When I first decided to take advantage of the Australian Work and Holiday Visa (WHV), I didn’t have a solid plan. I was 26 years old and terrified. Go to…
That Pacific Islands Life: What All Wanderful Women Should Know Before Making the Trip
Ready for island living? Image courtesy of Morgan Pettersson. The Pacific Islands: coconuts, beaches, hammocks — the ideal life Yet, do not be deceived by the picture-perfect-postcard ideal lifestyle. Life on a small…
6 Things Melbourne Does Really Well
Breakfast, anyone? Image by Samantha Marangell. It would be an under-exaggeration to say that I’ve fallen for Melbourne. After years of floating from semi-permanent setup to semi-permanent setup, I was…
Coconuts, Banana Boats, Everyday Life: A Go Girl’s Typical Week in the Solomon Islands
For the last seven months I have been living and working in the Solomon Islands as an Australian Volunteer for International Development. Think the Aussie version of Peace Corps. I…
How Do We Save the Turtles? Discovering Conservation Efforts in the Remote Solomon Islands
Where the turtles lay their eggs. Image by Morgan Pettersson. For me travel is about exploring new worlds and getting up close and personal with some of the most untouched wilderness…
Are You Cut Out for the Party Hostel? 5 Ways to Tell
Are you ready to get rowdy? Image by Flickr user Mircea. I’ve never taken a Buzzfeed quiz called “Which hostel are you?” But if I did, I’m certain of my result….
Australian Camping with a Chance of Spiders
Callie in front of the Kata Tjuta, a rock formation near Uluru. After spending two months in New Zealand, I (unfortunately!) only had time for a quick two weeks in…
A Walk on the Wild Side in New Zealand
New Zealand often lives in the shadow of Australia, but it is a must-see country for trekkers, backpackers, and urban lovers alike. It is also an amazingly diverse country that…
Getting Off the Beaten Path on a Tasmanian Road Trip
Photo credit: Stefano Lubiana Wines From the offbeat scenery of the Outback to the surfer’s paradise of the Great Ocean Road, Australia is well known for its epic road trips….
Finding Love, Down Under
There’s just something about an accent that can make women swoon, especially an Australian one. For some unexplainable reason, a person’s attractiveness increases significantly when you hear their lovely voice….
Sammy in Sydney: Week 2 Musings on Kangaroos, Espresso, and Beautiful Views
Samantha took in the breathtaking view of Sydney’s harbor from Taronga Zoo. After a surprising and enjoyable first week in Sydney, here are my top thoughts from Week Number Two:…
Jet Lag Makes for a Great Skydive!
Australia. After deciding on a very short notice trip to the large island, I got on a plan from Doha and started my, almost, 17 hour journey. To date this…
Sammy in Sydney: Top 10 Thoughts After 1 Week
Follow Samantha through the decorated streets of Sydney! The Newtown area is particularly special. After spending my first week in Sydney, here are my top ten thoughts: 1. Sydney is…
Let me take you to…Bundaberg, Australia
You might just be passing through Bundaberg, in Queensland, Australia, but you should really consider stopping for a while. Photo from http://cloud.pleasetakemeto.com. It’s a funny kind of place, Bundaberg; occasionally pretty,…
Let me take you to…New Zealand, the South Island
Having taken you on a whistlestop tour of the North Island, now it’s the South Island’s turn, so settle back and let me take you on a chilly but invigorating…