I awoke to a dark sky. I craned my neck to see out the window next to my bunk only to find the sun was still tucked behind the snowcapped mountains. I rubbed my swollen eyes in awe. Where I am? I thought. But then I remembered where I had landed just that morning at 5:00AM… Iceland. I was in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Ask any global traveler and they will know about Couchsurfing. It is a website/app that facilitates global travelers to get the best out of their traveling experience. After registering as a member, one can ask for free accommodation from the local members and stay at their home, instead of booking a hotel or hostel.

Let's face it. Paris is an expensive love to have. If it's not the endless supply of macarons and croissants draining your bank account, its those pricey exhibition tickets, trips to Disneyland and daily café au laits at quaint river-side cafes. Needless to say, Paris is not the cheapest of beautiful European cities. That said, it doesn't mean that it's not possible to travel around the City of Love on a budget!

The financial capital of the world and home to such storied sites as the Statue of Liberty, Madison Square Garden, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the United Nations, New York City is truly as exceptional as they come. But whilst the chic and cosmopolitan streets of an episode of “Will & Grace” or “Gossip Girl” may immediately spring to mind when discussing the great melting pot, the five boroughs are also home to a treasure trove of remarkable, down to earth and most importantly affordable restaurants, markets, centers and even a synagogue or two that can double as a raging concert venue if you book it early enough. From the brightly lit sidewalks of Midtown Manhattan to the hustle and bustle of the South Bronx, here are a handful of my all-time favorite local-friendly hangouts exclusively on Vocal+.

We can all agree that seeing the world is a high priority on most of our bucket lists. We all want to explore other cultures and soak up new cuisines, landscapes and histories. But, sadly, in this day and age, travel can cost an arm and a leg just to get the flights we want. Then, frustratingly, little things like extra baggage, leg room and a window seat can often pile on the extra unnecessary fees we really could do without.

Price Range: Low to Moderate

So long story short...

Rockford is a vibrant city in Illinois, famous for its strategic location and fantastic landscape. The city goes by various names due to the number of physical features and beguiling landmarks it possesses. These include the forest city and the city of gardens. Rockford is always trending for all the right reasons. That is why it is an ideal place to visit or live.

Last year, shortly after my 36th birthday, I finally took my first international trip. Initially, I was in a bit of a frenzied state trying to settle on where I wanted to go. I knew I wanted to head somewhere, but I couldn't settle on the where part. This indecision was also inhibiting me when it came to trying to find reasonably priced airfare. I didn't want, or have the disposable income to pay for last minute airfare - and it literally makes me ill if I don't do a thorough search of the net for the best price on anything.

Sing it with me!

Comfort Inn Insys Hotel

When I started looking for a van to travel in I came across thousands of blogs by travellers who have chosen our country for their ultimate road trip. And they look like they have (or have had) an amazing time. Camping and road-tripping are my favourite things to do so there is no problem to solve here. I've always been an outdoors person, camped right throughout my life and I've travelled all over New Zealand. I've camped on beaches, by rivers in the mountains and bush. This is why New Zealand is such a popular country to travel. You can do all of these things without moving your campsite or van.