Traveller Stories

Quirky Australia Events

Australians don’t always take their sport seriously - we look at some of Australia's craziest sports...

See Sydney Beyond the Wharf

Find out how to get a ferry good view of the harbour city without breaking the bank.

Stunning Straddie

Corina Adams reveals one of Queensland’s less well known island paradises.

Oceans To Outback - 6 Stops You Can't Miss

From Adelaide to Darwin, experience the best SA and NT hotspots.

Newcastle Pride

From pristine beaches to hipster bars, it only took Kirra Loh a few trips around the globe to discover her hometown, Newcastle.

Introducing Tasmania

Australia's island wilderness, rich in history and beauty has a few dirty secrets you wouldn't believe...

Introducing South Australia

Discovering South Australia is all about indulgent contrasts: rich wine regions, long sandy white beaches and great festivals.

Training It

There are few more memorable ways to travel in tropical Queensland than by train, writes Ben Groundwater.

Great Australian Walks

From short strolls to hard core hikes, make these YHA hostels a base for your exploration.

New Zealand’s Foodie Revolution

With notepads and cameras in hand, the Neat Places team dispatches to Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch with one single mission: to suss out all the best neat places.

From Beach To Bay - Abel Tasman Track

Nature awaits adventurers on the Abel Tasman track in new Zealand. By John Maddock

Extreme To Serene - Wollongong

Find out how New South Wales's third largest city is keeping adventure seekers busy from 14,000ft to sea-level.

London On A Budget

London sucks you in – whether you go there for a couple of days or a year. By Janet McGarry

Guangzhou

The secrets out, we reveal why tourists are flocking to China's third largest city, Guangzhou...

Argentina Uncovered

Sprawling between the Andes and the South Atlantic, Argentina is home to more than sexy soccer players. Lucy E. Cousins ventured into its furthest reaches.

USA by Train

Discover how to make tracks across seven US states in only fifty-three hours.

Stopover - San Francisco

Few places in the world are as famous as the Golden Gate, but San Francisco offers much more than just a shiny bridge, says Janet McGarry.

Twenty-one free things to do in Brisbane

Visiting Bris Vegas? You won't break the bank by ticking off these free activities.

48 Hours in the Blue Mountains

It’s easy to consider Katoomba just a day trip from Sydney – but this is what you’re missing if you don’t spend the night in the Blue Mountains, writes Tom Smith.

10 Essential Australian Outback Experiences

World nomads travel writing scholarship winner, Nainaa Rajpaal, shares 10 outback experiences you must tick off your Aussie bucketlist.

Surfing the Gold Coast

Out of his comfort zone, Leigh Reading discovered surfing and more on the Gold Coast.

Wonder-full Oz

Do you like secrets? We reveal five of Australia's most unbelievable wonders, that are too good to miss…

New Zealand's Northern Exposure

100 ways of chucking yourself into, off and under things - the 'other' New Zealand island is anything but dull.

Mt Cook On Ice

Treading warily over the swing bridge – the first of many – it becomes clear to David Whitley just how special Aoraki Mt Cook National Park really is.

Fiji For Backpackers

Fiji isn't just for couples. Find out what one single (and ready to mingle) backpacker discovered in Fiji. By Ben Groundwater

Chasing the Sun

Chase the rising sun amongst some of Australia’s most breathtaking surroundings.

Bush or Beach

Mid-year breaks can recharge and reinvigorate. Deborah Dickson-Smith looks at two of the best in New South Wales.

Adelaide Like A Local

Discover from a local how best to spend your time in the 'Festival City'.

Wonderful Wales

Steve Mckenna explores a land of castles, coastline and countryside.

Zurich On A Budget

Don't throw your money away! Here are Ewen Bell's cheap tricks for budget travel in Zurich.

After Dark Australia

The most enjoyable experiences in Australia happen at night. Discover the most thrilling nocturnal adventures on offer. By David Whitley

Brisbane Life on the Bright Side

Find out what the sizzling city of Brisbane did to change it's country town image. By Annabel Ausmas.

Call Of The Mild

No-thrills Queenstown didn’t get David Whitely’s heart racing – and he was okay with that.

Berlin - Capital Of Cool

With a vibrant underground music scene, countless hipster clubs, and an image that's so cool - it's easy to get lost in berlin. By Kristy Barratt

Europe's Street Art

Steve McKenna discovers that there’s a wealth of art to be seen on the street.

Head North

Getting out of London and heading north, writes Steve McKenna, opens up a feast of culture in three rejuvenated British metropolises.

48 Hours in Melbourne

Planning a whirlwind weekend escape? Tom Smith discovers how to make the most of two days in Melbourne.

Hong Kong's Hidden Gems

Whether it’s on a brief stopover, or a trip in itself, Hong Kong offers lots to entice the budget traveller.

Stopover - Abu Dhabi

You don’t need to be travelling on a Sheikh’s allowance to make the most of a stopover in Abu Dhabi.

Five epic Aussie road trips

Save some serious coin on your next All Aussie Adventure by picking up one of YHA’s flexible prepaid accommodation vouchers, called ePacks.

Australia's Best Animal Encounters

You'll be surprised by these unique wildlife experience, just outside the hostel door...

Rio de Janeiro

Steve McKenna heads to Brazil's 'Marvellous City'.

Crossing Canada

There are 8351 kilometres of Canadian adventures on the train tracks from Vancouver to Halifax. By Mike Laanela

Stopover - Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaii is an adventurer's hotspot with hiking, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking and mountain biking, writes Lisa Kadane.

Live. Love. Melbourne

Found out what is happening and where to go in the happening suburbs of Melbourne.

Introducing Victoria

From surf beaches and national parks, to wineries and rainforests, Victoria is the best of Australia in one gorgeous state.

Great Southern Land

Pack the car - Southwest WA is calling for a road trip! By Steve McKenna

Wellington Weekender

Cafés, cable cars, culture and clubs, are just a taste of the kiwi capital.

Movie Magic In NZ

James Draven discovers no trip to New Zealand's north island would be complete without these lord of the rings experiences.

Broome Time

Broome is the gateway to the Kimberleys and a renowned destination for rest and relaxation.

Adelaide - Cool Capital

The people of Adelaide have been keeping a little secret all to themselves, but what is it?

Iceland - The Land Of Ice And Fire

Detached from mainland europe - marooned in the north atlantic, a three-hour flight from london - iceland requires that little bit of extra effort (and money) to visit. But it's so worth it, writes steve mckenna.

Brisbane Like A Local

With a sub-tropical climate, friendly atmosphere and vibrant outdoor spaces it’s no wonder the locals stay out late.

Three Cities, 10 Days

Read on for a 10-Day Itinerary covering three of Australia’s capital cities — Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. With a mix of trendy city vibes, gorgeous coastlines and unique island experiences, you’ll never have a more action-packed week and a half!

Backpacking Bolivia

Discover beautiful Bolivia for backpackers as Emma Wheaton did!

The Three Faces of South America

Discover the diversity of this incredible continent and why South America is on the top of everyone's list.

Chill out in Canada

Long a magnet for Antipodeans, Shaney Hudson discovered why Canada is a great spot for an outdoor adventure as well as a working holiday.

Taste of Paradise

Cairns has never been more delicious, writes Sarah Blinco, as she explores a food trail around Tropical North Queensland.

Ports Ahoy

No less than six YHA hostels have port in their name.

Queensland's Northern Stars

Jo Stewart heads on a tropical road trip north of Cairns to visit Cape Tribulation and Port Douglas.

Spring Into Action

Sydney is more than just the icons; the city hums with music and food writes Rob Grant.

It's A Wild Thing

Kangaroo Island is South Australia's best kept secret - and you might find it a rather suprising.

Introducing Queensland

With endless days of sunshine, it’s no wonder Queenslanders are so friendly.

Conquering The Iconic Stuart Highway

Known to locals as "The Track", The Stuart Highway is one of Australia's major highways covering a distance of 2,834 kilometres.

What’s On In Thredbo This Winter

The village brings up its 60th anniversary in 2017 – and there’s a jam-packed calendar of activities to celebrate!

Urban Walks

Melanie Ball explores our great Australian cities by foot.

Wild Wheels

Some of us cycle for the love of hills and some of us cycle to avoid them. Nelson/tasman is the sunniest region of New Zealand's South island with excellent routes for everyone. By Ewen Bell

Snow Pilgramage

Brindi Joy gets bang for her ski holiday buck.

A New Christchurch

A new creative movement is reshaping the city just two years after Christchurch was hit by devastating earthquakes.

Live. Love. Auckland.

The neat places team dispatches to Auckland with a single-minded mission: to suss out the best neat places in the ‘burbs.

Dublin On A Budget

Find out what happens when an irish expat rediscovers her hometown and finds things have changed. By Janet Mcgarry

7 Music Festivals Worth Travelling Interstate For

Just because the party isn’t coming to you doesn’t mean you can’t go to the party! ~’Cause you know I’d walk (but probably drive) a thousand miles if I could just see Muse tonight~

Bangkok's River of Life

Bangkok engulfs but never sleeps - we discover how to find peace among all the energising excesses!

Mei Ho House, Hong Kong

Mei Ho House is more than just a museum. It’s also the newest and most central YHA hostel in Hong Kong.

One Night in Bangkok...

Whether you're after a stopover or a city break, Bangkok and Singapore are both full of enchanting possibilities. But if push comes to shove, which one should you choose? Well, that depends on your priorities . . .

Ten Of The Best Adventures In North Queensland

From Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation, rainforest to coral reef, crocodile to kangaroo - Queensland adventures await!

Worth its Salt

Bolivia may be South America’s ugly duckling but after touring the surreal Salar de Uyuni Alex Vivas thinks it’s well worth its salt.

Budget Big Apple

Follow our guide to bagging the best bargins and saving big in New York.

Stopover - Vancouver and Surrounds

Vancouver is an attractive, relaxed, postcard perfect entry point to western Canada.

101 Free Things To Do in Sydney

Visitors be warned: Sydney is not cheap! To help you save some dollarydoos, here are 101 free things to see and do while you're in town.

River Deep

In Australia there are more ways to get wet than there are days to do it...

Ranging Beyond Flinders

The Flinders Ranges are South Australia’s gateway to the Outback, and the ultimate country holiday destination...

Margaret River DIY

South of Perth in Western Australia, Chantae Reden discovered Margaret River was a region easily explored with just a bit of planning.

Noosa Love

Discover why the locals and visitors call Noosa ‘paradise’ with Jessica Jane Sammut.

Introducing Northern Territory

The Top End is home to natural attractions including Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge and Litchfield National Park.

Iconic Aussie Trips

On the Pacific Highway between Sydney and Byron Bay, start your trip with a crocodile pie.

Urban Cool - Melbourne

Find out why urban diva, Di Caught, ranks Melbourne as her favourite city.

West Is Best

David Whitley finds out that Perth has been reinvented.

History, Hippies And Hipsters In Hobart

Lured by history, wine and the promise of a good time, Di Caught discovers that she is not alone in Australia's southernmost city, Hobart, Tasmania.

Ten Of The Best Kiwi Adventures

New Zealand's South Island is bursting with adventures in Autumn.

Across The Ditch

Jessica Daviot shares her experience of landing the perfect job in the perfect town.

Adrenaline Junkie In NZ

Keen to base jump off New Zealand’s tallest building? Climb, leap and zipline underground? Tempt fate on an active volcano?

Go Victoria Go West

Melbourne might have next-level coffee, but there's much to discover by venturing west.

The Italian Job

Find out how to mix history, culture and pizza on a tight Italian budget. By Shaney Hudson

London Fiveways

Don't spend the "Big Bucks" seeing London with these five new budget tips

California Calling

Bypassing Los Angeles is a good idea when NorCal and SoCal have so much to offer.

A Town Called Alice

Find out which popular Alice Springs attraction Sir David Attenborough says cannot be matched.

15 Reasons Melbourne is the Coolest City

First of all, traveler, don’t pronounce the ‘r’ in Melbourne, or you’ll announce yourself as particularly un-hip.

The World's Greatest Trek

Discover why KoKoda, Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s most beautiful places.

Africa's Eden South Africa

Uncover the truth about one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions.

Cape Escape

Find out why South Africa’s Cape is perfect for an extended backpacking trip....

The Alternative North Coast

Funky country towns, secret swimming holes and a good dose of “Bohemia”: Serena Renner embarks on a summer road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay.

Traverse The Top End

Darwin and its natural surrounnds are too good to be true.

Go Canada

Discover why Canada has long been the destination of choice

Why Work in the USA?

Kirra Loh shares her travel tales and experiences as an Aussie expat living in New York City.

Taking It To The Extreme

Australia’s “other half” offers up some spectacular locations for a huge range of equally extreme sports.

Study Down Under

If you are a student struggling to stomach the cost of earning a university degree in the UK, why not study in Australia?

Melbourne Like A Local

The very best of Melbourne is accessible to everyone, writes Jo Stewart

Introducing New South Wales

In New South Wales you can learn to surf, ski, party and play.

The Six Best Places To Escape Winter

Shake off the winter blues by thawing out in these six sunny spots around Australia.

Vibrant Victoria

Victoria is a perfect location for nature, wildlife and discovery. Here are five places to head for a uniquely Victorian break. By Tim Richards

Whirlwind Whitsundays

Elinor Sheargold ticks off two bucket list items in two days.

Wild Australia

Check out these top Aussie wildlife encounters.

View From The Top

Megan Czisz scales Western Australia's highs and lows.

Winter Warmers - Get Centred

Carla Carouso feels the call of adventure in the Red Centre.

Winter In Australia

Welcome to winter in Australia, where you can ski the slopes in New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains one day, and snorkel the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef the next.

Te Anau

David Whitley discovers that Te Anau deserves more than a one night stand

Great Value Gold Coast

There’s so much more to the Goldie than skyscrapers and theme parks, as these five budget-friendly experiences reveal

Tiki Tour Time

Sharon Rahiri explores some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Māori cultural hotspots will take you off the beaten track.

Auckland Adventure

Perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Auckland is New Zealand’s 'Big Smoke'.

Fremantle

Alecia Hancock experiences the unique new Fremantle Prison YHA

Brisbane is Boss

A born and bred Brisbanite tells us why this city rocks...

8 Islands Your Boss Will Hate

Dreaming about island holidays at work? Stop dreaming and start packing your escape to paradise.

Portland, Oregon

Louise Goldsbury takes to the weird side in Portland.

Bus Europe

Four wheels went missing on a coach trip from Paris to Berlin. By Travis Lewis

Be Consumed by the Barossa

Discover why food lovers from around the world are heading to the Barossa Valley, and lining up for seconds. By Mary Louise Limbrey

Brisbane by Night

Brisbane shouldn't be overlooked on the Aussie travel trail, writes Emily McAuliffe, as its concealed bars are hot to trot.

50 Free Things To Do in Melbourne

For all you backpacking bargain hunters out there, exploring wonderful Melbourne doesn't have to hurt the hip pocket. Here are 50 free things to see and do while you're in town.

New York, New York

Krispy Kreme donuts, yellow cabs and Starbucks coffee will forever be a part of New York.

Rocky Mountain High

Straddling the Continental Divide, the Canadian Rockies are stunning and majestic, awe inspiring and just plain gorgeous.

In the Heart of Oz

Ted Rose finds plenty to do in the middle of nowhere.

Hobart: Sensory Overload

Hobart’s illustrious past and creative present combine to stimulate the senses of the curious visitor, writes Rob Grant.

Enjoying The South Island Spirit

New Zealand’s South Island never fails to inspire travellers from around the world...

Darwin: Full of Surprises

Emma Wheaton discovers Australia’s Top End capital, Darwin, is a surprisingly vibrant tropical city.

Ole Spain

Tapas, tango, art and architecture are all part of Spain's undeniable appeal. By Shaney Hudson

Paris On A Budget

A confession at the outset – paris is my favourite city writes janet mcgarry.

Malaysia

Malaysia offers more than you expect.

Trek The Coast To Coast Trail UK

It’s rumoured Royal Marines do it in six days - but is there a short cut? By Alex Vivas

Stopover

Standing still on a Hong Kong footpath, is a matter of strategic planning but a stop-over like none other.

Holy Cow

Warning: The Indian capital, New Delhi, may cause culture shock.

Seoul

In Seoul, South Korea, the language barrier really kicks in when your clothes come off...

Stopover - Bangkok

Find out why travellers are cutting their time short in London and Paris to hang out longer in Bangkok.

Stopover - Doha, Qatar

A stopover in Doha will bring you into an unexpected world full of culture, exotic sights - and the best shopping in the world.

Roadtripping Sydney To Cairns

The ultimate Aussie road trip! Explore one of Australia’s great driving routes.

Sydney Like A Local

Mary-Louise Limbrey shares insider tips on Sydney's favourite spots.

Sydney's Rocks District on the Cheap

The Harbour City doesn't have to hammer your wallet.

Pacific Mountains Canada

Getting swept up in Canada’s beautiful Vancouver Island is easy. By Janet McGarry

The 10 Most Instagrammed Places In Australia

Which holiday hotspots are snap-happy Instagrammers hashtagging most?

Ten things you need in your backpack when you hit the great outdoors

Walking shoes – check. Camera – check. Sense of adventure – check. Now what? These are the 10 essentials every backpacker needs in their bag when they get back to nature.

Perth Perfect

It may be a city on the edge of a desert, but Perth offers the perfect urban experience – most of it outdoors. By Sue White

Sun, Sea, Sail

Sailing the Queensland coast's classic sail routes offers a unique travel experience not to be missed.

Introducing Western Australia

Before you visit Western Australia, there is something you should know...

West Coast Eats - Southwest WA

Take your tastebuds to Western Australia’s Southwest and discover a hotspot for indulgence seekers on a budget.

Go Hard or Go Home

Discover why Far North Queensland is Australia’s 'Adventure Capital'.

New Zealand's Hottest Spots

Geographically, New Zealand is young, but Shaney Hudson discovers an old fire burns in her belly, bubbling up from the earth’s core and creating an intricate network of impressive thermal attractions.