travel-sick 003

EDITORS LETTER.

Welcome to travel-sick issue 003?! I said it last issue and I’ll say it again – this started as a one-off magazine and has expanded into a way for me to share what I love. I am so grateful for the fact that I have gained the skills and tools to fuel my creativity and build each issue of this mag. This issue comes a month after I have graduated from my graphic design and photography degree so has now extended beyond ‘just a university assignment.’

Here’s a quick overview of the last editions (most likely the last overview from here on out). Issue 001 was for those longing to travel again and wanting to fill the void caused by the pandemic. Issue 002 turned it up a notch with a little bit of real travel and an added focus on photography and lifestyle content.

Now, with next to no COVID related restrictions and some new changes in my life, travel is the focus. There will still be local content, just with a focus on adventure and exploring new things. However, I can promise that there will be travel content – lots of it.

I have grown so much over the past year, mostly thanks to travel. My life, my growth, and my happiness stems from adventure and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So, here is issue 003 – for those who live for travel. I hope you enjoy. @RHIANN.N

Editor Rhiannon Cox

Designer Rhiannon Cox

Contributors

Photographic Rhiannon Cox

Editorial Rhiannon Cox

Illustration Rhiannon Cox

Poster Artist Rhiannon Cox

Models Emma Kraak

Contact Us

Enquiries @travelsick.mag

Submissions https://forms.gle/tFG2Hxm38yjD3DWe8

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and learn, the Gubbi Gubbi and Kabi Kabi people.

darwin. live music.

journalling.

let’s talk about travel.

settling back in.

the areas.

recipe.

people we meet on vacation.

10 13 15 18 28 32

NEW doublesided poster.

galentines.

the cities.

photography.

hostel life.

08 11 14 16 20 30

THOSE DARWIN NIGHTS

February 9-13

The first destination of the year – heavily influenced by Adam Harvey’s Darwin Nights. I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting going into this trip, but I can confidently say that whatever expectations I did have were nothing compared to how it went (incredibly).

you should.

(November-April), but we decided to make the most of it… as

get for deciding to head up there during the wet season

was looking like an interesting trip. I suppose that’s what we

Beginning with a four-hour flight and forecasts of storms, it

For the off season, there was a surprising amount of nightlife. With live music every night that we were in the city, there was no shortage of fun. Shenanigans – or Shags as the locals call it – is the place to be around 7pm onwards. If you’re looking for talented musicians, you’ll definitely find them here.

Tjaetaba Falls

Fannie Bay

On day 2 we headed out to Litchfield National Park with articles about crocodiles in the back of our minds. We saw the termite mounds and went to numerous waterfalls before running into a ranger who told us there was a spot for swimming where there was no chance of running into a croc. The walk to the top of Tjaetaba Falls was steep but well worth it. The swim was perfect and was complete with a downpour as we were leaving.

A must see in Darwin – jumping crocodiles. I was nervous to go on one of these tours, but it was definitely worth it. While the crocs weren’t as active on the overcast day it was, we still saw a few.

Dinner & a sunset from Darwin Ski Club.

LIVE MUSIC

The Lumineers

November 13, 2022

What a concert! Held at Riverstage, Brisbane, the Brightside tour tickets were a birthday present from my best friend. We decided early on that we would do the whole line up for an hour out the front to get a good spot… it didn’t work very well. By the time we arrived, the line was already longer than we could see. Once we waited in the wind for the gates to open, and actually made it inside the venue, we found that the front wasn’t very full anyway. We made it to the second or third row pretty easily. Note to future self – don’t line up.

The opening band was incredible. Hollow Coves is an indie-folk duo from Brisbane. Their most well-known song, Coastline, was the perfect lead into the main event.

The Lumineers are an American alt-folk band formed in 2005, and aren’t I glad they did. Their music is incredible, and the night air was filled with the voices of the crowd singing their songs word for word. This was the first concert I had attended since the pandemic and it couldn’t have been better.

The Yeah Nahs

January 21, 2023

The Yeah Nahs are an up-and-coming indie-rock band based on the Sunshine Coast, and founders of the Rumble in the Junga music festival.

Rumble in the Junga was a one-night event held in Noosa Junction in the carpark by Frank’s Gym. We entered via the small alleyway which held a giant ‘RUMBLE’ sign fashioned from faux turf and a giant mural by the Brightsiders which featured Zac Threads (lead singer for The Yeah Nahs) and Jack Raymond (one of the talented musicians who joined the line-up).

Speaking of the line-up, other performances from the night were Betty Taylor, Shen Panthers, Lazy Ghost, and the previously mention Jack Raymond.

The night was a mix of chill music, head-banging, and I-don’t-care-whosees-me dancing: the perfect combination for a Noosa based festival. Rumble in the Junga is worth the stalk because by the looks of it, they’ll be back for more with new dates to be announced. I know I’ll be keeping an eye out.

Alivan Blu

March 9, 2023

This is a band worth seeing live if you ever do get the chance. A multi-talented duo with a regular backup band, Alivan Blu’s laid-back music will hit the right spot on the start of a night out. Sit back and relax while you listen to their folk tunes fill the night.

The first time seeing these guys live was at Solbar’s pop-up beach bar that was set up for the Noosa Festival of Surfing. The bar itself was worth the visit but the live music really took it up a notch. Watching the sun set over the ocean and listening to Wild Eyes & All The Gold made us want more. So, we checked them out and discovered they were on tour.

This was thier Embers tour on the east coast of Australia and across to Europe.

As part of this tour, Alivan Blu made their way back to the Sunshine Coast in May, this time in Solbar’s permanent venue in Ocean Street, Maroochydore. The music sounded even better in an indoor venue.

(Pictured: the band - no leads)

There’s just something about it – here’s the shows I’ve been to recently

journalling

As boring as it may sound to some, to others journalling is an essential part of everyday life. For me, it is an essential part of travelling. So, let’s talk about journalling and why it is one of the best things ever.

There are so many benefits of journalling every day, but I really want to focus on the art of travel journalling, how it has helped me, & hopefully inspire you to pick up a pen and some paper next time you leave home.

First thing is first… journalling essentials. This looks different when I am at home vs when I am travelling because I want to have the bare minimum with me so it is easy to pull out on a plane or train and doesn’t take up too much room. My journal – this is a monogrammed, leather-bound cover with a replaceable notebook (it also has pockets on the inside… who doesn’t love pockets?). A pen for writing, a pencil for sketching, a pencil sharpener, and some sticky tape for taping tickets and other random things. I also use my journal to keep postcards which I collect along the way.

Now, why is journalling so important to me when I am adventuring around the world? Three main reasons.

One. Routine. When hopping from place to place, not having a regular routine can start to take a toll on you. This is why I set myself up with an afternoon routine that can be done anywhere.

Sometime after lunch, I will go back to my room, edit the days photos, journal, and nap before heading back out for the evening. This meant that what I was journalling was fresh in my mind and I had a chance to take some me time.

Two. Memories. I have a terrible memory so between journalling and taking an extensive amount of photos and videos, I can capture every detail and keep them forever. It is so fun being able to look back on old journals and remember tiny details that I would have otherwise forgotten (& how cool will it be to show my kids one day?!).

Three. Processing. There is a lot that happens when travelling, good & bad. Writing things down is a really great way to process things that happen. It is also a great spot to debrief with yourself at the end of a trip – to see how much you have grown and what you have learnt.

So, whether you journal every day of your trip or once a week, whether you write pages and pages or just a few sentences here and there, journalling is an incredible tool and you’ll never regret doing it.

LET’S TALK TRAVEL STYLES

You’ve heard about personality types… but have you heard of travel styles? Well, me neither so let’s discover this together.

Whether it is your first time travelling or you 32nd time, it’s important to understand that your adventure isn’t going to look exactly the same as that travel influencer you follow on Instagram. For two reasons really. One being that everything on Instagram is curated to look perfect when reality might show otherwise. Two is that you are not the same person as that travel influencer. Your mind works in different ways, your body handles things differently, and your budget might not match there’s. There are a lot of factors that can determine what kind of traveller you are.

Your mind makes the decisions, it handles your emotions, and it keeps you going when you’re at your low points (and yes, you will have low points when travelling – that’s life). So, how do you work out the best travel style for your mind? Trial and error unfortunately. Before I started booking my 2023 Europe trip, I was determined to leave some places unplanned so I could be spontaneous and go where the wind willed me… bad idea. Luckily, I worked this out before I left and was able to book all of my accommodation in advance. Why was this a bad idea? Well, it may work for some but personally, I’m a planner. I love things to be organised and love to know exactly what is happening at all times. So, if I didn’t have a secured bed every night, I would have been way too stressed to function. But I found a way to compromise. While I did know where I would sleep each night and how I would

get to each new place, I left my days free and didn’t book attractions in advance.

Your body is important… obviously. So, you need to work out how to take care of it while travelling and understand it’s limits and preferences. This can look like making sure you’re eating well and drinking enough water, stretching/ exercising each day, or even just sitting in nature and breathing. I discovered fairly quickly that smaller towns closer to nature were more refreshing and that I got burnt out very quickly in the cities. You’re also going to be doing a lot more walking than if you were at home (most likely). I was doing an average of 20-25k steps everyday for the entire 9 weeks that I was away. This meant my water intake was higher and I needed more good foods.

Your budget. While I would have loved to spend money on nice dinners and fun activities, I am a recent university graduate with not a lot to my name. So, I took on the ‘broke backpacker’ lifestyle. This meant cooking my own meals where possible, seeing the outsides of attractions rather than going in, walking everywhere, staying in hostel dorms, and finding free activities wherever I went. While this is a different travel style to the typical holiday, it is still amazing.

So, taking all of these things into consideration you can understand that your travelling won’t look the same as your mothers or your best friends or that travel influencer you love so much. That. Is. Okay. You do you and don’t let anyone stand in the way of you seeing the world.

GALENTINE’S DAY

If you’re anything like me, Valentine’s Day isn’t your favourite holiday of the year. It’s simply a way to capitalise of those ‘in love’ by convincing them that on one day every year, they must spend money to prove their loyalty.

So, this year, my best friend threw an Anti-Valentine’s Day party where we dressed in black and got wine drunk watching sad movies and listening to the best heartbreak anthems out there. This is your sign to throw a Galentine’s Day or Anti-Valentine’s Day party for your platonic soulmates! Pick a movies, buy some wine, make a charcuterie board – mainly full of lollies – and decorate your space.

My favourite part of the night was the

cocktails & cakes. First, we made pink cocktails… obviously. We got a cake each (becasue you couldn’t possibly share one on such an occasion), made them into heart shapes, iced them, and decorated them. Mine, a simple white base with little pink hearts all over. Emma’s, a Victorian piped cake finished with the words ‘called to singleness.’

We ended with a dance party and a good night’s sleep. What more could a girl want?

the cities.

Rome

June 15-21

Rome, my first stop in Europe and my first destination solo travelling. Don’t get me wrong, Rome is an incredible place… it just was not my favourite. Its somewhere you have to see once in your life. Between the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, and so much more, there is a lot to see and explore in this ancient city.

My favourite sight – and my favourite place to take photos – was St Peter’s Basilica. I was one of the first to arrive on a weekday and the lighting was incredible. I spent ages just wandering with my head tilted all the way back staring at the ceiling. It is absolutely incredible.

I also paid to climb the dome… very hard but so worth it. After 551 steps which get narrower the higher you climb, I reached the top. It is the tallest dome in the world making the views of Rome absolutely spectacular. I highly recommend this is if you are capable of doing so.

This was the first stop on my trip to Europe & I stayed in Generator hostel, a great place with great rooms and a really cool rooftop bar. I met a lot of people during my 5 nights here and it was a great place to start my adventure.

Naples

June 21-24

There are rumours about this city, and maybe they have some truth to them, but if you are sensible you will see how great Napoli really is. I stayed at NAP Hostel located right on Spaccanapoli, the street that cuts through the city. The hostel was very homey with room for just 35 guests. The staff are so great and are happy to recommend places to see or whip you up a delicious Limoncello spritz.

My favourite part – the street food. Everything from giant pizzas (Napoli’s specialty of course) to seafood cuoppo and arancini to gelato and cannoli, this city has it all.

The view of Mount Vesuvius is incredible from the coast and Pompeii is a must for a day trip.

I really wish I had spent another day in this busy place – the narrow streets with laundry strung above them, scooters zipping through crowds, and streamers hung from every surface celebrating the cities love of football – it really does grow on you.

Tip: if you are a solo female traveller, do take precautions like not going out alone at night. While common sense can get you a long way, there is always risk. But do not let that put you off experiencing the charm of this amazing place for yourself.

Florence

June 24 - July 2

This was hands down my favourite city from this trip. I spent 8 nights in Hostel Santi – a converted hospital… it was an interesting stay. While Florence is still full of tourists and quite busy during the day, it is quiet in the mornings and if you get into the smaller areas of the city. Don’t miss going to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best dance party and view of the sunset & try gelato at La Sorbettiera (they make new and interesting flavours fresh every single morning).

Sit on the wall of the river for dinner one night and listen to the street performers, take a walk across Ponte Vecchio for some gold shopping (or window shopping if you’re a broke backpacker like me), visit the Duomo before 10am for less crowds, be first in line for the Ufizzi or Academia galleries to avoid lining up for 2 hours, and take a day trip to Pisa and/or a smaller Tuscan town.

Michelangelo’s statue of David is a must see when in this amazing city. I didn’t really understand how big this piece of art really was until I walked into the room where it is held. Standing at 17 feet tall, it is hard to understand how such a thing was ever created.

Florence really is incredible in every way, and I cannot wait to go back.

Venice

July 2-4

I only spent one full day in Venice and that was plenty. I loved this sinking city but it is pretty small so you can absolutely see everything in a day. I spent my morning seeing the sights, the middle of the day exploring the smaller areas away from the crowds, and my afternoon wandering through a photography exhibition I stumbled across.

I stayed on the smaller part of Venice, Giudecca, in my second Generator hostel. Again, the hostel was great – if not a little too cold – and the common area was great and had cheap drinks which you can have sitting on the waters edge. Giudecca is also much less crowded as tourists don’t tend to visit (other than those staying on the island).

I ate the most amazing spaghetti con vongole (spaghetti with clams) at around 7pm so the restaurant was empty. I sat right on the water with an Aperol Spritz and ate watching the sun go down over the main part of Venice. It was a perfect night.

Make sure you go and see the skinniest street in Venice which measures just 53cm wide. There was not a single other person there in the middle of the day. Oh, and if you’re a book lover like me, Libreria Acqua Alta is the perfect place for you!

Paris

July 24-31

I had low expectations going into Paris because everyone has something bad to say about it. Well, it’s safe to say my expectations were exceeded. Paris was absolutely beautiful. Seeing the Eiffel tower for the first time was absolutely surreal and seeing it at 1am on the dot is a must. The city is full of amazing art and architecture and the nightlife is something else.

Speaking of nightlife, I stayed at St Christopher’s Inn Gare du Nord – the party hostel of Paris. The sports bar downstairs is massive and when there’s a live band or DJ, the tables are moved out of the way to make room for the dancefloor (so much fun & cheap drinks too). The rooms are huge with curtains on each bed for privacy, the bathrooms are decent, and the staff are so friendly. I met so many people here and it is a week I will never forget… even if parts are a little blurry.

My favourite area had to be Montmartre – the artist district. With street art, street artists, galleries, and design studios, this really is the perfect place to walk around on a nice afternoon. Not to mention the Basilica on top of the hill has amazing views of Paris.

This certainly is a city full of love.

London

Agust 3-14

London has to take my #2 spot when it comes to cities. I’m not a city girl, but here was different. I spent a week and a half in London and still wasn’t bored by the end. While it is a bit expensive, there is so much to do (a lot of which is free). The copious amounts of food markets will keep you full, the history will keep you educated, and the galleries will keep your creative side in check. There really is everything you could want here.

Now, I had never been to any real theatre performances before, but I knew that it was something I had to do while in London. So, on my second last day, I got final rush tickets to see Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap, West End’s longest running play (70 years and counting). It did not disappoint in the slightest. I enjoyed it so much that on my last day, I hopped back online to get rush tickets for whatever I could.

This led me to the Palladium Theatre (incredible on its own) to see the Wizard of Oz. I may have cried when Dorothy was talking about home because I flew out the next day.

Safe to say, I am now a lover of the theatre and will absolutely be going to more shows whenever possible.

the area s . . .

The Dolomites

July 4-7

Cinque Terre

June 29

It was a bit of a trek, but I did a day trip from Florence just to see these coastal Italian towns. Similar to the Amalfi Coast but better, these five (cinque) towns are built on the side of mountains leading down into the wildly blue Mediterranean Sea. I started at Vernazza, the fourth town. It is much less touristy but just as beautiful. I set myself up on a rock and dipped in and out of the water before heading to the next town. I took the hike to Monterosso, the fifth town. To say the hike was difficult would be an understatement and I only recommend it if you are physically capable to walked hundreds and hundreds of stairs… but it was so worth it. The views from above were next level.

When someone asks me where my favourite place is (the impossible question) this is where I tell them. I didn’t spend nearly enough in the mountain range in the Northern most part of Italy and will absolutely be going back the first chance I get. The temperatures were cool, the weather was stunning – rain or shine – and the views… I can’t even describe. Take a look at the next few pages for a series of photos just from the Dolomites. I stayed in Trento – a great base to see the western areas of the mountains – and visited Bolzano, Lake Carezza, and Ortisei. Interesting fact about these areas is that they also speak German because it’s so close to the Swiss border.

Lake Como

July 7-11

One of the most fun stops of my trip. While Lago di Como is a bit more expensive, it is absolutely worth it. I stayed in the only hostel in Como town, Ostello Bello, and it ended up being my favourite hostel of the trip. The common areas were so much fun, the kitchen was big with free pasta and fresh vegetables to use, and the staff were amazing.

I met a group of awesome girls who I spent a couple of days touring the lake with. My favourite spot was Nesso – a very small and popular spot to go bridge jumping. We also visited Bellagio, Menaggio, and wandered around the town of Como.

Côte d’Azur

July 14-21

Encompassing the entire French Riviera, Cote d’Azur is postcard perfect (like most other places in Europe). I arrived in Cannes on Bastille day so partied for 3 consecutive nights with people I met in my dorm. I spent my mornings doing trains trips out to other towns – Monaco, Nice, Eze, Antibes – and my afternoons lounging on the beach until the sun began to set. Billionaires Bay in Antibes is an absolute must. It is a bit of a trek with a train, bus, and walk to get there, but the water is perfect. We spent hours just floating in the sea and jumping of big rocks into the deep and perfectly clear water. Make sure you pack snacks though because there isn’t anywhere close by.

Brittany & Normandy

July 31 - August 3

One of the top places on my bucket list was Mont Saint Michel. After looking through my mother’s film photos countless times I knew I had to visit. I stayed in a nearby village called Dol-deBretagne and really got a feel for the French countryside. I spent a whole day wandering the tiny streets of the island and the hallways of the abbey on top. The next day was spent at St Malo and Cancale, two fishing villages on the west coast. Cancale is small but if you are a seafood lover, it is a must visit. The town is known for its multiple family-owned oyster stalls where you can buy a tray (for very reasonable prices) and sit by the sea being watched carefully by seagulls.

Berkshire, Wiltshire, & Hampshire

August 7

Last, but absolutely not least, the countryside west of London which I would like to call stone country. A friend I met in Milan who lived in the area offered to show me around for the day. The weather was perfect (unusual for England) and Ollie, Emily’s dog, came along for the adventure. We climbed Beacon Hill for a view of Highclere Castle, visited Stone Henge, had lunch and a walk in Avebury, and met another friend at the Blue Boar for a pint in the afternoon. Her parents were then generous enough to have me for a homecooked dinner and rhubarb pie made with rhubarb fresh from their garden. The perfect day.

THE DOLOMITES

a photographic series.

It was so healing and refreshing to be up in these mountains in the North of Italy… especially after having spent so much time in the hustle and bustle of cities. The mountains feel like home, even when they are on the other side of the world. This is the destination I tell people about when they ask where my favourite place is & I will do everything in my power to get back here to explore more.

seceda

Seceda

Seceda chairlift

Trento

Lago di Carezza

I’m not sure there are many things better than sitting under the Italian sun sipping on a spritz… & even better if it’s limoncello!

Ingredients

50mL limoncello

100mL prosecco

30mL soda water

a lemon slice or two

a sprig of mint

Method

Combine all liquid ingredients in your glass of choice

Top with lemon and mint

Stir

Enjoy (preferably outdoors & with friends)

LIMONCELLO SPRITZ

THE QUESTIONS

The first conversation you have with someone new in a hostel will inevitably include the following...every time:

Where are you from?

How long are you travelling?

How long have you been travelling?

Where have you been?

Where are you going next?

Solo or with friends?

How long are you here for? Shots?

HOSTEL ESSENTIALS

Apart from the usuals like clothes and toiletries, these are some of the essential items you need to pack to help you survive hostel life.

for sneaking extra food from the free breakfast or storing leftovers from dinner

don’t be the person who plays videos out loud

you don’t want your things stolen (it’s not fun)

earplugs.

no explanation needed…

to keep things tidy in your bunk, carry things to the shower, use during the day, etc.

clothes line.

hand washing is cheaper than using the washing machine