Conscious World Travel

13/11/2023

NEW POST! How to watch marine mammals. Inspired by the recent sightings in our local area I thought it would be a nice idea to write an article about how you can give yourself the best chance to see marine mammals in the wild. I've included my top places to see them, important things to remember to protect the animals and some inspiring future travel plans. Happy conscious travels 🙂

A guide for how to watch marine mammals including top spots to see them and how to conduct yourself to protect the animals wellbeing.

17/07/2023

NEW POST! First-time Fiji Guide. The stunning island nation of Fiji has so much going for it. Incredibly friendly locals, pleasant temperatures, beautiful landscapes and so many great outdoor activities. This guide is based on our recent journey to this Pacific paradise with recommendations for where to stay and what to see and do for first-time visitors. Bula!

First-time Fiji Guide including where to stay on the mainland and islands, what to see and do and must-do experiences.

29/05/2023

NEW ARTICLE: A long weekend in Raglan. If you're on the lookout for the perfect place to spend a long weekend in Aotearoa look no further than the coastal settlement of Raglan! Great surf, a friendly town centre and a variety of outdoor activities to choose from with a great laidback vibe. What more could you want? Here's my picks for how to spend a long weekend here with an optional bonus day trip. Happy conscious travels! 🙂

Suggested itinerary for a long weekend in Raglan including where to visit, what to do, where to eat and a bonus day trip!

01/05/2023

NEW POST: How to live your best life. Striving to be our authentic self and live a life of happiness and purpose can be hard sometimes. Over my life I've come up with a few guiding principles that I try to live by to make this happen and I wanted to share them with you all. Here's 10 ways you can live your best and brightest life. Use them as inspiration, guidance or food for thought 🙂

How to live your best life with 10 easy to follow tips and tricks on how to follow your happiness, find your purpose and forge your own path.

24/04/2023

NEW POST: My top 5 hiking destinations in the UK. Hiking (or tramping as us Kiwis call it) is a wonderful way to get out into the great outdoors, spot some wildlife and improve your physical and mental wellbeing. When I lived in the UK I loved exploring the wide outdoor areas of Scotland, England and Wales on foot. Here are my favourite 5 spots for you to add to your next walking holiday with track recommendations included. Happy conscious travels 🙂

My top 5 hiking destinations in the UK including recommendations of walks to take in each region and wildlife to spot along the way

09/04/2023

NEW POST! Europe's 5 most walkable cities. My absolute favourite way to explore European cities is on foot. It's the perfect mode to uncover hidden gems, get a true sense of local life and appreciate different neighbourhoods. Here I've compiled the 5 European cities that I enjoyed exploring on foot the most with recommendations of things to see, do and eat along the way. Happy conscious travels!

Europe's 5 most walkable cities including which neighbourhoods to explore, what to see and do and where to eat and drink.

16/03/2023

NEW POST: A guide to the Hauraki Gulf Islands. One of my favourite things about living in Auckland is having so many great islands on our doorstep to explore on days off! Each of these islands have their own unique personality, features and sights that will suit any mood. Here's my guide to some of my favourite islands you can visit with suggestions of when to go and activities to do on each. Happy conscious travels!

A guide to the Hauraki Gulf Islands including which islands to visit, when to go, what to do and see and wildlife to spot.

06/03/2023

NEW POST: Why you should take up Birdwatching. If you're on the lookout for a new hobby to adopt this year then look no further! Birdwatching is so often thought of as a retiree pursuit but it's something that holds great value for all ages. In this article I'm setting out to convince you how Birdwatching can improve your physical and mental wellbeing, teach you valuable life lessons and become a source of great joy. Happy twitching! 🙂

Why you should take up Birdwatching including mental and physical health benefits, mindfulness and life lessons it teaches you.

27/02/2023

NEW POST: One Week in Aberdeenshire. This eastern corner of Scotland has a lot going for it - varied scenery, historic castles and the opportunity to try a few Whisky drams! Based on my holidays to this region I've come up with the perfect one week itinerary for the region of Aberdeenshire for you with where to stay, visit, eat and drink. Happy conscious travels everyone 🙂

One week in Aberdeenshire including where to stay, visit, eat and drink with suggested travel routes to and from Edinburgh.

16/02/2023

NEW POST: Walking Tour of Rome. Here's my guide to the best neighbourhoods, sights and sounds of the ancient city of Rome to experience. I spent a few days exploring this fascinating place at the end of a holiday in Northern Italy and here I'm sharing the best places to visit and tips for your time there. Happy conscious travels!

A walking tour of Rome that covers the best neighbourhoods, sights and sounds to experience plus a suggested day trip!

11/02/2023

UPDATED POST! I've just added Te Anau locations to my Self-Guided Tour of the Lord of the Rings Filming Locations post for you. Click below to help plan your next geeky journey!

Self-guided tour of The Lord of the Rings filming locations including Waikato, Tongariro, Wairarapa, Wellington and Queenstown.

06/02/2023

NEW POST: A guide to visiting Milford Sound. If you're planning a trip to New Zealand (Aotearoa) you should definitely make the effort to include Milford Sound on your itinerary. After three visits to this magical place I have come up with a handy guide with my personal recommendations on how to make it the most memorable visit. Here I've included where to stay, activities to enjoy, wildlife to spot and what to see on the way in and out. Happy conscious travels everyone!

A guide to visiting Milford Sound including where to stay, what to do, sights along the way, wildlife to see and the surrounding area.

02/02/2023

NEW POST: How to deal with the climate crisis. The current state of the world and the intensity of natural disasters as a direct result of climate change can leave us feeling hopeless. But there are practical steps you can take to prepare for these events, educate yourself, advocate for change and look after your mental health. Here I've come up with a list of these so you can proactively face the challenges of the climate crisis and help to make a difference.

How to deal with the climate crisis on a personal level including how to get prepared, adjust your lifestyle and remain hopeful.

30/01/2023

NEW POST: Best day trips from London. If you live in or are a visitor to London it's a great base for some fantastic day trips into the surrounding countryside. Here I've detailed some of my fave places to visit from London including historical cities, attractions and even a cheeky overseas train trip! Also details of one day itineraries for each location. Happy conscious travels team!

Best day trips from London including visits to historical cities, sights, attractions and even an overseas journey!

20/01/2023

NEW POST: Walking Tour of Budapest. With its gorgeous architecture, intriguing history and regional cuisine the capital city of Hungary should be high on your European itinerary. Here is my recommendation for where to walk and what to visit, see, eat and drink in three of Budapest's main areas - Buda, Pest and Heroes' Square. I've also included a cheeky suggestion for the next city to visit if you're on the Eurail trail. Happy conscious travels team 🙂

Walking Tour of Budapest including where to go and what to see and do in Buda, Pest and Heroes' Square with a suggestion for further travel.

12/01/2023

NEW POST! A long weekend in Queenstown-Lakes District. If you're planning a trip to New Zealand (Aotearoa) odds are that Queenstown will be included on your list. This adventure capital of the world is blessed with a beautiful location, incredible day trip opportunities and an insane amount of adventure activities to get amongst it. Here's my recommendation for how to spend a long weekend in this stunning corner of our country. Happy conscious travels 🙂

How to spend a long weekend in Queenstown-Lakes DIstrict including where to go, what to do, where to eat and day trips to take.

05/01/2023

NEW POST: 10 New Years Resolutions for 2023. As we begin the New Year it's an ideal time to reflect on what you'd like to achieve in the next 12 months. Resolutions can be physical, mental and spiritual goals that allow you to become the best version of yourself and make the most of each moment. Here I've come up with a general list of healthy and attainable resolutions that you can also adopt to live your best life. Happy New Year team!

10 New Years Resolutions for 2023 that will help you have a brighter, happier, focused and more balanced new year!

29/12/2022

NEW POST: Top 12 places to visit in the UK in 2023. I'm ending this year with an epic post! Right now is the perfect time to start planning your travels for the new year. Here I've laid out 12 of my favourite UK places and included which month of the year I would recommend you visit each of them in 2023! So if you're a UK local or visitor looking for some inspiration on where to visit, stay and what to do here it is. Happy conscious travels and happy New Year team!

Top 12 places to visit in the UK in 2023 with months of year to visit each location in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

22/12/2022

NEW POST: Europe's best Christmas Markets to visit. During my 10 years living in the Northern Hemisphere I visited a number of European cities during the festive season and tried out a range of different Christmas Markets. Here I have compiled my pick for the top 5 Christmas Markets to put on your visit list with stalls, food, drink, locations, decorations and entertainment all ranked for you. Merry Christmas everyone!

Europe's best Christmas Markets to visit including Bruges, Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Edinburgh with highlights and tips.

19/12/2022

NEW POST: My highlights of Mackenzie Country. This region located between Christchurch and Queenstown is an outdoor lover's paradise. Towering mountains (including our tallest Aoraki) bright blue lakes, hiking and cycle trails and stunning landscapes all beckon. Here are my favourite spots to visit from my recent trip to this beautiful area of New Zealand's South Island. Happy conscious travels!

My highlights of Mackenzie Country in New Zealand's South Island including where to stay, where to visit and the best time of year.

09/12/2022

NEW POST: 10 ways to conserve your energy. We all have a limited amount of physical, mental and spiritual energy to give to other people and the world around us. If like me you're a Highly Sensitive Person and Introvert you have to guard your energy even more as you have low supplies that you often give away. Here's 10 ways to conserve your energy in your daily life and through interactions with others so you can stay balanced and prioritise your wellbeing.

10 ways to conserve your energy in your daily life so you can be the best physical, mental and spiritual version of yourself.

04/12/2022

UPDATE: I returned this week from an epic week's holiday through New Zealand's South Island with my family! We started in Christchurch and visited Aoraki / Mt Cook, Queenstown and Milford Sound with lots of adventures along the way! There's something so magical about our South Island with its towering mountains, dramatic fjords and beautiful lakes. Stay tuned for some South Island content over the next few weeks with my recommendations 🙂

18/11/2022

NEW POST: A tour through the Outer Hebrides. One of my favourite places in Scotland has to be the far-flung western chain of Islands known as the Outer Hebrides. This collection of islands has unique landscapes, historical sites and wonderful wildlife watching opportunities. Here's my recommendation for where to go and what to see on your next magical island adventure. Happy conscious travels 🙂

A tour through the Outer Hebrides including places to visit, transport to take, where to eat and wildlife watching opportunities!

10/11/2022

NEW POST: Walking Tour of Bruges. If you're on the lookout for the ideal European city for a winter / Christmas break then look no further! Bruges is an enchanting mix of chocolate-box housing, historical squares and pretty canals. Here is my recommendation for the best neighbourhoods to explore on foot, what to visit and where to eat and drink plus an optional day trip. Happy conscious travels!

Walking tour of Bruges including neighbourhoods to explore, sights to see, where to eat and drink and an optional day trip!

01/11/2022

NEW POST! A week in The Catlins. Tucked away at the bottom of New Zealand's South Island this divine stretch of coastline has plenty to see and do for nature lovers! Golden beaches, waterfalls and a 180 million year old fossilised forest are just some of the attractions on offer. You'll also meet some of the resident native species including seals, penguins and dolphins. Here's my itinerary for how to spend a week in this heavenly corner of our country. Happy conscious travels!

How to spend a week in The Catlins including where to stay, what to see, walks to take and wildlife watching hot spots.

27/10/2022

NEW POST: How to prioritise travel in your life. If you're like me then travel is an essential activity in your life that has the power to make you feel happy, balanced and whole. It motivates and inspires us to explore new places, learn about different ways of life and become better people. Sometimes it can be hard to work travel into your life when you come up against commitments and time and money issues. So I've come up with a handy guide for how to get around these to make sure travel remains a top priority. Happy conscious travels team!

How to prioritise travel in your life including where to find inspiration, how to fit it in, finances and good career options.

19/10/2022

NEW POST: A long weekend in York. If you're looking for a great long weekend option in the UK it's hard to beat York! A compact city centre to explore on foot, historical sights and great food and drink options make this the perfect choice. There's even daily Ghost Tours for the upcoming Halloween holiday! I've also thrown in a couple of day trip options in the surrounding area for you. Happy conscious travels everyone 🙂

A long weekend in York including city sights, places to eat and drink and two potential day trips to take by train!

11/10/2022

NEW POST: Four Day Vienna Itinerary. One of the best year round European cities has to be Vienna! Christmas markets and lights in winter, palace gardens in spring and summer and historic coffee houses in autumn. A wonderful city to walk around with beautiful architecture, sights, museums and food and drink spots. Here's where I'd recommend hitting up on your next trip to Vienna 🙂

Four Day Vienna Itinerary including neighbourhoods to explore, sights to see, coffee houses to visit and places to eat.

03/10/2022

NEW POST: Five day trips from Christchurch. The city of Christchurch is a great gateway to New Zealand's South Island and also makes for an interesting destination in its own right. If you base yourself in the city here are five of my favourite day trips you can take. Walks in the suburbs, historical towns and wildlife watching opportunities are all within a days reach! Happy conscious travels team 🙂

Five day trips from Christchurch you can take to local walks and parks and interesting towns further afield.

27/09/2022

NEW POST: How to manage mental health while travelling. With 1 in 4 of us dealing with mental health issues it's inevitable that we also carry these with us when we're travelling. Sometimes life on the road can be overwhelming and stressful which can be a trigger. So I've come up with ways I balance my mental health as a traveller in the hopes it will help you too 🙂

How to manage mental health while travelling including tips on travel companions, destination, pacing and your triggers.

21/09/2022

NEW POST: Top 5 Royal Family sites to visit in Scotland. The late Queen Elizabeth II and Royal Family have strong ties to Scotland and you can visit a number of places they've lived around the country. I've compiled a list of my favourite Scottish places with Royal Family connections that you can visit including castles, a palace and yacht! Each of them provide a fascinating insight into the Royal's daily lives and a good opportunity to pay your respects to Queen Elizabeth II

Top 5 Royal Family Sites to visit in Scotland including castles, palaces and yachts the family have lived at over the years.

13/09/2022

NEW POST: Walking Tour of Kraków. My friend and I spent a long weekend exploring the pretty streets and interesting sights of this fantastic Polish city! I have included my recommendations for where to walk, what to see on your way, where to shop and places to sample Polish food and drink. I've also included a day trip to pay your respects at Auschwitz-Birkenau x

Walking Tour of Kraków including places to visit, attractions to see, good spots to eat and drink and an optional day trip.

06/09/2022

NEW POST! A Week in the Waikato (click below to read) The Waikato region in New Zealand's North Island is one of my favourite places in Aotearoa to explore! Only a couple of hours south of Auckland it's a great choice for a day trip or a longer stay to properly experience its variety of landscapes, attractions and culture. Here is my recommendation for how to spend a week in this area visiting some of my favourite places. Happy conscious travels!

How to spend a week in the Waikato including attractions to visit, walks to take and sights to see along the way!

30/08/2022

NEW POST: Why I hate Cruise Ships (click below to read) As travel opens up again it is devastating to see Cruise Ships once again becoming a popular mode of transport. These monsters of the sea have negative impacts on the environment, marine mammals and places they visit. Here is why I hate Cruise Ships in the hopes it will convince you to not support this harmful industry!

Reasons why I hate cruise ships including environmental impact, wildlife threats, overtourism and lack of local engagement and money.

22/08/2022

NEW POST! North Coast 500 Guide (click below to read) Here is my 8 day itinerary for one of the most scenic routes in Scotland! I've included ideas for where to stay, what to do, interesting detours and where to shop and eat all based on my own journeys around this fantastic region. Happy conscious travels team!

North Coast 500 Guide including where to stay, visit, shop and eat along this stunning route around northern Scotland.

16/08/2022

NEW POST! My top tips for moving countries (click below to read) Moving to another country can be a daunting prospect but there are some steps you can take to make this experience more seamless and successful. Here I provide some tips I've picked up from moving to the other side of the world and then back again 10 years later. I hope they come in handy if you have a big move on the horizon 🙂

My top tips for moving countries including preparation, the move, adjustment upon arrival and how to feel settled in your new home.

09/08/2022

NEW POST! Walking Tour of Athens (click below to read) Athens is one of my favourite European cities with its fascinating ancient ruins and museums, diverse culinary scene and friendly locals. Much of the city is able to be explored on foot which is super handy! Here is my recommendations for sights to see and places to shop and eat in four of the city's most interesting neighbourhoods. Happy conscious travels! 🙂

Walking Tour of Athens including the best neighbourhoods to explore, attractions to visit and shopping and eating spots,

25/07/2022

NEW POST! Hawke's Bay Winter Itinerary (click below to read) For a winter break in Aotearoa look no further than the Hawke's Bay! This region is blessed with a mild climate, wineries galore, an abundance of fresh produce, friendly locals and colourful cities to explore. Here is my recommended itinerary for you to get the very best out of this magical area. Happy conscious travels team! 🙂

Hawkes Bay Winter Itinerary including where to visit, walk, shop and eat. Also has suggestions for places to visit on the way down.

20/07/2022

NEW POST! How to connect with nature in each season (click below to read) Each season has its own unique energy and gifts. It's important to embrace each of the four seasons individually and use them as a way to strengthen your connection to the natural world. I promise you will feel more balanced in your life year round when you do this! Here I give you ideas on how to connect with nature in each season🙂

How to connect with nature in each season including ideas on how to fully embrace and get the most out of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter!

14/07/2022

NEW POST! Top Attractions in Northumberland (click below to read) One of my favourite regions in England is Northumberland! It's a place I returned to three times to enjoy its historic sites, gorgeous coastal scenery and quaint towns. Here I reveal my fave places to visit, walk, shop and stay in this stunning region. Happy conscious travels team! 🙂

Top attractions in Northumberland including places to visit, shop, walk, day trips and quaint towns to stay in.