TRAVEL BUG WITHIN - Adventure, Road Trips, Travel Tips and Reviews

Travel writer Jennifer Johnston shares her travel experiences and tips inspiring midlife adventurers to explore further.

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Find comfort and glamour with a dash of Tassie dazzle at the Vibe Hotel Hobart

May 18, 2022 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Image o fthe interior of a hotel lobbt showing fancy gold lights and green velvet lounges

Hello Hobart There has been a significant passage of time between visits to Hobart. I really can’t say why I hadn’t returned to the capital of the apple isle since my 1982 Year 12 school excursion around Tasmania. And what about that picture taken on top of kunanyi / Mt Wellington?! What were we crazy high school girls trying to do to our … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Australia, Destinations, Tasmania

A touch of Swiss in the heart of Hobart

May 2, 2022 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Image of a bar with shelevs behind filled with liqueuer bottles cabinet

I came down for some of that fresh Tassie air in April last year (2021) in between COVID lockdowns. I basically never wanted to leave. I fell hard for Hobart.  A global pandemic and the inability to head overseas helped me rediscover a city blessed with water views on one side and a towering volcanic mountain peak on the other. Aside from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Tasmania

Stay in the world’s oldest inn where samurai warriors once bathed

March 17, 2022 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Image of the outside of a hotel lit up at night time

Japan’s culture is based on history, tradition and hospitality. The perfect combination of these three are found deep within the mountains of the Yamanashi Prefecture inside the walls of the world’s oldest inn I'm asked my name then directed to a pair of slippers with a tag printed: "Jennifer." As I remove my shoes and change into my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Japan

A great day to swim around Lord Howe Island

January 13, 2022 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

IMage taken underwater of a man swimmng wearing goggles and a young girl next to him also wearin goggles

With an infinite love of the ocean – meet Lynton Mortensen aka Sea Bull.  The first Australian and 12th person in the world to complete the Oceans Seven swims. And in 2021 when Covid prevented any international swims, Lynton decided to swim around Lord Howe Island. Not a walk in the park by any means. This was swimming 30+ kilometers for a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Australia, Destinations, New South Wales

Walk on kunanyi in Charles Darwin’s footsteps

January 8, 2022 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Image of a observation building on teh summit of a mountain

kunanyi (Mount Wellington) at 1271 meters towers above the city of Hobart, a magical backdrop seen from many vantage points below. As one of the city’s most iconic symbols, kunanyi should be on top of your list of places to visit when in Hobart. And if you take a guided tour as I did, you’ll not only see for yourself the stunning vista from the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Australia, Destinations, Tasmania Tagged With: Discover Tasmania, Kunyani

Colour me happy at Brisbane’s Crystalbrook Vincent

October 12, 2021 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Image of a City Cat Ferry passing under the Story Bridge in Brisbane

I’ve driven across it many times. I’ve climbed up and along its steely curved span, now I’m lying on my bed looking out towards the grand bridge’s large supporting pillars and underbelly.  What a fascinating angle of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge I’m enjoying from my corner room at the Crystalbrook Vincent Staycation Many a walk from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Australia, Destinations, Queensland

Christmas in July in Stanthorpe – where chilly temperatures and Santa jingles are not out of place

July 1, 2021 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Image of rows of Christmas tree on a farm

Just when you think you have discovered the hidden gems Stanthorpe has to offer - another visit reveals a few more local treats.  It helps to have your trip organised by someone who knows Stanthorpe like the back of her hand and can pick out some of the best assortments. Kind of like when you are given a box of Cadbury Favourites, you know … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Australia, Destinations, Queensland

Venture beyond Seattle’s city perimeter and you’ll discover where to ignite your Christmas spirit

June 29, 2021 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Bitumen road with snow on either side lead into a mountain pass

Where I live in Australia, heat and humidity are normal in the lead-up to Christmas. But in the year of 2019, I was after something different. So, I hatched an escape plan and flew to Seattle. My desire to experience winter in the Pacific Northwest and see real evergreen fir trees laden with fresh 'real' snow not fake firs coated with artificial … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, USA Tagged With: where to find the best Christmas town in America

Experience country hospitality in Marburg – one of the best day trips from Brisbane

June 16, 2021 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Image of two women each holding a champagne glass inside a tip suspended above the ground

Discover the historical town of Marburg I’m guilty of complacency. As Saturday rolls around I’m happy staying at home, reading the weekend newspapers and catching up on a few TV shows. I might potter around in the garden if the sun is shining. But staying home means I’m missing out on exploring fabulous sections of southeast Queensland. And … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Queensland

Breaking down Tokyo one neighbourhood at a time

March 17, 2021 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Images of rows and rows of white lanterns with blue Japanese symbols painted on the front

I was commissioned to write a story about a few of Tokyo's neighbourhoods for an airline magazine in anticipation of the 2020 Summer Olympics (also known as Tokyo 2020.) I filed the story exactly 12 months ago. Sadly, since Coronavirus curtailed international travel, the airline is no longer publishing a magazine. So I’ve decided to publish my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Japan Tagged With: Tokyo

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