Padangbai is perhaps best known as the port you’ll pass through on the way to Lombok and the Gili Islands. But slip away from the traffic choked streets of the port area and you’ll find a couple of nice beaches and a laid-back little beach town. On my recent trip to Bali I went searching … Read more
People often say it’s the journey, rather than the destination, where the magic of travel truly lays. That’s not always the case in India. Sure, pushing your way onto crowded buses and trains and then being uncomfortable for a couple of hours probably sounds fun, but after the 10th time (probably less, depending on your … Read more
This things to do in Christchurch post was originally posted in September 2017 and was updated after my recent trip the city. Upon entering the centre of the city for the first time since the 2010 / 2011 earthquakes, it became obvious what a long shadow those natural disasters still cast over Christchurch. This city … Read more
Located in the Christchurch — Mount Cook — Queenstown corridor, one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand, Lake Tekapo is home to mountain vistas, a slightly overrated church and some of the world’s clearest night skies. We’ve visited this place a few times over the last couple of years and can now finally … Read more
Queenstown is known as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful towns (at least in terms of scenery), but what are things like when you leave the comfort of town for the winding roads to Glenorchy, Paradise and Kinloch? This drive, and the walks you’ll want to do in-between driving, features some classic New Zealand mountain … Read more
I never planned to visit Bijapur. I was in Hampi when I realised I didn’t need an 18-hour overnight bus ride to Mumbai in my life, so I opened Google Maps and looked at some options. Bijapur, in the state of Karnataka, was in the general direction I was headed and was only a four-hour … Read more
Bali means many things to many people. Some are captivated by the spirituality, kind locals, variety of landscapes and hip beach bars while others catch one glimpse of Kuta — and all the tackiness it’s famous for — and decide Bali isn’t for them. A trip to Bali doesn’t have to mean spending all your … Read more
If you’re looking for an off the beaten path area in New Zealand with stunning mountain views, lonely gravel roads stretching into the distance and way fewer tourists than you’d find in the more popular regions, consider a road trip through the Hakatere Conservation Park. Located only a couple of hours from Christchurch (or four … Read more