Stopping over in Sydney

ydney is by far one of the most iconic cities in the world. Sun and surf, sophisticated shopping and stunning beaches; however long you spend in Sydney, chances are that you’ll wish you’d stayed longer - it’s just that kind of place. Pretentious meets casual in this uber-cool metropolis where there is always something shiny and sparkly to chase. If you can possibly spare it, this fantastic city deserves at least a few days of your time and if you plan to incorporate nearby attractions like the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley extend your stay to at least a week or so. Here’s our guide to stopping over in Sydney…

When to go

Temperatures are mild to hot throughout the year with damp winters and hot, sunny summers. The summer months (November – March) are the best times to visit.

Getting around

Sydney Airport is about 6 miles (9km) south of the city centre with well-connected transport options. The Airport Rail Link service connects the airport to the city centre, as well as buses, taxi cabs and shared shuttle buses which offer a reliable door- to- door service – we can arrange your transfers alongside your flights if you would prefer. Traffic congestion can be an issue in this city so avoid hiring a car and use metered taxi rides or public transport where possible. Trains, ferries, trams and the monorail loop make for a variety of pleasurable and interesting ways see this spread-out city.

Where to stay

Most of the recognisable international chains tend to be located in Circular Quay and The Rocks in the city centre and these mostly cater for business and mid-high end travellers. There is a handful of centrally-located cheaper options available – including the Wake Up! Sydney Central backpackers hostel – and you should check out Kings Cross and Glebe as places to stay that will save your dollars. Everywhere is easily accessible by public transport, so you can choose an option to suit your budget, and whether you are looking for cheap backpackers, self-catering apartment or a luxury hotel, there are accommodation options in Sydney to suit every style and budget.

What to see and do – our favourite picks!

Royal Botanic Gardens If there are botanic gardens anywhere in the world with a better setting than Sydney’s, we are yet to find them! These beautiful, two hundred year old gardens are right in the centre of the city and run along the edge of the waterfront on Farm Cove. One minute you’re admiring the outstanding collection of native and foreign horticulture, the next you’re gazing over the majesty of Sydney Harbour in all its glory, Opera House and all.The gardens also host a huge variety of wildlife – keep your eyes peeled for creatures as diverse as Rainbow Lorikeets, Flying Foxes, Possums and Eastern Water Dragons.

Mrs Macquaries Point and Chair is one of the most famous photographic spots in Sydney with views across the Harbour to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Back in the 1820’s, Mrs Macquarie, the Governor’s wife, had the chair carved out of the rock so she could sit and watch the ships pass by.
Spit Bridge to Manly walk around the northern side of Sydney Harbour is a fantastic way to discover the different beaches, bays and bush land around the harbour, without spending a cent! This scenic walkway is in fact a series of short tracks of 1-2km, with the entire walk extending to just over 9km - an easy 3 to 4 hour stroll.

Coogee to Bondi 6km coastal walk. From the Botanic Gardens, stroll back to Circular Quay and jump on a bus, the journey takes around half hour. The walk from Coogee takes you north along the coastal path on waterside boardwalks and cliff top paths, with sensational views along the coastline, before arriving in Bondi.

Sunrise over Sydney harbour make an early start and find your way from your accommodation to Circular Quay, Sydney’s bustling port area. Grab a coffee and then hop on a ferry to the northern beach of Manly – ferries depart every half hour and the journey takes around 25 minutes. You should have plenty of space as you’re going against the commuter tide of workers travelling in to central Sydney from the northern beaches – not a bad commute! Assuming you made it up early enough, the close up views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the sun is rising over the Pacific Ocean make this a truly magical experience.

Wander around the historic Rocks the birth place of Sydney when it was a penal colony back in the late 18th Century. Today it’s an absorbing area to explore: a maze of cobbled lanes lined with historic landmarks, colonial buildings and lots of places to eat and drink.

Exploring further afield

The Blue Mountains is a 60-90 minute drive, ideal for a day trip. Head to this region of stunning natural beauty to witness the majestic rock formations named the Three Sisters and spot the eastern grey Kangaroos in their natural habitat. Take a 4WD tour through the mountains and visit Katoomba (home to the steepest passenger railway in the world!)
Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk is around 90 minutes south of Sydney in the Southern Highlands. This attraction literally takes going for a walk to new heights. A 500m walk in the treetop canopy ranging from 20m to 45m above the forest floor. The tower has 106 steps and opens to breath- taking views from the escarpment over the Illawarra
Glenworth Valley is around an hour’s drive north on the Central Coast. Home to Australia’s largest horse-riding and outdoor adventure centre, this is an adventure paradise set on more than 1200 hectares of pristine wilderness. Natural rock pools and ancient native rainforest make the perfect setting for abseiling, kayaking, fishing, laser skirmish, bushwalking, camping, and quad biking. Venture out this way if you want a break from the laid back beach days.
Hunter Valley is around two hours’ drive north of Sydney and is Australia’s oldest commercial wine producing district with over 7000 acres of vines. Rolling hills and valleys are dotted with wineries and villages which all offer sumptuous cuisine and award winning wines. Historic villages and magnificent waterways cross your path as you head to this region, making for a great trip to explore further afield.

Interested? How to include Sydney as a stopover

Sydney is a very popular stop on any round the world ticket, with plenty of opportunities to explore Australia further, with internal flights to Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane; an east-coast self-drive up to Cairns, campervan rental options from shoestring to deluxe RVs. The country really is easy to explore! If you’d like some more ideas about how to explore Sydney and wider Australia, and for ideas for tours and accommodation, give our experienced and friendly consultants us a call on 01273 320 580 or request a quote!

Some ideas for flight itineraries that include Sydney:

London - Dubai - Bangkok - Sydney - Johannesburg - London Flights from £1,125 pp including taxes
London - Tokyo // Osaka - Hong Kong - Sydney - Auckland - Noumea - Papeete - Los Angeles - London Flights from £1,695 pp including taxes

Summits for Softies: Add a challenge to your round the world trip

For those of us fortunate enough to embark on a round the world trip, it’s likely to become the single most exciting and intrepid thing we ever do. What better way to embrace this spirit of adventure than to take on new challenges whilst you’re away – pushing yourself to achieve things that you once thought impossible?
It’s hard to think of a greater sense of achievement than reaching the summit of a mountain. That feeling of elation and relief as you look down on the world far below, knowing that you have made it.However, if the idea of mountain climbing conjures up unwelcome images from ‘Touching the Void’, we’ve listed some mountains you can tackle with no climbing experience. You won’t need ropes, ice picks or oxygen tents - just a guide (in some cases), a good level of fitness, a sturdy pair of walking boots and a lot of will power! What’s more, they are all easy to include on a round the world ticket!Whilst these summits can’t really be considered a walk in the park, we’ll begin with the easiest and work our way up. Ready?

The Corcovado: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 710m

You might not know the name but you‘re sure to instantly recognise this iconic landmark. The granite peak of the Corcovado is best known for being home to the statue of Christ The Redeemer that watches over the city of Rio de Janeiro. There is a road and a tourist train to the top, but to get maximum enjoyment from the incredible views over the sprawling city, beaches, ocean and across to Sugarloaf Mountain, you’re best off hiking all the way to the summit and earning the views!Off the beaten track this is not, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself! However, as you mingle with the hordes at the top, at least you can feel smug in the knowledge that you’ve done it the hard way. The best part is that you can get the train or bus back down to Rio, making Corcovado an essential summit for softies.strong>We can also help you organise a tour in Brazil, like the 17 day Brazil and Argentina tour ‘In Search of Iguassu’.

Table Mountain: Cape Town, South Africa – 1,084m

Dominating the Cape Town skyline, the distinctively flat-topped Table Mountain is one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in the world. While it’s certainly an impressive sight to gaze up at from the city, if you want to see how the world looks from the top, it’s only a short hike away.There are an incredible number of different paths to the top (as many as 350!) and some are much easier than others. The path along Pletteklip Gorge, for example, is one of the most direct and straightforward. It should take between 2-3 hours depending on your level of fitness, and your efforts will be more than rewarded once you take in the unforgettable views over Cape Town and out across the ocean from the summit. You can then hop on the cable car to take you back down to Cape Town to have a celebratory beer or two!

Mount Kinabalu: Borneo, Malaysia, 4,095m

The highest peak in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu is located within the beautiful Kinabalu National Park, a World Heritage Site in Borneo. This is the first of our ascents where altitude sickness could be an issue - if you start to feel at all unwell, descend slowly.The climb begins from the park headquarters (1800m), taking you up to Laban Rata (3273m) metres for your overnight stop, before attempting the summit early the next morning. Whilst the trek up to Laban Rata is not technically difficult, the steps carved into the mountainside are steep and so relentless that, unless you’re super fit, you’re likely to feel the effects in your legs for several days after.It takes around 4-6 hours to reach your overnight lodge for the night, where you can relax on the terrace and soak up the panoramic views across Borneo. Be prepared for an early start the next morning for the steep scrabble to the top – high above the clouds, watching the first rays of sun cast a golden glow over the jagged mountain tops, is a worthy reward for making it to the summit. We can help you organise some amazing adventures in Borneo, like the 19 day G Adventures tour, ‘Borneo Encompassed’.

Jebel Toubkal: the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, 4,167m

Dominating the skyline of the exotic city of Marrakech, Jebel Toubkal is the highest mountain in the Atlas range. This challenge actually involves quite some effort just to reach the start of the climb. Your trek starts from the mountain village of Imlil - from there it’s a full day’s hike to the refuge where you overnight, before attempting the summit the next morning.As late in the year as May, you can be trudging through snow before you even reach the refuge; the best time to go is between June and September, otherwise you’re likely to need crampons and the whole thing just gets more technical, which is not what we are looking for here!The Refuge de Toubkal is the only place to stay and, while comfortable enough, sharing a dormitory with a dozen or so snoring strangers is unlikely to be the highlight of your trip. Get a head start by heading off early the next morning – it’s a genuine challenge to get to the top - a long, steep climb of almost 1000 metres.The sense of stillness and isolation that awaits you at the summit, not to mention the stunning vista across the Atlas Mountains and desert beyond, makes all the pain and struggle just melt away. We can find you a trekking trip into the Atlas Mountains as well as other tours in Morocco.

Mt Kilimanjaro: Tanzania (across the border from Kenya), 5,895m

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at almost 6000m - a dormant volcano that towers majestically over the plains of the Serengeti. It’s the highest walkable mountain in the world - and what a walk!It’s a real challenge, with your biggest potential obstacle being altitude sickness; to give yourself the best chance of avoiding this, the key is to take your time and ascend slowly. It takes most people 5-7 days, and there are a number of possible routes, the least difficult of which are the Rongai and Marangu.The sense of achievement on reaching the top, combined with the awe-inspiring vistas across the plains of Africa, make this an extraordinary, once in a lifetime experience. It’s a little disheartening when you realise that after several days climbing, it only takes one day to get back down, but that’s mountain climbing for you! We offer Kilimanjaro treks or combination tours of a Kilimanjaro climb with a Serengeti safari if you're interested in exploring Tanzania or Kenya.

Top tips for clever backpack packing

You've planned your destinations, booked your ticket and quit your job to set off on the adventure of a lifetime. As D-day approaches you start the task of whittling down your earthly belongings to fit into just one bag  - and one light enough for you to haul around over sandy beaches, ropey swing bridges and up hills.
Two words: pack wisely...
You’ve probably never needed to reduce your material possessions down to what you can carry (which can actually be liberating – but you don't want to be on the other side of the world finding you are missing essentials and have stocked up on useless items. So here's a guide to some of the things I have found invaluable over my 3 years of backpacking:

Bag choice

Firstly, unless you’re uniquely visiting big cities or setting sail on a cruise, I would strongly recommend a backpack over a suitcase. You'll need one with comfy straps (as I’m sure you will be lugging your bag around with sun-burnt back and shoulders at some point!). Next, choose one with a few compartments, so you can find your things without having to search through the whole bag. An invaluable feature I have found is having a backpack which fully folds open as opposed to just opening at the top. This lets you fish out the stuff at the bottom with ease and stops you needing to wear the same clothes day after day.
Top packing tip: roll your clothes instead of folding; saves space and easier to see everything.

Gadgets

Filter water bottle: I’ve recently discovered these and I believe every traveller should invest in one. Most countries you will visit will not have the infrastructure to recycle plastic water bottles and you don't want to be adding to a nation’s rubbish problem. These water bottles allow you to fill up from a tap and filter the water so you can drink away. You'll save money in the long run and can feel slightly smug about not getting through multiple plastic bottles a day.
Wind up or head Torch: I'm a fan of my wind up torch as it will never die, but a head torch is super handy for hands-free searching in the dark. If you find yourself in villages where the electricity is not on 24hrs a day – you can do a quick survey of the toilet before committing yourself in the darkness!
Bag lock: handy for an extra bit of security.
Universal adapter: essential for charging your gadgets en route – you can universal travel adaptors that convert every country to every country which save space.

Kindle/tablet vs book: I’ve not yet been converted to the Kindle or the idea of downloading books as I love the actual ‘feel’ of a book. Loads of travellers I meet swear by them because you can download countless good books and you're not limited to your luck in finding a gem of a book in the swap shops. The downside is being limited by battery life, and any gadget is an additional draw for would-be thieves especially, at the beach and on buses.
Underwater camera: these are great as they can survive the knocks and drops of travelling, they cope with sand well, can be dropped in water and they still work. Mine has allowed me to snap away whilst jumping off waterfalls, snorkelling, tubing, caving, sand boarding and skiing - capturing the most active moments of each trip.
Wireless radio iPod tuner/transmitter: an ideal gadget for campervan road trips in Australia, New Zealand and wherever you don't have good radio signal- they cost peanuts and allow you to broadcast your iPod tunes over short wave radio for the car stereo to pick up and play through the speaker system.
SD card reader: another small and ingenious gadgets for you to transfer your photos direct from your camera’s memory card to a computer (and you can get card readers for tablets now too). You can quickly back up your photographic memories and a card reader takes up less space than a big cable.
Travel towel: one to buy before you go. These are highly absorbent, lightweight and very compact. Just don't do like me and leave your in your hostel room in Singapore on your 2nd night of your round the world trip.

Silk sleeping bag liner these can be bought online and I have used mine loads. If you're on a budget you will surely come across many a suspect bed linen. You can lay this on top or get inside to avoid the dodgy stains. Being silk it will keep you cool. Last night I used mine as there were a few cockroaches running around my hut so I cocooned myself in mine to the jealousy of my travel partner

Clothes

As you are only taking a limited wardrobe here's a few things to consider: ditch the high heels, glitzy dresses and countless white clothes. You'll probably find that casual cotton clothes will be the most used. Having met girls on the road who have giant bags full of high heels and numerous pairs of shoes, they have all regretted it. White things will get dusty/sweaty and grubby so to avoid too many laundry runs have some other colours in your bag.
One thing I have fallen victim to, is packing too many items of the same colour (I am currently in Central America and have far too many turquoise green items; two pairs of green shorts, two green tops, green dresses etc so if I wear these items together I look like I am trying to camouflage!) I also have a tendency to pack lots of patterned/coloured clothes which don't go with my other patterned things, so take a bit of time to make sure you have items that go with lots of other clothes in your backpack and to avoid looking like a colour kaleidoscope.
Hiking boots/trainers if you are planning on doing a lot of treks, and are a serious hiker you may well want to take a pair of hiking boots. I personally have done many a hike in jungles with only a shoddy pair of converse. Apart from this a pair of sandals/flip flops will be essential, until you lose them on the beach one evening and you'll have to replace. On my first round the world trip I got through about 25 pairs of flip flops.
Swimwear will become your new best friend; you'll probably find you'll ditch wearing undies in favour of your cozzie. Also take note of where you're going especially when visiting cultures that are more modest in their dress code. You’ll often need to cover head, shoulders and knees when visiting religious temples so pack some clothes for these situations and be sure not to offend. You’ll inevitably buy new clothes on the road, so leave room for clothes and souvenirs!

Other necessary bits and bobs

Toiletries - you won't need as much as you think and shampoo, conditioner, after sun, sunscreen, shower gel, toothpaste can all be bought around the world and often more cheaply than at home. If you have a particular essential item, take it, but you will probably appreciate the ‘less is more’ idea. Tiger balm is a 'cure all' essential so be sure to pick some up in South East Asia if passing through.
Medicines – again, unless you take specific medication, the basics will do as pharmacies can be found the world over. Also the miming of ailments in a far flung pharmacy is part of the experience of travelling and leads to many a funny travel tale!
Games - these are 'non-essential' but in my mind are the things you regret culling from your back pack. Often games will intrigue locals, providing spontaneous moments teaching kids new games, making friends with other travellers and meeting other like-minded people. I always take my fire and practice Poi as I quickly get bored on beaches. Also my snorkel and mask are always with me, so I can check out the fish wherever I am. Other great games include: a deck of cards (ideal for delayed travel situations) travel chess, juggling balls, travel hula hoop, devil sticks, travel staff, Dice for Yahtzee etc.

Remember pack light, leave room for things you pick up along the way and enjoy the freedom of having only a few possessions. We don't need half the material objects we’re led to believe, so enjoy living with your life on your back! Above all don’t forget to take your sense of adventure!

How to make the most of a stopover in Dubai

This was my first visit to Dubai and I stayed for 5 days. When I arrived it was exactly as I expected; luxury everywhere, massive buildings, with the local culture and religion taking a somewhat a back seat.
If you have a short stay planned, here are some of the things I recommend in Dubai besides enjoying the heat, the comfort of your hotel and some pool-side drinks...

View from the 164th floor of the world’s tallest building

Get some perspective. For a great view, head up the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa early in the morning - you don’t need to pre-book your ticket, but it's cheaper if you do. It was really impressive to see the tallest building in the world (at 808m) – even though you can only go up as far as the 164th floor. Inside the lift you can only press two buttons; Floor 1 or Floor 164 nothing in between. At the top you can use a futurist camera to have a perfect view of the city and the views are impressive. Looking down, you'll realise that the other big buildings you thought were tall are actually so much smaller than this one!

Taking the desert by storm on a 4WD adventure

Try a trip out to the desert - like the 4 hour desert safari trip I tried. Our group was about 32 people riding 4x4 vehicles over the sand dunes which is a fun experience. We saw some wild camels and it really felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. The last part of the tour takes you to a place that’s a bit like a circus where you can get Henna tattoos, watch some dancing, visit some small shops or go to the bar. You can also try sand boarding (although the slopes are just 10 meters high!) – but it’s quite fun to try all the same!

From tropical to Arctic inside the Mall of the Emirates

Hit the mall. Dubai has lots of enormous shopping malls – it’s all about the shopping - and Mall of the Emirates is probably the best memory of my trip. I used to be a snowboarder for years and to find a place like this one is just amazing – the mall has an indoors ski slope! In the middle of the slope is a bar which you can reach by taking the chairlift – it’s excellent and it looks like you are in the mountain. The temperature is -3C inside, so the contrast of knowing it’s 41C outside is incredible. They offer everything you need to feel like you are on a real mountain - all riders will enjoy a visit to the Mall of the Emirates!

Where to stay in Dubai

Stay somewhere swanky. I had the opportunity to visit quite a few hotels in this trip:
For families, I definitely recommended Atlantis, the Palm. The prices are not bad and they do a package that includes everything you need. Low season (July & August) prices start from £220 a night for 2 adults and 2 Children (under 16), but the price can hike up to £600 the night at the highest point of the season (November through to April). The bedrooms are really spacious and the resort is really amazing with a big aquarium and massive water park.

For couples or Honeymooners, I would recommend the One & Only Royal Mirage. With its oriental design and dramatic architecture this hotel is a striking presence on the sea front!
For anyone visiting, I would recommend Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Residence, with a great location right on the beach but only a 5 minute walk from the metro station.
Finally I can also recommend Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, from under £100 per night this hotel is great value. Located on Sheikh Zayad Road, it has 3 restaurants and an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool as well as jacuzzi, steam room and sauna!

Cost of living

It’s quite hard to stay really cheaply in Dubai, so in all honesty it’s not a town for backpackers with a tiny budget. The hotels I saw on this trip were the more luxurious and expensive hotels, but they do often particularly great value for money if you visit out of season.

Cultural sensitivity

Dubai is mostly more about fashion than ‘dress code’. Out of respect for the Islamic culture, ladies need to be aware and dress sensitively (shoulders and knees covered) when outside of the resort, but inside the hotels, everyone is free to dress as they wish. You can’t drink alcohol outside of the hotel/resort (on the street) but you’ll never be outside anyway (it’s too hot!). You’re likely to spend your time indoors, and the bar is the only place you can buy alcohol. Be aware that during the Holy month of Ramadam it is illegal to be seen eating or drinking in public during daylight hours, so you will need to eat in your hotel, or after dark when the restaurants open again.

Top recommendations for Dubai

In terms of recommendations for visitors, it depends on your expectations, but I definitely recommend staying at a hotel with swimming pool. I’d also suggest a visit to The Mall of the Emirates and the Desert Safari trip. I think you need a minimum stay of 3 days to get a good view of Dubai, and you’ll definitely need a lot of water and sun cream!
For travelling around, you can assume that it's far to hot too walk any distance within the city, so always use the taxi for long distances. The prices are really cheap because the petrol is so cheap – it’s about £5 for 15 minutes’ drive. There is also an efficient Metro system.
I think Dubai is a great place to stay, but as it can be quite pricey. If you enjoy fashion, luxury and style it’s the place you’ll need to be. The price for one beer is almost £10 so be aware of how much you spend! The people are really friendly and it certainly has a respectable, cosmopolitan feel, which you’ll enjoy!

Stopping over in Istanbul

If you’re looking for a genuinely impressive city break stopover on your ticket – look no further than Istanbul. There's a huge array of photogenic tourist sights and mosques to visit, combined with cheap accommodation and food and easy transport - you can splurge at little cost which in my books makes an ideal city! You won’t regret the time spent exploring the quaint cobbled streets, water ways and rooftop bars of this unique European/Asian gateway city.

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The Europe-Asia gateway

As a city that straddles the Europe and Asia continental divide, divided by the Bosphorous Strait, I’ve always been fascinated with Istanbul. For years, I’ve been captivated by location shots popping up everywhere from the James Bond motorbike sequence on top of the Grand Bazaar, to the dreamy Chanel No. 5 ad with Audrey Tatou to the atmospheric cold war era settings in the film Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Add in Istanbul’s position as a stop on the luxurious Orient Express and it’s clear that this city has a very rich history and architecture worth exploring.
It’s a city divided and defined by its waterways, the Bosphorous Strait and the Golden Horn. One of Istanbul’s most attractive features is that the landscape rises steeply from the coast. Whilst this can make for some leg-aching hill climbs if you’re exploring on foot (be warned), it also means every hotel and bar of note has a rooftop bar with incredible views over the water – be it the Bosphorous Strait, the Golden Horn or the Sea of Marmara. I visited at the end of October 2013 when the weather was a warm and mild 18-20 degrees, perfect for sight seeing.

Where to stay and eat

Many tourists tend to stay in the Sultanahment area as this is home to most of the main sights. There is a good range of accommodation options for all budgets here and some good places to eat, including a traditional kebap place or café serving seriously tempting backlava on every corner. I stayed in the mid-range Ottoman Park Hotel in Sultanahmet (around £50/night inc breakfast and in-room wifi). Every morning we had our breakfast outside on the terrace overlooking the fishing boats in the Sea of Marmara, with a backdrop of the Blue Mosque. Defintiely the best views I’ve ever had from a hotel - priceless!
I found that I tended to head over the Galata bridge to find restaurants that were less touristy and I found plenty of great options here, from traditional kebaps, to sushi. If you’re more interested in shops than sights, you might want to stay on the northern side, around Galata.

Sultanahmet

The city’s main historic quarter is Sultanahmet, to the south of the Golden Horn. This is the place most tourists head to first. All the most notable tourist sites are here including the magnificent Blue Mosque, Haghia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
Entry to the Blue Mosque is free, but you will need to respect the worshippers, which means removing your shoes and women covering their heads. If you don’t bring a head scarf, they are provided free. Inside you’ll be blown away by the intricate and delicate blue tiling native to Islamic architecture and the peaceful, prayerful atmosphere.

Next stop, and almost next door is Haghia Sofia, a 1,500 year old construction that began life as a church, then became a mosque before ending up as a museum. Entry is around TL25  and worth the fee to see some of the religious frescoes and magnificent interior architecture.

Staying in Sultanahmet, you could visit the Basilica Cistern – an ancient underground reservoir built to serve water to one of the palaces. Wander the cool, eery and dimly lit caverns and check out the fantastic interior arches and brickwork construction whilst fish swim around the low level channels. Entry is TL10.

Once you’re done with the sights and need some retail therapy – head to the Grand Bazaar for traditional Turkish souvenirs (we bought slippers!) and cut price faux designer labels. The Mulberry handbag my friend bought has definitely out lived my £8 faux Converse trainers, but the haggling was fun! After you’ve got lost in the Grand Bazaar's alleyways, treat yourself to the incredibly moreish local baklava – a sweet treat flavoured with honey and pistachios, with a Turkish tea or coffee.
A must-try experience in Istanbul is to visit a Turkish Bath, the most famous are Çemberlitaş Hamami and Cağaloğlu Hamami. Men and women are segregated but this is not a place to linger if you’re bashful as you won’t be wearing much inside! With many others, you’ll lie on a massive, flat stone waiting for a staff member to wash and scrub you, before washing your hair. A vigorous and cleansing experience all round! Give it a go – at least you’ll be able to say you tried it!

Galata, Beyoğlu & Taksim Square

North of the Golden Horn you’ll find the main shopping district. A wander through the streets here takes you through the bo-ho district around Galata with coffee places, craft shops and jewellery. Further on, you’ll reach he main drag to Taksim Square, with the main high street shops. Taksim Square itself is worth a visit as the central hub of the city there’s always plenty going on.

What to do

Istanbul is incredibly easy to explore and it’s easy to pack a lot into a few days if you read up ahead. A brilliant way to see the city and get some photos of the skyline punctuated by mosques, is to take a Golden Horn Cruise. A cheap hop-on-hop-off ferry takes you up to Eyüp, where you can get a cable car up to the café for seriously awesome views over Istanbul and the waterways – this is a must do!
A second way to see the city is to take the Bosphorous Cruise (TL25). The ferry stops at various places en route, before you reach Anadolu Kavaği, with views towards the Black Sea. You can get great fresh fish here and the locals are so friendly – they let me grill my own mackerel! You’ll have magnificent shoreline views and the chance to peek into the Asian side, even if you don’t get as far as disembarking.

If you have more time, I would definitely recommend taking a ferry day trip to the tranquil, car-free Prince's Islands in the Sea of Marmara. A hidden gem – these islands have no cars, so you can get a guided tour by horse and trap or rent a bike (we did both cheaply). The islands are so peaceful to explore – they’re covered with pretty, clapboard villas and pine forests, with views towards the Asian coastline of the city – which seems to stretch for miles and miles.

How to get around

Getting around Istanbul is easy and extremely cheap and the transport systems are helpful well connected. You’ll arrive at one of the main airports – most likely the busy Ataturk International (European side). From here we can arrange a transfer, or you can get on the airport bus (TL35) or for a cheap and easy option, take the LRT and tram for TL1.40. You can buy a pre-paid travel card (like an Oyster card in London) which can be used on all the LRT routes, trams, funicular railway and many ferries – as a guide, about £20 got me through a serious amount of exploring on all forms of transport for 6 days!
A second airport, Sabiha Gokcen, is further out on the Asian side. This is less well served by public transport, so you’ll need to book a transfer or take a taxi into the city.
The tram routes take you all around Sultanahmet and over the bridge to Karakoy, the Galata tower and the shopping district of Beyglu, with local ferries (many included in the travel card) taking you up the Golden Horn or over to the Asian side.

Costs

Eating and drinking in Istanbul is very cheap. A traditional Turkish tea, served in a small glass cost TL1 (around 30p) as does a traditional Turkish coffee (served with the coffee grouts in – don’t stir it!). Western-style coffees like latte and cappuccino are more expensive at around TL6, but still cheap enough to warrant many a coffee pit-stop to admire the amazing views round each corner!

The Philippines: a beautiful country that needs tourist dollars now more than ever

As you’ll know, the Philippines recently experienced one of the worst super-typhoons ever, so some parts of the country have been totally ravaged.
In many areas however, Filipinos are reliant on tourism as their main source of income, so it's important that visitors keep visiting and support the country to help it get back to what it was as quickly as possible. Popular areas such as El Nido and Boracay have not even been affected, so it’s certainly ‘business as usual’ here.

Why include the Philippines in your trip?

The Philippines offer something for everyone. There's a multitude of activities beside lounging on the beach, including snorkelling, kite surfing, hiking, swimming with whale sharks, visiting desert islands, diving, monkey-spotting and even some great nightlife too!
It can be daunting to choose which of 7,000 islands to visit. I started my trip planning by reading travel websites like the Lonely Planet forums to help me narrow down the choices to a few spots, so now I'm well-equipped to help other people plan!

When to go

Despite the fact my partner and I both work in travel, we managed to book our trip for the peak monsoon season (June to November). ‘Are we mad?’ was our first thought… but then we figured that places would be quieter and we may get a few deals on hotels, so we went ahead anyway.
It did rain at some point every day but we also experienced beautiful sunshine everyday. The weather didn't ruin any of our day trips to stunning lagoons and snorkel spots and it actually added some comedy value whilst we were getting soaked on a boat in El Nido with a group of older Filipinos!
I would still advise you to visit during monsoon season, but be aware it will rain for a few intense showers during the day. The recent and ravaging Typhoon Haiyun was a super storm and the usual monsoons to hit the Philippines are nowhere near as strong so will not hinder your trip. However, if you're set on day-long sunshine - peak season is December to April when the weather is hot, hot, hot!

A suggested Philippines itinerary

I spent two weeks in Palawan travelling up from Puerto Princessa to Coron via El Nido with one night’s stay in Manila at the beginning and end. Ideally, if the Philippines is part of your round the world trip I’d suggest you spend three to four weeks so you can visit other areas like Cebu, Bohol and the beautiful Boracay.

Palawan

Palawan is considered the most beautiful place in the Philippines. One of the best things about Palawan is that you really are off the beaten track. There are no chain hotels so everywhere we stayed was very individual and quirky.
We stayed at a desert island resort called Majika Island which was simply stunning! It's a bungalow on the beach with its own boat which will take you out to snorkel at some of the famous ship wreck sights and fishing areas to dive or fish. You can't fail to feel relaxed after a few days in Palawan! 

El Nido

El Nido is a great party place and the Filipino speciality of brandy and lime cordial is not as bad as it sounds! The landscapes are really breath taking with limestone cliffs jutting out of the seascape and hidden lagoons all surrounded by lush forests.

Filipino hospitality

Having travelled extensively around South East Asia, I think the Philippines offers a totally different atmosphere and vibe. Filipino's are simply amazing - everyone we met was warm and friendly and they made a real effort to show off their beautiful country. They know it is the hidden gem of Asia!
We sampled lots of the local foods on this trip, including different fish and barbecued chicken. We also tried more local specialities such as balut (a boiled, fertilized egg!), a dish not for the faint-hearted!

How to get there and how to travel around

Flights between London and Manila start from as little as £520. Air Philippines has started a direct flight from London Gatwick, meaning a quick and convenient start to your trip.
Once you reach the Philippines, you can choose to fly out to different islands or (if you have more time and you’re after adventure), you could try the inter-island boats. Be aware that these boats tend to operate only sporadically in bad weather, but are an excellent way to get about, especially if you don’t have a fixed itinerary.
If you book far enough in advance, the flights can often be cheaper than the boats - I can help you book internal flights if you do decide you want to book ahead. We also offer this G Adventures trip around Palawan which would suit you well if you’re short of time, as it includes highlights like El Nido - I think it's good value for money.

Round the world flights that include the Philippines

The Philippines is becoming easier to access and can easily be worked into a bigger itinerary for a round the world trip. For example:
London - Singapore - Manila - Sydney overland Brisbane - Auckland - Rarotonga - LA - overland to - San Francisco - London Flights from £1,399 pp including taxes

A 9 day India experience in complete luxury

A few years ago I joined a luxury tour of Northern India with a company called On the Go Tours. Having previously visited India as a child on a 6 week trip, I was excited to return and see how much I remembered. I was also keen to experience India as part of an organised tour and see how it differed to travelling independently.
I think India tends to be a destination for travellers who’ve already conquered South East Asia and are feeling more confident using local transport in Asia. From my experience as a travel consultant, India tends to be a ‘Marmite’ destination – travellers either love it or hate it. But having experienced India both on a shoestring and now on a luxury budget, I believe that some proper planning and for some people, an organised tour can definitely make for the most enjoyable experience.

How to arrive in Style

You can fly direct from London Heathrow to Delhi in 8hrs 30 minutes. I flew Business Class with Jet Airways and was very impressed with their service. You’ll have a fully flat bed, delicious freshly cooked food and a wide selection of cocktails in the Skybar.
As a Business Class consultant, I’m used to comparing a wide variety of Business Class cabins for my clients and I often find Jet Airways a more economical alternative to the more well-known carriers. In fact, they are one of the few cabins to offer a fully flat bed on all international Business Class flights.

The tour itinerary

The tour itinerary I followed was similar to the 9 Day Taj Showcase itinerary, but it ended in Jodphur rather than Udaipur.
We began our tour in New Delhi and after exploring the Red Fort and the site of Gandhi’s cremation we took rickshaws through the streets of Old Delhi to a fantastic local restaurant recommended by our guide.

We then left Delhi in a private mini bus bound for Agra. The journey is an experience in itself; seeing whole families travelling on the back of mopeds, what looks to be the entire contents of a corner shop on the front of a push bike and local buses with passengers hanging onto the side of them. You’ll certainly feel grateful for the comparatively luxurious mode of transport you’re in!
The tour arrived in Agra at lunchtime, so we spent the afternoon visiting Agra Fort before heading to the Taj Mahal just in time for Sunset.

From Agra, we continued to Jaipur (the Pink City), where we stayed 2 nights in the beautiful Rambagh Palace, before heading onto Jodphur (the Blue City), before returning to Delhi.

Luxury accommodation: Taj Hotels

On a tour like this, all transfers are included but even being collected from the airport in an air conditioned car, you’ll find it doesn’t take long for Delhi to take hold of you. You’ll be whisked though the noise of car horns, the sight of cows walking freely down the main roads and rickshaws buzzing past you, before arriving in New Delhi for the first of the incredibly luxurious hotels on this trip.
The Taj collection features some of the most impressive hotels in India and many properties are converted palaces. I challenge you to feel anything other than regal as you sip your gin and tonic in the gardens watching peacocks nonchalantly stroll across immaculately manicured lawns!

Learning from your guide

Other than budget, a key difference between independent backpacking and travelling with a tour is the valuable knowledge you gain from your guide. Their personal insight ensures you make sense of what you see each day, and I know I left with a far superior understanding of Ghandi, the Taj Mahal and what it’s like to live in one of the fastest growing countries on the planet than I ever would have gained from swatting up from my guidebook.
Despite being with a group, we had plenty of free time to shop in local markets and pick up some clothes and gifts. One tip - be prepared to haggle for bargains. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, your guide will always help you get a bargain!

My personal highlights of India from this trip

The Taj Mahal features on many a travel ‘bucket list’ and it certainly didn’t disappoint me. Travelling with a tour means you’ll have entry tickets pre-booked for you, which means you can skip the big queues.
I would always recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset so you can see the colour of the marble changing with the position of the sun (makes for some truly spectacular photos!). It’s also far more comfortable visiting in the early morning or evening so you can stroll around the grounds in the cooler parts of the day.

I also enjoyed riding elephants up to the Amber Fort in Jaipur. Climbing up the side of the mountain on an elephant adorned with a beautiful headdress and visiting the Jantar Mantar observatory were memorable moments for me. We ended the day at the Umaid Bhawan Palace where Liz Hurley got married!

Visa and vaccinations you’ll need

Unlike most countries in Asia, India requires you to organise a visa in advance. Tour operators will give you in-depth guides on how best to apply and we can help you arrange the visa via our partnership with The VisaMachine.
You will also need a number of different vaccinations when travelling to India so you should always check with your GP who can advise you which vaccinations are required before you travel.