Egypt had been on my bucket list since childhood, but travelling there surprised me in ways I never expected. From pyramids appearing behind Cairo skyscrapers to pushy market sellers, armed checkpoints and sailing the Nile on a traditional felucca, these are the things I wish I knew before visiting Egypt. Plus, my honest thoughts on safety, group tours, ancient history and what made this trip unforgettable.

Is the Jordan Pass worth it? If you're planning a first trip to Jordan, the answer could save you money. Here's my practical Jordan Pass review, including current prices, Petra and Wadi Rum entry, visa savings, what's included, what isn't, and which Jordan Pass is best for a 7-day trip.

Forget luxury Nile cruises. My most unforgettable experience in Egypt was spending two nights camping on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca… sleeping under the stars, swimming in the river, sharing meals with locals and saying yes to an adventure far outside my comfort zone.

When is the best time to visit Jordan? From walking through Petra and exploring Wadi Rum to floating in the Dead Sea, timing can make a big difference to your experience. Discover the best months to visit Jordan for weather, crowds and prices, plus my tips for choosing the right season for your trip.

Is Jordan safe to visit? After travelling through Jordan and experiencing Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, I understand why travellers have questions. Here's what you really need to know about Jordan travel safety, solo travel, scams, driving, natural hazards and the current regional security situation, including the advice every traveller should check before departure.

Jordan is one of the most extraordinary countries I've ever visited. From the ancient city of Petra and the red deserts of Wadi Rum to floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, every day feels like stepping into another world. This comprehensive Jordan travel guide covers everything you need to know before you go, including the best places to visit, when to travel, costs, safety, where to stay, and practical tips to help you plan an unforgettable adventure.

We often travel to relax, escape the daily grind or tick another destination off our bucket list. But after more than 20 years of travelling the world while working a full-time job, I've realised the greatest souvenirs aren't the photos or the passport stamps. They're the skills, confidence and perspective you bring home. These are the unexpected benefits of travel that continue to shape my life long after every trip ends.

If you’ve been craving big-sky nights, red-earth days and a town with a heart for wildlife and wartime history, Charleville is your kind of outback. Set on the Warrego River in south-west Queensland, it’s a launchpad for stargazing, bilby conservation, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Floating in the Dead Sea isn’t about beautiful photos, it’s about the experience. From effortless floating to stinging salt surprises, here’s what it’s really like to visit the Dead Sea in Jordan, plus everything you need to know before you go.

Petra is one of the world’s most jaw-dropping destinations… but it’s also massive, crowded, and physically demanding. This insider guide shares exactly how to visit Petra properly, avoid the crowds, and experience the magic of the Rose City at its best.

Wadi Rum in Jordan feels like another planet. From red sand dunes and ancient rock formations to desert camps, stargazing, and unforgettable sunrises… this guide shares everything you need to know to experience the magic of the Valley of the Moon.

Packing for southern Spain isn’t one-size-fits-all. From scorching summer heat in Seville to chilly nights in mountain towns like Ronda and Granada, Andalusia’s climate changes dramatically by season. This practical, season-by-season packing guide shows you exactly what to pack for southern Spain… so you stay comfortable and prepared for everything from city wandering to festivals, hikes, and late-night tapas.

Vanuatu isn’t a destination you visit to be entertained, it’s a place you go to experience. This guide breaks down what Vanuatu is really like, which islands to choose, how to get around, what things cost, and why it’s one of the most grounding trips you can take in the South Pacific.

If you’ve got one week in Vanuatu and you want more than just a resort stay, this itinerary is for you. We chose to slow down and explore two islands properly, Efate and Tanna, combining waterfalls, villages, volcanoes and island life in a way that felt raw, grounding and unforgettable.

What you pack in your carry-on can make or break a long-haul flight. After years of travel, experiencing cancelled flights and lost baggage, this is exactly what I now pack… for comfort, calm and total travel preparedness.

If you’re craving a destination that still feels raw, soulful, and deeply human, Vanuatu might just steal your heart. Here’s why this Pacific paradise belongs on your bucket list.

Tasmania’s wine scene is intimate, unexpected and quietly world-class. From the Tamar Valley to the Coal River Valley, this traveller’s guide shares the best wineries in Tasmania, including must-visit cellar doors, hidden gems and tips to help you sip your way across the island.

Staying in Port Vila doesn’t mean staying put. These are the best day trips from Port Vila… from island escapes to waterfalls, blue lagoons and unforgettable local experiences.

With 83 islands to choose from, Vanuatu can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to choose the right islands, and why exploring just two in depth creates a far better experience.

Tanna Island is the Vanuatu you don’t see on Instagram. From standing on the rim of an erupting volcano to swimming into glowing sea caves and drinking kava at sunset, this is Vanuatu at its most raw and unforgettable.