thrown off the train in the middle of the night, at the border of Hungary and Serbia, is something you do not want to experience. Having spent around 24 hours sightseeing in the…

  • Cinque Terre,  Europe,  Italy,  Travel

    Get your hiking boots on and walk the famous Cinque Terre Trail

      The Cinque Terre is a spectacular coastal area in the north of Italy that encompasses five charming little villages located at the base of the Cinque Terre National park. The park is a UNESCO world heritage site that strives to work in harmony between both tourism and nature. The Cinque Terre is known for it’s stunning panoramic views that will literally leave you breathless and for the famous hiking trails offering the best viewing points looking out to each village. To really get the most from this area one should really explore the Cinque Terre by foot. So pull on those hiking boots and walk the famous Cinque Terre…

  • Budapest,  Europe,  Hungary,  Travel

    Budapest the pearl of the Danube

      Budapest the pearl of the Danube – as it’s often referred to – would have to be the most underrated city in Europe. Even if you have limited time it’s still quite possible to see a lot in 24 hours in Budapest. I found myself in this exact situation after missing a flight that affected my original plans for Budapest, leaving me with only one day. That’s all it took really, 24 hours and I was hooked! Once you discover Budapest you will be yearning to go back and explore this truly amazing city with a lot more time on your hands. Budapest flanks either side of the Danube…