Oahu, Hawaii is a popular tourist destination for a reason…
The gorgeous island is home to the largest local population, plus the highest number of visitors per year of any of the Hawaiian islands. It is a place of long white beaches, pristine waters, deep green valleys, very high waterfalls, and white high-rise hotels.
Many tourists visit Oahu for a five-star resort style beach holiday, with rooftop sun baking, designer shopping and swim up bars (that I’ve always been concerned are too far away from the bathrooms). Though the 5-star experience can be expensive, being an adventurous and curious traveller can also hit the hip pocket. Hard.
This is the first blog I’ve written since the jailbreak. This is the first time I’m able to write completely for myself. You see… I quit my job. To pursue more writing, travel, creativity and happiness.
“I couldn’t help but wonder”. Totally “candid” picture of me writing this very blog.
If you’re planning to head to any destination festival these 5 tips may help you avoid dreaded food fomo, or resorting to a fast food fix in a city jam-packed like overhead luggage on a Jetstar flight.
Dark Mofo is a cultural/arts festival set in Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart, run by the eclectic, often controversial and quite mass appealing Museum of Old and New Art (Mona).
Sex on bunks, nudity, and poop in unusual places …
I’ve been on the road for 8 weeks now, which means a lot of time in hostels. It’s quite different to the first time I did a big trip (at 21) though. Sites like booking.com and hostelworld didn’t exist. You rocked up, sometimes guided by your trusty lonely planet, and crossed everything they had a bed, that wasn’t dirty and packed with too many beds or idiots.
Iceland: I had to pay a Chinese man 50 kroner to take this photo.
For the first time in more than 13 years, I’m travelling the world alone. Previous overseas stints have mainly been with long term partners, some amazing friends and even my dear mum.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned while being a semi-professional gadabout, is to get out of the comfort zone and ask a local.
I don’t mean asking for directions, I’m referring to plucking up the courage to ask people who live in your destination to tell you where the “best place for (insert what you’re looking for here) is”.
This is the meat at Bluebonnet BBQ … seriously drool worthy.
Because in Melbourne, so is everybody else.
You can barely swing the proverbial cat without someone telling you where the best coffee shop is, who does the greatest dumplings or which place they prefer for sushi. We’re incredibly spoilt for choice, any night of the week and we’re not afraid to let everyone else know about it.
Not that I don’t think it would be a great chance to share experiences and plenty of people do it. My mother and I have a fantastic relationship, but when people go on holiday 9 times out of 10 they don’t mention their Mum or Dad as their travelling partner.
So I put the question out there…
“Who do you think the best people to travel with are? And why?”
I received a mixed bag of responses fired back to me, so here’s a wee little list of pros and cons utilising the most popular responses…
Friends
We had a fantastic trip!
This one I’ve done a couple of times. The first time was for a few months around Europe with a long time friend. Everyone said we’d kill each other within 3 days as we had a very volatile relationship at home…
We had the time of our lives, I think we fought once over the fact that I flushed the toilet in her face while she was spewing (sorry mum) but that was about it! We couldn’t have been more congenial to each other on that trip…
PROS:
You have someone to share your experiences with
You don’t have to share a bed… or sexual activity (unless you want to!)
There is less risk of “breaking up” and not being able to look at photos again
You can share the cost of accommodation with them
Safety in numbers!
CONS:
Your friend might snore and you didn’t know it
They may not always want to do what you want to do
Their annoying little habits may be hard to ignore
You may have to listen to their “night noises” if they bring someone back to the room
Partners
The romantic places are best for partners…
Since I’ve only done this once, I’m no expert! Though I must admit its fun to share the experience with someone you’re romantically linked to!
In Thailand I kept proposing to my travel friend at romantic locations (see pic). She kept saying no… I wonder why? 🙂
PROS:
You can forgive the little things (hopefully!)
Romantic experiences can be shared and reflected upon
It may solidify your relationship
It gives you a chance to see how your partner handles themself in a tricky situation (also a con!)
They will look after you if you get sick
CONS:
It could highlight reasons why you shouldn’t be together
Relationship tension can happen if you don’t give each other any space
You could realise you don’t enjoy the same activities (not necessarily a con)
You could break up and have the memories turn sour afterwards
Alone
Please look after this bear…
This one is one of my favourites, though it can be difficult if you aren’t a confident traveller or an outgoing personality.
I’ll never forget the arrogant man who tried to tell me “A woman shouldn’t eat dinner alone” when I took myself to dinner on a solo holiday to Noosa… apparently I shouldn’t have come down from my hotel room and shown my face if I was unaccompanied!
PROS:
You can do whatever the hell you want, when you want
A fight can’t be started with someone who isn’t there…
New friends are super easy to make if you’re willing!
It’s easier to get onto packed transport when you only need 1 ticket
CONS:
You can get lonely and homesick
It can cost you more, especially if you aren’t sharing accommodation
You have to carry EVERYTHING yourself!
It may not be as safe
I have left family out for a few reasons… A: I have little experience in this area and B: Hi Mum!!! (I’m only kidding!) 🙂
There are about a billion other things you could add to each list and a bunch of other scenarios I haven’t mentioned so…
