My Top 10 Travel Tips

Travelling is kind of like sex; it's addictive, exciting, can be taken slow and steady or fast paced and full on, is fun, adventurous, and once you pop your cherry you can't help but wait for your next experience.

So what is it about travel that  makes it so addictive?

That you're breaking routine? That you're anywhere but at work? That you get to experience different cultures, ways of life, food, entertainment, music and senses that tickle your fancy?

That you get to see the things that you only thought existed in movies, in real life? That you get to play out your real life dreams and create memories that you'll have forever?

The planing, saving, anticipation and excitement?

Seeing and doing things that you never dreamt of?

I'd say all of the above and more.

Travel doesn't have to be some super expensive, across the other side of the world, full on planned, out there trip away, it could be popping down to a little local spot for a couple of days, or playing tourist in your own state, country or region. The best thing about travel is that it's what you make it.

Now more then ever, globalisation and the advances in technology means that virtually every corner of our planet is now accessible in some way shape or form, making travel a multi billion dollar industry.

You just have to hang out at your local pub on New Years Eve to realise that people are either planning a trip, have recently returned, or are missing in action due to travel calling them far and away from home!!!

So what tips does a travel agent have for those who want to travel?

1. Try to pick one country and do it really well, instead of trying to cram 20 countries into 4 weeks. Going to a country and seeing only the capital is like coming to Australia and only seeing Canberra or Sydney and saying that 'you've been there.' As we all know, Sydney is only a very small snippet of what Australia has to offer, and many would argue that it isn't the 'true' Australia at all. When I travelled to Europe in 2008 I saw 6 countries in 6 weeks (Austria, Italy, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Norway). But what I mean be 'being to' a country is going to France and seeing Paris for 4 days, so it isn't exactly seeing the whole country. As I become a more experienced traveller, I have definitely prioritised seeing one country in depth, over rushing through several and it all becoming a blur.

2. Determine what type of a holiday you are after right from the start. Are you over your super busy, flat out all on all of the time lifestyle and are desperately looking for some r n r and cheap cocktails? If so, then you are probably better to invest more money in a decent resort with a day spa, by the beach, where you can hang around in hammocks, chill by the pool and beach, and become a sea lion basking in the sun and then refreshing in the water. If you are after an adrenaline seeking holiday, but you're on a budget, then you're probably best to stay in cheap accommodation and spend more on activities. Just be careful what countries you choose to do these activities in, as different countries have different safety regulations. If you are after a cultural experience, then doing your research and 'going off the beaten track' is probably the best way to experience the 'true culture' of places, instead of being sold 'fake replacements.'

3. Always, always take out travel insurance, no matter whether it's a domestic or international holiday. My motto is if you can't afford travel insurance then you can't afford to travel. You never know what unforeseen circumstances my be lurking in the future, and it's always best to be safe then sorry. You insure your car, house and income, why wouldn't you insure your holiday that you've probably worked and saved darn hard for?

4. The Lonely Planet Guides are like bibles for travel. They include recommendations for places to stay, amazing restaurants to eat out at, activities with great value for money, maps, local sayings, currency conversion, culture and religion and so much more! I don't travel without one.

5. Pre book your must see activities, you know, those activities that you travel half way around the world to go and see and experience for yourself? You wouldn't want to go all that way to find yourself in a queue 1,000 people long, waiting out in the hot sun, parched, and end up thinking stuff it, and then regretting it later on!!! Pre book the activities that you really want to see and do and you won't be disappointed.


6. Consider a guided tour. Tours have changed so much over the years. I know personally, that I used to hate the idea of tours; I thought they were fast paced, with late nights and early starts, full of drunken idiots, and a waste of money. Now I view tours entirely different. When I travelled to Europe I missed out on so much knowledge, so many inside, unique experiences and so many attractions because I stringed on tour guides and screwed up my nose to Contiki and the like. Now I would seriously consider a partially guided, leisurely paced tour when I next travel. They are awesome because they can include first class accommodation, right in the city centres,with local tour guides, the opportunity to have meals cooked for you in peoples houses, activities that you couldn't even imagine, things that you don't see unless you are on a tour, and plenty of free time, as well as guided opportunities.

7. Don't be afraid to try new things. I've drunken snake wine in Vietnam, eaten Reindeer in Norway, tried chips and mayonnaise in the Netherlands, eaten god knows what in Cambodia and probably other things that are a bit hazy due to giving the local beverages a crack, but I don't regret a thing. Be open to new experiences, new foods, giving the local language a go, taking a chance, and stepping out of your comfort zone, and that's when your real experiences begin.

8. Always organise airport transfers. Sounds stupid but can you think of anything worse then being on a plane for 12 hours, not sleeping, jet lagged, blurry eyed and maybe a little drunk after hammering the free alcoholic beverages on international flights and rocking up to a country that doesn't speak your language and having to try get your bags, find a cab or train station and explain where you need to go?

Wouldn't you rather get off the plane and seeing someone with your name on a sign who'll take the stress out of it for you?

9. Don't overlook travel in your backyard. There's such a focus on overseas travel now but there are some truly amazingly beautiful places in Australia. I've travelled the world and I still think Far North Queensland and the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia are two of my favourites! You're keeping your money in your country, and enjoying what your country has to offer, from the Great Barrier Reef, to tropical rain forests, to deserts, large rocks in the middle of no where, mountains, rugged cliff lines, untouched beaches, four wheel driving tracks, man made attractions in Sydney and Melbourne, and so much more!

10. Take the stress out of your holiday and book through a travel agent; they'll do all of the organising for you and you just need to rock up at the airport on the day of departure ready for the ride of a lifetime!

What tips and tricks do you have for travelling?

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxx

Fiji Versus Thailand

Without a doubt one of the BIGGEST decisions that we ever have to make is where to go on holidays! Let’s face it, we only get 4 weeks a year so we want to make sure that wherever we choose rocks our socks!

There are three main reasons that I travel: to open my eyes to new cultures and ways of living, to break all forms of routine (and to escape domestic duties!) and for some good old rest and relaxation.

So where is the ultimate place for some r’n’r? I instantly think of somewhere with sandy white beaches, blue water, hammocks, delicious tasting cocktails, shirtless male waiters, I mean, friendly people, and somewhere where I can kick back and firmly plant my bum into a comfy location, with little to no effort, thinking or planning required.

Which countries tick all of these boxes? Well, we have Bora Bora of course, if I’m happy with my holiday costing me an arm and a leg…no thankyou. So perhaps we need to think of somewhere more affordable. Bali? Fiji? Thailand? Hawaii? Mauritius? Vanuatu? The list goes on…

Fortunately for me I have had the opportunity to travel to both Thailand and Fiji and let me tell you, both places ticked all of my boxes and rocked my socks but for different reasons.

So let’s compare.

COST

Thailand is incredibly cheap, I’m talking $6 for an hour massage in Bangkok cheap, and no, I’m not talking some lame, airy fairy massage, I’m talking climb on your body, releasing those knots type massage.

While Fiji was still cheaper then Australia, it was more expensive than Thailand.

For example.

$8 Australian dollars in Thailand bought you this for dinner (cocktail included):

 

In Fiji, $16 Australian dollars bought you this for dinner:

DISTANCE

Fiji is closer to Australia than Thailand so you arrive at your tropical location a lot faster if you choose a Fijian holiday. From experience, Fiji (Nadi) is roughly 6 hours from Adelaide: 2 to Sydney and 4 from Sydney. In contrast, Thailand (Phuket) is roughly 10 hours: 8 from Adelaide to Singapore, and 2 from Singapore to Phuket.

SHOPPING

Thailand was definitely a retail therapy paradise with markets, handbags, rip of Tiffany and Co jewellery, sunglasses, cheap clothes, tasers, you name it, they had it. After awhile it got a bit “same, same but different” but there were definitely many bargains to be had, especially if you are an avid barterer like me!

Fiji on the other hand wasn’t amazing for shopping.

On the flipside, less shopping in Fiji meant less people to pester you with “you buy, you buy”. “You do me good price I do you good price.” “Come this way, I show you a bargain!”

I guess in that sense, Fiji was more relaxing than Thailand because you could sit on the beach and sip your cocktails without being hassled for your moolah. The only people asking you to buy something is the waiters checking up on you to make sure that your cocktail is full!!!

CULTURE

Without a doubt, Fijian and Thai people are both passionate about their culture. It truly is amazing to see how these people live, celebrate their culture through dancing and singing, and seem to be the most relaxed, happy people on earth.

A Kava Ceremony in Fiji.

Fijians LOVE dancing and singing! Showing a Fijian how we do it in Australia!

Thailand certainly wasn't lacking in culture, but we just chose to sit and sip cocktails instead of doing the touristy culture activites.

BEAUTY

Both Thailand and Fiji are gorgeous both above and below the water. The snorkeling is amazing at both, although I would say that the snorkeling off of Turtle Reef in Fiji was better then on the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand.

The beaches were both gorgeous, with white sand and crystal clear water.

Mana Islands – Fiji

Phi Phi Islands – Thailand.

Based on my experience I would have to say that Fiji is the ULTIMATE relaxation holiday. The Fijians always have the BIGGEST smiles on their face – they will do everything for you from climbing a tree to bring you a fresh coconut, to dancing up a storm! It’s closer to Australia, the food is amazing, and you can sit and relax on the beach without being pestered to buy things.

However, if you’re also up for a bit of retail therapy and you’re on a tighter budget, than Thailand has a little bit of everything all rolled in to one. It’s a little bit further from Australia but it’s way cheaper then Fiji (think $2 for cocktails!), you can have the adrenaline rush of bartering with the locals and the kick of retail therapy if you wish, massages are dirt cheap ($6 for an hour), the pineapples rock your socks, and it really does open your eyes up to another way of life!

Fiji? Thailand? Let’s face it – both are beautiful and both sure beat being at work!

Have you been to Fiji or Thailand or both? Which would you prefer? Would did you love about these countries?

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxxx

Come Fly With Me to Florence

When you think of Italy, what do you picture?

If you are anything like me, than your image is filled with terracotta coloured houses, olive branches sighing from the amount of fruit on their branches, the smell of freshly cooked pizza wafting through the streets and dark haired Italian chefs yelling out "mumma mia, this is a greata pizza!" (haha)

Well, Florence definitely didn't disappoint.

The cobbled streets lead you to many surprises as you potter around Florence, including the gorgeous marble church, gelati piled up in mountains of creamy goodness, rows and rows of vespas line the streets, statues, statues and more statues, and the canals.

If you are adventurous, like we were, you can also wonder off of the beaten track and discover some of the most amazing views over Florence that are truly just awe inspiring.

Magical.

I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.

It was Winter, and freezing, but it felt so cosy!

Just breath taking - seriously, we just sat here in awe for so long.

Proof that I was there!

The beautiful canals of Florence at night time Via

 

The view of the city from the look out Via

Top tips:
1. I would recommend 3 days max in Florence (with a day trip to Pisa).
2. Don't be scared to wander the streets, you never know what you'll discover.
3. Don't forget to enjoy some gelati!
4. Buy a Europass, that's how we traveled around Europe (to get to Florence, we took the train from Rome). 
5. We stayed right near the train station. No we didn't pre book. Yes it was the off season. Yes, we had the Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring book. Here's where we stayed - it was very cute http://www.hostelarchirossi.com/


Have you been to Florence? What did you fall in love? 

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty

Why Everyone Should Visit a Developing Country.

Two gorgeous Cambodian kids proudly showing us a spider that they caught!

I think that everyone can learn something from developing countries.

Yup, that's right, in my opinion, developed countries should take a leaf out of developing countries books.

What made me think this?

Two years ago I travelled to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Let me tell you, it was a life changing experience, but maybe not for the reasons that you thought.

Yes, it was a shock to see rubbish lying around, power lines that were out of control, houses made of styrofoam boxes, corrugated iron, bamboo, coconut leaves and anything they could get their hands on, the Mekong River that was used for washing, cleaning and drinking, popping squats over toilet seats, no footpaths and side curbs, and all that jazz that we take for granted here in Australia.

 It was easy to feel "sorry" for them, because of the way that they lived. BUT when you looked past those things, you saw the true beauty of these places, and the HUGE smiles on the locals faces.

The houses along the Mekong.

While we were on a long boat, speeding along the Mekong in Cambodia to see the sunset, I asked our tour guide, "are these people happy?"

 Without blinking an eyelid he replied "of course - they have their homes, their family and their health, what more could they want?"

Some of the sights we saw along the Mekong in Cambodia.

It was in that moment that I thought about what I would say if a Cambodian came to Australia and asked me the same question "are these people happy?" (as they looked around them seeing us in nice cars, HUGE houses and dressed in flashy clothes). 

Little children would wrap snakes around their necks and beg for money.

It got me thinking, what constitutes happiness? What should we all aspire to? Are we any happier if we are surrounded by nice things?

Are developed countries happier then developing countries?

I think you'd find that many Aussies who have flashy cars and nice homes are up to their eyeballs in debt and probably stressed out of their brain about making their next mortgage repayment. 

Should we feel sorry for developing countries or should developing countries feel sorry for us?

What developing countries worry about and appreciate.

What developed countries worry about and appreciate.

Or maybe, just maybe, developed countries have learnt to love what they have, and aren't always thinking that the grass is greener if I had such and such.

What do you think?

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxxx

Come fly with me to Vatican City!

The Pope in Rome!

I saw the Pope in Rome...well Vatican City actually and completely by mistake.

Yes, Kim and I decided to go alllllll crazy and spontaneous and wander from the centre of Rome to Vatican City and back....without a map!

Stupidly, we forgot that it was Sunday (you know, as you do when you're on holidays), and decided to pop on down to Vatican City for a peak. 

Oh my god, there were people EVERYWHERE crowded around the centre of Vatican City for Sundays preaching. Little did we know that the Pope was going to pop his head out of a window wayyyyyy up in the sky to deliver the sermon that day.

Yes, we totally had the song "If God Was One of Us" in our head, particularly the line:

Back up to heaven all alone
Just trying to make his way home
Nobody calling on the phone
Except for the pope maybe in rome
 source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/onehitwonders/ifgodwasoneofuslyrics.html

WOW; now I'm not Catholic, but it was a pretty amazing moment to see the Pope speak in all of the different languages. Of course, we couldn't understand a second of it because it was in Roman, except when he greeted us in English!

Did you know that Vatican City is a country? Kim and I thought that we'd had this SUPER SMART IDEA (we're both blonde), to avoid the crowds in the main entrance by walking around the perimeter to a back entrance. Unfortunately for us, none of the other entrances were OPEN! But hey, at least we can say that we've walked around the perimeter of a country.

I must admit that we didn't stand in the queues to go inside and marvel at the paintings, but I have heard that it is pretty amazing inside.

The amazing artwork inside St Peters Via

I would definitely visit Vatican City if you are going to Rome. You only need a day to look around (it's tiny!) Beware that there are HUGE queues in Summer! If you are feeling adventurous like we were, I would also give roaming around Rome a crack without a map...and replace it with a gelati instead! Mmmmm!

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxx

Come fly with me to Fiji.

FIJI!

Bring on copious amounts of Pina Coladas, sunshine, my little sisters wedding, celebrations, holiday sex and all things BREAKING ROUTINE in Fiji in 23 days!

Excitement.

So today, we're flying to Fiji (pretty much because I'm over work, the crappy winter weather and routine) so I'm posting a blog post to make me smile and feel all warm and happy inside (haha).

I wished I was fancy enough to know how to paste mine and Mick's faces over this lovely couple...sexy bodies included hahaha

Oh my godness, I can NOT wait to fly over this knowing that we get to spend 2 whole weeks here!

I like it, I like it ALOT.

I can't wait to snorkel and explore!

Mick and I get to stay in one of these!

Teegs is having traditional Fijian dances/flower girls in her wedding!

This is the pool at our resort. Think I'll be spending a WHOLE lot of time right about here!

Hell yes! I have always wanted to go jet skiing!

These are going to be my BEST FRIEND for 2 weeks...Pina Coladas!

And that my friends, is where I'll be and what I'll be doing in just over 3 weeks!

Do you have any tips for travelling to Fiji? Any must see and do things?

I'm soooo excited!

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty

xxxx

Life in America by the beautiful Marianna.

Today I welcome Marianna to my blog to tell us about why we should pop over to America for a visit. When I think of America I think Disneyland, and Hollywood and JUNK FOOD and Niagara Falls but Marianna has some other reasons that we should visit!

I met Marianna is this crazy world of blogging. She's so cute. You'd love her blog! It's awesome meeting people from all around the world.

Enjoy!

G'day mates!

(That's me saying hello in my best Aussie accent.)

My name's Marianna. 

That's me.

I blog over at Delightfully Dunn about all sorts of random things:

usually my sweet dogs, wonderful husband, and penchant for sleeping in way too late. 

But also my adventures navigating through the "grown-up" world. 

I've been following Kirsty's blog for sometime now and feel so honored to have met her though this crazy blogging world. When she asked me if I would be interested in doing a guest post I couldn't respond YES fast enough.

As we've gotten to know each other a little bit, we've realized several things.

We both clearly have a couple screws loose a love/hate relationship with renovating, a firm belief in the power of the man cave, and a new found passion for this little thing called blogging. 

We've also decided that a road trip (or plane trip rather) is definitely needed to our respective countries.

Because clearly, we are awesome, as is America and Australia. Duh.

So today I'm going to share:

Reasons why Kirsty needs to get her booty up to America:

1. Michael Phelps. 

As I continue to mourn the end of the Olympics, I can't help but be reminded of the abundance of abs uh pride our American athletes had for our county. If Michael Phelps doesn't make you want to chant U-S-A, I don't know what will.

2. New York City

America has a ton of great cities worth visiting. But my all time favorite (besides my hometown, of course) would have to be New York City. From the rich American history to the new and upcoming fashion trends to the witty words of Carrie Bradshaw, NYC has a little something for everyone and I just love it.

3. State Fairs

America is all about a State Fair. We Americans love our cheap carnival rides and fried foods. (Hello deep fried Oreos.) Mr. Dunn and I try to attend at least one fair a year - and I promise Kirsty would LOVE  it!

4. Reality Television

From "The Bachelor" to "Jersey Shore" to "Here Comes HoneyBooBoo"....Americans are a little obsessed. This isn't necessarily a good thing, but hey it always proves for good entertainment and a great conversation starter. 

5. Willow

This little bundle of joy lives in America. Really, she should be reason number 1 and only to visit America. I mean, come on. How stinkin cute is she?!?!

Obviously, I'm probably a little biased (not about cute Willow is. No, everyone agrees with that) about how wonderful America is. It's my home and I really do think it's everything. 

But the truth of the matter is, my life in America seems to be very similar to Kristy's life in Australia. 

And that my friends, is reason number 234095897 why this blogging thing is so cool! We're connecting to each other despite the fact that we're 9,637 miles (that's accurate, I calculated it) away. 

Thanks for letting me rant on about America!

Now come visit...forreal! :)

And don't forget to stop by and say hey! I love meeting new people! 

Hugs,

Come fly with me to Rome!

Today we're off to Rome, a city so amazing that it gets it's very own post.

How did I get to Rome? Kim and I flew from Adelaide to Singapore, Singapore to London, London to Vienna. We spent a week pigging out on pork snitzchels, gluwein and cheese fondue in Austria and then we caught a train from Vienna to Rome using our must have Europass. Who ever invented Europasses was a legend. We purchased ours before leaving Australia. We bought a 10 trip pass that cost us around AUS $800 from memory. I promise that it'll be the best money that you spend. The Europass enables you to take trains and boats between countries, anywhere in Europe. You just book ahead at the station, hop on, have your ticket punched and roll right on to the next adventure. Nice, easy and stress free.

From Adelaide (Australia) to Rome (Italy).

The amazing old ruins.

Any hoo. Rome. You know what they say...when in Rome. I secretly regret not stealing our sheets from our hostel room and dressing up in togas outside of the Colosseum haha.

So we rocked up in Rome, no accommodation booked, just super excited about our next adventure. Luckily our Europe on a Shoestring guide told us that there was a hostel right across the road from the train station. After battling through sleazy old men offering to take us anywhere in their cars aka Taken style, we were out into the fresh Italian air. We were instructed to visit mamma somethings kitchen to feast on Italian...hello pasta. Unfortunately I almost needed dental work after biting into the rock hard bread roll but the pasta was pretty good. Actually, to be honest, it didn't live up to our high Italian standards. This started the challenge to find Italian food that rocked our socks.

A must have when travelling Europe. It was our BIBLE.

PIZZA!

Our days in Rome consisted of rolling out of bed around 9, starting the day with an Italian coffee and a chocolate crossont that was orgasmic...no joke haha and then wandering around the streets of Rome. We barely used a map.

First up was the amazing ruins leading up to the Colosseum. It was truly like taking a step back in time, visualising the days of gladiators and togas, kings, queens and battles.

The Colosseum didn't disappoint. Wow. Just wow. We just stood there picturing the battles that were fought in the arena to spill blood, the lions and animals that were sacrificed for the entertainment of the Romans and the cheers that would've echoed in this fish bowl. Oh how entertainment has changed over the years.

Kim outside the Colosseum.

One day we visited the Fountain of Trevvy. We even tossed a coin over our shoulder Hilary Duff style for good luck. It was so beautiful, tucked away in the backstreets.

Please please please bring me good luck.

To be honest one of my favourite parts of Rome was just roaming around the cobbled streets, stopping in at gelati bars and pizza stalls for delicious food. I think we were in awe of the history of Rome and the stories that it could tell if it had a voice.

I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.

Rome. One of my favourite cities in the world.

The beautiful cobbled streets

The Fountain of Trevvy

These guys were everywhere! Kim and I had a little giggle!

Me, being blonde, actually thought that if you put your hand into it's mouth that it would chop it off!

Just amazing!

The stairs where the artists sit and paint.

Tips

• 4-5 days in Rome. 
• Take your time to wander the streets and soak in the Roman history.
• Do a guided tour of the Colosseum. We stinged out on this but I wished we had've sucked it up and paid the money to learn more about its history.
• Visit Vatican city. I will save this for another post.
• Visit the ruins, Fountain of Trevvy, the sundile, the stairs with the painters, the statue with the wolf and cubs and the big white palace building (so NOT technical with the actual names of these places!)

GIGGLE!

And remember, when in Rome...

Look after yourself and those around you,

Kirsty xxxx