Author: Lisa Owen

Be charmed by Budapest

By Lisa Owen2 Comments

DSC_0664 (2).JPG

Summer, winter, autumn or spring, it’s always a good time to go to Budapest. It’s a big call, but I would have to say Budapest is my favourite European city.

Nicknamed the Paris of the east, Budapest is a stunning city that is starting to become more popular with tourists.

I first visited Budapest during one winter and fell in love with the city. The beautiful buildings, friendly people, and the delicious food from goulash to langos to Kürtőskalács (a delicious warm pastry roll coated in sugar and usually cinnamon or cocoa). read more

Solo traveller? Here’s 6 ways to meet people

By Lisa OwenLeave a comment

DSC_0413.JPG

I’m predominantly a solo traveller. Or I used to be. These days I’ve met so many people in my travels that often I’m couchsurfing with people I’ve met during my past travels. Or I’ve organised to meet someone I met overseas on the other side of the world. Or I just met three people at my hostel.

In the last six months, I’ve couchsurfed in Boston with someone I met in Peru and next up we’re doing a tour in Jordan; completed a 10 day trip to Greece with a Canadian I met while aupairing in Italy; and toured Maui with a friend I met while teaching English in Hungary. read more

Combatting the post holiday blues

By Lisa OwenLeave a comment

photo-1419133126304-d17b34c34d76.jpg

If you’re anything like me and you’re in between overseas adventures, you’re probably suffering a serious case of post holidays blues. I was there too – until I found a way to satisfy my wanderlust at home.

At its core, travel is about exploration. Getting out of your comfort zone. Trying something new. Seeing sights that take your breath away. When was the last time you saw something new where you live?

Travelling overseas has made me more curious about the country I call home. Australia has a lot on offer and just because you have a full time job, doesn’t mean you can’t explore and travel – you can find something new by driving only an hour or two from home. You’re still going to see somewhere you haven’t set eyes on before. read more

The best hikes near Canberra

By Lisa OwenLeave a comment

Canberra is left off most traveller’s itineraries for the bright lights of Sydney and Melbourne and the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. But the Canberra region is blessed with a couple of very good national parks and nature reserves with well-maintained and scenic trails.

Get down and dirty inside a mud volcano

By Lisa Owen5 Comments

CoverMore_Lisa_Owen_Colombia_Cartagena_Inside_Mud_Bath

Floating in a mud bath inside a volcano would have to be one of my most random travel experiences. But also one of my favourite travel experiences – I don’t think I stopped laughing the whole time I was in the mud bath.

While on a tour along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, our guide recommended we visit the  Volcan de Totumo (Totumo Volcano) – a 15 metre mud volcano about 45 minutes outside of Cartagena.

When you reach the volcano, you’ll wonder if you’re in the right place and may think you’ve been tourist trapped. read more