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.

Colour me happy at Brisbane’s Crystalbrook Vincent

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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...]

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

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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...]

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

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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...]

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

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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...]

Breaking down Tokyo one neighbourhood at a time

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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...]

Hello Southern Great Barrier Reef

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Brisbane to Yeppoon road trip: how to spend a perfect week exploring Queensland's Capricorn Coast With 300 kilometres of coastline, there are plenty of choices when it comes to exploring stretches of golden sand and coastal communities before arriving at the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef Almost half-way through 2020, with international … [Read more...]

Explore Iceland’s Dragon’s head and discover roads less travelled

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Rather than taking the Golden Circle Route and heading east from Keflavik Airport, the track chosen by the majority of the 2.2 million (plus) visitors to Iceland, dare to be different and drive northwest to explore the lesser-known and more remote Westfjords. The backstory to sharing this story: To skip the back story and go straight to the travel … [Read more...]

Blissed-out in Noosa

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With its laid-back lifestyle, sandy beaches, national parks, cosmopolitan cafes and a balmy Queensland climate conducive to all-year-round outdoor activities, Noosa holds loads of appeal. But with so many choices, where can you go to experience that blissed-out feeling? Firstly - I'll clarify what I mean by blissed-out - so you don't go thinking … [Read more...]