Written in collaboration with Downtown Camper by Scandic Oh, summer in Stockholm. This is when you notice a slow transition of colour creeping back into peoples wardrobes, the spring in everyone’s step, possibly the odd smile from a stranger and the introduction of “AW” (afterwork). Yes, the Swedish dark depression has lifted, welcome to Summer in Stockholm. New to Sweden? Here are some noteworthy tips to get you safely through these glorious sunny months. 1. Swedish Tradition #1 – Midsummer Swedes are sticklers for certain traditions. Midsummer, more prominent than Christmas, is celeb ..read more

Written in collaboration with Downtown Camper by Scandic Stockholm is famous for its stunning architecture, the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, its Baltic Sea archipelago, freezing temperatures, as well as a whole host of modern and historical attractions. What’s less known are the quirky cultural nuances, which make Sweden so wonderfully unique. Here are 8 cultural insights into Sweden for its newest residents and visitors. Funny words and phrases There are many mesmerising sights to absorb when walking the streets of Stockholm, not least the handsome men and women – everyone is beau ..read more

If you’re sitting at your desk planning your next vacation, or checking up your favourite Instagram accounts for inspiration on the commute home from work, chances are you’d rather be in New Zealand sipping wine and soaking up the beautiful island views that Waiheke has to offer. Located just a 35 minute, ferry ride from downtown Auckland, (a few minutes longer on the car ferry), Waiheke Island is a tranquil, beautiful jewel in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke Island has an abundance of award-winning restaurants, cafe’s, and vineyards. Need an escape? Keep reading and check out ..read more

In collaboration with Downtown Camper by Scandic, I’ll take you behind the scenes of Stockholm’s best hotspots and tell you why they are worth a visit. Discover, more of Stockholm’s best-hidden gems together with me and other locals from our wonderful capital city of Sweden. Rosendals Trädgård – Rosendalsvägen 38, Stockholm This is one of favourite cafe’s to visit, located on the beautiful island of Djurgården. I love the rustic simplicity of the setting and the fact that all produce is grown sustainably and organically, using biodynamic ingredients, which are then utilised in the caf ..read more

Bruges is so steeped in history, you’ll be forgiven for believing you’ve gone back in a time capsule to the 15th century. Cobbled streets lined with gilded houses make for a picturesque setting, so beautiful you will be lost in awe, as you walk down the streets, and along the canals. It is no surprise then that this prominent city is listed as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO.   I was first drawn to Bruges, Belgium, I’m sure like many others, after watching the 2008 comic caper, In Bruges, starring Colin Farrel and Ciarán Hinds. The film although sinister in c ..read more

Ho Chi Minh >> Cù Chi Tunnels   Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, as some still refer to it as, is a city that never sleeps. One of the most vastly populated in Vietnam with well over 10 million people residing there. As a first taster to Vietnam, I’m overwhelmed by the number of mopeds whizzing about, the heat and humidity, the colours, and the number of skyscrapers that dominate the landscape. It’s a high-octane city, full of energy and life, with something to suit every type of traveller. From the finest of hotels for the sophisticated traveller to the cheapest of guesthouse ..read more

Christchurch > Tekapo > Mount Cook > Wanaka > Fox Glacier > Queenstown > Arrowtown Driving through the rich landscape of New Zealand’s, South Island is like glimpsing a freshly painted canvas on every turn you take. Vast snowy capped mountains, enchanting green forests, a verdant oasis covering the lower rolling valleys, golden grass and a scattering of white sheep, depict a perfectly painted picture. The scenery is just magical and leaves you feeling at one with nature. I had heard and seen a lot about the South Island of New Zealand but nothing can quite prepare you for th ..read more

Waitomo > Rotorua > Auckland Waitomo is a place I have fond memories of from my families last visit. So packing only our essentials, we waved goodbye and headed off for a few days away south of Auckland. A 2hr45min drive led us through countryside not unlike Wales, beautiful rolling valleys and plenty of sheep. We arrived at our first destination Waitomo Kiwi Cave Rafting, where we would spend the next 4hrs navigating Waitmomo’s famous cave system. First things first was to get kitted up in some rather fetching wetsuits, multicoloured trousers and whites wellies. We looked an absolu ..read more

Waiheke Island is a tranquil, beautiful jewel in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. Located just a 35 minute, ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Perfect for a day trip, wine-tasting tour, Honeymoon or just a relaxing vacation. Having been to New Zealand before, when I was 17yrs old, I had high expectations for my return visit. We have been travelling for 6 weeks now, from Tokyo, right down the East coast of Australia and now to New Zealand, North and South islands. My excitement mounts as we touch down in Auckland, I can’t wait to see what this trip has to offer and how I will feel 16yrs on about the c ..read more

We’ve been travelling for 5 weeks now, it seems like longer, and very few places have captivated us in the way that Melbourne has. There is a sense that we’re home, a home away from home. This city has a little bit of everything; the skyscrapers are all neatly contained together, there is plenty of greenery the botanical garden being my favourite sanctuary, there’s the quirky, the cosmopolitain, a gaggle of sports arenas to suit every taste, the beach a stones throw away, and the Yarra River running through the city, I mean what more could you want. Before leaving on our trip, Melbourne was th ..read more