Author Archives: Elizabeth

Posted: 1/5/2023 | January 5th, 2023

Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand. Nestled within an hour’s drive of over a hundred beaches, Auckland makes for a great base for day trips.

While I wouldn’t spend a long time here (a couple of days should suffice), there’s plenty to keep you busy during your visit, from bungee jumping to lounging on the beach to visiting nearby Hobbiton (from the Lord of the Rings films).

And, while Auckland can be pricey, there are plenty of hostels here to help you lower your costs.

To help you save money and plan your trip, here is my list of the best hostels in Auckland.

But, before we dive in, I want to share four things you need to remember before you pick a hostel:

1. Location – Auckland is sprawling, so take this into consideration when looking for a hostel. Pick a neighborhood

Posted: 1/3/23 | January 3rd, 2023

Istanbul is a dynamic, sprawling, and historic metropolis known for bridging Europe and Asia. For centuries it was one of the most important cities in the world, a hub for trade and culture between the four corners of the earth.

Like Rome, Istanbul has layers upon layers to unravel as you wander its bustling streets. Now home to over 15 million people, it was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire (the inheritor of the Roman Empire). Then it was the center of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted over 600 years before dissolving in 1922.

Istanbul used to be a very cheap place to visit. However, prices have risen in recent years due to rampant inflation. But it’s still super affordable and home to several fun, social, and affordable hostels that can save you some money — money you can then spend on