Previous Blog Posts

These are the two latest Blog Posts I have written. Mostly about traveling because that is the niche I like the most.

How I traveled through Australia and New Zealand with limited cash

It’s no secret that everybody has dreamt of traveling the world. For me, it has been a life goal to travel and see as much as possible. So, I did in 2019, packed my bags and left. Not knowing all the problems and difficult situations I would get myself into. Whether you want to travel for a couple of weeks, stay away for years or are just looking for some more information, here are 3 super-saving tips for traveling on a budget.

1. Hotel, Hostels or Campground

Here is the hard truth. As a kid I love fancy hotels with swimming pools and an amazing breakfast. But if you are traveling on a budget this is not an option. Backpacker hostels can be cheap but you will be sharing a room with 4-8 other people. So, if you want some more privacy, you can travel around in a campervan or car with a tent. Campgrounds have powered and unpowered sites which are often a very good price. If you are comfortable with not showering for a couple of days you can also look for free campsites. They are in the most amazing places, I often call them hidden gems.

2. Going out for dinner

Food is one of the most expensive things here in Australia and New Zealand. Going out for dinner, and no I don’t mean Fast Food, will cost you. A better option is just cooking for yourself. However, when doing groceries, you should pay attention to what you buy. Go with the seasons of the fruit and veggies, this will save you a lot of money.

3. Socializing with the locals

It’s not always easy to travel with limited resources. I had to eat instant noodles for a week because I miscalculated, and missed out on some cool places, but in the end, I learned from it. Now I am a fully organized nomad, who knows what she is doing and travels on a budget. And let me tell you, it’s possible for everybody!

Everywhere you go there are folders and pictures of the leading companies with their cruises, tours, and experiences. Of course, this is fun. Who wouldn’t want to do the super scary swing in Queenstown (not me)? Those activities are often very expensive. If you really want to see the country and find out about secret little spots: ask the locals!! They know about the best places, which are often accessible via car and walking. Best thing about this? It’s FREE! And locals love to brag about their beautiful country.

This one is for the active outdoor people

One of the best film locations in the entire world: New Zealand. There is a reason for that. This country is absolutely stunning. It has everything you are looking for: big waterfalls, huge mountains and more lakes than you can imagine. Especially if you are an outdoor person, you will feel right at home in Queenstown. Adventure capital of the world.

Whether you want to go on a short hike, do a hiking trail for days or bungee jump, everything is possible. To cover everything in one article is impossible so I will tell you more about my personal 3 Must Sees in Queenstown.

Ben Lomond is 1748m high and has an elevation of 1438m. To get to the start of the walk you need to take the Gondola. It’s a challenging walk and not for the faint-hearted. The first part up to the saddle takes about 1.5-2 hours. After that, the real struggle starts the way to the summit. Be careful, especially in the winter, snow can be up to your knees when you are going to the summit. Make sure you have enough clothes/layers with you. And if you are really going to the summit, you need some ice gear.

2. Queenstown Hill

Hill…yes, they call it a hill. For me as a Dutchie it’s a mountain. The whole walk takes 2-3 hours, it has a steep part in the beginning but after that, it’s not too bad. You can use Queenstown hill as a training for Ben Lomond.

3. Moke Lake

This is a special and beautiful lake that is hidden in the mountains. The drive from Queenstown to Moke Lake is only around 30 minutes. In the winter you might need a 4WD to get there so check the road conditions before driving to Moke Lake. The loop track around the lake takes 2-3 hours and only has two steeper parts. Great for a casual walk.

As I said before, Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world so there is so much more to do than this, but this is a good start. Have a chat with some of the locals and they will tell you about all the other amazing places. Have fun exploring Queenstown!