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Travel stories

It’s a big world out there. Get a taste of different places, cultures and experiences with our travel stories.

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Travel articles
How to be gay in Paris – in the daytime
2
July
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
10 solid tips for travelling on a budget
8
July
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Mistakes you'll make travelling solo
4
July
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
What it's like to use onsen in Japan as a trans person
29
March
2023
•
5 mins
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Oh the places you’ll go

Where’s your next destination? Explore travel insurance options for your trip.

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United States
United Kingdom
Thailand
Singapore
New Zealand
Japan
Italy
Greece
Germany
France
Fiji
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Europe
Bali

Travel guides

Get in-the-know and start planning your next trip with our travel guides.

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Travel articles
The freely guide to Hakuba, Japan
Gemma Clarke gives us the lowdown on Hakuba: from its powdery mountains to its revitalising onsen.
17
November
2024
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Cruise to the end of the earth: Shiretoko
Shiretoko is home to one of the world's densest brown bear populations 🐻
7
November
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
The freely guide to hiking in Northern Tajikistan
Matt Cheok shows us why this remote travel destination filled with incredible landscapes and welcoming people is well worth visiting 🇹🇯
22
October
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Seven reasons to visit South Korea in 2025
Matt Cheok recommends a mix of experiences in South Korea, including flower fields, libraries and 50 phallic statues in Gangwon Province ⚠️ Warning: includes image of phallic statue 🍆
3
October
2024
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Don't tell me how to Camino
Writer Patrick Boxall walked the Camino de Santiago in 2016 and made plenty of new friends on the trails. One of those friends was Naked Red Calf.
23
September
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
An introduction to nightlife in Tokyo's gay district
Despite same-sex marriage not being legalised in Japan, Tokyo is home to the world's largest concentration of gay bars 🌈
10
September
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Six Hungarian towns you need to visit
Freely writer Matt Cheok shows us how to get off the beaten track in Hungary (with help from his Hungarian partner) 🇭🇺
28
August
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
The freely guide to summer in Slovenia
Exploring here feels like stepping into a vibrant painting, writes Gemma Clarke.
4
August
2024
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Love the outdoors? Here’s how you can protect biodiversity
Protecting biodiversity is part of protecting Country, writes Butchulla/Badjala/Batjala djaa woman Tilly Davis.
30
July
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
A Hungarian's guide to Budapest
There’s more to Budapest than ruin bars. Hungarian writer Fruzsi Gál shares a local guide to this fun and fascinating European capital.
29
July
2024
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Why you should add Uruguay to your South American itinerary
Uruguay is sunny, welcoming and has a 40-day Carnaval celebration, as writer Molly Mclaughlin found out.
29
July
2024
•
Travel articles
The Freely guide to summer in Iceland
Travelling Iceland in the summer feels like a pastel-hued dream – and this guide will help you enjoy the best of it 🌈
16
July
2024
•
5 mins
Travel articles
Your seven-day itinerary for the South of France
Don't know where to begin exploring in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur? This is for you 🥐
11
July
2024
•
4 mins
Travel articles
What inspires illustrator legend Ben Brown?
We caught up with illustrator Ben Brown to celebrate our colab on the Make A Wave x Freely rashies 🏄‍♀️
10
July
2024
•
1 min
Travel articles
This is why you need to visit Georgia
Mouthwatering food, rolling landscapes, a vibrant capital and less tourists – Georgia is undeniably one of the best under-the-radar destinations in Europe 🇬🇪
2
July
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
How to be gay in Paris – in the daytime
What if you want to enjoy the local queer scene without punishing your liver and sleep routine? Paris-local Tahney Fosdike shows us how.
2
July
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
The Freely guide to summer in Greece (away from the crowds)
Greece in the summertime is a postcard for that sweet Mediterranean lifestyle – and this is the one guide you need to enjoy it all 🏛️
24
June
2024
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Wild swimming in Europe? Make sure you hit these spots
Here's a handful of excuses to stop the car and take a wild dip on your Euro-trip this summer 👙
15
June
2024
•
1 min
Travel articles
Six awesome places to take your kids in Europe
Stay off the beaten track with these interesting destinations in Europe that will delight kids and parents alike 👼
14
June
2024
•
1 min
Travel articles
Five of Spain’s most interesting (and fun) summer festivals
Spain is famous for its summer fiestas – and boy, do they party! Here are five festivals to get amongst this summer in Spain 🍅
21
May
2024
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Five European cities that go under the radar
Looking for somewhere different? Check out these awesome European cities that are less-visited than the big-name cities 👀
20
May
2024
•
2 mins
Travel articles
The Freely guide to summer in Sicily (away from the crowds)
Summer in Sicily is a time to return to the simple pleasures of life – and this is the one guide you need to enjoy them all 🫒
20
May
2024
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Six cool places to party in Europe this summer
Wondering where to party in Europe this summer? Here are six places to get you started 💃
20
May
2024
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Gender equality can end world hunger: The Hunger Project
Our 1% for the Planet charity partner The Hunger Project works to end world hunger by promoting gender equality.
8
March
2024
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Sharing the summit: A hike to Everest Base Camp
Whether you know it or not, hiking is always a form of pilgrimage. ⛰️
23
January
2024
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Chasing Aurora Borealis in the Arctic
Two women’s journey to Swedish Lapland to search for the elusive northern lights ❄️
16
October
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
How to make friends when travelling solo
A guide to meeting kindred spirits in places you don’t have existing networks 🥰
5
October
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Eat like a local at Singapore’s hawker centres
An unwritten code of rules that’ll have you eating like a local in Singapore’s hawker stalls in a heartbeat! 🍜
26
September
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
A guide to Italian road trips in four acts
Italy is a country that is best driven around – slowly – in the tiniest car you can find! 🚗
19
September
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Hiking the UK's West Highland Way: Reasons to be hyped
Haggis, whisky and wild camping: Scotland’s most iconic hiking route is a dream come true!
11
September
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Japan’s northern bear hunters: Matagi, a culture co-existing with nature
Little known even to Japanese nationals, Matagi have been struggling to conserve their traditional customs. 🏹
4
September
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Seven incredible off-the-beaten-path experiences in Mexico
From a remote beach oasis and a lesser-known mountain town to surreal botanic gardens. ✨
25
August
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Bulgaria: sandy coasts, long dinners and the best gateway to the Balkans
Bulgaria’s popularity as a travel destination has really started to pop off! ⛰️
21
August
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Chasing waterfalls on Aotearoa/New Zealand’s South Island
At least 1,500 waterfalls are marked on maps of Te Waipounamu!
11
August
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
10 lessons from 10 years of solo travel as a woman
What I have learned from globetrotting alone, bright-eyed and open-hearted with my wheely backpack and rip-off Birks. 💫
7
August
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Seven tips to help you pack for unpredictable weather
20 years of travelling has taught this writer to always dress like an onion! 🧅
28
July
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Albania: The emerging gem of Southeastern Europe
Dodge the crowds and treat yourself to one of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets! 💎
17
July
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Navigating Tokyo's not-so-inclusive gym culture
As someone who identifies as queer with tattoos, I've experienced the unique challenges of finding acceptance. 🏋
17
July
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
10 solid tips for travelling on a budget
Travel doesn't have to break the bank! Allow us to guide you on the path of frugal enlightenment. 🐷💰
8
July
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Travelling Europe during a summer heatwave
A tongue-in-cheek guide to surviving the climate apocalypse this European summer 🥵
4
July
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Mistakes you'll make travelling solo
Often when I share accounts of my first solo travels at age 18, I watch as my audience's eyes flash with horror... ✈
4
July
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Why I'll never pay for checked luggage again
While I've spent tens of thousands of dollars on travel, I’ve learned that there's one expense I can’t quite justify. 🧳
21
June
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Around Costa Rica on a motorbike – and how you can do it too
An interview with Tom Voirol, who spent two weeks looping Costa Rica with a bunch of pals. 🏍️
13
June
2023
•
5 mins
Travel safety
Everything you need to know about Bali belly: Before, during and after
Bali belly is a sickness that comes for many weak-stomached Westerners 🙊
12
June
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Tips for travelling (successfully) as a vegetarian
There are plenty of reasons to be eating less meat right now. 🥦
5
June
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Five alternative Instagram spots in Barcelona
Some local-ish knowledge of off-the-beaten spots in Spain's Catalan capital. 💃🏾
30
May
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
How to experience nature tourism in Japan
A bear conservationist living in Japan shares his recommendations for nature activities and farm stays 🐻
29
May
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
How to hack your brain to create core travel memories
Learning about your biases and heuristic tendencies can help you make better travel decisions! 🧠
23
May
2023
•
3 mins
Travel safety
Travelling with anxiety
For people with anxiety, a trip overseas can be a stressful, overwhelming and destabilising experience 😰 But there are ways to manage it.
22
May
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
How slow travel changed the way I experience the world
Slow travel is more than simply checking off a list of sightseeing attractions... 🌍
15
May
2023
•
3 mins
Travel insurance
What is the point of travel insurance?
With inflation at dizzying heights, you can't help but wonder, "Do I really need travel insurance?" 🤔
11
May
2023
•
2 mins
Travel safety
How to stay safe from mosquito-borne diseases when you're travelling
Tips to help you safeguard yourself against mosquitos when you’re travelling. 🦟
10
May
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
A guide to capturing the world on Super 8
An alternate way of recording your travels and capturing those smaller, purer moments that your phone can't! 🎥
8
May
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Surviving jet lag
How to keep the dreaded jet lag at bay when you change time zones travelling 😴
8
May
2023
•
3 mins
Travel insurance
Travel insurance explained
So what actually is travel insurance and what should you be looking for in a policy? 🧐
2
May
2023
•
3 mins
Travel insurance
Our snow sports cover explained
Freely's Snow Sports Boost offers benefits that may lend a hand when you go skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling 🏂
25
April
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
A feminist city guide to Kathmandu
Exciting and impactful feminist endeavours that will enrich your experience of Nepal’s capital. ✨
19
April
2023
•
5 mins
Travel articles
Under Sahara stars: Camping with camels in Morocco
Riding camels in Morocco was a contrast of extremes: a metaphor for the desert itself. 🐪
19
April
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
What it's like to use onsen in Japan as a trans person
For gender minorities like myself, entering these public bathhouses poses a great dilemma. 🛁
29
March
2023
•
5 mins
Travel articles
A travel guide to Uzbekistan
If you're hankering for a culturally adventurous travel experience, look no further than Uzbekistan! 💚
22
March
2023
•
4 mins
Travel safety
How to stay healthy on your cruise
How can you make sure that you stay in tip-top health while cruising? 🚢
22
March
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Cycling across continents is easier than you think
Long-distance bicycle touring is enjoying a new golden age. 🚴⛺
14
March
2023
•
4 mins
Travel safety
How to build up your immune system before your trip
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, it’s a sound idea to build your immune system up before you go! 🍊
9
March
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
A travel guide to Kazakhstan
Wander off the beaten path and put Kazakhstan on your bucket list. ⛰️
2
March
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Unexpected lessons from an Icelandic horse
Being around the intelligence and charm of these quirky horses was a highlight 🐴
1
March
2023
•
4 mins
Travel safety
How to travel safely in high altitudes
You actually don’t even need to be climbing to experience this incredibly annoying phenomena 😵‍💫
9
February
2023
•
2 mins
Travel insurance
When should I get travel insurance?
If you’ve got a trip booked and are wondering when you should buy travel insurance 🤔
9
February
2023
•
1 min
Travel articles
Five spots to surf before you can't
Some are going to challenge you and others just delight 🏄🏽‍♀️
1
February
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
A travel guide to the Kyrgyz Republic
Landlocked in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China is this wild, magical place ✨
13
January
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
How to be a more ethical, mindful and sustainable traveller
Many of us aren’t always as responsible as we would like when we travel
22
November
2022
•
4 mins
Travel insurance
The Freely Guide to travel insurance jargon
PDS, Excess, Boosts, exclusion....What does it all mean exactly?
3
November
2022
•
4 mins
Travel safety
Stay safe with these snow sports safety tips
Though snow sports are among some of the greatest activities out there, they inevitably come with risks.
24
August
2022
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Awesome experiences in Aotearoa/New Zealand you probably don't know about
Whether you're a foodie, a keen hiker or a culture buff, Aotearoa/New Zealand is an incredible place to visit!
31
March
2022
•
3 mins
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Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Freely is a brand of Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713), who administers the Freely Travel Insurance Product and Cancellation plan on behalf of the product issuer, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Any advice is general advice only. Please consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the Combined FSG/PDS before deciding to buy this insurance. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determination for this product, visit our TMD page.

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