Home
/
Explore
/
Travel stories

Travel stories

We're not the kind of travel insurance company you'll never hear from – in a good way

Green tent with a child’s silhouette inside surrounded by grass, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

All categories

Travel safety
bali, bali belly, gastro
Bali belly guide: symptoms, treatment and how to avoid it
Bali belly is a sickness that comes for many visitors to Indonesia 🙊
2
December
2025
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Morocco, Sahara, desert, camel, Berber, nomad
Lessons from a nomad
Discover Morocco through the eyes of a nomadic guide. A Sahara Desert journey filled with wild camels, Berber traditions, and unforgettable lessons.
29
October
2025
•
3 mins
Travel articles
ski, snowboard, Japan, Akita, Fukushima, Niigata, Aomori, Iwate, Hokkaido,
7 underrated skiing and snowboarding spots in Japan
Trade the popular ski spots for these seven hidden gems, and make your snow trip to Japan authentic, unique and sustainable.
7
October
2025
•
4 mins
Travel articles
surfing, surf, Bali
How female surfers are making a splash in Bali
Read how feminist writer and avid solo traveller Nirvana Bhandary discovered a surf school empowering women in Bali.
16
September
2025
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Naxos, Greek Islands
Naxos: the underrated Greek island giving Mykonos a run for its money
With 6,000 Greek islands to choose from, find out why travel writer Matt Cheok thinks Naxos should be the one not to miss.
17
June
2025
•
6 mins
Travel articles
Apples in Kyrgyzstan
While travelling solo as a woman in Kyrgyzstan, Chagi was disarmed by the kindness of strangers.
20
May
2025
•
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.
12
May
2025
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Malaysia, Borneo, Orangutan, Kota Kinabalu
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!
28
April
2025
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Uzbekistan, Tashkent
Tashkent's solar furnace: a Soviet-era relic still shining
Writer Matt Cheok came across a very curious structure while travelling Uzbekistan...
15
April
2025
•
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 ❄️🧊
24
March
2025
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Reasons to visit Ethiopia
It's the birthplace of coffee, for starters!
19
March
2025
•
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.
28
February
2025
•
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
21
February
2025
•
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
19
February
2025
•
1 min
Travel articles
Argentina, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, El Chaltén
The Freely guide to Argentina
Sip and cycle between high-altitude wineries and bodegas, visit might Iguazu Falls and catch some live tango in Buenos Aires.
13
February
2025
•
5 mins
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.
6
February
2025
•
6 mins
Travel articles
No pain, no Muay Thai
El Guerra travelled to Thailand to learn the sacred martial art of Muay Thai.
2
February
2025
•
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.
1
February
2025
•
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 🥾
29
January
2025
•
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.
27
January
2025
•
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.
16
January
2025
•
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
31
December
2024
•
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.
25
November
2024
•
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.
17
November
2024
•
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 🐻
7
November
2024
•
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 🇹🇯
22
October
2024
•
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 🍆
3
October
2024
•
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.
23
September
2024
•
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 🌈
10
September
2024
•
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) 🇭🇺
28
August
2024
•
3 mins
Travel articles
The freely guide to summer in Slovenia
Exploring here feels like stepping into a vibrant painting, writes Gemma Clarke.
4
August
2024
•
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.
30
July
2024
•
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.
29
July
2024
•
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.
29
July
2024
•
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 🌈
16
July
2024
•
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 🥐
11
July
2024
•
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 🏄‍♀️
10
July
2024
•
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.
2
July
2024
•
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 🇬🇪
2
July
2024
•
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 🏛️
24
June
2024
•
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 👙
15
June
2024
•
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 👼
14
June
2024
•
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 🍅
21
May
2024
•
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 💃
20
May
2024
•
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 🫒
20
May
2024
•
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 👀
20
May
2024
•
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.
8
March
2024
•
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. ⛰️
23
January
2024
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Chasing Aurora Borealis in the Arctic
Two women’s journey to Swedish Lapland to search for the elusive northern lights ❄️
16
October
2023
•
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 🥰
5
October
2023
•
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! 🍜
26
September
2023
•
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! 🚗
19
September
2023
•
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!
11
September
2023
•
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. 🏹
4
September
2023
•
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. ✨
25
August
2023
•
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! ⛰️
21
August
2023
•
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!
11
August
2023
•
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. 💫
7
August
2023
•
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! 🧅
28
July
2023
•
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. 🏋
17
July
2023
•
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! 💎
17
July
2023
•
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. 🐷💰
8
July
2023
•
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... ✈
4
July
2023
•
3 mins
Travel articles
Travelling Europe during a summer heatwave
A tongue-in-cheek guide to surviving the climate apocalypse this European summer 🥵
4
July
2023
•
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. 🧳
21
June
2023
•
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. 🏍️
13
June
2023
•
5 mins
Travel articles
Tips for travelling (successfully) as a vegetarian
There are plenty of reasons to be eating less meat right now. 🥦
5
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 🐻
29
May
2023
•
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! 🧠
23
May
2023
•
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.
22
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... 🌍
15
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?" 🤔
11
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 🦟
10
May
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Surviving jet lag
How to keep the dreaded jet lag at bay when you change time zones travelling 😴
8
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! 🎥
8
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? 🧐
2
May
2023
•
3 mins
Travel insurance
ski
Our Snow Sports Boost explained
Freely's Snow Sports Boost offers benefits that may lend a hand when you go skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling 🏂
25
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. 🐪
19
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. ✨
19
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. 🛁
29
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? 🚢
22
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! 💚
22
March
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
Cycling across continents is easier than you think
Long-distance bicycle touring is enjoying a new golden age 🚴⛺
14
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! 🍊
9
March
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
A travel guide to Kazakhstan
Wander off the beaten path and put Kazakhstan on your bucket list. ⛰️
2
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 🐴
1
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 🤔
9
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 😵‍💫
9
February
2023
•
2 mins
Travel articles
Five spots to surf before you can't
Some are going to challenge you and others just delight 🏄🏽‍♀️
1
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 ✨
13
January
2023
•
4 mins
Travel articles
How to be a more mindful and sustainable traveller
Something about mindfulness makes travelling even better 🌏
22
November
2022
•
4 mins
Travel safety
ski
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.
24
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!
31
March
2022
•
3 mins
Make a claim
Get a quote
Fast, flexible and secure payment options
Get Help
Visit Get Help page
General enquiry
Emergency support
Make a claim
Make a complaint
Travel alerts
Black rectangle with white border and inside a white Apple icon with white text reading download on the app storeBlack rectangle with white border and inside a multi coloured triangle with white text reading get on Google Play
Useful links
About Freely
Frequently asked questions
Product Disclosure Statement
Target Market Determination
Make a complaint
Privacy statement
Web terms of use
App terms of use
Promotion and competition Terms & Conditions
Freely Travel Rewards Terms & Conditions
Travel Insurance
Visit Travel Insurance page
What's covered?
Freely app
Trip Extras and Daily Boosts
Domestic insurance
International insurance
Single trip insurance
Long term insurance
Medical
COVID-19
Existing medical conditions
Who's travelling?
Solo traveller
Family
Women
LGBTIQA+
Couple
Group
Pregnancy
Seniors
Students
Explore
Visit Explore page
Travel stories
Refer a friend
Make A Wave Challenge
Reviews
Partner with us
Freely Travel Rewards
Popular destinations
View all destinations
Bali
Europe
Canada
Fiji
France
Germany
Greece
Activities
View all activities
Skiing and snowboarding
Cruises
Adventure
Car rental
Motorcycle rental
Rock climbing and abseiling
Trekking
Surfing
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.
Gold Canstar 2025 award seal with five stars and text reading 'Most Satisfied Customers Travel Insurance'.
Blue circular badge reading 'Highly Commended Finder Awards 2025 Value Travel Insurance' with a binoculars icon.
Finder Awards 2023 silver badge for finalist in Digital Disruptor of the Year.
Mozo Experts Choice 2025 badge for Exceptional Value Essential Travel Insurance with gold and green design.
Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024 badge for exceptional value comprehensive travel insurance.
Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024 badge for exceptional value essential travel insurance.
Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024 badge for Exceptional Value Ski Travel Insurance in gold with leaf logo.
WeMoney Winner badge labeled Best for Adventure Travel Insurance with stylized W logo.
WeMoney Winner 2024 badge for Best for Flexibility Travel Insurance with a stylized W logo on a gold seal.
Gold Canstar 2025 award seal with five stars and text reading 'Most Satisfied Customers Travel Insurance'.
Blue circular badge reading 'Highly Commended Finder Awards 2025 Value Travel Insurance' with a binoculars icon.
Finder Awards 2023 silver badge for finalist in Digital Disruptor of the Year.
Mozo Experts Choice 2025 badge for Exceptional Value Essential Travel Insurance with gold and green design.
Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024 badge for exceptional value comprehensive travel insurance.
Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024 badge for exceptional value essential travel insurance.
Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024 badge for Exceptional Value Ski Travel Insurance in gold with leaf logo.
WeMoney Winner badge labeled Best for Adventure Travel Insurance with stylized W logo.
WeMoney Winner 2024 badge for Best for Flexibility Travel Insurance with a stylized W logo on a gold seal.
© 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.

^ For further information please visit our Promotion and Competition Terms & Conditions.
Giving back to people, places and the planet
1% for the planet logo