Egypt is incredibly beautiful. Dry deserts, barren landscapes and home to the world's longest river, The Nile. In my opinion sailing The Nile is the best way to see southern Egypt. 

During my two week trip to Egypt in October 2014 I had the opportunity to sail south through Egypt. It was the best of both world's! I got to experience the slow paced, relaxed atmosphere of the south while enjoying the creature comforts of home onboard a five-star cruise ship with Topdeck.

Before boarding my luxury home for the next two nights I had the opportunity to sail the Nile River on a Felucca! The design of these classic sail boats hasn't changed much since the pharaoh's ruled Egypt so sit back, soak up the sun and enjoy your authentic Egyptian experience. 

The Nile is incredibly clean. So clean in fact my local Egyptian tour guide proceeded to fill a bottle from the river and drink it! As the sun began to set we docked on the outskirts of a small Nubian Village. I spent the last moments of sunlight, on a blazing hot Egyptian day, swimming in the world's longest river while many in the group headed forward into the village on camel back. Regrouping in a modest Nubian home we learnt all about the traditions of the village and people who lived there. Would you believe they have baby crocodiles as pets?!

Sailing back the way we came, we made our journey by boat to the five-star cruise ship that awaited us. Belly dancing, buffet food banquets, roof top pools and lounge chairs. This was a little slice of heaven!

Starting the cruise in Aswan, travel south an estimated 320 kms to reach the small town of Nubia where the Abu Simbel temples can be found. Carved out of rock, the temple build for Ramses II is incredible! The hand carved colourful hieroglyphics lining the walls floor to ceiling is something I will never forget.

Continue your Nile journey to the city of Edfu. Discover one of Egypt's best preserved temples; Temple of Edfu. This temple is the largest temple dedicated to Horus, the god of the sun, sky and kingship. Once you've taken in yet another awe inspiring Egyptian monument, head back onboard to watch the sun set over the Nile while enjoying a Sakara. 

As hard as it is to say goodbye to the Nile, Luxor is the perfect destination to complete your Egyptian Nile experience. It is here where the famous Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple are located. Trek through the shadows of the Valley of the Kings to visit King Tutankhamun's mummy or soak in the incredible views where Transformers was filmed!

There is nothing more incredible then seeing animals in their natural environment! The roar of a lion, elephants protecting their young and watching wild dogs chase down their prey. None of this you can see in a zoo! I have always been an avid animal lover so when I had the chance to plan my around the world bucket list trip it is no surprise Africa was a must! Botswana is the envy to most other African countries when it comes to wildlife. Home to Africa’s largest elephant population (numbers estimated to be close to 200,000 thousand) and ALL of the famous ‘BIG 5’. Botswana has you covered!

1. CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Located in the small village of Kasane, Chobe National Park is the most northernly point of Botswana. This national park is best known for the Chobe River which primarily borders Namibia and Botswana. Home to large herds of elephants, cape buffalo, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest, the Chobe offers a wildlife encounter experience like no other. Cruise the main channel of the Chobe at dusk to spot pods of hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. If you’re lucky you may spot the odd predator at the river banks having a late afternoon drink. Australian’s be warned, the crocodiles here aren’t half as impressive as back home.

2. MOREMI GAME RESERVE
Moremi Game Reserve is perhaps my favourite place in all of Africa. Unlike Kruger National Park in South Africa, you can drive all day without seeing more then a handful of cars at most in low season. It is less commercialised and entrance prices are extremely cheap - 30 Pula for citizens and 70 Pula for tourists. That’s around 7 USD! The other great thing about Moremi Game Reserve is that I found the animals to be extremely wild. They weren't as used to vehicles as other parks I'd visited so their behaviour patterns are truly authentic.

3. CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE
The Central Kalahari is Botswana's largest game reserve and impressively the world's 2nd largest reserve. Covering an extensive 52,000 square kms, the Kalahari is home to some of Africa's most incredible creatures. Cheetah, lion, hyaena, warthog and springbok can all be found here.

4. MAKGADIKGADI SALT PAN
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan is a large open pan made of salt. It is here you can spot the famous Kubu Island which is covered by the african baobab trees. Expect to spot desert animals such as gemsbok, meerkat, zebra and wildebeest throughout your game drive. You can also spot larger predators such as jackal and lions.

Stunning beaches, hippy yet trendy cafes, talented buskers and an all round vibe of relaxation. Byron Bay you are simply brilliant! 
I returned yesterday from a 3 day stay here and if weather had of been a little more accommodating I can’t have imagined leaving! Everywhere you look you will spot wetsuits, surfboards and kombi vans. I often asked myself if anyone actually works here or if it is all just play!

PLAY
Byron is a backpacker’s paradise. This town is where vacations never end, wearing thongs is a must and make-up will make you look oddly out of place. Not by any means cheap compared to other parts of Australia, Byron Bay will however give you a true feel of Australia. We love our beaches, we love our surfing, we love our music and we love our relaxed lifestyle. Surf boards are available for hire on every street corner so grab yourself a board and hit the beach. If you are extremely untalented like me and can’t surf no matter how many times you’ve tried, grab a sea kayak and head off shore for your chance to paddle alongside dolphins. If you can drag yourself away from the surf, hike up to the iconic bay light house to treat yourself with panoramic views of the coastline. Walk the streets of Byron and watch the sun set over the beach with a coldie at Beach Hotel. If the weather is against you head to Circus Arts to have a go at indoor rock climbing or take a flying trapeze class while the rain dies off.

EAT
Love coffee? Who doesn’t! Check out Twisted Sista Cafe. They make a mean mocha and have lots of home made goodies to snack on. For a great quality pub meal at affordable prices I couldn’t recommend more highly the Byron Bay Brewery. Lunch and Dinner specials are available during the week for $9.50. The 200g rump steak, chips and salad I was severed up on Monday night was worth writing home about! While at Byron Bay Brewery be sure to sample good old Aussie beer! $18 will score you a taste of all 6 beers brewed here daily. 

STAY
When visiting Byron Bay you have 3 main options for accommodation; Camping, Hostels and Hotels. 

CAMPING
Prices start from $40 per night
I would recommend a stay at the First Sun Holiday Park. Situated on the Belongil Beach front you can forgive the humble site sizes when you can fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. On a side note I found most people seemed to have decked out vans which might explain why I was the only one actually camping here! Clarkes Beach is a little more secluded and would be a great spot for families with kids. Prices here start at around $65 per night during school holidays. 

HOSTEL
Prices start from $30 per night
For a central location you can’t go past Nomad’s Byron Bay. Modern and clean facilities all within the heart of Byron. They even have Jacuzzis! I opted to stay at the Arts Factory Lodge due to their special on private rooms. A large, buzzing hostel with a tour desk, smoothie booth and entertainment galore. This property has the typical hippy Byron feel. The camping section looks worse then I’d imagine an African refugee camp to look like. However, if you’re all for the vibe and don’t mind slumming it the camp ground section could be for you. The best news? Free shuttle buses run into town until 4am so whether you are hitting the surf or hitting the town you don’t have to worry about finding your own way home. 

HOTEL
Prices start from $99 per night
When you go to Byron the last thing you’ll be doing is hauling up in your hotel room. This is what made camping and hostels an ideal choice for me. However, if you have a bit of extra cash up your sleeve there are several hotels available to suit your needs. Simply drive down the main strip into Byron and you’ll be spoilt for choice!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
COST - For a 3 day, 2 night stay I spent around $300 AUD including fuel, accommodation, meals and activities
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES - Just remember no matter how hippy the vibe in Byron may be, marijuana is still illegal throughout all of Australia

Welcome to the cultural hub of Australia. Located on the scenic east coast of Australia, Sydney is the most populous city in the Oceania region. Overcrowded and buzzing with tourists, try to look past this to discover what this vibrant city has to offer!

1. OPERA HOUSE
Perhaps the most photographed Australian icon, The Sydney Opera house is a performing arts centre and musical hub.

2. HARBOUR BRIDGE
When I think of Sydney this is what pops into mind. If you're an adrenaline junkie climb the bridge or if you're faint hearted don't miss the spectacular firework display on NY's Eve!

3. TARONGA ZOO
Home to a world renowned chimpanzee family, giraffe encounters and playful meerkats. Get up close and personal with some of the world's most incredible creatures!

4. SYDNEY AQUARIUM
Explore life under the sea! Gaze at incredible fish, sharks and one of my personal favourites, the blue spotted ray! 

5. LUNA PARK
A place where both kids and adults alike can play. Climb aboard the Ferris Wheel providing 360 degree views over the city, Wild Mouse roller coaster for an adrenaline rush or Hair Raiser drop if you aren't afraid of heights!

6. OPERA BAR
In my opinion this is the ultimate weekend hotspot when travelling to Sydney. Enjoy spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge while sipping away on a cold one in the Australian heat. Don't forget to indulge in a mouth watering gourmet pizza!

7. DARLING HARBOUR
Particularly stunning at night, Darling Harbour is alive any day of the week. An abundance of restaurants, shops and attractions makes Darling Harbour the perfect spot all day round.

8. THE ROCKS
A cool trendy vibe! There are plenty of activities on offer at The Rocks. If you are like me and enjoy a leisurely stroll, wander through the markets to enjoy talented local buskers such as Mark Wilkinson who was playing during my trip here in 2011.

9. BONDI BEACH
White sandy beach, killer waves and home to some of Australia's best bodies. Need I say more? Oh and if you're a fan of reality TV, Bondi Rescue and Bondi Vet are both based here!

10. AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
Located in Darling Harbour, this Museum displays historical vessels such as HMAS Onslow and James Cook's replica HMB.

Welcome to Warner Brothers Studio in London where the world of Harry Potter truly comes alive! JK Rowling began writing the children's fantasy series in 1990. The first book was published in 1997 and has since then sold over 450 million copies! In 2000 production began bringing JK Rowling's 7 book series to cinemas worldwide. Harry Potter's story has since then captured the hearts of myself and nations alike. 

When you visit Warner Brothers Studio you loose your bearings for a moment as you enter the world of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry. Begin your studio tour by entering into Hogwarts Great Hall where fantasy becomes reality. Marvel at the original set and be sure to take a selfie with your favourite house's banner... Go Gryffindor! 

Continue your studio tour through the Harry Potter museum where you can view Snake's potion room, Dumbledore's office and the Gryffindor common room. 

Half way through your tour you will arrive at the backlot section where you can sample the famous Butterbeer! It is frothy, delicious and unfortunately non alcoholic. Enjoy your iconic beverage while exploring the outdoor area. Have your photo taken in the Enchanted Car from 'The Chamber of Secrets' or climb aboard the Knight Bus from 'The Prisoner of Azkaban'. Oh and who could pass up a Kodak moment in front of Harry Potter's very own home, Privet Drive!

Finish your tour marvelling at the detailed handmade props used to bring Dobby the house elf, Augurey the irish phoenix and all your other favourite characters to the screens! Wander down Diagon Alley and finally exit your tour through Ollivander's Wand Shop.

Make sure to book your tickets at least a week in advance for your Harry Potter Tour at Warner Brothers Studio London. For Harry Potter fans this studio tour simply can not be missed!

While saying in London consult my guide for tips on how to survive London on a budget!