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Travel stories

It’s a big world out there. Get a taste of different places, cultures and experiences with our travel stories.

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Travel articles

Five European cities that go under the radar

May

2024

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2 mins

Tashkent's solar furnace: a Soviet-era relic still shining

April

2025

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3 mins

Travel articles

Six Hungarian towns you need to visit

August

2024

•

3 mins

Travel articles

Sharing the summit: A hike to Everest Base Camp

January

2024

•

4 mins

freely's mission

As part of our continued efforts to give back to people, places and the planet, we donate 1% of our revenue to environmental and social initiatives we feel passionate about.

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Oh the places you’ll go

Where’s your next destination? Explore travel insurance options for your trip.

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Travel guides

Get in-the-know and start planning your next trip with our travel guides.

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Travel articles

Apples in Kyrgyzstan

While travelling solo as a woman in Kyrgyzstan, Chagi was disarmed by the kindness of strangers.

May

2025

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3 mins

Travel articles

Discovering Japan’s art island

From the moment you step off the ferry, you’re greeted by a landscape that’s as much an outdoor gallery as it is a living, breathing art installation.

May

2025

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3 mins

Travel articles

How to spend a week in Malaysian Borneo

Borneo is one of the only places in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild, and Nirvana had a mama and baby walk right by her!

April

2025

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4 mins

Tashkent's solar furnace: a Soviet-era relic still shining

Writer Matt Cheok came across a very curious structure while travelling Uzbekistan...

April

2025

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3 mins

Travel articles

In crazy conditions, Aaron Crook won the 6633 Arctic Ultra

Aaron Crook just won one of the world’s toughest footraces – traversing 620km through the brutal Arctic wilderness ❄️🧊

March

2025

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2 mins

Travel articles

Reasons to visit Ethiopia

It's the birthplace of coffee, for starters!

March

2025

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4 mins

Travel articles

From Kathmandu to Everest: how young Nepali women are embracing the outdoors

Nirvana Bhandary sat down with two of the founders of Duluwa Outdoors to learn about their incredible feminist endeavours.

February

2025

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6 mins

Travel articles

What it's really like travelling overseas with a baby

Grace, her partner Tom and 8-month-old Caspa jetted off to Europe for an extended holiday

February

2025

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4 mins

Travel articles

A nine-day race in the subfreezing Canadian Arctic

Freely is proud to support endurance racer Aaron Crook in the 6633 Arctic Ultra, where he'll test his survival skills while fundraising for charity

February

2025

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1 min

Travel articles

The freely guide to solo women's adventure travel in your 50s and 60s

Kathy Marris has been travelling solo for years now, and credits the practice to finding herself.

February

2025

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6 mins

Travel articles

No pain, no Muay Thai

El Guerra travelled to Thailand to learn the sacred martial art of Muay Thai.

February

2025

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4 mins

Travel articles

Travelling the world of K-Pop

K-Pop fans are known to travel to South Korea from all corners of the globe. Our friend Tara Skopp is one of them.

February

2025

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4 mins

Travel articles

The magic of a bloody long walk

A common theme runs through the many hikes writer Patrick Boxall has undertaken around the world 🥾

January

2025

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2 mins

Travel safety

Everything you need to know about gastro while travelling

Travellers' diarrhoea is an unfortunate but common sickness that affects many visitors to South East Asia.

January

2025

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3 mins

Travel articles

7 unique experiences that make Japan extraordinary

Breakfast on freshly caught tuna at dawn, wander landscaped gardens and slurp hot corn soup from a vending machine.

January

2025

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3 mins

Travel articles

6 things to do in Kenya that aren't safari

From making your own beads to scuba diving coral reefs, here's a roundup of cool things to do in Kenya from traveller Eli Sooker

December

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

Avoid overtourism in Japan at these 6 destinations

Eli Sooker shares lesser-visited places in Japan where conscious travellers can dodge crowds and contribute to local economies.

November

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

The freely guide to Hakuba, Japan

Gemma Clarke gives us the lowdown on Hakuba: from its powdery mountains to its revitalising onsen.

November

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

Cruise to the end of the earth: Shiretoko

Shiretoko is home to one of the world's densest brown bear populations 🐻

November

2024

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3 mins

Travel articles

The freely guide to hiking in Northern Tajikistan

Matt Cheok shows us why this remote travel destination filled with incredible landscapes and welcoming people is well worth visiting 🇹🇯

October

2024

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3 mins

Travel articles

Seven reasons to visit South Korea in 2025

Matt Cheok recommends a mix of experiences in South Korea, including flower fields, libraries and 50 phallic statues in Gangwon Province ⚠️ Warning: includes image of phallic statue 🍆

October

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

Don't tell me how to Camino

Writer Patrick Boxall walked the Camino de Santiago in 2016 and made plenty of new friends on the trails. One of those friends was Naked Red Calf.

September

2024

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3 mins

Travel articles

An introduction to nightlife in Tokyo's gay district

Despite same-sex marriage not being legalised in Japan, Tokyo is home to the world's largest concentration of gay bars 🌈

September

2024

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3 mins

Travel articles

Six Hungarian towns you need to visit

Freely writer Matt Cheok shows us how to get off the beaten track in Hungary (with help from his Hungarian partner) 🇭🇺

August

2024

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3 mins

Travel articles

The freely guide to summer in Slovenia

Exploring here feels like stepping into a vibrant painting, writes Gemma Clarke.

August

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

Love the outdoors? Here’s how you can protect biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity is part of protecting Country, writes Butchulla/Badjala/Batjala djaa woman Tilly Davis.

July

2024

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3 mins

Travel articles

Why you should add Uruguay to your South American itinerary

Uruguay is sunny, welcoming and has a 40-day Carnaval celebration, as writer Molly Mclaughlin found out.

July

2024

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Travel articles

A Hungarian's guide to Budapest

There’s more to Budapest than ruin bars. Hungarian writer Fruzsi Gál shares a local guide to this fun and fascinating European capital.

July

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

The Freely guide to summer in Iceland

Travelling Iceland in the summer feels like a pastel-hued dream – and this guide will help you enjoy the best of it 🌈

July

2024

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5 mins

Travel articles

Your seven-day itinerary for the South of France

Don't know where to begin exploring in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur? This is for you 🥐

July

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

What inspires illustrator legend Ben Brown?

We caught up with illustrator Ben Brown to celebrate our colab on the Make A Wave x Freely rashies 🏄‍♀️

July

2024

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1 min

Travel articles

How to be gay in Paris – in the daytime

What if you want to enjoy the local queer scene without punishing your liver and sleep routine? Paris-local Tahney Fosdike shows us how.

July

2024

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3 mins

Travel articles

This is why you need to visit Georgia

Mouthwatering food, rolling landscapes, a vibrant capital and less tourists – Georgia is undeniably one of the best under-the-radar destinations in Europe 🇬🇪

July

2024

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3 mins

Travel articles

The Freely guide to summer in Greece (away from the crowds)

Greece in the summertime is a postcard for that sweet Mediterranean lifestyle – and this is the one guide you need to enjoy it all 🏛️

June

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

Wild swimming in Europe? Make sure you hit these spots

Here's a handful of excuses to stop the car and take a wild dip on your Euro-trip this summer 👙

June

2024

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1 min

Travel articles

Six awesome places to take your kids in Europe

Stay off the beaten track with these interesting destinations in Europe that will delight kids and parents alike 👼

June

2024

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1 min

Travel articles

Five of Spain’s most interesting (and fun) summer festivals

Spain is famous for its summer fiestas – and boy, do they party! Here are five festivals to get amongst this summer in Spain 🍅

May

2024

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2 mins

Travel articles

Six cool places to party in Europe this summer

Wondering where to party in Europe this summer? Here are six places to get you started 💃

May

2024

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2 mins

Travel articles

The Freely guide to summer in Sicily (away from the crowds)

Summer in Sicily is a time to return to the simple pleasures of life – and this is the one guide you need to enjoy them all 🫒

May

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

Five European cities that go under the radar

Looking for somewhere different? Check out these awesome European cities that are less-visited than the big-name cities 👀

May

2024

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2 mins

Travel articles

Gender equality can end world hunger: The Hunger Project

Our 1% for the Planet charity partner The Hunger Project works to end world hunger by promoting gender equality.

March

2024

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2 mins

Travel articles

Sharing the summit: A hike to Everest Base Camp

Whether you know it or not, hiking is always a form of pilgrimage. ⛰️

January

2024

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4 mins

Travel articles

Chasing Aurora Borealis in the Arctic

Two women’s journey to Swedish Lapland to search for the elusive northern lights ❄️

October

2023

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3 mins

Travel articles

How to make friends when travelling solo

A guide to meeting kindred spirits in places you don’t have existing networks 🥰

October

2023

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2 mins

Travel articles

Eat like a local at Singapore’s hawker centres

An unwritten code of rules that’ll have you eating like a local in Singapore’s hawker stalls in a heartbeat! 🍜

September

2023

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3 mins

Travel articles

A guide to Italian road trips in four acts

Italy is a country that is best driven around – slowly – in the tiniest car you can find! 🚗

September

2023

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4 mins

Travel articles

Hiking the UK's West Highland Way: Reasons to be hyped

Haggis, whisky and wild camping: Scotland’s most iconic hiking route is a dream come true!

September

2023

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3 mins

Travel articles

Japan’s northern bear hunters: Matagi, a culture co-existing with nature

Little known even to Japanese nationals, Matagi have been struggling to conserve their traditional customs. 🏹

September

2023

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4 mins

Travel articles

Seven incredible off-the-beaten-path experiences in Mexico

From a remote beach oasis and a lesser-known mountain town to surreal botanic gardens. ✨

August

2023

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3 mins

Travel articles

Bulgaria: sandy coasts, long dinners and the best gateway to the Balkans

Bulgaria’s popularity as a travel destination has really started to pop off! ⛰️

August

2023

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4 mins

Travel articles

Chasing waterfalls on Aotearoa/New Zealand’s South Island

At least 1,500 waterfalls are marked on maps of Te Waipounamu!

August

2023

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4 mins

Travel articles

10 lessons from 10 years of solo travel as a woman

What I have learned from globetrotting alone, bright-eyed and open-hearted with my wheely backpack and rip-off Birks. 💫

August

2023

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4 mins

Travel articles

Seven tips to help you pack for unpredictable weather

20 years of travelling has taught this writer to always dress like an onion! 🧅

July

2023

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3 mins

Travel articles

Navigating Tokyo's not-so-inclusive gym culture

As someone who identifies as queer with tattoos, I've experienced the unique challenges of finding acceptance. 🏋

July

2023

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4 mins

Travel articles

Albania: The emerging gem of Southeastern Europe

Dodge the crowds and treat yourself to one of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets! 💎

July

2023

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4 mins

Travel articles

10 solid tips for travelling on a budget

Travel doesn't have to break the bank! Allow us to guide you on the path of frugal enlightenment. 🐷💰

July

2023

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3 mins

Travel articles

Mistakes you'll make travelling solo

Often when I share accounts of my first solo travels at age 18, I watch as my audience's eyes flash with horror... ✈

July

2023

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3 mins

Travel articles

Travelling Europe during a summer heatwave

A tongue-in-cheek guide to surviving the climate apocalypse this European summer 🥵

July

2023

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3 mins

Travel articles

Why I'll never pay for checked luggage again

While I've spent tens of thousands of dollars on travel, I’ve learned that there's one expense I can’t quite justify. 🧳

June

2023

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2 mins

Travel articles

Around Costa Rica on a motorbike – and how you can do it too

An interview with Tom Voirol, who spent two weeks looping Costa Rica with a bunch of pals. 🏍️

June

2023

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5 mins

Travel safety

Everything you need to know about Bali belly: Before, during and after

Bali belly is a sickness that comes for many visitors to Indonesia 🙊

June

2023

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3 mins

Travel articles

Tips for travelling (successfully) as a vegetarian

There are plenty of reasons to be eating less meat right now. 🥦

June

2023

•

2 mins

Travel articles

How to experience nature tourism in Japan

A bear conservationist living in Japan shares his recommendations for nature activities and farm stays 🐻

May

2023

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4 mins

Travel articles

How to hack your brain to create core travel memories

Learning about your biases and heuristic tendencies can help you make better travel decisions! 🧠

May

2023

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3 mins

Travel safety

Travelling with anxiety

For people with anxiety, a trip overseas can be a stressful, overwhelming and destabilising experience 😰 But there are ways to manage it.

May

2023

•

3 mins

Travel articles

How slow travel changed the way I experience the world

Slow travel is more than simply checking off a list of sightseeing attractions... 🌍

May

2023

•

3 mins

Travel insurance

What is the point of travel insurance?

With the cost of living at dizzying heights, you can't help but wonder, "Do I really need travel insurance?" 🤔

May

2023

•

2 mins

Travel safety

How to stay safe from mosquito-borne diseases when you're travelling

Tips to avoid those nasty mosquito bites that, in some cases, can be dangerous 🦟

May

2023

•

2 mins

Travel articles

Surviving jet lag

How to keep the dreaded jet lag at bay when you change time zones travelling 😴

May

2023

•

3 mins

Travel articles

A guide to capturing the world on Super 8

An alternate way of recording your travels and capturing those smaller, purer moments that your phone can't! 🎥

May

2023

•

4 mins

Travel insurance

Travel insurance explained

So what actually is travel insurance and what should you be looking for in a policy? 🧐

May

2023

•

3 mins

Travel insurance

Our Snow Sports Boost explained

Freely's Snow Sports Boost offers benefits that may lend a hand when you go skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling 🏂

April

2023

•

2 mins

Travel articles

Under Sahara stars: Camping with camels in Morocco

Riding camels in Morocco was a contrast of extremes: a metaphor for the desert itself. 🐪

April

2023

•

4 mins

Travel articles

A feminist city guide to Kathmandu

Exciting and impactful feminist endeavours that will enrich your experience of Nepal’s capital. ✨

April

2023

•

5 mins

Travel articles

What it's like to use onsen in Japan as a trans person

For gender minorities like myself, entering these public bathhouses poses a great dilemma. 🛁

March

2023

•

5 mins

Travel safety

How to stay healthy on your cruise

How can you make sure that you stay in tip-top health while cruising? 🚢

March

2023

•

2 mins

Travel articles

A travel guide to Uzbekistan

If you're hankering for a culturally adventurous travel experience, look no further than Uzbekistan! 💚

March

2023

•

4 mins

Travel articles

Cycling across continents is easier than you think

Long-distance bicycle touring is enjoying a new golden age 🚴⛺

March

2023

•

4 mins

Travel safety

How to build up your immune system before your trip

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, it’s a sound idea to build your immune system up before you go! 🍊

March

2023

•

2 mins

Travel articles

A travel guide to Kazakhstan

Wander off the beaten path and put Kazakhstan on your bucket list. ⛰️

March

2023

•

4 mins

Travel articles

Unexpected lessons from an Icelandic horse

Being around the intelligence and charm of these quirky horses was a highlight 🐴

March

2023

•

4 mins

Travel insurance

When should I get travel insurance?

Your trip's booked! Now you're wondering when you should buy travel insurance 🤔

February

2023

•

1 min

Travel safety

How to travel safely in high altitudes

You actually don’t even need to be climbing to experience this incredibly annoying phenomena 😵‍💫

February

2023

•

2 mins

Travel articles

Five spots to surf before you can't

Some are going to challenge you and others just delight 🏄🏽‍♀️

February

2023

•

4 mins

Travel articles

A travel guide to the Kyrgyz Republic

Landlocked in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China is this wild, magical place ✨

January

2023

•

4 mins

Travel articles

How to be a more mindful and sustainable traveller

Something about mindfulness makes travelling even better 🌏

November

2022

•

4 mins

Travel safety

Stay safe with these snow sports safety tips

Though snow sports are among some of the greatest activities out there, they inevitably come with risks.

August

2022

•

3 mins

Travel articles

Awesome experiences in Aotearoa/New Zealand you probably don't know about

Whether you're a foodie, a keen hiker or a culture buff, Aotearoa/New Zealand is an incredible place to visit!

March

2022

•

3 mins

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Freely acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

© Copyright 2024 | Freely is backed by Cover-More, a Zurich Company.

Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Freely is a brand of Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 95 003 114 145, AFSL 241713), who administers the Freely Travel Insurance Product and Cancellation plan on behalf of the product issuer, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Any advice is general advice only. Please consider your financial situation, needs and objectives and read the Combined FSG/PDS before deciding to buy this insurance. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determination for this product, visit our TMD page.

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