Australia – A Sweet Paradise

International Journeys to Take in September

Posted on April 16, 2025December 16, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Paris, France

A major reason to visit Paris in September would be Fashion Week! While the event itself is invitation-only, there are other related things to do such as visiting the fashion museums or enjoy fashion-themed events at places such as the Eiffel Tower, Tuileries Garden, and Louvre Museum. Besides fashion, the European Heritage Days is hosted in Paris. This is an annual event in which historic sites and monuments open doors to the public, usually free of charge, including Palace of Versailles and Arc de Triomphe.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney Opera House. — Photo by Bernard Spragg

Sydney is an excellent location to travel to in September, since it is the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. This brings lovely weather, yet smaller crowds as opposed to the popular summer months. Spring events are held at this time as well, including the Floriade in Canberra, with a large display of tulips and the Royal Adelaide Show, a 9 day long carnival celebrating and connecting communities by showcasing excellence in agriculture and horticulture.

Edinburgh, Scotland

This destination is appealing at this time of year due to milder weather and lower prices. It is a great time to explore the Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile, where you can find unique shops/architecture as well as the Scotch Whiskey Experience. It is also a convenient time to stroll through the Princes Street Gardens, Arthur’s Seat, or Dean Village.

Barcelona, Spain

In September, the weather is enjoyable for parks and beaches. and the crowds are dying down in Barcelona. However, it still has plenty of cultural events for visitors to attend, such as the National Day of Catalonia and the Barcelona International Jazz Festival. Other choices could be taking a train to Montserrat, sitting on a mountain, offering scenic views, or attending a wine tasting in Penedes.

Aruba

Lower prices and crowds is an advantage of visiting Aruba in September. The weather is still perfect for visiting Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. The island’s heritage can also be celebrated at Fiesta di Cunucu at this time of year. Attractions such as Arikok National Park, Guadirikiri Cave, and Natural Pool are enticing too. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also available for those who are adventurous!

Visiting somewhere international in September? I’d love to hear where!

Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (:

5 Places Around the Globe to Visit in April

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Nicole Benedetta

Lisbon, Portugal

Though this region is susceptible to rain 7 days out of this month, the temperature rises to an average of 65 degrees. Moreover, you may get to experience the celebration of Semana Santa Holy Week, aka the week before Easter. During this time, fairs, festivals, and religious parades take place. Or, if you’re willing to travel an hour south to Obidos, you will come across the International Chocolate Festival. You could also partake in a Secret Food Tour, being guided to some of the best local eateries and book a ticket to the Belem Tower or the Castle of S. Jorge.

Corfu, Greece

April can be considered one of the best months to visit Corfu, Greece, due to the enjoyable weather and smaller crowds. Not to forget about the beautiful beaches and the distinguished rock formations that you can view while renting a boat, stopping at ancient monasteries, swimming at Love Canal, and sipping a cocktail at a beach bar.

Queensland, Australia

Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland. — Millaa Millaa Falls – Photo by Steven Penton

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia is usually around 72 degrees during this month, with little rain. A road trip from there to Sydney might be something to look into, or just a day trip to the Gold Coast. If you would rather stay in one area though, an interactive art gallery, such as QAGOMA, hopping on a segway tour, getting on rides at Warner Bros Movie World, taking a kayak tour, or relaxing on Margate Beach may be of interest.

Madrid, Spain

Mild and sunny weather takes over Madrid, Spain, in April, perfect for appreciating the terrace bars and open parks. The Festimad Music Festival will be taking place at this time of year, if you listen to alternative rock. In terms of sporting events, there is live football matches, the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon!

Bali, Indonesia

Photo by Kimberly McNeilus on Pexels.com

Being the beginning of dry season, April is great for traveling to Bali, Indonesia. It is an excellent month for swimming or surfing in the warm ocean. Though this is the beginning of peak season, the nightclubs become lively and you are not going to want to miss the Ubud Food Festival! The Bali Zoo, partying and staying overnight on Kuta Beach, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and Uluwata Temple are a few favorite tourist locations too.

Which place would be your #1 choice out of the 5? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

The Outback of Australia

Posted on October 6, 2021 by Nicole Benedetta

Western Australia is the largest of the 6 states in the country, covering 1/3 of it. This land mainly consists of a dry, open desert with plateaus and mountain ranges.

Yet, it is also home to vineyards, caves, and beaches along the Indian Ocean. So, if you are wondering if you should travel there in the future, the answer is definitely yes!

Perth (pictured above), a huge metropolitan area on the coast of Western Australia, is worth stopping at. Inside of this area is the international airport, historical sites, museums, a planetarium, retail shopping, arcades, dining, bars, nightclubs, rum distilleries, parks, and much more.

More specifically, the top sights include:

King’s Park and Botanic Garden
The Bell Tower
Adventure World
Caversham Wildlife Park
Scarborough Beach
Mundy Regional Park
Caversham Wildlife Park
Carnac Island
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
Leighton Beach
Heirisson Island
Nostalgia Box Museum
Elizabeth Quay
Hillary’s Boardwalk
Mettams Pool

Some luxurious, yet affordable hotels include:

QT Perth

Gallery image of this property — Deluxe King Room

Duxton Hotel

Another option would be the town of Margaret River. Located south of Perth, it is known for the production of wine, as well as, its surfing locations along the coast. Some note-worthy spots would be:

Meelup Beach
Point Piquet
Cape Mentelle Vineyards
Injidup Natural Spa
Ngligi Cave
A Maze’n Margaret River
Leeuwin Estate
Geographe Bay

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

Mile End Glamping

A great location for exploring the Outback would be the region known as the Kimberley. It is at the very top of the country, bordering the northern territory. It has several breathtaking sites all throughout, such as gorges, rock pools, beaches, and waterfalls. However, you will either need to take a guided tour, which can last between 2 days and 2 weeks, or use a 4WD vehicle, due to the uneven terrain.

Within the Kimberley is a town with a magnificent beach, called Broome. It is a popular tourism destination with hot spots including:

Cable Beach
Karijini National Park
Sun Pictures
Gantheaume Point
Streeter’s Jetty
Rowley Shoals
Willie Creek Pearl Farm
Sundowner Camel Tours
Broome Gallery
Gantheaume Point
Chinatown
Go Horizontal Falls Tour

The Pearle of Cable Beach

Moonlight Bay Suites

Have you been to Western Australia or are planning to go soon? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks again for the read! 🙂

xo, Nicole