With over 85 YHA hostels across Australia, pinpointing the very best can be tricky. For your next Down Under adventure, bookmark these top 12 picks—guaranteed to deliver exceptional experiences backed by traveler reviews and awards. Discover our curated selection of standout YHA hostels: 1. YHA Sydney Harbour YHA Sydney Harbour is the only hostel in The Rocks, Sydney’s historic harborside precinct. Unrivaled views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House await from the expansive rooftop terrace. Th

Nestled in northwest Italy, Milan buzzes with life, beauty, and unique character. Its elegance and splendor captivate visitors upon arrival. Far from the pizza-loving, gesticulating stereotype, Milanese locals offer a warm, cosmopolitan welcome. Milan even ranked highly on Lonely Planets top cities to visit in 2015. The Calmer Side The Duomo di Milano crowns this stunning city. Located centrally, this awe-inspiring cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete, finishing in 1965. Crafted from wh

Australia boasts vibrant cities offering diverse urban adventures. Whether youre chasing coffee culture, street art, adrenaline rushes, gourmet dining, or world-class surfing, heres our expert guide to the top five urban highlights Down Under. 1. Sydney: Iconic Events and Pristine Beaches No trip to Australia is complete without Sydney. Beyond its landmarks like the Opera House, the city shines with world-class events and stunning beaches. Ring in New Years Eve with dazzling fireworks over Sydn

As a frequent London visitor with years of experience exploring its vibrant neighborhoods, Im often asked: Where should you stay? Which areas balance convenience, atmosphere, and value? London boasts endless options—from hostels to luxury hotels and Airbnb apartments—but Ive narrowed my favorites to these top three standout bases for different traveler types. Read on for why they shine. Todays accommodation choices are more diverse than ever: budget hostels, upscale hotels, vacation rentals, an

Having visited Paris multiple times, weve fallen deeper in love with the City of Light (La Ville Lumière) each trip. This citys romance transcends the cinematic clichés—its found beyond the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame. While these icons are stunning, the true essence emerges off the beaten path. Observe Parisians in their daily rhythm, immerse in Montparnasses bohemian vibe, or linger in a café watching life unfold, just as locals do. These moments capture Pariss unique spirit and ene

While Las Vegas dazzles with its neon lights and entertainment, day trips to nearby natural wonders offer a refreshing escape. Renting a car in Las Vegas makes it easy to explore stunning canyons and landmarks like Hoover Dam and Lake Mead—just as we did during our visit a few years ago. Just 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Hoover Dam stands as an engineering marvel. Completed in the early 1930s, this colossal structure straddles the Nevada-Arizona border, forming Lake Mead, Americas largest re

Often overlooked by Western European travelers, Portugal offers the authentic European vacation many seek elsewhere. Unlike crowded beaches and historic centers in neighboring countries, Portugal provides genuine discovery. Instead of rushing through Europe, base your trip in Portugal. Focus on these three key regions, with extra days for spontaneity. Lisbon – Portugal’s Capital and the City That Stole Our Hearts Perched on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, Lisbon deserves 3-5 days—or mo

Our two weeks in Tuscany in 2011 left us craving more. From that moment, we planned a longer stay to fully immerse ourselves in its unspoiled beauty. Tuscany boasts rolling hillsides, ancient ruins, and historic landmarks, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its the perfect place to recharge, slow down, and gain fresh perspectives on life and travel. While luxury villas and fine wines tempt relaxation, they cant compare to the charm of local daily life that makes Tuscany a top global

Londons grey autumn skies transition to crisp, clear winter days in the British capital. Having lived here for three winters and visited multiple times beforehand, we embraced the season despite preferring beaches. Bundling up for mulled wine and city explorations became a highlight. Here are five reasons why London shines as a winter destination. 1. Magical Ice Rinks Londons ice rinks feature stunning backdrops: one before the Tower of London, another by the Natural History Museum, inside ele

Short on time in Irelands vibrant capital? Even with just 24 hours—perhaps during a layover from North America—you can capture Dublins essence. This curated itinerary highlights must-see attractions, cultural gems, and authentic eats, perfect for tours that skim the city. Guinness Storehouse Dublins #1 attraction, the Guinness Storehouse in a former fermenting building, delivers an immersive tour of Irelands iconic stout. Explore ingredients, brewing techniques, history, bottling evolution, an

Spending time in Europe feels like unwinding an endless ball of string—countless destinations with limited time, and plans often intertwine. Simply put, we want to explore everywhere! Recently, we focused on Berlin to bond with our growing family: a new baby niece, a toddler niece who now remembers us vividly, and a nephew on the way in Dani’s sister’s belly. These family additions mean more frequent visits to Europe ahead. Even with a semi-permanent base for a few months, well take short trips.

In this installment of our Go Beyond series, explore the Pisa overlooked by most tourists rushing to Tuscanys more famous spots. When you think of Pisa, the Leaning Tower comes to mind first. Many visitors stop only for the classic photo op before heading to Florence. Herds of cruise passengers and tour groups arrive, snap pictures holding up the tower, and depart. Without the Leaning Tower, Pisa might be skipped for Florences grandeur, San Gimignanos charm, or Siena and Luccas medieval allure

A trip to Ireland captivates with its breathtaking scenery. During our visit a few years ago, Dublin didnt quite win us over, but the sparkling countryside and our coastal hike in Howth, just outside the city, ignited a deep love for the Emerald Isle. We vowed to return for immersive nature experiences in its national parks and along the stunning coastline. Well be back soon! With multiple international airports and a quick ferry from mainland Britain, Ireland is highly accessible. Its compact s

Las Vegas transforms into a non-stop party destination year-round, especially during warm months when pool parties flow seamlessly into nightlife. While mega-clubs dominate the spotlight, the citys hotel bars offer exceptional experiences that often fly under the radar. Avoid overpriced casino-floor spots with odd crowds—these five underrated bars in Las Vegas hotels deliver quality drinks, ambiance, and value without the hype. 1. Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York Hotel & Casino A must-vis

With just one more Polaroid from New York before departing for South America, Im filled with mixed emotions. Excitement builds as I plan my trip, envisioning pristine Caribbean beaches and finalizing details for my arrival in Colombia in under two weeks. Yet, leaving this vibrant city is bittersweet. As temperatures drop, it feels like the right time to go, knowing Ill return to warmer days without the need for heavy winter gear.Last week, friends returned from holiday travels, pulling me back i

When researching top hotels in Hong Kong, the Pennington by Rhombus stood out as a stylish boutique option in Causeway Bay. Though unavailable for my dates, it led me to discover the Rhombus groups other properties: Bonaparte by Rhombus, Hotel Panorama by Rhombus, and LKF by Rhombus. Nestled in Lan Kwai Fong (LKF)—Hong Kongs iconic nightlife district with over 90 restaurants and clubs in a maze of vibrant streets—LKF by Rhombus became my top choice.Upon arrival, the hotels elegant, classic décor

In 2010, I took a day trip to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen and instantly fell in love with this tiny Caribbean gem. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white-sand beaches, and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze made for an unforgettable day. Nearly six years later, I returned for a weekend getaway to cap off my Mexico adventure—a perfect finale that made parting bittersweet. Though Ill return to Mexico soon, this road trips end was especially poignant.As the final stop on our road

Years ago, I lived in Austria, drawn by a hospitality job to fund business school. Little did I expect to fall deeply in love with the majestic mountains of Tirol, Austrias third-largest province and top tourist destination. Picture charming mountain villages, rugged peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, snowy winters, and lush green summers.Tirol ranks among Austrias most stunning regions. Ive savored its snow-capped peaks in winter and verdant trails in summer. While skiing never appealed to me, hiking

During our recent stay in Tucson, we took our housesitting hound, Millie, on a hike through Saguaro National Park. Spanning two vast districts totaling 91,442 acres, the park is divided by the city of Tucson into East and West sides.Heading west from the city limits that morning, we marveled as saguaros multiplied with every mile, soon enveloping us completely. Home to over 1 million of these iconic cacti, many reaching 6 to 20 feet tall, the park offered an awe-inspiring hike under their toweri

What an incredible week its been—my whirlwind road trip through the Yucatan Peninsula is drawing to a close. It feels like just yesterday I flew from Mexico City to Cancun, yet Ive packed in so many unforgettable experiences in such a short time! After countless adventures—which Ill detail soon—choosing todays photo was tough. The majestic Chichen Itza pyramid? Tulums stunning Mayan temples against turquoise Caribbean waters? Cobas jungle ruins? Or one of the many pristine beaches? Having recent