English 
Updated on February 26th, 2025
Today I arrive back home from Australia after over a month with my family and friends and a fabulous Christmas and New Year break.
Who knows how I am feeling as you read this with my hangover from the jet lag.
But I am writing it having just returned from a fantastic week in Tasmania.
We finished our trip in Hobart, the state capital & 2nd oldest city in Australia (after Sydney, if you were wondering).
While we were there, we spent an afternoon at MONA (Museum of Old & New Art). It was something you HAVE to do when you’re in Hobart, apparently. Actually, it was something that everyone said we HAD to do when we mentioned we were coming to Tassie in the first place.
Which always makes me feel a little rebellious.
I often feel slightly resentful when I hear you HAVE to go here or HAVE to eat there. To me, that means everyone who is visiting will also be there. I am not a fan of crowds, or tourists (I recognise the irony in that statement!), so I like to avoid them when I can.
I prefer to find the hidden gems, the places that aren’t in the Lonely Planet or plastered all over Instagram. The ones that I discover through asking questions from locals once I arrive.
And I ask a lot of questions!
But I also like to form my own opinion. To decide for myself what I MUST do next time I’m here or what I think those who receive this email would rather see.
So, we went to MONA. We got there on a ferry which was painted like a cow & had seats shaped like sheep. We enjoyed a glass of wine as we sailed up the Derwent River to our MUST-SEE destination.
The architecture was fantastic. Art displayed across three floors all built underground. The sheer size of the project is almost imperceptible as you approach from the water.
But if I’m honest, we found it all a little overwhelming.
It was a Picasso vase next to a Nigerian headpiece, by a wall of vaginas, under to a video of Wonder Woman, above a 17th Century book of maps. It was an assault on the senses, a little mad and I think a bit too cool for me! Add to that, the fact that all the art explanations were only available via an app and it was all dark. That meant lots of staring at phones and in my case sharing my opinion with complete strangers thinking they were my sister who had read faster & moved on! 😊
But I agree, it has to be seen. Who am I to say that just because I didn’t “get it”, you wouldn’t either? Why would I not recommend it & allow you to form your own opinion?
It reminded me of a trip I took to New Zealand a few years ago. That seemed full of people telling me I MUST have a burger from THAT PLACE. I must do THAT HIKE for THE view. I MUST get a photo of THAT tree on THE lake.
All of these things were given a caveat which revolved around queues & timing. Even to get the photo at the top of a hiking trail involved queueing for your moment.
I find that kind of thing a little overwhelming too. I ended up doing a different hike, with an amazing view, recommended as better by the guy on reception where I was staying. I hardly saw any other people on the track.
I went for the burger, but at the end of a night out with my friend when nobody else was there. It was good…but worth waiting an hour for? Doubtful.
And on my way out, early in the morning I went to take a few shots of the tree. It was cool. And I was alone.
Sometimes things are worth the hype. Sometimes you need to plan a little better or do things slightly differently to get the best experience. Because for me, that is where the magic happens.
So, what do you think? When was the last time you visited somewhere that lived up to the hype? Or when did you do something different on your travels that helped avoid the crowds? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
This week, over on YouTube, I head out for a magical experience night kayaking in one of the Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto Rico. There are only six places in the world where you can see this natural phenomenon year-round. Puerto Rico is home to four of them. In my latest video I take you with me and it’s an experience that needs to go on your Bucket List! See it for yourself (kind of), HERE
Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Video – Kayaking the Bioluminescent Bay Puerto Rico, Fajardo
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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