Y Travel Blog

Although our teenagers are well-traveled and know how to keep themselves safe on the road, as they get older, I am finding myself more concerned with safety than I was when they were children.  When they were children, everything was organized for them, and everything we did together as a family. As my teens get older, they start to want more independence; their own hotel room and some downtime to talk with friends, that kind of thing. They’re also turning into young adults and soo

I was standing on a rock ledge in the Soča Valley, about 6 meters above a pool of water so green it looked fake. Our canyoneering guide was next to me, counting me down and telling me to be confident. Down below me, a few women I’d known for a week were yelling my name with a “You can do it” affirmation.  1,2,3 Jump I jumped. I came up gasping (the water was freezing, wetsuit or not) and swam to the side grinning like an idiot. Then I turned around and watched the next woman do

There is hardly a place in Europe that evokes images of beauty, glamour, and tranquility more than Lake Como in Italy. For hundreds of years, it’s been a popular destination with the rich and famous, but there are plenty of things to do at Lake Como for the humble tourist, too. Or, for your Italian honeymoon, since it offers the kind of romantic beauty that only Shakespeare can portray. Lake Como is one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes While Lake Como isn’t Italy’s largest lake (that

Cairns is blessed to be on the doorstep of some of the most incredible natural sites. It’s the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the stunning Tropical North Queensland beaches, and the untamed jungles of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest. If you’re looking for things to do in Cairns that offer the best views of nature and a thrilling experience wrapped up in one, then a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway should not go amiss. The

Carnarvon Gorge National Park is located in Queensland’s sandstone country. You’ll find deep, craggy gorges, jaw-dropping cliffs, and more than 2,000 pieces of Aboriginal rock art. Nestled amongst the rocks, you’ll find mossy gardens and bright, emerald green plants and fauna. It’s simply a wonder to behold, and a stark contrast from other national parks in Queensland that offer a more tropical vibe. You might even say that Carnarvon Gorge is a tropical oasis. If y

It took me a couple of days to adjust to Magnetic Island, or should I just say Maggie, as the locals call it. It was like I had suddenly walked into a bubble and was left suspended on the twig of a tree. Just waiting to drop. There was no past or future, nothing to distract me or fill the time with, and no need for worrying. It was just a place to be. When you’re used to constantly moving and filling every second you have with action, it’s extremely difficult to just stop and relax. But M

Where the road runs out, adventure begins. That’s how we do it in Australia. From beach driving to dune bashing, we don’t let our environment stop us from exploration. There’s no greater example of this than on a 1700 LARC! Tour. This relaxed seaside settlement, Town of 1770, is best explored by a unique amphibious vehicle, a bright pink LARC! (an amphibious vehicle originally built for military landings). This is not only a fun attraction but a local icon. Part boat, p

I’ll admit, we were a little baffled by Baffle Creek. Not because of its name, but because we weren’t expecting it to be so beautiful. We’d never heard of this small town on the Capricorn Coast, nestled halfway between Bundaberg and Gladstone in Queensland. We stumbled on it by chance on our Australia road trip. We weren’t sure what there was to see and do, and the drive revealed nothing but forests of Eucalyptus trees, rivers and dirt roads. It certainly was not a place to be coming if yo

Not many people have heard of Agnes Water and 1770, or Town of 1770, as it’s often referred to. And it’s no surprise, Agnes Water has less than 3,000 residents, and 1770 has less than 100. They are both extremely remote and wild, tucked neatly between the hustle of the Gold Coast and the solitude of the Capricorn Coast. It’s a coastal escape that time — and most tourists — forgot. Agnes Water is the kind of place where flip-flops are formal wear and the pace of life is m

Everyone has a plan for Yosemite. Half Dome, Tunnel View, Valley hotels, the Ansel Adams photograph you’ve seen a hundred times. The plan for Sequoia and Kings Canyon is usually an afterthought. A day trip tacked onto something else. Two hours at the General Sherman Tree, a photo, back on the highway. As Julia Roberts would say, “Big Mistake. Big. HUGE.” (just like the trees that are waiting for you) Sequoia trees Savannah and I spent three days in this region of the Majestic Mountai

The email came in April. Your Half Dome permit application was not selected. Savannah had been eagerly awaiting the verdict. She’d researched this famous Yosemite hike, studied the permit windows, planned her outfits, and figured out the best application strategy. She’s 14. She was more organized about this California trip than anything before. When the no came through, I braced for the disappointment. “Okay,” she said. “Let’s plan the Majestic Mountain Lo

For spectacular scenery of rugged coastlines, jagged mountain ranges, verdant rainforests, crystal clear luminous lakes and rivers, and vast stretches of volcanic wilderness, it’s hard to beat a Pacific Northwest road trip. This region in the northwest corner of the United States and Canada is known for its untamed, rugged natural beauty. Encompassing most of Washington and Oregon, and the eastern region of Idaho, if you love lush nature, this is the area to be in. From the remote ranges o

While most people think of Boone, North Carolina, as a destination synonymous with stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and mountain vistas, what they soon discover is that it also has a thriving foodie scene – one of the best in NC. When visiting this college town, there is no better way to soak up the memories of it all than around a good meal and a tasty pint of craft brew. Our cabin in Boone Boone has a fantastic Appalachian tale to tell through its food. The top re

When you think of Huntington Beach in California, your mind instantly conjures up images of surfer dudes riding epic waves, no matter what the weather or time of year. In fact, Huntington Beach is nicknamed Surf City because of the surfing culture that has made the city so famous. Huntington Beach But there are more things to do in Huntington Beach besides surfing. With its beachy community and laid-back California vibe, you’ll find there are plenty of attractions in Huntington Beach that

My hands are outstretched with humility and love, because I didn’t realise how much fun a Victoria road trip would be. This serene Southeast corner of our Great Southern Land is known for its outstanding natural beauty, coastal drives, mountain vistas, rolling hills, and vineyards. In fact, it’s nicknamed The Garden State because of its greenery and gorgeous scenery. If you’re into nature, sipping wine under the stars, hiking, and wildlife watching, then traveling around Victor

When people think of California, they are usually thinking of the vibrancy of LA, the amazing beaches, the endless warm weather and golden sunrays, or the juicy oranges and sprawling vineyards, but rarely do they think of the national parks in California. California’s natural beauty is something to boast about. Nature lovers will find a plethora of natural landscapes to get lost in, whether you want to go hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, or just being in the great outdoors. Zabriskie

Tucked between the salty sea air of the Atlantic Ocean and the slow, sweet sway of Old Florida charm, Martin County is a region where you go to the coast —not just geographically, but spiritually. Spend your days basking on the beaches of the Treasure Coast, followed by spending barefoot nights drifting like a paddleboarder. It’s a place where the words “rush hour” don’t belong in the thesaurus. Despite its laid-back charm, there are plenty of great things to do in Martin Count

Living out the historical story in Greater Williamsburg has helped me to understand why, even in modern times, Americans talk about freedom as though they invented it and no one else has it. As an Australian, I feel very free and have access to many opportunities, so when Americans talk like they are the only free country in the world, I’m curious as to why that is. Thanks to visiting historical sites in Greater Williamsburg, VA, in the aptly named Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Colonial

Chimney Rock State Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty, nestled within the mountains in Western North Carolina. Famous for its 500-million-year-old monument, a huge outcrop with views looking into the valley, is the perfect place for nature lovers and hikers to experience the fresh mountain are of Rutherford County, see rare, native plants and fauna, and gaze upon the serene landscape from the top. Fortunately, getting to the top of the outcrop is easy, since the are 499 steps from

Dreaming about the American Dream and looking for some adventurous vacations to do with your family? Need to ditch the pampering and play parks and get out and explore the road less travelled, and feel the thrill of adventure? Then you’re going to want to add these family adventure vacations in the USA to your bucket list! After spending over a year travelling around the entire USA, we’ve compiled our list of the best USA experiences that offer unique family adventures. These are