Archive | Oceania

Natural Attractions in New Zealand

On the road to Glenorchy. CC Image by Stewart Baird (Flickr).

Located in the south-western Pacific Ocean, the country island of New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. Geographically, the country is split into two islands, the north and the south, however there are also a number of other smaller island that surround the coastline. At just under 2,000km from Australia, and 1,000km from Fiji, New Zealand is certainly a remote holidaying destination, however millions of tourists flock to the island every year to experience the dynamic culture, great food and spectacular beaches.

New Zealand was one of the last places in the world to be colonized by humans, with the Polynesians the first inhabitants from 1250-1300 CE. Furthermore, with the first European contact taking place in 1642 CE, it shows how isolated the island once was.

The first European settlers brought a number of Western goods and trade with them, causing mass inter-tribe wars between the island’s original inhabitants. In the mid-1800s, the Maori (the islands original settlers) and the British signed a treaty which made the island a colony of the British Empire.

Since then, tourism and immigrant numbers have skyrocketed, and conflicts between the Maori visitors to the island sharply increased. Reform soon swept New Zealand, with women getting the right to vote, political systems were put in place, and a welfare state was even introduced.

Since then, the New Zealanders have enjoyed one of the highest standards of living in the world. Due to the islands natural beauty and amazing landscapes, it remains one of the most popular holidaying destinations in the world. In case you’ve not already been sold and gone to book your flights to New Zealand, let’s take a look at some of the exciting activities to do, and sights to see.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a very popular place in New Zealand. Not only does it offer a place for adventurers to comes together and explore their surroundings, but it is also home to some of the best beaches on the island. From crystal clear waters and exotic sea life to rock climbing and kayaking, there are a number of great activities for tourists to experience in Queenstown. Additionally, you can take a trip further inland to see the huge glacier mountains and alpine lakes that surround Queensland.

Nelson and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Nelson can be found towards the south of New Zealand, and it is the home of the island’s best coastlines. If you’re a keen surfer, then you’ll definitely want to take a trip to Nelson, as it’s one of the hottest surfing spots in the world! From white sandy beaches to continuous sunshine, Nelson is a great place for tourists, offering world-class accommodation situated in one of the most beautiful landscapes on the island.

Then there’s Waimangu Volcanic Valley – one of the most unique places in the Pacific. Located in the Rotorua region of the island, the volcanic valley is the world’s youngest geothermal system, meaning it was created during a time where humans were able to document history. Born from a volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago, the sands around this volcano are warm and rich in nutrients, and the mud baths are also very popular with tourists too.

Hotspot Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

By Erica Johansson on in Africa, Europe, Honeymoon Travel, Oceania

Santorini Hotspot Honeymoon Destinations Around the World

Relaxing in Santorini. CC Image by MarcelGermain (Flickr).

After the stress of planning a wedding and the day itself, heading off on honeymoon is usually a welcome relief to newlyweds. Many locations around the world have earned themselves a reputation as ‘honeymoon hotspots.’ We looked at some of the best destinations around the world, and why they prove exciting to couples of various tastes.

Kenya

Safaris have always been popular among holidaymakers looking to experience something different; however, they are also now emerging as a seriously hot honeymoon destination, too.

The opportunity to view some of the world’s most beautiful wildlife in their own backyard is one that should never be turned down, and there is a strange sense of peacefulness as you drive across African plains spotting animals that you have only seen in zoos. Combine luxury hotels with camping only a few miles from wildlife and feel an affinity with nature that you rarely will again.

Santorini

This Greek island has long been a popular romantic haunt, and is a favourite among couples looking to marry abroad, as well as honeymooners.

Much of Santorini is geared towards rest and relaxation, and the many spa hotel resorts on the north of the island are the perfect examples of these. You and your new husband or wife can sip champagne from a balcony jacuzzi, while looking out over the calm sea as fireworks light up the sky. Then retreat to a luxury studio for an indulgent massage before heading off to the honeymoon suite.

Australia

Whether you want to travel across the outback or stay in luxury in Sydney, Australia offers a huge number of possibilities to couples looking to get their marriage off to an exciting start.

Take up surfing lessons on Bondi Beach, drive the Great Ocean Road, or travel across the remotest locations in the country with nothing but each other for company. Australia offers a range of experiences like few other countries on Earth.

Madeira

If you head to this Portuguese island it will almost be like attending a second wedding. They love fireworks on Madeira, and if you let it be known to your accommodation that you are only recently married, you can guarantee that a display will be up and running within minutes.

Of course, Madeira is a beautiful island for both relaxing and exploring, too, meaning that the brilliant fireworks display will merely be the start of a wonderful honeymoon, and of course, the rest of your lives together.

This article was written by Transfercar, a car rental Australia service, providing travellers free transport for major cities in Australia (www.transfercar.com.au).

Where to Stay As a Tourist in Australia

By Erica Johansson on in Accommodation, Oceania

Tilt-Shift Outback Australia. CC Image by Philipp_Roth (Flickr).

Traveling through Australia will expose you to sights that will live in your memory forever. Possible accommodation includes hostels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, hotels, self-catering apartments, properties for rent and campsites.

Some areas are heavily tourist-centric, such as Queensland’s Hamilton Island, the Sunshine Coast and the wine country of South Australia. This has the benefit of the certainty of specific activities, such as skiing, fitness activities, scuba diving or sipping cocktails by the pool. Accommodation can be pet friendly or even nudist (though some only during certain seasons).

Accommodation can be designed for people with disabilities, which is also enjoyed by older people. www.australiaforall.com is an international website dedicated wholly to accommodation and leisure venues for disabled people. Photographs are always provided so people can decide if a facility meets their needs, for instance should they require grab rails.

If your stay is long enough and perhaps if your party is large enough, you may wish to rent a house through an organisation such as homesales.com.au.

Hotels can have anything from two to five stars, with prices varying accordingly. There are small, family-run guest houses all around, encompassing historic houses, miners’ cottages, country homesteads and inner city townhouses. Prices are low and the proprietors are often a rich source of information. The largest number of hotels – 1,434, which is slightly more than a third – are in New South Wales while the smallest number – 56 – is in the Australian Capital Territory.

It is possible to stay on a farm and be woken by the crowing of a cock. Accommodation ranges from basic to luxurious. This will allow you to stay in a wide, open space with plentiful opportunity for bush-walking, swimming and horse riding. Activities on offer include driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, mustering cattle from horseback, mending fences and you would experience rusty, and stunning red sunsets. Some accommodation bills itself as ecologically-friendly.

Self-catering apartments are cost-effective for families or large groups who wish to spend more than a couple of days in a particular place. The need to save money could be evident given the cost of a flight ticket to Australia. Hotel guests pay for service to a great extent, and without this service, costs are lower. With food, cooking for yourself is cheaper and can be a refreshing change from finding a restaurant that suits all members of your party. And it is better to obtain groceries during one trip to a supermarket rather than multiple journeys to a corner shop.

As for camping amidst the scenic countryside of Australia, you can pitch your tent in a national park or in one of the multitudes of well-equipped camping parks. Electricity, hot showers, laundry facilities and barbecue areas will be to hand. For those who do not wish camping to be glamping, there are facilities of five-star standard.

Impartial information can be obtained from Tourist Accommodation Australia, a division of the Australian Hotels Association.

4 World-Class Surfing Cities

By Erica Johansson on in Activities & Outdoors, Africa, North America & Caribbean, Oceania

Hunting down the best waves is no easy task, but a dedicated surfer is committed to finding the best surf spots. There are hundreds of beautiful beaches around the world perfect for surfing. Narrowing down the list was hard, but here are four of the best cities for surfing in the world. Grab a surfboard from IsleSurfBoards.com, and get ready to go.

Zuma Beach, Malibu, California

Zuma Beach. CC Image by Julie Horton (Flickr).

Zuma Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the surfing world. Surfers and beach lovers go nuts for Zuma. The long stretch of beach has perfect waves and turquoise waters. Malibu may be full of rich people, but the small-town vibe is still apparent. This makes Malibu loved by all, and it is protected by many. The clean beaches and perfect surfing conditions make it a hot spot for competitions and surfing lessons. Everyone loves Malibu.

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Kill Devil Hills 4 World Class Surfing Cities

Look, Waves! CC Image by TimothyJ (Flickr).

This little town is surprisingly incredible for surfing. A majority of eastern beaches are flat, and the waves aren’t great for riding. Kill Devil Hills is an exception. The swells are consistent throughout the year, and the water remains a nice temperature until the middle of winter. The summer is prime time for surfing here, but the winter months are suitable if you just have to catch a wave.

Gold Coast, Australia

Gold Coast, Australia. CC Image by shibuya246 (Flickr).

This famous beach is known in surfing circles as one of the best in the world. Sparkling waters and perfect waves are the attraction here. It’s a tourist spot, and it is expensive. You can still expect great things from surfing the waves at the Gold Coast. It’s often called a surfer’s paradise. There are numerous break points to hit up for your surfing fix.

Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

Jeffreys Bay 4 World Class Surfing Cities

Jeffrey’s Bay. CC Image by Scott Hadfield (Flickr).

Jeffrey’s Bay is another famous hot spot that touts some of the best waves in the world. Clean beaches and perfect weather make surfing here a dream come true. June, July and August are the best months for surfing. Many of the world’s most elite events are held here too. The Billabong Pro WCT is hosted here yearly.

If you stay in the United States, you are sure to find some fantastic beaches to catch some waves at. If you decide to leave the country, there is a whole new world of excellent opportunities. Surfing around the globe offers limitless possibilities to learn the tides of different beaches, and you will have the experience of a lifetime.

4 Destinations for Active Honeymoons

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, Honeymoon Travel, North America & Caribbean, Oceania

Best past Kavala Bay – Kavala. CC Image by Kadavu2009 (Flickr).

If your idea of the perfect honeymoon doesn’t involve lazing around on an overly crowded beach on a touristy Caribbean island, you’ll probably need to spend some time brainstorming out-of-the-box ideas, and fast. Sites like TheKnot.com offer some great advice for adventurous couples and those that want their honeymoon to be different, but if you’re looking for a shortlist of awesome honeymoon destinations, here are our top four picks:

Amsterdam

This is one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in Europe, and you can go on a honeymoon at any time of the year because there is always something to do. There are several spas in the city that you could visit for some couples treatments, and many of them offer unique services that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

You can also take a boat ride in a romantic paddle boat, or walk through the gorgeous flowers in the area gardens. Amsterdam is also known for its large bike population – in fact, it’s been said that there are more bicycles than people in the city. If you want to travel the city like a local, rent a bike for your stay there and spend the days riding along the streets and people-watching at the little cafes.

Fiji

A remarkable honeymoon destination, Fiji has spectacular views of tall mountains and beautiful waterfalls. From parasailing to walking on the sandy beaches, there is always something to do as a couple in Fiji. There are several places near the Kadavu Islands where you can scuba dive and see breathtaking fish and other sea life.

Fiji has numerous honeymoon packages that you can choose from that include the hotel room, airfare and romantic dinners. Another fun experience is staying in a bungalow on stilts in the water. These allow for couples to maintain their privacy encircled by beautiful blue waters, and to enjoy the serenity of their surroundings. Fiji is also a great place to indulge in luxurious spa treatments, decadent meals, and adventurous water sports.

Alaska

Although it sounds cold, Alaska is not to be overlooked as a honeymoon destination. You can take a cruise to Alaska, or you can fly to the state and stay in one of the many charming and luxurious hotels that abound in the scenic and urban areas. A quaint bed and breakfast is a romantic way to spend a honeymoon in Alaska. Summer is the best season to go, but the most beautiful time is when there is snow on the ground in December or January, and of course, there are tons of activities there for the couple looking to stay active. Try your hand at snowshoeing, or go skiing or dogsledding.

Chile

Chile is a great place to visit on your honeymoon because of how diverse the landscape is. This long, narrow country offers mountains, deserts, tropical areas, and urban centers as it stretches down South America. Check out Santiago for some history – La Palacio de la Moneda and La Plaza de Constitution are where the presidential offices are located. If you’re looking for more outdoorsy adventures, go see El Tatio Geysers, which are surrounded by several volcanoes. The climate is quite volatile here, so be sure to layer your clothing for the cold mornings and warm afternoons. For a more cultural experience, hike up the mountains in Valparaiso to La Sebastiana, the house where famed artist Pablo Neruda lived.

Diverse Australia Culture: Sydney and the Outback

By Erica Johansson on in Oceania

Sydney Opera House Diverse Australia Culture: Sydney and the Outback

By STEVE JUBA

I used to live in Sydney and from the moment my plane touched down at Sydney Airport I could feel a strong connection to this land and country. The brief, but life changing six months I spent there has forever shaped my goals and outlook on life. In fact, I fell in love with traveling throughout Australasia so much that it shaped my career. I now plan unique cultural adventures throughout the world and take people along for the ride. Our photography travel club is actually heading back to Australia next year!

The quality of life in Oz is arguably the best in the world making the people an absolute delight. They are friendly, outgoing, and have a wonderful sense of humor (plenty of sarcasm to boot). If you’re planning a trip to Australia and are overwhelmed by the numerous destinations and activities, then take a look at the two below. Make sure to pencil enough time in to at least experience Sydney & The Outback.

The Outback and Sydney share a commitment to the diverse culture of Australia. The Outback is home to the keepers of Australia’s past, the aborigines. On the other hand, Sydney is the center of modern Australian culture with the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge.

Below are some fun facts and highlights of my two favorite parts of this sun-burnt country:

Temperatures in The Outback vary from 120°F in summer to 15ºF in winter.

Nearly every time it rains, The Outback experiences a flash flood.

Roads into The Outback are becoming easier to travel; visitors should still use the services of a guide when venturing off the highways.

Visitors need a permit to enter aborigine land.

Be sure to check out Uluru & the Olgas – the most famous and stunning rock structures of the Outback.

There are about 60 beaches in Sydney. They are staffed with volunteer lifeguards during peak swimming periods. Be sure to check out Manly beach across the Harbor!

Sydney has an abundance of parks, fields, and recreation areas including Luna Park; a restored 1930s amusement park.

From Sydney, visitors can take a ferry over to Cockatoo Island. The remains of the island’s industrial past is still visible and roaring festivals are held here throughout the year.

The Taronga Zoo in Sydney is massive. Hundreds of animal species can be seen with great shows and informational discussions.

Darling Harbour in Sydney is filled with light and color once the sun goes down. Be sure to wine, dine, and dance in this world class harbor.

Bottom Line: A trip to Australia is not complete without The Outback and Sydney on the list!

Steve is a Boston native who currently resides in San Francisco. After living in Sydney in 2008, he’s devoted his life to travel and compassionate adventures with his travel clubs and other company Destination Earth.

With over 5 years experience travel blogging, creating, and escorting tours, Steve’s passion for travel, adventure, and people shines through on each journey. His attention to detail, kind demeanor, and ability to adapt to any situation make him an excellent travel planner and adventure leader for PhotoFly & Singles by the Bay Travel Club!

Places to See Before You Die: The Great Barrier Reef

By Erica Johansson on in Oceania

Great Barrier Reef Places to See Before You Die: The Great Barrier Reef

By STAYSURE

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world – and for good reason. The vast coral reef is the world’s largest, and is packed with colourful underwater flora and fauna, with colourful, shimmering fish darting around its more than 3,000 individual reef systems and coral cays.

The vast and unique marine park stretches over more than 3,000 km, and lies almost parallel to the coast of Queensland, going from near the coastal town of Bundaberg, up past the tip of Cape York. It is genuinely out of this world, being the only living organism that can be seen from space.

From underwater it is simply stunning, with more than 400 kinds of colourful coral, as well as sponges, molluscs, rays, dolphins and more than 1,500 species of tropical fish, over 200 types of birds and around 20 different types of reptiles like sea turtles. It also plays home to stunning giant clams, some of which are more than 120 years old.

However, the Reef is not only to be enjoyed from underwater, as the land around the Reef is truly idyllic, with paradisiacal tropical islands galore featuring some of the world’s most sun-drenched golden beaches. Tourists can choose from a variety of luxury resorts and retreats, from the stylish eco-cottages of Pumpkin Island Eco Retreat to the secluded lodges of Haggerstone Island and Orpheus Island’s elegant beachfront accommodation. In fact, there are so many options when it comes to fantastic places to stay and tours of the Reef that there really is something to suit everyone’s individual tastes and requirements.

What we’re trying to say is that a trip to the Great Barrier Reef really is like nothing else on Earth, making a visit there a vital addition to any bucket list.

Exploring the Reef

There are a number of options when it comes to exploring the Reef itself, from hot air ballooning and helicopters which allow you to see its vastness from the air, to diving into the crystal clear water itself. No matter where you stay, you’re never more than an hour away from a fantastic diving spot.

Such organised tours are a common feature in most destinations and to get a real idea of the reef, visitors are advised to see it from both the sea and the air.

As when embarking on any such adventure activities when on holiday, you want to ensure you can enjoy exploring the reef worry-free by securing a great travel medical insurance policy.

With 3,000km of reef on offer, where should I stay?

With the Reef being so vast, there are seemingly endless options when it comes to destinations and accommodation – making them challenging to narrow down. It is important to think about what you want from your holiday before deciding on a specific destination.

For example, if you can’t wait to see the spectacular natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, but at the same time are most comfortable in a vibrant city destination, then Cairns is a great location to choose. The lively city features plenty of luxurious accommodation, as you would expect, and is the perfect destination from which to explore the wonders of the Reef, as well as the stunning scenery of the surrounding tropical rainforests.

Meanwhile, Port Douglas is an extremely popular option with Reef tourists thanks to its plethora of five-star hotels and glamorous Four Mile Beach. It is well known as the favourite spot from which to explore the northern areas of the reef and rainforest coast, and more than 100 day tour options depart from the resort every day.

Other destination options include the architecturally beautiful Rockhampton, the thriving metropolis of Townsville, Queensland town Ayr and historical Cooktown.

Tourists seeking true luxury will look to the Reef’s islands, however, like tropical lizard island (all sandy shores and exotic palms), idyllic Daydream Island with its three fabulous beaches, and the super-exclusive Haggerstone Island.

Staysure are the over 50s experts, specialising in providing over 50s holiday insurance. Travel Insurance Medical, part of the Staysure family, specialises in covering people with pre-existing medical conditions. Both companies offer 220 pre-existing medical conditions covered for free, which can include high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes.

Spending Christmas in Australia

By Erica Johansson on in Oceania

If grey winter weather starts to get you down, why not treat yourself to a summery Christmas on the beach? Australia flights can be a great present as well if you drop a hint to your loved ones.

Temperatures are often in the mid-30s on Christmas day, and although greeting cards show snowy scenes with robins and reindeer, the only white you’ll see in Australia is the sand.

Local Traditions

Many Australians remember their British heritage with a traditional Christmas dinner, but it is increasingly common to beat the heat with barbeques or picnics. It is a tradition in Sydney to take a picnic to Bondi Beach to enjoy some seafood and a cold beer in the summer sun along with thousands of other festive revellers. You might even see Santa ride past on a surfboard.

Carols by Candlelight are held on Christmas Eve in cities all over Australia, but most famously in Melbourne. Locals and tourists alike meet downtown with candles to sing carols under the warm night sky. As you walk around town you might see the red and green flowering Christmas Bush in shop windows and homes rather than a Christmas tree or holly.

New Year’s Eve

Every year Sydney puts on the biggest New Year’s Eve fireworks display in the world. Join over one million revellers to see it first-hand, with miles of vantage points along the harbour with a view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge where the fireworks are set off. If the thought of these crowds puts you off, take a harbour cruise and ring in the New Year in style.

48 Hours in Melbourne

By Erica Johansson on in Oceania

Melbourne at night.

By EMILY BUCKLEY

Hidden bars down meandering alleyways, graffiti art that wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery, dozens of museums, beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, and coffee shops, bistros, cafes and restaurants of international stature – Melbourne is Australia’s arty, subversive, culturally cool member of the family. Famous for hosting the Australian Open tennis tournament, often experiencing four seasons in one day, and for serving up the best coffee in the country, spend 48 hours in Melbourne and you’ll fall in love with the city.

Day 1

Art in Federation Square

Begin your Melbourne adventure in the city’s hub, an imposing glass and zinc building with a vast open square in which street theatre and live music are often performed. Check out the fantastic indigenous art at the Ian Potter Centre and then lunch on the terrace at Feddish, which serves contemporary Australian cuisine and offers views of the Yarra River.

Shopping and Graffiti-Gazing in the Laneways

Head away from the modern shopping centres and main streets and into Melbourne’s meandering alleyways for one of the best shopping experiences in the city. The Victorian arcades, including Block and Royal Arcades, offer some of the best boutiques as well as a bucketful of historic charm, whilst Centre Place, Degraves Street and Flinders Lane are the places to go for vintage clothing and one-off items by local designers. Whilst shopping, keep your eyes peeled for the seriously good graffiti art which adorns the street walls – branch off into side streets such as Hosier Lane, Rutledge Lane, and Duckboard Place for a real insight into laneway art. For dinner you’ll be spoilt for choice but try MoVida, a lively, award-winning tapas restaurant.

Day 2

Sunset in St Kilda.

Hop on the number 96 tram for the short journey to Melbourne’s popular seaside suburb that’s reminiscent of Coney Island. Head straight to Miss Jacksons for breakfast, which serves up some of the city’s best cafe food in a century-old former bank, walk off your meal along the promenade by the beach and end up at Lunar Park, St Kilda’s iconic Edwardian-era theme park. Lunch at Soul Mama, a vegetarian eatery right by the beach with fabulous ocean views.

Chill Out in the City’s Parks

Take the tram back to the city and visit one of Melbourne’s many excellent parks. The Royal Botanic Gardens are spread over 890 acres of lakes, lawns and a huge number of themed gardens, including the Australian Rainforest Walk and the Elizabethan Herb Garden. Look out for native cockatoos and kookaburras and take in the 12,000 species of plants. Picturesque Fitzroy Gardens houses Captain Cook’s cottage, originally built in 1755 in a village in Yorkshire and transported and rebuilt in Melbourne brick-by-brick in 1934. End the day with a gourmet meal by the river on restaurant-lined Southbank.

Emily Buckley has travelled the world but considers Australia to be a second home and Melbourne one of her favourite cities. As a regular writer for HotelClub, a leading accommodation website, she has often written about the many fantastic attractions, restaurants, bars, museums, galleries, shops, parks, beaches and hotels in Melbourne.

Australia Travel Ideas For First-Time Visitors

By Erica Johansson on in Oceania

By MICAH WATERS

From the sandy beaches of the Gold Coast to the vibrant nightlife of Sydney, we’ve got the top Australia travel ideas that will make your trip to the Outback one you’ll never forget. Given the massive size of Australia, the best way to get around if you’re set on seeing all of the great sites is to take internal domestic flights between major cities.

A few of Australia’s most famous attractions to consider: Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, and the Whitsunday Islands.

Ayers Rock and Alice Springs are considered part of the famous Outback, which encompasses more than 2.5 million square miles. Alice Springs is the unofficial capital, and a short distance away is the massive monolith known as Ayers Rock. Contrary to popular belief, the Outback isn’t all desert; visitors can enjoy beautiful waterfalls, deep gorges and scenic mountains as well.

surfers paradise Australia Travel Ideas For First Time Visitors

The Gold Coast (so aptly named) is famous for its gorgeous beaches. Aside from fun in the sun, visitors can enjoy a myriad of water sports, upscale shopping and theme parks such as Warner Bros, Movie World and Dreamworld. Surfer’s Paradise is a popular Gold Coast suburb which is known for its exciting nightlife and (as the name implies) surfing.

Animal lovers should consider visiting the famous Melbourne Aquarium or the Healesville Sanctuary (both located in Victoria) which boasts more than 200 native Australian species.

Let’s not forget road trips. Renting a car? Remember that Australians drive on the left side of the road.

Plus, Australia boasts a wide variety of beautiful, awe-inspiring national parks such as the Royal National Park, Christmas Island, Norfolk Island and Pulu Keeling National Park.

What are your favorite attractions in Australia?