Vagablogging Field Report: Life in Melbourne, Australia

Welcome to Melbourne - thegiftoftravel.wordpress.com

Melbourne is my second home. After marrying an Aussie who grew up in the suburbs of this special city, we’ve spent under a year living in the CBD and have had countless visits since. The city of sport, cafes and coffee culture thrives in the southeastern portion of Australia. Home to the Australian … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagablogging Field Report: Life in Melbourne, Australia  | May 25, 2016
Category: Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Hoi An, Vietnam

A stop in Hoi An should be at the top of everyone’s list when traveling through Vietnam. It’s halfway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, two major destinations in Vietnam, but has a quieter more laid back feel. Hoi An is famous for their tailors, food, and silk lanterns. Many come here to have a custom suit or dress made. Sitting on a river delta and a short ride to the beach, it’s surrounded … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Hoi An, Vietnam  | August 19, 2015
Category: Asia, Vagabonding Field Reports, Working Abroad

Vagabonding Field Report: Coasting through Philadelphia’s Tall Ship Festival

This week I spent time at a Philadelphia festival for tall ships. Walking above and below decks filled me with awe as I visited a variety of tall ships. Some of these tall ships were over a century old while others are brand new.

The festival starts with all the ships sailing into Philadelphia’s waterfront entering the city like conquering heroes to the cheers of thousands of people. I was luckily enough to get to … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Coasting through Philadelphia’s Tall Ship Festival  | July 6, 2015
Category: Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

A popular backpackers stop off, Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is part of a very small chain of islands just off of Lombok and near Bali. Many people come here to learn to dive because it’s prices are competetive and the island has a reputation for parties. It’s also unique in that there are no motor vehicles or dogs allowed and the only form of transportation on the island apart from your own two feet is … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (1)  | May 6, 2015
Category: Asia, General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Hanoi, Vietnam

In northern Vietnam lies this gem of a city where French food and fashion meet Vietnamese culture and vermicelli. Sometimes overlooked as it’s not as big of a hub as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi offers a taste of authentic street food and genuinely good prices.

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Cost per day:

Hanoi has a huge range of hotels on … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Hanoi, Vietnam  | April 1, 2015
Category: Asia, General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Exploring the vastness of Rome

Rome with ancient ruins, delicious pastas, and red wine never fails to disappoint. The eternal city, once the center of the world, still captivates and amazes people from all over the globe. From the gorgeous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to the cobblestone alleyways in the old city, travelers can not get enough of Rome.

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Cost per … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (3)  | March 13, 2015
Category: General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This tightly compacted city holds some of Cambodia’s best food and most tragic history. Without knowing its past of civil war and genocide, you would think Cambodians and Phnom Penhers in particular were just really friendly people. Once you learn their history and realize that everyone you see was affected by the notorious Khmer Rouge in the 1970s in one way or another, then you know they’re more than just friendly; they’re admirable. Visiting Phnom Penh is … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Phnom Penh, Cambodia  | March 4, 2015
Category: Asia, General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Wandering the streets of Paris

Cost/day:

As far as European cities, Paris isn’t the cheapest, but there are some simple tricks and strategies that can keep your Paris budget to around $60 a day within the city.  For instance, I stay in hostel dorms, walk whenever I can, and alternate between eating out and cooking my meals.

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What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Wandering the streets of Paris  | February 13, 2015
Category: General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Ao Nang, Thailand

Many people head to southern Thailand for beaches, islands, and the relaxed vibe of coastal life. Ao Nang is a bit more relaxed than larger cities like Phuket but still has a vibrant tourist draw and is an easy jumping-off point for many activities like rock climbing, island tours, beach lounging, hiking, and diving.

Cost of living:

If you’re trying to save cash and are settling down for a while, a monthly rental can be … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Ao Nang, Thailand  | February 4, 2015
Category: Asia, General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Vagabonding Field Report: Port Lincoln, Australia

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Cost per day?

We camped at the Big 4 campsite which was a fantastic campsite, but you can pay through the nose in peak season. We paid $40 a night but were reasonably central. There are various other sites but if you want to enjoy a drink or just a short stroll into town then you could find yourself too far out to walk. The … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Port Lincoln, Australia  | January 16, 2015
Category: Oceania, Vagabonding Field Reports