CATHEDRALS OF SICILY

Palermo, Sicily was a gritty city full of architectural treasures and local gems hiding in plain sight. From Byzantine cathedrals to solid-gold rooms in old palazzos, the pouring rain throughout our weekend trip only seemed to complement the muted mood of the city. Food ranged from traditional pastas and cakes, to midnight arancini balls and even sheep’s spleen via street food vendors. A city with both street art-covered slums and an opulent opera experience, Palermo has far too much character to let slide under the radar.

BERLIN...WITHOUT THE CLUBS AND BARS

It's not unusual for people to head to Berlin specifically for it's nightlife, and while it's commonly known as the best destination in the world for those seeking that sort of thing out, it often means that much of Berlin's colourful history and rich artistic culture is swept under the rug and left forgotten by 20-something techno-heads. Which, when you think about it, is a little sad - the city has a magnitude to offer outside of it's famously vibrant nightlife. And so, that's exactly what we did - we did our trip to Berlin without going to a single bar or nightclub, and had an incredible time.

Free Walking Tour

Famous world-over, Sandeman's New Europe Tours do a particularly amazing walking tour in Berlin, surely thanks in part to the fact that a lot of the most important sites to see in the city are within close and walkable proximity. Start your first day in Berlin with this one, giving you the chance to gain your bearings in the city and soak up and appreciate the historical landmarks that form the backdrop for so much of the art and lifestyle of the city you see today.

Burgermeister

Like most of Berlin’s hotspots, Burgermeister is housed in a space that once catered to something wildly different to it's current-day use. Burgers and beers, in this case, have taken over a space once inhabited by train station bathrooms. And, as one of Berlin's top 10 restaurants, you surely can't go wrong.

East Side Gallery

As it's not as central as most of Berlin's other popular sightseeing destinations, the famous East Side Gallery is worth a visit of it's own. Find your favourite iconic murals for a quick flick, and as you walk, enjoy a moment to reflect on the powerful underlying values that the wall's remnants now represent.

Urban Spree Galerie

In summer the larger Urban Spree area may be overflowing with activity, but that doesn’t mean you should give it a miss in winter - there's always great art exhibitions and a great store stocking prints and books by artists both international and local.

Small Contemporary Art Spaces

Walking around Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Neukölln is your best bet for this one. Most galleries welcome photography in case you're looking to document your favourite pieces, or spice up your Instagram to ensure people know how artistically inclined and sophisticated you are - hey, I'm not judging.

Shopping

Voo Store is the Berliner hypebeast's dream, stocking everything from Marni and Proenza Schouler to MM6 and the newest Nikes. It’s also great for a coffee stop, with plenty of reading material à la fashion publications also available.

DISNEYLAND BY NIGHT

As night falls upon the land, new life is breathed into Disneyland...

Colourful, beaming lights illuminate the park and Discoveryland in particular comes alive.

PARISIAN THRILL

November suits Paris so beautifully - there’s something charmingly melancholic about the gloomy, overcast skies, the way they complement both the stark, industrial, etched-out design of the Eiffel and the romantic yet austere presence of Notre Dame at the same time.

VENICE ROMANZA

Bella Venezia, in all her pristine, postcard-perfect glory; the crystal waters of magical canals and enchanting gondola rides, a palazzo here and a basilica there, clocktowers with whimsical zodiac art, and charming laneways pose the perfect backdrop for romance-fuelled couples and families alike. Oh, and - an evening spent at the opera is undeniably the cherry on top when embracing Venice's old-Italy opulence.

A WEEKEND IN TUSCANY (FLORENCE, PISA, SIENNA, LUCCA)

One of the more central regions of Italy, Tuscany is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes, artistic masterpieces, and rich, colourful history and culture that most of us know Italy for today. 

I loved having the opportunity to not only visit the astounding Florence but also Sienna, Lucca and Pisa (yep, as in the Leaning Tower). With architecture and sculpture so exquisite, old cities and winding roads so quaint, and sunsets each evening so marvellously stunning - a trip across Tuscany is undoubtedly an essential for any traveller wanting to learn more about Italy's truest treasures.

5 DAYS IN SWITZERLAND

With so many beautiful cities, staying in only Zurich would be a missed opportunity for anyone visiting Switzerland for the first time - the picturesque lakes and rivers, restaurant strips and gardens all across the melting pot of cultures that is Switzerland are simply far too lovely to miss.

WINTERTHUR

A transformed industrial area with a quiet community and a peaceful, early morning charm played the role of home base for my stay in Switzerland. University students, bars, cobblestone paths and a lively night market set the backdrop for Winterthur.

BERN

While Zurich is often mistaken for Switzerland's capital, it is in fact the whimsical beauty that is Bern.

Nearing the French region of Switzerland, Bern plays host to the famed Tour de France each year, and is home a most unlikely yet adorable symbol; the bear. Not only can you visit them in an open enclosure known as Bärengraben, but keep your eyes peeled for the symbol of the bear all around the town's infrastructure.

LUCERNE

A Swiss Venice if there ever was one, Lucerne was the quaint, fresh and Sunday-stroll-worthy setting for a family day. Touristy, yes - but with such an impressive lake filled with flowers, a carnival and a rowing regatta, it was certainly for good reason.

ZURICH

And of course, what trip to Switzerland would be complete without a visit to the famed Zurich? With an Old Town to rival any iconic European city's, the atmosphere had a certain comfort and chillness about it to contrast some of the more fiery passions of neighbouring countries.

THE FIRST 3 THINGS YOU NOTICE ABOUT JAPAN

There's nothing quite like the fresh feeling of stepping foot in a country you've never been to before. Ah, the sweet scent of a new Enlightening Experience™ on the horizon. Although I'm back in Melbourne now, there were some particularly interesting quirks of modern Japanese life that have remained stuck in my curiosity since my return.

1) They have a thing with rubbish

Rubbish bins around town are really scarce, so don't expect to find them lining the streets. Get into the habit of carrying small plastic bags in your day pack to have somewhere to stash your rubbish and take it with you - carrying around rubbish openly is generally frowned upon. Of course, so is eating casually as you walk down the street - so if you're being polite, chances are this won't affect you too much.

In Japan, there are strict rules when it comes to categorising your rubbish too. Often, you're required to separate your waste into one of (typically) five categories. The keenness to dispose of waste thoughtfully in Japan is refreshing and quite honestly, a great way to force some perspective about our own waste habits back home. 

2) Holy shit, the toilets (pun intended? You decide)

There's always been the stereotype about Tokyo as "Future City", but you really feel the full weight of that phrase when you need to take a leak. In-built bidets with controllable water pressure, seat heaters, sometimes more buttons and settings than a TV remote - but the speaker with your own personal waterfall sounds to give you privacy while you relieve yourself has to be the pièce de résistance (this also seems to have the double-use of encouraging your own "flow"). Really makes you appreciate your time with Mother Nature, I'll tell ya that.

3) Convenience Stores really live up to their name

Honestly, I'm damn near certain there is nothing more reliable than a Japanese 7/11. Manga? 7/11. Noodle dishes and full bento boxes? 7/11. Alcohol? (It's legal to drink in public here, do what you will with that information...)

Australian 7/11s are pitiable in comparison, no doubt about it - time for us to step up our game, IMHO.

More on Japan to come, of course - stay tuned, angels.

HOW TO NOT BE AN IDIOT WHEN YOU TRAVEL

Travelling can be totally gorjé, especially when you’re a 20-something with part-time job cash to spare. However, it’s also super easy to get carried away with the idea of the whole thing - I’ll be travelling overseas for the eighth time in the next few days (of course I was going to take that bragging opportunity), so I thought I’d share some of my pearls of wisdom.

Maybe it’s just my personality, but when entering situations with unpredictable circumstances, I think it’s best to be as prepared as possible - I know, it’s like being allergic to anything remotely spontaneous, but when it comes to travelling overseas it definitely pays to be a little more secure than usual. Also, better you read this shit in a blog post than having to discover it the hard way.

I’ve put my top tips together to eliminate as many stresses as possible, and help you achieve a clearer state of mind before embarking on your travels so you can enjoy your time away from home to the fullest. Don’t be that idiot who forgot your overseas sim card back home.

Book all your accomm and main transport before you head over

I get the whole “I’m just going to play it by ear!!” thing, I do, but if you’re gonna be over there for less than a few months it’s really not worth spending your (expensive) time overseas stressing about booking things. Plus, the earlier you get booking those main costs out of the way, the cheaper you’ll probably get them and the more you can focus on saving your spending money for shopping, fancy dinners and nights out (+10 peace of mind points - although a lot of the horror stories about being stranded in foreign cities with no vacant hostels often seem funny in the end, I’m guessing it’s probably still something you’d rather avoid).

You’re gonna want a smartphone and some internet access 

With most developed capital cities having more free Wi-Fi than imaginable, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but Vodafone has the perfect plan for overseas travels worth looking into here. Aside from wanting to obviously humblebrag about all the sights you’re seeing on Insta (#blessed #wanderlust), mum will kill you if you don’t keep in touch. Why would you worry her like that?! Don’t be a dick...

Over-budget like a motherfluffer

There really is no need to explain this one. It’s always better to overcompensate, because even if you don’t need the extra dosh for an emergency, you might see a really cute pair of shoes with those little pink pom pom things in Mexico, and hey - if you’re not gonna treat yourself while you’re on holidays, when the hell else will you? Also, this tip could mean the difference between an average punting experience and a pretty sick VIP one.

Make a bible

I’m talking itinerary, Airbnb details, flights, tickets to anything and everything you’ve booked, and contact details for all of the above. We’re millennials, which means we’re scatterbrained or something, so it’s a good idea to put it all in one place (don’t fucking lose it though). If you’re super conscientious (paranoid) like me, go the extra mile and include anything else you might need - prepare for the worst for another +10 peace of mind points, even though it sounds like I’m shitting all over your fun little getaway. Consulate/embassy details for each of the countries you visit, their respective emergency numbers, advice on local hospitals and emergency services for each of your planned destinations. Can’t hurt to chuck in a few important phrases in local languages if applicable; you never know when your English speaking just won’t suffice, and you don’t want to be the dumbass shouting “HOS-PEE-TOOL”.

Insurance is important

That's it.

Travel with someone you actually trust

I’m still astounded that some people will travel with friends they’re not even particularly close with - maybe it’s the anxious motherly side of me, but why would you risk wasting your holiday because you’re not 100% sure the people you’re travelling with are actually going to have your back? Of course, this all depends on a number of things - how experienced you already are with travelling, the safety of the destinations you’re planning to visit. But it should be a pretty obvious rule of thumb that if you’ve got a gut feeling you’re not sure you can completely trust someone, it’s not worth all those hours slogging away at the Woolies checkout counter just to waste your savings on a subpar trip.

Travel cards and exchanging money before you go

I’m with ANZ, so I always set up a Travel Card with my set budget for the trip a few days before I leave. That way, I won’t have to be conscious of exchange rates, transferring money across and whatnot once I’ve left our shores. Make the time to visit your bank and see what your options are before you leave to find what works best for you, and suss out what the situation will be in your destination country. Japan is a cash-predominant country, which means you’ll be wanting to withdraw large sums at a time to avoid racking up huge ATM fees. Spain is known for having fake ATMs, so the common suggestion is to use those connected to banks. And Rome is a renown pickpocket’s dream - so maybe you don’t need to get yourself a money belt, but perhaps do some research before you board the plane.

Check the REVIEWS, not just the photos

That Airbnb may look like something you saw in an Ariana Grande video, but no reviews and sparse Host info is probably a warning sign.

Be the version of yourself you’ve always dreamed about

I know this sounds stupid-cheesy, but when you’re in a completely different country there’s nothing holding you back from being the confident, charismatic, risk-taking babe you know you are inside. Talk to people you normally wouldn’t, try new things, and traipse around city streets until your feet hurt. Obviously, me telling you to be a risk-taker is slightly at odds with 99.9% of what I’ve written above - but all the anxiety in the world isn’t worth risking a trip that leaves you saying “what if”. Being out there on your own will teach you so much about yourself, if only you let it - and people always say what a learning experience travelling is, but what they fail to mention is that half of what you’re learning about is yourself.