While other cities are frequently observed as having masculine characteristics, Paris is invariably described as being female. Sensuous, seductive, the unmistakeable city of light, love and romance, my affair with her began instantly as I first arrived off the train from Bordeaux in my early twenties. A frenzied and fertile breeding ground for the arts and novel ideas, Paris has at various times been the home of countless luminaries- indeed Honoré de Balzac went so far as to wildly proclaim “whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant”. Severely in want of elegance, I recently re-visited Paris and fell in love all over again. If you’re in the mood for a worldly romance, you’ll need this hit list. Read more →
GoPro Hero3/Hero3+ Action Camera: Black Edition
Have you ever dreamt of filming yourself engaging in action sports, like surfing, skateboarding or skiing? No? Me neither. Although I’ve always loved a walk on the wild side, especially on a new continent, any action I couldn’t easily capture on my Canon EOS SLR (which comes with me everywhere) was happily confined to memories inside my head. However this year, I finally succumbed to the technological seduction and slick marketing and got myself a GoPro. And the verdict is: It’s fun, and great for travellers. Read more →
The Truth about Flying
Griping about the discomfort of flying is a thoroughly modern first-world phenomenon. Here’s how you can relax and enjoy the magic of flight, whether you’re a frequent or infrequent traveller. Read more →
Life is a Roadtrip through Southern England
England never interested me until recently. My early backpacking days were filled with mountains and ice and snow and golden-skinned Scandinavian goddesses, and wild parties and cheap beer in hot, humid locales in South-East Asia. (Or at least that’s my rose-tinged reflection.) England didn’t seem exotic enough for this Aussie, the cultural appeal of a plate of fish and soggy chips cooked by a man named Roger and eaten on a sodden shingle beach in the rain. Of course, I was merely ignorant of the fact that England is brilliant. A fog of mortality and reflection shrouded my journey through the motherland. Read more →
How to Get the Money to Travel
The difference between people who travel, and those that want to but never do, is not just determination (which is also important), but creativity in determination. Travel can be a regular feature in your life, if you’re creative and motivated enough. Before my 22nd year was done, I had visited the USA, Thailand, much of Europe, had been all over Scandinavia, Singapore, Tahiti, Estonia and the Maldives! How did I do it? Read on for some further ideas! Read more →
Snowboarding and Skiing in Australia
It’s often a surprise to many that not only is it possible to ski in Australia, but the skiing can be very good. And that at least for those on the Eastern seaboard, winter is looked upon with some fondness not only for the relief it brings from the summer heat but also for the expensive adventures that lay in wait in the Snowy Mountains. The Australian snowfields have always held some magic for me- the cold, dry chimney-smoke winter air of the mountains and the anticipation of white-knuckle adventure. Read more →
How to Leave London
Last week, we ruminated over things to do in London. In keeping with the English theme, this week Alyssa James of Alyssa Writes gives us some options for London day trips – getting out of the city and seeing the surrounding countryside. There is enough going on in London to keep anyone occupied for a lifetime, but, if you’re looking for a change of pace and can only spare a day or two, here are some day trips you can make to see more of England. Read more →
18 Cool Things to Do in London
“Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”
— Samuel Johnson
Thus spake Johnson to his distinguished biographer James Boswell, and though the words are over 200 years old, they might equally well apply to any age. For London is and has always been one of those places where you can experience the complete spectrum of human possibility. Centre of an empire for centuries, from history to the arts to the sciences, London is a place where you can see, do, and find anything- a world unto itself. If you however, unlike Johnson, will measure your stay in London in the days rather than the years, you’ll want to quickly sort the wheat from the chaff and avoid the touristy riff raff. This list par excellence will help you decide what to check out. Read more →
Sydney Harbour in Lights
If you were ever in any doubt that Sydney possesses the world’s most beautiful natural harbour, adorned with the world’s most innovative architecture, this year’s Vivid light festival would surely have reassured you. Now in its 5th year, the Vivid festival encompasses music performance and an ideas forum, but the real drawcard for the visitors in their millions is the light display. Designed and choreagraphed by artists and technical wizards, the lights are breathtakingly projected onto the city’s most prominent landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Customs House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I rarely need an excuse to check out Sydney Harbour so I thought I’d get on down with my DSLR and take a good old gander. Read more →
Michelberger Hotel, Berlin
The best of the hostel and hotel worlds are combined in this eccentric establishment in the former East Berlin. When visiting new cities, it certainly pays to research your accommodation options. So many travellers choose a place based only on price or location, but a room can be so much more than just a place to rest your head after a day of sightseeing. It can be part of the travel experience itself. The Michelberger Hotel in Berlin is one such place. Read more →
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