Author - Cindy Collins

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Evora, Portugal

Evora is a small, quiet town located about one and a half hours east of Lisbon, halfway to the Spanish border. With its city centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Evora is one of Portugal’s most beautiful and charming towns. Although Evora is a lot less touristy than other parts of Portugal, it still has plenty to offer. Here are five reasons why you should...

Our Complete City Guide to Lisbon, Portugal

We arrived in Lisbon at peak hour. The traffic was really heavy, and finding our way to the rental office to return our hire car was quite a challenge and rather stressful. After a week in Portugal, Simon had adapted to driving on the wrong (right!) side of the road but navigating a big city was very different from cruising around the countryside! After choosing the...

How to Spend 5 Days in the Cosmopolitan Metropolis of Mexico City

As we boarded the plane in Los Angeles, bound for Mexico City, I was super excited. We were heading back to Mexico, my favourite country. But it would be our first time in its capital city and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Mexico City has a reputation for being busy, polluted and dangerous. That being said, one of my rules is to take everything I read in the...

9 Best Things to Do in the Yarra Valley: Wine, Food & More

Last Updated: October 2026 Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of Victoria’s most beautiful regions, famous for its world-class wineries, rolling green hills and fantastic food scene. During our years living in Melbourne, we escaped to the Yarra Valley countless times. And while we certainly enjoyed visiting its cellar doors, we...

5 Best Yarra Valley Wineries: Our Favourite Cellar Doors

Last Updated: October 2026 The Yarra Valley is one of Victoria’s most beautiful wine regions and a must-visit destination for wine lovers exploring Melbourne. Less than an hour’s drive from the city, it’s home to picturesque vineyards, excellent cellar doors and some fantastic restaurants. During our twelve years living in Melbourne, we made plenty...

What to Pack For Your Next Snorkelling Adventure

Travelling light is usually a great idea, but depending on the type of trip you are taking, it might not always be possible. If for example, you plan to do a lot of snorkelling on your holiday, there are a few items you should consider bringing along. Simon and I love taking snorkelling holidays. Snorkelling is a great way to observe the planet’s marine life and the...

12 Islands in Australia That You Have to Visit

If you’re looking for an island getaway, Australia has you covered. With a total of 8,222 islands, picking one to visit will be the most challenging part of your holiday. There’s an island to match every traveller’s dream holiday. Whether you’re an adventurer, a beach bum, a romantic, a wildlife enthusiast, a snorkeler, or a foodie, there’s an island just right for...

Lady Elliot Island: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting

Last Updated: October 2026 If you’re looking for incredible snorkelling, crystal-clear water and unforgettable wildlife encounters, Lady Elliot Island is one of the best places to visit on the Great Barrier Reef. Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, this tiny coral cay is a paradise for nature lovers. Famous for its resident manta rays, green...

K’gari (Fraser Island): Our 2-Day Island Adventure

Last Updated: October 2026 As anyone who’s lived in Melbourne knows, winter can be pretty cold, wet and miserable! So escaping to sunny Queensland for a little warmth is always a tempting idea. Over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, we decided to swap Melbourne’s chilly weather for the beautiful Fraser Coast, spending two days exploring...

2 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary: The Perfect 14-Day Route

Last Updated: October 2026 Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating countries, with bustling cities, beautiful landscapes, delicious food and a rich history. From the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming lantern-filled streets of Hoi An and the spectacular limestone islands of Bai Tu Long Bay, there’s so much to discover. But...