Travel Bug Within

A travel blog inspiring mid-life adventurers to chase their wanderlust and explore further

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Solo traveller exploring Dubai and Abu Dhabi

August 12, 2018 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

A pitstop in Abu Dhabi and Dubai The sparkling lights from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa dominates the view from my hotel window. I’m perched on the sofa in my 15th-floor room in the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai waiting for my large bath to fill. It’s been a hectic couple of days since my early morning arrival in Dubai … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Top Ten or Five, Single Mum Travel Tales, UAE, Why have me write for you? Tagged With: Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Solo female traveller in Abu Dhabi, travelling on your own in Dubai, what to see and do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Edinburgh culture, history and a shiny nosed dog

July 12, 2018 By Jennifer Johnston 2 Comments

Edinburgh what's not to love? As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh commands attention. But apart from being the country’s epi centre, Edinburgh exudes a distinctive charm that is difficult to resist. The compact layout of the city means it’s easy to get around and explore, even for someone like me with a hopeless sense of direction! I'd come … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Scotland, Single Mum Travel Tales Tagged With: Edinburgh, Edinburgh attractions, Edinburgh Scotland, Greyfriars Bobby, Top things to do in Edinburgh Scotland, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, Where to stay in Edinburgh

She’ll be right mate!

March 3, 2018 By Jennifer Johnston 2 Comments

The beginnings of an unlikely friendship Our friendship began on social media. The common link, we’re both writing colleagues in an Australian writer’s group and we met via a closed Facebook group. This link has resulted in an alliance across the oceans which will culminate in two strangers traveling together for the very first time! And I’m … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Single Mum Travel Tales, Walk In My Shoes, Why have me write for you? Tagged With: Travelling with a friend

Day Spa in Hoi An

November 12, 2017 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Relaxation and pamper in Hoi An Another favourite activity in Vietnam was the spa visits for massage, facials, pedicures, and manicures. Thanks to Rachel in our tour group, who did the research and initial test (after which she gave the thumbs up,) a number of us made appointments at *Palmarosa spa, located conveniently around the corner from our … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Single Mum Travel Tales, Vietnam Tagged With: Hoi An day spa, Palmarosa day spa in Hoi An, Palmarosa spa in Hoi An, Recommended spa in Hoi An, Review Palmarosa spa Hoi An Vietnam, where to get a massage in Hoi An Vietnam, where to relax and treat yourself in Hoi An

Naked communion – a divine onsen experience

June 23, 2017 By Jennifer Johnston 6 Comments

My first onsen experience Walking carefully along the snow-covered village street, I’m unable to look up and take in my new surroundings. The snow on the ground is thick and crunches underfoot. I'm aware discreet patches of ice wait for the unwary. I’m doing my best not to slip and fall. Usually a curious observer, today I’m cautiously following … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Japan, Single Mum Travel Tales, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre Tagged With: #NozawaOnsen, #seeJapan, #SkiJapan, destinationJapan, Japan, Japan insight, onsens in Nozawa, What to do in Nozawa

Sydney reveals its wow factor during Vivid

June 13, 2017 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

How to impress a teenager Teenagers these days are pretty hard to impress. With easy access to instant on-line entertainment and their inherent immediate gratification attitude, it’s difficult to know what (if anything) will “wow” them. How about Sydney during the Vivid Festival? Sydney’s 2017 Vivid festival is from May 26 – June 17.  Last … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Australia, Destinations, New South Wales, Single Mum Travel Tales, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre Tagged With: #DiscoverSydney, #Sydney, Attractions in Sydney, Family travel, Teenagers in Sydney, travel, Travel Sydney with kids, Vivid Festival 2017, What kids like to do in Sydney

When travelling Japan with teenagers be prepared for anything

February 7, 2017 By Jennifer Johnston 2 Comments

Expect the unexpected when travelling with teenagers The Japanese Shinkansen is fast. Also referred to as bullet trains (because of their sleek aerodynamic shape) Shinkansens are part of a high-speed passenger rail network traversing the Japanese countryside at lightning speed! On October 1st, 1964, just before the '64 Tokyo Olympics, the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Japan, Single Mum Travel Tales, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre Tagged With: #NozawaOnsen, #seeJapan, Family Holidays, Iiyama Station Negano Japan, Japan, Japan and experiences, Shinkansens in Japan, single mum travel tales, single mum travels with teenagers in Japan, travelling with teenagers in Japan, what to be careful of when travelling in Japan

Maui we’ll be back

March 14, 2015 By Jennifer Johnston 3 Comments

Mum and her three kids on their Maui adventure "You should try this Mum," came the challenging call from one of my kids. On Ka'anapali Beach near one of Maui's ritzy resort areas, my three kids had met up with some of their friends (also from Australia) for the popular activity known as jumping off Black Rock. Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock) is a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family, Hawaii, Single Mum Travel Tales, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre, Sunsets, USA Tagged With: #hawaii, #maui, Aloha Hawaii, Aston Ka'anapali Shores, Black Rock Ka'anapali Beach, Halakala National Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Single mom and kids in Maui, Things to see and do in Maui, Travelling with kids in Maui, where to stay in Maui

Hawaii is active boy’s heaven

August 4, 2014 By Jennifer Johnston 1 Comment

In Hawaii, friends, loved ones, or strangers are greeted with "Aloha" – which means with love. The legend among Hawaiian people, Duke Kahanamoku, is famous for preaching and spreading Hawaiian hospitality known as Aloha. However, at Maui Paintball, the Hawaiian locals, unfortunately for my kids, seemed to have forgotten their Aloha … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Hawaii, Single Mum Travel Tales, USA, Why have me write for you? Tagged With: #astonhotels, #hawaii, #katamaran, #maui, #paintball, #ziplininginhawaii, Action Activities in Hawaii, adventurous activities in Hawaii, Aston Ka'anapali Shores, Black Rock Ka'anapali Beach, Haleakala National Park ziplining adventure, jumping off Black Rock, Manu Kai Katamaran Waikiki Beach, Maui paintball, Skyline Eco Adventures, what to do with kids in Hawaii, where to stay in Maui

Fiji’s little circle of Paradise

August 1, 2014 By Jennifer Johnston 6 Comments

To share or not to share, that is the question. A few years ago, as I was searching through the many spectacular internet sites showcasing Fijian Island getaways, I discovered a tiny jewel in the Mamanuca group of Islands.  Following my third visit to this idyllic Fijian tropical isle, I considered NOT writing about my experience. I thought … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Fiji, Single Mum Travel Tales, Why have me write for you? Tagged With: #naviniisland, Discover Navini Island, Fiji, Fijian Islands, Kid friendly Fiji Island, Mamanuca Islands, nature, Navini Island, Navini Island Resort, outdoors, relax, Single mums who travel with kids, travel, vindy vindy, Where to go in Fiji, where to relax in Fiji

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