Lessons, Logistics & Cultural Takeaways: Our Australia Travel Guide
Key Takeaways (TL;DR): Australian cities feel vastly different from one another. Brisbane feels newly developed and Americanized, Melbourne is fast-paced with strong cultural hubs, and Sydney carries rich British architectural heritage. For the best trip, book local alternative tours (like sports or walking tours), use efficient public transit, and be online the second tickets release for high-demand spots like the…
Opera House Magic, Ferries & Neighborhood Charm: Sydney
Key Takeaways (TL;DR): Sydney combines world-class harbor views with relaxed coastal living. Stay waterfront at Pier One Sydney Harbour, take the iconic public ferry across the harbor to Manly Beach for lunch at Hugo's, explore the British-inspired cafes in Darlinghurst, and attend a live show at the Sydney Opera House. Sydney was the perfect final chapter to our trip, a…
Coffee, Laneways & Vineyard Drives: Melbourne & The Yarra Valley
Key Takeaways (TL;DR): Melbourne is Australia’s culture, coffee, and culinary capital. Highlights include taking a sports precinct tour to play on the Australian Open blue courts, riding the historic Puffing Billy steam train, watching the St Kilda Pier little penguins, and driving out to the Yarra Valley for wine tastings at Dominique Portet and Oakridge. Melbourne brought a completely different…
Sunshine, River Cruises & Coastal Rides: Brisbane & The Gold Coast
Key Takeaways (TL;DR): Brisbane offers a modern, stylish city experience with pristine riverfront views, incredible walking tours, and easy access to wildlife. Take the Mirimar River Cruise down to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to see scenic waterfront homes, and take a day trip to the Gold Coast for a 15-mile coastal bike ride from Mermaid Beach to Burleigh Heads. Queensland…
Madrid & Rioja Weekend Trip
I was surprised by how uncrowded Madrid felt. It is significantly less full of tourists than other major European hubs, making it incredibly easy to walk around. Maybe because we visited in June, not the busy time of August. The city architecture is stunningly quaint, far more interesting and detailed than I expected. Even better, it serves as the perfect…
Peru: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu – 9-day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima Travel: Flew into Lima, arriving late at night. Transfer: We always use Welcome Pickups for airport transfers when traveling internationally. I highly recommended them, they are easy to book online, meet you inside the airport with an english speaking driver. Day 2: Exploring Lima Stay: Miraflores District offers a vibrant and scenic atmosphere. Activities: Enjoy…
Must Try Food & Drink in Peru
Peruvian cuisine, known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, is a delightful discovery for any food enthusiast. The fusion of traditional Peruvian flavors with Japanese and Chinese influences gives birth to Nikkei cuisine, creating a culinary experience unlike any other. Here’s a guide to must-try dishes and drinks that reflect the heart of Peruvian and Nikkei food culture. Delightful…
Peru Travel Tips & Tricks
1. Use a Local Travel Agent Opt for a local travel agent instead of booking individual tours on sites like Viator. Having a local contact is invaluable when things go wrong. During our trip, a landslide left us stranded at a train station at 1 , but our local agent quickly found us a driver. We used Exclusive Inka Tours.…
Exploring Peru: Should You Visit Both Sacred Valley and Cusco?
When travelers think of Peru, Machu Picchu often tops their list. It’s no surprise—this iconic destination offers a breathtaking glimpse into the Inca civilization. But while planning your trip around Machu Picchu is a great start, you might wonder whether to explore both Sacred Valley and Cusco. Here’s why experiencing both is worth your while. Starting Your Journey in the…
A Week in Sorrento, Capri & the Amalfi Coast: Where to Stay, Eat, and What Not to Miss
Visiting the Amalfi Coast in August is like stepping into a sun-baked postcard: lemon groves, shimmering seas, dizzying cliffs, and towns brimming with both world travelers and Italian families on holiday. Our base was Sorrento, which proved to be the perfect jumping-off point for adventures (even if the crowds and heat kept us constantly reaching for lemon sorbet). Here’s a…