If you’re debating whether there’s enough to do with kids in Warsaw when it rains or too cold or dark to be outside, don’t worry. Over the last couple of years, so many places have opened, and as a result, you can now easily spend a week in the city without your kids starting to climb What I love about all these activities is that they’re not spots where parents just sit and wait for their kids to have fun. Many places are enjoyable for adults, and in fact, some of my friends living in Poland told me they visit them without kids as well. As Poland is one of the most modern and technologically adjusted places in Europe, you’ll find changing tables or child seats everywhere, and even shopping malls have calming feeding rooms. Buses and trams have charging pods and dedicated spaces to park a stroller – you never have to lift it. If you’re visiting Warsaw with kids for the first time and the weather cooperates, don’t forget to check out my guide to outdoor things to do. If you’re planning any day trips (which I highly recommend) there are a lot of places to visit with kids as well! Ultimate Guide to the Best Indoor Family Attractions in Warsaw 1. See Mini Poland at Kolejkowo Kolejkowo is a newer attraction that presents Warsaw in miniature. It’s full of dioramas with moving trains and treasure hunts for kids. Every couple of minutes, there’s a change from night and day, and you can even see a real thunderstorm with water coming out of the ceiling. Bonus: After you finish visiting, you can grab lunch or dinner at one of the small but mighty Italian restaurants nearby. It’s called Trattoria Ti Amo on Swietokrzyska Street. 2. Experience the Warsaw Uprising Museum For a little more learning, the Warsaw Uprising Museum tells the story of this iconic period in the city’s history. There are plenty of interactive elements throughout the museum, which ensures that children can also retain a lot of the information given, and the historical items on display are quite impressive. An audio guide is also available to accompany the exhibitions on display, and I recommend taking up the chance to have a little more explanation about what you see.   3. Indulge at E. Wedel Chocolatier E. Wedel is one of the most recognized chocolate companies in Poland and even if you haven’t heard the name before, their delicious sweets speak for themselves! While they still use large-scale machines for the majority of their processes, many of their products are still partially created by hand to ensure the best quality, and the range of sweets available is unbeatable. You can go to their Chocolate Factory in Saska Kepa. You may have a hard time dragging your kids out of this chocolate wonderland, but visiting the Chocolatier will be a memorable experience for everyone. Pick a packaged chocolate or something from their cafe, take a seat, and enjoy the beautifully decorated building while your taste buds enjoy an iconic treat.  4. Learn at the Copernicus Science Center Kids of all ages love the Copernicus Science Center as it is full of interactive exhibitions that let kids do their own experiments while learning about the world.  Alongside their hands-on museum, they offer workshops, a robotic theatre, and even a huge planetarium that shows films and concerts throughout the year. There’s always something going on here, so make sure to check out the events page on their website before planning your visit!  Note: This place does sell out, especially during the summer months with kids doing field trips. Book it at least two days in advance to make sure you can get it. 5. Have an Interactive Dinner Have you heard of Le Petit Chef? It’s when the whole table comes alive through animated immersive projections. The animations blend with the dishes served as the little figurine cooks your steak or pasta. They have branches all over the world, but the bonus of the Warsaw location at the Hilton Hotel is that it’s the cheapest in Europe. Ultimately, you’re getting the same experience for less. 6. Play with your Kids at Various Indoor Playgrounds Warsaw really went all-in on indoor playspots, and there are now so many to choose from, on top of play cafes. My kids’ favorite is Smart Kids Planet as it’s an interactive learning center. If your kids speak Polish and are over 7 years old, there’s also Mini City – basically a Polish version of international Kidzania. Other notable spots include: Klockownia – definitely best for preschoolers and toddlers as it’s mostly block play, but diggers are a hit. Jungle Academy Fort Wola – most visually stunning spot with an underwater theme. Fikolki – literally any branch, but Mokotow is the best one. 9. See Majaland Majaland is a great place for kids in any weather, with both outdoor and indoor areas. It’s a small theme park based on Maya the Bee, which was a super popular cartoon in the 90s. The park definitely caters to small kids – I would say under 9 years old. From 100cm in height, the kids can go on all the attractions. 7. Stop by Melt Museum Warsaw’s Melt Museum is an immersive, multisensory digital art experience. It’s basically a small version of the worldwide known teamlabs if I needed something to compare it to, but with more use of AI, which makes the experience not just impressive and immersive but also innovative. 8. Drive to Suntago – Europe’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark Suntago is only half an hour from Warsaw, and it’s the biggest indoor waterpark in Europe. They also have an outdoor part that opens in the summer. There are multiple slides for all ages, and even toddlers will have something to do as there’s a splash area, giant warm jacuzzi-like pool, wave pool, and a lazy river. My 6-year-old son rode a lot of “big” slides, while my younger one

When I first started sharing my adventures with the world some fifteen years ago, I can say with my whole heart that I never thought there would be an end in sight. Travel and me have had a special relationship since my first solo trip to Hong Kong (aged nineteen). I was young, impressionable and incredibly naive. I knew next to nothing about the world around me and the only way I was able to break out of my shell and figure out who I was, was to experience the world first hand. Fast track to now and I am 33 years old, married, and recently welcomed my first daughter into the world. It feels like just yesterday I was everything opposite of that, but life really does have a way of accelerating once you allow love into your life. The last trip I ever wanted to share on World of Wanderlust was this one — my honeymoon. For a girl who made solo travel her whole personality, I thought it would be such a great way to round out more than a decade of solo adventures, as I finally am at the time in my life where solo travel is behind me (at least for the foreseeable future!) My husband and I took our vows almost a year ago at a tiny ceremony in the city we now call home. Brisbane has welcomed me with open arms and an abundance of sunshine, so we figured it was only natural to wed in our own backyard with a celebrant, immediate family, our sausage dog Frankie and our soon to be daughter there in spirit as I was six months pregnant at the time. To say we glossed over the wedding part would be an understatement, but we were more excited by the idea of a great big honeymoon together to celebrate this special time in our lives with each other. Choosing a honeymoon destination Choosing a honeymoon destination is no easy feat since there really are so many incredible destinations around the world to spend such a monumental occasion. I had always envisaged myself on safari for my honeymoon given it has always been one of my favourite travel experiences, so the next part was to convince my husband! His idea of a honeymoon was more tropical beach than bush safari, but once I shared with him some photos of my travels in the past he was totally on board. And so it was decided, we were off to South Africa! We managed to sneak in a couple of extra days by planning our flights on Fridays, so we could take a total of 10 days off work (using the weekends to boost our time off work). However as fate would have it a once in a lifetime cyclone arrived in Brisbane the week of our departure, causing all flights to be grounded for a total of four days. By the time the new week rolled around we were weighing up our options of whether it was better to reschedule, however we ultimately decided based on non-refundable flights and accommodation to make a run for it, even if we would have just five days in South Africa total (your gentle reminder to book travel insurance when you book your trip!) The itinerary With the weather dampening our plans, we had very little time to spend on the ground in South Africa. Tempting as it was to postpone or even cancel the trip, we knew it would be a very long time before we could take the opportunity to travel again. Unfortunately missing the first few days of our honeymoon meant we would have to skip Cape Town entirely, but I was still excited to share the magic of the Cape Winelands with my husband, as this would be his first visit to South Africa. Day one: Cape Winelands Arriving late at night, we woke up on the first day of our honeymoon in the ethereal landscapes of the Cape Winelands. Basing ourselves in Franschhoek at Leeu House, we had just one day to eat, drink and drive our way around the many vineyards, restaurants, towns and landscapes that the area is so famous for. I was grateful we were located in such a central location, as we had a lot of touristing to squeeze into one day, and yet the beauty of the Cape Winelands is really in the art of slowing down. The first stop of our day was to drive to nearby Babylonstoren, perhaps the most famous and iconic farm in the world. With sprawling gardens, vineyards and endless opportunities to eat farm to table produce, Babylonstoren is what both myself and my husband would consider our paradise. We excitedly made our way through the many farm shops and experiences on offer, daydreaming that a farm like this would a dream come true to call home. Lunch at Delaire Graff The first time I visited South Africa I had the pleasure of visiting Delaire Graff wine estate for lunch. And so, perhaps as a final nod to finalising this chapter of travel blogging the same way it began, we made our way up the steep hills to the restaurant for a fine dining experience. Everything we ordered was top notch, featuring a wild mushroom risotto for me, their famous steak for my husband, and one of the most delicious deconstructed lime tarts I’ve ever seen, let alone tasted! The service is great and the views are exceptional, so if you ever find yourself in this part of the world be sure to add a long lunch at Delaire Graff to your itinerary. Checking In: Phinda Vlei Lodge And of course, the crowning jewel in our short but sweet honeymoon itinerary! Of all the places I have visited and experiences I have enjoyed, going on safari is hands down the most romantic experience on earth. This was the exact reason we chose to spend our honeymoon on the

Over the past decade, I’ve taken our Under30Experiences team and travelers to more than 30 countries and I’ve spent a lot of that time figuring out how to do it without overpaying for flights. Finding cheap flights is a science. The more we save on flights, the more we can spend on the actual experience: better food, better lodges, more time on the ground. What follows are the flight hacks that actually work in 2026. Not the recycled “open a private browing window” advice you’ve read everywhere, but the real moves I use to book flights for myself and our U30X group trips around the world. Thats a myth by the way! The more money we save on flights, the more money left to spend on incredible experiences. The 10 Flight Hacks I Actually Use 1) Book during the right time of the month If you book flights on a credit card, pay attention to your billing cycle. Mine turns over on the 28th, so I almost always book after that day. Through American Express, that gives me close to two months before the bill is due. I just booked my flight for our Under30Experiences trip to Costa Rica. Next month’s statement won’t arrive for almost a month, and I’ll have until the end of that month to pay it. Plenty of breathing room, plenty of time to earn the cash flow back before the charge hits. Pro tip: Many banks let you change your billing date if you need a little wiggle room, sometimes through the app! 2) Stop chasing the “best day to book” myth For years, the conventional wisdom said book on Tuesday at 3 PM Eastern. Forget that. Airlines have moved to dynamic pricing, which means fares update in real time based on demand, route popularity, fuel costs, and booking velocity. The truth: there is no single best day. What matters is how far in advance you book and how flexible your dates are. For domestic U.S. flights, the sweet spot is typically 1 to 3 months out. For international flights, 2 to 8 months out. Booking too early or too late both tend to cost more. The real move here is to stop watching the clock and start watching the price. That brings us to the next hack: setting up alerts. 3) Find off-peak flights Most people fly home Sunday afternoon to be back at work Monday morning. If you have any flexibility at all, fly off-peak instead. Saturday nights, red-eyes, and early Tuesday mornings are almost always cheaper than the weekend rush. When you’re searching, use the +/- 3 days flexible date option on Kayak or Google Flights. Two days of flexibility can easily save you a couple hundred dollars on an international flight. 4) Search other destinations and buy a connecting flight separately This works especially well for trips to Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Major hub airports almost always have cheaper flights than smaller destination cities. Find the cheap flight to the hub, then book a separate ticket on a regional carrier to your final destination. For our U30X trip to Bali, I once found JFK to Taipei nonstop for $1,000, then Taipei to Bali for $300 on a regional Asian carrier. Total cost was way less than booking a single through-ticket. Bonus: 24 hours in Taipei on the way through. This is also exactly how I’d book flights for our U30X Korea trip, flying into Seoul and using it as the hub to explore the region. The trick: search your final destination first, then look at where the cheapest flights connect. Those connection cities are often where the real savings are. I would never have thought to fly through Taipei, but that’s where the cheap flights stopped. One warning: when you book two separate tickets, you’re responsible if the first leg is delayed and you miss the second. Build in a buffer of at least 4 hours between flights, and ideally an overnight if you’re going long-haul. 5) Take advantage of free stopovers The cheapest international flights usually have long layovers. Most travelers see a 12-hour layover and panic. I see it as a free mini-trip. A few years ago, I had a long layover in Dubai on Emirates. I called the airline and asked if I could extend it to 24 hours. They said yes. I rode camels in the desert, swam in the Persian Gulf, saw the Burj Khalifa, and had dinner with a college friend who lives there. All on the airline’s dime. Even better: some airlines offer formal stopover programs where you can stay in their hub city for a week with no extra fare. Icelandair lets you stop in Reykjavik for up to seven days when flying between North America and Europe. If you’re heading to Europe, this is one of the best free travel hacks in existence. Pro move: book your Icelandair flight, then time it with one of our U30X Iceland trips for an extended stay you can’t beat. 6) Watch the price predictors Google Flights, Hopper, and Kayak all use historical pricing data to predict where fares are headed. Google Flights specifically tells you whether a price is “low,” “typical,” or “high” for that route, and shows the price history for the past 60 days. Hopper goes a step further and predicts whether to buy now or wait. For trips to less-traveled destinations like Nicaragua, Colombia, or rural Mexico, the predictors usually say to wait. Those flights tend to drop in price as the date gets closer because they don’t fill up. For high-demand routes like New York to London or LA to Tokyo, prices typically rise as the date approaches. Book those earlier. One caveat: keep an eye on the flight load. I once couldn’t get on a Miami to Managua flight because our group filled the plane. Predictors don’t know about sudden demand spikes from groups, conferences, or holidays. Trust the algorithm, but check the seat map. 7) Buy travel

Sharing is caring! There are so many walks and tramps in New Zealand on my list that I haven’t had a chance to check out. And no matter how much I get out and tackle them, the list only grows longer. Funny how that happens.  But there is one track I’ve been wanting to do forever, the Heaphy Track. New Zealand has ten Great Walks, including the Heaphy, and I’ve basically done them all, some even a few times. Great Walks have better infrastructure than our normal backcountry tramps – they also come with bigger price tags and book out fast. Bigger, fancier huts with wardens. Some even have flushing toilets (!!!). Wide and better-maintained trails, and for some of them, you can choose guided options.  While kiwis pride themselves on being tough and cheap when it comes to tramping (no arguing), there is something great about easier tracks. I’ve done my fair share of slogging through frigid rivers, climbing tree roots and scrambling up dodgy rocks, and even walking in knee-deep mud (f*ck that). I’m pretty sure the motto here is, “Why build a nice switchback trail when you can just climb straight up the mountain?” But I’m gonna be honest: I love a chance NOT to use my hands when tramping, hanging on for dear life, and praying to whatever god is out there that torture ends soon. I really don’t care about being hardcore.  While you won’t see many kiwis on the popular Great Walks, it was all locals when I did the Heaphy Track in May this year. From May 1st, our autumn, the track opens to mountain bikers. At an 84-kilometer tramp, it’s the longest Great Walk (minus canoeing the Whanganui River), and I will argue it’s the best.  So why did I put it off for so long? Because the start and finish of the track are a seven-hour drive apart. I couldn’t figure out the logistics, especially as I prefer to tramp alone. The start on the West Coast is a ten-hour drive from Wānaka, too. It’s quite a commitment, and it would be nearly $500 to relocate my car, on top of fuel: it currently costs me $175 to fill up my little car here. NOPE. But then I mentioned to a friend that I was keen to tackle the Heaphy this year, and they told me about Golden Bay Air as the best logistics option. Looks left to right, how did I not know about this? You can fly in between the start and finish, and they do lots of shuttles. They have streamlined the process of organizing the tramp, and it’s affordable. It’ll save you 450 kilometers of driving. Count. Me. In.  How I organized my logistics with Golden Bay Air: I drove from Wanaka to Westport in a day and stayed in a motel that night The next morning, I drove north, and I dropped a bag of clean clothes and toiletries at the tiny airport in Karamea Then I drove 15 minutes to the start of the track on the West Coast side I parked my car at the Kōhaihai campsite, which is where the track begins Over the next four days, I walked the Heaphy Track  I stayed in these huts in order:  Day 1 – Heaphy Hut Day 2 – James Mackay Hut Day 3 – Perry Saddle Hut I met the Golden Bay Air car shuttle pick-up at the end of the track at Brown Hut to head to Takaka airport I grabbed my hire car and my other bag from the Takaka airport I stayed in Takaka for three nights to explore Golden Bay I returned to the Takaka airport to return the hire car and catch my short flight back to the Karamea airport Then, the shuttle brought us back to the start of the track at Kōhaihai, where I left my car Then drove back to Wanaka **This looks like a lot, but basically, when you book with Golden Bay Air, they cover all of these services, so the process is streamlined, and the timings all line up, so you don’t have to wait around. And for those of you reading from overseas, the Karamea and Takaka airports are tiny, the size of a room; they’re more like an airstrip, not for larger commercial jets. There’s no queuing or anything. I decided to walk the Heaphy Track from the Karamea/West Coast side north to Takaka. Most people do it the other way, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t think it’s harder in either direction. Karamea is just closer to me to drive to than Takaka.  My GPS told me that the track was 84 kilometers long, and it was mostly evenly split over the four days, usually 16-25 kilometers per day. For me, it really wasn’t that hard. I thought the days would be much longer than I thought – each day took me around four to five hours. The best part, though, is the track feels flat. If you look at DOC’s elevation profile, it looks daunting. You’re climbing to 1,000 meters but over 20 kilometers. It’s so gradual you don’t notice the incline much.  I noticed my back was a little more sore than normal because I had a heavier pack, bringing my camera and more food than on shorter tramps. So don’t be put off by the 20-kilometer days—they were easy, the track seems flat, there are no steps except onto bridges (remember people bike it), and it’s well maintained. You can also make it longer by staying at some of the smaller huts.  You can drink the water along the track too – it’s stained brown from tannins from leaf matter. It’s totally fine to drink and tastes better than my tap water. I decided to tackle the Heaphy Track in the autumn. It doesn’t have the avalanche danger that the more mountainous Great Walks have, making it a track you could tackle all year long. Though

Most expats can agree that while making friends as adults is insanely hard, especially in the era of working remotely, making friends with other expats abroad is definitely easier, as you can connect over similar experiences, whether good or bad, and more importantly, you’re all eager to bond, learn, and experience different cultures together. While I move around the world way too often and can live out of a few suitcases with two kids and a cat in tow, I know that not everyone can drop everything back home and try their luck abroad, especially if you have a job you love back home, relatives nearby, or, as I’m recently finding out myself, kids in sports. International Summer Camps However, just because you can’t move abroad for an entire year, it doesn’t mean that you can’t give your kids an enriching experience abroad. You can book an international summer camp in a country of your choice, where your child will experience a different culture and make international friends. Ironically, especially if you’re coming from the US, where to afford a summer camp in metropolitan areas, you might need to sell a kidney or two, this experience might end up being even cheaper than staying home, if you rent out your house (on top of the obvious, an amazing experience abroad). Growing up, I was lucky enough to experience some summer camps focusing on language immersion with EF. The experience was incredible, despite forcing me out of my comfort zone, but up until this day, I think about it fondly and keep in touch with friends I met in my class and dorm. On the other hand, by the time I attended a summer camp abroad, I was already late in my teenage years, and my parents stayed at home (or went for their own vacation, I’m not entirely sure). It’s safe to say that my parents didn’t experience anything that way… Attending summer camp in Paris as a teen Our Experience Sending Kids to Traditional Summer Camp Abroad Summer camps are the best place to make meaningful friendships and gain new experiences, so it was unsurprising that I wanted my children to experience the same. Last year, my kids were way too young for a sleepover camp, let alone in a foreign country. Fortunately, I discovered many international summer day camps where I could drop my kids off at camp and pick them up in the afternoon. There are so many of these camps around the world, organized by international schools or other organizations for kids as young as 3 years old. I signed both kids up for one of the camps in Poland during our trip around Europe, so I had to work remotely while the kids were entertained. Plus, while traveling around for 2 months, it’s always good to give the kids an opportunity to connect with other kids their age. The camp was reasonably priced and offered different activities. The kids were shy at first, but after the first day, they both claimed they were having a great time and went in willingly. However, while the childcare and entertaining aspect was there, I felt like the kids got zero exposure to the Polish language or culture (although it’s been promised), and both my older son and I felt slightly disappointed about it. From my perspective, it definitely felt like an experience for children and not me. My kids made friends and participated in outings and activities, while parents just stared at each other awkwardly at pick up – the same way we experienced attending a regular school in the US or France. I made zero friends, and at the end of the day, I was just shuffling my kids to and from the camp and looking for a coworking space on day 3 when things got slightly lonely… Summer Camps Abroad for the Entire Family After our last year’s experience, I realized that whether working remotely or taking a break from work, parents would like to have their own summer camp experience as well. Why were only my kids allowed to have this experience and not me? I started looking for places where my kids and I can make connections and friendships, while getting immersed in local culture, learn something new, and most importantly have fun! And while these spots are harder to find, it doesn’t mean that they’re impossible! This summer, we’re headed to Eastern Europe for an intense ice skating camp where I can also have fun in an adult group, simply because sitting at the ice rink for a few hours while my kids skate didn’t sound appealing. Who knows, maybe I’ll even land my double jump before my 6-year-old does 😉 Boundless Life Summer Camps On top of that, we’re also finally doing a worldschooling summer camp with Boundless Life. After visiting our friends who participated in the Boundless cohort at Estepona location in Spain last winter, where we got to see firsthand that the experience was very different from the regular international school camp or school, I decided it was the best choice for us. During our time in Estepona, families were connecting more easily, and so were the kids, which resulted in joint yoga classes for the moms, group dinners while the kids had a movie night, or big birthday parties that the parents also loved attending, and not just dropping their kids off and leaving. Now, what is Boundless? Boundless Life is a worldschooling organization providing families with an opportunity to live abroad for 3-month cohorts, where kids can go to school inspired by the Finnish education system, combined with an experimental, hands-on approach. Some families might want to take a gap year, while others are using remote work to taste life abroad. It’s basically a hassle-free experience for digital nomad families. Community dinner at one of the Boundless cohorts in Spain. Only one table is pictured out of three! For families like ours, who can’t commit to a

London is one of those cities that feels alive year-round. Whether you’re strolling along the River Thames, enjoying a picnic in Hyde Park, or ducking into a quintessentially British pub on a rainy afternoon, there’s always something to do inside or out. But the truth is—your experience in London changes dramatically with the seasons. So, when is the best time to visit London? The answer depends on what kind of trip you’re dreaming of. Spring in London (March – May) 🌸 Spring is one of the best times to visit London if you want to see the city in bloom without peak-season crowds. If you love blooming parks and mild weather, spring is magical. London’s gardens come alive with cherry blossoms, daffodils, and wisteria. Stroll through Kew Gardens, wander Regent’s Park, or take the perfect pastel-hued Instagram shot in Notting Hill. Weather: Mild, around 11–18°C (52–64°F) Best for: Flowers, photography, and fewer crowds than summer Events: The Chelsea Flower Show in May is iconic for garden lovers Read more: Your guide to visiting Notting Hill Summer in London (June – August) ☀️ Summer is the most popular (and busiest) season to visit London. The days are long, the parks are green, and the city is buzzing with festivals. Imagine watching Shakespeare at The Globe, picnicking in Primrose Hill, or joining the lively crowds at Wimbledon. While summer is the best time to visit London for festivals and nightlife, travellers should be prepared for higher prices and busy tourist spots (resulting in unavoidable lines and longer wait times). Weather: Warm, 18–30°C (64–86°F), though heatwaves are possible Best for: Outdoor concerts, rooftop bars, open-air theatre Events: Wimbledon, Notting Hill Carnival, and BST Hyde Park concerts Autumn in London (September – November) 🍂 Autumn is the best time to visit London for culture and fewer tourists. Golden leaves scatter across London’s parks and the city takes on a cozy, romantic feel. It’s cooler, the crowds have thinned, and this is the perfect season for museums, galleries, and pub evenings. Weather: Crisp and cool, 10–16°C (50–60°F) Best for: Culture trips, photography, and food markets Events: London Fashion Week in September, Bonfire Night in November Winter in London (December – February) ❄️ London in winter is like stepping into a holiday film set and coincidentally, it’s my favourite time of year to visit! From ice-skating at Somerset House to wandering Christmas markets under twinkling lights, it’s festive and atmospheric. Cold, yes. But the magical Christmas lights, decorations and warm feeling you enjoy when you walk into a cozy cafe takes the bite out of the cold and makes this time of year the most magical time to visit. January and February bring colder weather, but fewer crowds and better hotel deals. However if you want that Christmas magic, be sure to tailor your visit towards December. Weather: Cold, 2–8°C (35–46°F) Best for: Christmas markets, cozy pubs, shopping sales Events: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, New Year’s Eve fireworks So, What’s the Best Time to Visit London? For budget travelers: Winter (Jan–Feb) For flower lovers: Spring (Apr–May) For festivals & sunshine: Summer (Jun–Aug) For cozy culture trips: Autumn (Sep–Nov) The truth? There’s no single best time to visit London—it depends on what you’re looking for. Personally, I love spring when the city feels fresh and alive, but there’s a certain magic to wandering London’s foggy streets in winter, too. Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to Visit London 1. What is the best month to visit London?The most popular months are May, June, and September. These months offer mild weather, blooming parks or golden autumn leaves, and fewer crowds than peak summer. 2. What is the cheapest time to go to London?The cheapest time to visit London is during January and February, when flights and hotels are more affordable after the holiday season. 3. Is London too rainy to visit?London is famous for its drizzle, but heavy rain is less common than you might think. The city averages light rain year-round, so just pack a small umbrella and waterproof shoes. 4. Is Christmas a good time to visit London?Yes! London in December is magical, with Christmas markets, festive lights, ice-skating rinks, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It’s one of the most atmospheric times to visit. 5. How many days do I need in London?Ideally, spend 4–5 days in London to see the highlights (Big Ben, Tower of London, British Museum) while also enjoying neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Shoreditch, and Greenwich. Read more: The Best Bookstores in London Solo in London: The Best Things to Do in London Solo The best hotels in London for solo travelers ✨ Final Travel Tip: No matter when you go, always pack an umbrella. This is London, after all! Brooke Saward Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries. Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Source link

As travelers, we love connecting with others and sharing new experiences together while we are abroad. We want to bring that same energy and excitement to your hometown!  Of course, our group trips will always be there for you when you are ready for your next adventure, but until then, stay connected with the Under30Experiences travel community at home through our meetup events! Traveler meetups are a great way to meet new friends, socialize with like-minded people, and discover the excitement that your own city has to offer. We have regularly planned meetups all across the country. Check out our schedule of upcoming traveler meetups below: Sunday, March 1, 2026 Lunar New Year Parade – Chicago, IL12:00 PM – Details and RSVP here Monday, March 9, 2026 St. Patty’s Themed Trivia – Chicago, IL6:30 PM – Details and RSVP here Saturday, March 14, 2026 St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing + Festivities – Chicago, IL9:30 AM – Details and RSVP here Monday, March 16, 2026 Lunch and St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Baltimore, MD12:00 PM – Details and RSVP here Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Puzzle Night – Boston, MA6:00 PM – Details and RSVP here Saturday, April 4, 2026 Fort McHenry Cherry Blossoms – Baltimore, MD10:00 AM – Details and RSVP here ‍Stay in touch with your city’s travel community! Stay up-to-date and get notified of all the upcoming meetup events in your city. Trip alumni can join the WhatsApp group for their home city so they can stay in touch and talk travel with their local travel community. See all of our city group chats listed under The Experiences Group WhatsApp community in the app! Join your local meetup group here. Don’t see your city on the list? Alumni can apply to be Event Managers! Meet our Event Managers Danielle Kanclerz Berlin, DE/Digital Nomad Trips been on: Peru, Thailand, Guatemala, Yucatan Peninsula, Morocco, South Africa, Egypt. ‍Favorite trip experience: Roasting marshmallows on an active volcano in Guatemala and morning walks with the giraffes in South Africa! ‍Bio: Hey, I’m Danielle! I’m from Metro Detroit originally but also lived in Ohio, Missouri, and San Francisco during my twenties before going on a 2-year digital nomad journey. Now I call Berlin, Germany home. I love travel, urban exploration, museums, small-scale theater productions, electronic music, and learning about different cultures! I work in international education and college admissions, which takes me to far flung destinations around the world but I set aside a fair amount of time for personal travels as well. I’ve been to 52 different countries (and counting!) and continue to look for every excuse I can to explore even more! Shelby Broughton Atlanta, GA Trips I’ve been on: Morocco, Iceland, and South Africa. Future trips: Costa Rica, Bali Favorite Trip Experience: Riding camels through the Sahara desert  Bio: Hello! My name is Shelby and I am originally from Kernersville, North Carolina but currently reside in Atlanta, GA. I work in the healthcare field full time in Orthopedics but indulge in various hobbies outside of work including camping and hiking, art, intramurals and having new experiences with friends. I love to travel, and finding U30X has opened so many doors to different parts of the world. You can always find me trying new things or meeting a new friend! Danyelle Parris SE Michigan ‍ My U30X/O30X Trips: Costa Rica Starter, Belize, Costa Rica Adventure, Thailand Favorite Experience: whitewater rafting the absolutely beautiful Pacuare River  Bio: Hi! I’m Danyelle, and if there’s one thing I love more than traveling, it’s being out on the water. Whether it’s boating, kayaking, swimming, or simply soaking in the serene beauty, you’ll find me embracing every moment spent on the water. What I love about U30X/O30X is the opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations while immersing myself in local cultures and forming lifelong connections with like-minded adventurers. Now, I’m excited to bring that same spirit of adventure and camaraderie to Southeast Michigan, sharing the joy of travel and exploration with others who share my passions. Rachael Jones Denver, CO Trips been on: Greece, Ireland, Thailand, South Korea, Egypt  Favorite Experience: I have so many favorites. Cooking class in Paros, the elephant sanctuary in Thailand, seeing the Cliffs of Moher, but visiting the DMZ in South Korea is what stands out because of the way it altered the chemistry in my brain. I love experiences that humble us and force us to acknowledge how small our problems really are. I appreciated experiencing the gravity of the history there and being reminded to never take for granted how fortunate I truly am.  Bio: Hey everyone my name is Rachael, but my friends call me Rach :). I’ve been a flight attendant for the last 12 1/2 years and an exercise physiologist in cardiopulmonary rehab for the last 2 years. I work hard, but I always make time to travel and reconnect with the world. Over the past twelve years I have traveled to 21 countries spanning 5 continents. What I love most about my trips with Under30Experiences is the way they curate the experience into cultural immersion and not just tourist attractions. The team really wants you to get a sense of what the local community is like and offers the chance to not only be a part of it but to embrace it. I have loved getting to know and expand our Denver community while sharing our amazing travel experiences with one another. Katie C. Boston, MA Trips been on: Costa Rica, Peru (Inca Trail), Thailand, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Galapagos, Belize, Oaxaca,  Favorite trip experience: Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands! Bio: Hey, I’m Katie! I’m from Western MA originally, but lived in North Carolina for several years before moving back to Boston in 2016. I work in biotech, but outside of work I like to indulge in several hobbies! I love travel, cooking, rock climbing, exercise, reading, and gardening! I probably pick up a new hobby every few months – I love learning

Sharing is caring! There aren’t many places in New Zealand that make me question my choice to live in Wānaka, but Golden Bay definitely did. Warm, sunny, and most importantly, cheap, Golden Bay piqued my interest as somewhere I could easily live comfortably. I’m just not sure I’m hippie enough to fit the local criteria, but more on that in a minute.  After finishing the Heaphy Track outside of Takaka, I caught the shuttle from Golden Bay Air to the airport, where I rented a car. These are the guys who organize the logistics and flights around the area. Takaka is approximately one million miles and $500 worth of petrol away from Wānaka, so when I heard you could rent a car there, I thought it would be a good chance to finally explore an area of New Zealand I rarely visit.  I’ll preface this by saying that the term “airport” is a stretch; it’s an office with a little runway, which I can’t remember if it was paved or not. These are small plane flights. It’s so chill and easy, exactly what you want on a holiday. The car was an old Honda that felt like you could take it anywhere. I rolled the windows down and hit the road to Takaka, the salty, warm air reminding me I was in paradise. It’s a place where you know that everyone knows each other’s names. And all of their business, too. Love it! The first thing you need to know about Golden Bay is that it’s like stepping back to the 90s. Which is saying something because the rest of New Zealand also feels like a step back in time.  Every few streets, there are fruit stands with honesty boxes, and no one is in a rush to do anything. It’s such a nice feeling. Golden Bay is an area at the very tip-top of the South Island. It’s one of the sunniest areas of New Zealand and is home to some epic independent growers and farms. In fact, most of the top of the South Island is like that. I’m writing this as there is frost a centimeter thick coating my power bill is in the triple digits. Why Wānaka, why?!  Golden Bay is a huge bay that stretches from the top of the Abel Tasman National Park all the way out to Farewell Spit, a 26-kilometer-long sandspit. It forms almost a perfect “C” shape and is one of the more remote places to get to in New Zealand. You have to want to go there; it’s not on the way anywhere.  The only times I’ve been to Golden Bay have been around mass whale strandings with Project Jonah. Farewell Spit is a huge hotspot for whale strandings, usually mass strandings by pilot whales. There was a massive one seven years ago with over 400 whales. We don’t really know why they strand here, but there are various theories around the fact that it has huge tidal flows and very gently sloped sand around the spit with deep water on the other side. No matter the reason, it’s a whale death trap. You guys know this is a topic close to my heart after I came across my own whale stranding alone on Rakiura/Stewart Island years ago. A horror of a memory that’s helped shape my work and inspired me to focus far more on conservation, especially around marine mammals.  Massive fucking bummer, I know. But hey, I was super excited to be up in Golden Bay and NOT be around dead and dying whales. Win-win! Takaka is an hour away from Motueka on the coast and the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. But you have to drive over a mountain to get there. Golden Bay and Takaka have remained relatively isolated, mostly because it’s a giant pain in the ass to drive over. Lovingly called Takaka Hill (New Zealand is great at both naming things and minimizing them simultaneously), it has hundreds of very sharp turns and steep dropoffs. Zoom zoom! But honestly, you’re fine, and there are guard rails and tons of pull-offs and passing options, something I wish they would do to the Crown Range, a similar mountain road connecting Wānaka and Queenstown. With virtually no safe passing areas, it usually means you’re stuck behind tourists in campervans going 50 kilometers under the speed limit and not pulling over to let the 20 cars queued behind them pass. Christ, it’s SO annoying.  But I digress. The road was damaged years ago in a storm and for the longest time (4 years!!), there was a long section down to one lane, so you had to wait forever at traffic lights to go. One local put up a huge sign next to it counting the number of days the roadworks have been going on. I gotta be honest; I do love a petty fight against bureaucracy. But like the locals say, it’s just a hill; get over it.  I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s worth the drive out to explore Golden Bay. Or fly in from Wellington or around the Heaphy with Golden Bay Air. It’s a special place that still feels local and chill. I decided to stay in Takaka for three nights, one night at a bach by the sea after my 4-day tramp, where I decompressed, ate a shit-ton of fried food, and showered for an hour. Sigh. Nothing is better than a hot, greasy meal and a long shower after being in the bush for days.  The next few nights, I stayed out at Rustic ReTreet, a relatively new Canopy Camping glamping site just outside of Takaka. Spoiler alert – it was like stepping into a fairytale. I love staying in these kinds of spaces for so many reasons. Unique, cozy, and beautiful, they’re basically a destination in and of themselves. You could just stay there and be perfectly content.  As a traveling homebody, you can probably see

There are many great things to do around Warsaw, so don’t hesitate to get out of the city for a bit. If you want to travel to other bigger cities in Poland, I’d advise planning for a few days. Places like Krakow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk shouldn’t be done on a day trip unless you want to be extremely rushed. Stay at least 2 nights. Suntago: Largest Waterpark in Europe Just 45 minutes from Warsaw, there’s a tropical 32°C and a year-round waterpark called Suntago and this is also why I highly recommend visiting even when it’s raining. You should plan a whole day for Suntago because there are simply too many slides, spas, thermal pools, and other attractions to enjoy it fully in just a few hours. Some say that Suntago is aimed at older kids, but I have to disagree as long as your kids are comfortable in the water. There are slides for even the smallest visitors, and the lazy river was cute as well. Additionally, there’s a nearby area called Crocodile Island, which features a dry area upstairs and serves as a play spot for kids, complete with animations – all of these things were pretty suitable even for toddlers. Malbork Castle This UNESCO Heritage castle isn’t usually a place that everyone talks about, but it should be. The Castle of the Teutonic Order is the largest in the world, measured by land area. It’s a must-visit place in Poland. The best way to get there is by train that goes to Gdansk (another beautiful place, full of history – it was an independent port city once) and getting off at Malbork station. It takes about 2:15h to get there. While it can be done on a day trip, I highly recommend spending one night in Gdansk before heading back to Warsaw. Torun You probably heard of Nicolaus Copernicus? He was born in Torun. It’s a beautiful and lively city that owes its origins to the Teutonic Order, which built a castle there in the mid-13th century. The old town is remarkably well-preserved, and it’s a pleasure to stroll around and admire its architecture from street level or from the tower of the town hall. Think Bruges of Poland. For museum enthusiasts, there’s a Museum of Gingerbread, an Astronomical Observatory and much more. I actually had a chance to study in Torun, so if you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Powsin Park Kultury Powsin is pretty much still a part of Warsaw as it’s part of Wilanów district, but it’s on the outskirts. Powsin Park is a wonderful place to spend the day with kids, as there’s a lot to do. You can visit a big, partially shaded playground where children can enjoy the carousel, slides, swings, rope climbing structures, hanging bars, somersaults, rockers, a sandbox with molds, and equipment for transporting and pouring sand. If you walk for about 5 minutes, you can find a small zipline park. Kids need to be 4 years old minimum to go on the smaller course and 6 years old to go alone. While it’s a short course, we went with a few kids ages 5-8, and all of them had a blast. In the park, there’s also an outdoor pool with a slide that can be visited during the summer on a hot day. Julinek Amusement Park Less than a 50-minute drive from Warsaw, Julinek is a circus school, but they also have a ropes course for children and adults. The park offers routes for both the youngest and experienced adventurers, but I recommend it for kids over 4 years old as there’s not much to do for younger. You’ll also find an inflatable bouncy castle (lots of them!), a mini-golf course, playgrounds, sports fields, and a rally track with electric bumper cars and performances from their circus students. There’s also a water park, but make sure to check heights and age limits, as toddlers will be extremely limited in what they can do. Lodz: Zoo & HopaLupa The city of Lodz is less than 2 hours away from Warsaw and offers a nice walkable old town, but with kids you might want to check out a few of their top places to go. First, there is a ZOO which has recently added its Orientarium building with an underwater tunnel and species from all over the world. It’s also a place to see elephants swimming and playing in the water, considered a unique attraction. The second spot to go to is Hopa Lupa, my kids favorite playspot in the world. It’s the biggest indoor playspot in Europe, and honestly, you can easily spend a whole day there. They have three different sections: one is for infants, City Zone is for preschool and early elementary kids, and a trampoline-oriented park for older kids and adults. To be honest, I enjoyed playing with my kids at the City Zone as well. Alternatively, Lodz is also home to the biggest indoor amusement park (Lodz likes to have the biggest of everything, it seems) called Mandoria. It’s a perfect spot when the weather is crappy in the winter and outdoor amusement parks are closed. It obviously won’t be the same as going to Energylandia theme park, but there is even a roller coaster at Mandoria. Kosmiczne Rancho (Space Ranch) Kosmiczne Rancho is a space-themed park with no crowds, which is perfect for a quick half-day trip. There are 28 attractions and some animations with people dressed like aliens. There’s also a space exhibit and a few places for a snack or lunch. Farma Iluzji The place is full of funny exhibits and objects creating optical illusions, encouraging to interact. You can easily spend a whole day exploring or chill with friends and family by the grill in prepared areas to have a rest. If you’re visiting on a hot day, bring swimsuits for the kids as there’s a splash pad area. They do serve some good gofry (thicker Polish waffles), so don’t

Paris is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. It also happens to be my favourite city in the world to slow down, spend time, and soak up all the city has to offer. The soft glow of street lamps, the rustle of tulle on opera steps, the scent of fresh croissants drifting at dawn. And to truly immerse yourself in that romance, your choice of hotel becomes part of the story. In 2026, these 26 luxury hotels stand out for both service and design. But most of all, for their allure in offering the ultimate luxury getaway in Paris. Top Luxury Hotels & Grande Dames There are certain luxury hotels in Paris that have stood the test of time. These hotels are often palatial in their own right, even grand chateaus that have been converted into luxury hotels for the enjoyment of many. While on the more expensive side, these hotels are quintessentially Parisian and will be sure to make your time in the city of lights that little bit extra special (and by little, we mean a lot!) Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel (Place de la Concorde)A timeless Paris address with a classical façade. Rooms come with private butlers and a well endowed room service menu, turndown service and beautiful views. The hotel is also home to a gilded bar in one of Paris’ most central locations, perfect for exploring the luxurious shopping offered right at your doorstep. Four Seasons Hotel George V (8ᵉ arrondissement)The floral displays alone are legendary with this hotel often cited as one of the most beautiful in Paris. Expect vaulted ceilings, three-Michelin-star dining, and the feeling that you’ve entered another world (one of luxury, to say the least!) If a stay here is not within your budget, consider booking an afternoon tea for an equally luxurious experience. Complete with tiered offerings and a dessert cart, the experience is a wonderful way to spend an entire afternoon. Le Meurice (1ʳᵉ arrondissement, Rue de Rivoli)A storied institution with regal history, overlooking the magnificent Tuileries Gardens. The blend of classical elegance and modern comfort makes this a favourite of many, whereas the location allows you to wander around the streets of Paris almost entirely on foot. Plaza Athénée (Avenue Montaigne, 8ᵉ)Iconic red awnings, a stunning courtyard and a sweets only afternoon tea? Say less! This luxury hotel is large in size but has the allure of a small boutique hotel as it aims to make guests feel at home in the heart of Paris. The views of the Eiffel Tower are second to none. Mandarin Oriental, ParisSleek, elegant, and beautifully modern. A favorite for travellers who want quiet luxury in the heart of Paris’ most famed shopping street. Le Royal Monceau – Raffles ParisA creative’s playground, with Philippe Starck design touches and a quiet location near the Champs Élysées. Boutique & Intimate Luxuries Saint James ParisMore château than city hotel, the Saint James has you feeling like you’re staying in a private Parisian home (albeit a very large, very grand one!) The breakfast is a sensational affair and given you’ll need to walk a short while to reach the grand boulevards, I recommend adding this to your booking for a slow leisurely morning before the day begins. J.K. Place ParisIn Saint-Germain, blending intriguing character and understated luxury. Think warm tones, art, and a cocooning ambiance. Le Grand MazarinIn Le Marais, this design-forward hotel is equal parts gallery and part salon. It is a beautiful design hotel if you’re looking for a more quiet, intimate option. Hotel Balzac ParisA classic Paris address refreshed for the modern traveller. Hidden away but luxe, with touches like wrought-iron terraces and soft lighting. La FantaisieBold interiors, playful color palettes, a boutique voice that feels alive and original. Hotel ProvidencePerfect for lovers of mood and character. Vintage finds, warm interiors, and the feeling that every stay is personal. Maison SouquetThis former Belle Époque salon turned luxury hideaway pulses with sensuality. Velvet, mood lighting, and intimate charm. Le Pavillon de la ReineA beautiful little boutique hotel idyllically located right opposite Place des Vosges. Skip the breakfast and head to Carette instead, a mere few metres from your doorstep. The Hoxton ParisThe perfect choice for Milennials and Gen Z travellers looking for something upmarket that won’t break the budget. It’s a fun and lively hotel in a middle ground part of town, with a unique atmosphere and affordable luxury rooms. Other Luxury Hotels to Consider Hôtel LutetiaA Left Bank classic, reimagined with sweeping Art Nouveau design and sophisticated calm. Fouquet’s BarrièreA palace steeped in entertainment history, with bold interiors, lively restaurants, and a theatrical spirit. Hotel de Bourgogne / Le BurgundyStylish, modern, elegant—a fine choice in the 8ᵉ with great proximity to shops and Parisian glam. Le Roch Hotel & SpaUnderstated elegance, a secret terrace, and a great choice for couples looking to unwind. Hotel Grand PowersLovely classic décor, highly regarded service, and a boutique aura in a grand setting. Marquis Faubourg St HonoréA chic townhouse turned hotel, perfect for design lovers who want to stay in Paris’s fashion heart. Hotel Splendide Royal ParisBaroque elegance with a Mediterranean twist. This is a great hotel that is full of character, a destination within itself. Le DamantinA more discreet, artsy pick along the Seine with soft charm and serenity. Maison Delano ParisA fusion of Paris heritage and sleek modernity. Stylish interiors and a boutique footprint. Hotel des Grands-BoulevardsA creative, lively hotel with two bars and a personality that matches the streets it lives on. Maison Barriere VendomeNew in 2025–2026, with just 26 rooms, this boutique property draws inspiration from iconic women (Curie, Baker, Sand) and sits between Place Vendôme and the Tuileries. Tips for Choosing Your Paris Luxury Hotel in 2026 Location matters—but so does mood. The 1ʳᵉ, 8ᵉ, and 16ᵉ are classic central addresses. Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and the Left Bank offer more character and local charm. Palace vs boutique. Want all the grand trimmings? Go for the palaces or a chateau. Craving an intimate stay with a strong voice?