Skydive, raft and hike your way around Queenstown

On July 3, 2016 By Lisa OwenIn Adventures, Australia & New Zealand20 Comments

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Following a trip to beautiful Costa Rica trying everything from bungy jumping to rappelling down the side of a waterfall, I was looking to go one better and do something even more exciting and adrenaline pumping.

I decided there was only one way to do that. Jump out of a perfectly good plane, of course. And I chose to do it in New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown.

Skydiving had been high on my bucket list for a long time but I wanted to do it somewhere special – somewhere with unparalleled views and where I knew I was in good hands. read more

What is it like to be an au pair?

On June 18, 2016 By Lisa OwenIn Europe, Tips & Tricks, Travel TipsLeave a comment

If you’re toying with the idea of a gap year, you’ve probably come across the concept of au pairing.

An au pair is a live in position where you look after children in return for board and food. You will also receive a small payment (basically pocket money) of around $100 AUD per week. Reasons people want an au pair is for a variety of reasons, but the most common ones are that they want their kids to learn another language or they would prefer their child be at home with someone rather than going to childcare. read more

The magical Isle of Skye

On June 15, 2016June 2, 2025 By Lisa OwenIn Europe2 Comments

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If you’re looking for a unique place off the beaten path in the UK, then consider visiting the Isle of Skye.

The Isle of Skye is part of the Inner Hebrides chain of islands off Scotland’s west coast and is only a couple of kilometres from the Scottish mainland. This unique part of the world is full of breathtaking landscapes perfect for hiking or simply a road trip.

How To Get There

The closest major airport to the Isle of Skye is in Glasgow. You can reach the Isle of Skye by flying into Glasgow and hiring a car for the journey, or there’s a CityLink bus that leaves from Glasgow Airport twice a day – once at 10.20am and another at 4.20pm. A bus also leaves three times a day from the Glasgow Bus Station at 7am, 10am and 3pm. Go to www.citylink.co.uk to book online. read more

Day hikes on Lofoten Islands

On June 5, 2016June 1, 2025 By Lisa OwenIn EuropeLeave a comment

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Do you like beautiful landscapes, road trips and hiking? If you answered yes, then you owe it yourself to make the journey to Norway’s Lofoten Islands – before everyone discovers one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

The Lofoten Islands – located within the Arctic Circle – offers kilometres of spectacular mountain landscapes scattered with quaint fishermen cottages and bridges spanning azure water. And one of the best ways to reach them is by pulling on your hiking boots and navigating muddy and steep mountain sides to see them. You won’t be disappointed.

Reinebringen Peak

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If you only have time to do one hike in the Lofoten Islands, make sure it’s the Reinebringen hike.

The Reinebringen peak is 448 metres high and getting there is pretty much straight up. It’s very popular these days so expect crowds.

If you’re scared of heights, don’t do this hike. I’m not scared of heights but there were a few moments when I looked down and realised the sheer drop below me and if I put a foot wrong I was going to end up all the way down a steep cliff. But I continued on with the help of a Portuguese hiker I met on the trail who helped me get up some of the slippery rock sections.

I made it to the top in about an hour, but it was a hard slog. But the views were absolutely worth it – they actually take your breath away! You get a spectacular view over Reine – seeing how the bridges link up all the islands. There’s also a brilliant crater filled with water.

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If you keep going up to the peaks on your left and right, you can get 360 degree views but it’s a very steep and tricky climb to some of higher peaks.

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Kvalvika Beach

The Kvalvika Beach hike starts opposite a small parking space, but get there early as the hike is popular.

The start of the trail can get pretty muddy – but you’ll get used to all the mud after a few days on the Lofoten Islands! The first section is well marked and the muddiest sections have wooden planks laid over them.

Be warned, the trail itself is not that well marked once you’re clear of the trees and on the hillsides. I had to double back a couple of times, particularly making my way across the pass as you start the descent down to the beach.

The descent down to the beach is steep and slippery. It’s very slow going and hard to keep to any sort of trail. But even if you don’t make it all the way down, you can catch a good view of the beach from about halfway down the pass.

Plan the hike to take about 90 minutes to two hours each way depending on how well you can stick to the trail and negotiate the downward hike to the beach.

Offeysoykammen Peak

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The Offeysoykammen Peak starts just off the E10 Highway. The hillside overlooks the Nappstraumen waters and a hillside with small lakes. If you get a summit free of cloud though – you’re very lucky.

To get to the starting point, look for the road named Skreda. Coming from the south, it’s just past the Nappstaumen tunnel on your right. Park at the end of this road, cross the E10 and look for a small opening that marks the start of the trail.

The climb starts off fairly easily but once you’re out of the trees – it gets steeper and steeper and then it’s pretty much straight up. It’s also one of those peaks where you think you’re nearly at the summit, then you realise you have much more to go.

In the information I read, the trail is marked as easy. I would say it’s moderate at a minimum as it’s fairly steep. But it’s a good short hike with panoramic views. Expect the trail to take about 90 minutes up.

Another hike you can do is the Bunes Beach trail. The trail starts from the Vinstad village. You’ll need to take a ferry there from Reine – ferries leave several times a day during summer and the timetable is posted on a signboard at the Reine harbour.

The return Bunes Beach hike will take around three hours.

A few Americans I met out hiking also said the hike starting from the row of fish heads (you’re sure to spot them) across the road from the carpark serving the Å township has rewarding views but features a whole lot of mud. Maybe bring a spare pair of shoes and socks.

How to get to the Lofoten Islands

I reached the Lofoten Islands from Sweden’s Stockholm Arlanda Airport, but you can also fly in via Norwegian cities. I flew into the town of Leknes via Bodo, and I exited also via Bodo to Stavanger.

You can also take a ship from Bodo to Moskenes on the southern tip of the islands but I’m told it’s a rough crossing – so if you get sea sick like me, stick to flying.

There’s regular flights offered by the airline Wideroe to reach Lofoten Islands from Bodo. You can fly into either Leknes or Svolvaer.

Leknes is a small town and there’s not much to see, but there’s a couple of car rental agencies represented at the airport and in town. It’s best to book ahead.

Accommodation is limited and can be on the expensive side, so I opted for an AirBnB accommodation near the Fredvang Bridge and it was an excellent choice. I stayed with a lovely family who made me feel incredibly welcome and helped me find hikes to do.

The Lofoten Islands is easy to get around. The main highway is the E10 and goes the length of the islands. The main towns are well marked.

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Things you should know

A car is the best way to get around the islands. Buses go to and from the main towns so you’ll need to either walk or hitchhike to the starting point for any hikes you choose to do. The islands are very easy to navigate as there’s only one main road (the E10) so don’t worry about a GPS. The roads are very narrow and winding though so it will take you longer than you think to get between locations.

Some trailheads are not well marked. You can buy a trail map from tourist offices or research online at 68north.com to find out starting points for the most popular hikes.

Hitchhiking is a common way to get around the Lofoten Islands. I spoke to several hitchhikers who said wait times between rides was between 10 and 45 minutes depending on where they were.

Hikes in Norway are very challenging. Trails marked easy are not easy by Australian standards – easy hikes seem to be those that haven’t got too many rocky areas or slippery mud patches. Hikes should only be tackled by people with hiking experience and proper hiking shoes and clothing.

Be prepared for all kinds of weather in Lofoten Islands – in the same of a few hours. I experienced sun, wind, fog, rain and freezing cold on most of my hikes. Bring a wind and waterproof jacket and if you have expensive gear such as cameras, bring along some ziplock bags or similar to keep them dry if it rains. A raincover for your backpack is also a good idea.

Wear shoes you aren’t afraid to get muddy. I guarantee you will get muddy. Spare socks will also be handy.

You can fly or sail into the Lofoten Islands. Bodo is a good launching point for air or sea.

Be charmed by Budapest

On May 15, 2016June 1, 2025 By Lisa OwenIn Europe2 Comments

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 has become very popular in recent years.

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).

I’ve been to Budapest a handful of times and can’t wait to go back again. There’s so much to see and explore in Budapest. Every time I go there it just gets better as I discover more and the city itself grows.

What to see and do

You can’t miss the dominating Castle Hill with the palace and castle overlooking the river. Allow at least half a day to explore the castle district – it’s bigger than you think.

While the metro is reliable, Budapest is a great city to walk. If you’re staying on the Pest side of the city, allow time to walk to Castle Hill over the Szechenyi Chain Bridge.

The stone bridge was built in 1849 but was unfortunately nearly destroyed during World War II, but was rebuilt and opened again on November 1949.

The bridge and Castle Hill is illuminated at night so make sure you take a wander to the river after dark to see the beautiful glow on the water.

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You can walk up Castle Hill – it only takes about 10-15 minutes or take the funicular. The return price is around $8 AUD.

From the top of the funicular, you can explore in and around the castle, through the cobblestone streets of the castle district, and over to the Fisherman’s Bastion for a great view of the city.

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You might also be interested in doing the Hospital in the Rock tour – which is located at the back of the Castle Hill district (follow the signs).

The Hospital in the Rock was a military hospital under the castle district that was built in a natural cave system carved out by water over time.

It was first used as a hospital in World War II and then during the 1956 Budapest uprising. Wax figures are used to recreate scenes in the hospital, and it is interesting to hear about what went on here and see some of the original medical equipment, as well as a Cold War era nuclear bunker. Entry is only by guided tour, available in English, at a cost of €30. Tours depart on the hour from 10am and run for an hour.

Still on the Buda side of the river, it’s worth taking a look at Gellert Hill – another great viewpoint where you will also find the Citadel and Budapest’s Statue of Liberty.

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Margaret Island is also worth having a look, if only for the musical fountains located at the north and south of the island, however these are only operated in summer. But you can also visit a zoo there, and see the ruins of various religious buildings on the island dating as far back as the 12th century.

From Margaret Island you’ll be able to see the Parliament building – one of the most beautiful and elaborate Parliament buildings I’ve ever seen.

English tours are offered for a fee of the Parliament building daily at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.

Make sure you don’t miss a Hungarian thermal bath experience.

Thermal baths are scattered throughout the city, but the most popular and largest is the Szechenyi Spa Baths in the City Park – on the Pest side.

The complex was built in 1913 and has 15 indoor baths and three outdoor pools – ranging from very hot to around 20 degrees.

Entry prices vary depending on if you’re going on a weekday or weekend and the time you enter but start from around €22 with a locker. You can also go along to the night time sparty (Spa Party).

If you’re walking back into the centre from the City Park, make sure to stop at Heroes’ Square with its impressive monument.

Other things you can do include walking along the Danube River, or visiting the Roman City of Aquincum, built when Hungary was part of the Roman Empire.

After all that sightseeing, you’ll be hungry.

Kiraly utca (King Street) is my go to for food. There are always markets along here and plenty of cafes and takeaways have opened up along here over the past few years.

I’ve enjoyed some great hotdogs, Asian dishes, café treats, pasta, traditional Hungarian dishes and basically any cuisine along here. There’s also some great vintage and second hand clothing stores spread along this street.

Ahead of Christmas, Budapest has great Christmas markets full of great food, mulled wine and gifts – and despite the cold – the atmosphere is warm and inviting with rows of wooden stalls. It’s located right in the centre of the city at the end of Vaci utca.

For nightlife, seek out the “ruin bars”.

The ruin bars are bars and clubs built in formerly abandoned buildings around Budapest. Szimpla Kert on Kazinczy utca in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter was the original ruin bar.

Moving on from Budapest

If you’re looking to explore outside of Budapest, one of the favourite spots among locals is Lake Balaton, only a couple of hours drive south east of Budapest. This is where many Hungarians go for the weekend or holidays, and it’s the largest lake in Central Europe.

You may also be interested in visiting Pécs. This is a beautiful university town, full of museums and historical buildings. Pécs is only a couple of hours south east of Budapest, and close to the border with Croatia.

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Things you should know:

The metro is efficient and a good way to get around the city if you don’t want to walk. Tickets can be purchased at machines at each station and are 600 HUF for a single ticket (about €1.50). Make sure you buy a ticket every time and validate it in the orange machines otherwise you may be fined.

Getting to and from the airport is easy using the metro but will take about an hour. Take the Blue Line to Kobanya-Kispect (the end of the line). Cross the road to the bus terminal and take the 200E bus (follow the plane on the signs). You will need two transport tickets. You can also buy travel cards for unlimited public transport use for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Make sure you try the local Hungarian food – it’s delicious. Hungarian food is hearty and on the heavy side (lots of potatoes), so you won’t go hungry.

You can withdraw Hungarian Forints from ATMs. I’ve never found the exchange rate very good changing from Euros to Forints so it’s better to withdraw the local currency in my opinion. While cards are accepted many places, cash can come in handy especially for ticket machines.

The Little Adventurer

Category: Destinations