By Ashleigh Howarth

Eat. Sleep. Work. Travel. Repeat.

Well… maybe not always in that exact order, but that’s pretty much how I roll.

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to 25 countries (soon to be 31) and more than 80 cities, and along the way I’ve collected some truly unforgettable experiences - many of which I never thought would ever be possible.

In this blog series, I’m taking you along for the ride so you too can experience some of my favourite destinations in the hope that it will inspire you to follow your dreams and tick off everything on your own bucket list.

So, grab a coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive into some of the adventures that have made travel one of the greatest joys of my life.

Walking in Julie Andrews’ footsteps

At Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, where Maria and the Von Trapp kids sing Do-Re-Mi.

When anyone asks me what my favourite movie is, I don’t even have to think about it - The Sound of Music wins every time. I adore Julie Andrews (she is a national treasure), and the soundtrack inevitably stays with me long after the credits roll.

So, when I found myself in Salzburg in 2023, there was no question: joining The Sound of Music tour with Panorama Tours was an absolute must!

I could barely contain my excitement as our guide led us through several iconic filming locations including Mirabell Gardens, where the famous song Do-Re-Mi was filmed; the Pegasus Fountain, where Maria and the children famously danced; Schloss Leopoldskron, which served as the exterior of the Von Trapp family home; Hellbrunn Palace, used for several of the film’s singing scenes; The famous gazebo where Liesl sang Sixteen Going on Seventeen and where Captain Von Trapp shared his first kiss with Maria; And Mondsee Cathedral, the picturesque church where Maria and the Captain were married.

Travelling aboard a luxury coach, our extremely funny guide played snippets from the film throughout the journey, prompting plenty of enthusiastic singalongs from everyone!

For fans of the movie, the tour is a joyful and nostalgic way to experience Salzburg, and a chance to quite literally walk in Julie Andrews’ footsteps.

Note: I definitely recreated many of the scenes myself (but I wasn’t the only one!), which was something I always wanted to do!

If this is on your bucket list, visit the Salzburg Panorama Tours website.

A close encounter with the dead

A visit to a bone house may not appeal to everyone, but after hearing about the one in Hallstatt (not far from Salzburg) my curiosity was instantly piqued.

The Charnel House, known locally as the Bone House, is located within St. Michael’s Chapel, one of Hallstatt’s most fascinating and unique visitor sites. It dates back to the 12th Century and inside is an extraordinary collection of more than 600 skulls and bones of Hallstatt citizens.

The local cemetery is so small that the remains of deceased persons are exhumed after 20-30 years to make space. Their remains are then bleached, painted, and placed in the Bone House for intrigued travellers like me to admire.

But if you prefer something a little less macabre, Hallstatt itself is a stunning location. It’s considered one of the most beautiful lake side villages in the world, and for good reason!

The panoramic views of Lake Hallstatt and the steep slopes of the Dachstein Massif are a photographer’s dream, and the narrow streets, quaint houses, and bustling market square with boutique shops and cosy restaurants and cafes give off fairytale vibes.

For those wanting to take in the scenery from above, a ride on the funicular delivers spectacular and unrivalled views.

I explored Hallstatt as part of a half-day bus tour with Panorama Tours, which was an easy and enjoyable way to experience this unforgettable destination.

Click here to find out more.

Living out my Princess fantasy in London

Posin with the King and Queen after touring Buckingham Palace.

For any royal enthusiast, few experiences compare to stepping inside Buckingham Palace – the home of the British Royal Family.

The palace opens its doors to the public for a short window each summer, and I was fortunate to secure tickets for this highly sought-after tour in 2023, which meant I could walk through the same corridors once graced by Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II, and now King Charles III.

I was in awe as I explored the Throne Room, State Rooms, the White and Green Drawing Rooms, the magnificent Ballroom, Picture Gallery, Grand Staircase, and the beautifully manicured palace gardens, with every corner of the palace steeped in history, elegance, and grandeur.

As a solo traveller, I often strike up conversations with everyone I meet, and this visit was no exception. I met a friendly woman at a local café who was on the same tour, and we decided to explore the palace together, which proved to be so much fun as we could bond and share this moment in time together.

Touring close to a year after the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, I had the unique opportunity to see photographs, jewellery, and even the outfits worn on the day up close.

My new friend shared that she had actually met the current monarchs several times - an extraordinary insight that made the visit even more special.

If you’re planning a visit to Buckingham Palace, my advice is to secure your tickets early because this opportunity is not to be missed.

You can also add on tickets to visit the Royal Mews (another must see!) and the Kings Gallery.

Click here for more info.

A birds-eye view of Antarctica

At first, paying roughly $3,000 for two tickets on a day trip from Brisbane to Brisbane might not sound impressive, but what if I told you, it was a joy flight over Antarctica?

I first saw advertisements on social media years ago and thought, “that could be amazing.” What I didn’t realize was seeing Antarctica was on my mum’s bucket list. So, being the thoughtful daughter that I am, I surprised her with tickets, and it turned out to be an absolutely incredible experience.

The 14-hour trip required no passport - even though we technically left the country, we weren’t landing anywhere. We set off for the world’s last great wilderness aboard a Qantas 787 Dreamliner, renowned for its larger windows, lower cabin altitude, and modern amenities, and spent four unforgettable hours soaring over Antarctica.

Each flight follows one of 19 unique routes determined by weather conditions, so no two journeys are ever the same. Cruising at around 10,000 feet, we took in towering mountains, glaciers, ice plateaus, rugged coastlines, and even an active volcano!

The experience was made even richer by expert commentary from personnel stationed in Antarctica, who the pilot contacted mid-flight. We were treated to delicious meals, drinks, and the champagne bottles were popped as soon as we saw the first icebergs!

And the best part? Everyone is free to walk around the cabin while flying over the frozen wilderness, and passengers swap seats to ensure every single person gets a window view of this breathtaking polar landscape.

Joy flights depart from major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

If you’re up for a super cool adventure, find out more on the Antarctica Flights website.

Soaking up the sunsets solo in Santorini

Soaking up the views in Santorini on my first ever solo trip.

Famous for its iconic whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches perched on cliffs, Santorini offers dazzling panoramas, dramatic sunsets, and endless shades of blue that make up the Aegean Sea. Thanks to this combo, it’s no wonder it’s one of the world’s most beautiful islands!

I first visited Greece during a challenging period in my life, and Santorini became part of my very first ever solo trip. Thanks to Topdeck, I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and discovered a newfound love of solo travel which set me on the course I am today.

The sunsets in the small village of Oia up on the north-western tip of the island are legendary for a reason - as soon as the sun dips below the horizon, the sky ignites with shades of pink, orange, and gold, and the reflections on the water are simply mesmerizing.

The food in Santorini was incredible, the locals were exceptionally friendly, I would go back in a heartbeat.

It’s also where I met my travel tribe, which consist of the bestest friends I have ever had. 10 days with those awesome peeps, and they knew me better than people I had known since kindergarten.

Even though we met all the way back in 2017 and live all over the world, we still message almost every day and have even visited one another!

And that’s why I love group travel. Without it, I wouldn’t have made the connections and lifelong friends I have today.

For me personally, that trip transformed Santorini from just a stunning destination on my bucket list into a place of personal growth, reflection, and unforgettable memories that set me on the course of where I am today in life and who I am as a person.

The Visit Greece website can help you plan your own adventure to this beautiful destination.

Selfies with Rottnest’s cutest locals

The first of many quokka selfies on Rottnest Island.

I travel to Western Australia regularly as my sister lives there, and during one of those visits, I decided to take a few extra days for myself and book a trip to Rottnest Island because, like everyone else in the world, I wanted my quokka selfie.

These little animals are absolutely adorable… and everywhere! So don’t panic like I did, thinking you might not see them. They are the happiest creatures ever, and I fell in love instantly.

One of the funniest things I saw on the island were the signs everywhere saying “don’t let the quokkas in”, which was especially hilarious outside the island’s bakery where they like to congregate in the hope of getting food.

But beyond the quokkas, Rottnest Island is simply stunning in itself. Its blue waters, pristine beaches, rugged bush hikes, and scenic bike trails make it a paradise for nature lovers.

As a predominantly car-free destination, you can fully immerse yourself in the natural landscape, exploring the network of bike paths and walking trails at your own pace.

I got to the island by ferry and also booked an optional adventure boat tour that left me breathless-literally! During the 90-minute thrill ride, we sped along Rottnest’s coastline, catching air over the waves and even doing 360-degree spins, which caused my internal organs to move away from where they should be! The tour completes a full circumnavigation of the island (weather permitting), offering an exhilarating and unforgettable close-up experience of Rottnest’s wild side.

My ferry ticket also included bike hire, which meant I could then spend the rest of the day leisurely pedalling around the island.

Was one day on Rottnest Island enough for me? The answer is no, so I can’t wait to go back!

You can start planning your trip to Rottnest Island here.

Exploring Norway’s natural beauty

There are so many beautiful waterwalls everywhere in Norway.

Some places look too perfect to exist, and Norway is one of them. With its towering mountains, crystal-clear fjords, and waterfalls that make you gasp, it’s like stepping into a dream.

I had originally planned to visit in 2020, but then… well, we won’t speak of what actually happened.

During those tough days when it felt like the world would be shut off forever, what kept me going was seeing pictures of Norway.

And I did finally make it, a few years later in 2023.

I opted for a two-week Scandinavia tour with Topdeck, which was perfect because I didn’t have to stress about logistics because Denmark, Norway and Sweden are all so vast! Either you’re on the bus when your tour guide tells you to, or you miss it.

This was my third Topdeck tour and like the others, I met the most incredible people who are now lifelong friends!

There were so many ticks on this trip. Seeing Vøringsfossen waterfall in all its glory. Tick. A visit to a Viking village? Tick. Cruising through the jaw-dropping fjords with mountains on every side. Tick. Jumping into the freezing-cold fjord because, hey, when else would I get a chance? Tick. Taking a scenic train ride on the Flåm Railway. Tick. Swinging high above the clouds over the town of Voss. Tick. Walking on the roof of Oslo’s Opera House. Tick. Exploring Bergen’s beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed buildings. Tick.

However, there was one thing that wasn’t ticked off the list, and that was seeing the northern lights.

We weren’t even supposed to see them at the time of year I travelled, but they came early. We chased them across multiple cities, but the weather had other plans. Even though the hotel staff insisted they’d been visible the night before, it wasn’t meant to be this trip, which, honestly, just gives me another excuse to go back.

I found the Visit Norway website to be super helpful.

Singing and grooving at ABBA The Museum

If you’re a fan of the band, you can easily spend all day at ABBA The Museum.

Could I become the fifth member of hit band ABBA? At the dedicated Abba The Museum in Sweden, that’s exactly what happened!

I know the songs like the back of my hand, and on our Topdeck tour, the trip song was Voulez-Vous - so clearly, I would fit right in alongside Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Frida.

I’ve been an ABBA fan since childhood, and my bestie is equally obsessed (if there’s ever an ABBA show in Brisbane, we’ve been there!), so this felt like a musical pilgrimage.

The museum is filled with what feels like millions of original costumes, gold records, photos, personal memorabilia, and so much more – you definitely don’t want to rush through like you would with perhaps other museums.

But the real magic comes alive with the interactive experiences: a silent disco, karaoke booths, and a massive hologram stage where you can sing and dance alongside the band.

I might not have the best singing voice, but for that day, I was a star.

You too can fulfil your fantasy by finding out more about the museum here.

Exploring Singapore on a girls’ trip with mum

Whenever I travel overseas, I often find myself stopping in Singapore. For the longest time, it was just a layover - a chance to stretch my legs before the next long-haul flight to Europe.

I would sit in the terminal staring at billboards of Marina Bay Sands, that famous hotel with a “boat” perched atop its three towers. I never really thought much of it at the time… until my mum opened my eyes to just how amazing Singapore can be.

Back in 2018, on a whim, we decided to book a holiday there. A week later we were on a plane, filled with anticipation. And let me tell you - Singapore is so much more than a convenient stopover. It’s a city bursting with culture, adventure, and surprises at every corner.

We explored the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, wandered the lively markets, and soaked up the thrills on Sentosa Island, especially Universal Studios where again, I probably acted more like a 10-year-old than a 30-something year old.

The Singapore Zoo was unforgettable, and finally standing atop Marina Bay Sands - something I had only seen from airport billboards - was breathtaking.

Every meal was an adventure for our tastebuds. We love Asian food, so being able to grab different dishes from multiple restaurants and turn them into a feast by the pool most nights was a real highlight for us.

And beyond the sights and food, Singapore impressed us with its impeccable safety, sparkling cleanliness, and seamless public transport.

By the end of our trip, it was clear that Singapore isn’t just a place to pass through - it’s a city worth experiencing in its own right.

You will find lots of helpful tips and must-see attractions on the Visit Singapore website.

Being a big kid at Disneyland on my birthday

A pic with Mickey is a Disneyland must-do.

When people say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, they’re not kidding! As a late-’80s kid who grew up with magical classics like The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and Toy Story, visiting Disneyland was always my dream.

In fact, the first time I met Mickey Mouse at Disneyland in Los Angeles, I actually cried! Yes, I know it is a human inside the costume, but I didn’t care because I was staring directly into Mickey’s happy face!

I’ve been to multiple Disneyland parks, but my most memorable trip was to Hong Kong Disneyland, where I celebrated my 32nd birthday (quite a few years ago now!). I was on another overseas girls’ trip with my mum, and admittedly, not acting my age at all that day!

I received a special birthday badge which is available for anyone who is spending their special day at the park (ID required to prove it, of course), and for the entire day, I felt like a Disney star! The characters came over for hugs, high fives, and posed for pictures, strangers sang happy birthday to me, and ride attendants took me to the very front so I didn’t have to wait! Talk about a magical VIP experience!

Visiting every Disneyland park in the world is my goal! So far, I’ve explored LA, Orlando, Paris, and Hong Kong, leaving only the parks in Japan and China left on my Disney bucket list, and I will get there soon!

If you truly want to embrace your inner child, Disneyland will make all your dreams come true.

Seeing the world: 10 unforgettable moments that defined my travels