5 (Semi) Hidden Gems in Sydney, Australia You Can’t Miss

If you’re flying all the way to Sydney, Australia, you can’t afford to miss out on the city’s best attractions.

From making the time to visit the famous sites and landmarks to finding the perfect rental, there’s a lot that goes into creating a seamless trip Down Under.

But given the distance from the United States and the cost of flying across the planet, it’s not likely a trip that you’ll repeat anytime soon.

Thankfully, Sydney is a large city—one that’s home to various counter-cultures, dives, and hidden gems. For the average traveler, it’s not hard to get lost in neighborhoods like Surry Hills and Chippendale. There, you can find more textured, surprising experiences that take you off the tourist track of Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach.

After all, the most memorable trips aren’t always the most predictable ones.

If you want to dig deeper into Sydney’s weirder side, check out these five hidden gems. You can easily bundle them into your existing itinerary to create a more pleasantly surprising trip.

5 hidden gems in Sydney

White Rabbit Gallery

I told you—Chippendale is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world, not just the country or the city. There, you’ll find White Rabbit Gallery. This unassuming building is home to some of the most famous and impactful artwork from Chinese artists since the turn of the 21^st century.

If you’re a fan of fine art, especially of the Eastern variety, you probably already know about the gallery. If you don’t—and even if you’re not one for fine art—you’ll enjoy its exhibits.

At the moment, you can enjoy the space’s 32^nd exhibit called XSWL, which includes pieces from famed Chinese artists. There’s also a gorgeous tea house where you can rest your legs and eyes after all that staring.

Fairy Bower Pool

Who doesn’t love an avant-garde pool? Located in the Marine Parade in Sydney is Fairy Bower Pool. This unique watering hole consists of a triangular-shaped slab of rock that residents created back in 1929.

As it nears its centennial, you can take a dip and enjoy the seaside views—and the sculptures that line the pool, which are reminiscent of nymphs.

Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden

For years, this gorgeous little cove has welcomed visitors and locals alike. Like the name suggests, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden is tucked away from Sydney’s main drag.

As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve exchanged the metro madness outside for a charming jungle escape.

You’ll probably also feel like you’re participating in something special—and it really is a touching project.

Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden comes from an artist (named Wendy) who sought refuge and solace after losing her husband in the 1990s. She planted the gardens at an unused railroad site near her home; though it was never her property, nobody stopped her, and she’s now the champion of one of Sydney’s coolest attractions.

Wildflower Brewing & Blending

You can make booze out of pretty much anything. At least, that’s what the great minds at Wildflower Brewery believe. They make beers from yeast and bacteria of native New South Wales flowers. (New South Wales = province where Sydney is located.)

The result is a range of light and unique brews that you (literally) won’t find elsewhere. Not only do they source their ingredients carefully, but they also participate in regenerative practices to support local fauna.

You can visit their ‘village’ location just outside Sydney in Marrickville.

Badu Mangroves

If you’re heading to Sydney Olympic Park, then make sure you set aside time to explore the Badu Mangroves. Previously overlooked, these unique wetlands and waterbird park are now a popular route for locals who want to hike and cycle.

The Badu Mangroves span over 56 hectares, stretching from the Olympic Park down to Homebush Bay. There’s a large boardwalk, along with smaller walkways that weave throughout the wetlands.

There’s even a massive shipwreck known as the Floating Forest thanks to the green blanket of plants and trees overtaking it.

Doctor Travel Tips: These 2 Supplements Will Save Your Immune System

Of all the popular travel topics out there, health is one of the most frequently covered.

I’ve covered health from many angles over the last year alone.

In terms of nitty-gritty physical health, you should watch what you eat and drink on the plane, along with at your destination. Then, there are topics like how to fall asleep on a plane and how to use tech to get ahead of jet lag.

You can rely on a balance of apps, old wives’ tales, and medical advice to get you through long-haul flights, letting you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the regular-old Emergen-C packets. They’re part of my arsenal any time I travel, giving me the vitamins and supplements I need to stay healthy.

But if you’re strategically using supplements like me, you should probably be following a few golden rules, like knowing when to take them, for example.

I’m taking advice from Dr. Steve Burgess of CME Vacations, a doctor who organizes international trips for conferences related to continued medical education. He knows a thing or two about the immune system, which supplements kickstart it, and how to use them to travel in full health.

Here’s what Dr. Burgess has to say about taking supplements when traveling.

Travel tips: how to boost your immune system with two supplements

Vitamin C & zinc are your best friends

Don’t worry about delving into the world of mineral and herbal supplements—Dr. Burgess wants you to keep it simple. He recommends buying vitamin C and zinc supplements before your next trip.

Vitamin C boosts the immune system by supporting cell functions, meaning it will strengthen your immune system to work around the clock at full force. Zinc, on the other hand, prevents viral infections from spreading throughout the body.

Zinc is particularly helpful for your respiratory tract, where most infections start during air travel. According to Dr. Burgess, studies have shown that zinc can directly reduce the severity and length of a cold when taken early enough.

Lozenges are better than pills

The Emergen-C packets I mentioned above come in a powder form and are soluble. They include vitamin C and zinc, along with a bevy of other supplements, including electrolytes.

But you might want to consider lozenges in certain cases.

According to Dr. Burgess, zinc lozenges, in particular, help combat viral respiratory infections because they coat the throat and respiratory tract. It’s fighting the potential infection right where it starts.

However, if you can’t find lozenges in time, you’ll still benefit from pills or drinkable powders.

Take supplements two hours before arriving at the airport

Here’s the important part. Dr. Burgess’s advice of taking vitamin C and zinc supplements isn’t necessarily groundbreaking—but he has one genius piece of advice that you need to know: it’s all about timing.

Many travelers (including me) take supplements when they arrive at their destination or start to feel a sickness coming on.

In reality, our bodies need at least one or two hours to absorb vitamin C and zinc (amongst other supplements). According to Dr. Burgess, you should take them one or two hours before arriving at the airport. That way, you’re giving your body a perfectly timed immune boost.

Or other high-traffic zones

Dr. Burgess recommends keeping those supplements handy when you’re heading into other high-traffic zones aside from the airport.

While the plane and gate area are sure to be congested, you’re likely to find yourself in other high-traffic zones, from busy bars on weekend nights to popular sites like Times Square.

Best Hostel Chains for Solo Travelers: Top 3 Picks

A more insular solo traveler might prefer a regular old hotel room or rental—but many solo adventurers prefer a more dynamic lodging experience.

The main focus for solo travelers is safety. But once you’re certain that you’ve found a secure set of options, you’re probably changing gears.

When it comes to the best hostel chains for solo travelers, you don’t just need a safe room to sleep in at night—you also need helpful staff who can give you suggestions and point you in the right direction.

On top of that, you might also want social activities that let you meet other solo travelers straight from your hotel. Hotels that offer a calendar of things to do take a load off solo travelers who are tired of itinerary-building. On top of that, making a few friends can ease feelings of loneliness and nerves.

Here’s my point: Finding the right place to stay can make or break your solo travel adventure. To simplify the process, I’m recommending some of my favorite hotel and hostel chains that have locations around the world.

Whether you’re after a solo suite or a shared bunkbed room, you’ll find what you’re looking for below.

On top of that, the hostel brands listed below also offer something extra—from solo-traveler-specific packages to co-working spaces where you can clock in for a bit.

Best hostel chains for solo travelers

Moxy by Marriott (Global)

Coworking capabilities, social calendar, & options to scale up
Locations: 176 locations worldwide

Washington, DC, USA- January 12, 2020: Sign of Moxy Hotel on the building in Washington, DC, USA. Getty.

Billed as ‘stylish and playful hotels’, there’s a pretty straightforward premise here: Moxy gives you a safe place to rest your head at night while also handing you the keys to social hour after social hour. Show up ready for a good time—I mean it, check-in takes place at the bar.

When your social battery is drained, you can head back to your room for some shut-eye—or to the coworking space where you can log a few hours on the clock. The choice is yours.

Yotel (Global)

A simple setup, two brands to choose from, & solo traveler-specific packages
Locations: 18 locations worldwide (not including YOTELAIR)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 01, 2020: A person wears a face mask outside Yotel hotel. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

Yotel was my go-to in New York City anytime I couldn’t stay with a friend. I was mainly using Yotel as a place to leave my bags and sleep between meeting up with friends across the city. It was reliable, secure, and located in a central spot—very useful for my utilitarian solo travel needs.

But Yotel has plenty more to offer. You can choose from two options: YOTEL, great for shorter stays, and YOTELPAD, which is ideal for longer trips and remote work sessions. (There’s also an airport option called YOTELAIR).

The cherry on top is the chain’s new MeDay package, which is designed to help solo travelers unwind.

Meininger Hotels (Europe)

Best of both hotels & hotels, pet-friendly, and long-stay ready
Locations: 36 locations across Europe

Germany Berlin Tiergarten (Mitte) – Hotel ‘M Meininger’ at the square ‘Los-Angeles-Platz’ at the main station (Photo by Schöning/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

If you don’t fit the bill as a socially-minded solo traveler, Meininger has a room for you. Unlike most hostel chains for solo travelers, you get both hotel-style and hostel-style amenities.

From family-style rooms to shared bunkbed setups, it’s a dynamic and affordable take on hospitality.

Plus, they give you the power to work from most of their locations, making this chain a great pick for digital nomads in their thirties and forties.

If you’ll be solo traveling as part of a workcation, Meininger has the tools you need to book a comfortable, long-term stay. You can extend your trip up to 30 nights and even bring a pet along with you. Additionally, you still have access to those hostel-style amenities, including a shared full kitchen.

Best Chifa & Nikkei Restaurants in Lima, Peru

When you think about Peruvian food, what comes to mind?

Off the top of my head, I see a meal that includes ceviche and guinea pig, topped off with a foamy Pisco sour. But that’s a mishmash of the most well-known Peruvian dishes I can think of—and I doubt those three selections would be presented as a single meal anywhere in the country.

The nation is home to other popular dishes like lomo saltado and aji de gallina—but the former isn’t a purely Peruvian invention.

It’s actually one of the cornerstone dishes of Chifa, the fusion between Chinese and Peruvian food. Chifa, along with Nikkei, the fusion between Japanese and Peruvian food, are two of the country’s tastiest exports.

Both slowly evolved in the 20^th century as immigrants from China and Japan arrived in Peru. Ingredients like pork, chicken, corn, cilantro, and chili crossed cultural boundaries, slowly meshing into beloved dishes that you can find in street food stalls and fine dining establishments alike.

Not only have Chifa and Nikkei made Lima one of the most culinarily important destinations in South America, but they’ve also helped put Peru on the map for foodies across the globe.

If you’re heading to Lima, the City of Kings, then you need to know how to eat like one. Don’t miss out on the best Chifa and Nikkei restaurants in Lima.

Best Chifa restaurants in Lima

Interior of Shi-Nua (courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Chifa food can be found around Peru—far beyond the bounds of Lima. You might notice that some Chifa restaurants actually have two menus: one that serves fusion favorites and one that offers mainland Chinese dishes. Don’t miss out on mostrito, a dish that blends fried rice with grilled chicken.

Madam Tusan: Take a closer look at Chifa dim-sum and exotic sauces at this classic restaurant, which is a can’t-miss for foodies.
Shi-Nua: If you’re after a little fanfare with your Chifa meal, head to the bright, exciting dining room at Shi-Nua.
Chung Yion: This no-frills take on Chifa dishes is a master class in fusion food, which has made it a cult hit for locals for years.
Wa Lok: Wa Lok has a hefty (and highly celebrated) menu that lets you try just about every Chifa dish imaginable. At varying price points, too.

Best Nikkei restaurants in Lima

Interior of Maido (courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Similar to Chifa, you can also find Nikkei restaurants around the country. But its Lima’s Nikkei restaurants that take the cake in terms of global notoriety.

Tomo: Intimate, cozy, and homely, this Nikkei restaurant is perfect for families, large groups, and those who want to take their time sampling a Nikkei menu.
Maido: Possibly the most famous Nikkei restaurant in the world and often listed as one of the best, Maido has been described as the pinnacle of Japanese-Peruvian fusion food.
Costanera 700: A famous spot that’s known for pioneering Nikkei cuisine (and drinks), don’t miss out on Costanera 700’s famous seafood saltado.

What Travel Toiletry Products Do You Need to Pack? And What Do You Definitely Not Need?

If you want to know how well-traveled someone is, don’t ask where they’ve been.

Ask what they pack.

The tighter their answer, the more experience they (probably) have under their belt.

They’ve taken lessons from old wives’ tales, adapted tips from veteran travelers, and learned the Hard Way what’s worth packing and not packing.

At least, that’s definitely the case for me. I’ve been traveling frequently since I turned 18, and despite the fact that I’d consider myself a pretty capable packer, I still get it wrong now and then.

Packing the wrong items in your bag is a bad feeling. That’s doubly true when you realize you also left behind an important belonging. That being said, small packing mishaps are rarely a high-stakes game.

That is, unless we’re talking about toiletry products.

I recently got LASIK surgery, which means I don’t need to think about bringing my glasses, lenses, lens case, and contact solution with me everywhere I go. It’s been a huge relief—but it doesn’t mean I can pack my toiletry bag in the blink of an eye (no pun intended).

Want to know which toiletry products you need to pack—and which ones you can absolutely leave behind? I’m glad someone finally asked. Below, I’ve also included a third category with items that you probably won’t need but might want to consider bringing with you anyways.

Toiletry products you should have in your bag

Toothbrush & toothpaste
Deodorant
Moisturizer, sunscreen, and lip balm. Some balms are multi-use, meaning you can use them as moisturizer, too. If you don’t need too much in the way of moisturizers, lotions, and lipsticks, go for a multi-use balm.
Hairbrush/comb. I always use a travel-sized hairbrush to cut down on space.
Makeup. I recommend sticking to the basics. If you’re going to wear a lot of makeup, you’ll also need makeup remover—and thus begins the tale If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
Razor/shaving equipment. I almost always get by with a dermaplaning tool (and buy a razor if I need to), but guys likely need heftier shaving gear. Don’t skimp on that if it’s part of your usual routine.
Kleenex
Medication. Bring along your favorite cold medication (drowsy and non-drowsy) along with your favorite pain reliever. That should do it. If you’re prone to tummy aches, Imodium might be a good idea, too. But remember: you can always find basic medications at your destination.

Toiletry products that you probably won’t need

Will you need them? Probably not, but don’t let me stand in your way. If you feel strongly that you need one of the toiletry products on this list, bring it.

But know that they ended up here because I’ve taken this item with me on trips multiple times and ended up not using them at all.

Wipes. Unless you’re going to spend a lot of time in the outdoors, you can just use a sink to wash up. The same for makeup; unless you’re wearing heavy layers, a face wash will do you just fine.
Hand sanitizer. Again, a sink and soap will get the job done. In fact, some studies show that good old hand-washing is a lot more effective than hand sanitizer.
Hair styling products, including curling irons. If you’re worried about looking like an American abroad, don’t curl or straighten your hair. It’s a dead giveaway. On the other hand, if you feel off without having your hair done up, bring your styling wand along. Just make sure you have the right charging converter for it. You could damage your product.
Nail clippers & tweezers. If I’m in dire straits, I’ll buy one and leave it at my rental. Someone else will use it.
Shampoo and conditioner. The vast majority of hotels and private rentals provide these items. If not, you can buy them for cheap at your destination, then leave them behind for other travelers.
Q-Tips
Tide-to-go pen
Perfume

Toiletry products that will only waste space

First aid kit. Unless you’re traveling to remote areas where basics like gauze and band-aids aren’t available, you do not need a first-aid kit. You can get blister band-aids at your destination. Better yet, bring shoes you know are broken in.
Steamer. Do your best to pack wrinkle-resistant clothes. If you need to iron them, you can ask your concierge for help or take an ultra-hot shower with your clothes hanging in the bathroom. Most private rentals have irons and ironing boards.
Antibiotics. If you’re going to take antibiotics, I highly recommend visiting a doctor first to get the right dosage and type. It’s risky to diagnose yourself while on the road. Also, did you know that taking antibiotics too often can disrupt your gut and your ability to fight illnesses?
Allergy medicine for hay fever. Controversial, I know. But did you know that you should be buying allergy medication at your destination? It’s been designed to specifically manage pollens in that area.
Lint rollers. Dampen a hand towel for a bootleg version.
Nail polish. It’s not just another liquid you need to keep track of—these little bottles are heavy. Plus, manicures and pedicures are cheap and accessible around the world.
Electric flossers. If you absolutely need to floss every day (good for you, your dentist must be proud), then bring old-fashioned floss.

5 Options Around the World for Safaris Outside of Africa

The word safari comes from the Arabic word safar, which means to journey. When the lingo made its way to the Bantu tribes of East Africa, it evolved into the Swahili word safari.

The word conjures the most exotic images of Africa, including the ‘big five’ of the animal kingdom: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. From South Africa to Zambia to Tanzania, safaris cut through some of the continent’s most flourishing wild lands.

In fact, by most definitions, safaris only occur in Africa.

But if we broaden that meaning a bit, a safari is simply a trip you take in order to observe impressive, rare animals in the wild. And, in some cases, to hunt them. By that definition, you can go on safaris outside of Africa, including in Asia and South America.

If a traditional African safari has never captured your attention, here are five more places you could have a similarly mind-blowing experience with Mother Nature. First, however, let’s cover what makes for a memorable, responsible safari.

Best practices: safari edition

For the purposes of this article, I’m only discussing safaris outside of Africa that let you view wildlife—ideally, from a safe distance. The regions listed below are closed to hunting for sport; in fact, many are fighting poaching threats. Though guides like have firearms with them, those are for last-ditch safety efforts.

That brings me to my next point: you need to be careful about which safari tours you go on.

That’s true in Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, and other African countries, along with the regions I’m listing below. Not only are your guides responsible for your safety, but also that of the environment you’re traversing and the animals you hope to see.

A well-balanced safari does no harm to the plants, animals, and natural systems that you explore. When you cut corners for cheaper options, you degrade the very place and animals you came to see.

Instead, a solid tour uses ethical transportation, prioritizes animal well-being, supports land regeneration through direct funding, and works closely with local communities.

If you’re wondering whether or not a tour is ethical, ask the guides about their practices. They should be affiliated with organizations that you can look up and verify. Usually, official travel boards are the first place to find sustainable, regulated tours.

Now onto the coolest safaris outside of Africa.

5 safaris outside of Africa

Ranthambore & Kanha National Parks in India

An adult Bengal tiger, 11-year-old female named Neelam, on the top of a fallen tree trunk at Kanha National Park, India (Getty)

The Global Tiger Forum estimates that there are around 5,500 tigers in the world—and the vast majority of those are in India.

If you’ve dreamed of spotting the world’s greatest predator (sorry, lions), then head to India. Intense conservation and educational efforts have seen wild tiger numbers boom over the last two decades.

Today, between 3,000 to 4,000 of all global wild tigers reside in India. You can go on safaris in both Ranthambore and Kanha National Parks, where you might even spot Bengal Tigers creeping through the brush.

Other sightings include macaques, leopards, caracals, striped hyenas, and a bevy of other creatures you probably didn’t know live in India.

Yala and Udawalawe National Parks in Sri Lanka

Portrait of Indian elephant with soil on his head, Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka (Getty)

There’s one animal you aren’t going to see in the two parks listed above: elephants. Though India is home to a few wild elephant populations, they’re highly fragmented and hard to find.

That’s not the case in Sri Lanka. This gorgeous, lush little island is home to two large national parks where you can glimpse the Asian elephant.

In Udawalawe, you can enjoy bird-watching, as well. Yala, by contrast, is a wildlife sanctuary and national park that’s home to elephants, leopards, crocodiles, monkeys, and a wide range of birds.

Both parks face a range of challenges, from pollution to poaching to overlogging. And it looks like some parts of Yala are dealing with overcrowding; sources say to avoid Block One.

Manu National Park in Peru

Madres de Dios Mountains in Manu National Park (Getty)

One of the most surprising things about travel is coming face-to-face with creatures other people find normal. That’s certainly the case with raccoons and porcupines; I get asked by my European friends if I’ve seen them in the wild before.

For me, the most jaw-dropping encounters have been with a binturong in Thailand and a few Eurasian coots in London.

(The coot takes the cake—I almost called wildlife rescue, assuming someone had released a bunch of exotic waterfowl into the park. Just look at those feet!)

If running into previously-unknown mammals, birds, and reptiles is high on your safari priority list, head to Manu National Park to explore its five tourist-friendly walkways.

There are jaguars, pumas, sloths, and other well-known animals—along with more exotic beasts like tamarins, tayras, jaguarundis, tapirs, mata matas, and something called the Andean cock-of-the-rock. Just bring a camera. No one will believe you otherwise.

Pantanal (Caiman) in Brazil

Jaguar, Panthera onca, along a riverbank in Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands (Getty)

Nearby Manu National Park in Peru is Brazil’s Pantanal region. The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland and is rich in rare flora and fauna. If you’re eager to see a jaguar in the wild, look no further.

But please be aware that the Pantanal isn’t protected across the board as a national park or reserve, so you need to be very careful about how you visit.

I recommend heading to Caiman Lodge. It’s a luxury tourist spot and research center where you can take safaris from dedicated naturalists, researchers, and locals who want to preserve and improve the area’s long-term well-being.

Kakadu National Park in Australia

Egrets on a billabong lagoon beneath an ancient rock escarpment in Kakadu National Park (Getty)

Located in Australia’s Northern Territory, Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage Site and protected area. It’s home to thousands of crocodiles and alligators, making it perfect for any fans of ancient reptilian predators. The park is also home to 30% of Australian bird species.

Uniquely, you can camp in this park—though you need to be careful. I’ve camped in Australia and, I can tell you firsthand, you’ll need to rely on those hardier American outdoors skills. I also recommend going on a tour that will showcase Kakadu’s aboriginal cave drawings. Here, it’s not just about the crocs—it’s also about culture.