If you want to see every post I’ve written, starting with the most recent, this is the place to start!
I’ve been traveling the globe solo, and many of my posts share thoughts and resources specifically for other solo travelers. If you’re a fellow solo traveler, or you’re thinking about solo travel, this is a collection you will find of interest.
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In 2020, I was traveling in New Zealand as the coronavirus pandemic brewed, and, got stuck there. If you want to read about what this time was like and traveling during this time, check out this page.
At the heart of international travel is learning about the many different cultures and ways of being around the world. The posts compiled on this page speak, specifically, about the cultural observations I’ve had.
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Blue Mountains Hikes
AUSTRALIA
Heather Markel, Writer, Speaker, Photographer, Traveler, Business Strategist
Gorgeous wildlife and spectacular mountains
Time is flying in Australia since I won’t be here too long. Bec’s family and I went to Symbio Wildlife Park and I got my first glimpses of koalas and kangaroos – they were wide awake, active, and so precious! We made a short stop in Woolongong, afterwards, and it was a perfect beach day. Here are some photos from the day:
Lucky me, after Symbio Wildlife Park, Bec took me on another adventure – a day in the Blue Mountains! Obviously, I first wanted to know why they’re called Blue. According to my handy research buddy, Google, I learned it’s the combination of eucalyptus oil, water droplets, dust particles, and sunlight that create a haze which, from a distance, appears to be blue.
Things To Know Before You Go
Check in advance whether trails you want to take might be closed due to weather-related incidents.
Make sure to bring water.
Wear layers because, depending on the weather, one side of the mountain can be vastly colder than the other!
If you enjoy taking photos, you’ll want a wide-angle lens to capture the beauty.
(A) Katoomba & The Three Sisters
I remember going to the 3 sisters 20 years ago, on my first visit to Australia, so I was looking forward to seeing them again. When we arrived in Kotumba, I had no recollection of the town, or of the visitor viewing platform. I remember hiking in the bush to get a glimpse. Either way, the day and the view were spectacular.
We had intended to start off with Govett’s Leap (B), further along our route, but we ended up just starting with The Three Sisters, because, it was just right in front of us, and who can resist?!
Once out on the viewing platform, I just wanted to stay all day and stare. It’s gorgeous. Even better, there are two levels of viewing – the bottom one is better to get photos without railings in them. You can then choose a hiking path, and get a closer look at the rock formations that comprise The Three Sisters. We walked to the honeymoon bridge, which, I wondered about…it seems the kind of bridge which you’d either go to if you were in an unhappy marriage, unless the idea is to create fear that leads to hugging each other in fear and suriving and then growing closer? 😮
The walk down to the biggest sister is really steep. There are steps, making it easier, but if you have any leg issues, you migt have to sit it out. The honeymoon bridge probably isn’t for you if you have a fear of heights. If you don’t, you’ll find it beautiful!
(B) Govett’s Leap
After our time with The Three Sisters we headed to Govett’s Leap. This lookout is on the other side of the mountain where you see The Three Sisters so offers a completely different view, but, equally as phenomenal. A wide expanse of trees and mountain ranges in the distance.
I’m amazed that I’m so close to New Zealand and yet, this country is vastly different scenery. We attempt to do a couple of hikes, but due to recent fires and landslides, many paths are closed, so we get a more intimate view of the mountain range, and then a walk through the bush where we can’t quite reach the waterfall we want, but have a lovely walk just the same.
(C) Wentworth Falls Track
We ended our day of mini hikes at Wentworth Falls Track. As the sun began to set, it was the most beautiful walk i could have imagined. We first took the Princes Rock Lookout, thinking we’d get to see the waterfall, but it wasn’t very close. However, the way the rock face juts out of a cliff, with water cascading down made me think of an alien spaceship somehow hovering impossibly in place. It reminded me of photos I might see as a screen saver, or on Bing!
We then doubled back and tried the Under Cliff walk. It was nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to whomever built the rock steps along the cliff! As we walked along, water dropped from the rocks around us, and it was like walking through a long, open cave. At the end of the path, you end up at the top of the rock cliff seen from a distance before you arrived. It’s magical knowing you’re there, and finding yourself in a sort of oasis made by nature.
The day turned out perfect. We got plenty of sunshine which was a wonderful break from the rain, and some spectacular scenery. And, how can you top a great day with a great friend? 🙂
![Could taking time away from work be one of the smartest decisions you make for your career and your life?
In this episode of How to Travel Full-Time, I explore why intentional time away, including a career break, sabbatical, or travel reset, may become an important part of the future of work.
Inspired by the Harvard Business School Managing the Future of Work episode, "Why Time Away May Be the Future of Work," this conversation looks at how longer careers, workplace burnout, artificial intelligence, and rapid professional change are challenging the traditional idea that we should work continuously until retirement.
But taking time away is not only about recovering from burnout.
A well-planned travel reset can give you the space to reconnect with yourself, reconsider what you want from your career, and decide what your next chapter should look like.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why the traditional 40-year career model is beginning to crack • How burnout can be information, not personal failure • Why vacations often do not solve deeper dissatisfaction • How travel creates distance, perspective, and clarity • Why taking time away does not have to damage your career • How a travel reset differs from a vacation or permanent full-time travel • What keeps accomplished professionals from taking extended time off • Why time away could become part of a long-term career strategy
If your life looks successful from the outside but no longer feels aligned with the person you have become, this episode is for you.
🎧 Subscribe to this podcast for more conversations about travel resets, extended travel, burnout recovery, career reinvention, midlife transformation, and using travel as a catalyst for personal change.
🌍 Sign up for my upcoming free webinar (https://heatherbegins.com/future-webinar-interest/) , How To Use Travel To Transform Your Life, Even With A Busy Career [https://heatherbegins.com/future-webinar-interest/]
Link to HBR podcast: Click here (https://www.hbs.edu/managing-the-future-of-work/podcast/why-time-away-may-be-the-future-of-work)
💬 Question for you: Have you ever considered taking one to six months away from work? What's the biggest thing stopping you?
#TravelReset #CareerBreak #FutureOfWork](https://heatherbegins.com/wp-content/plugins/feeds-for-youtube/img/placeholder.png)
The mountains look like they should be in a movie. (I would guess they probably have been). Absolutely beautiful.
I agree! They are stunning.
That sounds like such a lovely hike. I am sure you must have enjoyed it to the core.
I loved every moment. 😀
I love the Blue Mountains! It’s my home away from home….in fact I’m in Blackheath now & it’s been raining for a few days. I was hoping to do some hiking but all I can see from Govett’s Leap is thick fog. I’d also love to get down to see Wentworth Falls & National pass! Maybe tomorrow …….Nice post by the way & I’m glad you had good weather!
Oh lucky you on the location and yes I hope it clears up. The walks were so beautiful.
The Blue Mountains are beautiful. I stood there for hours just looking at the sisters in amazement. And the hikes are great too. I found the walk to the largest sister a little scary. I’m glad you enjoyed your time in the mountains.
I know! It’s mesmerizing. Yes that steep walk was quite tough! But well worth it for the view.
Adored the Blue Mountains and those steps to one of the sisters is steep! I had to take it slowly when I walked back up. Such a scenic area.
Yes that walk is super steep!! The landscape was spectacular.
It looks like there are some pretty epic hikes to go on here! The views from some of them are incredible, especially the one with the very tall waterfall.
The hikes are really full of splendid views and trees in every direction. 😍
This took me back! I visited again a few years ago after 20 years & didn’t recognise anything either! Loving the wildlife place but particularly the hikes. The Blue Mountains are stunning I’m sure, whichever hike you choose but that last one, in particular, would be my favourite. Glad you’re enjoying Oz, can’t wait to get back there myself…who knows when?!
Yeah the hikes here are so wonderful with that huge expanse of cliffs and nature. I hope you can get back soon! I think borders might open next year?
The Blue Mountain region is so beautiful. I would love to try out some of these hikes – the vistas are just breathtaking!
I agree! Well worth the time. 😬
We drove near this area but did not get out to hike. Darn! It looks totally like something we would love. I do hope to return to Australia soon…