We’ve wrecked more pairs of shoes than we’d like to admit on the road.
There was the time my sandals gave out in the middle of a jungle trail in Costa Rica. The soles literally peeling off with every muddy step until I was half sliding my way back to the car.
Then there was my “genius” idea to wear cute but flimsy flats through Madrid. After a day of cobblestones and standing in line, I swear my feet were plotting revenge.
And let’s not forget the endless search for good hiking shoes in Ecuador.
Charles’ hiking shoes wore out just as we reached Ecuador, and with the Galapagos on our radar, he was desparate to buy a new pair. Unfortunately, he’s hard to fit, and we searched high and low for quality shoes that could handle hiking. It took us endless trips to local malls, and Google searches, but we finally found a pair.
He used them for another five years! Some of the best shoes he ever owned.
If you travel long enough, you’ll realize your shoes become one of your most important pieces of gear. They carry you through airports, hikes, city explorations, and those days when you somehow end up walking 20,000 steps even though you swore it would be an “easy day.”
So it makes sense that people start to wonder: where are these things actually made?
Take Hike Footwear, for example. A quick search will turn up plenty of people asking, “Are Hike shoes made in China?” The short answer is: sometimes, yes. But the longer answer is much more interesting, and honestly, a lot more normal than most of us think.
Designed at Home, Built Around the World
Hike Footwear is a U.S. brand that designs all of its shoes around barefoot principles: wide toe boxes, zero-drop soles, and flexible construction that lets your feet move naturally. The design work and brand management are all done in the USA.
But when it comes to actually making the shoes? Like almost every footwear brand out there, the production happens overseas in factories that specialize in minimalist and barefoot footwear. These aren’t fly-by-night operations. They’re places with decades of experience, skilled workers, and the infrastructure to turn designs into durable, travel-ready shoes.
Why Global Manufacturing Is the Norm
Here’s the thing: if you check the tags on your sneakers, hiking boots, or even high-end barefoot shoes like Vivobarefoot, you’ll almost always see a “Made in Vietnam,” “Made in China,” or “Made in Indonesia” label. It’s not because brands are hiding something shady. It’s because the global footwear industry is set up that way.
The expertise, supply chains, and materials for large-scale shoe production are concentrated in specific parts of the world. These factories have been building shoes for decades. They know how to handle the flexible materials and designs that barefoot shoes require.
In other words, it’s less about cutting costs and more about going where the skills and resources already exist.
What Hike Footwear Focuses On
Instead of trying to do everything in-house, Hike Footwear puts its energy into:
Design and quality standards: Shoes are tested for comfort, durability, and barefoot design principles before they ever hit your feet.
Ethical partnerships: The factories they work with are vetted for worker safety and fair practices.
Sustainability: Materials are chosen to balance performance with long-term environmental impact.
That’s the kind of thing most travelers care about. Not just a label, but whether the shoes are made well, last through the miles, and are created responsibly.
Why It Matters Less Than You Think
At the end of the day, the country stamped on your shoe isn’t what determines whether it holds up through a rainy trek in Ireland or a day wandering the backstreets of Bangkok. What matters is the design, the oversight, and the care that goes into making them.
Almost all of us are wearing globally made shoes, whether we realize it or not. The real difference comes down to transparency and values. And in Hike Footwear’s case, they’re clear: designed in the U.S., produced by skilled international partners, and made to last for travelers who actually put their gear to the test.
From the Gold Coast to the Tropical North, Queensland beaches are some of the sunniest, splashiest, most stunning gems Australia has to offer.
If Queensland beaches had a fan club, we’d be proud members. Sand so white it glistens, waters so blue they seem Photoshopped, and sunsets that stir the soul make us huge fans of the Sunshine State’s shores.
Whatever your vibe—chasing waves, lounging on the sand, or hunting for the perfect IG shot—there’s a sun-soaked spot waiting for you.
But with over 7,000 km of coastline, where do you even start?
With that in mind, we’re diving into the top Queensland beaches by region.
So whether you’re road-tripping the Sunshine Coast, exploring Tropical North Queensland, or sailing around the Whitsunday Islands, you can start planning your dream getaway.
Queensland has some of the best Australian beaches!
The 19 Best Queensland Beaches
Looking for a secluded shore backed by lush green rainforest? Maybe hip surf beaches are more your bias?
Here are the best beaches in Queensland, where the coast oozes with charm and adventure is just a tide away.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Sunshine Coast Beaches
The Sunshine Coast truly lives up to its name, boasting an average of seven hours of sunshine per day and more than 300 sunny days a year.
Then, there are the seaside towns and pristine beaches scattered all along the Sunshine Coast, making this part of Queensland one of our favourite places to be.
1. Sunshine Beach
Located in the town of Noosa, Sunshine Beach is your go-to all-rounder, open year-round. Though popular among surfers (waves can reach up to 7 feet!), it remains relatively quiet and secluded.
Not a surfer? Take a dip in the balmy waters instead. Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round, making it a safe place to swim, even for younger kids.
If sunbathing is more your vibe, there’s plenty of pristine white sand to stretch out on.
For hikers, Sunshine Beach opens up to a 15-km strip of white sand beaches and great surf. It’s also the endpoint of the 5.4-km scenic walk through Noosa National Park. You can make the journey from Noosa Main Beach to Sunshine in about three hours.
Want to grab a snack or cool off with a drink? A handful of cafés and bars line the beachfront. Enjoy your iced latte and the ocean views.
Quite possibly the most popular holiday destination on the Sunshine Coast, the sleepy town of Noosa draws roughly two million visitors each year. One of its main attractions is the iconic Main Beach.
This rare north-facing beach, one of the few on Australia’s east coast, sits between the rugged Noosa National Park and trendy Hastings Street. That means you get the best of both worlds: raw natural beauty and just the right amount of bustle.
Sheltered from strong winds and currents, Main Beach is generally calm, making it ideal for casual swimmers and beginner surfers.
But on the right day, you can catch the famous Noosa Heads right-hand surf break, one of the longest on the Sunshine Coast.
After a splash, head to Hastings, Noosa’s stylish high street, for a spa session, upscale dining, or boutique shopping.
3. Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is a coastal town famed for its multi-coloured seaside cliffs and glistening golden sand dunes.
The jewel in Rainbow Beach’s crown is the surreal Carlo Sand Blow, a colossal, wind-blown sand mass overlooking the ocean. From its edge, you can take in sweeping views of Fraser Island to the north and Double Island Point to the south.
With such incredible scenery, Rainbow draws avid hikers. The Cooloola Great Walk—a 102-km route across the Great Sandy National Park—ends at the southern edge of town.
Not into hiking? Rainbow Beach is one of the few places on the Sunshine Coast (and in Australia) where you can drive directly onto the sand.
Hop in a 4WD and explore one of the most stunning beaches in Queensland on a sightseeing tour. Eager to see more? Combine your drive with a three-day tour of K’gari (Fraser Island).
Rainbow Beach, where sandy shores meet colossal cliffs
4. Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland but also one of the most family-friendly.
This lively, sandy beach takes its stunning scenery seriously. One of its most iconic—and quirky—features is the Loo with a View, a public toilet that looks out over the Pacific Ocean.
With clear, calm waters patrolled by lifeguards year-round, Mooloolaba is an ideal swimming spot for families with young children.
Beyond the water, there’s a lot of room to spread out your towel and chill. But if lounging isn’t your thing, you’ll find lots of activities to keep you entertained—from stand-up paddle boarding to snorkelling and wildlife spotting on a custom-built inflatable raft.
At low tide, explore the rock pools on the shore. Or head to SEA LIFE, a guaranteed hit with kids and adults fascinated by marine life.
Foodie? You’ll love Mooloolaba’s dining scene, with its impressive lineup of restaurants, cafés, and bars.
5. K’gari Beaches
If you’re looking for a secluded island paradise, K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) should be on your itinerary.
Spanning 122 km in length, it’s the largest sand island in the world. That means it’s packed with sandy beaches—likely more than there are people. Inland, you’ll find tropical rainforests and over a hundred freshwater lakes.
On the island, you’ll never run out of places to cool off, even beyond the beach. Our favourite spot for a swim is the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, though the fizzing Champagne Pools come a close second.
While K’gari (Fraser Island) isn’t technically part of the Sunshine Coast, it’s easily accessible from Rainbow Beach or Noosa on a day trip.
With a name like the Gold Coast and a coastline stretching 40 km, the scenery is bound to be golden, especially when it comes to the beaches.
No matter what kind of beachgoer you are—wave chaser, pro paddler, or die-hard sunbather—the Gold Coast has something for you.
6. Tallebudgera Creek
Technically a creek, but let’s not get hung up on labels—Tallebudgera Creek (or just Talle to locals) is pure beach bliss. Think powdery white sand, glittering blue water, and barely a ripple in sight. It’s ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or just lazing under the sun.
Tallebudgera Creek is a family favourite, thanks to its calm, patrolled waters and easy access from both Palm Beach and Burleigh Heads National Park.
Got kids, prams, or beach carts? No stress. There’s beach matting, wheelchairs available on weekends, and a car park merely steps from the sand.
Hungry? Right by the shore and just across the street, you’ll find a bunch of cafes and restaurants serving anything from vegan meals to Portuguese tarts.
Nature lovers, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, cockatoos, and even a kingfisher or two. And if you’re curious about Talle’s cultural roots, follow the walking trail to learn about the Kombumerri people’s deep connection to this special place.
Had enough of the coast? Explore inland with these top Gold Coast hikes!
7. Burleigh Heads
With so many stunning Queensland beaches to choose from, Burleigh Heads Beach still manages to stand out, and for good reason.
Perfectly placed between buzzing Surfers Paradise and chill Coolangatta, this Gold Coast gem is equal parts laid-back charm and world-class waves.
But what makes Burleigh one of the best beaches in Queensland is not just the scenery but also the vibe. There are lovely forest walks right next to the beach in Burleigh Heads National Park.
The beach boasts gentle swimming spots patrolled by lifeguards from 8 am to 5 pm daily and legendary surf breaks around the headland.
Norfolk pines, picnic spots, and paths for bike rides or lazy strolls line the breezy foreshore. From the hilltop, you’ll score lovely views stretching to the city skyline.
When you’ve had your fill of sea and sand, wander through markets and boutiques along James Street for handmade treasures and boho flair.
Burleigh Heads, a gem of the Gold Coast
8. Surfers Paradise Beach
Some people equate beautiful beaches with empty stretches of golden sand—until, of course, they step into Surfers Paradise.
No other beach on the Gold Coast exudes more energy and excitement than Surfers Paradise. But while the ‘burb is best known for its pulsating nightlife and glamorous skyscrapers that pierce the skyline, it does have pockets of peaceful hideaways along its 3 km coastline.
A tried-and-tested, patrolled surf beach, it boasts consistent rolling swells that draw surfers of all skill levels, though the gentler waves are ideal for beginners. Unsurprisingly, surf lessons and surf schools are big here.
Beyond the sand, Surfers has a lot going on—theme park rides, beach markets, waterfront dining, casinos, and a bar scene that doesn’t believe in bedtime.
That’s not to say Surfers isn’t family-friendly. Kids will love attractions like Ripley’s Believe It or Not and mini-golf, while thrill-seekers can ride the elevator to the SkyPoint Observation Deck for jaw-dropping views of the Gold Coast.
9. Palm Beach
If you ever want to escape the bustle of Surfers Paradise, Palm Beach offers a refreshing change of pace. Here, everything slows down, without ever getting boring.
Palm Beach has been crowned the cleanest beach on the Queensland coast not once, but thrice. But that’s not its only claim to fame.
It’s trendy and retro all at once, a vibe you’ll see in the mix of upscale high-rises and vintage beach shacks.
Surfers, swimmers, and sun lovers flock to this expansive sandy beach not just for the relaxed atmosphere, but because it’s made for salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and bare feet.
The Tropical North is where you’ll find some of the most stunning Queensland beaches. The farther north you go, the more exotic they seem to become.
And if it’s a motley of beach varieties you’re after, the Tropical North always delivers—whether it’s palm-fringed coves, wide sandy bays, or secluded islands.
But before you get to wandering around the coast, here are some safety precautions you need to know:
Beach Safety Tips:
The Tropical North is known for its marine stingers like the ‘box jellyfish’ and the Irukandji. The risk of encountering these is higher during the warmer months, typically from November to May.
Be sure to swim only at patrolled beaches. Stay within the safety nets and between the flags. Wear a wetsuit during the stinger season.
Heed warning signs, especially when it comes to currents and crocs. If unsure, seek the advice of the lifesavers on patrol.
Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island, tucked just off the Queensland coast, is a tropical daydream come true—minus the nudity. Despite the name, it’s strictly swimsuit (and family) friendly!
Perched on the southwestern coast of Fitzroy Island, a designated national park, Nudey Beach is a striking burst of colours: sugar-white sand, aqua-blue water, and weathered grey boulders set against a lush green rainforest.
Getting there is part of the adventure. Hop on a 45-minute ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then follow the short, scenic trail through groves of acacias, eucalyptus, and beech trees to the beach.
Beyond the beach, hike to the Fitzroy Island Lighthouse where you can see Green Island in the distance. Stop by the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre if time allows.
There are no eateries at Nudey Beach, and Fitzroy Island has just two restaurants—both may require reservations. Planning to stay all day? Bring your own food and drinks.
11. Palm Cove
Just a breezy 25-minute drive north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a favourite base for exploring North Queensland, including the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
But once you step into this tranquil coastal community—with its palm-fringed beach, paperbark-lined promenade, and vibrant food scene—you might not want to leave.
This quiet suburb is all about slowing down and embracing a laid-back, boho lifestyle. Sunrise yoga one minute, barefoot strolls the next, and sunset kayaking to wrap up your day.
Dinner by the beach? Absolutely. There’s no shortage of delicious options here, including the award-winning Nu Nu Restaurant.
Palm Cove isn’t just one of the best beaches in Cairns. But it’s also one of the safest. During jellyfish season, it’s patrolled and protected by a stinger net, so swimmers and families can splash about worry-free.
Palm Cove Beach is the perfect spot for a stroll.
12. Ellis Beach
Lodged between a rainforest-clad hill and the calm Coral Sea, Ellis Beach proves you don’t have to venture far to find a secret slice of heaven in Queensland.
Almost always empty—even in summer—Ellis is the perfect spot to spread out your towel and soak up the sun. Leaning palm trees frame the 1-km stretch of golden sand, offering dappled shade and a postcard-worthy backdrop.
The water here is typically calm, thanks to the natural shelter of Double Island and Buchan Point, a rocky headland at the beach’s southern tip. Occasionally, small waves roll in—just right for rookie surfers.
Ellis Beach is easily accessed from the Captain Cook Highway. On the beachfront, you’ll find a relaxed bar and grill—a favourite pit stop for savvy road trippers heading to Port Douglas.
Here’s a fun fact: Four Mile Beach is, in reality, four kilometres long, and it got its name after the local Fourmile family, not its length!
Despite its proximity to the resort town of Port Douglas, Four Mile remains delightfully undeveloped. Patrolled year-round with a stinger net in place, it’s as safe as it is scenic. The honey-coloured beach looks even more stunning from atop Flagstaff Hill.
Four Mile may not be a surf beach, but it’s a stand-out when it comes to kite surfing. The waves, typically gentle and even, are also great for boogie boarding.
Smaller crowds, no chain stores—just a dreamy sandy beach with BBQ spots, swaying palm trees, and the occasional croc warning sign to keep things interesting. What’s not to love about Four Mile Beach?
14. Mission Beach
Between the reef and rainforest on the Cassowary Coast is Mission Beach, the textbook definition of a quaint, unhurried coastal getaway.
This 14-km stretch of undiluted raw beauty consists of four seaside villages: Bingil Bay, Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, and South Mission Beach.
Among the villages, Mission Beach is arguably the liveliest, with its sandy, palm-flanked bay dotted with a few shops and the occasional bar.
While it’s the closest mainland access point to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s refreshingly uncrowded compared to the busier ports in Cairns and Port Douglas.
For safe swimming, there’s an enclosure near Pacific Parade, patrolled daily by surf lifesavers. You can also paddle to nearby Dunk Island or go as far as Beaver Cay for a snorkelling cruise.
The ancient Wet Tropics Rainforest is at your doorstep if you prefer dry land adventures. For an adrenaline rush, try tandem skydiving over Mission Beach.
Of course, you can simply stretch out on the sand and do absolutely nothing but keep an eye out for a cassowary bird or two.
15. Magnetic Island
Granite headlands, hidden bays, and hoop pines dotting the coastline, all these make Magnetic Island a lovely contrast to many of the beaches in North Queensland.
A national park (over 78% of the land area is protected), it shelters an array of wildlife, ranging from rock wallabies and possums to butterflies and 100 bird species.
The star celebrities here, however, are the koalas. It’s one of the few places in Queensland where you’re sure to see these cuddly critters in the wild.
With 23 beaches and bays, Magnetic is indeed a magnet for sun-worshippers. Pick one (or all): Alma Bay is best for a family day trip, Nelly Bay is great for snorkelling, and Radical Bay offers serene seclusion.
Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island
Whitsunday Islands Best Beaches:
The Whitsundays consist of 74 continental islands scattered between Queensland’s northeast coast and the Great Barrier Reef.
While most are uninhabited, all are uniquely beautiful, covered by dense rainforests and fringed by white sand beaches.
16. Horseshoe Bay (Bowen)
Just 150-metre long, Horseshoe Bay is a pint-sized paradise with tremendous charm. Its calm, crystalline waters, sheltered by craggy headlands, are made for a splash or spotting turtles offshore.
The reef fringing the bay teems with marine life, and you can rent snorkel gear right on the beach. Sunbathing is always an option, too.
Then, shake off the sand and hike up to Rotary Lookout for dazzling views. You can also stroll the scenic Cape Edgecumbe Trail linking Horseshoe to neighbouring bays.
Horseshoe Bay is in the idyllic town of Bowen, a 40-minute drive from Airlie Beach, the base for exploring the Whitsundays.
17. Whitehaven Beach
If you visit the best beaches in Queensland and skip Whitehaven Beach, what are you even doing? This place is heaven on earth, or more precisely, heaven in Queensland.
Located on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach stretches seven kilometres with sand so white, soft, and fine you can’t help but sink your toes in.
The calm waters, a dreamy swirl of teal, turquoise, and emerald, doesn’t disappoint either. Calm and comfortably warm year-round, it’s perfect for swimming.
There’s no coral reef along the shallow shoreline, so you’ll need to head a bit farther out for snorkelling. Don’t worry—there are plenty of great snorkelling spots nearby, easily accessible on day tours around the Whitsunday Islands.
Don’t miss the hike to Tongue Point lookout at the northern end of the beach. From there, you can marvel at the spectacular swirling sands of Hill Inlet.
Want to explore beyond Whitehaven? Book a full-day eco-tour to see more of the stunning Whitsundays.
Best Beaches Near Brisbane
If you’re planning a day trip from Brisbane, check out these gorgeous beaches:
18. North Stradbroke Island
Kangaroos on the shore? What could be more Aussie than that? At North Stradbroke Island, a.k.a. Straddie to the locals, beach vibes meet wildlife.
As the world’s second-largest sand island, it boasts a slew of beautiful beaches.
Chill out on Cylinder Beach, a sun-soaked, family-friendly cove with white sand and gentle waves, or wander to South Gorge Beach for a wilder, more rugged day out.
Hike the stunning North Gorge Headlands and keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching offshore from May to November.
Escape to paradise at North Stradbroke Island!
19. Tangalooma Wrecks Beach
A natural show-stopper, Moreton Island’s Tangalooma is easily one of the most unique Queensland beaches.
What makes it distinct is the cluster of ships half-submerged in the turquoise waters.
Now, it’s one of the best diving spots in Queensland. Not only is the site fascinating, but it’s also a haven for over 100 fish species. Some days, you can spot dugongs and dolphins gliding about.
While you can swim to the wrecks from the beach, we highly recommend you don’t due to the strong currents when the tide is running.
It’s safer to explore the wrecks on a kayak or boat. Or, you can book a guided day cruise.
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Vins and I recently traveled to New Zealand. And yes, New Zealand was a dream. Like, ridiculously beautiful. One of those places where you start questioning if it’s even real. But as stunning as it is, traveling around came with a few surprises, missteps, and “Wait, WHAT?” moments we didn’t exactly see coming. Now that we’re back (a little sunburned, slightly broke, but very much in love with the country), we thought we’d round up the travel mistakes we personally made or almost made, so you don’t have to.
From underestimating drive times to forgetting just how intense that Kiwi sun really is, consider this our humble little PSA from one set of travelers to another. Because as magical as New Zealand is and how friendly Kiwis are, New Zealand can also humble a traveler real quick, especially if it’s your first time.
So before you pack your bags and say “Kia ora!” to the adventure of a lifetime, continue watching this video featuring our list of travel mistakes to avoid.
We almost didn’t make it to Hobbiton. And it would’ve been such a shame because it’s one of the biggest attractions that we were looking forward to before the trip, and we almost failed to grab tickets.
One thing you should know about Hobbiton is that these days, you can only explore it with a guide, so you must book a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. There are many ways to do it:
If you prefer to drive or take a public bus on your own, you can just purchase a ticket.
You can join a day tour from Auckland or Rotorua, which already includes transfers. Most tours depart from the Shire’s Rest, a café that serves as the gateway to Hobbiton.
When we tried to book, tickets were sold out! This was one month before our target date. We knew it was popular, but we were waiting for everyone in the group to be granted a visa before we book.
Thankfully, there are a few tours departing from Matamata iSite. We were a group of five, and by sheer luck, we were able to get the LAST 5 TICKETS! Talk about meant to be. Everything went well in the end.
But yes, whether you’re joining a tour or buying a ticket only, best to secure it in advance.
If you’re required to secure a visa prior to arrival in New Zealand, like us, I have good news and bad news. The good news is, it’s actually pretty easy to apply for a visitor visa. The list of requirements isn’t too long and the whole process (100% of it) is done online.
The bad news is, just because it’s easy to apply doesn’t mean it’s easy to be granted a visa. This is not just a formality or simple e-Visas given by other less strict countries; they really do evaluate applications meticulously, so you can’t just wing it.
For example, when you look at the list of supporting documents, only three are tagged as REQUIRED: passport, photo, and itinerary. You can technically submit an application with just those three attachments. But that doesn’t mean you’ll get approved. Of course, it is recommended that you upload other documents that visa officers can use to assess your application especially evidence of genuine intent or rootedness, and evidence of funds if you declare you’re shouldering the cost of the trip yourself.
It is important that you paint a full picture of your background and your plans in New Zealand, and prove that you intend to leave the country and not overstay.
I know people who have been denied a visa, so take your application seriously.
Speaking of denied…
3. Not reapplying when rejected.
Let’s say your application is declined and you are refused a visa. What now? Can you appeal or ask for reconsideration?
NO, if you applied outside New Zealand and I’m assuming most of you reading this are not based in NZ. Here’s an excerpt from a refusal letter that my friend received.
Here’s an excerpt from the Refusal Letter that a friend received when she was denied a New Zealand visa.
But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing else you can do. What you can do is reapply. This means you’ll need to start a new application and pay another visa fee.
But before you reapply, make sure you have new supporting documents to add that could address the reasons for refusal. If you’ll be submitting the exact same pile of documents, you might just be wasting another NZD 100.
If you’re currently in New Zealand, YES, you can appeal as long as you make the request within 14 days.
This screenshot is from the official New Zealand Immigration website
But please note that what I share should NOT be taken as official Immigration advice. Think of me as just a friend sharing my experience. Check out the official New Zealand website or consult an immigration advisor for official advice or assistance.
4. Failing to Declare Risk Items Upon Entry
Agriculture and tourism are two of New Zealand’s biggest industries, and the government does everything they can to protect the environment and ensure biosecurity. That’s why they are very strict when it comes to what enters their border.
It is important that you’re familiar with items that are allowed, restricted, and downright prohibited, and follow their policies so you won’t run into any problem at the airport. You must also be aware of the items that you must declare.
Before your trip to New Zealand, you will be required to accomplish the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form, which has two sections specifically about what you’re bringing into the country. The first is BIOSECURITY, and you have to declare if you carry in your hand luggage or check-in luggage items like:
Risk Items
Screenshot of a page on the official website
Any food: cooked, uncooked, fresh, preserved, packaged or dried, including chocolate, candies, potato chips, crackers, biscuits, cookies, instant noodles, coffee, tea bags, soft drinks and even snacks served inside the plane.
Animals or animal products: including meat, dairy products, fish, honey, bee products, eggs, feathers, shells, raw wool, skins, bones or insects
Plants or plant products: fruit, flowers, seeds, bulbs, wood, bark, leaves, nuts, vegetables, parts of plants, fungi, cane, bamboo or straw, including for religious offerings or medicinal use
Biological products: Animal medicines, biological cultures, organisms, soil or water
Equipment: Equipment/clothing used with animals, plants or water, including for gardening, beekeeping, fishing, water sport or diving activities?
Outdoor gear: Items that have been used for outdoor activities, including any footwear, tents, camping, hunting, hiking, golf or sports equipment
I was carrying chocolates and other food products, so I just declared them.
Restricted Items
You’ll also be asked if you’re carrying more than the allowed amount of restricted items like medicine and alcohol.
At the airport, the border officers just asked what items I declared and directed me to the right lane. It was pretty smooth. I’m guessing because it’s just chocolates and snacks.
So if it’s meant to be declared, declare them. You can get fined if you fail to do so.
5. Underestimating New Zealand’s size and distances.
When you’re looking at a map, it’s easy to see New Zealand as a group of small islands in the far corner of the Pacific, especially when the ginormous Australia is in the same frame. It just looks snack-size compared to its neighbor, which is a full continent, but don’t assume New Zealand is small. New Zealand’s land area is bigger than the UK and just a bit smaller than the Philippines. If you superimpose it on Europe, you’ll find that it stretches from Denmark all the way to the South of France.
So no, it will be impractical to assume it only takes a few days to explore or that you can see it all in a week. Same goes for distances. Just because Milford Sound appears to be sitting pretty next to Queenstown doesn’t mean it only takes a quick drive. To get there from Queenstown, the route goes around the mountains and takes almost four hours, excluding stops and trust me, you will make some stops because the route is just so scenic.
Waitomo Caves, which is often a favorite destination from Rotorua or Auckland, is actually 2 to 2 and a half hours away. Even Hobbiton is not “just outside Auckland”. It’s 2 hours from the city center, too.
This is why it’s important to build a strategic and solid itinerary, especially if you’re driving.
6. Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
Driving in a foreign country is often unnerving. But while in theory, driving in New Zealand should be easy because most roads are paved and there are plenty of signs everywhere, there are a few things you need to remember before you decide to take the wheel.
First, New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. And if you’re used to driving on the right like where I’m from, it’s pretty disorienting. It takes some getting used to. It’s not just the position of the wheel inside the vehicle or your position on the road. You’ll have to unlearn certain things especially when taking a turn at intersections.
I also noticed that New Zealand’s roads deeper into the countryside are usually two-lane and narrow, but vehicles move fast here. And instead of stoplights, there are a lot of roundabouts, which is great in minimizing traffic jams.
But know that when you’re using Waze or Google Maps, you’ll be counting exits a lot. It’s not difficult, but it just takes some getting used to.
It’s best to have a navigator or a co-pilot riding shotgun so you can focus on the driving and there is someone to remind you in case you get confused.
Also, gas stations or petrol stations are few and far between especially when driving between cities, so when you see one, grab the chance and fill up because the next one might be many, many miles away.
7. Thinking It’s Difficult to Explore for Non-Drivers
When we started posting about our New Zealand trip on Instagram, we received a lot of questions about whether it is possible to explore the country even if you don’t know how to drive. And the answer is YES.
They say that the best way to explore New Zealand is to rent a vehicle and drive. And I agree. It’s also cost-efficient if you’re a group. But not everyone is able or willing to drive. For that, you can take public transportation like Intercity Buses. But make sure you sync your itinerary with the available bus journeys because for some routes, the options are limited.
Some non-drivers would take the bus to another city and then take a day tour of another attraction. Example, a common practice is to stay in Auckland then go on a day trip of Hobbiton and then return to Auckland. Then the next day, take the bus to Rotorua.
But there are one-way tours available. For instance, there is an Auckland-Hobbiton-Rotorua one-way tour. This way, once you’re done with Auckland, this tour can pick you up in the city, make a stop in Hobbiton so you could explore and then after, drop you off at your next hotel in Rotorua. It’s like a tour and transfer in one. And yes, you can bring your luggage with you.
We got to try the Christchurch-Queenstown one-way tour. The shuttle picked us up at our hotel in Christchurch along with our bags. And along the way, we stopped at various tourist spots like Lake Tekapo and Hooker Valley in the shadows of Mt. Cook before terminating in Queenstown.
It’s a good option for non-drivers and will end up less costly than taking a roundtrip tour one day and then boarding an intercity bus separately.
Whether you’re booking tours or hotels, redeem our exclusive discount voucher by visiting www.thepoortraveler.net/klook or use our promo codes TPTKLOOK5 for up to P500 OFF or THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK for up to P300 OFF. These codes may change in the future, so check the description or pinned comment for the updated codes and links.
8. Skipping sunscreen.
New Zealand’s climate is pretty mild, and it can still get cool even in summer months, so you might think “Sunscreen? Nah, I’m good.” And by lunchtime? Boom—your face is redder than a blushing teenager. This happened to me. Well, sort of. I apply sunscreen before leaving the hotel but I usually forget to reapply.
The chilly atmosphere can lull you into a false sense of safety. But the thing is: New Zealand has one of the highest UV levels on the planet especially under the crisp, clear summer skies.
So don’t forget to bring sunscreen with plenty of SPF and actually use it. And pack a hat, while you’re at it.
9. Missing the operating hours.
If you’re used to staying out until late night, know that in many destinations in New Zealand, some establishments close much earlier, especially in smaller towns. For example, in Rotorua and even in Queenstown, most cafes tend to close at around 3 or 4pm. Some as early as 2pm. Starbucks in Rotorua closes at 5pm most days, and Starbucks Queenstown at 6pm. That’s not to say that ALL cafes are like that. You can still find some that remain open at night, but it will be harder. But don’t worry, bars and malls tend to be open much later than cafes.
This isn’t unique to New Zealand, though. We also noticed this in some cities in Australia. Could be something to do with wages and work-life balance.
Some attractions also close early. Te Puia in Rotorua is only open until 4pm and Wai-o-Tapu until 4:30pm, understandably. Christchurch Gondola only operates until 5pm and the last ride down is at 5:30PM.
We also noticed that car rental companies close early, with the exception of airport branches. Europcar in Auckland city center closes at 4pm on weekdays, and 12 noon on weekends. Some branches are closed on Sundays too. So make sure to check operating hours when building your itinerary.
10. Paying for water.
Tap water in most places in New Zealand is safe to drink. At least in all the destinations we visited. So you don’t really need to spend money on bottled water at the convenience store or supermarket. It’s not cheap. If you have a refillable water bottle, you can just fill it up at your hotel or when you can. It’s just a matter of taste, sometimes.
If you’re joining full day tours like Milford Sound or Lake Tekapo and Hookers Valley, there’s a big chance they will be providing a bottle of water too.
11. Underestimating Prices.
New Zealand is expensive. My local friends always tell me that the cost of living here is pretty high. And so is the cost of travel.
The accommodation rates alone could eat up a big chunk of your budget. There’s a reason Auckland is the only stop where we stayed at a proper full-service hotel. In Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown, we spent our nights at a hostel primarily because of the cost.
This is how much we paid for a private room for 2 per night.
Just look at how much we paid per night for our Queenstown room. This was already the cheapest centrally-located properties we found at the time — the cheapest – and this room does not have its own toilet and bath. We still had a great stay, though. We actually loved all these hostels.
We’re probably gonna create a separate review of all these lodging options, so if you don’t want to miss that, make sure to subscribe to this channel, ring the bell beside it and select ALL so you’re always updated.
For a meal, prepare to shell out:
Fast food: NZD 15-20 (USD9-12, PHP506-675)
Full-service restaurant: NZD 25-40 (USD 15-24, PHP 845-1350) for a main course, but higher for more premium dishes like steak or ribs
But one thing I noticed is that a serving is usually huge, even when they say it’s good for just one person. Even their burgers here are ginormous. Since we were a group, we usually just share the food and split the bill, although some restaurants have a one meal per person policy.
One of the reasons we like staying at hostels is they usually have kitchens where you can prepare your own food. It’s especially useful for long-term travelers. Eating out every day may not be sustainable. If budgeting gets a little tight, just buy something at a supermarket or convenience store and eat at the hostel.
12. Not staying long enough.
This is one thing we’re guilty of. One of the first things we said when we got home from our New Zealand trip was, “That was quick.” We spent 10 days thinking it was long enough, but we really felt like we should have extended our trip. And we would have if we had more moolah to spend.
New Zealand isn’t really a stopover kind of destination. It’s the main event. The headliner. The Beyonce of your itinerary. And much like Beyonce, she deserves your time and money. Hahaha.
The best destinations in New Zealand are spread out, so the drives are long. They’re worth it, but they’re long. And there’s a lot to do in every destination. Queenstown alone can oh-so-easily fill a week-long itinerary.
We also regretted not spending more days in Christchurch. We just didn’t expect it to be so full of charm. And because we wanted to see a lot, we tumbled into the pitfall of treating our trip as a list of sights to tick. But when we were there, we found New Zealand to be a place to slow down, linger, and absorb the surroundings.
So give yourself at least two weeks if you want to explore both islands without spiraling into an Amazing Race episode. More if you can swing it.
If you have questions, sound off in the comments section below or tag us on your Instagram stories and X (Twitter) posts. You can also follow us there and on Tiktok.
That’s all for now, remember, plan smart, travel safe, and make every trip WORTH IT!
I used to think “home” was a dirty word. Out there — on the road — was where life happened, full of exciting adventures, fascinating people, and endless possibilities. No dreary commutes, 30-minute lunch breaks, mind-numbing meetings, or endless lists of to-dos squeezed into a rushed weekend.
Why would anyone want to be home, the place where routine seemed to sap your will to exist? It baffled me.
My first trip overseas — a vacation to Costa Rica — made me fall in love with travel. For all the reasons mentioned above, I realized why “vacations” were so romanticized in work culture. There was a freedom to them that stood in stark contrast to the daily corporate grind.
So, when I finally quit my job, I set off on an adventure to experience all the world had to offer for as long as I could make my money last.
Eventually, I did tire of being a full-time nomad. I craved a stable group of friends, regular workouts, a bar that knew my name, a kitchen to cook in, and my own bed.
Suddenly, I realized that “home” wasn’t a dirty word. It just felt that way to a young, restless soul for whom adulthood felt eons away.
I had come to understand what someone who is just setting out with romantic notions about travel couldn’t: You can burn out. On my first trip abroad, after 18 months, I hit the wall and decided to cut my trip short. Then, years later, in 2013, I decided that being a nomad was no longer the life for me and decided to stop traveling full-time.
It was time to grow up, I said. Time to stay put and move on from nomad to… whatever came next.
But the allure of the road — and the business of working in travel — pulled me back constantly.
As the years went by, I lived between two worlds: one in which I am traveling, longing for home, and another in which I am home, longing to head out again.
There were moments where I longed for a clone so I could live in both and satisfy my dual desires.
After all, you can’t — and shouldn’t — live solely in one forever.
Because travel and home are complementary forces, yin and yang. Without one, you can’t appreciate the other.
All travelers hit a wall, that moment when they look around and go, “I’m ready to stay in one place.” When and why that happens is a product of many factors, but I have yet to meet a traveler who doesn’t have that experience. When I started traveling in my twenties, it took me years to feel that. But now, a couple of decades older, it happens after just a month.
To handle life, the brain creates mental shortcuts to help it process information. It’s why we tend to drive the same route to work every day — it’s just easier, and it’s why you feel like “you can do it in your sleep.” Because if your brain had to figure out a new route to work every day, it would tire itself out. These routines let us put a lot of life on autopilot, so we have energy for work, people, emotions, thoughts, etc.
But when you travel, you are relearning life skills every day. You have no mental shortcuts. It takes a lot of mental energy to figure out your way in the world anew each day, to repack your bag, say good-bye to the person you met yesterday, and head out and try again to navigate unfamiliar lands, languages, and people as if you had never done so before.
It tires you out.
Whereas a vacation is a temporary break from life, long-term travel is different. When you travel long-term (or are on the move frequently), there is no break. You’re constantly trying to figure things out and also constantly breaking your routine. Your travel battery drains.
Yet in the same way the travel battery needs to be recharged, our “home” battery does too.
While some people can follow the same routine their entire lives, most of us can’t. We find it boring. We need a break. After a while in one place, we yearn to break up the monotony of our daily routine. Work, commutes, errands… day in, day out, like ants marching on and on.
So we go travel again. We have an adventure, meet new people, try new food, and have new experiences. Maybe be learn, grow, and expand who we are as a person. Maybe we’re away for a week or two or we take a month off. Or we start working remotely and spend months away. But eventually our battery drains: we get tired, and then we head home again.
And the cycle repeats.
Growing older has made me believe that we can never fully appreciate home or travel without the other. My first years on the road would never have been so amazing if I weren’t trying to break free from a quarter-century of routine. Likewise, my bed never would have felt so good had I not spent so many years on the move, changing rooms, and having erratic sleep. Nor would I have enjoyed the relief that routine brings had I not spent so many days trying to navigate the stresses of the world for so long.
The joy of one is amplified by the other.
Travel and home are two sides to the same coin. I appreciate each more now than when I was younger, because I get to experience both on my own terms. I’m not trying to run away from either or go to an extreme anymore. I simply follow their ebb and flow and let the battery of life dictate when one or the other happens.
And I think that is a wisdom that only comes with age — and experience.
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day
My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
The Nenets are an Indigenous people of Arctic Russia, renowned for their nomadic lifestyle and deep connection to reindeer herding in the remote, unforgiving tundra of northern Siberia, in a region named Yamalia.
Despite their isolation, it is now possible for travelers to visit Nenets camps, a rare opportunity to meet a truly nomadic culture, while witnessing one of the rawest travel experiences.
When it’s best to visit the Nenets: winter or summer?
Travelers interested in this particular part of Russia are often not sure about which season is best for going to Yamalia.
The truth is that both seasons offer incredible experiences, but they’re dramatically different. Here are 30 photos that will help you decide which season is best to travel with us to Yamalia.
Remember that we have the following shceuded for Nenets:
In summer, the landscape is more beautiful, with the tundra being green and covered in wildflowers.
Another great advantage is that you are going to see much more reindeers, since in summer, Nenets need to gather them every day for carrying out different types of tasks.
In summer, Nenets often don’t wear their traditional reindeer-made clothes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take amazing photos, plus remember the weather is much more pleasant than the freezing Siberian winter.
However, the main advantage of coming here in summer is that you’ll get to witness the migration, as Nenets families move with their reindeer and sledges every one or two days—a dynamic, ever-changing scene that few outsiders ever get to see.
In winter, the whole tundra is frozen, and temperatures drop down to -20ºc and -40ºc. The tundra isn’t as beautiful as in summer but the weather and snow add an epic touch into it. From a weather perspective, it’s colder and more uncomfortable, but don’t worry, chums (local tents) are warm and cozy.
Nenets wear their traditional, reindeer-made clothes, making them particular photogenic.
In winter, you won’t witness Nenets migration (unless staged) but you will be able to see other activities like ice-fishing, or ice collection for their water.
Wanna travel to Pakistan with Against the Compass?
Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Pakistan:
September 14th to 27th, 2025
Pakistan is in fashion.
Backpackers and travelers alike from around the world are realizing that Pakistan is not only a beautiful country, but it can offer some of the most ultimate adventures.
Despite this recent massive increase in popularity, however, Pakistan is still miles away from being a proper tourist destination and proof of that is that still today, some people can only relate Pakistan to negative things, such as terrorist attacks, Taliban activities and Islamic radicalism.
I partly attribute these negative associations to the Westen media, which has done nothing but portray the worst face of Pakistan, especially since the 9/11 attacks.
That’s why, in this post, I wanted to show you 60 photos of Pakistan that you won’t see in the news, because Pakistan is simply awesome.
60 Photos of Pakistan that you won’t see in the news
Pakistan is the only country home to the 4 highest mountain ranges on Earth, including the Himalayas, the Karakorum, the Pamirs and the Hindu Kush.
In fact, the second-highest mountain in the world is found in Pakistan, K2 (8,611meters) and it belongs to the Karakoram range.
Besides those internationally famous mountains, Pakistan is also home to several dreamy valleys and which you don’t want to miss. I spent 2 months backpacking in Pakistan, and spent most of this time in the mountains. Here are some of my favorite pics.
Rakaposhi base camp, camping at around 3500 meters above sea level, right next to a giant ice wall, from where we could hear the continuous sound of avalanchesSame place as the previous photo, but from over a ridge, at the bottom of mount Rakaposhi (7,778 meters)Here we are at Nanga Parbat base camp. Absolutely mind-blowingThis is also Nanga Parbat (8,100 meters) a couple of kilometers before the base campThis is the village of GulmitIn Pakistan, we walked over glaciers full of crevasses, the first time in my lifeThese are the kind of glaciers we walked through. The man in the photo is a local Pakistani mountain guideClimbing a glacier with some Thai friendsWith some friends in Yezyl, one of the most beautiful glaciers in Pakistan, in Shimshal ValleyMore pictures of Yezyl glacier in ShimshalThis is Passu suspension bridgePakistan, however, is also home to beautiful lush green valleys. This is Swat, in Kalam districtMore pictures of Passu peaksSame place, Kalam, in Swat. The region of Swat has big similarities to Switzerland. This is one of my most favorite pictures.
This picture was taken on the hike from Hussaini to Passu suspension bridge
The hike to Borith lake
Hanging out in a hotel in Swat. It looks like a dreamy hotel, and it really was but seriously, it was just a very basic shack in the middle of the mountainsIn Swat, you find some of the most beautiful forests in the countryRocking my salwar kameez, somewhere in the Swat ValleyBeautiful Swat Valley 🙂Somewhere in the Astore Valley. With some local, Pakistani friends, we went for a long fishing weekendThe Astore Valleys sits on the other side of Nanga ParbatAnd it links to Pakistani Kashmir, which you will reach if you follow this trailWhat I loved about the Astore Valley is that you get pretty damn amazing views but also, those mountains are filled with tiny villages, so you get in touch with the local culture as well Enjoying my time in a local village in Astore ValleyDuring the day, my Pakistani friends spent all day fishing. I spent some time fishing with them in the morning but then, I was exploring the surroundings just by myselfEpic views in the Astore ValleyLooking over Astore Valley. I really love this picture I absolutely love these human encounters. Those moments make me feel very happy when I am travelingOr this oneI mean, isn’t that beautiful? Being able to explore those striking mountains and, at the same time, being the only tourist in a place full of hospitable, kind-hearted localsCheck out this tiny settlementExploring the Astore Valley was perhaps, my best experience in Pakistan
Pakistan is also famous for the Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world that links Islamabad with Kashgar ( China), and also goes over Khunjerab Pass, one of the highest border crossings in the world, around 4,600 meters.
The Karakoram HighwayFrom the Karakoram Highway, you get to see bridges like this oneThe views from across the previous bridgeOr these mountains, perfectly visible from the window of your carTraffic jam in the Karakoram Highway. And you will be able to see plenty of Pakistani trucksThe main town in the northern part of the Karakoram Highway is Karimabad, inhabited by the Hunza people (an ethnic group who practice a very moderate branch of Islam) and home to Baltit fortSame, but a different perspectiveMore photos of the Karakoram HighwayAnd moreThis isn’t the Karakoram Highway but it is a crazy side road that leads to Fairy Meadows, close to Nanga Parbat base camp. The beginning of this road is at a junction in the Karakoram Highway
But Pakistan is not only about landscapes, but also beautiful people who will be continuously blessing you with their hospitality, and the thing you will always remember the most when you get back home, are the interactions with the local people.
Expect, literally, hundreds of house, lunch, dinner and tea invitations.
Local Pashtuns, in PeshawarThese guys are just fucking awesomeThe people here are truly authenticAnd street photography opportunities are greatYou not only get to see the Himalayas but also camels and beach!I met these 2 guys in Astore ValleyAnd the cultural diversity is also great. This is a Kalash woman, an ethnic group from northwestern Pakistan with traditional, pagan beliefsAnd this Hollywood-actor looking man is from a very remote Pakistani village, right across the Afghan border
And then, of course, you get all mosques and shrines Pakistan is famous for. You may already know it from the news, of course, but, did you know they were so beautiful?
This is Bdashi mosque, the most impressive mosque in LahoreAnd then you have this Sufi shrine in Multan. Sufism is the mystical branch of IslamAnd the second most important mosque in Lahore, Wazir KhanThis isn’t a famous mosque but I like it. You can find it in ChitralThis photo might be more similar to what you have seen in the news but still, it’s fucking awesome
More information for visiting Pakistan
📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.
Many of these remote locations, for one reason or another, happen to be in countries ruled by controversial regimes, usually not particularly good friends with the West.
As a result, we are often facing criticism, with some accusing us of supporting those governments simply by traveling there.
This article explains why there’s nothing inherently wrong with visiting such countries — and why, as long as you’re a conscious and respectful traveler, you should feel free to explore the world without self-censorship.
You shouldn’t be selective with your principles, double standards aren’t good
Fact: The countries typically not accepted to travel are shaped by geopolitics, rather than ethics.
Today, Russia is arguably the country that faces the greatest stigma as a travel destination.
After our recent trips to the North Caucasus republics and Siberia, I received more messages than ever — not about the places themselves, but about the supposed controversy of traveling to what many now see as the West’s number-one enemy.
Some people were polite, expressing disagreement while still respecting my decision. Others, however, were openly hostile.
What I find interesting is that some of the most vocal critics were the same travelers who have always been keen to travel to Syria, or who already traveled there after 2019.
Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad murdered hundreds of thousands of people, while forcing millions to flee the country. His brutal repression originated into a conflict which has not ended yet, since there are still war zones where people live under constant threat.
So if we look purely at the numbers — at the scale of violence, repression, and humanitarian crisis — wouldn’t Syria be an even more ethically difficult destination than Russia?
Why is it OK to visit Turkmenistan, Eritrea and North Korea, the 3 most repressive countries in the world, but it’s not OK to travel to Russia?
We can’t turn a blind eye to what is happening to Ukraine but just because the Russian Government is the biggest strategic rival of the West, doesn’t mean that the lives of Syrians and Afghan women are less worth than Ukrainians’.
If we apply outrage selectively, we’re not standing on principle — we’re just echoing foreign policy and Western media headlines.
Moscow is beautiful, just as it used to be back in 2022
Travel is something personal
Afghanistan is the country in the world where women’s rights are most violated.
Traveling is very personal so, if a certain traveler doesn’t want to travel to Afghanistan because of that, we should respect it because that’s their decision.
Remember that you aren’t traveling there to violate women’s rights further, but to learn, observe, break stereotypes and become wiser.
At the same time, it’s important to stay sensitive to the struggles of the people living under such regimes, and to travel in ways that support them, not their oppressors.
Afghan women in the city of Kandahar, one of the hardest places in the world to live as a woman
It’s not the local people’s fault. Travel to break stereotypes
It’s important to always separate people from Governments.
Leaders like Netanyahu are responsible for military actions in Gaza and yes, he has a large support among Israelis but at the same time, millions oppose his agenda and are horrified by all the violence.
Many Israelis I know feel extremely ashamed of the war in Gaza, just as I’ve met Russians in Moscow who are heartbroken about what’s happening in Ukraine.
Nobody likes war, or to live under sanctions.
Traveling to these countries allows you to get an unbiased perspective of the local’s opinion on the matter, something you’ll never see in the media.
It builds bridges and breaks down stereotypes, which might even work both ways, since it shows locals that not all foreigners are hostile, arrogant, or judgmental.
A nomad woman from the Siberian tundra. What does she have to do with the war in Ukraine-
You actually do more for the country than any armchair activist
An armchair activist refers to the person who likes to express strong opinions about political issues on social media but doesn’t take any action beyond that.
If you travel to countries with controversial regimes and like to post about it on Instagram, you are likely to be the target of an armchair activist, that’s what they do.
As I mentioned in the previous section, don’t let others shame you for your travels, you may actually be contributing more than they realize, as long as you are a responsible traveler, of course.
By backpacking in a country independently, having genuine local interactions, and spending money in local, small businesses, you are engaging more with local humans that most do from their couch.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a self-congratulatory statement.
We are travelers, not activists or humanitarian workers but still, I strongly believe that a responsible traveler leaves a more meaningful footprint than what most people on Instagram believe.
The guy on the left offered me to stay with him when I traveled independently to the Minaret of Jam
Those Governments benefit very little from your travels
Armchair activists tend to argue that no matter how responsibly you travel, part of your money will always end up in the hands of the Government.
Sure, that’s actually true.
During Bashar al-Assad’s regime, for example, the cost of the Syrian visa for Europeans was €70.
That money went directly to an evil Government but, are those €70 making any difference?
In reality, think about it as it was a trade-off.
You pay a €70 visa fee but then, you spend cash €1500 in family-owned hotels, local restaurants, and independent guides, while having genuine human interactions.
No trip is ethically perfect, but a responsible traveler will certainly bring more positive than harm.
Buying xaatar from a locally-owned shop in Aleppo. Buying in these places makes a big difference
Did you ask the local’s opinion?
This doesn’t really apply to places like Russia, but for war-torn countries like Yemen or Syria.
Traveling to Yemen is like slapping on the faces of all the families who have lost someone in the war.
Have you ever asked Yemenis how they feel about foreign visitors?
In my opinion, making such strong statements on behalf of people you have never talked to comes close to colonialism.
There isn’t any tourism industry left in Yemen, locals barely benefit financially from your visit, but there are few countries left in the world where where people are so excited to see a foreigner.
In places like Yemen or Syria, your presence can feel like a sign that the outside world isn’t forgetting them, or even an inflection point that their country is getting better, but that’s something you won’t understand unless you see it with your own eyes.
Yemeni people in Mukallah, the city that has suffered the most in the region of Hadramut
More information
📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.
Read more blogging articles
Travel guide to countries with controversial regimes
Ever thought cruising was just buffets and bingo? Think again.
From eco-friendly ships and off-the-beaten-path destinations to high-speed Wi-Fi and coworking spaces (yes, really), cruising in 2026 is getting a serious glow-up.
Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing family getaway, a remote work setup with ocean views, or just want someone else to plan the meals for once, now’s the perfect time to start planning your adventure at sea.
Cruises are not just for retirees or luxury lovers anymore. These days, they welcome everyone, from families and solo travelers to digital nomads and first timers who just want someone else to do the cooking for a while. And with 2026 Cruises already open for booking, there has never been a better time to dive in and explore.
Why Plan a Cruise Now?
Planning early gives you the best shot at locking in your dream trip. Cruise lines are already rolling out their 2026 itineraries, with more options than ever. Whether you are after a big adventure, a laid back escape, or just curious about cruise life, there is something out there with your name on it.
One trend we are loving is the rise of all inclusive cruise deals. Instead of constantly checking your wallet for extras, you get meals, drinks, entertainment, and even tips bundled into one price. It is simple, clear, and leaves you free to enjoy your vacation without doing math over every coffee or cocktail.
The cruise world has changed a lot, and for the better. Modern cruise ships are like floating resorts, offering everything from fine dining and Broadway style shows to waterparks and zip lines.
In 2026, expect even more personalization with:
Themed voyages like wellness retreats, culinary tours, history adventures, and wildlife safaris
Flexible dining hours so you can eat when you want
Excursion options tailored to your activity level
Entertainment schedules that fit a wide range of travel styles
Families, younger travelers, and anyone craving a bit more freedom will find cruising a lot more welcoming than it used to be.
Greener Ships, Smarter Choices
Eco conscious travelers, take heart. Cruising is working on cleaning up its act.
Ships launching in 2026 will feature greener technologies like LNG powered engines, advanced water filtration, and waste management systems. Plus, cruise lines are putting a bigger focus on responsible tourism by:
Limiting visits to overcrowded ports
Working directly with local communities
Sharing more about how passengers can help reduce their impact
Like all things, the cruise industry is evolving, but it is a step in the right direction for travelers who want to explore the world more responsibly.
Where You Can Go (Hint, It’s Not Just the Caribbean)
The classics, like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Norwegian fjords, are still crowd pleasers, but 2026 is opening up some exciting new horizons.
Look out for cruises heading to:
The Azores and Greenland
The South Pacific
West Africa
Less traveled parts of the Baltics and Eastern Mediterranean
These newer routes are perfect if you are craving somewhere a little more off the beaten path, without giving up the comforts of cruise life.
Smart Tech, Smoother Sailing
Cruise ships are getting smarter and more connected than ever.
Think:
Wristbands that unlock your cabin and replace credit cards
App based room service
High speed Wi Fi and coworking spaces
It really is a dream setup for digital nomads or anyone who wants to sneak in a little work between poolside margaritas.
Cruises Make Slow Travel Easy
If you love the idea of slow travel, cruising might be your perfect match.
With longer port stays and more relaxed days at sea, cruises let you soak up each destination at a slower, more meaningful pace. It is a wonderful way to travel if you are more about savoring the experience than ticking off a checklist.
Perfect for Families and Multi Gen Trips
Cruises have always been popular with families, but 2026 is set to be even better.
Ships are rolling out more spaces and activities for every age group, from toddler splash zones to teen lounges and adults only retreats. Plus:
Meals, entertainment, and childcare are all in one place
Everyone can explore their interests during the day
Families can come back together in the evening for dinner, shows or a sunset stroll on deck
It’s an easy, stress free way to keep everyone happy on vacation.
Book Early, Travel Better
The earlier you book, the more choices you have. Early planning means you can:
Grab the best cabins and itineraries
Research visas and shore excursions
Stay ahead of any itinerary tweaks or ship updates
Plus, you will have plenty of time to get excited about your trip, which, let’s be honest, is half the fun.
Cruising in 2026 is shaping up to be an entirely different experience from the cruises of years past. It is more flexible, more sustainable, and more focused on creating truly memorable adventures.
Whether you’re in it for the 2026 Cruises deals, the all inclusive simplicity, or the chance to discover new corners of the world from the comfort of a ship, it’s a great time to start planning. Your future self will thank you when you’re watching the sunset over a brand new horizon, drink in hand, with nothing more pressing on your schedule than deciding what to have for dinner.
I’m not quite sure how to start this. it’s been a while — and by a while, I mean a year.
Honestly, I’ve been putting off writing this post. I wanted to write something eloquent and touching, to summarize COVID and BLM and what it’s like to live through these times. But every time I started, I fell short. So I quit.
But I’ve realized I don’t have to write something meaningful and profound. I just have to write.
Life updates
I feel fortunate that this pandemic hasn’t been too hard on me. When lockdown happened, my parents were kind enough to let me move out of my tiny apartment and move into their house. I haven’t lost any friends or family. I spent most of the summer quarantining in Northern Michigan, which is the perfect place to quarantine because there’s basically no one there.
I feel bad admitting that a lot of positive things have happened to me in the past year. I finished graduate school. I got a job as a UX designer at Deloitte. I got a puppy (!) named Alfie. I fell in love with road-tripping, visiting seven national parks. And I found a place to live that I love! I now live in Austin, Texas.
My sweet puppy, Alfie
But, of course, it hasn’t been all roses. There have been weeks when I’ve doomscrolled endlessly, refreshing the New York Times’ home page an embarrassing amount of times. I’ve strengthened some friendships, but others have fallen by the wayside. Job-hunting during a pandemic was grueling — it took me six months to land a job after I graduated. And don’t even get me started on being single during a pandemic.
But all in all, I know how lucky I am. In the grand scheme of things, I can’t complain.
A year away from blogging has taught me that I really do miss it. I miss writing. I miss sharing book recommendations (you guys always have the best ones). I miss having a space that is all mine.
I’m not sure I’ll ever blog as regularly as I used to, but I still want to check in from time to time.
Which leads me to the question: How are you, really? What has this year been like for you? Are you feeling hopeful or worn out, or both?
Sending you love, wherever and however you are.
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Time. There just never seems to be enough of it. It always seems to move too fast (and, every year, it seems to just move faster).
Time is something people always tell me they don’t have enough of and is one of the main reasons why they don’t travel as much as they would like. (Money is also an issue, which I’ve talked about here.)
While there are more digital nomads and remote workers now that COVID has changed the concept of the office, not everyone is able to work remotely these days.
But, even if they don’t want to be nomadic, most people I know with office jobs (specifically Americans) want to travel more than they do. They just feel like they don’t have the time.
They are wrong.
Here’s why.
Let’s say you work 50 weeks a year and get two weeks of vacation. (Not American? Then you probably get a lot more and that’s wonderful.) Counting your vacation time and every weekend brings the total number of days per year you can travel to 110 (104 weekend days plus the 10 days in your two-week vacation). That’s a lot of time to travel. Throw in three-day weekends and holidays, and we can add even more days to our total. It may not be all continuous, but you can do a lot with that much time.
Let’s think about that for a second: 110+ days of free time per year. That’s close to four months of potential travel time per year! Four months! The world is your oyster with that much time.
When looking at it this way, our busy schedule becomes a lot more open. What are you doing with that time?
Everything is about priorities. Yes, there are certain obligations we have in our day-to-day lives that take up time but if you really want something, you find a way to make it happen. It’s like when I say I don’t have the time to go to the gym. I have plenty of time to go to the gym; I’m just spending that time elsewhere.
Because the gym just isn’t a priority for me (though it probably should be).
That’s not really their fault. It’s just how the travel industry tells us we need to travel because long and big trips mean people will spend more money. We internalize that concept and never consider other options.
However, if COVID has taught us anything it’s that there are TONS of things to see and do close to home. Even when you don’t have months to travel, as we’ve seen, you still have 110 days of potential travel per year. If you make it a priority, you can certainly travel more.
But what do you do? What kind of trips can you take on a smaller time scale that still have a big impact? Here are some trip ideas to help you plan to travel when you have limited time:
1. Take a weekend getaway
Spend a weekend away somewhere. Two days isn’t a lot of time, but it’s still enough to explore a city, town, or camp in a national park close to you. I used to spend a lot of time in New York City. From there, weekends away would include trips to Atlantic City, Fire Island, the Hamptons, the Berkshires, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC — and those are just the ones a few hours away!
Try to incorporate more weekend trips away. It can help break up your routine and keep your wanderlust in check until your next big trip. Even a couple of days somewhere are better than no days anywhere!
2. Go somewhere close
Only have a week? Don’t travel halfway around the world, wasting tons of time getting to your destination. Go somewhere a short distance away.
Living in Miami and Fiji is too far? Head to Central America!
In Sydney and Los Angeles is too far? Go halfway and stop in Hawaii, visit New Zealand, or pop over to a Pacific island nation!
In Europe? Well, 90% of the continent is a three-hour flight away so you’re set!
Stay close and you’ll need less time to do what you want. Additionally, the best flight deals you can find are often for destinations close to you. So be flexible.
Anywhere you haven’t been is a good place to visit.
And, when you travel, less is always more.
3. Be a local tourist
I don’t think people are tourists in their own city often enough. How often do you visit the museums, explore new areas in your town, or visit the major attractions of your city? I know New Yorkers who have never been to the Met, Bostonians who have never walked the Freedom Trail, and Amsterdammers who have never wandered through the red-light district.
Take the weekend, move out of the house and into a cheap place to stay, and be a tourist. I love playing tourist in my own city because it helps you learn and understand where you come from.
There’s so much around you that you probably don’t take advantage of when you’re busy leading your regular life that, when you stop and look for a second, you can find plenty of exciting activities to fill your time.
After all, travel is about seeing and learning about new things – and that can take place right in your own backyard!
Important: If you are going to do this, stay somewhere that’s not your house so it feels more like a vacation. Otherwise, it will be too tempting to wake up, run some errands, and then “run out of time.” For this to really work, you need to break your routine — and not staying in your house is important to do that.
4. Maximize your time
Don’t try to see everything under the sun. You’ll run around too much. I field a lot of emails from people who want to see half of Europe in two weeks or want to conquer all of South America in a month.
When you think that is how you have to travel and try to cram everything in, it’s easy to get burdened by your itinerary. You look at all those destinations, get overwhelmed, realize there is not enough time, give up, and hold off until you do “have” the time.
I get that you don’t have a lot of vacation and want to see a lot, but don’t! Sticking to just one or two places suddenly opens up a lot of time and opportunity! You’ll never be able to see it all. Even with my open schedule, I still can’t see everything I want. I stopped trying long ago. In travel, less is more. Quality over quantity.
****
You may not have months to travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel at all. There are a plethora of ways to get out and travel the world on a budget without having to be a nomad like me. Telling yourself you don’t have time is just an excuse.
You do have the time and you can learn the skills to travel better. The problem is you probably aren’t thinking of how to spend that time beyond the typical “two-week vacation.”
So the next time you think “I don’t have the time,” think of all the places nearby you could explore. Yes, you’ll have errands to run and things that require your attention. But by using your time productively, prioritizing travel, and thinking outside the box, you’ll find you do have time to explore the world.
Travel is about exploration, and that exploration can happen anywhere for any length of time.
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day
My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
