Here’s a tip – in my view the best room in a hotel isn’t the suite with sweeping views or the one with the stand alone bath tub. It’s the Club Lounge. Travel is about the experience and there’s nothing that will de-stress the experience—or make it feel more memorable—than a little extra pampering. Whether it be a glass of champagne, a breakfast cooked to order, or a comfy couch and a bite to eat after a loooong day, we all want to feel a little special. And when you are staying in a five star hotel, all you need is that special key – to the club floor. When…
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Finding (and Packing) the Perfect Carry On For Your Next Getaway
For many, choosing your next vacation destination is the easy part. Finding your perfect carry on suitcase or luggage? And what to pack? Well, that’s as difficult as avoiding any social media/real life conversation about Game of Thrones. Your travel bags are a special kind of accessory – they stay with us through thick and thin, though flight delays and lost in transit moments, through big city streets and far flung destinations; vacations and staycations. With a couple of decades of traveling under my belt and many, many hits and misses, I now have my packing and carry-on routine down pat. My essentials are: Headphones – sometimes you just want…
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Doha Stopover Essentials – An Insider’s Guide
Doha is now well and truly on the map for travelers around the world thanks to Qatar Airways’ expanding global route map and an innovative new stopover program. I am often asked by readers for tips and advice for visitors to Qatar, so by popular demand, I have compiled the “ultimate” Insider’s Guide to Doha. From visas through to hotels, what to buy and of course where to eat, its all here in one place. My only advice? Just come – you will love it. Visa Details: Travelers can now enjoy the new Transit Visa free of cost when you add a short transit or stopover between five and 96 hours…
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Five Reasons Why Galway Stole My Heart and Will Steal Yours Too
It’s a very rare experience as a traveler and a travel blogger that you find a place that truly resonates with you. Digging deep into that blogger bag of superlatives is not really my thing, but Galway, well, it’s different. A university town, it’s also the European Capital of Culture in 2020, but its beautiful coastal location and charming and friendly people means it has a lot to offer visitors. A bit Bohemian, witty and with a lot of soul, Galway stole my heart and these are the reasons why it will also steal yours: The Streets This city is probably the most Instagrammable city in Ireland, let alone Europe.…
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Five Reasons Why Dublin Makes the Perfect Summer Getaway
Without delving too far into the implications that this story makes about my current age, I last visited Ireland around 22 years ago as a young, starry-eyed Australian lass. I took the ferry from France, it was a long and choppy crossing but it was very exciting to get a stamp in my then freshly minted passport. “Where are you from then young lady?” the Immigration agent at Rosslare asked. “Australia? Well, it’s changed a lot since when your ancestors probably left here!” (His correct assumption being that my ancestors were Irish and convicts). Fast forward to July 2017 and I am standing at the Immigration counter of the Dublin…
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Heading North – An Authentic Foodie Experience Where You Least Expect it
During Ramadan I received a message via my blog and I have to say, it more than piqued my interest. It was from the family who operated a small restaurant serving Indonesian, Malaysian and Filipino food inviting me to come and try their menu. The only catch – it was in Al Khor. Al Khor? I don’t go that far for my holidays!* So, after a little coaxing, much arguing over the music play list and a stop for petrol, AZ and I found ourselves one recent Friday standing outside a hypermarket in Al Khor. Upstairs in the large food court was a final destination – The Sizzlers Qatar. It’s a…
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12 Travel Apps to Help Make Your Next Vacation a Little Easier
Until recently I used to be a little old school when it came to traveling. I would tote around a plastic folder stuffed with print-outs of plane and hotel bookings, even reams of restaurant and tourist attractions. But you can teach old dogs new technology tricks. The biggest change for me was buying an iPhone and discovering the Apple Wallet – it was like a bolt from heaven! A place where I can store boarding passes, hotel loyalty cards and more? Sign me up! But the more I travel, the less I want to take with me. So along with my iPad, headphones, lip balm and travel insurance, several pairs…
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Five Reasons Why You Need to Put Kerala on Your Travel Bucket List ASAP
It’s no secret that I have a real affection for India. But it took 16 trips to this amazing country for me to finally visit the state of Kerala. To the delight of many friends, I decided to change up my planned Eid travel schedule and spend it in Kerala. I based myself in Kochi for practical and personal reasons. The city (known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea) is central, boasts great hotels and is also the hometown of several good friends of mine. With more than 300 languages spoken and a religiously diverse population (Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Jain…), a rich food culture and history everywhere you…
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Seven Hacks to Ensure You Have the Best Hotel Stay Possible
I have to be honest, I am a five star gal. I love a good hotel and all the trimmings that come with it. And who doesn’t? But we all know the five star life comes with a five star price. And while I don’t mind paying for the experience, I also want to ensure I get value for money. With hotels facing competition from the likes of Airbnb and similar, they are working harder than ever to get your business. I’ve compiled my seven best “hotel hacks” for getting the best price, a nice room and even some extra benefits for your next stay: Pay for Club Floor Access As an…
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Five Reasons to Make Bali Your Next Holiday Destination
Bali has long been on my travel radar, primarily because of its proximity to Australia. Mate, Bali is cheaper than many domestic holiday options for Aussies. But since moving to Doha, with Europe and South Asia on my door step, my travel-related attention has been elsewhere. This trip had been long-planned. When I say “planned”, I mean, AZ and I had blocked the time in our busy calendars and had a vague agreement about the destination. But then, as always seems to happen with us, events intervened. After much consternation (I’m going, not going, going, not going), we decided (literally the day before I flew) this would be another solo trip…
