Tagged with "Travel Experiences"

Sydney Solstice 2021 is Sydney's newest winter festival event that promises to be an extravaganza of world-class food, music, entertainment, arts and culture. Running from 8-20 June 2021, the two-week long festival will take place in four major precincts of Sydney and their surrounds, including the CBD, Darling Harbour, Oxford Street and Newtown.

There is no shortage of hotspots for lovers of food and wine in Australia. Get the inside scoop on which Australian top culinary destinations foodies are flocking to.

Looking for an adventure (and accommodation) that the whole family will love? Then look no further! We’ve selected our top 10 family-friendly stays outside of the big cities that will cater for all your family holiday needs. From amazing swimming pools, interactive kids’ clubs, animal encounters, kid-friendly dining and activities that are sure to make you feel welcome. These resorts, hotels and lodges are easy to get to and have something for everyone.

If you’re not thinking about the environmental footprint of your holiday accommodation, it's time you should be. There is a lot to be considered when attempting to be a eco-conscious traveller, and where you stay is a big portion of responsible travel. We've selected 8 eco-friendly lodges, hostels and resorts to help you travel sustainably throughout Australia.

Heading east on I-15, you strike out from Los Angeles. Past Barstow, a seemingly endless desert. Crossing the Nevada state line you wonder if the sand and cacti will ever end. Then it happens. First a twinkle in the distance. A shining spot on the horizon as Las Vegas appears like a mirage. You see bright lights on the strip as someone plays a Tom Jones album two cars over. Your mind fills with images of Sinatra hanging with the Rat Pack, or maybe De Niro casually drawing a smoke at the end of the bar as he waits for Don Rickles to arrive. These are the indelible images of a town simply called Vegas. What are the top-10 things to do in “Sin City” you ask? Well not to worry because we’ve got you covered.

Game of Thrones is a worldwide cultural phenomenon. The best-selling novels by George R. R. Martin have spawned an incredible following and award-winning television adaption by HBO. Bringing the characters, locations, and stories to life was a massive undertaking. Fortunately, the screenwriters and production team were up to the task. They scoured the globe looking for the best places to incorporate into their visual storytelling. In this travel guide, we explore some of these real-world localities. Often surprising, these accessible destinations would rank high on anyone’s travel list. Come along as we explore the most incredible Game of Thrones film locations to visit in 2019.

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany is the continent’s largest and most important economy. A major trading nation, it is central to the politics of the European Union. Germany’s long and complicated history have left indelible marks throughout the land. Travelers can tour ancient Roman ruins in Cologne, or visit great Romanesque Revival palaces in Bavaria. See the monuments to war in Berlin, or just relax along the Baltic Coast. This article will introduce the wondrous diversity on offer in Germany and suggest things to see in some of the country’s major cities. Come along we visit this beautiful destination.

O Canada, indeed! The world’s second largest country is a veritable natural wonderland. Pristine boreal forests, towering snow-capped mountains, powerful rivers, majestic waterfalls...Canada is a playground for outdoor lovers. Its major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are themselves full of great culture, food, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for some excellent shopping, a quaint main street, or some picturesque scenery, you will find it all and more in Canada. In this article we will explore some of the best Canada has to offer and recommend some things you will not want to miss.

On the shores of the Balearic Sea lies Barcelona. Capital of Spain’s autonomous Catalonia region, the city sparkles in the Mediterranean sun. Walking along spacious boulevards, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in London; however, dart into a narrow alleyway and it seems you could strike sparks anywhere. Barcelona is effervescent and overflowing with humanity and Catalan pride. Come along as we explore this beautiful and intriguing city, a place where Roman ruins mingle with Gaudi’s modernism. This short guide will highlight some must-see attractions and provide an overview to the many wonderful things travelers will find when they visit Barcelona.

The Dalmatian Coast, a place of extraordinary beauty on the Adriatic Sea. When most people think of Croatia, this is what comes to mind. Well this and of course Luka Modri?, the World Cup, and Game of Thrones. Croatia is often overshadowed by its neighbor across the Adriatic; however, travelers in the know have long recognized the region’s beauty, history, and culture. If you’re looking for a European adventure but don’t fancy traditional destinations in the West, you certainly cannot go wrong in Croatia.

Known as the “country of a thousand islands,” the Philippines is full of surprises. Travelers can explore history and the arts in Manila, relax along some of the world’s best beaches on Boracay, dive under the waves on Bohol, or explore countless coves and bays on Palawan. With delicious cuisine, friendly people, and a proud culture, there are near infinite possibilities available to travelers. In this short article, we will survey several popular destinations and recommend things to see. When planning a trip to the Philippines, focus on what you hope to experience and narrow your focus to a few locations.

Turkey has long been a global crossroads. Straddling Europe and Asia, its lands have seen the rise and fall of vast empires including the Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. This long history combines with pristine natural beauty. Black Sea resorts dot Turkey’s northern coast. Grand cathedrals and mosques line the Bosporus Straits in Istanbul. Picturesque islands are scattered in the Aegean Sea. And ancient ruins coexist with modern luxury along the Mediterranean coast. It is a land for travelers seeking something exotic yet familiar. In this and so many other ways, Turkey is the ideal blend.

In the mid-1800s when a group of influential Californians visited the Yosemite scenic area, they were so amazed by what they saw, they persuaded President Abraham Lincoln to grant the area protected status on June 30, 1864, even as the US Civil War raged in the east.

Travel lovers have undoubtedly heard of or even visited Bali at some point. Beautiful scenery, divine beaches, dramatic volcanoes, temples, and genuine people…there’s much to appreciate. In recent years however, over-commercialization, large crowds, and pollution have begun to detract from Bali’s reputation as a tropical paradise.

Picturing beach resorts in Southeast Asia, Thailand’s Phuket, Indonesia’s Bali, and Philippines' Boracay probably come to mind. With tourists flocking to those locations, however, people who seek less populated shores must look elsewhere. White sand beaches, diving hotspots, fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, and a rapidly growing casino scene make Cambodia’s premier beach town of Sihanoukville a worthwhile destination.

Set on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is a town continually inventing itself. Established as a resort destination in the early 1970s, Cancun has risen to prominence, alongside Acapulco, as the premiere resort destination in all Mexico. Beachgoers from around the world come to experience the white sands and blue Caribbean waters. Beyond creature comforts and relaxation, Cancun features Maya archaeological sites, shopping, and of course, delicious food. To take in the sights and sounds of Cancun, it is best to allot yourself several days. Interspersing visits to the beach with day-trips to archaeological sites provides a nice balance. The following collection things to do is a great basis upon which to build your own Cancun adventure.

For many, nature exists as a curiosity, as somewhere to visit or occasionally recreate. There are those rare places, however, where one finds harmony in nature. Places time seems to have forgotten. Places where ancient creatures roam, and where the landscape seems conjured from the imagination. Komodo National Park is such a place.

Set in the western United States, Yellowstone is recognized as the world’s first national park. Its grandeur is synonymous with natural wonder. Due to its history and popularity, Yellowstone has a full-range of amenities and facilities, allowing it to cater to anyone from novice travelers to hearty backwoods enthusiasts. The problem at Yellowstone is not what to see, but how best to see it. The following provides a generalized travel plan, which readers should expand upon to suit their individual tastes.

Spring is a time of rebirth. A time to cast off winter’s embrace. In Japan, spring heralds the coming cherry blossoms. For what seems like a fleeting instance, cherry trees flower in exquisitely delicate shades of white and pink. The soft colors signal promising times ahead. Some spend their entire lives chasing the bloom, looking for that perfect flower. For travelers aspiring to catch a glimpse of the annual miracle, this short article offers some background and suggests a few places to visit.

As the undisputed granddaddy of theme parks, Disneyland Resort has been leading the way since 1955, inviting visitors to spend the day in the ultimate land of make-believe. What's the spotlights you cannot miss in these Disneyland parks?

Towards the end of January, a palpable excitement takes hold in places like China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations are a time of great joy and precipitate the world’s largest annual human migration. Hundreds of millions of Chinese people leave major cities to return home to smaller villages or provincial towns. The journey is joyous as people fill all manner of transport, eager to return home to see parents and children. Lunar New Year is central to Chinese cultural life, yet what are the holiday’s major characteristics? Where can you go to experience the festivities for yourself? This short primer will provide some answers to these questions and should, by the end, have you anxiously awaiting your own Red Packet!

As lumbering land mammals, we humans can but imagine the freedom experienced by creatures who call the oceans home. Some 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. The oceans remain the last great frontier of Earthly adventure. With new species to discover and countless unexplored regions, let’s take a journey beneath the waves. As mere visitors to the underwater realms, diving affords us a modicum of understanding this part of our great blue planet. Here we will consider some of the world’s best diving locations. For the vast majority of people, diving is both easiest and most enjoyable in the rich tropical waters circling the globe at the equator. Vast coral reefs shelter mesmerizing life forms, ones whose colors and numbers astound. These are the world’s best diving locations.

On April 15, 2019, the world was stunned to learn fire had ravaged Notre-Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris. In a matter of hours, centuries of history that had survived revolution, two world wars, and natural disasters was swept from existence. It is with heavy heart we mourn the loss of these cultural treasures.

For most people, New Years evokes memories of large celebrations. Perhaps it’s watching the ball drop in New York’s Times Square, perhaps it’s the fireworks from Sydney Harbour Bridge. In Thailand and other places throughout Southeast Asia, New Years is an excuse to have a massive water fight. Thailand’s traditional New Years festival, known as Songkran, is observed every year from April 13-15. To understand Songkran is to gain an appreciation of Thailand and Thai culture. In this travelogue, we explore the traditions around Songkran and delve into some recommendations for great places to participate in the festivities. Make sure you’ve got a change of clothes, because we’re going to get wet.

Hong Kong has long been a gateway into China and other parts of Asia. British explorers marveled at the natural beauty and protection offered by Victoria Harbour. The city’s location at the mouth of the Pearl River has helped Hong Kong become a major center for commerce, trade, and manufacturing. When factories started to leave the city in search of cheaper labor on the mainland, Hong Kong responded by developing into Asia’s premier financial center. Through it all, Hong Kong has maintained a remarkable identity and culture. It is a fabulous destination that offers visitors a wealth of options. From luxury shopping and fine dining to pristine natural parks, Hong Kong remains Asia’s gateway city.

Aomori is Japan’s prefecture for all seasons. Set in the northernmost part of Honshu, the largest of Japan’s islands, Aomori is a place for travelers seeking a different experience. The region blends the natural and the urban in surprising ways. Beautiful landscapes and the largest collection of cherry blossoms in all Japan make this an unforgettable destination.

In the western Philippines, there is an island archipelago with unique geology and majestic scenery. Known locally as “Heaven on Earth,” travelers who venture there cannot help but to agree. El Nido sits on the northern tip of Palawan Island, roughly 420 kilometers south-west of Manila. Owing to its location as part of the Sunda tectonic plate, the geology on El Nido is unlike anywhere else in the Philippines.

Spanning nearly two continents and 11 time zones, Russia is country full of wonder and surprise. The Russian Far East and Siberia are synonymous with remoteness, while St. Petersburg’s elegance evokes memories of long lost Czars. Moscow’s Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral are quintessential symbols of this enormous country.

Seasoned travelers know the best part of going somewhere new is the food. What better way to bond across time and culture than over a plate of delicious local cuisine?Few things bring people together like an elegant meal. Often the biggest challenge in expanding our horizons is not knowing where to start or what to try. Here is a quick guide on some foods you definitely want to sample on your next trip to Taiwan.

While sitting in a café located in Ipoh’s Old Town sipping a cup of white coffee, and enjoying the city’s slow pace and tranquil environment, it’s hard to imagine that about 70 years ago, this city was actually one of the world’s largest producer of tin.Located 200km north of Kuala Lumpur and 130km south of Penang, this capital of Perak used to have a nickname “Millionaires’ City” in the early 20th Century, as many people made a fortune from tin mining in the district.