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Who is the trivago girl? Meet Gabrielle Miller

She's shown you how to book your ideal hotel all within a few swipes and taps across the screen, so we thought it's about time trivago girl lets us in on her favourite travel and hotel experiences.

You’ve no doubt seen this familiar face on your television screens. The trivago girl is Aussie-born actor and musician, Gabrielle Miller, and there’s more to her than meets the eye.

While she now calls the Sunshine Coast home, Gabrielle is constantly on the move – from spending days on deserted Australian beaches, exploring the beauty of Cambodia to visiting 16 European countries while on tour with her band. She’s filled up many pages of her passport and many megabytes with fantastic photos and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon!

trivago girl's favourite destinations

Since Gabrielle is a self-proclaimed nomad and also loves letting you in on how to find your ideal hotel using trivago, it was time to find out her favourite destinations that may even tempt you to visit them, too.

The Sunshine Coast and Hinterland

The Sunshine Coast is a favourite with many Australians, including trivago girl. Without giving away her favourite secret beach, Gabrielle recommends that first-timers to the Sunshine Coast should check out the stretch of bays south of Coolum.

A mecca for surfers, Coolum is the definition of a classic coastal Aussie town with its relaxed vibe and carefree attitude. It is inevitable that you’ll bump into a couple of happy locals sipping flat whites at a beachside cafe, all the while commenting on the swell of the surf. When you’re not catching a wave or a tan on one of the many pristine beaches this part of the coast has to offer, you could be tempted to enjoy a round of golf or even climb Mount Coolum, a 25-million-year-old laccolith, known as the second-largest rock in the world.

While many flock to Queensland’s coastal towns, the Hinterland region of the Sunshine Coast is just as stunning and offers up spectacular natural scenery that is ideal for a weekend getaway. With stunning lakeside cottages, cosy bed and breakfasts, and retreats set in the heart of a restorative rainforest, it is no surprise that Gabrielle considers the Hinterland towns of Maleny, Montville and Yandina as her top spots to visit on the east coast.

King Island

Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of this serene island located halfway between Victoria and Tasmania. The second-largest island in the Bass Strait, King Island isn’t your typical tourist destination, making it ideal for stress-free holidays away from the hustle and bustle of city living.

With a population of only 1,500, it’s easy to find yourself feeling like Tom Hanks in Castaway. Enjoy the peacefulness of a near-uninhabited island with its rolling green hills and calming sea breeze. Many golfers consider this a top destination to get the clubs out, with both Ocean Dunes and Cape Wickham among the top 20 golf courses in the world.

If you prefer human interaction, the towns of Currie, Grassy and Naracoopa have charming town centres where you can get your hands on high-quality local produce, such as cheese, lobster and beef, that the island is known for.

Surprisingly, there are currently no ferry services offered between King Island and either of the two nearby states. So travellers will have to fly to the Island from either Melbourne, Launceston or Wynyard.

Where to stay on King Island

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If you want to spend a few days enjoying the simple life, the Island Breeze Motel can be your home-away-from-home. Located in the town of Currie, guests can choose from standard rooms, self-contained cabins or apartments; all of which are modernly furnished and comfortable. Golfers should make sure to take full advantage of the property’s golf packages which give them the opportunity to have a day out on one of the Island’s famed golf courses.

Island Breeze Motel

Top rated
Currie
8.6 Excellent (72 reviews)

Central Australia

There’s nothing more Australian quite like the Outback. Aside from the populated cities of Alice Springs and Darwin, much of Central Australia and Northern Territory is rugged and bare, triggering a desire to wander and explore.

For Gabrielle, this part of the country is more than just a favourite. Central Australia brings back strong and warm memories of hiking the Larapinta Trail with her father.

The 223-kilometre trek runs from Alice Springs along the spine of the West MacDonell Ranges to Mount Sounder and is one of the top 20 treks in the world. Along the way, admire the 600 species of rare flora, ancient rock formations, and natural wonders such as Simpsons Gap and the permanent waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole.

Where to stay in Alice Springs

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If you want a taste of luxury before you head off on the Trail or prefer lounging by the pool instead of hiking in the heat, the DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs is right up your alley.

This eco-friendly hotel is situated close to Alice Springs town centre and offers stunning mountain views from each of its guest rooms. You’ll get to lap up all those hotel perks, such as a 24-hour fitness centre, access to two tennis courts and a heated outdoor pool. If you’re a golfing fan, make sure to check out the 18-hole golf course right next door.

Dining in the Alice can be just as good as in Melbourne or Sydney, thanks to the innovative menu available at the award-winning on-site restaurant, Hanuman. The Slipper Lobster and Jungle Curry of Beef are worth a taste!

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs

Alice Springs
8.2 Very good (2204 reviews)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

A country that made headlines for all the wrong reasons in the 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina has rebuilt and become one of Europe’s best cheap travel destinations. With its rugged mountainous terrains, charming towns that showcase the reigns of both the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires, and the friendly locals, it is no surprise that Gabrielle keeps returning to this heart-shaped country.

No matter the time of year, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers experiences that are sure to tickle your fancy. Take a picture in front of the picturesque Old Bridge in Mostar, rebuilt in 2004 after being completely destroyed during the war, eat a delicious plate (or two!) of ćevapčići in Sarajevo‘s Baščaršija (Old town), or if you plan on visiting in winter, ski down the mountain trails of Bjelašnica, just like the athletes did during the 1984 Winter Olympics, or visit the old Bobsledding track on the mountain, Trebević.

The Solomon Islands

Overflowing with natural beauty, Gabrielle ranks The Solomon Islands as another one of her favourite international destinations, labelling it as “a tropical haven.” This South Pacific nation is made up of hundreds of tiny islands (most uninhabitable) and is one of the only nations in this part of the world that hasn’t been overpopulated with tourists.

Aside from the obvious island hopping that can be done, the Solomon Islands are rich in culture and traditions. Learn about Kastom (a Pijin term representing the idea of culture) and the Wantok system (one talk), which is the kinship felt between those who speak the same language. History buffs, too, will love to explore the islands. Find old relics (on land or underwater) that serve as a memory of the vicious fighting that took place during World War II.

Where to stay on the Solomon Islands

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Set in the former residence of the erstwhile British Governors and two Governors-General, Heritage Park is the only luxury hotel on the island of Honiara and offers guests a variety of accommodation options: deluxe rooms, executive suites, and one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments.

Spend your day exploring the Honiara city centre, perusing the central market for tropical fruit and local delicacies. After a long day of sightseeing, unwind in the recently renovated pool complex or break a sweat in the nearby Fitzone gym that is available to guests. There won’t be any need to leave the property for dinner with three different dining options available. Enjoy international and Pan-Asian fare at GG’s, casual dining at The Terrace, or grab a cocktail (or two!) at the Splash Bar and Grill.

Hotel Heritage Park

Honiara
8.2 Very good (220 reviews)

trivago girl's most memorable hotel experience

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Perched on the edge of the Trauensee, a lake surrounded by towering Austrian Alps, the SeeHotel Das Traunsee is Gabrielle’s most memorable hotel experience (so far!). If you can’t get enough of this landscape, you’ll be happy to hear that all 38 rooms have a balcony and a lake view. Or better yet, book yourself into one of the seven suites that have direct lake access.

Follow in Gabrielle’s footsteps and take in the breathtaking scenery of the mountainside as you dive into one of Austria’s most pristine lakes. While water activities may be what the hotels by Lake Traunsee are known for, make sure to take some time to relax, too. An hour in the sauna or steam bath can do a world of good after going on one of the guided walks that are offered on a weekly basis.

A fresh seafood dinner would be a fitting end to an action-packed day out. The on-site restaurant, SeeSide offers the best of local produce and daily catches (from the lake of course!) that can be best enjoyed with an alcoholic beverage of your choosing. You might be wondering how to get here. The international airports of Linz and Salzburg are both an hour’s car drive away.

Seehotel Das Traunsee

Top rated
Traunkirchen
9.1 Excellent (313 reviews)

Where to next for trivago girl?

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The world is Gabrielle’s oyster and she has quite a few destinations to visit, but one place that she’s already itching to see is New Orleans. The southern bell of North America, New Orleans offers up an eclectic mix of jazz, seafood, beignets, and a melting pot of different cultures: from African, French to Creole and Vietnamese.

Experience as many of New Orleans’ neighbourhoods as each brings with it something different. Stroll through the French Quarter as jazz crooners busk on the street, indulge in delicious meals at one of the many award-winning restaurants in Midtown, or pick up an antique from one of the hundreds of antique shops on Magazine Street. You might even bump into trivago girl while you’re there, too!

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This story first featured in trivago Magazine AU