Destination Review - Myanmar
If your interests lie in traveling to foreign countries, visiting exotic places, interacting with new cultures and outdoor travelling then you’ve probably come across or heard about Myanmar. An exotic destination with many word class attractions guaranteed to leave you in awe whether it’s your first time travelling there or not.
Most of the destinations are spiritual like temples, pagodas and historical sites. There are also beautiful beaches, some of which are seasonal beaches. Some local travel guides like the offer tour packages in which you get to experience the true beauty of Myanmar at sites like;
1. Bagan: A main tourist destination in Myanmar situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyawaddy River.
2. Mandalay Palace: The last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy constructed between 1857 and 1859.
3. Inle: It is a vast and beautiful lake found in the mountains.
4. Ngapali Beach: Stretching nearly 3 km with soft white sand spotted by coconut palms.
5. Ngwesaung Beach: Stretching almost nearly 11 km long located 48 km west of Pathein, Ayeyawaddy Region.
6. Nabule Beach: a vast and beautiful golden beach found 40 kms north of Dawei City.
7. Shwedagon Pagoda: It’ official name Shwedagon Zedi Daw, is a gilded believed to be more than 2000 years old and which is decorated with jewels and coated in gold.
What is also important to note and most tour guides will emphasize is that you need to stay safe and never compromise on your safety. Some of the activities to watch out for when traveling and some tour guides will explain to you are;
1. Crime: Pickpockets are a major headache as tourists have a high chance of being targeted by pick pocketers in the streets.
2. Begging: There is a begging syndicate using children or sometimes mothers carrying children to solicit travelers and to beg from tourists although being classified as a taboo by tradition.
3. Corruption: To get assistance in case of missing documents or closed offices many tourists are asked to pay bribes to officials but not openly.
4. Driving Conditions: The road infrastructure in the country is very poor and sometimes travelling by car can be very uncomfortable and sometimes very dangerous.
5. Civil conflict: Some areas in Myanmar which are restricted by the government have insurgents who pose a very dangerous risk to tourists.
6. Animals: Myanmar has an abundance of stray cats and dogs roaming its streets. Precaution should be taken so as to avoid contact as much as possible. If bitten you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Myanmar is a paradise worth discovering and exploring provided you take care of yourself, respect your surroundings and respect the local culture. Myanmar will prove to be a magical experience worth reliving.
A Day In Australia
When you need a vacation, why not visit lovely Australia? With the gorgeous beaches, clear blue waters, awesome rock formations and immaculate rainforests, who wouldn’t want to spend an unforgettable and fun-filled day in the sixth largest country in the world? If you only had 24 hours to spend in Australia, what would you do?
Phillip Island: Day Tour in Melbourne with Kangaroos, Koalas and Penguins
If you want an awesome and fun thing to do while visiting Australia, check out Phillip Island. If you were planning to spend an unforgettable day in this lovely country, this is one way to spend it. Want to get up close and personal with Australia’s amazing wildlife? During the day tour, you can see the penguins, kangaroos, wallabies, seals and koalas. You will be visiting the cattle farm, enjoying a fun penguin parade and checking out the koala conservation area.
Blue Mountain 4WD Wildlife Discovery
When visiting the Blue Mountain 4WD Wildlife Discovery, you start your drive off to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. On the way to your destination, you will get to see kangaroos and the site of the Olympics. Heading into the Blue Mountains, you will see more kangaroos, parrots and kookaburras. Stop to eat lunch at a hotel with a view of the mountains. Before returning to Sydney, you will ride through the wildlife reserve to see even more kangaroos, dingoes and koalas.
Green Island Reef Cruise
Visiting Green Island will take anyone’s breath away. This daytime tour is located in the spirit of the Great Barrier Reef Island. Inside the island is a rainforest with coral gardens and white beaches. Spend the day exploring, snorkeling and sunbathing before returning to Cairns.
Great Ocean Road Adventure
During your visit to Great Ocean Road, not only will you experience a tour of Otway’s rainforest but you will also see wild koalas, Bells Beach and an amazing rock formation. You will cross Australia’s longest bridge to see views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.
Ayers Rock Sunset Camel Adventure
Have you always wanted to ride a camel? This adventure will allow you to enjoy a one hour ride on a camel from Ayers Rock Resort. You will experience amazing views of the desert while the sun is setting and turning the terrain red. The guides will describe everything during the camel adventure. Your trip ends with tea or champagne at the Camel Depot.
Spending a day in Australia will be an amazing and unforgettable experience which will make you want even more days spent in this unique country!
This guest post comes from Victoria Heckstall. She is a freelance travel writer who recently spent time in Australia on a cultural excursion.
Destination Review - Gympie, QLD
Gympie – a little town just over an hour's drive north of Brisbane is like thousands of other towns. Nothing stands out, the highway zooms past on the outskirts with only fuel and fast food stops to distract a driver. Yet, for history buffs, Gympie has so much to offer. In fact, the state of Queensland owes its very existence to Gympie – a town that has been written in history as “the town that saved Queensland”.
In the middle of the 19th Century, the state of Queensland was on the brink of bankruptcy. New South Wales was poised to take over with the two states amalgamating into one huge state. By chance, a gentleman by the name of James Nash discovered the one product that
could save the state – gold – and lots of it too. In fact, gold is still being mined in this area with a large goldmine still in use on the southern approaches to Gympie. Gold of course started a rush with thousands flocking to the area. Many worked for mines while others worked the many creeks and rivers in the area panning for gold.
Railway Hotel, Gympie, Queensland.
You can still see evidence of this period in numerous museums and restored heritage buildings. Gympie has thrived and grown in the decades since gold and is now a hub for tourism – although you wouldn’t know it from outward appearances. But then, that is the appeal of this quiet little town. While Gympie has little but history to offer, the area around is so diverse there is something there for everyone. You can read more about Gympie here.
The Mary Valley
Gympie is the gateway to the Mary Valley, an area dominated by the Mary River, one of the few rivers in Australia that actually flows north. The Mary Valley is a rich agricultural area but more importantly, a flora and fauna area that is famous for some it’s rare species. These include the Mary River turtle (sometimes cited as Mary River tortoise) and the Australian Lungfish. We will write a special page dedicated to the Mary Valley at a later date.
Destination Guide - Florida at New Years
Every year, a large number of tourists head to Florida for spring break. One of the reasons that make the state so popular is due to its hundreds of miles of white sandy beaches, exciting cities and an endless variety of things to choose from.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach has become a popular destination for spring breakers. More than 100,000 people flock to the area each spring. In the last few years, the area has become a favorite destination for families seeking to escape from the larger crowds. It's best to plan ahead of time if you decide to visit Pensacola Beach during spring break season. Expect to see hotel rooms on the beach to fill up fairly quickly.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is considered to be one of the World's top beaches. With more than 20 miles of white sandy beaches, the area has become a popular spring break destination for families with children. Selected areas on the beach allow for cars to park from sunrise to sunset. A variety of activities feature kayaking, parasailing, and offshore cruising.
Marco Island
Marco Island provides visitors to a wide variety of beach activities ideal for the outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can enjoy a round of golf at one of the area golf courses, do some fishing, go out for a boat ride or watch a beautiful sunset. More than 37 miles of barrier island coastline stretches from Naples to Marco Island.
Miami
Miami is world renowned for its Latin flavor and the colorful neighborhoods that comprise Little Havana. The city provides visitors with an entertaining nightlife and a growing culture. South Beach is without a doubt the most recognizable location in Miami, consisting of decorated Art Deco buildings to its white sandy beaches and clear blue water. The city's shopping areas, attractions, and restaurants are all within easy reach from the beach.
Key Largo
Key Largo provides excellent diving, snorkeling, and fishing in the region's subtropical waters that abound with a variety of fish. Key Largo is an outdoor lover's paradise providing year-round recreation sure to please everyone. A must-see attraction not to be missed is the Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site. The area comprises some 2,000 acres of rare hardwood hammock as well as being the largest hammock track in the United States. Visitors have the option to hike or bike within the nature trail while exploring some of the forest.
Destination Review - Watamu, Kenya
Watamu is a beautiful coastal town that is located south of Malindi and north of Mombasa. It boasts of white sandy beaches and a warm climate perfect for your summer vacation. While there are plenty of good hotels in the area, this post will only cover five 5-star hotels that you can be rest assured are up to standard.
The Charming Lonno Lodge is one of the best in the hotel business. It has spacious rooms, superb hospitality, great service and delicious meals. The staff is attentive and dedicated to making your stay in the hotel as fulfilling as possible.
Chrystal Bay Resort is a hotel where you can only expect pampering and comfort. It is located next to the beach for easy access. It has luxurious suites that merge both the Kenyan and Italian culture. The hotel is simply beautiful, to say the least.
Mawe Resort makes it to this list as the serene and quiet facility. It has excellent host services and great food. For those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of town, the resort is the best option in Watamu.
Garoda Resort is another resort with amazing hospitality and good access to the beach. It has spacious and luxurious rooms. The food here may be a let-down but those who enjoy Indian food will be thrilled.
Watamu Palm Beach is located near the Watamu National Marine Park. It only has eleven rooms that are fully equipped with private bathrooms. The quiet hotel allows an intimate stay in Watamu. It has spacious rooms and superb hospitality.
Watamu is a beautiful coastal town. Visited by many tourists yearly, it has gained a reputation of being a serene and calming environment for those who wish to escape the harsh city life. Visit any of the beautiful hotels above for a thrilling experience.
Destination Review - Cooktown
Cooktown is a small frontier town located in Tropical North Queensland. It is known for being the town where Captain James Cook beached his ship in 1770. It also has a rich Aboriginal history that crossed paths with Cook in the same fateful year. Cooktown is a very popular tourist destination, hosting many historical attractions as well as beautiful views.
Although it is quite small, there is a lot to do in Cooktown. The town is rugged and unspoilt by the metropolitan world, showing the beauty and harsh desert flora and fauna Australia is so well known for. Down at Fisherman’s wharf, you can catch Barramundi and Spanish Mackerel in what was once one of the busiest ports in Queensland during the Gold Rush. You can also climb up the Grassy Hill and see some of the most breathtaking sights in Australia at sunrise or sunset.
For more history, you can check out Cooktown’s Nature Powerhouse Museum that is home to a priceless collection of botanical flora illustrations, the Cooktown cemetery that has some of the oldest graves in Australia, or take a sightseeing tour with experts in the area. Choose one of the many guided tours available in buses and four wheel drive vehicles that will give you a taste of Cooktown’s culture and history from the people that live there.
Cook Town North Queensland
Of course, you need somewhere to stay while you are visiting. Cooktown offers lots of accommodation, from old farming cottages to seaside shanties. For more information on what you can do and see while in Cooktown and where to stay, contact Tourism Tropical North Queensland and take a trip back in time before the holidays are over.
Choose one of the many guided tours available in buses and four wheel drive vehicles that will give you a taste of Cooktown’s culture and history from the people that live there.
Why Visit And Stay In North East Tasmania?
Thinking of the next spot to tour and spend your glorious vacation? Then place Northeast Tasmania high on your list. Entering the region is somewhat like passing through a quiet, relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.Go to see the beautiful and rustic farms which are sure relaxing treats for visitors as they enter Northeast Tasmania. The villages by the sea are also wonders to behold as each have their own way of welcoming travelers who wish to spend quiet walk on the beach and even go on fishing in the clear waters of abundant marine life.
Recreational Activities To Experience and Enjoy
Journey in North Tasmania lets one experience relaxing views in vineyards, interesting forests, and towns that showcase a mining town with unique history. On the some sections of the place, tourists can relax in wonderful beaches where scuba-diving, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing become your choices of fun activities. Here are the samples of the recreational activities anyone would wish to experience
Take Road Trip from the East. Many tourists take the time to go through the North East Trail. There is so much to see. Travelers can stop and take some time to smell the roses. The famous lavender gardens are also nearby. The wine, cheese, and the forest, plus the sea air add up to the unique traveling experience in North East trail.
Go on Fishing Games
There are so many fishing activities going on in Tasmania. Visit St. Helens and its quiet atmosphere fit for a relaxing fishing spree. This seaside village in Northeast Tasmania offers several venues for fishing games. Tourists and locals love fresh tuna and marlins for dinner which are quite abundant in the area.
The Beach Tour. Located just a few blocks away from one of Australia’s great marine sanctuary and wildlife parks, so many beaches are found where one can truly spend and relax with their whole family. A leisurely walk down the St. Helen’s Point to see Peron Dunes and enjoy the beauty of the beach is among the things you can do.
Traveling and vacationing in Northeast Tasmania is one thing anyone should never ever miss. The fact that there so many great places to visit are already a big plus to those who wish to have a break from the fast and noisy urban veneer.
Destination Guide: Santa Cruz - Kids Special
One of the best things about Santa Cruz is its stunning coastal beauty and all the water activities that you can share with your kids. Here are 5 ideas for family fun in this beautiful Northern California city.
Club Ed Santa Cruz Surf School: Safety comes first when it's your kids. All the instructors here are lifeguards who are CPR and First Aid Certified. The founder, Ed Guzman, even headed the surfing program at the University of California at Santa Cruz, earning him the honorary title, “Professor of Surfing.” In addition to surf lessons, there are summer surf camps at Manresa Uplands State Park Campground, and Cabo Surf Camps for planning your family vacations.
Natural Bridges State Park: Kids will love learning about animals amidst the spectacular scenery. You can see migrating whales, seals, otters, and many kinds of birds from the beach. Then, explore the tide pools for ocean life like anemones and crabs. Of course, the yearly migration of monarch butterflies is also a must, usually from mid-October to late January. Plus, like the name says, there's the magnificent natural rock bridges created by water and wind erosion.
Venture Quest Kayaking: How about a unique way to explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary? Rent a kayak or take a guided tour. You might see whales, dolphins, and more.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: This classic seaside amusement park is admission-free. In addition to the world famous 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, there are more than 40 rides and attractions including gentler rides for small children, the beautiful 1911 Looff Carousel, and indoor arcades.
Lighthouse Field State Beach: This is the home of the surfing hotspot Steamer Lane, as well as a surfing museum in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse where kids can see a 100 years of history about the sport. The beach is also dog-friendly in case you want to bring your best friend along.
Enjoy Monterey Bay, and all the beauty and fun in Santa Cruz. Your whole family will love it.
Destination Review: Port Douglas
Port Douglas. The name doesn’t really conjure up anything special. Yet the area is magical offering the rare opportunity to experience a heritage listed rain forest meeting a heritage listed coral reef. Port Douglas sits on that border that lies between the Daintree National Park and the Great Barrier Reef National Park. And they are both spectacular in their own right.
If you are looking for a little adventure, then you’ve found the right place to start. Head west and north and travel through some amazing rain forest country. Keep going through the Daintree and you reach Cape Tribulation. Further north is Cook Town and for the really adventurous, Cape York, the northern most tip of Australia.
For those looking for a more sedate adventure, then head east, out into the sea and the Great Barrier Reef. There you will find brilliant coral, some amazing tropical islands, and fish that appear to be as timid as kittens. The water changes from a dark blue through to a tropical azure green. The water temperature is always warm – cold water, they have never heard of it.
Port Douglas Queensland
Port Douglas has had an interesting past. In 1911, it was all but wiped out with only two building left standing after a cyclone ravaged the area. In the mid eighties, the town was almost a ghost town before the notorious Christopher Skase developed what is now the world class Sheraton Mirage resort. Port Douglas was a holiday stopover for President Clinton while in office. He was also in Port Douglas when the news of the 9/11 attacks came through. For Australians, Port Douglas is famous for one not so popular occurrence, it was here, that the internationally renown Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, lost his life after being stabbed in the heart by a sting ray.
When it comes to places to stay, Port Douglas has something to offer everyone. You have the opulence of five star accommodation (with price tags to match) or, for the budget conscious, back packer style accommodation in nearby beaches. There are also numerous family style holiday options including self catered apartments.
Four mile beach, just south of Port Douglas, is one of Queensland’s best beaches with warm water to swim in, soft sand to play in, and a wonderful view out over the ocean. If you are looking for a holiday destination that’s a little bit different, consider Port Douglas – it’s no longer a town that’s reserved for the rich and famous – it’s there for everyone.
Destination Review - The Red Center, Australia
Australia’s magnificent red center is dominated in tourism literature with Uluru (more commonly known as Ayers Rock) and at time, Alice Springs. Yet those two centers are really only the tip of the iceberg when it come scenic splendor. Author Nevil Shute published the novel, ”
Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges
If you’re looking for something completely different to do in the middle of Australia, I suggest a casual 17km bike ride along the Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path. This sealed path meanders through attractive bushland between Flynns Grave just outside Alice Springs to Simpsons Gap. The path meanders across the landscape and has generally easy grades. It’s a relaxing scenic ride that is suitable for visitors of all ages. Keep your eyes open because there’s plenty of flora and fauna to see. You may get lucky and see the rare black-footed wallaby, especially if you travel early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for a return trip and a rest break at Simpsons Gap.
Standley Chasm
Located 50 kilometers west of Alice Springs lies Standley Chasm. This unique geographical feature has been gouged into the tough sandstone by floods that have flowed down a narrow tributary of the Finke River. The end result is a deep red chasm that rises 80 metres above the floor.
To see the Chasm at its most dramatic, be sure to time your visit for an hour either side of noon on a nice sunny day. You will then witness the sheer walls glowing from reflected sunlight thus creating a breathtaking display of stark form and rich colour.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Who would have expected to find, in the middle of a desert, a water hole that’s big enough to swim in. Surrounded by high red cliffs sits a large waterhole with a sandy creek fringed by gums making this one of the most popular and picturesque picnicking spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Much more than just a popular place for the locals to take a refreshing dip, Ellery Creek Big Hole is also recognised as an internationally significant geological site. A three kilometre Dolomite walk provides an opportunity for visitors to explore some of the interesting formations. The West MacDonnell Ranges are the source of the water that has collected in a deep pool. Red River and Ghost Gums shelter the picnic area located nearby.