So you’ve been invited to stay with someone while you travel, maybe a friend or acquaintance, maybe someone you met through couch surfing, or while on a tour. How can you make sure you’re the kind of guest they’re genuinely sorry to see leave instead of the one they can’t wait to see go? There are no guarantees things will go smoothly no matter what the circumstances, as people and personalities and customs vary so much....

About Melbourne, a friend said to me that Sydney is like a person who’s born beautiful, with it’s natural harbor and scenic attributes, and that Melbourne has had to create itself. And what a great job it’s done! My adventure in cosmopolitan Melbourne started as soon as I got off the tram at Clare’s adorable little apartment on Flinder’s Street, right in the heart of the city. (I met Clare on a tour to Uluru a few weeks before and she invited...

It’s not that far from capitol city Canberra, Australia, to the coast, and makes for a lovely 2 day getaway. With friends Amanda & Maurice, we popped our way in & out of shops in several quaint little Australian towns on our way to the coast at Wollongong. It’s fun to look, even thought I don’t have extra money to spend, space in my backpack, or a home to bring anything back to. But someday I may, and in the meantime,...

According to locals in Canberra, their city is not tops on the tourist route, but should be, as they have much to offer. It’s a beautiful city, originally planned out through a design competition, which was won by an architect from Chicago in the US! In the center a lovely lake meanders, providing a place to sail or sit and ponder, or walk, run or bike along it’s shore. Cultural opportunities abound. The National Gallery has a great...

…and bonus, Secret Sydney! You may have heard of Sydney’s famous Manly & Bondi beaches (pronounce it Bond-eye!) They live up to their reputations for scenic beauty & waves, and are a great place to people watch. Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. You’ll cruise right past the Opera House and get great views of the harbor. Once there, pass through the main street of surf shops & restaurants, pick up a new...