Copenhagen

What can we say, we love this city of Vikings. Both vibrant and chill, Copenhagen has it all. We love the city for its danish designs, trendy shops, excellent food, and genuinely friendly people.

Public transportation in the city is easy and accessible. The train and metro run from the airport to city center in about 15-20 minutes. The city is also super bike-friendly and has the infrastructure for it with designated lanes, so we definitely recommend renting bikes to get around the city.

Copenhagen is always a good idea. We particularly enjoyed visiting over the summer months to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor culture of the city. The holidays are also enjoyable as Christmas markets line the city from late November to end of December. Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world, transforms into a winter wonderland filled with snow capped igloos, food stalls, rides, and most importantly, unlimited amounts of mulled wine to keep you warm and toasty.

If you have the time and want to check another country off your list, Malmö, Sweden is a short 30 minute train ride away.

EAT 

When in Denmark, try the local open-faced sandwich, smørrebrød.

Geist Trendy, fun dinner spot close to Nyhavan.

Lagkagehuset The best spot for Danish pastries. Try them all!

Noma Tasting menu, two star Michelin restaurant. Be prepared to splurge. Recommended by a local friend.

PatePate Cool restaurant in the meatpacking area.

Reffen Previously PapirØen, this restaurant is a 10 minute bike from Nyhavn and a cool spot for quick (delicious) bites and drinks.

Tight Chill, cozy restaurant serving delicious food. Make a reservation!

Torvehallerne Food market with food stalls and bars. A nice spot for lunch.

Warpigs Potentially the best barbecue on this side of the Atlantic.

DRINK

1105 Classy cocktail bar in Indre By near the city center.

Mikkeller Bar A microbrewery with tasty beers and friendly people in a fun spot.

PLAY

Rent a boat or kayaks in the warmer months to tour the canals. Local hack: GoBoat does not require a license and you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy while cruising. Book in advance.

Christiania This freetown is an authentic, bohemian neighborhood with booths that sell dry herb. Photo-taking is not allowed.

Illums Bolighus and Hay House Get your fix of Danish design with a shopping spree.

The Little Mermaid Statue While small she is an emblem of Copenhagen’s history.

Nyhavn The most recognizable area in the city from pictures. Nice location for a stroll and people watching.

Our Saviour`s Church in Christianshavn Climb to the top for good views of the city. This can be tiring and crowded so go early.

Rosenborg Castle Nice gardens and architecture.

STAY

We love Nyhavn and Vesterbro. While Nyhavn is probably the most touristy neighborhood, the streets are lined with colorful houses, shops and restaurants which make it hard to pass. Try to find an Airbnb off the main road.

Copenhagen

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São Paulo

This sprawling metropolis is Brazil’s financial hub and most populated city.

São Paulo is huge and its public metro system extensive. If you are comfortable navigating public transport systems in major cities, it will be a piece of cake. Pay by ride (like New York City’s subway) or for a longer visit pick up a Bilhete Único reloadable card.

As with any large city, pickpockets are common. Take care and keep belongings close.

EAT

Brazilian food is comforting, dynamic and delicious. A few “must-tries” include the sandwich de mortadela at the Municipal Market of São Paulo, feijoada (black bean stew with chorizo and pork), pão de queijo (baked cheese roll), bacalao croquettes (fried cod sticks) and Brazilian pizza.

The Liberdade neighborhood, or “Little Japan”, has loads of traditional Japanese eats and is home to Brazil’s largest Japanese population.

DRINK

Açaí berries Try mixed into fresh juices. Vendors are plentiful.

Cold beer Brazilians will tell you this is the only way it should be drank!

Cachaça A Brazilian liquor made from sugarcane. Try it in caipirinha, the national cocktail.

PLAY

Ibirapuera Park Run or ride bikes through São Paulo’s Central Park,.

Trianon Park This breath of fresh air is a small but beautiful park in the city center with trails, playgrounds and birds.

Vila Madalena Sweet neighborhood known for its hipsters, bohemian shops, good restaurants and bars.

São Paulo Museum of Art You can’t miss the large concrete building with imposing red pillars.

STAY

Stay in either Vila Madalena or the city center. We had a fine stay at the affordable, 3-star Hotel Ibis São Paulo Paulista in the center.

São Paulo

Tasmanian East Coast

The eastern Tasmanian coastline is rugged, isolated and one of the most pristine places on earth. Admired for its sugar-sand beaches, sparkling blue water and orange granite rocks, the coast is best explored by car. Fly into Hobart and make your way east before heading north.

EAT

Trimbolis Pizza + Pasta This St. Helens outpost is open late-ish and one of the only places in town to get a beer in the evening.

DRINK

East Coast Wine Trail Sample Tassie wines.

PLAY

Bay of Fires’ beaches This string of beaches on Tassie’s northeastern coast was named in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux , who saw Aboriginal fires on the beaches.

Freycinet National Park World-renowned Wineglass Bay, one of the top beaches in the world, is a three hour return hike but well worth the effort. Also take a dip in Honeymoon Bay.

Port Arthur One of the best-preserved penal settlements in Australia, this 100 acre outdoor museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also the site of a 1996 mass shooting which prompted sweeping gun policy changes in Australia.

STAY

Big4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park A family-friendly campground with private cabin accommodation in Cole’s Bay. The site is very near Freycinet National Park, nature trails, local wineries and a two minute walk from a white sand beach with beautiful sunsets. There is also a small grocery and cafe on the grounds.

Tasmanian East Coast

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Hobart

Hobart is small with a population of just over 225,000, but in recent years has become a food and wine hub. We used this former British penal colony as a starting point for a road trip up the eastern coast.

Winters are cold in Tasmania. If you are going June through August bundle up!

EAT

Jack Greene Bar Cosy pub on the wharf with outdoor seating, local beers and good burgers.

Maharaja India Restaurant Casual, BYOB restaurant serving up tasty Indian.

DRINK

Preachers Hip pub with board games, a fireplace and an outdoor beer garden. Recommended by a friend.

Republic Bar & Grill Popular dive with live music.

PLAY

Mt. Wellington Drive to the top or hike up before sunset to admire views of the city and the River Derwent.

Salamanca Wharf Explore the shops and pubs in this main area. On Saturdays there is a local market.

STAY

No where should be too far from the central district. We rented a car and stayed at Rydges Hobart, a four star hotel in North Hobart with pretty views of the city, and about a 25 minute walk to Salamanca.

Hobart

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Sydney

Sydney represents the best of New York City and Los Angeles - incredible restaurants and nightlife, excellent shopping, fabulous weather and world class beaches.

A visa is required for most nationalities to enter Australia and can be obtained through the Australian Department of Home Affairs online in advance.

While Sydney is beautiful any time of year, the summer months of December through February are the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

Acquire and load an Opal card to access all public transportation - buses, trains and ferries. Uber is cheaper than taxis..

If it is your first trip to Australia, check out the book Tracks by Robyn Davidson, to better understand the challenges of living on the world’s driest continent (after Antarctica).

EAT

The Beresford Chic pub in Surry Hills with a leafy, garden patio.

The Glenmore Hotel Traditional, three-story pub in The Rocks, one of the oldest parts of town, with a beautiful view of the harbor.

Hugo’s Manly Go for the beach, stay for the pizza and cocktails.

DRINK

The Argyle Hip bar and lounge in a large 1820s building and courtyard in The Rocks.

Burdekin Hotel in Darlinghurst In the heart of the gayborhood, this is a fun place for a night cap.

The Sheaf Sprawling pub and beer garden in Double Bay known for its music.

The Taphouse in Darlinghurst Great craft beers and live music.

PLAY

The Blue Mountains Head west two hours by train for a day hike with stunning views of rolling mountains, waterfalls and eucalyptus forests.

Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly or Watson’s Bay

The Hunter Valley Head north for wine tastings in the bush.

Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Garden Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns while admiring views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Oxford Street in Paddington Great shopping. Skip the masses on Market Street in the CBD and head to Paddo. Check out Paddington Market, an outdoor, multi-vendor market.

Newtown Sydney’s hipster capital. Check out King Road’s used bookstores, thrift shops and Middle Eastern and African food.

Paddy's Market Novelty souvenirs and produce at this Chinatown institution.

Sydney Beaches Explore world class beaches from Bondi to Maroubra. The six kilometer coast walk from Bondi to Coogee Beach is one of the prettiest in the world. Swim between the flags on the beach.

Sydney Opera House

STAY

For good food, shopping and easy access to the CBD, stay in one of the trendy neighborhoods of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington or Woolloomooloo.

For beach-life and relaxation, any of the beach towns from Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Coogee will do.

Sydney

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