The shekel is a currency that stretches back to biblical times, and has been resurrected to drive commerce in modern day Israel. Although the State of Israel was only proclaimed in 1948, this is an ancient land with a powerful sense of history and a deep religious significance. It's a wonderful thing to witness a country embrace it's past with pride, and the Israelis reintroducing the shekel helps bring that rich history back to life. Israel today is a modern, innovative and technologically advanced country, but steeped in the history and tradition of their forefathers. Located within the bustling metropolis of Tel Aviv is the ancient port of Jaffa, continuously inhabited for 5,000 years and the oldest port in the…

The long and difficult history of Lebanon has led to a sizeable Lebanese community in my home town of Sydney. In fact I went to school with a bunch of Lebanese boys, so it's great to finally have the chance to explore the country for myself. There has been much written and spoken over the years about the interminable conflicts in the Middle East, and I'm pleased to say I can now gather a little perspective on the life of these friendly people. I've booked over a week at the Hostel Beirut, and am intent on making the most of my visit to this small but strategically important country. Beirut has always had a magical appeal for travellers, and it's…

I've become quite the celebrity on Instagram lately, don't you know! My account is so popular it's got to the stage I can message a girl from a destination I plan to visit, and an invitation to meet could well be on the cards. While planning this trip to Europe and the Levant one girl has been corresponding regularly for several months. She has been unfailingly polite, positive, and enthusiastic about meeting up in Europe. She lives in Budapest, and it's been ten years since my last visit so I organised to fly in to meet her at the start of my adventure. My friends and family at home have been aghast at the idea of meeting a foreign girl…

The highway from the airport in Mahe is festooned with signs to promote Seychelles. Written in Creole, French, and English the fluttering banners proudly proclaim: I love Seychelles. When I first arrived in the country over a week ago I thought it was a clever marketing ploy, but perhaps a bit forced. Now, however, I don't need any signs to remind me of the beauty and unique feel of these tropical islands near the equator. Cause right about now you can count me as another convert to shout out, I love Seychelles! And I'm sure there are countless other visitors to these beautiful islands who share the same sentiments. The journal left off at the conclusion of my first week…

Seychelles is one of the most desirable couple destinations in the world. This beautiful pearl of the Indian Ocean is an international magnet for romantics, honeymooners, and families. The idea a solo traveller should be in their midst has thrown my fellow European holidaymakers into a spin, and some of the reactions I've received over the course of the last fortnight are hilarious. Couples walk along the beach and suddenly stop by my towel in deep conversation; European ladies face their bikini bodies towards me and preen themselves for minutes on end; and couples at restaurants simply race to sit next to me. Who is this strange person, where is his partner, and what on earth is he doing here?…

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, and this amazing country has no rival when it comes to unique flora and fauna. Situated off the east coast of Africa, the national language Malagasy is spoken exclusively throughout the land, and Madagascar lives up to a billing as the place that time forgot. It's one thing to watch the famous animated movie and marvel over this wonderful place, but I'm delighted to fly in for a week long explore. As time is limited, I decided to base myself in Antananarivo, known as Tana to all, and so began one of the most memorable travel experiences of my life. There are some destinations that live on in the memory, and…

How can you visit the Mascarenes without stopping by to say hello to the inhabitants of Rodrigues. Although the island is technically part of Mauritius, it's a 600 kilometre flight east across the Indian Ocean before touching down at the airport. My host Jerry was there at 11:00pm to greet me, and drove me to the north of the island where his three bedroom house was on offer courtesy of AirBnb. Jerry showed me around the house, left the keys, and then headed home to his place around a kilometre away. This was the start of an unforgettable visit, as there are only a few neighbouring houses in this isolated area of the island. Jerry came to check on Tom…

Reunion is an intriguing travel destination. Situated less than an hour's flight from Mauritius, all of a sudden visitors are transplanted in to the EU. This is despite the fact the island is way out here in the Indian ocean, and close to the coast of Africa. It's almost surreal getting your head around seeing EU number plates on the cars as they zoom past, and becoming accustomed to the French language and culture that pervades this beautiful island. The French are fully committed to Reunion as an overseas department, so in many respects the locals are privileged to enjoy the world class infrastructure, roads, and bus service provided at a level comparable to Europe. The island is home to…

Mauritius is a destination I've wanted to visit for over a decade, but always seemed to be on the back burner for some reason. I have friends in Sydney who were born on this beautiful island, and it's a thrill to finally have the chance to visit. The Mascarene Islands are my home base for the next five weeks island hopping, and it all begins on the west coast resort town of Flic en Flac. With ten nights booked at the gorgeous Villa Osumare right by the beach, it's time to get the ball rolling on a new set of travel adventures. I jetted with Air Mauritius from Sydney to Perth, and it's a further nine hours flying time direct…

There's an expression that truth can be stranger than fiction, and you would hardly believe this story except for one thing, it happens to be true! My visit to Auckland was supposed to be an overnight stopover, before flying on to Tonga to enjoy the sites in my final South Pacific destination for this trip. I had flown from Apia in Samoa on Air New Zealand with a stopover in the largest city of NZ, and got up early for the ongoing flight next morning after spending an enjoyable night at a central Auckland hostel. Getting formalities done at check in and customs was a breeze, and before long we were up in the air watching the inflight instructions on…