Hi! My name's Lauren and I'm the founder of Never Ending Footsteps. I'm here to help you explore this planet safely, adventurously, and affordably.
It was back in 2011 when I quit my job to travel the world. Twelve years, 100 countries, and one successful travel blog later, I'm still going.
This website is the result of tens of thousands of hours of on-the-ground research. I pay for all my travels myself, don't take press trips, and travel anonymously; all to ensure my recommendations are ones you can trust.
My partner’s family live in Melbourne, and before moving here to join them, we used to spend a month in this vibrant country every year, for over a decade, celebrating Christmas Down Under and visiting as many hipster cafes as possible...
In other words, I’m perfectly placed to share exactly how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Australia! Whether you’ll be living the Working Holiday dream and driving a beaten-up campervan along the East Coast, taking that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Oz post-retirement, or simply desperate to make the most of your two-week vacation to Australia, I have you covered.
Today, I’m going to be sharing exactly how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Australia.
South Africa sits high on the bucket list of most adventurous travelers.
It’s a wonderful country; one that that everyone should aim experience at least once in their lives (although most, like me, end up coming back for more).
Located at the southern tip of Africa (the clue’s in the name!), South Africa offers up a fascinating blend of culture and history, wild animals and exquisite landscapes, friendly people and delicious food, creating what Nelson Mandela called a Rainbow Nation.
Most tourists head straight to Cape Town, chasing the city’s vibrant sunsets, bright-white beaches, world-class food scene, and begging-to-be-hiked mountains. While I’m arguably Cape Town’s biggest fan, there’s so many other places worth exploring in South Africa.
Sites and attractions | Suggested itinerary | Any price accom
Best Road Signs | Bradt Namibia Guide -invaluable | Etosha Natl. Park | Get a SIM Card | Luderitz | Own Transport -needed | Roads are so bad | Sesriem | Sparsely populated | Swakopmund | Where is Namibia | Windhoek
My road trip around Namibia is the best travel experience I’ve ever had.
Hands down.
I can’t even find the words to describe how fantastic my time in the country was. Namibia has everything. It’s easy to explore independently, it’s safe, it’s beautiful, the locals are lovely, the landscapes are diverse, the wildlife is exciting, and there are so. few. tourists.
I’ve got a dozen posts planned about my time in this amazing country, so brace yourself for an onslaught of information! By the end of the month, you’ll have everything you need to book a trip to this kickass country. And hopefully you’ll decide to do exactly that.
This is what it’s like to travel in Namibia.
20 THRILLING THINGS TO DO IN GIBRALTAR (2023 EDITION)
Gibraltar is a tiny little dot of a place, just 2.6 square miles (6.8 square kilometers) in size. Considering its diminutive area, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there couldn’t possibly be much to do the British Overseas Territory, but you’d be wrong...
Gibraltar’s manmade points of interest are more than matched by the unique natural features that make it such a curiosity. First-time visitors are often surprised by just how impressive the famous Rock is when first confronted by the limestone promontory – almost as surprised as they are to learn that it is home to Europe’s only wild monkey population. The surrounding waters, meanwhile, are filled with not one but three different species of dolphin, which frolic in the sea all year round.
Located in one of the most southern parts of Spain, this bastion of Britishness seems like a complete anomaly in the region, which is just one more reason to set aside a day or two to visit the strange little city.
Literally meaning ‘Resplendent Island,’ Sri Lanka has been a popular holiday destination for just over a decade now. The country has a complex cultural history, stretching back thousands of years. Even today, you can visit incredible remnants of ancient kingdoms scattered across the nation’s interior, enveloped by lush jungle.
Sri Lanka’s spices, gems and most importantly location made it an attractive target for successive European colonization, beginning with the Portuguese (of which little evidence remains) and continuing with the Dutch and British, who have left behind remarkable if problematic remnants of their occupation. Up in the highlands, acres of tea plantations cover the hills, producing enough tea to make Sri Lanka the fourth-largest tea maker in the world.
I haven’t been to many places where I’ve felt such a cohesive blend of old and new, but South Korea is one of them. Steeped with 5000 years of culture and history, but integrated with modern music, technology, and infrastructure, it’s a country that surprised and delighted me at every turn.
And Seoul? It’s one of my favourite cities in the world. If you think New York City is the place that never sleeps, just wait until you arrive in Seoul. During my first visit to the country, I landed in the South Korean capital expecting to spend three or four days in town, but ended up leaving after three weeks. Yes, I loved this city so much that I simply couldn’t bring myself to leave.
Turkey is one of the most underrated countries in the world.
Hardly anybody mentions it when they talk about their favourite spots in Europe or Asia, but to me, it has so much to offer its visitors.
Istanbul is a phenomenal city, with mosques scattered throughout the skyline, an incredible food scene, and so much history to delve into. The ruins of Ephesus are some of the most impressive I’ve seen and exploring the site of Troy was breathtaking. I even chartered a yacht for 10 days along the coastline of Turkey and saw some of the most beautiful, untouched parts of the country.
Turkey’s home to some breathtaking landscapes, too — whether it’s taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise through Cappadocia or splashing through the other-worldly salt pools of Pamukkale. On top of that, you’ve got some incredible cuisine to delve into — Turkish breakfasts are my favourite on the planet — and friendly locals to get to know.
Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the beaches.
Jamaica is a tropical paradise in the Caribbean Sea. It is a playground for travelers that offers spectacular natural attractions, golden sand beaches, glistening turquoise waters, and a wealth of plants and animals...
The third largest island of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean, Jamaica stretches 4,240 square miles (10,990 square kilometers). From coast to coast, its laid-back culture and attitude, and friendly people welcome you to experience the very best that this island has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, a feast for the senses, or a raucous night on the town, I’ve got you covered. With this guide, I’ll help you navigate the best things to see, do and eat in Jamaica, including popular attractions and off-the-beaten-track options.
Cusco embodies European classiness while Lima is bustling and vibrant. Machu Picchu is full of enchantment while Huacachina mysterious and rare. Colca Canyon is stunningly vast while Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes. But there is one characteristic each Peruvian destination has in common: heart. The Peruvian heart beats loudly and proudly, and I dare you not to fall in love with it, too.
From the early days of Lima and Warri culture, to the Inca Empire and Spanish conquistadors, Lima is rich in well-preserved history. While the ancient city has grown to be one of the largest in South America, you can trace its origins back centuries thanks to ruins and captivating archaeological museums.
Over time, Baroque churches were built alongside the ancient temples, bringing in a new era of culture, cuisine and spirituality. You’ll experience all of this, and more as you combine the historic center, with explorations of the Pacific coast, charming local towns and an endless list of exhilarating adventures.
Ecuador is one of the gems of South America. It’s far smaller than the countries that surround it too, so it’s perfect for a shorter trip. If there’s one thing that you should go to Ecuador for, it’s the nature.
There is such a bounty of landscapes considering the country’s size, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Galapagos Islands and the staggering Andes Mountains that run through the country, to the gorgeous Pacific Coastline. It’s not surprising then that Ecuador is a top destination for ecotourism.
I spent most of my time in the mountains as that’s where I feel most at home, but even the cities in Ecuador weren’t loud or busy enough to feel suffocating.
Colombia has quickly become one of the hottest destinations for travelers, and for good reason. From its stunning beaches to its historic cities, this is a country that offers something for everyone. Rising from the ashes as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, Colombia is now becoming a safe… or let me say “safer” haven for travelers.
I was lucky enough to travel throughout some of Colombia’s major cities and regions. My travels in Colombia were nothing short of an adventure! From the lively cityscape of Bogota, I took a bus with many stops to reach the exuberant beaches of Cartagena and Santa Marta. Having spent over a month exploring this beautiful country, I was able to experience so much during my stay.
In today’s world, Colombia is a popular destination for digital nomads, and while the majority of them are settling in the vibrant cities of Medellin and Bogota, I was able to explore some other places in the country...
Ireland was one of the first countries I ever placed on my travel bucket list.
Perhaps it was the hopeless romantic in me thinking I would meet a handsome man, like in P.S. I Love You, or maybe it was the sheer amount of beautiful photos that left me captivated.
The United Arab Emirates is an amazing country to travel to for those wanting to experience the true essence of Middle Eastern hospitality, culture, and lifestyle.
Dubai is all about its dazzling lights, skyscrapers, beaches, and expensive toys. Abu Dhabi, the capital and crown jewel of the country, is home to lavish palaces and enormous mega-malls. Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm al Qaiwain are all scenic destinations with plenty of adventure activities, while Sharjah and Ajman are best known for their religious and cultural attractions.
In the UAE, there is something to do for every type of traveler, no matter the type of vacation or adventure they may be craving...
Israel is one of my favorite countries to visit in the world. It has a wonderful climate, delicious local cuisine, gorgeous natural beauty, and even more beautiful people. But what attracts most visitors to the country is its incredible history and culture.
At just 8,550 square miles, Israel packs a lot into its small landscape, which changes dramatically from region to region. Within one short trip in Israel, you could swim in the Mediterranean, ride a camel through the Negev Desert, pick farm fresh fruit from trees in the lush north, and climb the peaks of a snow-capped mount Hermon.
On top of the incredibly diverse landscape, Israel is home to a unique blend of religions and cultures. The country (Jerusalem in particular) is known as one of the most important religious sites for the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Baha’i people, housing some of the most important historical biblical sites on the planet, alongside sixteen cultural and geographical UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
THE COST OF TRAVEL IN TANZANIA (2023): A DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN
If you’re planning on travelling to Tanzania, get used to hearing this welcoming Swahili expression. I lived in Tanzania for a year and never tired of it. But I also never tired of Tanzania — the culture, the language, the scenery, and the people all captured my heart, which made leaving all that more emotional.
I moved to Tanzania to work on a Global Affairs Canada project for a year, during which time I lived in Mwanza, a stunning port city on the shores of Lake Victoria, towards the western region of the country. It’s a place that had some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen, but it was the rest of the country that had me falling head over flip-flops in love with Tanzania.
fter ten years of travel and over 90 countries, I have come to the conclusion that Croatia is one of the most underrated travel destinations on the planet.
I’m slightly biased, of course.
When I first decided to set off on my round-the-world adventure, I decided Croatia would be the very first country on my itinerary.
Cuba has a reputation for being an expensive vacation destination, but I found plenty of ways to save money while I was on the island. If you’re going to be travelling on a tight backpacker budget, you’ll find you can get by for as little as $20 a day. As a mid-range traveller, I spent $120 a day. And if you’re looking for a taste of luxury, the sky’s the limit, but in general, you can expect to average $300 a day.
Today, I’m going to be delving more into the costs of Cuba and sharing exactly how much I spent while travelling in the country. Additionally, I’ll be breaking down the typical prices you’ll encounter while you’re here, so that you can ensure that you’re fully-informed before you arrive in Havana — that’s something you’ll want to do, as finding a working ATM can be a pain in the ass, so it’s easier to just bring cash with you.
Let’s get started.
THE COST OF TRAVEL IN EGYPT: 2023 BUDGET BREAKDOWN
After spending five months travelling in Egypt, stopping for about two of those in Cairo, I got a real sense of how varied, unpredictable, and totally chaotic the country is. The messiness that characterizes every aspect of Egypt, from its streets riddled with cars, donkeys, and people (who never walk on the sidewalk!), to its complex cultural norms that seem to often contradict one another, but are followed rigorously by most, came to be what I loved about it.
Despite how traditional Egypt may appear on the surface, if you stay for a while and you meet the right people, you’ll discover a hidden world of rebellious Egyptians who subtly defy tradition and are willing to fight tirelessly for a more tolerant and modern version of the country they love.
My trip to Zanzibar was quite unlike anything else I’ve experienced before. I’d read a lot about the plethora of things to see and do, ranging from visiting the old slave market in Stone Town to swimming with dolphins off the north-eastern coast of the main island. However, when I was finally able to do these things myself, I found myself in awe of how incredibly multifaceted Zanzibar is as a holiday destination.
The hustle and bustle of the busiest parts of Stone Town make you feel like you’re in a North African riad, while the white sandy beaches of the east coast are comparable to the picture-perfect honeymoon locations of Mauritius and the Seychelles – just quieter and a little more authentic!
But the best part of all is that Zanzibar is relatively cheap. Whether you’re looking for a budget holiday or a middle-of-the-road type of trip, Zanzibar is a holiday destination that’ll allow you to have an epic experience and do plenty of activities without having to break the bank. I wrote a detailed guide on how to visit Zanzibar on a budget, if you’re interested.
