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Archive for the ‘Travel & Leisure’ Category

Experience the Wonder of Queensland Travel

15 Jan

Author: Shehryaar Shaukat
Source: ezinearticles.com

Queensland is regarded as being the top tourist destination in all of Australia. It has a host of tourist icons including the world famous Great Barrier Reef, the Surfers Paradise Gold Coast and a variety of world class zoos and theme parks. Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, Sea World, Dreamworld and Movieworld are amongst the most popular of these. Add to these the renowned Australian landmarks such as Port Douglas, Cairns, Fraser Island, Noosa and Whitesunday’s. Interested individuals will be able to find a variety of Queensland tours to accommodate the kind of trip they are looking for.

Must Visit Regions of Queensland

Along with all the above mentioned itineraries another intriguing aspect that attracts globetrotters to the region of Queensland are the multitude of islands that surround the region. These islands are home to some of the finest island resorts that you will be able to find anywhere in the world. Amongst the top notch Queensland resorts that you will have the opportunity to explore are Green Island, Bedarra Island, Dunk Island, Orpheus Island, Hayman Island, Hamilton Island, Brampton Island and Daydream Island. These are just a few names from amongst the collection of magnificent island hotels that Queensland has to offer.

Queensland holidays are not restricted to what has been mentioned above. Rather the areas in and around Queensland are surrounded by a host of holiday escape destinations which offer an exotic and intriguing experience to any adventure seeking tourist. Cape Tribulation and Daintree rainforest are two such destinations located in the north of Queensland. Adventure seekers can also take a trip to Airlie Beach on Whitesunday’s which offers an excellent opportunity to engage in sailing activities by hiring bareboat charter. Nature lovers on the other hand will relish at the beautiful lakes and magnificent rainforests of Fraser Island. Similarly Hervey Bay offers a flabbergasting experience of whale watching on a guided tour across the Fraser Coast area. For those interested in engaging in shopping and dining experiences Noosa is definitely a must visit region of Queensland.

Best Queensland Accommodation Choices

There is no doubt about the fact that Queensland holidays are amongst the finest that you will get to experience anywhere in the world. When it comes to seeking accommodation during your trip the northern region of Cairns has some of the best resorts to offer. The capital city of Brisbane is another region where you will be able to find excellent Queensland accommodation. The strategic location of Brisbane places it smack in the center of Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. However hotels and resorts in this part of Queensland may be a tad bit more costly. On the other hand it has a variety of attractions close by including fine restaurants and shopping arcades as well as the opportunity to engage a multitude of other holiday activities.

Queensland is overloaded with sights to see and things to do for visitors. Hence it is advised that you take your time to plan your trip so that you can reap maximum benefits. You can opt to go for pre-made guided Queensland tours or have your travel agent create a customized package according to your preferences and budget limitations.

Plan your ultimate Queensland travel plan with http://www.discoverqueensland.com.au. Here you will be able to find a multitude of holiday packages and cost effective Queensland accommodation options.

 

Today’s Budget Travel Insider Secrets

15 Jan

Author: Sam Serio
Source: ezinearticles.com

Budget travel is the buzz phrase when it comes to planning a vacation today. There are so many ways to actually fit your budget rather than the other way around, and yet some people still have no idea where to begin. What is needed is a frame of reference and this quick guide to budget travel should help you to plan the trip of your dreams for as low a cost as possible.

The purpose behind budget travel is to have the best possible experience and saving money at the same time. This must be done without sacrificing the quality of your travel experience. Many travellers make a game of this and set targets for spending as little as possible for maximum fun and adventure.

The first thing to consider for budget travel is your choice of transportation. Often, the way you travel can account for up to 70% of your total vacation cost. Budget travel forces one to examine the options carefully.

Travelling by car can save you money if the journey is relatively short, but a cross-country jag can really get expensive when one considers the ever fluctuating cost of gas. RV travel can be very enjoyable, especially for families, but cheap it’s not when one figures in gas, campground fees, sewage hook-ups etc.
RV travel does bring the many of comforts of home, but at a price. Train Travel is a tremendous bargain and a good choice for those interested in budget travel. Train ticket prices have been greatly discounted to attract more customers. Bus travel can also be a good choice for the budget minded.

An extended stay in one location is another good strategy for budget travel. Using one spot as a home base and traveling to points of interest as day trips can be a lot of fun, offer diverse though related experiences and you can actually save a lot of money by renting an apartment or extended stay accommodation. All this and a central spot that feels like home and is familiar place to rest your head after the day’s adventure.

If you have reached senior citizen status, there are numerous discounts available, so be sure to ask. The internet is loaded with discount coupons for entertainment, meals, and more. Many individuals overlook this sort of travel tip and rely on haggling and that’s fine too, but coupons can often gain you an equivalent discount without the need to open your mouth. Let’s not forget the various travel websites like Travelocity, Priceline, etc. they too can be excellent sources for budget travel opportunities. Some budget minded folks build their entire vacation around the cheap airfare and accommodations they find on those websites.

As you can see there are a number of methods to achieve substantial discounts and great rates for budget travel. So go on out and have a wonderful travel adventure and have fun saving money at the same time!

Sam Serio is the Marketing Director for the Chincoteague Center, the promoter of the Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival and an enthusiastic advocate for Chincoteague Island Tourism. He is also a partner in two websites that provide an in-depth insiders view of Chincoteague Island,VA through high quality articles, videos, photographs and interviews with local personalities. You are invited to visit http://www.ChincoteagueIslandVacations.com and http://www.ChincoteagueOutlook.com to discover Chincoteague Island, VA an affordable, eco-friendly, family oriented vacation destination.

 

Backpacking Australia – Why Should I Travel All the Way Down to Australia?

14 Jan

Author: Ben Hoyland
Source: ezinearticles.com

It’s actually a pretty good question. Why should you go backpacking in Australia, the strange and deserted country far away from anywhere else? Being solely known for kangaroos, the boomerang and a nut head chasing crocs, Australia doesn’t give a good first impression. And apart from that, it’s probably the most dangerous place on this planet. We are talking about the world leading country in venomous spiders, hungry sharks, and deadly snakes. In fact, of the ten most dangerous snakes in the world, Australia has the lot. So why would you travel to such a horrific place?

The answer is simple; Australia is a backpacker’s paradise. Being equally wonderful ands unique, Australia give you the opportunity to dive the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, experience the surfer lifestyle and survive a night in the outback. Australia has everything a backpacker could ever look for, and the hostels are packed with like-minded backpackers year-around.

Australian lifestyle:
Australia is often referred to as “The country of long weekends.” The relaxed and laidback Aussie way of living is a dream comes true for every backpacker. The only place in the world where ordering a Big Mac would take you about a half hour.

A country where people would not look twice if you got married in boardshorts or came to a business meeting in slippers. The people are actually so lazy that their spoken language make “sms speech” look like an easy read.

“No worries mate, I’ll chuck a snag on the barbie!!”

Travel to unique destinations:
Backpacking Australia gives you an unique opportunity to see spectacular wonders of nature that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The mesmerizing colour of the Uluru’s rock, the breathtaking coastline of Great Ocean Road and the wondrous mysteries of The Great barrier reef are just a few of the trips Australia can offer. It might look astonishing on photos, but it can only be truly experienced in real life, accompanied by thousands of japanese tourists.

Meet the weirdos:
The mystical country down under is also home to quite a bunch of weirdos. We are talking about the country that took the concept of Lassie and thought; “Hmm, we could do the same with a kangaroo.” The greatest nut head of them all, Steve Irwin, is another Australian hero that has dominated the nature channels the last decade with his crocs and “Crikeys!” After his sudden and sadly passing in 2008, Steve Irwin’s passion and spirit can only truly be experienced in his lifework: The Australian Zoo. The zoo is still driven by his family, and has kept its atmosphere, unique to any other zoo in the world.

So how do I get down there?
When should I go?
Where should I go?
How much money do I need?
Should I travel with car or train?
Who should I travel with?
“…”

All of these questions are important, and need to be faced sooner or later, but guess what; NOT NOW! Planning a trip to Australia isn’t done over night, and the biggest mistake you can make is to start with the problems. When you travel around Australia, you will find there is one thing in common between all the overseas travelers. They all had a real desire to go there.

Before you can face the big tasks, you need to build up a desire to go there. Why do you want to travel there? Do you want to live the surfer lifestyle? Do you want to do a 16,000 feet skydive in Cairns? Do you want to live the cowboy lifestyle on a farm, miles from anywhere else? Read books, and articles reviewing Australia attractions and let them inspire you.

Find the one thing you are passionate about doing, get excited and even the hardest obstacles will come easy to you, while planning your trip to the equally mysterious and wonderful country down under.

Ben is a degenerate backpacker and a freelance travel writer that wrote this article for BackpackAustralia.net after spending 3 adventures months backpacking Australia.

This article is the first in a Backpack Australia series, that gives you all the fresh and hot tips on where to go and how to get there. You can read this article and the follow-up here: Backpacking Australia.

 

Family Travel – Watch Your Budget

13 Jan

Author: Gen Wright
Source: articlesbase.com

Luxury holidays can be expensive at times, so you have to take that into consideration when planning for your trips. But you can still save if you plan well for your trip.The first thing you need to do, is to devise clear goals. Are you going there for business? Or you are traveling for leisure? Remember, different strokes for different people. Spare a thought for your travel companions, and think about what they want. Tension can be avoided if you talk it over with your pals. Work on your traveling goals together.The details become clearer once you get your goals down on paper. For instance, if you are traveling to Bali to golf, then focus more your golf plans. Find travel companions with similar goals. Are there any additional tools you need to bring along? Then figure out how much time you need for each activity. If you are going to golf, do you intend to do any business while you are golfing?Having a range of activities will help prevent boredom. For example, on top of golfing, you can also plan for a leisure day at the beach, or a massage at the SPA. When one enjoyable moment follows another, there is nothing that could possibly spoil your mood!Finally, going on luxury vacations usually mean that it’s time to pamper yourself. So don’t let other distracting thoughts from spoiling your vacation. Just focus on enjoying the trip. Peace and quiet is great for healing the spirit. So while traveling, just relax!If you have the budget for luxury vacations, there are many interesting destinations that you can visit. Every place offers different characteristics. There are lots of options to choose from.When we talk about luxury vacations, we are referring to villas. You won’t be staying in the traditional holiday resort. Villas are much larger, and definitely better equipped with facilities. They are highly exclusive and very peaceful. Because of exclusivity, be prepared to pay a higher price for the accommodation. However, compared to just single or twin room resorts, villas offer much more room and space.Top luxury destinations include those in highly developed countries like the US and the UK. Due to costlier real estate, the prices cannot be low. Therefore, it is common to have to pay a premium price for villas in these nations.If you find it too costly to have luxury holidays in US or UK, try staying in an Asian villa. In these countries, land is a lot cheaper, and you get to enjoy breath taking scenery and beautiful beaches without having to pay premium prices.In addition, you will also see sights that you don’t normally see in western destinations. For example, you can visit temples and learn more about the eastern culture. A quick visit to Bali, and you will immediately experience what we have just mentioned. Even the architecture of the villas look and feel different. Depending on your group, you may stay on small villas with one to three rooms, or larger villas with 4 to 5 rooms.When you stay in an Asian villa, you save a lot of money, and you enjoy similar experiences. You just have to know where to look. Other interesting luxury destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Caribbean.

Pamper yourself with a luxury vacation – Check out the different places of interest

 

5 Top Travel Tips For the Best Jamaica Vacations

12 Jan

Author: Alfred Moya
Source: ezinearticles.com

Jamaica is a unique place with a mystique and allure unlike any other Caribbean Island. Jamaica vacations are popular for people from all over the world who want to experience the culture and lifestyle or at least what they believe those things to be.

Travel to Jamaica is a wonderful way to enjoy a vacation and each year more and more people visit “The Land of Woods and Water” for some fun in the sun. Jamaica is unique in many ways and the popular idea of a laid back “No Problem Mon” attitude for everyone can lead to issues for some visitors.

In order to help make your vacation a little nicer we are going to list a number of top tips and advice for Jamaica vacations for anyone from a first time visitor to a long time friend.

Tip #1

Bring your camera and use it wisely

Everyone loves a vacation but often times many of us are having so much fun we neglect to record it on film or camera and as time passes so do those wonderful memories. A digital camera with enough batteries and memory cards to cover you time here can help create and maintain a lifetime of good memories but be careful. Everyone may like looking at your pictures of Jamaica but not every Jamaican wants their photo taken. Be kind and ask before taking photos of people in public. Be polite and honest and you should have no problem but on occasion you will find someone who is adamant you not take their photo and its just better to ask then offend.

Tip #2

Plan your trip before you arrive and verify everything

Jamaica is a great place for a spur of the moment vacation and you can easily visit the island with little or no planning at all but in order to best enjoy your Jamaican vacation we suggest you lay out some basic plans for how to spend your time along with the more important things to do in any for of itinerary you think you need. You do not have to over plan your vacation but it is certainly wise to organize some aspects including accommodations, transportation and tours. Things change often in Jamaica and the wonderful bed and breakfast you stayed at on your first visit may not be the same place it was just 2 years later. Proper planning can help avoid these type of disappointments and make for a better vacation experience. Some of us get so into the laid back lifestyle we never leave the hotel and we end up not doing half the stuff we wanted to and that leads to regrets and hopefully more trips but a little planning and you can make your tours blend into your airport transfers and make the most of your time in Jamaica.

Tip #3

When in Jamaica, do as Jamaicans do!

Everyone has their idea of the perfect vacation and we would never judge your vacation preferences but many visitors to Jamaica miss out on the wonderful cultural experiences of the “Real Jamaica” outside the walls of the all inclusive resorts and far away from the “Fake Jamaica” some of these places offer. There is nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy the beautiful facilities of these walled fortresses but take a day or two to enjoy life outside the compound. Book a tour with a local Jamaican or drop into a local Jamaican restaurant and dine like Jamaicans do. The real beauty of Jamaica can only be found by living Jamaican.

Tip #4

Respect yourself and others, mon

A vacation is often a well deserved break we give ourselves each year and sometimes some of us take the well deserved part a little too serious. Some people come to Jamaica with the idea that someone owes them something. These people act as if the world is theirs and the people around them are there to do whatever ridiculous request they can come up with because “I’m on vacation”. It’s an attitude like that which will lead to a horrible vacation. treating people like slaves in a country with such a horrible history of slavery won’t get you very far no matter what you paid them.

Tip #5

Buy Jamaican Build Jamaica

Jamaica is a part of what was once called the Third World. The politically correct phrase is developing nation these days but the harsh reality of the economic conditions make it feel like another world in many ways. Jamaica is a beautiful country with a wealth of natural resources and beauty but things are not good for the average Jamaican. Tourism is the driving force in the Jamaican economy but very few Jamaicans own the large prosperous hotels and resorts. most Jamaicans work for the tourism industry as drivers, maids, servants and entertainment staff and hospitality jobs are about the only legal way any Jamaican has to make money on the tourist that arrive here. If you have the opportunity to do so we suggest you travel to Jamaica and live with Jamaicans. Find a local resort or hotel that is Jamaican owned and spend your money with a business that will keep that money in country.

When you are in Jamaica take a chance and spend some time with Jamaican people and spend your money in local craft markets restaurants whenever possible so that your valued tourist dollars make it into the community at large. Jamaicans will appreciate it and build a better Jamaica.

There are a slew of other tips and advice one can take with them on their Jamaica vacation but these five will make it a great vacation for you and Jamaica.

I’m an American living in Negril writing tips on Jamaica Vacations and the best Tour Guides in Jamaica.

 

Single Women Travel is Easy and Comfortable Aboard a Cruise

12 Jan

Author: Stacey E. Marmolejo
Source: ezinearticles.com

For single women who love to travel, one of the most fun and exciting vacation options is a cruise. By joining in on a reputable travel club, thousands of single women around the country have discovered fantastic deals and savings on cruise packages to just about any locale, and are reaping the benefits of travel clubs with a variety of destination offerings.

If you’re a single woman looking to spend a long weekend or a week relaxing-or dancing the nights away (or both!) you may have always thought that a cruise wasn’t really an option, believing that cruises tend to be oriented more towards couples and families. Well, this simply isn’t true anymore, and taking a cruise may be one of the best single women travel options available, especially when you travel with a travel club.

As part of a legitimate travel club, not only will you be able to get the best rates for your cruise, you’ll be able to get in on the best packages and deals that you may not have been aware of had you shopped around on your own.

The better travel clubs have a private party on the cruise the first or second night where all the club members can meet each other. Then when it comes time for land excursions you’ll have the option of exploring on your own or going on the club-organized function. Or you’ll befriend other single women at the party and you’ll create your own plans for your time in dock.The only reason you’ll be alone is if you want to be.

Another nice aspect of being a member of a travel-specific club is that you’ll also be able to compare and shop around not just for the best price, but for the package that best suits what you’re looking for. Maybe your perfect vacation includes a lot of socializing … or maybe you prefer the serenity of your own thoughts while enjoying moonlight walks under the stars on the ship’s upper deck.

You can release stress and focus on invigorating your body with a fitness cruise or perhaps explore the myriad of memorable destinations available via cruise, whether it’s the majestic beauty of Alaska, the exotic warmth and flavor of the Mediterranean or a quick jaunt to relax on the beaches of the Caribbean.

Or maybe all of that sounds good to you, and what you really want is a trip where you don’t have to be concerned with being part of a “couple,” and you have the time to relax, enjoy the scrumptious food, join in on some fun activities, and not worry about any of your travel arrangements. Girl power! Or should we say, single women travel power!

Bottom line, for single women with a penchant for travel and adventure, a cruise offers some of the best variety for the money, and as part of a travel club, you’ll be able to receive deals unavailable to the general public and get even more out of that vacation time you’ve been dreaming about all year!

Stacey E. Marmolejo is a travel industry veteran who has lived in four countries on three continents, visited multiple cities within 29 countries on five continents and explored 36 states plus Washington DC within her home country of the United States of America.

No longer employed in the travel industry, Stacey has earned over a million frequent flier miles on one airline alone. During her trips she’s discovered first-hand how to travel for wholesale and below-wholesale pricing. Now she is sharing what she has learned in a free report so others who love to travel can enjoy more of the world as well. Go to http://www.AlwaysGetTheBestTravelDeal.com for your free copy of “How To Travel For Next To Nothing.”

 

Ecuador As a Gay Travel Destination

11 Jan

Author: Howie Holben
Source: ezinearticles.com

Although small, Ecuador offers a vast array of diversity when it comes to geography and various indigenous people with unique languages and cultures. From tropical coastlines to volcanoes that spend much of the year covered in snow, Ecuador is home to varying landscapes that make any time of year a great time for exciting gay adventure travel.

While the Galapagos Islands are perhaps the most frequently visited attraction in Ecuador, the mainland is also filled with numerous activities and sightseeing opportunities that ensure gay tours to Ecuador will be exciting, fulfilling and memorable. Whether you seek an outdoor adventure, a spiritual journey or gay travel that consists of exploring the LGBT community in Quito, trekking through the rainforest and spending lazy afternoons on the beach, you will surely see why so many travelers return to this popular tourist destination year after year.

Quito is the main city where you will find an LGBT community, particularly in the bohemian neighborhood of La Mariscal. This is where the Quito Pride celebration is held each June and is home to the various community nightspots, cafs and friendly establishments that Quito has on offer. As for nightlife, La Mariscal is the place to party on Friday and Saturday nights, but is also a wonderful afternoon hangout any day of the week.

Aside from La Mariscal, this city that sits at 9,200 feet above sea level, yet still lower than the nearby Pichincha volcano that rises to 13,000 feet, has much to offer, including streets lined with cafes, art galleries and shops, and a historic district that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local attractions include the Capilla del Hombre Guayasamin, the Museo de la Ciudad, the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo and the many stalls of handicrafts in the Parque el Ejido.

Rights and protections in Ecuador have expanded over the past decade, allowing for gay travel destinations that are more enjoyable and safer. At the same time, there is still an air of machismo permeating the culture, which means discretion in most public places is still a good idea. One way to avoid issues and more fully enjoy your voyage to Ecuador is to plan to participate in gay tours when embarking on gay vacations to this diverse country.

This will allow you to focus on enjoying your Ecuador trip, while professionals manage the logistics of the journey and make sure you do not miss out on the most enticing natural, cultural and historic attractions.

Howie Holben is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay adventure travel organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Spirit Journeys has offered unique gay spirituality tours and retreats since 1992. Howie has travelled the world for over thirty years learning spiritual teachings, traditions and practices from indigenous peoples. He takes great pleasure assisting others on their own spiritual path and in introducing them to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them “step outside their box”. He is a Reiki/Karuna Ki Master and also a Quantum Touch and Breathwork Practioner. His goal is to help others uncover their potential by setting their hearts and minds free.

You can learn more about Howie, his work and gay travel destinations with a spiritual focus at SpiritJourneys.com.

 

Highway 1 – The Ultimate Road Trip in Australia

11 Jan

Author: Mairead Foley
Source: ezinearticles.com

Australia’s Highway 1

As Highway 1 is Australia’s coastal road, you will be able to start from anywhere and end up back where you started. This road is over 24,000kms which makes it the longest national highway in the world and as a road trip definitely not for the faint of heart.

Throughout the 24,000 kms the quality of the road varies to a great degree. In most sections it consists of a Dual Carriageway, but in the cities it can be upgraded to a motorway and in some more rural areas it is little more than a dirt track.

You can start this road trip anywhere, but we will start ours from Brisbane, Queensland. Before leaving the city you will have much to see and do, we have detailed this in our Brisbane blog. Heading north along the Bruce Highway section of Highway 1 will take you as far as Cairns (runs about 1652 kms). The main attraction to see along this section of Highway 1 would definitely be the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the top attractions in Australia. Other significant attractions include the Sunshine Coast, which is a major surfing destination in Australia; and Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island that is now a world heritage site.

Moving on from Cairns, you will be heading west into the Northern Territory and the town of Tennant Creek which is some 1664 kms from Cairns. This section of Highway 1 runs along the Kennedy Highway west to the Undara Volcanic National Park; it continues west along National Route 1 to Normanton; then turns south to Cloncurry (where Qantas was founded) and then from there on the Barkly Highway to Tennant Creek via Mount Isa (where you can see the Mount Isa Mines which produced lead, silver, copper and zinc).

From Tennant Creek you will once again head north towards Darwin on the Stuart Highway. Stuart Highway extends from Darwin to Adelaide via Alice Springs, so if you would like to fit Uluru into your road trip then this is your best opportunity (its only 950 kms from Tennant Creek). In fact you might possibly just keep going south after Uluru and head for Port Augusta and Adelaide. You will be cutting Australia in half but the only thing you will really be missing is Perth (Darwin if you didn’t visit there first).

So if you do decide to continue on Highway 1 to Darwin you will be heading north for some 1000kms. The main attractions along this section of the route would be Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Katherine Gorge.

To continue along your road trip you will have to head back along the Stuart Highway as far as Katherine and then head west along the Victoria Highway. You will pass by the Gregory National Park and the Keep River National Park (this one in particular has some interesting sandstone formations and Indigenous Australian art). This will take you into Western Australia and meets up with the Great Northern Highway.

The Great Northern Highway runs from Wyndham in the north and heads south-west towards Perth some 3200 kms away! We will only be travelling along it as far as Port Hedland because there the Great Northern Highway cuts south and goes direct for Perth whereas Highway 1 continues along the coast towards Karratha. Along the way you will pass Eighty Mile Beach which is exactly what its name suggests, so that is definitely worth seeing.

Taking the coastal route will let you pass Exmouth, where you can have a look at the Ningaloo Reef or the Cape Range National Park. You will also pass Kalbarri where you can go Pelican feeding and visit the Kalbarri National Park, Murchison River Gorge and the Murchison River.

From Perth you will be continuing south along the South Western Highway towards Albany. On the way you will be passing Mandurah, Bunbury and Mt. Frankland National Park. In Bunbury you should visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre, but only if there are Dolphins at the beach as there are no captive Dolphins in the centre. In Albany you will have much more to see and do, so it is worth spending some time looking around here.

Continuing west along the South Coast Highway you will find yourself passing the Fitzgerald River National Park, passing through Norseman where you will join the Eyre Highway which will take you the rest of the way to Port Augusta in South Australia. Along this route you will pass the Nullarbor National Park and Yumbarra Conservation Park after you have crossed the border into South Australia.

In Port Augusta you will then turn south onto the Princes Highway which connects Port Augusta, to Adelaide, onto Melbourne and then to Sydney. This is the grand finale of the road trip and features many of the highlights that Australia has to offer. Adelaide is the sometimes overlooked city that is home to a great many fantastic festivals. Melbourne is a very popular city that has much to offer in a much more laid back manner than Sydney. And finally we have Sydney the crown jewel of Australia and definitely the best place to finish off your trip around Australia.

Mairead writes for Novacarhire.com where you can book low cost car rental at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

Visit Novacarhire.com for all you need to know before you take to the roads in Australia, like where to go and what to see with your car hire. To find some great deals on car rental in Australia visit our Car hire Australia page.

 

Tips to Making Traveling Fun for the Whole Family

11 Jan

Author: Robert
Source: articlesbase.com

Traveling with children can be fun but it does take a little more planning and thought than a trip with just you and a friend or mate. But nothing is more rewarding than having the opportunity to show your children the world or spend some quality time with them. Whether you are taking a car trip, flying, planning a trip around a specific event, such as skiing some of the traveling with children basics apply. They start with packing. Pack Smart: 1. Select versatile, easy care, comfortable clothing items. Darker colors and prints hide dirt and stains; white and light colors are magnets for spots. 2. Choose quick-drying clothes — leave jeans at home in favor of thinner fabrics. For warmth, polyester fleece is better rather than a bulky cotton sweatshirt as fleece packs small and dries quickly when wet. This is helpful if you are traveling to colder regions or even the snow. 3. Pack around laundry stops. This is important if you are doing a road trip with your children. Calculate out which towns you will be stopping at to do your laundry. If the first opportunity to do laundry is five days into the trip, each person needs five days of underwear and clothing, plus spares in case of emergencies. 4. Include one off-season clothing piece for everyone – long pants in summer or shorts for spring and fall. Weather is too unpredictable not to be ready. By going with this method, if the weather changes, everyone will still be comfortable. 5. Pack bags with what is needed first on the top – swimsuits, a change of clothes for dinner, and pajamas, etc. 6. Keep a traveling medicine chest within easy reach inside the car. It should include Band-Aids, anti-bacterial ointment, motion sickness medication, frequently used over-the-counter medications, and all prescriptions used by the family. Pack plenty of wipes and hand sanitizer, too. 7. Consolidate – pack younger children’s clothes together into one suitcase to minimize the number of bags and maximize space. This is important whether you are traveling by car or flying. The less luggage, the more room for everything else. 8. Stack a complete outfit together, roll up and tuck into a self-sealing plastic bag. Include top, pants, underwear, socks – everything needed for the day. Dirty items can go back into the plastic bag at the end of the day. Use a different color plastic bag or write the child’s name on each bag to keep things separate. 9. Keep the diaper bag within reach inside the car packed with plenty of wipes, hand sanitizer, spare diapers, a plastic bag for soiled items, (unless you’ll be traveling in the outback, plan to buy along the way instead of filling the trunk with diapers). Pack an extra pad or blanket that can be used when rest stops do not provide a changing station. 10. Encourage older kids to choose and pack their own clothes to minimize complaints and to teach travel skills. Double check the packed bags to make sure live pets are not included and underwear is! 11. Remind teenagers that this is only a suitcase, not their closet. Set and enforce a maximum number and size of bag for each teen. Okay, the bags are packed and you are ready to go. Here is the next step – entertaining your children while traveling. If you plan ahead and plan right, you can provide enough stuff for your children to do so as they won’t be pestering you with the question, Are We There Yet. 1. Bring a supply of toys and games, but avoid items with lots of small pieces that may get lost, and liquid or messy things that can spill. A plastic shoebox for each child makes a handy storage container that doubles as a lap desk. Allow each child to fill the box with favorites. 2. If you are traveling by car, classic family games make the time pass quickly. Look for license plates from different states, count a specific type or color of car, tell jokes – nothing to pack or moving parts to lose! 3. Get kids involved in the trip with assignments appropriate for their ages. For example, one child can keep track of all expenses; another can be the official map-reader. 4. Children’s books on tape and kid’s music help to pass the time. Many iPod come with digitized downloads of kids music and books – this way each child can listen to their own age-specific story or music. 5. Stop frequently. Visit local parks or sights or a fast-food restaurant with a playground. Although it adds time to the trip, stopping keeps the trip interesting for kids. A quick stop to burn off energy is often all they need to happily get back in the car. 6. When on an airplane, pack a knapsack for your kids. This goodie bag will be filled with items for your children to use and keep themselves entertained. For the bag itself, use an old bookbag or backpack, lunch box, shopping bag, small suitcase or a small purse. The length of the trip may end up determining the appropriate size of the travel knapsack. If you are traveling by plane, try to use something that closes tightly to avoid spills. Make sure you have a separate bag for each child to avoid arguments. You might want to consider labeling items with the child’s name for extra certainty. Fill bags with the same items if your children are near in age or have similar interests. Some suggestions for items to include are: spiral notebook, colored pencils, washable markers, story books, activity books, magnetic games, card games, travel-size board games, hand held electronic games, coloring books, books on tape, and a tape player or CD player and headphones or an iPod. You may wish to include snacks to tide your children over between meals. This is particularly true if you’re traveling by plane, since food and beverage service can be late and has been eliminated on some flights. Choose snacks carefully to avoid messes and stomachaches. Avoid sticky fruits and drinks that you cannot re-close and pack snacks in zipper bags for easy clean-up. Some travel-safe snacks are: fruit rolls, animal crackers, raisins, bottled water, sliced apples, carrot sticks, bananas, and small bags of cereal. Taking the time to prepare some of these simple ideas will pay off in the long run for your patience and those around you – it will also help make your trip much more enjoyable and a memory for your children for years to come.

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Traveling Tips For The Disabled

10 Jan

Author: Mary Lorainne -
Source: articledashboard.com

Just because you are a handicap or disabled individual doesn’t mean that you cannot have the chance to travel and enjoy a vacation. Your disability should not hinder you from having a great time exploring and discovering a new place. In fact, traveling today has been made more convenient and it opens its arms to people from all walks of life and from different backgrounds, so whether you are white or black, disabled or not you have every right to travel just as everyone else does.

Before you make any travel plans it is imperative that you go check with your doctor if it is okay for you to travel. It would be best if you undergo a routine check up to ensure your health condition. If your doctor gives the go signal then start planning for the trip. Have your doctor list the necessary medication that you need to bring along with you if needed. Ask your physician for numbers of doctors in the area which you will be visiting in case you need their assistance. Have the address and contact number of the nearest hospital in case of any unexpected emergencies.

Since you have a special condition, planning for this getaway is very crucial and important to ensure a pleasurable and enjoyable trip. Whether you will be taking the bus, train, boat or plane always make the other party aware of your disability. For first time travelers, I advise that you choose locations that are not so far from home and short trips for a start would do. Prior to making any reservations on accommodations do a research about the hotel. Never neglect to mention your condition so that they could make the necessary recommendations or better yet prepare for your arrival and ensure that you get the assistance needed if you so require it.

Most places would be accommodating to your special needs and requirements so phone in advance places you would be planning to visit like museums, tourist spots, and other sites so that they could make the necessary preparations on the day of your visit.

Asking for the help of travel agents in booking for your trips would be of great assistance. They can recommend what’s best considering your situation. They might even be able to offer packages suited for people with your condition. You can also source from the internet travel packages which you think will be suited for you.

If you have a disability, I strongly advise that it would be best for you to travel with a companion rather than to travel all by yourself.

 
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