Have you traveled while studying abroad and what are some of your favourite places?

During university, I was able to visit Montreal and Toronto a few times. The first time I went to Montreal, I went with my friends and we stayed in an Airbnb for a weekend. We were able to walk aroung the city and explore what Montreal had to offer. The second time I went to Montreal was for the music festival Osheaga. It was such an amazing experience and seeing so many artirts perfom at the same time is definitely worth it!

In the summer, my family and I went to Taupō and Rotorua for a holiday. We stayed in a little bach by Lake Taupō, and it was really nice waking up to the view of the water every day. In Rotorua, we saw the volcanoes, bubbling mud pools, and steam coming out of the ground, which was really cool. We also went to the glow worm caves, and it felt like being under a sky full of stars, but underground. The whole trip was fun and it was nice spending time together as a family. New Zealand has a lot of natural beauty to explore and every part of New Zealand has something amazing to offer. This weekend I am visiting Raglan which is a beach town and its so beautiful! They have the cutest little Museum that helped me learn more about thr little town and the entry fee for adults was only $5!

Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky to explore some incredible places around New Zealand. Most recently, I went glamping in the Coromandel with friends, and it was such an amazing experience. Waking up surrounded by nature with the sound of the ocean nearby was so peaceful. The Coromandel has such a unique vibe, stunning beaches, and of course the hot water beaches where you can dig your own spa pool. I’m planning to go back again this year, especially now that Cathedral Cove has reopened, it’s a must-see!

In the past, I’ve also visited Queenstown, which was such a highlight. It has such a lively energy, with beautiful lake and mountain views, and endless activities from hiking to just wandering around the town. I think it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Christchurch stood out to me for its mix of history and creativity, I loved exploring the street art and the botanic gardens. Wellington is another favourite, the waterfront is so fun to walk along, and I really enjoyed visiting Te Papa and experiencing the city’s food and coffee culture. Closer to home, Waipu was a lovely trip too. The beaches there are stunning, and the area has a relaxed small-town charm that makes it feel like a hidden gem.

To keep costs low when I travel, I try to book accommodation early (glamping spots, holiday parks, or hostels) and split costs with friends. Packing snacks and groceries instead of eating out for every meal makes a big difference too. For day trips and shorter getaways, I’ve found that exploring nearby towns, beaches, or hiking spots is really rewarding and doesn’t have to be expensive. New Zealand has so many beautiful destinations, and a little planning goes a long way in making travel affordable.

Over the past 12 years of living in New Zealand, one place that has always amazed me and keeps drawing me back is Slipper Island, just off the coast of Tairua. Slipper Island is a luxurious getaway that feels like a hidden paradise. Every time I’ve posted photos from my visits, I always get comments asking, “Where is this place?”

What makes it so special for me is the stunning ocean views, the peaceful afternoon walks along the beach, and the rich Māori culture reflected in the sculptures on the island. I’m not someone who plans every detail of a trip—I love being spontaneous—but one thing I always book in advance is a fishing charter. It’s one of my favourite parts of being on Slipper Island. Floating on the sea, gazing out over the horizon, is truly an unforgettable experience that captures the beauty of New Zealand’s nature.

If you ever visit, one of my best tips for keeping costs down is to prepare your own food, as buying meals in the small surrounding towns can get very expensive. Another option is reaching out to the island hosts—sometimes you can work in exchange for free accommodation.

Slipper Island really is one of those magical places that stays with you long after you leave. 🌊✨

As an international student in Canada, I have had the opportunity to travel to Toronto 🇨🇦, Montreal 🎶, and Quebec City 🏰, each offering unforgettable experiences that helped me better understand the country’s culture and diversity. In Toronto, I loved the vibrant multicultural atmosphere, from exploring Kensington Market 🛍️ to enjoying the views from the CN Tower 🌆 and the peaceful escape of the Toronto Islands 🚤. Montreal, on the other hand, stood out for its unique blend of European charm and modern creativity; strolling through Old Montreal felt like stepping into history ⏳, while the lively festivals, street art 🎨, and amazing food scene 🍴 made the city especially memorable. Quebec City became one of my favorite destinations because of its enchanting old-world architecture, cobblestone streets 🪨, and breathtaking views from the Château Frontenac area 🏞️, all of which gave the city a magical character. To plan my trips, I compared transportation options such as buses and trains 🚌🚆, booked tickets early to save money 💰, and often traveled with friends 🤝 to share costs for accommodation and food. I also relied on budget-friendly options like hostels 🛏️ or Airbnb and planned my itineraries to group nearby attractions, reducing both time and transit expenses. From these experiences, I have learned that the best ways to keep travel costs low as a student are to look for student discounts 🎟️, pack simple meals 🥪, take advantage of free walking tours 🚶, and travel during off-peak times 📅. These journeys not only gave me the chance to see some of Canada’s most iconic places but also taught me how to balance exploring new destinations while being mindful of a student budget.