Tag Archive | travel

Our last holiday in Australia was a mecca to some of the most beautiful cities in the state. We visited the culture capital of Victoria and the state capital, Melbourne, which is the largest city in Australia. Melbourne is sophisticated and boasts of excellent architecture, displays of sculptures and conducts many events that are world-class.

Tourists are greeted with many restaurants and cafes when down under, and look forward to sampling the cuisine. As a connoisseur of food, I visited the Queen Victoria Market, where I was able to pick up a variety of ingredients for cooking up gourmet dishes. I enjoyed the evening at the Crown Melbourne casino, where I was astounded by the mere magnificence of the water feature that was displayed in the foyer!

The Yarra River runs through Melbourne and provides water to many vineyards in this region. We took a day trip to the Phillip Island which is a 90 minute drive from Melbourne. My children had a whale of a time sampling the chocolates and getting their energy levels up at the Paddys Chocolate Factory after being entertained for hours on end with optical illusions, puzzles and mazes at A Maze’N Things. My wife and I led stroll around the conservation area to look at the koalas, sea lions and the amazing variety of birds around.

We unanimously agreed that the drive down the Great Alpine Road after breakfast was a memorable treat and a great experience. This scenic road runs 308 kilometers and is well sealed and accessible throughout the year. This route starts from the North east at Wangaratta to Bairnsdale. Though we could complete this trip in about four and a half hours, we decided to make a stop and have lunch, after which we tried to catch fish while the children spent the afternoon cycling in the area.

We took in several cultural events and visited the theatre and art museums when we were there. We had scheduled our trip for November and since we were around for the first Tuesday in the month, I even placed a small wager at the racing event that is popularly known as the Melbourne Cup.

Our family voted Australia as one of the best tourist destinations in the world and confirmed that they had great fun during the entire trip. We enjoyed visiting this wine country and found several good bed and breakfast places that tourists could stay and explore the surroundings. The scenery was breathtaking, the rides enjoyable and the tours well conducted.

Asian City Break Destinations

Apr20

Travellers who want to experience a stellar holiday can take a city break in one of Asia’s electrifying metropolises. Many of these prominent cities feature unique points of interest and exciting travel adventures. Obtaining an online credit card can help fund these holidays. Here are some of the top choices of Asian cities where visitors can experience a thrilling city break:

Tokyo
This Japanese capital is one of the most sought after travel destinations in the world. This grand metropolis mixes ancient Japanese traditions with modern amenities to create a truly unique city. The iconic Mount Fuji serves as the perfect backdrop. Sacred temples, such as the Sensoji Temple, are commonplace throughout the city. Travellers can ride up to the observation decks of the Tokyo Tower, an impressive structure resembling the Eiffel Tower, to see some of the best views of the city. Tokyo is also home to many museums and cultural centres.

Taipei City
Visitors can find this affluent city just off the coast of Mainland China on the island of Taiwan. Taipei 101, a large tower located in the city center, previously held the record as the world’s tallest building. Travelers can also find the best Taipei hotels surrounding the shopping districts in the downtown area such as Zhongxiao East Road and the Shilin Night Market. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is an ideal place to visit for travelers who want to learn more about Taiwan’s history.

Bangkok
Thailand’s premier city boasts many significant sites of interest. The Grand Palace is one of the city’s most acclaimed attractions for its stunning beauty and its history serving as the living quarters for generations of Thai royalty. For an exciting shopping experience, visitors can journey to Siam Paragon, a lavish shopping centre featuring numerous stores, extensive cuisine selections and even a movie theatre and concert hall. The Victory Monument, a towering structure commemorating Thailand’s victory in the Franco-Thai War, is a proud symbol of the city. Bangkok is also known for its immaculate temples such as Wat Arun.

Seoul
This city serves as the centerpiece of South Korea. Amongst its tall buildings and bustling city life, travellers can find solace in visiting outdoor gathering spaces like Cheonggyecheon. Visitors can also behold the intricate architecture of Namdaemun, a 14th century gateway. Changdeokgung served as a royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty and can be toured. The National Museum of Korea can be visited to learn more about Korean art and history.

South Korea Travel Tips

May4

South Korea is a beautiful country and a hugely popular tourist resort. Over 8 million people each year visit the country, with the majority of travellers arriving from Japan, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. From the ultra-modern, fast-moving lifestyle of capital city Seoul to the ancient grandeur of cities like Gyeongju, South Korea offers something for everyone and the positive, hospitable atmosphere created by South Koreans makes the country an ideal resort for adventurous holiday makers.

However, there are a number of precautions travellers are strongly advised to take before packing their bags and setting for this Asian jewel.

Since the exchange of artillery fire between North and South Korean forces in November 2010, relations between the two countries have been tense. Visitors to South Korea are warned not to travel to the Northern Limit Line Islands and not to attend protests and demonstrations, as the risk of violence flaring up again remains. The tensions between North and South Korea have eased in 2011 and tourists are being actively welcomed to South Korea but all visitors are being encouraged to inform themselves of the political situation with the North and to act with care.

To protect against the risk of trouble flaring in the country, tourists are being encouraged to purchase the very best travel insurance they can find, so as to minimise the risk of financial loss caused by disruptions to travelling plans.

There are a number of vaccinations that travellers to South Korea are advised to take. Visits of less than one month require vaccinations against Diptheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Malaria, while visitors staying for more than a month also require vaccinations against Hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis, as well as the diseases listed above. Anyone staying for six months or longer should also receive Tuberculosis and Typhoid jabs.

The authorities in South Korea keep the population prepared for emergencies by running civil exercises on the 15th day of the month, eight times a year. If you are in the country on the 15th of the month in any month other than January, February, July or December, expect to hear sirens, see transport stopped and see people taking shelter. Local people and announcements will inform you of what to do during these civil exercises.

Care should be taken in Seoul and South Korea to respect local laws and customs. The penalties for breaking the law in Korea are strict and a zero tolerance approach is used on the issue of drugs. Jail sentences and deportation have been handed out to tourists in the past, with numerous people banned from returning to the country. Visitors to the country are advised to carry their passport with them at all times as a form of identification.

However, with a reasonable amount of care, a vacation in South Korea will most likely be a wonderful, memorable trip with no problems.

Staying Comfortable on Long International Flights

Nov3

For most travelers, booking Viking River Cruises or multi-city land tours is extremely exciting but, for some, the thrill of visiting a far-away destination can be tainted by the thought of the long international flight that is required to get them there. Most travelers agree, being uncomfortable on a long flight can definitely start what should be a pleasant holiday off on the wrong foot, but there are ways to help your necessary travel time be as comfortable as possible.

Reserve a good seat
Even within the same class, some airplane seats are much better than others. Consider an aisle or exit row seat for the most leg room, or a window seat if you want to rest your head to sleep. It’s best to try to avoid seats near the lavatories as other passengers will be accessing these throughout the flight which can be disruptive, particularly if you are trying to sleep. Some travelers opt to sit near the back of the aircraft for long flights. This is good if you don’t mind the noise produced by the engines because certain aircraft (such as the Boeing 747), have a large area behind the last row of seats that gives you plenty of space to stretch.

Be Comfortable
When taking a long flight, it is always wise to wear loose clothes with options for layering if you become cold. Also, if you want to take your shoes off during a flight, slip-on shoes are best since shoes that tie can be difficult to put back on at the end of the flight. Bring a neck pillow to provide firm neck support and keep your head from tilting while napping. There are small neck pillows available that can easily fit into your carry-on luggage and even some inflatable options that are smaller still.

Prevent Boredom
Make sure you bring things to entertain yourself during the flight. Even if you happen to be interested in the in-flight movie, they don’t start right away and the music selection can be quite limited. If you bring an iPod, you will make sure you have the music and movies that you like. If possible, choose an airline that offers AVOD (Audio Video on Demand), which is a TV screen in front of your seat that lets you choose what you want to watch or listen to. Regardless, it’s a good idea to bring your own headphones as the headphones available on the plane (whether for purchase or for free) are generally fairly poor quality. In addition, it’s good to always have a book and magazines with you since unforeseen flight delays could prevent the in-flight entertainment from being available and could cause your iPod to run out of battery before your flight is over.

Stay Hydrated
The air in a plane is very dry and may dehydrate your system so it’s extremely important to stay hydrated during your flight. Although you can request water from the flight attendants, it is a good idea to bring plenty of water on board with you as well. You can purchase bottled water in the airport (once you pass security) or, if you prefer, you can bring an empty stainless steel water bottle to fill from a water fountain. Just remember that you should never drink the water from airplane bathrooms as it may contain bacteria.

Fight Hunger
There’s nothing worse than being hungry on a plane. Since plane food is quite poor on many airlines, you may want to consider bringing your own food on board to make sure that you are not hungry during the long flight. As an alternative to the regular meals, many airlines offer vegetarian, Kosher and other special meals if you order in advance. Because the airlines have to specially prepare your meal, it is always fresher (and usually better) than the standard meal options. Plus, passengers with special meal requests are almost always served first. In addition, take some snacks with you. Protein bars are particularly helpful if on a long flight as airline meals tend to be low in protein.

By following these few tips, you can help make your flight more comfortable which will make it more likely that you will land feeling happy and ready to start your vacation.

Goa

Oct3

A tropical paradise located on the west coast of India, Goa offers some of the best beaches in Asia. Goa has a varied and rich past being a Portuguese colony with a large number of cathedrals and Christian architecture, and although it is India’s smallest state it boasts one of the largest Christian populations. The capital of Goa, Panaji offers a breath of local culture topped with rich ambience that makes it one of the country’s favourite tourist destinations.

Most holiday packages to Goa are tailored around beach holidays and most flights to Goa transit through Mumbai, but there are also first class coaches that travel between Goa and Mumbai. It is not a difficult flight at all and most airlines have fantastic service that makes the hours fly coming from North America.

Once in Goa, there is no shortage of what to do or places to visit. The state is renowned for its sandy beaches, water sports, easygoing lifestyle and exotic festivals. Goa also boasts a rich tropical flora and fauna habitat that preserves a wild range of exotic wildlife. You should check in advance on the seasons as Goa is much more enjoyable in the sunny summer seasons. If you are there off peak you will miss the other tourists but also the sun, which is not as fun if you are planning to work on your tan.

Goa has a large collection of hotels that range from basic to five star ones which offer superb amenities of luxurious standard. You can always find cheap flights to Goa with a lot of travel companies offering packages and flight deals.

What makes Goa stand out as a perfect holiday destination in India is that it has a diverse and rich history influenced by being a former colony of the British Empire and the Portuguese colony which embolden the spirit of the state leading to a flowering, creative and undeviating character of its people. Goa is a place with soul, history and because it’s not so well know, is an excellent place to go to discover new horizons.

Discovering Asia

Sep30

Asia is the largest continent in the world and an ever popular tourist destination. With so many countries to choose from, each with their unique culture, traditions and attractions, it is sometimes difficult to decide where to go. Asia is too massive and diverse to conceptualize as a single digestible travel “destination”. Even defining the borders of this continent is difficult – from the mountains around the Black Sea in the west, to the snow fields of Siberia in the east, there are more people and cities in Asia than outside of it.

Thailand, China, India, Japan…….the list of destinations in Asia goes on. Thailand has its paradise islands, Buddhist temples and beautiful capital Bangkok; China has its architectural wonders such as the Great Wall, as well as sacred buildings and a unique culture; India has its own manmade wonders such as the Taj Mahal, not to mention a rich smell of spices coming from the wonderful restaurants in Delhi, and Japan has its spectacular Mount Fuji and cherry blossom trees.

Checking out the price of airline tickets online is perhaps crucial to the decision-making process. Search and comparison websites allow you to enter in the flight criteria so that you can price airfares for different destinations and book the cheapest you find. Asia’s largest airports by number of intercontinental connections include Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Mumbai and Singapore. For the Middle East, Dubai is by far the largest hub, with Doha and Abu Dhabi also having reasonably good connections.

Cultural Travel

Sep19

The concept of cultural travel involves immersing yourself in the local way of life and culture for a period of time. You take yourself away from the tourism inspired hotspots and instead focus on experiencing what life is like for the normal inhabitants of the country.

Some people who are into cultural travel prefer to take it to a country that is completely out of their comfort zone. These people like to have to learn a new language in order to survive and experience different beliefs, ethics and general way of doing things. However, you do not have to do it in this way but instead spend time in a country that may be the other side of the world but still shares at least the same language.

When the term cultural travel is used it should be noted that it does not mean you just go to a country and visit a museum or read some books as it is focused on the people themselves. You eat the food in the area not because it is a novelty thing that tourists do but instead you learn to cook it yourself or eat where the locals eat because it is the cuisine they have grown up with.

Cultural travel is not something that can really be achieved in a short space of time. Some may be familiar with the idea of a gap year during education or indeed a gap year after education and before work and this is the timeframe really associated with cultural travel.

With this type of trip you shall find that you do not spend vast amounts of money like normal tourists as you learn about local places which are much cheaper as they do not come with the tourist surcharge. You are spending more time there so you are living at local rates and prices for a number of things. After all you are trying to live like a local as much as you can.

Cultural travel is therefore able to be summarized as spending time living like the locals. You can avoid all of the marketing ploys aimed at tourists and get off the beaten track to experience what day to day life is really like.

Thailand – A Holiday Destination

Aug5

thailand

Thailand has become quite popular in recent years as a holiday destination. One reason for this is that holidaying here offers great value for money. Not only is it reasonably cheap to get there owing to the number of different cheap flights to Bangkok that are available, but once you’ve arrived, accommodation, eating out, shopping and sight seeing is very affordable.

Thailand’s climate is tropical with an annual mean temperature of 28 degrees C. In the central plains and the south it is very hot, while in the North and particularly in the hilly regions, it is cooler. If you’re planning on visiting Thailand, the best time to travel there is generally considered to be November through March when the days are mostly dry, and the humidity is lower.

Thailand is primarily Buddhist in religion, and you will notice that the Buddhist monks that you see are highly respected and revered members of the Thai community. There are even special areas reserved for them on many buses, and in airports. If you visit Thailand, then the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) which is located on Sukhumvit road in Bangkok city is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Thai Buddhism and meditation practiced in the temples locally. Christianity, Hinduism and Islam are all practiced in Thailand too, but to a lesser extent.

Thailand is a country where the lifestyle is one of peace and calmness, and this traditional attitude has survived for many centuries almost unchanged. For visitors to Thailand, this means a warm welcome and great feeling of acceptance. The Thai currency is the Thai Baht, and although tipping here isn’t strictly necessary, it is customary in most restaurants and hotels. 10% is considered a reasonable amount to tip, and with prices being so low and service generally very high, this norm feels quite natural here.

Flights to Thailand are often heavily booked, so it’s well worth booking in advance so you can travel when you desire. Most flights into Thailand, land in the capital city Bangkok, and therefore this is generally the starting point for most visitors, and as a starting point it’s not a bad one. There’s a lot to see and do here, and a wide choice of accommodation as well.

Thailand, and Bangkok in particular offers a wonderful mixture of tasty cuisine, amazing temples, natural beauty and peaceful lifestyle. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is very much a place worth visiting. Home to kings for over 150 years, and still a place today which houses royalty on occasion, although not all of it is open to visitors much of it is, and what can be seen is pretty impressive.

If you’re looking to travel further afield, there is plenty to see through the rest of Thailand. Chiang Mai in the north, is Thailand’s second largest city, here you can clime the 300 steps to the Doi Suthep temple, or take excursions to see some of the regions ancient temples and hill tribes. Ayutthaya is a place where you can step back in time. Once Thailand’s capital city, you can now walk through the ruined palaces and wats on foot, or travel around the area on the back of an elephant.

Bangkok, the City of Angels

Jul26

bangkok

One aspect of Bangkok that never ceases to fascinate and intrigue me is the kaleidoscope of contrasts ever-present throughout the city. Indeed, the Thai capital is hardly alone in this regard. Extensive travel throughout Southeast Asia has brought me in close touch with simple, humble Buddhism on the one hand and raw, furious capitalism on the other. I have seen elegant reverence for ancient traditions one minute and total, all-in embraces of Western excess the next.

This is not to suggest that as a city, Bangkok has a patent on this kind of cultural dichotomy. Far from it. I can certainly name others that offer displays of venerable, quiet dignity by day and colourful flourishes of libertine, carnal gluttony by night. With Bangkok however, the flagrant contrasts are much, much more extreme. I think this is a key factor in the city’s vast allure.

One enclave of Bangkok where a lot of this comes together is Silom. Part corporate and financial district, the area is also the most notorious nightlife hub in Asia and arguably, the world. Silom after all, is home to Patpong.

The diminutive but infamous red light, entertainment and go-go bar district spans two parallel side streets between Surawong Road and Silom Road. Thought a fair number of locals frequent Patpong, the chaotic area is expat, backpacker and farang tourist central. Some come for the ridiculous spectacle that is Patpong, some for sheer curiosity’s sake and some for more nefarious reasons. The backdrop of Miss Saigon and The Deer Hunter is worth a look however, no matter how narrow.

High above the seamy veneer of Patpong’s go-go bars is Silom’s extraordinary skyline. You want to talk about contrasts, just stroll down this de facto “Wall Street of Thailand” which runs into the adjacent riverside district of Bang Rak. Luxury hotels, Fortune 500s, banks, shiny malls and upmarket shops all crowd for space in this Bangkok economic nerve centre. Though cultural points of interest are few and far between in Silom, visitors can always explore the oasis-like environs of Lumphini Park. The heritage home of former Thai Prime Minister M.R. Kukrit is a welcome respite from the skyscraper-red light contrast as well. Last but not least, I always recommend visitors in Silom district catch a Muay Thai event at Lumphini Stadium and check out Assumption Cathedral.

Nightlife, beyond the dense confines of Patpong, assumes other forms as well. Thanks to a plethora of phenomenal hotels in Silom district, the Bangkok ‘hood is chock full of superb bars, restaurants and even the occasional upscale rooftop lounge. If you want to get posh in the Thai capital, Silom is the place to do it. A number of reliable mid-range restaurants and bars in the district help keep the budget in line but many of Silom’s nobler digs are well worth a look-see. Splurge one night in Silom and slum it up the next – this is what makes Bangkok, Thailand so spectacular.

Renting a Holiday Villa in Alanya, Turkey

Jun10

(You don’t normally think of Turkey when you think of Asia but it is technically on that continent!!)

Turkey has only recently become popular as a holiday destination, but the country has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty and historic interest that its potential is limitless. The most popular destinations are along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, whilst more intrepid travelers prefer exploring the largely neglected eastern part of the country. Either way, there’s something in Turkey for everyone, whether you’re into Greek and Roman ruins, Byzantine architecture, Islamic art, beautiful countryside walks, swimming, lazing on the beach or experiencing mouth-watering cuisine. The possibilities are endless.

Some resorts such as Bodrum have become a bit saturated, but there are many others that retain their historic identity whilst catering for large numbers of visitors, especially in the summer months.

Alanya, almost opposite Cyprus on the Mediterranean, is centered around its magnificent castle, and renting a villa here can form the perfect base for a great holiday. As well as the hectic night life, there are loads of tours to choose from, such as a two-day trip to the weird and wonderful volcanic landscape of Cappadocia, taking in the old Ottoman capital of Konya with its whirling dervishes along the way. Local fish restaurants along cool rivers and the spectacular underground caverns of Damlatas are also great tourist attractions.

Renting a villa in Alanya, Turkey affords the space and flexibility to make the most of your visit to this beautiful, vibrant and historic city. The local markets are overflowing with cheap, fresh food, and the people are renowned for their friendliness, so self-catering will be an adventure in itself. I went there earlier this year and was so surprised by how much I loved it. I am definitely planning another trip in the next year and hopefully this time I will spend maybe a month or two exploring.

Travel Tales from Asia

One Girl's Stories and Tips from the East