Meet the team!

Watch this video to find out more about our team & our travel tips!

Thailand- Bangkok

Whether your looking for a peaceful getaway or a rowdy forgetful weekend, Bangkok has everything you could possibly desire for your dream holiday. This unique continent covers you from A-Z, regardless of your holiday plan and budget and offers travellers endless and unforgettable/forgettable experiences. 

For the Young Traveller

Bangkok offers the Teenage Traveller a fun and exciting holiday getaway, filled with fun lively people with an array of nightclubs and bars along the way. Sick of expensive, crowded Sydney nightlife, then head 7,532km North West of the equator to arrive at some of the most stimulating, intoxicating, invigorating places on earth.

[useful travel tip: The Tuk Tuk Drivers get commission to take you places you don’t want to go (i.e. tailor factories) so make sure you don’t overpay them]

For the Peace Seeker 

Are you in dire need of an escape from your career, family or maybe even country? Look past the vigorous party suburbs of Bangkok and you’ll find a remarkably peaceful and indulging getaway filled with relaxing, untroubled tranquility. 

By Gabriel Sorensen.

Grecian Wonderland - Zakynthos

Written by Aimee

Zakynthos is a greek island situated in the ionian sea. 

Its beautiful crystal clear water and its amazing night life makes it perfect for a pit-stop when on your way around Greece.  Having visited this Island I can safely say its one of the best to-do's when in Greece. 

Day life / Night life balance 

 Spend your day at ship wreck beach.

One of Greece's most recognisable beaches/tourist destination is shipwreck beach.  Hidden in between white cliffs this destination, although quite difficult to get to is a must do when in Zakynthos. It is important when visiting this secluded beach to take all your necessities for the day as there are absolutely no facilities. An umbrella is a must have as there is no shade in the bay. 

Spend your night at rescue club.

Laganas is the most tourist region of the island and is famous for its nightlife. If you want to take a flavour of Greek entertainment you should visit Rescue club. Special cocktails, unique fire shows, dancers on the bar are some of the elements that compose an unforgotten night of frantic amusement! All situated close to the thriving town of Zakynthos. 

Korea - Seoul

Seoul: Amazing People and Street Food

Written by: Vivien Tran

This blog post will be a personal recount of my experience in Korea and how beautiful the country, it's people and it's food is.

I remember flying over to Seoul on a 3 hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The weather was scorching hot in Vietnam so I was definitely not prepared for the negative temperatures in Seoul. As it was a spontaneous trip, no one in my family was ready - we were all under-packed. 

Getting off the plane, the cold winds hit us instantly and everyone rushed to get through the terminals to layer up - it was quite hilarious actually. So there's a very important note for you - when flying to Korea in winter, bring the thickest clothing in your wardrobe!

As warming ourselves up, we met our tour guide outside the terminal where he brought us to several main attractions in Seoul. Having arrived early in the day, we had a full day prepared for us. First, we visited an imperial palace followed by the president's office/residence.

        

We were sightseeing all morning then stopped by an amazing soup restaurant called 'The Smiling Bowl'. If you're craving some boiling soup in individually bubbling pots, this is the place for you. There was an amazing variety and the staff there were extremely friendly.

We were then given time to explore on our own and that was when I had experienced some of the most delicious Korean street foods. We were dropped off near Myeong-dong Street Market and were given two hours of 'independent' time. Walking through those crowded alleyways and trying the amazing variety of food was an experience I'll never forget. 

The ladies in the food stalls never pressured us into ordering anything and let us pick and choose at our own convenience. Personally, I really enjoyed the kimbap (which is also called 'narcotic kimbap' because it's so addicting) and the spicy rice cakes. I would recommend you try those if you're venturing into the Korean markets anytime soon as they are two of the many staple street foods.

Although the tour was very informative, I would recommend doing a short tour and exploring the majority of your vacation on your owner. It will give you the chance to try new things and experience the culture first hand!

Thailand - Phuket

Phuket and the Banyan Tree Hotel & Resort
Written by: Vivien Tran

Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, offering a wide range of food, entertainment, and activities for guests. The city of Phuket is known to be very busy, fun and wild - there are people everywhere and the nightlife is crazy! Many come to Phuket to experience this, however, what they don't realize is that Phuket also has something to offer to those who just want to relax and take things easy. 

Tucked away on the coastal land is a beautiful resort called the Banyan Tree Hotel & Resort. If you're looking to get away from the city center and the chaos of the action, look no further than this resort. 

The result offers a luxurious experience for guests by providing private villas and relaxing activities. Although it is not the most affordable resort in Phuket, it is definitely one to visit in your lifetime. It promotes itself as a retreat for rejuvenation and reconnection, enabling guests to settle in and indulge at their own pace. Private pools and gardens are connected to villas to give guests for flexibility and serenity.

Single villa with a private pool

Landscape portrait overlooking an outdoor pool and villa

CHINA

CHINA
Written by: Nathanael Jansen


Not saying in it a racist manner, people always say "Wherever you go, there would be Chinese people there". Well, the main reason there are a lot of Chinese people anywhere is because on the 19/20th century, there was a war there that forced people there to migrate in the hopes of avoiding the war, and finding better places to live at. I originated from Indonesia, but i am Chinese-Indonesian, i am the third generation living there. Officially known the People's Republic of China (PRC), it is the world's most populous country, with population around 1.404 billion people. With exercising juridiction over 22 provinces, it is regarded the world's second-largest state by land area. China is definitely the right place to go if you want to see a country combining modern touch in it, yet still preserving their culture and traditional places.

Below are some landmarks you should visit in China:

1. Great wall of China
The great wall of China was built around 2300 years ago. Being one of the seven of world's wonder, the majestic Great wall was built with wisdom, dedication, blood, and sweat. With an approximate length of 21,200 Km, it was built all by hand of the workers without any machinery.

https://sites.psu.edu/rojasmedinapassion/2016/04/15/the-great-wall-of-china/

2. Forbidden City

Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from Ming Dynasty to the end of Qing Dynasty. It served as the home of emperors and their households as well as ceremonial and political centre of Chinese government for almost 500 years. Many people said that you should try and hold the knob of the doors at the main gate, it could bring you good luck.

https://www.livescience.com/40764-forbidden-city.html

Alexis' Travel Tips: UK Top 4

Written by Alexis Worthing

The Final Post 

Because this is my last post, rather than telling you another cautionary tale, I wanted to tell you my top four places to visit in the UK (I did live there for 6 months, after all.)

1. York 

A beautiful city surrounded by old castle walls. You can adventure along the top, visit Clifford tower, or take a stroll along the canal. Just watch out for the geese. They are everywhere. Literally everywhere. On the walk from the station to the hotel, I saw geese blocking two of the four sides of an intersection, as the locals just waited for them to pass. 

2. Brighton

Whether its carnival rides on the pier you're after, or just a taste of sea air while strolling along a pebble beach, this is the perfect coastal adventure. Or if shopping is more your sting, the main street has plenty to offer, just make sure you visit Shakeaway, where they'll make you a milkshake from any combination of the chocolates, lollies, or assorted deserts they have on offer.

3. Norwich

A peaceful town build around a castle, Norwich is a lovely place to get away. You can visit the castle, go on a walk through many of the old cathedrals in the town, or if you go at the right time of year hunt dragons (or other animals, as it changes every time) as part of the GoGo trail. 

4. Cambridge

More than just a university, Cambridge is a maze of streets full of history, places to see and some of the brightest minds in the country. If you want to learn about the buildings they live and study in, taking a punting tour on the canal is definitely the most relaxing way to do it. And you'll hear some great stories along the way. 

The Maldives A Tropical Paradise

Maldives - a tropical nation, written by Aimee. 

The Maldives is a tropical nation situated in the indian ocean, composed of 26 ring shaped coral reefs. 

This small paradise has a lot to offer however it is quite an effort to get there it is all worth it. Here are my 3 top things to do in the Maldives as well as the best accomodation on the island. 

1. Snorkelling.

The Maldives crystal clear waters are perfect for the keen snorkeller. Surrounded by tonnes of tropical fish and corals you are sure to experience some sort of amazing reef activity once underwater. Snorkelling tours are available to take you further into the depths of the reef. 

2. Veligandu Island Beach.

A short boat trip away from the main island this island beach is sure to provide you with hours of fun in the sun experiencing the "whitest sand" you've ever seen.

3. Male - Artificial Beach

Close by to the main town, this man-made beach is perfect for young families. The Maldive locals love this beach! This beach is a must visit so bask in all its artificial glories. 

Best  place to stay when in the Maldives 

When in the Maldives there is no better way to stay than your very own private over water villa. These villas, situated all across the island typically provide you with your own private swimming area. If you're after a relaxing get away with a small group these are perfect, providing peace and quiet all night long. 

Bali Blog

After recently travelling to this renowned country, I can tell you first hand that it is one of the most explorative nations that I have had the pleasure to visit. The locals are positive, friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand whilst the tourists are all synchronised in their desire to enjoy all that Bali has to offer. 

Suggested activities:

1. Visit the monkey Forest- amidst Bali’s rural areas sits a giant rainforest that houses hundreds of monkeys. These cheeky monkeys are friendly and a must see however follow the guidelines set out by various signs in the forest as these small beasts are subject to become defensive and can be set off by something as insignificant as eye contact.
2. Visit Kuta- The streets of Kuta are riddled with fun people, cheap drinks and engaging nightclubs. Particularly if you are young, Kuta sets the scene for touristy nightlife. Walk into clubs such as Skygarden and experience the freedom, music and rich experiences that Bali has to offer. 

By Gabriel Sorensen.

Vietnam & it's Vivid Market Culture

Vietnam: Ben Thanh Market

Written By: Vivien Tran

Vietnam is a beautiful country located in Southest Asia. Ho Chi Minh City is one of the two main cities; the other being Vietnam's capital city Ha Noi.

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, are many markets and streets that come alive at night. Of these markets, there is one in particular that stands out - the Ben Thanh Market.

The market is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh and is open during both day and night. During the daytime, a variety of food, souvenir, clothing, fruit, fabric, and similar goods are sold within the market dome. Access to the dome is only given during the opening hours between 7am and 6pm.

When it hits 6pm, the area around the market dome grows lively just as the internal stalls close.
Around the dome, street restaurants and vendors begin to set up. From 6pm until 11pm, you can visit these outdoor areas to eat, shop or just browse.

Coming from a Vietnamese background and having experienced the Ben Thanh Market, there is one piece of advice I would like to give you - always bargain regardless of what you are doing/buying. It's a friendly market, however, there is always room to bargain to receive your goods at a cheaper price!


                          Ben Thanh Market


                                             Inside the Ben Thanh Market Dome
                                  

                                                                                                   Ben Thanh Market (Night)

                                                                             

Alexis' Travel Tips: no4

Written by Alexis Worthing

Tip 3: Staying in hotels with a reception is generally advisable when travelling alone. 

I arrived in Helsinki by ferry from Tallin, Estonia. It was a lovely ride, sitting up the front with large windows overlooking the ocean. When I got there, I headed for my hotel. Now this was a different hotel, it didn't have a reception, and at 4pm on the day of check-in they texted/emailed me a code for the front door and for my room door. This seemed fine, I got in ok, settled into my room and then went exploring. 

When I got back, I settled down to eat my dinner and watch some netflix before bed. It was a nice first day in a country. That is, until about 1am when I decided to use the bathroom. It was then that I noticed for the first time that one of the panels on the roof was out of place. Convinced that that meant someone was hiding in the roof, ready to attack me, I quickly left my room. The problem then was there was no reception and no one to go to to check it out. 

Downstairs I found a number for security, but in a foreign country I had no ability to make phone calls. What followed was a long time spent sitting outside my room trying to work out my next move. Once again, I explained the problem to my mother over facebook and she came to the rescue. From Australia, she rang security for me and then told her they would ring me back, so I waited. 

It took a while but eventually the security man rang and explained that, in fact, the roof panels could not support the weight of a person and there was no way to get from one room to another above the panels. In hindsight, that seemed pretty logical. I mean who builds a hotel when someone can climb into the roof and get from room to room?

Back in my room, still a little freaked out, I worked up the courage to investigate and discovered that the roof panel didn't even fill the space, meaning that it must have always been out of place. Typical. But even with this added reassurance, I still didn't feel quite comfortable for my entire stay there. 

Moral of the story: if you're travelling alone, and are prone to paranoia, make sure you stay somewhere with a reception and on site security. 

On the positive side, Helsinki is a beautiful city:

Colours of India...

Written by Aimee

Hi Everyone,

As my younger sister is currently in India I thought I would put together a post based around India, its colours and where to visit.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND INDIA'S TRUE COLOURS....

This photo was taken by a friend of my sisters in Maudurai India, where the Lasallian foundation has founded a school village known as boys town. Maudurai is a great place to visit in india to experience its true colours, the real culture of India. Mudurai is an ancient city in India, situated in the South. Visiting a city like Mudurai in India allows you to grasp the most authentic idea of India and Indian culture. 

WHEN IN INDIA...

Below is a compiled list of "tourist attractions" that you can experience when in India, although this may not give you the most authentic experience of India these attractions allow you to experience the highlights of the beautiful India. 

Taj Mahal

The Ganges River 

Amer Fort

I hope that one day you will be able to experience the colours of India all its mysteries and beauties.

Thankyou for reading.

Singapore: A tiny country

SINGAPORE
By: Nathanael K Jansen

With just 697 square kilometres, Singapore is created. Sometimes called the "lion city",  Singapore is regarded as the smallest country in Asia, it has so much to offer, and it has lots of places that many people couldn't think of being a very tiny country. I personally have visited Singapore for more than 10x already, since it only takes 70 minutes to fly from my country, Indonesia. Singapore might be similar to New York city, its one of the busiest country in Asia, as it has almost 6 million people living there. Singapore is also a famous site to shop, as its well-known to have branded products sold everywhere in the country.

Below are places that you should check out in Singapore:

1. F1 Grand Prix 
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is a street circuit around Singapore's downtown, and was transformed to be the venue for Singapore Grand Prix. The track itself is 3.147 miles long, and is similar to the map of Circuit de Monaco and Valencia Street circuit. It is very unique as it used normally used street for common people, but occasionally used for F1.

http://www.singaporegp.sg/media/press-release/129

https://www.grandprixevents.com/f1-races/singapore

2. STROLL IN ORCHARD STREET
Orchard street is the downtown of Singapore, its the street that everyone visit in Singapore. It is a very clean and well-structured street. Shopping malls and expensive brands are there to keep tourists entertained and busy. However, local street foods are also there to give tourists some Singapore-foods taste. One of my favourite street snack is the infamous $1 ice cream, having many flavours and delicious, tourists enjoy that ice cream a lot served in a bread. 

http://www.visitsingapore.com/en_au/see-do-singapore/places-to-see/orchard.html

https://twitter.com/rovinnation/status/423802835516399616

Alexis' Travel Tips: no3

Written by Alexis Worthing

Tip 3: Trackwork happens in other countries too. 

So going back to Berlin, now on my final day. I had worked out the trains, or so I thought, and was ready to set off to the airport to head back to London. I had it all planned, and got on the train. I made it maybe three stops before the train came to a stop. I realised the train was trying to say it had reached the last stop and got off. Big signs with a picture of a bus and a list of what I assumed were station names were scattered around the station. Ok. Got to catch a bus. 

My perfectly timed arrive at the airport had not catered for this delay, but I reasoned that it would be fine as long as I worked out which bus to catch, and in which direction. Pulling the map the hotel had given me out of my bag (see the previous post where not carrying this map caused many many issues.) and worked backwards from the airport to work out where I was and where I needed to go. 

Having picked a station, the only problem now was working out which bus I needed to get on. The bus was not going to take me all the way to the airport, so I'd need to get on a different train line at a later station to get to the airport. Right. I could do this. After 10 minutes of deliberation, I picked a bus which I hoped was going the right way and hoped on. 

Luckily, I had picked right. I was getting off at the second last stop and watched as the clock ticked closer and closer to my flight. Don't panic, yet. Off the bus, I raced to the platform and waited for the train, pacing back and forth as minute after minute passed. 

One train trip later and I'm at the airport. It's pretty much deserted, other than two people sitting behind the check in desk. I race up at them and hand them my passport. After a bit of confusion about my age, they hand me my boarding pass and I make it to my flight just in time. 

Moral of this tale is always check for trackwork in the morning, you wouldn't want to miss your flight.

If you want to see the Berlin rail map, to see just home confusing it can look to a panicked non German speaker, click here

Krabi, Thailand

Krabi, Thailand
By: Nathanael Keane Jansen

Krabi is a very famous tourist attraction in Southeast Asia, as its regarded as the most relaxing island located in Thailand. Krabi is not the capital city of Thailand, therefore its less crowded however providing so much relax with its awe-looking scenery, unimaginable pretty white beaches, and other unique activities to keep tourists entertain. It has more than 200 distinct islands, making Krabi a very attractive site for holiday. 

What to do in Krabi?

1. Take an elephant ride
One of the island in Krabi offers tourist to ride elephant, as some of the region used to be an elephant camp. Tourists get to explore a rain-forest trail that includes other exotic wildlife in the rain-forest, and lastly tourists are allowed to bath and feed their own elephant at the end of the journey. All the elephants are well trained, so tourists security are guaranteed. 

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-krabi-thailand/

2. Chill in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Yai is a famous island just two hours away drive from downtown Krabi. Its a small island that stretches about 20 kilometres from end to end. There are cheap resorts where tourists can rent very near to the beach, it offers beautiful scenery and a fun holiday getaway experience for tourists.

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-krabi-thailand/

3. Trying out local foods

In downtown Krabi, there are several night markets that are easy to be found. Thailand is a country rich of spices and tasty traditional foods. These street night markets are not only cheap, but a very rare opportunity to get a taste of original-thailand dishes. Thailand is popular for its fresh seafoods, and natural-grown fruits. 

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-krabi-thailand/

http://www.kohsamuisunset.com/thai-fruit/

Japan: Tokyo - Shibuya

The City of Shibuya & It's Famous Crossing

Written by: Vivien Tran

Shibuya (渋谷) is one of the twenty-three city wards of Tokyo, but often refers to just the popular shopping and entertainment area found around Shibuya Station. 
In this regard, Shibuya is one of  Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining and nightclubs serving swarms of visitors that come to the district everyday.

It would be a shame to come to Tokyo and not take a walk across the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station. After experiencing the "scramble," follow the trendy teens into Shibuya 109, a big shiny mall with more than 100 boutiques, for a look at the latest in disposable fashion. Or duck back into Shibuya Station and down to the bustling Tokyu Food Show for an elegant array of gourmet eats and an education in local tastes: grilled eel, fried pork, tiny fish salad, octopus on a stick, seafood-and-rice seaweed wraps and much more. The prepared dishes and grocery items are all sold from immaculate counters amid a chorus of "Irashaimasen!" ("Welcome!"). 
There are aisles full of street food stalls and convenience stores. Each place with a variety of goods and beautifully packaged treats — rice crackers, mochi cakes, jellied confections — but the pickle counter is my favourite.

Shibuya Crossing