All Reviews

Barcelona Travel Guide: A First-Timer's Itinerary for Aussies
Barcelona Travel Guide: A First-Timer's Itinerary for Aussies If you are searching for a Barcelona travel guide that tells you what is genuinely worth your time, where to base yourselves and how not to lose a phone on the Metro, welcome. We are Michelle and Paul, and Barcelona is the kind of city that rewards a plan without demanding that you follow it minute by minute. There is Gaudí's dreamlike architecture, medieval lanes that suddenly open into a sunny square, beaches within walking distance of the old city, and dinners... Read more...
Tapas, Vermouth and Late Dinners: A Food Lover's Guide to Barcelona
Tapas, Vermouth and Late Dinners: A Food Lover's Guide to Barcelona Barcelona makes dinner feel like an event rather than a meal. The evening begins with vermouth, continues through a noisy little bar with patatas bravas, and ends with seafood or rice at an hour when most Australians are thinking about bed. Arrive hungry, give the clock a little latitude and the city rewards you brilliantly. Michelle and I learnt this on our first evening. We wandered into a nearly empty tapas bar at 7.30pm, ordered two beers and wondered... Read more...
Gaudí in a Day: The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló Without the Queues
Gaudí in a Day: The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló Without the Queues Barcelona is the sort of city that makes you look up mid-sentence. A balcony becomes a dragon, a roof becomes a fantasy garden and a church interior feels like standing inside a sunlit forest. Antoni Gaudí is responsible for much of that neck-craning, and you can see his greatest hits in one very full day. We have done this Gaudí circuit as a couple and learned the hard way that “we’ll just buy tickets when... Read more...
Munich Travel Guide: Beer Halls, Castles and Christmas Markets
Munich Travel Guide: Beer Halls, Castles and Christmas Markets Munich is the sort of city that can make a first-time visitor believe every day should include a pretzel, a palace and a perfectly poured beer. But while Bavaria's capital is famous for Oktoberfest, that enormous festival is only one (very noisy) chapter. The rest of the year brings grand squares, leafy parks, world-class museums, fairytale castles and Christmas markets that look made for a snow globe. In this Munich travel guide, we share the highlights we would recommend to friends,... Read more...
Oktoberfest for First-Timers: What Nobody Tells You Before You Go
Oktoberfest for First-Timers: What Nobody Tells You Before You Go Oktoberfest is part folk festival, part giant open-air party and part logistical puzzle. It is also much friendlier than the alarming images of people wielding litre mugs suggest. Michelle and I expected a boozy free-for-all; instead, we found singing with strangers, shared tables and excellent food. If you are searching for oktoberfest tips first time advice, plan the practical details, pace yourself and leave room for spontaneity. Our best day was the one where we arrived early, found a table,... Read more...
Queenstown on a Budget: Adventure Capital Without the Adventure-Sized Bill
Queenstown on a Budget: Adventure Capital Without the Adventure-Sized Bill Queenstown has a talent for making your heart race before you have even booked the bungy. The mountains are enormous, the lake is movie-set beautiful and the prices can be equally dramatic. The good news is that queenstown budget travel is possible. Be strategic about where you sleep, what you eat and which one spectacular experience deserves your money. We are Michelle and Paul, and we love Queenstown for its postcard scenery and mild chaos. This is our guide for... Read more...
Paris vs Barcelona vs Munich: Which European City Break Suits You?
Paris vs Barcelona vs Munich: Which European City Break Suits You? Choosing a European city break from Australia is a lovely problem, right up until flight tabs and travel forums leave you more confused than when you started. Paris, Barcelona and Munich are all brilliant, but they suit different travellers. We are Michelle and Paul from Two Seats Forward. We compare them the way we plan a trip: what will we eat, what will it cost, and will we still like each other after a day of queues? If you... Read more...
Storytime! Getting Hopelessly Lost (and Fed) in a Sri Lankan Village
Storytime is where we admit that even supposedly organised travellers can make spectacularly bad decisions. Like trusting a hand-drawn map, nodding confidently when a tuk-tuk driver says “yes, yes, very near”, and setting off towards a rural Sri Lankan attraction with no phone signal, no shared language and only a vague idea of which direction we were facing. What began as a mildly stressful wrong turn became one of our favourite memories of the island. We got hopelessly lost, were adopted for an afternoon by a family we had never... Read more...
Tea, Trains and Elephants: Sri Lanka's Hill Country Explained
There is a particular kind of magic in Sri Lanka’s highlands: tea bushes ripple over impossible green slopes, mist curls around colonial bungalows, and a blue train clatters around cliffs with the doors open to the view. If you are planning a Sri Lanka hill country itinerary, allow yourself time to slow down. This is not a region to rush through with a camera pointed out of a car window. We found our favourite days were the ones with room for a long lunch, a sudden shower and one more... Read more...
Sri Lanka Travel Guide: The Underrated Gem We Can’t Stop Talking About
Sri Lanka travel guide: the underrated gem we can’t stop talking about Our first morning in Sri Lanka began with the smell of cardamom tea, the chatter of a roadside breakfast stall and a tuk-tuk driver waving us through a tangle of traffic with a grin. By the end of the day, we had eaten our weight in hoppers, watched palms bend in the sea breeze and accepted at least three recommendations from complete strangers. Sri Lanka has a way of making you feel welcome before you have worked out... Read more...
Perth Travel Guide: Why WA Deserves More Than a Weekend
Perth travel guide: give Western Australia more than a weekend We’ll admit it: before our first visit, Perth sat in the mental folder marked “one day”. It looked beautifully remote on the map, and we assumed a long flight from the east coast would be a lot of effort for a few sunny days. Then we arrived, saw the Indian Ocean glowing at Cottesloe, watched the sun sink over the Swan River and realised we had completely misjudged it. Perth is not a quick stopover to squeeze between flights. It... Read more...
Sydney Like a Local: A Visitor's Guide from Two Aussies Who Still Get Surprised by It
Sydney is the city we recommend when friends ask where to start in Australia. We live in Melbourne, so we have plenty of opportunities to be cheerfully competitive about coffee, trams and weather, but Sydney still wins us over every time we arrive. The harbour catches the light differently, the ferries turn an ordinary commute into a sightseeing cruise, and there is always another staircase, beach or tiny restaurant waiting to surprise us. After hosting friends from overseas, we realised that the best things to do in Sydney are not... Read more...
River Cruising Through Europe: Is It Actually Worth the Money?
River Cruising Through Europe: Is It Actually Worth the Money? We love ocean cruising. Give us a balcony, a sea day and a suspiciously elaborate dessert buffet and we are very happy travellers. But river cruising keeps tempting us with small ships, medieval towns and the promise of unpacking only once. So, is a river cruise Europe worth it for Australians paying in hard-earned dollars? Our short answer is often yes, but not for the same reasons you book an ocean cruise. You trade waterslides and Broadway-style shows for walkable... Read more...
North Island vs South Island: Which New Zealand Trip Is Right for You?
North Island vs South Island: Which New Zealand Trip Is Right for You? North Island vs South Island NZ is the great travel debate for a reason: these two islands feel like different countries sharing one very photogenic postcode. The North Island gave us bubbling mud, brilliant food and cities with plenty of personality. The South Island answered with glacier-blue lakes, huge mountains and the sort of scenery that makes you pull over every 20 minutes (and completely forget where you parked). We are Michelle and Paul, and after road-tripping... Read more...
Paris After Dark: A West End Lover's Guide to French Theatre and Cabaret
Paris After Dark: A West End Lover's Guide to French Theatre and Cabaret Paris changes character when the sun goes down. The boulevards glow, the Seine reflects the lights and, somewhere in a velvet-lined room, someone is putting on far more feathers than seems necessary. For us, that is the magic of finding things to do in Paris at night: the city feels theatrical before we take our seats. As devoted London West End fans, we arrived expecting Paris to be a slightly more glamorous version of a theatre district.... Read more...
Where to Eat in Paris Without Blowing the Travel Budget
Where to Eat in Paris Without Blowing the Travel Budget Paris has a reputation for beautiful food served on beautiful plates at beautiful (and occasionally alarming) prices. But after many trips, we have learnt that the best budget eats in Paris are often found standing at a bakery counter, sharing a market picnic or squeezing into a tiny neighbourhood bistro. You do not need to choose between eating well and affording the train home. We are Michelle and Paul, and this is our practical guide to eating wonderfully in Paris... Read more...
Best Day Trips from Paris: Versailles, Giverny and Beyond
Best Day Trips from Paris: Versailles, Giverny and Beyond Paris can happily fill a week, but some of our favourite French memories began when we stepped outside the capital. The best day trips from Paris swap boulevards for palace gardens, water lilies, grand châteaux or a glass of Champagne, then get us back in time for dinner. We have put together this practical guide for travellers who want to see more of France without packing another suitcase. Our picks cover Versailles, Giverny, Fontainebleau, Champagne and Disneyland Paris. For more ideas... Read more...
Paris Travel Guide for Australians: Everything We Wish We Knew Before Landing
Paris Travel Guide for Australians: Everything We Wish We Knew Before Landing Our first morning in Paris began with two very Australian thoughts: Why did we pack so many things? and Is that a pigeon judging us? (The answer was definitely yes.) We had arrived after an overnight flight from Australia and one overconfident attempt to understand the Metro map. Paris rewarded us immediately. A warm croissant, a café table in the sunshine and the first glimpse of the Seine made the jet lag feel like a minor administrative error.... Read more...
New Zealand Road Trip Guide: Our Favourite Aussie-Friendly Route
New Zealand Road Trip Guide: Our Favourite Aussie-Friendly Route There are destinations that ask you to choose between mountain drama, brilliant food, adventurous days and a genuinely relaxing drive. Then there is New Zealand, which somehow gives you all four before lunch. Here is the 10-day route Michelle and Paul would happily do again tomorrow. Why New Zealand Is the Ultimate Aussie Road Trip Destination For Australians, New Zealand feels wonderfully easy without ever feeling ordinary. It is a short flight away, the currency is familiar enough that we do... Read more...
Storytime! The Vanuatu Trip That Didn't Go to Plan (And Why We'd Do It Again)
Storytime! The Vanuatu Trip That Didn't Go to Plan (And Why We'd Do It Again) By Michelle & Paul There is a very particular kind of optimism that arrives with a tropical holiday. It is the optimism that makes you put a white linen shirt in your carry-on, tell everyone at home you will be “completely offline”, and confidently pack one nice outfit for dinner every night despite knowing perfectly well that you will spend most evenings in thongs with salt in your hair. We landed in Port Vila with... Read more...
What to Pack for a South Pacific Island Holiday (Our Tried-and-Tested List)
What to Pack for a South Pacific Island Holiday (Our Tried-and-Tested List) There is a particular kind of optimism that strikes when you are packing for the islands: “It’s warm, so I’ll barely need anything.” Then there is the reality: tropical downpours, reef walks, air-conditioned transfers, dinner dress codes and the very real possibility of a boat ride. We have made enough soggy, sunburnt and slightly overdressed mistakes around the South Pacific to save you a few. Whether you are checking into a barefoot-luxury resort, island-hopping in Vanuatu or adding... Read more...
Fiji vs Vanuatu vs New Caledonia: Which South Pacific Island Should You Book?
Fiji vs Vanuatu vs New Caledonia: Which South Pacific Island Should You Book? There is a particular kind of glorious holiday problem that seems to hit Australians as soon as winter bites: a few days off, a craving for warm water, and three very tempting islands on the screen. Fiji promises easy smiles and postcard resorts. Vanuatu offers volcanoes, blue holes and a little more dirt under the sandals. New Caledonia arrives with French pastries, turquoise lagoons and a holiday that feels wonderfully unlike the usual tropical escape. We have... Read more...
New Caledonia: The French Pacific Escape Most Aussies Skip (And Shouldn't)
We had barely cleared the coral-blue edge of the lagoon on the way into Nouméa when Paul looked out the window and said the thing we were both thinking: “How is this so close to Australia?” Below us was every impossible shade of turquoise, fringed by deep-green mountains and tiny pale islands. A few hours earlier we had been doing the familiar airport coffee-and-boarding-pass routine; suddenly, we were in a place where boulangeries sell warm croissants beside markets piled with tropical fruit. That is the great surprise of a New... Read more...
Vanuatu Holiday Guide: Port Vila, Tanna Volcano, Budget Tips & Cultural Experiences
Vanuatu is the sort of place that makes you wonder why everyone is not talking about it. From eastern Australia, it is only about three hours away by air, yet stepping into Port Vila's warm, salty air feels like entering a different world: palm-fringed beaches, jungle trails, volcanoes and a welcoming, distinctive culture. We are Michelle and Paul, an Australian couple who travel together whenever we can (usually with one of us overpacking and the other insisting that two pairs of thongs are plenty). This vanuatu holiday guide is everything... Read more...
Fiji Holiday from Australia: Complete Guide to Islands, Resorts, Budget & Activities
We still remember the moment Fiji appeared outside the aeroplane window: impossibly blue water, bright green islands and clouds that looked painted on. For Australians, a Fiji holiday from Australia is one of the easiest ways to dip a toe into the Pacific. The flight is short enough that you can leave home in the morning and be holding a tropical drink by lunchtime, yet Fiji feels wonderfully different from a beach break at home. We are Michelle and Paul, an Australian couple who travel together, preferably somewhere with warm... Read more...
Hong Kong Travel Guide: First-Timer Tips, Best Areas to Stay & Week-Long Itinerary
Hong Kong is the kind of place that makes us want to book another trip before unpacking. Michelle and Paul here: an Australian couple who have visited multiple times, walked until our feet complained and eaten far too many egg waffles. This is our Hong Kong travel guide for planning a first visit—or making a return trip run more smoothly. Our quick advice: stay near an MTR station, buy an Octopus Card on arrival, wear good shoes and do not squeeze the whole city into one frantic day. Five to... Read more...
Ocean Park Hong Kong Guide: Pandas, Cable Cars, and a Full-Day Adventure in 2026
Ocean Park Hong Kong Guide: Pandas, Cable Cars, and a Full-Day Adventure in 2026
A visit to Ocean Park Hong Kong is more than a theme park trip — it’s a full-day mountain adventure filled with wildlife encounters, immersive rides, and scenic views. From... Read more...
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Guide: Crystal Cabin Experience, Tian Tan Buddha & Lantau Island Views
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Guide: Crystal Cabin Experience, Tian Tan Buddha & Lantau Island Views
Ngong Ping 360 is one of Hong Kong’s most scenic and unforgettable attractions, offering a breathtaking cable car journey over Lantau Island. Whether you choose the standard cabin or the... Read more...
Macau Transportation Guide: Macau Travel Card, Bus Tips & Getting Around the City Easily
Macau Transportation Guide: Macau Travel Card, Bus Tips & Getting Around the City Easily
Getting around Macau is simple once you understand its compact and well-connected transport system. From modern casinos and resorts to historic Portuguese streets and local food stalls, everything is just... Read more...
Pickpocketing Incident: Lost Passport in Hong Kong & Travel Safety Lessons for Tourists
Pickpocketing Incident: Lost Passport in Hong Kong & Travel Safety Lessons for Tourists
Even in a safe and exciting destination like Hong Kong, travellers should remain vigilant in crowded areas such as Mong Kok’s famous Sneaker Street. This real travel experience highlights how... Read more...
Macau to Hong Kong Ferry vs HZMB Bus: Best Way to Travel (Complete Guide)
Macau to Hong Kong Ferry vs HZMB Bus: Best Way to Travel (Complete Guide)
Travelling between Macau and Hong Kong is easy with two main options: the high-speed ferry or the HZMB shuttle bus via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. The ferry offers a smoother,... Read more...
Hong Kong Disneyland 2-Day Ticket Guide: Characters, Rides & Fireworks Experience
Hong Kong Disneyland 2-Day Ticket Guide: Characters, Rides & Fireworks Experience
A visit to Hong Kong Disneyland becomes truly magical with the 2-Day Fun Ticket, allowing guests to experience the park at a relaxed and immersive pace. From meeting Disney Princesses,... Read more...
Staying at Crown Melbourne
Staying at Crown Melbourne
Crown Melbourne is more than a casino—it’s a full entertainment hub. From three hotels and multiple casino levels to fine dining, casual eats, cinema, bowling, and an arcade, there’s something... Read more...
Travel Review | W Hotel Melbourne
Travel Review | W Hotel Melbourne
From a warm greeting with bubbles to a stylish, comfy room, W Hotel Melbourne offers luxury in the heart of the city. Discover our full review, including the pool, dining... Read more...
Why I love the West End
Why I love the West End
London’s West End feels like theatre heaven. Packed houses, affordable tickets, and dozens of venues within walking distance make seeing a show as easy as going to the movies. Read more...
Storytime! Scams to Watch Out for in NYC
Storytime! Scams to Watch Out for in NYC
NYC is amazing, but some mascot performers look rough and demand money after photos. Pickpockets work crowds with slick moves, and “struggling artists” sell blank CDs. Watch out and stay... Read more...
Celebrity Cruises - Can be a dream!
Celebrity Cruises - Can be a dream!
We’ve now cruised twice on Celebrity Cruises’ stunning Celebrity Edge and both trips left us with plenty to talk about! Read more...