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Italy Laura Jopson Italy Laura Jopson

Southern Italy Itinerary & Travel Guide

A summer road trip around Southern Italy is one of those bucket list adventures. Featuring iconic destinations such as the cliff-clinging towns of the Amalfi Coast, the caves of Matera, the white-washed villages of Puglia, the long coastlines of Calabria, and the historic centres of Sicily, this travel guide includes all of the must visit locations on a Southern Italian itinerary.

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Brazil Laura Jopson Brazil Laura Jopson

A Guide to the Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls

One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s no doubt that visiting the spectacular Iguazú Falls is a must-do on any South American itinerary. Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, each side of the falls offers a unique perspective and will be an experience you’ll never forget. This guide contains everything you need to know before visiting the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls.

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Italy Laura Jopson Italy Laura Jopson

The Perfect 2 Days in Naples - Itinerary & Travel Guide

Look beyond the graffiti, Napoli is no longer just a stopover on the way to the Amalfi Coast or a base for visiting Pompei, it deserves time on your itinerary in it’s own right. Here is my travel guide and itinerary to the spending the perfect 2 days in Naples.

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Italy Laura Jopson Italy Laura Jopson

A Road Trip from Lake Garda to the Dolomites

Road tripping through Northern Italy is a bucket list experience. From vineyard-lined lanes to winding mountain-top passes, a road trip from Lake Garda to the Dolomites is one of the most scenic drives in Europe. Encompassing some of the best geographical features in Italy prepare to be blown away by the sparkling lakes, the towering mountain peaks, and picturesque alpine architecture.

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Brazil Laura Jopson Brazil Laura Jopson

Visit Brazil - 3 Week Itinerary & Travel Guide

Brazil is a country of strong contrasts, from the beat of the samba drums to the chirp of tree-top monkeys, from the chaotic metropolises to the untouched Amazon jungle, and from the freshest tropical fruit to the layers of a slow-cooked, meaty feijoada. My ultimate Brazil 3 week itinerary will take you through all the must-visit Brazilian destinations with a few of my hidden gems thrown in for good measure.

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Italy, Hiking Laura Jopson Italy, Hiking Laura Jopson

Visit the Spectacular Dolomites (in June)

June is the best time of year to visit the Dolomites. The long daylight hours make the early summer season the perfect time to experience the wildflowers and beat the summer crowds. June is the perfect time to hit some of the most beautiful Dolomites sights such as Alpe di Siusi, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies and the Val di Funes. Read on for why you should visit the Dolomites in June.

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Italy, Hiking Laura Jopson Italy, Hiking Laura Jopson

Hike the Adolf Munkel Trail

Hugging the base of the Geisler-Odle Mountains, the Adolf Munkel Trail offers great bang for buck. Indulge in breathtaking views and a variety of mountains huts full of delicious local treats, all along an achievable trail, it’s a great taster of hiking in the Dolomites. It’s easy to see why the Adolf Munkel Trail is considered one of the best half-day hikes in the Dolomites.

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Brazil Laura Jopson Brazil Laura Jopson

Where to Eat the Best Food in Rio de Janeiro

Over the years I’ve received recommendations from local friends, scoured Portuguese-language lists and blog posts, and stumbled across some of my own favourites. From street stalls to Michelin stars, back streets to beachfronts and everything in between. Here is my comprehensive, delicious, and somewhat erratic list of the best places to eat and the best food in Rio de Janeiro.

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New Zealand Laura Jopson New Zealand Laura Jopson

How to Find The Squeeze - Hot Pools near Taupō

Looking for the hidden hot waterfall near Taupō that's accessed through a geothermal stream known as The Squeeze? This guide contains all the information you need about finding this secret attraction on the Waikato River, including the squeeze location and how to get to the squeeze.

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Brazil Laura Jopson Brazil Laura Jopson

Hike to Lagoinha do Leste Beach in Florianópolis, Brazil

Looking to escape the crowded Florianópolis beaches and relax on an almost deserted stretch of sand with incredible views to boot? The trail to Lagoinha do Leste beach is one of the best things to do in Florianópolis, famous for its secluded beach and ragged rocky viewpoint ‘Pedra do Surfista’.

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Brazil Laura Jopson Brazil Laura Jopson

The Ultimate Rio de Janeiro Itinerary + Travel Guide

From the imposing granite peaks of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain, down to the white sandy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro will ignite all your senses. This Rio de Janeiro itinerary and guide will really set you up for an incredible trip to the cidade maravilhosa. Featuring tips on all the main attractions such at Christ the Redeemer, along with a few hidden gems, it contains all the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

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Brazil Laura Jopson Brazil Laura Jopson

A Visual Guide to all the Rio de Janeiro Locations in The Seven Sisters Book

From the old mansions of Cosme Velho, up to the peaks of Christ the Redeemer and down to the beaches and shops of Ipanema, this guide helps you follow Maia and Bel’s footsteps and brings to life all the Rio de Janeiro locations featured in The Seven Sisters book by Lucinda Riley, the first of the series that has topped best seller lists around the world.

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Peru Laura Jopson Peru Laura Jopson

A Daytrip from Arequipa to Colca Canyon: Condors, Hikes & Hot Springs

Colca Canyon is a must see on any Peru itinerary, and a daytrip from Arequipa to Colca Canyon is the easiest way to experience this incredible natural attraction. This guide contains everything you need to know about choosing a tour, how much it costs, things to pack, and what to expect from a day of condors, hikes and hot springs.

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Bolivia Laura Jopson Bolivia Laura Jopson

Why You Should Bike The Death Road in Bolivia

Looking for one of life’s bucket-list adventures? Then why not Bike the Death Road in Bolivia. From the incredible views, the rush of wind in your hair, and a chance to explore a different side of Bolivia, here’s everything you need to know before biking the Death Road.

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New Zealand, New Zealand Hikes Laura Jopson New Zealand, New Zealand Hikes Laura Jopson

The Best Wanaka Hike? Why A Roys Peak Sunrise Is Totally Worth It

Yes it’s a hard slog, yes it’s busy, maybe it’s a little cliche… But is the hike up to Roys Peak worth it? Absolutely. From it’s easily accessible location close to Wanaka town centre, the fact its doable in runners or trainers, and those stunning 360 degree views over the lake and Mt Aspiring National Park, a trip to Wanaka really isn’t complete without taking in a Roys Peak sunrise.

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China, Trans Mongolian Laura Jopson China, Trans Mongolian Laura Jopson

Badaling, Mutianyu or Jinshanling? Why You Should Visit the Jinshanling Great Wall of China

One of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, there’s just no way to visit Beijing without making a trip out to the Great Wall of China, but with many options such as Badaling, Mutianyu or Jinshanling, it’s hard to know where to go. With little to no crowds, sympathetic reconstruction, options for hiking and accessibility on public transport, here’s why you should visit the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China, along with details on how to get to Jinshanling.

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New Zealand Laura Jopson New Zealand Laura Jopson

New Zealand NZ North Island Itinerary & Travel Guide

Idyllic sandy beaches, tropical forests, volcanic mountains and geothermal wonders provide the backdrop to breathtaking hikes, adrenaline filled adventures, world-class wineries and unique wildlife. This itinerary is full of tips and inspiration to plan an incredible two week adventure in New Zealand’s North Island.

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Mongolia, Trans Mongolian Laura Jopson Mongolia, Trans Mongolian Laura Jopson

Ger Camps & Camel Festivals: What to Expect on a Tour of Terelj National Park

A tour of Terelj National Park and an overnight ger-stay adventure is one the best things you can do on a visit to Mongolia. The landscape of the Mongolian steppe feels like another world, from snow-clad valleys, rolling hills and ger villages creating magical winter scenes to the utterly warm and welcoming hospitality of the nomadic Mongolians. Climb Turtle Rock, or the giant statue of Genghis Khan, have a local herdsman show you the ropes on a Mongolian horse, relax at the Aryabel Monastery and experience the warm and welcoming hospitality and culture of nomadic hosts.

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Trans Mongolian, Russia Laura Jopson Trans Mongolian, Russia Laura Jopson

Explore Siberia: The Best Things to Do in Irkutsk in Winter

Featuring beautiful Siberian Orthodox churches, traditional wooden houses that have survived a turbulent history, a city centre that’s super easy to navigate on foot, and the incredible Lake Baikal on it’s doorstep, Irkutsk proves why it should be top of your list of places to visit on a trip across Russia. Here’s all the things to do in Irkutsk in winter.

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