Planning a trip can be extremely overwhelming. You have to decide on which country to visit, which cities, how long to stay in each place, find hotels and airfare within your price range, and have an idea of what you want to do once you actually arrive. Aren't vacations supposed to be relaxing?

If you're like me, the Internet can be a double-edged sword when making these decisions. It's easy to log hours on travel sites, reading review after review, until you lose all confidence in your ability to make a decision. So, I'm making it easy for you. I've compiled a list of my top three things to do when visiting Sydney. If you're limited on time, plan your days around each of these events, giving you three very different days of touristic opportunities.

Up until a few years ago, I never cared too much for New Years. To me, it was a hyped-up celebration with false expectations, unrealistic resolutions, and drunk drivers. But then everything changed right around the time I turned 30--when I stopped taking myself so seriously.

Three years ago I was in Buenos Aires, singing karaoke in a large Argentinian family's living room. The following year I celebrated on Copacabana Beach in Rio, alongside two million people, dancing and jumping waves for good luck. And a couple of weeks ago, I got the opportunity to see the famous Sydney Harbour fireworks from a boat, with a dear friend I made in Korea.

Whenever I head to a new city, I immediately do one of two things: check out the local markets, or look into a free walking tour. Yes, that’s right, I said free. Well, it’s a tour based on tips. Basically, at the end, you give what you think it was worth—or what you can afford, if you’re traveling light.

I first discovered this concept in Valparaiso, Chile. Upon arrival, my hostel provided me with a map of the city and told me I had 30 minutes to find “Waldo” in Plaza Sotomayor. Tired, but intrigued, I waltzed down the steep alleyway into the main square, and saw a small group gathered around a tall man wearing a red and white striped shirt.