There are millions of reasons to be happy this time of year in the Gold Coast. Some of them are free and some of them are steep, whatever the cost they can all be found at the Gold Coast Turf Club.

Ye olde Phuket, who would have thought it? Hidden away from most of the tourists (those who only want to go to girly bars and Pattong) is one of Thailand’s hidden gems.

The Bangkok protests have done some strange things to this year’s high season. Some are willing to sell no haggles, some remain resolute and bargaining is not an option.

In the good old days, Kiwi's received a 90 day visa on arrival in Thailand. While all the other nationalities had to either apply (and pay) before they came or do visa runs once a month, the Kiwi's sat back on the beach.

When traveling long term a girl has to earn a crust (lets face it the NZ dollar doesn’t do much). After making some subtle enquiries I found out that Mrs. Germany (yes Mrs.) was in town and diving off the Similan Islands.

After a few days of hustle and bustle in Phuket (is this place really an island?) every traveler needs to get away and what better place than the beautiful Koh Phi Phi island.

After trawling the net and finding an excellent flight from the Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur for $220AUD (including tax!!) I left the expensive world of Australia behind me and headed to South East Asia. The only problem was where to head next.

Freedom Air was the instigator (R.I.P Freedom), Jetstar and Virgin Blue took over, flying to Australia has never been easier or cheaper.

Travel - The Do's and Dont's? Maybe I started off on the wrong foot, I’m no expert on travel.