A guide to Bali

Home to over four billion people, Bali is a gorgeous island known for its rice paddies, sea sports, coral reefs, pristine beaches and friendly people – not to mention an abundance of Nazi Goreng and chicken satay. One of the closest international holiday places for Australian’s there is much to do, see, explore and eat.

Where to stay

The main areas of Bali are Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. Kuta is the party destination and while extremely fun, also a little dirty. It is close to the airport, has lots of budget hotels/hostels and the famous poppy lane for shopping.

Seminyak is slightly further up the beach and about 20 minutes walk from Kuta, but quieter and considered to be ‘upmarket’. Legian is a happy medium of both.

What to do

While one of the main thrills of coming to Bali is being able to explore the beaches and relax by the pool with a great book, Bali is rich in experiences. Take a day to swim, relax, read then hit the outside world for some adventure. On the beach you can learn to surf, paddleboard or Jetski.
Shop till you drop and explore the main street as well as the little side streets. You’ll find most places barter, although in Kuta some stores have a fixed price. Expect to pay 1/3-1/2 of the offered price. You can pick up clothes, fake shoes, fake jerseys and even DVDs for very cheap. After shopping, pamper yourself and head to a local salon for a mani pedi, a hair treatment or full body massage – and for around $8 you’ll be going back for more massages!

Once you’re sick of the hustle and bustle of the main island, make sure to book a boat trip out to the islands. Nusa Lembongan or the Gilli Islands are great places to escape for further relaxation or adventure. Both have cute private huts with outdoor showers and wonderful places to snorkel.

What to eat

Indonesia food is a real highlight and super delicious! Tuck into bowls of Nazi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Chicken Satay, Lawar (which is minced chicken and coconut with other flavourings like garlic) and fish wrapped in banana leaves.

I couldn’t go past Nazi Goreng and bought myself a bowl for lunch most days for a few dollars. Plates come piled high with prawn crackers and usually with a side of chicken satay.

If you ever get sick of Indonesian food, there are plenty of other options such as pizza and pasta, Chinese and Thai food as well as burgers, sandwiches and all other types of food.

10 unmissable European cities

With no big trip planned for, reminiscing on my past trips to Europe has forced me to ask myself where is my favourite city in Europe? While I finally agreed on a list with myself, it is by no means definitive. After all Europe is a melting pot of culture, experiences, people and food – all of which must be lived and experienced firsthand.

Here are 10 of my favourite European cities:

1. London

Everyone has either been here or wants to visit but it is popular for a reason! There is so much going on all the time in London that one can never be bored. It is a city with 100 personalities. If you visit in winter you can be sure to see gorgeous green parks blanketed in lashings of white snow; a sight that is worth it despite the chill. In summer it is lovely to walk around basking in the warmth and visiting all the markets while sampling delicious food.

2. Barcelona

A city that has 100% stolen my heart! If there is one place I would visit again and again and again is Barcelona. For me, it is one of the most lively and exciting cities to experience. From culture, to history, food and people to the nightlife and markets, Barcelona has it all. I would happily (and want to!) live here for a couple of months to really experience all it can offer.

3. Seville

Spain is quite possibly my favourite country so no surprise two of its cities makes this list. Located down south, it is much smaller than Barcelona but comes with so much charm you’ll fall in love instantly. Flamenco shows, sangria, paella and the people! – this is a place you’ll want to come back for time and time again.

4. Berlin

Ahh Berlin, what is there to say except I love you! History buffs will delight as there are fewer cities that are so rich in history and culture. I could easily spend weeks just combing through all the museums and historical sites. The biggest thing I took from Berlin was the different types of people and how accepted they were. Walking down the street, you see people dressed in hundreds of different outfits and styles, various haircuts and hair colours, different nationalities and ethnicities but everyone seems to be so gelled and accepting of each other. This also happens to be another city I want to live in. Plus the food! Currywurst, bratwurst, pork knuckle there’s so much to enjoy!

5. Ljubljana

 

A little town in Slovenia, located under Austria, is a small, charming and quant city. Much smaller than its neighbours, the attraction is the cobblestone streets, canal-side shopping and delightful traditional cuisine. Make sure to visit the castle! And the central markets which come alive in the summertime.

6. Montenegro

This forgotten gem is like the smaller sister of Dubrovnik. It has similar attractions without the price tag or the crowds. Kotor bay is nestled amongst a series of mountain ranges that creates an awe-inspiring view, not to mention some incredible sunsets! The water is crystal clear, the seafood fresh and the old town is a charming maze of cobblestone streets and smiling faces. If there is one thing to do, it is to climb the fortress. Hot, sweaty and perhaps one of the best views in Europe! (better than Dubrovnik fortress by a lot)

7. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre was invested for postcards. The wide sweeping views of rock faces, white sandy beaches and gorgeous little towns tucked into the side of the cliff make this place a dream to visit. Don’t forget your walking shoes and tackle the magnificent hikes from town to town or your bikini to rest your tired feet and happy soul.

8. Edinburgh

Rug up well for Edinburgh as it is cold and windy, but this charming little city is well worth it. Admire the mix of old and new, especially the old gothic architecture that is dotted around the city. There are few places which have such exquisite, intricate and old buildings you can see for free. Take a walk up the Arthurs seat for mouth-dropping views then visit a traditional Scottish pub for some Haggis and fudge; it’s really good here!

9. St Petersburg

One of the ‘less-visited’ cities in Europe yet it has so much to offer! Rich in history and culture, as well as art (it rivals the Louvre in Paris for its impressive collection of art) it is an incredible place to see. The architecture is extraordinary; I have never been to a city like St Petersburg before. The way it looms over you, making you feel so small and insignificant yet it is so detailed and beautiful. Don’t expect smiles from strangers, but do expect some delish food and beautiful walks.

10. Prague

Ahh rounding off this list was hard to do! But it has to be Prague. I visited way back in 2013 and haven’t been back since but it is always on my ‘to-do’ list. This small town is hustling and bustling. Wear good shoes as the cobblestones, as cute as they are, hurt your feet after a while. There is so much to do! Visit the castle, walk over the bridges and immerse yourself in the culture (and food)! It is nicknamed the ‘city of a hundred spires’ so remember to keep looking up!

There are another 10 cities I could easily rattle off that are amazing to visit as well, but in an effort to stick to just 10 – there they are!

Where is your favourite city? I’d love to know!

How to stay healthy when travelling

Having done a few long trips where exercise and fresh veggies were not in abundance I quickly learnt a thing or two about staying healthy when you’re on the go. If you’re heading off on your next adventure and worrying about your health then fear not. Give some of the following tips a go!

Walk everywhere

Walking is great to help burn off those extra calories, tone your legs and keeping you active. It also helps to save money and not spend it on transport! Plus you never know what little alleyway, cute coffee shop, lush park or friends you might see or meet along the way!

Shop at markets

Every city usually has a weekend market and it’s a great way to pick up some fresh, in-season fruit and veggies. Usually you buy less at markets too as you’re not tempted by a million other products around you. Choose a few delicious pieces of fruit and veg to fill you up for the following days. My favourites are melons, apples, stone fruit and carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes.

Walk the tourist attractions

Too often there are escalators that will do the uphill walk for you when visiting viewpoints. Take the challenge, save some money and walk instead. If visiting a national park and there are buses to take you from one section to another, walk instead. Not only is it good for the waistline but you will actually get to see what you came here to see!

Choose healthy snacks

Choosing the right snacks such as fresh fruit, veggies, nuts and crackers will keep you full between meals and help you to feel lighter and happier. Banish that sinking heavy feeling after eating junk food and opt for lighter options.

Get enough sleep

Too often nights in new countries are spent in a pub downing drinks. While this is all well and good, and part of the fun, getting some decent shut-eye regularly will really help you to stay healthy! Plus a couple of nights off booze is always good for the body.

But more importantly, don’t fret over those fries you ate in Belgium, the croissant you ate in Paris or the dozens of gelato’s you had in Italy. The whole point of travelling is to get away and explore somewhere new and part of that is food! Try and be healthy when you can so you don’t get sick and can enjoy your whole trip, but don’t get upset at yourself if your shorts are a little snug at the end of day. Life was meant to be enjoyed. Plus who knows if you will ever see that flavour, made by that Italian in that pizza restaurant ever again?! Go forth and enjoy. There’s always time for exercising and broccoli when you get home.

48 hours in Sydney

When there’s a million and one things to do in Sydney spending your time wisely ain’t always so easy. Whether you live up the coast, are on a layover, holiday or want to see more of your glorious city here’s a go-to guide for spending an epic 48 hours in Sydney.

Friday

You may be jetlagged and tired but Friday night in the city is alive and buzzing with people. Freshen up, have a power nap if needed and escape your hotel by 5:30pm. Make your way down to Opera Bar, which you guessed it, has iconic views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Watch the sun go down behind the bridge with a cocktail in hand to enjoy some of the best Sydney can offer. You may be feeling a little peckish, Mr Bao in the CBD serves some of the best Bao buns filled with moreish pork crackling, crispy chicken or battered prawns. If you’re after pizza, head down to Pizza Autentico for an epic $20 all you can eat feast. Having been fed and watered it’s now time to hit the town.

Saturday

It’s time for a swim in the pristine beaches. First off catch a train to Bondi and enjoy a laid-back brekkie by the beach. Try Porch and Parlour for a delectable yet healthy start to the day. If you’re feeling up to it, walk from Bondi to Bronte beach on the most magnificent coastal walk featuring endless blue skies and an expanse of ocean. Time for a dip in cool blue and finish off by drying in the sun.

Unfortunately it’s time to drag yourself away, so make a beeline for the train and get yourself back to the CBD. If there is a single ‘must-do’ it is to walk along the Harbour Bridge. Bring your camera because there are some great shots to be had! All this walking has left you a little peckish, it’s time for ice-cream! There is a great many ice cream parlours around, my favourites are Messina or N2. Try them both. From here walk down Elizabeth St, the main street in the CBD for a little window shopping. Make sure to visit the Queen Victoria Building as it really is something special!

From here keep walking till you hit China Town. It serves the best and cheapest Asian food around. Treat yourself to Yum Cha and enjoy a selection of dumplings, prawn crackers and an array of meat and veggies.

Back on the town tonight. Try the Beresford for a laid-back casual vibe which has a relax outdoor setting down stairs and a nightclub upstairs if you find some hidden energy. They also serve Italian food and have an extensive cocktail menu.

Sunday

Last day, don’t cry it will be one to remember. Get on an early bus to Manly, Australia’s second most famous beach. There is nothing like an early swim while the crowds are at a minimum and the only noise is the waves crashing at your feet. Bring a book and bask in the sun. When your tummy starts to rumble walk around the Corso (main street right behind the beach, impossible to miss) and have your choice of breakfast. There’s pancakes, eggs and healthier options like Acai bowls plus plenty of great coffee around. Sit in the sunshine and watch the world go by.

For your last chance to see some dolphins and have a beautiful ride, catch the ferry from Manly to Circular Quay. Slowly begin your walk back to the hotel to pack up and check out. With your bags in tow there is only one place to grab your last epic meal before boarding the plane home. Head straight to the Gardens of Alexandria for some gorgeous food served in a picturesque location. You won’t regret it.

Your feet are probably weary, your eyelids heavy but Sydney is such a magical city and there is so much more to see. You’ll be back!

A weekend guide to Melbourne

For Sydney-siders, a weekend foray into the cultural and foodie-obsessed Melbourne is easy and oh so good. Here is a Thursday to Monday guide to seeing the best Melbourne can offer.

Thursday

Arrive, catch the Sky bus to Flinders St Station and then hop on a free tram, or walk to your hotel. Freshen up and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the city late afternoon getting to know the streets and experiencing the vibe. Night time means food and drinks galore. While not luxe, it is cheap and Asian Beer Cafe in Melbourne Central Shopping Centre boasts free champagne before 7pm and $1 till 9pm. From here we headed down to Docklands to eat our way through the Lunar Festival, sampling pork skewers, pork buns and dumplings. Eat your way happy, enjoy a night near the water with a glass of wine before bunking down to rest your weary body.

Friday

Sleep ins are essential, why, because you’re on holiday! Keep those curtains pulled until your tummy rumbles just a little too loud. Then don your walking shoes and head straight to Queen Victoria Market, QVM, for all things yummy! From cheese, to hamon serrano, bread, croissants, fresh juice, coffee, pasta and borek, not to mention the abundance of fresh fruit and veggies this place is a mecca for food. Everything smells delicious, but borek (a turkish dish consisting of pastry filled with spinach and cheese) is too good to pass up and is one of my all time favourite foods. I restrain myself and grab one for $2. Then I give in to temptation on my second round and buy another, plus a sour cherry one. This may be the best borek I have ever had. When you’ve had your fair (or more than fair) share, head off towards the CBD for shopping and art. Walking through the streets can take you hours, as it should. There is a million and one lane ways to wander through, window shopping to be done and ogling at beautiful displays of macaroons and cakes. Make sure to walk through Centre Place one of Melbourne’s most famous streets – perfect to stop, rest, enjoy a coffee and listen to local musicians.

If you’re beginning to feel a bit peckish, PonyFish Island makes a lovely antipasto platter that is best shared under the sun alongside a jug of pimms. It is definitely the place to be. Enjoy, drink at leisure.

Friday night is all about fun. Sahara bar is a fun Moroccan themed bar, with happy hour, that looks over the city. Little Red Pocket, a hidden gem up two flights of stairs, is a Japanese-inspired bar with romantic black and red lighting. Did I mention it was named number 8/100 in the Worlds best bars? Yep enjoy that knowledge while sipping on two for one drinks and $1 chicken from 4-8pm.

If you happen to be staying at Space Hotel, then bring a bikini because the rooftop spa boasts an epic view of the skyline.

Saturday

Feeling a bit weary from Friday night? Not to worry, there is nothing Melbourne coffee can’t fix. Don your street-cool, casual-but-planned outfit and hit the pavement. There are so many cafes to choose from, but we tried Riva in an alleyway off the main street that served quality Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and spinach, all washed down with a cup of smooth strong coffee. Once you’re feeling refreshed, it’s all about art today. Wander around town and find all the hidden gems. Go up, down, left, right, sidewards and back again until your utterly confused. Make a beeline for Hozier Lane, Rutledge Lane, Union Lane and Centre Place.

You’ve been walking all day, time to cool off with N2. On Sutherland ST in the CBD, this sweet haven makes delicious cold treats. Make sure to get a needle full of liquid chocolate. It’s nearly 3pm, time to fill that tummy! Head back to QVM for the most mind-blowingingly delicious bowl of fresh hot mussels. This stuff is made of dreams. I opted for the chilli, tomato and parsley bowl. My only recommendation, don’t share. Get your own bowl.

It’s back to the CBD after that to soak up the sunshine with a cool drink. Rooftop bar is hugely popular and boasts an epic view of the city. Sit amongst the crowd and enjoy. There is no better place to be. Once you’ve had your fill of liquid gold, there is only one place for dinner: 400 gradi, one of the world’s best pizza eateries. Make sure to wear stretchy clothes because once you have a bite, you are hooked. This is true Neapolitan pizza. We opted for a Margarita, Prosciutto and Rocket and a Seafood Linguine with a glass of Italian red. I still dream of this dinner today.

Sunday

Sunday blues are real as you realise tomorrow you are leaving. Beautiful sunny days call for a visit to St Kilda, where it only happens the St Kilda festival is on. Grab a coffee and almond croissant from Plantation Coffee and then jump on a tram. 20 minutes later, stroll down St Kilda Esplanade and along the pier. Walk or hire a bike and ride along the waters edge. Tuck into a big brekky with a fresh OJ to finish off your morning.

Naked for Satan, a 20 minute walk outside of the CBD is the place to be for drinks with a view. Located outside of the CBD it has a fantastic view of the undulating rooftops. With an extensive drink menu, it will have something for everyone.

No trip is complete without a picnic. Head back to the QVM and pick up some fresh cheeses, salami, bread, biscuits, fruit and a bottle of wine for a gorgeous picnic in the park.

Monday

Pack up the bags and check out. Today is for pancakes topped with ice-cream and maple syrup. Oh so naughty and delicious. Pancake Parlour has infamous pancakes – for a reason. Burn it off with a final stroll, one last coffee and a lie down in the sun to people watch. Then jump on a sky bus, head back to the airport and star planning your next trip.

Travelling: Spontaneity v planning

From your grandma to your dog, everyone seems to have an opinion on the best way to travel. Should you plan your trip down to the day, or is it better to be spontaneous and let the wind blow you wherever you go.

There is a lot to be said for both attitudes. Both are entirely different ways of travelling and one way may be more attractive to you, while others like something different. But really, what is better?

Being a planner

Doing your research, making notes that turn into plans and creating an itinerary is a great way to really get to know the country you’re visiting. Through research, you’ll find out what to visit, when to visit, and will be able to see everything on your list. Think of it is a big to-do list. This is great for those who like to have some structure and some idea of what to do. It’s also a great way to make sure you see/do/eat/experience everything the country has to offer! Nothing is worse than going home and hearing about some epic place you had no idea existed!

For example, I quickly learnt that bus fares are the cheapest way to get around in Europe and if you book 30 days in advance the fares can be half price! I planned the first 4 months of my trip to take advantage of these savings. It also meant I knew what monuments I wanted to see and when to see them. In Paris, infamous for its hour long queues is the Louvre. By doing some research and planning when to visit, not only was there NO queue, but I got in for free!

So there is something to be said for planning! So where to start? Use google and look up everything you might want to know. Sticking with Paris, you might want to look up best times for visiting the Louvre/Eiffel Tower/hundred other important things to see, or the best croissants/crepes/macaroons. A must-see is the catacombs. This was such an incredible experience albeit a little creepy. And if you book in advance you skip the queue! Once you’ve done your research, get a note book and figure out how many days you want to spend in the city, then factor in everything you want to do and voila! You have an itinerary that will guarantee you an epic experience.

Being spontaneous

Maybe free styling and leavings things up to chance is more your style. Maybe you might miss out on something you wish you had seen, but maybe you will experience something no-one else has. Get off the beaten track and see non-touristy aspects of each city. Spontaneity opens up a whole world of adventure as you’re not stuck to one plan and have the freedom to chop and change as you please. Heard about something great? Easy, factor it in and go for it.

Having a rough outline of days and cities helps to keep you on track without the monotony of checking things off one by one. For the last part of my trip, there was no plans only endless days that promised adventure. While in Croatia we heard fantastic stories about Montenegro, so we up and left Croatia and headed there to spend an awesome 5 days. It is to date, one of the best experiences we had.

Having no plans leaves you free to take each day as it comes. While in Berlin, we had a huge list of places we wanted to go and experiences we wanted to have. At the end of our stay we had a day of no plans. We chose to wander around the city, just walking and taking everything in. We ended up a festival with live music, 2 euro beer and 2 euro sausages. It was a truly awesome day.

26 fun facts about Australia

1. We invented the pavlova – a highly contested claim but I’m sticking with it. Marshmallowy base topped with whipped cream and fresh berries delicious!
2. The biggest property in Australia is the size of Belgium!
3. Australia was the second country in the world to allow women to vote.
4. Australia is very sparsely populated: The UK has 248.25 persons per square kilometre, while Australia has only 2.66 persons per square kilometre.
5. There were over one million feral camels in outback Australia, until the government launched the $19m Feral Camel Management Program, which aims to keep the pest problem under control.
6. Australia is home to the longest fence in the world. It is 5,614 km long, and was originally built to keep dingoes away from fertile land.
7. Australia was one of the founding members of the United Nations.
8. Before the arrival of humans, Australia was home to megafauna: three metre tall kangaroos, seven metre long goannas, horse-sized ducks, and a marsupial lion the size of a leopard.
9. The Great Barrier Reef is the planet’s largest living structure.
10. Before 1902, it was illegal to swim at the beach during the day.
11. The average Aussie drinks 96 litres of beer per year.
12. If all the sails of the Opera House roof were combined, they would create a perfect sphere.
13. The wine cask (goon sack) is an Australian invention.
14. The closest American state in population is New York, which has 19.6 million people, yet Australia is more than 53 times its size.
15. Australia is home to 10 of the world’s 15 most poisonous snakes as well as a disproportionate number of venomous spiders.
16. Australians developed a fake animal to scare tourists. The drop bear was purported by mainstream institutions including the Australian Museum to drop from trees and attack tourists. There is no drop bear.
17. Australia has more than 10,000 beaches.
18. World champion beer drinker for a prime minister.
19. 10,000 species of Australian spiders.
20. We have a bright pink lake in Perth called Lake Hillier.
21. Australia’s first police force was a band of 12 of the most well behaved Convicts.
22. Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards, and are on the Australian coat of arms for that reason.
23. Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world.
24. More than 80 percent of Australians live within 100 kilometres of the coast.
25. It has 16 world heritage listed sites.
26. Kangaroo meat can be purchased from the supermarket or butcher.

My 2016 dream list

It is true what they say, that the more you see the more you want to see. Suddenly one trip turns into a hunger for another three and you’re left trying to find time and money. If you’ve been thinking about a trip, take the plunge and go. Set yourself a goal, save some money and dedicate what time you can to experience a new culture and immerse yourself in a new place. Where I want to go this year is a loooong list, but topping them are:

1. Being a Sydney-sider I have always wanted to go to Melbourne and somehow never found the time. While it is not far and may not be a huge cultural difference being in the same country and all, it is still somewhere I have never been and therefore, different.
2. Hunter Valley. Again it’s somewhere ‘local’ being that it’s only 1-2 hours from where I live, but it’s known for its wine (and cheese) and a relaxing weekend spent overlooking grassy hills and listening to nothing but the wind sounds too good to pass up.
3. Mount Everest. After watching the film Everest, a small spark was ignited to see this immense and incredible piece of land. To be able to say I climbed to Base Camp and saw the majestic Everest will be an incredible adventure. Albeit exhausting.
4. Angkor Wat has been calling my name for what feels like months now. I want to wander through these temples and learn of the immense history and hear stories of others’ lives.

What are your travel goals this year?

8 ways to travel more

The start of a New Year brings new chances and new opportunities. A chance to re-do and start afresh. Stepping outside your regular life and seeing more of the world allows you to reboot, expand, grow and develop. Maybe it’s a two week vacation spent sipping cocktails poolside, maybe its trekking to Mt Everest Base camp or maybe this year you plan on eating French croissants, Italian pizza and chowing down on a currywurst in Germany. Either way there is plenty to see and do! Here are my seven tips to get you out and about:

1. Buy yourself a nice thermos mug and some homebrew coffee and stop buying coffee out. You’ll get the same kick and save yourself anywhere from $3-6 a day. Instead set up an automatic bank transfer from your normal account to a savings account and deposit this $6 in every day. After six months you’ll have $1,008. Enough for return flight to Asia from Sydney!
2. Enlist a friend or two! No better motivation than a friend who wants to do the same thing. Start talking, planning and booking.
3. Get outside more often. Travel doesn’t have to be thousands of kms away in a foreign place where you can’t even pronounce the name of the main city. Find some local waterfalls, hidden beaches and untrodden paths.
4. Just say yes. It seems so simple but sometimes you need someone to remind you to take the plunge. Maybe you’ve already done it, maybe your friend gave it a bad review or you’re feeling tired – ignore all that and just give it a go.
5. Do what you scares you. Maybe hurtling down a snow-covered field makes you nervous, or jumping out of a plane makes you turn and walk the other way – whatever it is, book it and don’t think about it again. It could be one of the greatest adventures you go on this year.
6. Create a budget. If money is always a concern, then create a budget. Yes it may be mundane and boring but once you see where your weekly pay goes, you’ll be more inclined to cut down and start saving. And once that savings account starts going up, you’ll be more motivated to plan a getaway.
7. Learn another language. It’s exciting and stimulating to be able to speak more than one language, and it also makes travelling a lot easier! It might make you feel comfortable when exploring South America, or ordering food in Indonesia.
8. Volunteer. Travelling and helping others? Yes please! You’ll walk away from this trip feeling inspired and good about yourself. And you’ve also seen another part of the world and been involved with new customs and new experiences. Winning!

 

Coping with the dormitory life

At first the sound of dorms may seem exciting: so many friends to meet and night-time adventures to be had. Then the reality sets in and it’s 3am and that guy in the bed opposite you is snoring like a train. You finally manage to fall asleep and then loud, very loud, alarms start going off. You check the time and it’s only 5am! Suddenly dorms are not so fun..

While there is no denying dorms can be awesome, I have met many friends and had some incredible adventures some of which are highlights of my trip from dorms, they can also be super annoying. So when you feel like chucking a tanty because you can’t sleep and someone smells bad or snoring like a train, try my tested tips to get you through.

1. Thick headband. I cannot sleep with ear-plugs in they drive me crazy! An alternative is to have a really thick headband you can wear to bed. It will help quiet any noise and is a lot more comfy!
2. Night masks. They may look stupid but when there are no curtains and the sun is up at 5am those extra few hours of sleep can make a difference to your day.
3. Take a bottom bunk. So much easier.
4. Make friends with your roomies. As soon as you walk in, say hello to people introduce yourself and strike up a conversation. Don’t be shy, everyone in hostels wants to make friends.
5. Go near the window. If it’s too cold, or too hot or the room smells funny, being near the window gives you control over it.
6. Put your alarm on half volume. No-one likes being woken up for nothing, if you need an alarm don’t put it as loud as it can be. You’ll wake up if it’s under your pillow.
7. Be as neat as possible! Keep your stuff packed away in a corner and small things on your bed – not the floor. It will encourage others to do the same and free up some room for people to walk around.
8. Find something good. Go searching, look around – you never know what you’ll find. Rooftops are always a good place to start, just because your room isn’t flash doesn’t mean the view won’t be. Make your own food and enjoy a rooftop picnic.

 

My worst hostel experience was in Bergen. The room was fine but two of the guests snored like crazy! One would breathe in as the other would breathe out and vice versa. I didn’t sleep a wink that night. It was like two trains rolling in simultaneously.

What are your tips to get you through crowded hostel dorms?