In this episode of the Truly Expat Travel Podcast, Paula Barnes speaks with Canadian expat Keltie Maguire, who has been living in Munich, Germany for over eight years.

Keltie shares her fascinating journey from Vancouver to Sydney and eventually settling in Munich with her husband, as well as the life-changing decisions that shaped her career, identity, and her podcast The Kids Are Childfree.

We also dive deep into Munich as a travel destination and lifestyle city — from beer gardens and Bavarian food culture to hidden local gems, day trips, and how to experience the city like a local rather than a tourist.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why Munich is considered the “perfect balance” of city and village life
• The truth about Bavarian food culture (beyond pretzels and sausages)
• How tipping works in Germany (and how it differs from North America)
• How to get around Munich using public transport and bikes
• A 3-day “local’s itinerary” featuring bakeries, markets, beer gardens & lakes
• Hidden gems in Munich including Maxvorstadt, Museum Quarter & local rooftop bars

Featured Places in Munich

• English Gardens Seehaus beer garden (Englischer Garten)
• Monastery beer garden
• Viktualienmarkt
• St. Peter's Church (viewpoint over the city)
• Julius Brantner bakery
• Baumgartenschneid hike
• Standl 20
• Rooftop beer garden

Food & Drink Highlights

• Weißwurst Frühstück (traditional Bavarian breakfast)
• Pretzels with Obazda
• Käse Spätzle (German mac & cheese)
• Bavarian beer gardens
• Apple Schorle & rhubarb Schorle
• Craft beer at Higgins Ale Works
• Pretty Pizza
• Napoli Rush

Guest Links

• Website: https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/
• Podcast:

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Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

🎙️ Is Sydney the Most Beautiful Harbour in the World? 🇦🇺 Ultimate Sydney Travel Guide + 7-Day Itinerary

In this episode, Paula shares a local’s perspective on Sydney—the city she grew up in—and breaks down exactly how to experience it like you live there, not like a tourist.

If you're planning a trip to Sydney (or dreaming about one), this is your complete 5–7 day itinerary, packed with iconic sights, hidden gems, and real insider tips.

🌏 In This Episode You’ll Discover:

• The perfect Sydney itinerary (5–7 days)
• Must-do experiences like the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and visiting the Sydney Opera House
• The truth about Bondi Beach (and where you should stay instead)
• The iconic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk 🏝️
• A local guide to beaches including Manly and beyond
• Easy day trips to Kurnell and the Blue Mountains
• Where to eat, brunch, and soak up Sydney’s café culture
• Insider tips on transport, seasons, and how to avoid tourist mistakes

✨ Why This Episode is Different

This isn’t a generic travel guide.

It’s a local’s blueprint to Sydney—what to skip, what’s worth it, and how to experience the city the way Australians actually do.

🗓️ Quick Itinerary Snapshot

• Day 1: Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay
• Day 2: The Rocks + Darling Harbour
• Day 3: Bondi → Coogee walk
• Day 4: Kurnell / Cronulla day trip
• Day 5: Ferry to Manly
• Bonus: Blue Mountains, wildlife parks, food tours

💡 Pro Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: Spring (Sept–Nov)
• Skip the car if staying in the city
• Use contactless payments (but always tap on/off!)
• Book ahead during peak season

⭐️ Ready to Plan Your Sydney Trip?

If you loved this episode:

👉 Hit Follow so you never miss a destination guide
👉 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts (this helps more travellers find us!)
👉 Share this with someone planning a trip to Australia 🇦🇺

#SydneyTravel #AustraliaTravel #TravelPodcast

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Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

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Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂

Join host Paula Barnes as she dives into innovative travel strategies that can transform your trips — from time-saving hacks to must-have apps for planning and on-the-go. In this episode, Paula chats with Michelle from Intentional Travelers about tools and tips to make your travel smoother and more intentional.

Key topics:

• The importance of innovative travel hacks that saved time and effort
• Essential apps for effective trip planning before and during travel
• The value of intentional travel and how to incorporate it into your trips
• Practical tips shared by Michelle that can enhance travel experiences

Timestamps: 00:01 - Unique travel hacks that will change how you see the world
00:31 - Michelle from Intentional Travelers shares top travel app recommendations
10:47 - How to support the podcast and stay updated with travel guides
11:16 - Connecting with Paula for destination inspiration and travel resources

Resources & Links:

• Michelle from Intentional Travelers
• Free Pre-Trip Phone Checklist
• The Best Travel Planning Apps to Enhance Your Journey
• 10 Apps that make Life Easier

Happy travels and remember: the best trips are the ones you plan with intention!

Send us Fan Mail

Help Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation

Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpat

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

Instagram: Truly Expat Travel

TikTok: Truly Expat Travel

Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂