Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 102)
,
Where I Stayed – Bali Rani Kuta
As someone who has travelled extensively, there are a few things I look for in a hotel. Of course comfort and great service comes up high on the list, but also the location matters a lot to me. I prefer to be in a good location so that I can walk to a lot of places. This saves money on transport, but it also allows greater freedom – you can come and go as you please.
Bali Rani in Kuta has one of the best locations that I’ve ever stayed in – it’s literally right across the road from a large shopping centre, 2 minutes down the road from the biggest waterpark in Asia, Waterbom, and a minute’s walk to the beach. There’s great restaurants lining the street, a bunch of Minimarts and anything else you could need within a few minutes in any direction. This hotel seriously is the best location to stay in Kuta.
Bali Rani Kuta Review
When I first arrived at Bali Rani I was a little apprehensive: the hotel is on a main road, so I wondered if that might deter from the relaxing holiday experience we had planned. Nope. The foyer is grand, decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures. The staff greeted us with a smile and check-in was a breeze. Within moments I had forgotten the hotel was on a main road.
Walking towards our room, we saw a beautiful outdoor seating area surrounded by a lillypad pond, that was full of vibrant fish. There were lush trees all around and this hotel felt more like a nature reserve in parts than a hotel.
The room was well appointed and had ample space for suitcases, which is always appreciated when traveling as it prevents clutter in the room.
Please note the reason the bed is messy is because we immediately laid down on it – and then I realised I had to take a photo haha!
One of the things I noticed immediately about the Rani Bali was the clear eco-friendly intentions. This is a hotel that cares about the environment, while wanting to maintain a high level of service. The toilet was a modern bidet style toilet, there were little notes dotted across the room with suggestions on how to minimise the environmental impact of your stay, if you so wished. It was a really nice touch and I felt happy to be in a hotel that was concerned about the environment, too.
The room also featured a large flat screen TV, a mini bar which was quite reasonable priced, a sweet little balcony overlooking the pond, and aircon which was on when we arrived in the room – a nice touch.
There’s a large pool area by the cafe where the buffet breakfast is served. It was so relaxing down here that I came here to sunbathe and to work. The breakfast was a considerable spread that varied daily, so we were able to try a lot of new things.
This hotel is perfect for families wanting somewhere where they can unwind and relax, and for couples who want a private oasis moments from Kuta’s main attractions.
Have you ever been to Kuta, Bali? What did you think?
,
Top Things to do in Ubud
This was my third visit to Ubud and it’s easily one of my favourite places in Asia, despite not being close to a beach. There’s a soulful kind of feeling to Ubud and it’s easy to linger here, enjoying the friendly people, great food and beautiful scenery.
Ubud is one of those places where you go to be, rather than to jam pack your schedule filled with things. It is the perfect retreat after a long flight or a few too many Bitangs in Kuta.
I really enjoyed my time in Ubud and here’s my list of top things to do in Ubud:
Monkey Forest:
Monkey forest is a bit crazy… as the name suggests it’s a forest that’s completely overrun with monkeys. While it’s a great place to visit, it’s a bit chaotic. These monkeys are a bit aggressive, so I suggest you leave any food that you don’t want them to steal in your hotel. When I was just walking by Monkey Forest a few years ago, a monkey stole my croissant! It’s an amazing place to visit.
Go for a Swim:
Despite being a cooler part of Bali, Ubud still gets pretty hot. The best way to beat the heat? In a pool! Where we stayed in Ubud the Rijasa Agung had one of the nicest infinity pools I’ve ever seen, over looking the lush forest and some rice paddy fields. It was the perfect way to start each day and very relaxing. It was really nice to have a pool with such incredible views and felt very special.
Do Some Yoga:
There’s a large following of Yogis that flock to Ubud to perfect their practice and enjoy the relaxed vibe Ubud has to offer. There’s quite a few different places to try yoga, but the most popular seems to be Yoga Barn. It is a really beautiful setting and there are a range of classes so you can find something that suits your level.
Eat, Eat, Eat!
In my experience, Ubud has some of the best food on offer in Bali and also boosts some very competitive prices. While there I tried the most incredible Sushi at Torro Sushi. My other favourites are Clear Cafe which boasts a really beautiful setting and Soma. Both Clear Cafe and Soma offer vegetarian and raw options, if you’re looking to cleanse or detox.
Visit Some Rice Paddy Fields:
Although tourism has swept over the small island of Bali, there are still parts that are a testament to how things used to be. The rice paddy fields are quickly being replaced by villas and restaurants. In Ubud it is possible to wander down random streets and find yourself looking out to large rice paddy fields, but I don’t know how long this will remain true with the rapid development. We headed to Tegallalang rice terrace, which is absolutely stunning. It’s just slightly north of Ubud and definitely worth the visit.
As always, I loved my visit to Ubud and I am even tempted to return again while on this trip.
If you’ve been to Ubud before I’d love to hear what you really enjoyed, let me know in the comments below.
,
My Favourite Travel Photos
One of the best things about traveling is visiting new places and feeling inspired to take photos. As I have spent the past 1.5 years back home, I haven’t felt that inspired to take photos. While New Zealand is beautiful, my hometown was struck by a severe earthquake a few years ago and as such the city has not yet recovered – making it not very photogenic.
At the moment I have a new camera which I am still trying to learn – the Fuji x100s. I love looking throgh photos I have taken in the past as they often evoke the same memories I felt while taking them. One of the reasons I love Asia so much is that the locals are keen to interact with you. One day I would really like to get some of these photos printed and mount them in a frame (wholesaleposterframes.com have a great selection) so that I can have the photos on display around my home.
Without further ado, here are some of my favourite travel photos. You should let me know in the comments which one you prefer the most.
Cambodia:
This photo is special to me because it reminds me of the place I volunteered in Cambodia. I only went to visit for one day, hired a Tuk Tuk to take me, and on the way home it was raining and very windy. I saw this sunset out of the window of the Tuk Tuk and insisted the driver stop so I could take this photo.
Sapa, Vietnam:
I spent a few days trekking through Sapa and really fell in love with it. It’s so lush, relaxing and around every corner is a postcard picture. I really like this photo because of how the two local girls are interacting with the grass, while the tourists are just walking by.
Within Angkor Wat:
Who doesn’t love monkeys? It was so cute watching them open bananas. They actually open them from the opposite end to how most people do, which seems to be a lot easier. I love this photo because it’s so creamy in the background.
Phnom Penh:
Who could beat that lovely smile? Phnom Penh was the first place I visited in Cambodia and I really enjoyed it. This photo reminds me of my first day there, walking around, feeling a little lost and alone but loving it all the same. Phnom Penh is not a scary place – it’s a must-visit destination on any trip to Cambodia.
So there we have it, some of my favourite travel photos. What about you? Do you have any favourite travel photos. Link them to me in the comments below and I’ll check them out.
,
We’re Heading to France – And I Can’t Wait
At the moment we’re living the island life in Bali – first we spent 5 days relaxing in Ubud, before moving onto the busier, beachy area Kuta. We have a few more weeks in Bali before we head off to Singapore, Thailand and then eventually making our way to Paris. We’re meeting Ben’s family in the South of France, which is somewhere I’ve not explored before. I am really looking forward to it.
Originally we chose France as Ben was going to compete in the World Surf Championships, but due to injury that’s no longer the plan, but we’re still going to enjoy a holiday in France.
Here’s What We’re Planning to Do:
Lots of Beach Time:
I love the beach and while France might not be your first pick for a beach holiday, it has a lot to offer. The French Riveria looks stunning (I haven’t been yet, but have looked at a lot of pictures) and like a very romantic and relaxing place to unwind. From what I’ve read there are so many different types of beaches, from pebbles to sandy beaches, right through to beaches that are more geared towards watersports. I really want to visit the sandy beach of Villefranche which looks just gorgeous!
Lots of Cheese:
One thing that is kind of hard to deal with in Asia is the lack of good cheese. That might sound shallow, but I really love cheese and where better to indulge than France? Beyond the cheese, I’m looking forward to the quaint little bakeries with croissants and macarons. Of course cheap and delicious wine is also a pretty good draw card.
Indulging in History:
New Zealand is a relatively new country and while there are lots of benefits to that (it’s relatively clean, there’s a lot of space, low population size and so on – one thing we really miss out on back home is the history that many European countries have and France is no exception. One of my favourite places to explore are castles! There’s Castle Hill in Nice which has exceptional views of the coast and the city below. Ben’s never visited a Castle before, so I’m really looking forward to exploring Castle Hill with him.
Have you been to Nice before? Is there anything I should check out while we’re there? I’d love your advice!
,
When You Want Something Special: Rijasa Agung in Bali
Although this is my third trip to Bali, it was my partner, Ben’s, first trip. As such, I knew I had to make it special.
Bali has been a very important place to me during my travels, especially Ubud as it is where I went to relax after being attacked in Lombok. When searching for hotels I had a few boxes I wanted to check: somewhere comfortable, to deal with jet lag. Somewhere with a beautiful pool, to cool down from the heat. Somewhere that felt like a sanctuary, with beautiful views.
After much research, I narrowed down to Rijasa Agung, which is located just outside of Ubud – around 20 minutes drive away.
Rijasa Agung in Bali Review
Located a short drive from Ubud, Rijasa Agung is the perfect escape. Here you’ll find classically decorated rooms that feel a little more like a Parisian boutique hotel than something in Bali. The staff at reception made a conceded effort to learn and remember my name – a small touch that makes the Rijasa feel like a home away from home.
From the first moment I walked into my room, I was taken back. It was absolutely gorgeous. Look at that bed!
The real standout feature of this hotel is the view. It is absolutely lush, from my balcony I could see a beautiful river in the valley, the mountains in the background, as well as rice paddy fields. It was sensory overload and each time I looked out the window, I was blown away.
There’s also the pool, which is an infinity style pool overlooking the lush forest. This is by far one of the most spectacular pools I have ever seen.
The room I stayed in had an outdoor jacuzzi which was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in Ubud.
The Service at Rijasa Agung:
I found the staff to be friendly, helpful and keen to assist in any way possible. Because Rijasa Agung is a short drive outside of Ubud’s centre, each day we had to organise a shuttle service to and from Ubud. The staff at reception were always eager to ensure the transfers suited our schedule. At one point during our stay, we left tickets for a traditional show later that evening. We called Rijasa Agung and the receptionist went and looked for the tickets – now that’s what I call service.
During our stay we ate in the hotel’s restaurant and enjoyed a very delicious Balinese meal. The pricing was highly competitive and the portions were very generous. Daily, we enjoyed the hotel’s buffet breakfast which was a large spread of European and Asian cuisines.
In addition, my partner and I both enjoyed a Traditional Balinese Massage in the spa room at Rijsasa Agung, which was one of the best massages I have ever had. In true Rijasa Agung style, the view was a focal point of the massage with the doors open in the spa leading out to the lush surroundings. During my massage I could hear the river below, which was very relaxing. My partner enjoyed his massage so much, that he booked another for later that evening.
The Rooms at Rijasa Agung:
The suite we stayed in was a lot larger than I expected, there was more than enough room for two people to spread out and feel like we had our own distinctive space. The bathroom was well appointed and modern, with a large shower and bathtub. With the breathtaking views just outside the large sliding doors, I felt like my suite was the perfect oasis.
There are standard rooms, suites and also private villas with their own pools. We enjoyed staying in the suite which included the outdoor jacuzzi which was a highlight of our trip.
Bare in mind that the rooms do not have WIFI, but there is complimentary WIFI in the reception and dining areas. Some people might find this a little frustrating, but personally I liked ‘having’ to disconnect while in my room. It allowed me to make the most of this beautiful hotel.
Book This Hotel If…
You’re looking to experience a slice of luxury nestled in one of the most scenic locations in the world. During my stay I noticed that the majority of the guests were couples or families. Personally, I found this hotel to be ideal for a romantic getaway. I felt so relaxed during my stay and found it to be the perfect place to connect with my partner and enjoy being back in Asia.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Rijasa Agung and wouldn’t hesitate to suggest it to my friends or family when they are visiting Ubud.
Have you ever stayed anywhere with an infinity pool? If so, where was it? I think I have a new obsession.
,
I Leave Today + Travel Rewards Tips
Today is the day… it’s only an hour until I head off to the airport and depart off to Bali. I’ll be there for a month before heading to Singapore, Thailand and then eventually off to Europe – Hooray.
It’s come around so quickly and between scrubbing down the floors of my old apartment and saying goodbye to everyone, I’ve not had a lot of time to blog. However, from tomorrow onwards I will be fully submerged in travel and spamming you with photos – I hope you’re ready.
I just wanted to write a quick post on Avios – a great travel reward program. As someone who is OBSESSED with travel, I’m always looking for tips and tricks for reducing my travel costs. If I can skim a few hundred dollars off a price, or even the whole price, I’m always keen. You might be surprised to know that despite my years of travel I am only really getting into travel reward programs now… imagine the points I would have collected in the past 5 years!
How Does Avios Work?
Basically, you get rewarded for spending your money on things you need to spend it on, such as groceries, petrol, credit card spending and so on. All of this quickly adds up and you can spend your Avios on a variety of travel related products, such as flights, car rental, and hotels. This means that if you’re smart and plan in advance, you can seriously skim off some of your travel related costs.
Do you love winning stuff? Me too. I just thought I’d mention that Avios are hosting a GREAT competition at the moment where you can win free travel. Fancy a weekend in Budapest? Or perhaps a day of spa treatments for two people? Yeah me too! You can enter this simple competition and you’ll be in with a chance to win some great prices. If you share your entry on social media you’ll wind up two entries – and double the chance of winning.
The truth is, travel is expensive. Yesterday I spent a few hundred dollars on travel insurance, a few months ago I was spending hundreds on flights. Once I land in Asia my day-to-day costs will drop dramatically, and because I’m traveling relatively slow, my overall daily cost will not be too bad. However, the prices of flights, accommodation and everything add up really quickly so I am all for free flights or free holidays!
In 15 hours I’ll be touching down in Bali and I cannot wait 😀 Have you been before? Please share some tips with me in the comments below.
,
Top River Cruises in Europe
Europe is one of the most diverse and interesting continents in the world and it is jam packed with a lot of history. Many of Europe’s greatest towns and cities are built along rivers, as it provides easy access and transport. If you’re planning a trip to Europe there are a number of ways to explore, by bus, by car, by train or by a boat. River cruises in Europe are the perfect way to explore a number of cities and countries with the comfort of a boat, while still getting to stop off and enjoy different locations. If you’re looking for a unique experience or something romantic to share with your partner, then a river cruise in Europe is perfect for you. Read on more for some river cruise inspiration.
German River Cruise
Germany lies at the very core of Europe and exploring Germany is a great way to get yourself acquainted with the marvellous – and very often majestic – Gothic architecture. A river cruise on Rhine can lead you from Amsterdam to the very heart of Germany, while enjoyable Danube river cruises can get you as far as the Danube Delta in Romania. From the Gothic churches to the waltzing Wien and to the delicious Hungarian cuisine, there is really a lot to explore if you start, or end, your journey in Germany.
Russian River Cruise
For those who want to discover another side of Europe, there’s the option of a Russian river cruise. Embarking on a cruise on Volga will lead your way unto the largest river in Europe and into the largest country in Europe as well. Get a chance to discover the sublime beauty of Russia with its unique culture, beautiful cities and rich history.
French River Cruise
For good wine and splendid scenery, book your French river cruise and you will not regret it for one moment. Seriously, France is so grand and stunning that you will want to take it home with you. From the City of Lights to the Southern rural France, there is so much to this country to see and explore. Castles, grandiosity, great food, amazing history and diverse people – they all blend together in perfect harmony on a land that has been truly, truly lucky.
Norse River Cruise
If Germany and France do not appeal to you (or if you have visited them already) and if Russia is not a very attractive option either, then you may want to explore the Norse lands with their beautiful views. There are plenty of agencies out there offering river cruises in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and some of them will have connections with Germany as well.
There’s so much to do and see in Europe that a river cruise can be a great way to see a lot within a short period of time, from the comfort of a lovely boat. When my partner and I head to Europe, we’re definitely going to try a river cruise. I’ve done one before in Budapest and it was such a fantastic way to see the city.
Have you ever been on a river cruise? If so, let me know where in the comments below.
,
How It Feels to be Leaving Indefinitely
I’m basically at the one week mark – one week to go until I’m free free. While it is exciting, it also means I have a lot to do and think about before I leave.
Today I spent the afternoon going through my clothes and deciding which I will take with me and which ones I will give away. For the rest of the week I have a flat inspection planned, I need to tidy up the house, pack things away, move pieces of furniture I’m no longer using and so on. There’s a lot to do.
I need to get everything prepared, moved out and ready to go. I need to decide if I want to set aside some stuff to freight over to Panama with Allworld Logistics or repurchase stuff overseas.
After 1.5 months home, it feels kind of crazy to be leaving. For a long time traveling was the norm, but now I’ve become used to having a car and sleeping in the same bed every night. Although I know after a few days, or a few weeks, I will slide back into the traveling groove, for now it feels a little intimidating.
Traveling indefinitely means traveling light, at least a lot lighter than you would probably live in a home. I’ll be giving up a lot of things, such as access to a blender, a giant TV screen, a nice car, and so on… but I’ll be gaining much more than I give up.
I’ll be gaining the whole world. Soon I’ll be laying on a beach on Gilli T, or eating street food in Thailand, I’ll be biking around Paris and exploring the Greek islands. Every day will be an adventure, met with new challenges, new people and new adventures.
There are things that I do find hard about leaving indefinitely; saying goodbye to friends and family is always challenging, especially as I have young sisters still at school who can’t just come visit me if they want to.
I find it hard giving up the concept of having a home. Although it is very liberating to be so free, it can be a bit daunting knowing I don’t have a home to come back to at the end of it all. Of course, I can create a new home, housesit or continue to travel, but it is a weird concept.
I also don’t know when exactly I’ll next be home, probably within the next year, but who knows for sure. It’s certainly very weird saying goodbye with a time to see each other again in mind.
My stomach is in knots: it is a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and eagerness with a dash of anxiety. Each time I’ve left on a one-way ticket I’ve had these feelings mixed together, but this time it is different.
On this trip I leave with a full time income online and the option to extend the adventure for as long as my heart desires. I’ll also be leaving with my partner, Ben, which will be an exciting addition to my travels.
Seven days to go and then my bags will be packed and I’ll be boarding a plane into the unknown – I can’t wait!
,
Tips for Choosing a Suitcase or Backpack for Long Term Travel
As someone who has spent over 2.5 years on the road, I know what I need in a good suitcase or backpack. There’s nothing worse than buying a suitcase or backpack and finding out half way around the world that it doesn’t meet your needs and it’s holding you back. Some people are suitcase travellers and others prefer to travel by backpack – whatever works best for you. I personally take one of each and that works well for me. If you’re looking to buy a new suitcase or backpack for long term travel, check out In Luggage and these tips on choosing the perfect travel bag:
Tips for Picking a Good Long Term Backpack
Let’s face it, when you buy a backpack you’re probably going to set aside a decent amount of cash to do so, so why not pick something that’s going to last you a few trips or a few years? Here are the things I personally make sure my backpacks have:
- Excellent, Padded Straps
If you’ve ever loaded your backpack up to the max, you’ve probably noticed what a difference properly fastening the straps can make. I prefer backpacks with two straps: one that goes around the waist and the other, a smaller strap, across the chest. I also like my backpacks to have firm padding on the back of the pack so that I am comfortable when it’s heavy.
- Easy Access Area
There’s nothing worse than having to remove ALL of your clothes in order to find something at the bottom of your backpack. I have a backpack that zips all around for exactly this purpose – it means I can open the bag easily and remove whatever I need to use without pulling everything else out.
- Lockable Features
You will want a backpack that you can lock, especially if you’re traveling by public transport such as trains, buses and planes. It will give you an extra level of security and you’ll know instantly if your bag has been tampered with. My backpack has a lockable zip which attaches to a special part of the bag making it ultra secure.
Tips for Picking a Good Suitcase
I recently bought a small suitcase for my work stuff while I travel and spent quite a long time checking what features were important to me and practical. Here are my tips for picking a good suitcase to travel with:
- Make Sure it Balances When Full
I decided to read reviews of specific suitcases I was interested in to make sure they stood up when full. Many suitcases have a habit of falling over when they’re full, which means you constantly have to babysit them while in transit – annoying. You can look to buy a suitcase with two legs and a stand underneath, but I prefer suitcases with four wheels so make sure it is well balanced.
- Look Into Four Wheeled Suitcases
Suitcases with four wheels can be pulled along a variety of different ways and make it easier to fit in narrow areas, which is particularly important for cabin-sized suitcases.
- Check for Compartments
I personally required my cabin sized suitcase to have a sleeve area for my laptop, so that I can easily transport it around with me without carrying it on my back.
- Durable Wheels
If your wheels stop working on your suitcase, you’ll effectively have a box, which isn’t much help if you’re traveling the world. As such, it’s really important that you invest in a suitcase with decent wheels and good sized wheels, too.
Is there anything you find essential when you’re buying a suitcase or backpack? Leave it in the comments below.
,
The Great War
The Great War was one of the biggest wars our planet has ever seen. Most people I know had a family member fight in the war, so it is unsurprising that visiting the WW1 Battlefields is a priority for many travellers – either to pay respect to their country, the sheer loss of life, or some specific family members. Although it is relatively morbid visiting such a historic place, it is important for many of us to honour and respect those who have risked, or lost, their life for our countries.
There are a number of WW1 Battlefields throughout Europe and depending on how many you would like to visit; you may wish to explore the various travel options available. Visiting the battlefields can be a both an enlightening and emotional experience so you may wish to break it up with visits to nearby cities.
How to Visit the WW1 Battlefields
You really have two main options if you decide you want to visit some WW1 Battlefields – either going by yourself or by way of a tour. There are pros and cons to both options. If you’re not sure which will suit you best, take a look at your budget, how much time you have in the area and who you are traveling with. If you want something easy and are planning to cover a lot of distance in a short time frame, then a tour might be the best option. However, if you prefer to be in control of your schedule, want more flexibility and have other activities in mind, then visiting the battlefields independently might be your best option.
Great Rail Journeys provide rail itineraries combined with accommodation and tours of the battlefields. More information about the options available can be found on their website.
Which WW1 Battlefields Should You Visit?
If you have any family ties to the WW1 Battlefields, then you might find it best to visit the specific fields Almost as soon as the guns fell down in 1918, people have started flocking to the Battlefields to pay respect to their friends, family and fellow countrymen that lost their lives here. If you are not sure which Battlefield you would like to visit, here are some suggestions:
Flanders Battlefields
Flanders is a region in Belgium that was fought over during World War I. For almost the entire duration of the war there was conflict in this region. Ypres, an ancient city in Flanders that is now known as Ieper, is a popular base for visiting the numerous Battlefields here. You can organise tours to Ypres either directly from the UK, locally or you can explore independently – there are a number of helpful guidebooks available.
The Somme Battlefields
Located in Northern France, the Department of Somme is another large region where there were a number of WW1 Battlefields. There are a number of Battlefields here and they are all quite easily accessible. If you only have a day spare, you will be able to find a number of good day long itineraries. Many visitors to the Somme base themselves in Albert, which is a small town – there’s not much in the way of hotels and restaurants, so be mindful of this when planning your visit. Albert is located only minutes from the 1916 Battlefields, making it a great base.
Verdun Battlefields
This is quite a unique area to visit, as after the war this region was considered a ‘red zone’ and many of the areas have not been rebuild. As such, there is still a lot left to see in the area. You can visit the villages themselves that were destroyed in the war, as well as the Battlefields. If you are planning a visit from England, Verdun is quite easily accessible so is often a popular choice.
No matter which WW1 Battlefield you choose to visit, it will be an emotional journey. To think of the sheer number of lives lost in each battlefield and collectively is overwhelming, even more so if you have family members that fought in any of the wars. Despite almost 100 years passing since World War I, many people each year flock to the Battlefields to pay their respects.
