Europe on a pearlstring

Nearly seven years ago, I set off on a three month European adventure with one of my besties, Annabel.

Sure, we carried backpacks and we wore Birkenstocks, but we weren't your average cargo pant wearing, pot smoking, loud-mouthed, surfy type, dread-locked travellers that you quite often associate with Australians abroad.

Yep, that's me. Nearly eight years ago. Collar popped, pearl earrings, Oroton sunglasses, hot pink Polo.

And a big pint of beer. I digress . . .

Anyway, Annabel and I were avid readers of The Lonely Planet's Europe on a Shoestring but felt it sometimes lacked a 'pretty' approach to travel. We often joked we were going to rewrite the guide for the girls like us who enjoyed champagne and cheese and comfy beds in hostels (minus the cockroaches) albeit on a budget.

We were going to call it Europe on a Pearlstring. Clever, hey!?

Following out ah-mazing European adventures, I moved on to London and Bel came back to study so the dream slowly faded . . . but other girls have stepped up to the plate and filled this void in the travel market.

Enter the Travelettes!

Travelettes is a project which founder Katja Hentschel hopes will "inspire girls around the world to put on their lipstick and backpacks and JUST DO IT".

Backpacking in heels. Now we're talking!

The site is full of great tips for sassy travellers, from how to stay fresh on a flight, to what to do on New Year's Eve around the world, the best flea markets in Brooklyn and the most stylish bike rides in Britain!

Perfect for the modern girl who dreams of a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. And who wears pearl studs . . . and Birkenstocks . . . at the same time.

Check it out here.