The Philippines is a vast country and with thousands of islands to explore. This is a land of mysterious jungles, ancient tribes, and isolated islands. One simply cannot go wrong with backpacking in the Philippines, which is sure to capture your heart. Besides being one of the easiest countries to explore, it will keep your adrenaline pumping with plenty of adventurous activities. People are friendly, food is delicious, and the beaches are beautiful. Read on to get some useful tips on backpacking in the Philippines.
The Philippines has popular tourist seasons around January and February, but the country is great all year round. When it comes to clothing, the country is less conservative, and the dress sense is more western style. Still, one should dress more conservatively wren exploring the rural areas. The Philippines can make even the most broke backpackers feel loaded. However, one can bring in around $200 or 10,000 pesos at one time. Exchange money once in the Philippines and one will get charged for using ATMs. One can buy good deals on street for about $1.
When you arrive in the Philippines, you will be awestruck by the abundance of natures’ beauty all around you. Most backpackers prefer to start off in Manila, which is also the main flight hub and one can book cheap flights. On arrival, you will get a visa for a month of travel in the country.
Make use of the network of bus links and bus routes that make your budget Philippines adventure like a breeze. You can book cheap tickets to whatever destination you want and enjoy the convenient mode of travel at super low prices and helpful locals.
With so many different modes of transport, it sure is easy to get around in the Philippines and one can even consider hitchhiking. However, consider hitchhiking for shorter journeys as it becomes a bit awkward for longer journeys. Most locals travel short distances with their own vehicles.
As for accommodation and lodging, Philippines offers a wide range of economical options such as cheap hostels, guesthouses, and lower range hotels, that are just about anywhere. You’ll be spoilt for choice, and you can easily get a decent place well below $10 per night!
Couchsurfing is popular in the Philippines and you should remain open to invitations from locals to stay with them. Filipinos are well known for their hospitality and warmth, and one can certainly make good use of the situation. Moreover, this is a good way to understand the local culture and make new friends as well as enjoy authentic food.
Most probably, your Philippines backpacking route will start in Manila, where there is plenty to do and see. Check out Fort Santiago and the National Museum of the Filipino to get a brush with Philippines history. Visit the legendary Mt Pulag, an hour away from Manila, which is truly stunning. Wake up early to see the Milky Way Galaxy at dawn and hike. Sagada is overnight from Manila and the adventure capital of the Philippines and a favorite with all. For those looking for a climbing adventure, El Nido is one of the best places. Kawasan Falls at Cebu are simply incredible. You have to be at Philippines to enjoy and explore its natural wealth.
Kerala, located in the south western region of India, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With its lush green scenery and heaven like beaches, it is rightly known as God’s own country. It never fails to mesmerize the many tourists that visit this paradise. It is so rich in culture as well as flora and fauna.
Plan your next trip to Kerala for an enchanting and a wonderful experience. Before visiting this beautiful place and booking the right Kerala Tour Packages, you should know why Kerala is known as God’s own country.
Here are five reasons why Kerala is known as God’s own country.
The heaven like beaches of Kerala attracts many tourists throughout the year. The picturesque beauty and the crystal clear water of the beaches mesmerize the visitors and leave them in awe. Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Payyambalam are some of the beaches that you must visit and enjoy the nature at its best. The beautiful beaches of Kerala make you fall in love with this place. The beaches make Kerala God’s own country.
Other than its scenic beauty and beautiful beaches, the food in Kerala is also quite delicious that will leave a lingering taste in your mouth. The unique way of cooking seafood in coconut gravy is not something that you can have any time or anywhere. The lip smacking south Indian cuisine makes Kerala the perfect destination for a vacation. Visit Kerala and see for yourself.
Kerala is full of flora and fauna and is a home to a number of species. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks like the Periyar National Tiger Park that contributes a lot to preserve the natural habitat of these animals. Visit these parks to experience the wild side of life for an adventurous day.
Kerala is famous for its ayurvedic treatments and rejuvenation therapies that just take you to another world. The ashrams in Kerala provides for meditation and yoga sessions that take you back to the old times and makes you enjoy the simple things in life.
Kerala has managed to preserve its age old traditions like one of the various forms of martial arts known as ‘Kalaripayattu.’ It is rich in culture, and you can observe the richness of their culture in their traditions and various dance forms, ayurveda, sports and much more.
The Thrissur Pooram festival which has been celebrated since 200 years at the Vadakkunnathan Temple is very famous all around India. It is celebrated for a long 36 hours with great enthusiasm and zeal. The festival begins with prayers followed by beautiful and enchanting fireworks.
Kerala, known as God’s own country, is amongst the most beautiful places in the world and feels like a paradise. However, one may see this tagline “God’s own country” as just a way of increasing revenue through the way of tourism. But the beauty and the breathtaking nature of Kerala is enough reason to be known as God’s own home.
Chandigarh is a magnificent, modern city that’s known for its phenomenal architecture and design. It was one of the first planned cities in post-independent India and was designed by a Swiss-French architect, Le Corbusier. In fact, the city is so loved that it is the capital of two states – Punjab and Haryana.
Why You Should Visit Chandigarh
There are a number of beautiful places to visit in India, but what makes Chandigarh so special? In 2015, BBC published an article where Chandigarh was named the most perfect city in the world in terms of architecture and culture. And it shows with its beautiful administrative buildings, themed gardens, and greenery all around. It was also ranked as the happiest city in the country by a survey done by LG Electronics in 2015. The city has one the highest per capita incomes in India, so it is no wonder that it is more expensive than other cities. You can save up on your money though by staying near the Chandigarh airport. Book a budget accommodation near Chandigarh airport and using public transport to get around. It’s also a wise choice to stay close to the Chandigarh Airport as it is relatively close to popular attractions in the city and easier to catch flights. Whether you’re visiting the city with your friends or family or even solo, you’ll find a certain pride in visiting this beautiful city.
However, with so many places to see, covering all of Chandigarh in two or three days can get tricky. It’s wise to plan your trip in advance to get the most of the city. Hopefully, this two-day itinerary will help you get an idea of how to get the most out of the city.
Day 1: Discover The City’s History
Even though Chandigarh is a relatively young city, it has a rich history. The best way to get to know this modern metropolis is to visit these places below. I would suggest you start early and have a hearty breakfast because there’s plenty to cover in very little time.
Rock Garden
What started off as an illegal home project by Nek Chand, has now turned into one of Chandigarh’s proudest tourist attractions. The Rock Garden is 40 acres of pure artistic pleasure. It encourages recycling and environmental sustainability with its many sculptures made from bottles, scrap metal, tiles, electrical waste, industrial waste and more. The open-air galleries have brought in over 12 million visitors since it opened in 1976 and will easily take you about two to three hours to explore. Try and get here early to beat the scorching sun.
Capitol Complex
Spread over 100 acres, the Capitol Complex is definitely worth a visit. This massive estate was designed by Le Corbusier and boasts of gorgeous structures, including the Open Hand Sculpture, the Palace of Assembly, the High Court, Geometric Hill and the Tower of Shadows. The complex got the attention of the UN and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. It will take up at least two hours of your time to explore. Since this is the government hub of the city, you will need special permissions to visit certain parts of the complex. Just make sure you ask your guide or the security guards at the gates which areas are out of bounds.
Government Museum and Art Gallery
After you fill yourself up with a good lunch, you can visit the Government Museum and Art Gallery. Again designed by Le Corbusier, the complex boasts of four sections, i.e. an art gallery, the Chandigarh Architecture Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the National Gallery of Portraits. The modern museum houses a vast collection of Gandharan sculptures (Statues of Lord Buddha), Rajasthani Miniature Paintings, collections of coins, contemporary Indian art, books and so much more. There is also an auditorium here, where lectures, film screenings and cultural events are sometimes hosted. A small fee of INR 10 is taken on entering.
After visiting these areas you can head over to Sector 17, which is an excellent place to shop till you drop. There are a number of boutiques and branded stores in the area. You’re sure to find everything from clothes to electronic goods here. There are also a number of eateries in this area. A few places where you can grab a hearty meal or a snack are the Black Lotus, Hot Millions, Cafe JCs, Rustic Door, Blue Ice, Dera, Kabab’s Villa, Sweet Sensations, I Don’t Know Cafe, Faraabi Cafe, BigWich, Lyon’s, Kitty Su, and Playground. After this make sure you get a good night’s rest because there’s plenty visit the next day.
Day 2: The Natural Splendor of Chandigarh
After a good night’s sleep, have a good breakfast and get ready to explore the rest of the city. Today, the focus lies on Chandigarh’s religion and nature.
Manasa Devi Temple
Located at the foot of the Shivalik Range, the Manasa Devi Temple is an incredible structure built in honour of the Goddess Mansa Devi. This temple breaks the norm of regular Shivalik temples with its beautiful Mughal-inspired style complete with minarets and domes. The temple also boasts of a number of beautiful paintings depicting Goddess Mansa Devi, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, the Nakshatras and scenes from the Ramayana. You’ll need about an hour to explore this beautiful temple.
Pinjore Gardens
This 17th Century garden is a landscaped masterpiece that was used by Emperor Aurangzeb as a summer retreat. The garden has seven broad terraces and two palaces on its highest level called the Shish Mahal and the Hawa Mahal. You can take a look at the outdoor museum set up by the Haryana State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. The garden also has a tiny heritage train that children will certainly enjoy. These gardens are also popular for hosting festivals like the Pinjore Baisakhi Festival, Pinjore Mango Festival, and the Heritage Festival.
Sector 22
If you love shopping, you’ll certainly love Shastri Market at Sector 22. This is a great place to pick up all sorts of ethnic wear on a budget. You’ll find plenty of North Indian ethnic wear, western clothes, bangles, and party wear at a fair bargain. You can visit one of the small restaurants in the area for an authentic Punjabi meal.
Cactus Garden
The Cactus Garden might be one of the most bizarre yet beautiful places to visit in Chandigarh with its wild collection of cacti and plant species. This is the largest garden of its kind in Asia and also houses different kinds of roses, orchids and bonsai trees. You can also pick up a cactus or two from here for your own garden.
Sukhna Lake
The Sukhna Lake is a great place to end your long day of sightseeing. This large artificial lake at the foothills of the Shivalik Range was created by P.L. Verma and Le Corbusier. You can enjoy a leisurely boat ride at the lake or take a walk around it. There are a number of fun rides to enjoy here, a cafe and even a souvenir store if you want to pick up a few goodies. When you tire out a little, you can sit on the lake steps and watch the sunset. It should be the perfect end to a tiring day.
A few places where you can catch a bite to eat around the lake include the CITCO Lakeview Cafeteria, Vee Kay Restaurant, Le Stella, Nick Bakers, Q ‘n’ Grill, Pizza Foresta, and Vrinda.
Here you go, now that you know a few of the best places to visit in Chandigarh, you can chop and change the itinerary around to suit your schedule. You’re sure to enjoy the modernity and culture of Chandigarh.
Travelling is always exciting but can also turn ugly fast if you are not prepared. Here’s a few safety tips for when considering your next vacation.
Firstly, check with your travel and tourism ministry to ensure the status of your destination. This is a great starting point in order to receive all the logistics based on your destination, any travel advisory, papers required and ways to protect your health. Once you’ve done the obvious consider the following.:
Where You Are Staying – The chances are that you are going to be looking straight into where you are staying after you have chosen the destination that is right for you this time round. If you have found a ridiculously cheap hotel then the chances are that it is cheap for a reason. Although they could be putting on a special offer it is safe to say that it could be placed in a really dodgy area so I would always recommend that you do some serious research into the area you are thinking about staying at.
The great thing about the world nowadays is that there are bound to be people that have been to the location before and you will easily find reviews of the hotel/villa/apartment that you are thinking about.
The Condition Of The Country – I am not talking about cleanliness or anything along these lines here but if you think about eastern asia at the moment would you really feel comfortable travelling there whilst the country is in the state it is in? If you are still thinking about it then think of the children, are they going to be completely safe in the environment you are taking them to?
Keeping updated with all of the latest news stories of the country you are thinking about heading to is the best option.
Source – the-majestic-fool
Traveling Upon Arrival – The chances are you wouldn’t get into an unmarked cab in your own country so why on earth would you do it in a country you are not familiar with? You would be surprised how many people risk getting into unmarked cabs just to get from A to B. Traveling safely might be a bit more expensive but it doesn’t risk everyone in your party so it is well worth doing.
Another aspect of this to consider is walking around areas that tourists really shouldn’t be going down. All countries have their crime spots and you should make note of what these are before traveling because tourists usually stick out like a sore thumb to criminals and are also carrying a lot of money and valuable passports which makes them automatic targets for criminals.
Luggage – Another element of a safe vacation is to make sure that your luggage is safe for the entire duration of your journey. The best way to keep your luggage safe is to fit locks on the cases as this way you will not get any criminals accessing the case and taking any valuables you have inside. On the other hand be warned that security at airports do have the right to break into cases if they see something show up on scanners that they do not recognise.
Are there any safety aspects I have missed out on, let me know in the comments so we can keep people safe on their vacations.
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Diverse, engaging and beautiful, the United States of America is a collection of amazing sights, bustling cities and a menagerie of cultural elements to be explored. Within the borders of the United States, you can glimpse the rugged way of life on the old Wild West, see the towering heights of skyscrapers in New York and join the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
Natural beauty abounds across the United States of America with two major mountain ranges, two ocean coastlines, stunning waterfalls and wide open places broken up only by the waving of grains and the deep recesses of the world’s deepest canyons. While natural landscapes beckon for escape, the urban landscapes call to travelers as a way to experience culture, fine foods and local establishments. See the birthplace of Jazz. Walk through Central Park. Relax on the porch of an old plantation – the United States is fairly bursting with opportunities for exploration.
Introducing, United States of America
Cities to Visit in the United States
Los Angeles – Source
New York – The largest city in the United States, most visitors find areas of this enormous city that feel just like home thanks to the myriad of cultures that flourish here. Broadway, the Statue of Liberty and the newly erected monument for 9/11 are among the many locations in the Big Apple.
Los Angeles – Movie magic makes this sprawling city a must-see for visitors to the United States. In no other city can you experience what Hollywood has defined as true American pop culture. See where movies are made, rub shoulders with celebrities in restaurants and night clubs and perhaps shop a bit in Beverly Hills.
San Antonio – One of the major cities in Texas, travel to San Antonio to experience the many ways that everything is bigger in the Lone Star State. Enjoy generous portions of delicious food, walk along the River Walk and perhaps spend time in the local theme parks – Sea World and Fiesta Texas.
New Orleans – Tragedy struck New Orleans six years ago with Hurricane Katrina, but the Crescent City is back up and thriving. The rich nightlight of New Orleans is especially distinctive, but plan on adding a few inches to your waistline with Creole cooking, fresh beignets and delicious down-home sorts of meals prepared by some of the United State’s most famous chefs. New Orleans is also the birthplace of Jazz, so it’s an essential stop for that reason alone.
Chicago – A major city located within steps of Lake Michigan, Chicago is home to distinctive architecture, contemporary art and – of course – some serious baseball thanks to the Cubs at famous Wrigley Field.
Seattle – An excellent jumping off place for exploring the full Pacific Northwest, Seattle boasts cool weather, giant rain forests and pebble beaches. Wind your way along the Pacific coast down to San Francisco, or simply enjoy the chilly waters of the Pacific at the aquarium or Pike Place Market.
Boston – Sample a bit of American history in one of the oldest established countries in the United States. While young in global terms, Boston is home to many early American artifacts and museums including Paul Revere’s House. Nearby Cambridge is home to America’s oldest university – Harvard.
Denver – Stay in a bustling small city and enjoy the tallest mountains in the United States just outside your window. Denver is close to many popular nature attractions including snow sports in the winter months and hiking and exploring national parks in the spring and summer.
Washington D.C. – The Nation’s capitol, Washington D.C. is home to the Smithsonian Institute – a museum complex housing many of the nation’s finest artifacts and treasures. Washington D.C. is also home to many statues, monuments and buildings that house America’s political history, present and future.
Las Vegas – A tribute to excess, Las Vegas is the number-one party destination in the United States. Situated in the desert, Las Vegas stays away all night long with flashing lights from casinos, major entertainers and exciting specials.
Places to Visit in the United States
Grand Canyon – Source
Golden Gate Bridge – Spanning the distance across the entrance to the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge is entirely distinctive with its Universal Orange color and super length. Cars are able to drive across the bridge by paying a toll, and pedestrian traffic is encouraged as well.
Graceland – Elvis changed the course of music worldwide, and today his home is one of the most sought after tourist destinations of the south. Graceland, the giant estate of Elvis Presley is open to the public and enjoys more than half a million visitors every year.
Smokey Mountains – Enjoy the cool shadows of the Appalachian mountains in Tennessee. Smaller than the Rockies, the Smokey Mountains are home to excellent rivers for rafting and fly fishing as well as many hiking and nature preserve trails as well.
Old Faithful – Located in the heart of Yellowstone Park, Old Faithful is the giant geyser that blasts hot water high into the air every 91 minutes. Popular since the nineteenth century, Old Faithful is close to nature preserves where visitors can see American Bison on the range and explore this preserved area of Wyoming as well.
Grand Canyon – One of the most famous sights in the United States, the Grand Canyon hosts more than five million visitors per year. While most choose to simply gaze at the enormous canyon as it stretches miles away into the distance, others hike down into the canyon to enjoy its natural beauty.
Mardi Gras – The annual party that precedes Lent, New Orleans’s biggest event is famous for its wild parties and cultural elements. Parades, parties and general frivolity reign during this week-long party. There are some family fun activities as well.
Disney Land – Walt Disney’s masterpiece recently celebrated its 50-year anniversary and is still going just as strong now as it was then. The Magic Kingdom of Disney Land is the most famous part of the park and is home to all of the various Disney creations including Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
The White House – Why not see how the President lives? Tour behind the scenes at the White House – the home of the President and First Family. Tours are free with a valid passport and include a guide with considerable knowledge of the home and history as well.
Gateway Arch – The tallest monument in the United Sates, the Gateway Arch is a sign of the pioneer spirit of the United States. The Arch symbolizes the westward movement of pioneers across the United States starting with the Louisiana Purchase by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the country. The Gateway Arch is located in St. Louis – the city situated between the Eastern and Western United States.
Niagara Falls – Spanning the border between Canada and the United States, the falls are located at the northernmost border of New York. Tour the falls by boat or helicopter with the aid of a guide, or simply enjoy the bird’s-eye-view provided by the many nearby platforms and decks.
Beaches and Beach Towns in the United States
Green Sand Beach – Hawaii – Source
While most of the best beaches in the United States are located off the continent, there are many in the Continental United States that are prime destinations for beach goers ready to relax and enjoy the summer months in comfort.
Hawaii – On the big island of Hawaii you’ll find white and green sand beaches at Hapuna, Kaunaoa and Kua Bay. The island of Maui, part of Hawaii, also offers beautiful, unusal beaches at Kaihalulu and surfing is excellent at Ho’okipa Beach.
Hilton Head – East coast residents drive to Hilton Head to enjoy the golden sands with more than a hint of luxury. Hilton Head is popular with the well-to-do travelers at the shore at Myrtle Beach and Coligny Beach.
Cape Cod – Far in the northeast, Cape Cod offers more than just sand and surf. A laid-back atmosphere makes this beach area comfortable for visitors and locals alike. Try Nauset, Marconi or Herring Cove Beach while in the area.
Miami Beach – Parties never stop at Miami Beach. Wild swimsuits, plenty of exercised bodies and more than a bit of glitz and glamour can be found in the wild culture of Miami. Miami Beach is located in the heart of the southern Florida city of Miami.
Things to do in the United States
Jet Ski – Utah – Source
Hike – With multiple mountain ranges, deep canyons and plenty of vast, open spaces, hiking in the United States is a major sport for recreation and endurance.
Ski – In the winter months, dozens of ski resorts open in the mountains of California, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Idaho. The warmer months bring ample opportunities for water skiing on virtually all of the lakes throughout the United States.
Drive – Wide open spaces call to drivers. Rent an RV and drive your way across the United States or simply rent a car and travel across the nation stopping at interesting sites and cities along the way.
Camp – Camping is a popular outdoor activity in the United States. Bring a tent and backpack and you can easily explore the back country of any National Park. Rent a camper and you’ll have a bit more comfort surrounded by nature in every state across the nation.
Swim – From sea to shining sea, the United States is full of excellent swimming opportunities. Swim in the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, any of the Great Lakes or enjoy time in one of the nation’s hundreds of rivers and streams.
Raft – White water rafting is an excellent way to explore the natural areas along major water ways. Raft through prominent landmarks like the Grand Canyon or spend the day exploring Alaska’s wilds by raft if you’d like.
Party – There are some serious party destinations in the United States where you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Vegas, Los Angeles, New York and New Orleans are all heralded as major party hot spots.
Eat and Drink – Find virtually all types of food and drink in the “Melting Pot” that the United States has become. Prominent chefs and down-home cooks all offer up amazing foods sure to help expand your waistline.
Dance – Enjoy the arts of others in any of the theaters boasted about in major and minor cities, or enjoy dancing yourself in the many dance clubs located throughout the nation. All cities have clubs and outings, but you can enjoy a range of dance styles as you move through the United States – find everything from salsa to rave and country and western dancing on your journey.
Play – Americans enjoy sports and you can, too. Buy tickets to a major sporting event and enjoy the mood and mindset of the competition. If you’re truly lucky you can take advantage of the tailgating events prior to a major sport.
Rodeo – Unique to the United States, enjoy the huge activity that surrounds prominent rodeo events in cities like Las Vegas and Houston. See true cowboys riding bucking broncos and bulls or just sample truly outstanding barbeque at the accompanying fairs and livestock shows.
Adventure Sports in the United States
Scuba Diving – Source
White-water Rafting – There are many rivers throughout the United States that are ideal for white-water rafting. Take a trip through the mountain streams in Tennessee, Colorado or Wyoming. Or if you’d rather head through a canyon, take a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon.
Surfing – Surfing tends to be best along the West coast of the United States in California primarily. Excellent surfing can also be found on several beaches in the Hawaiian Islands.
Rock Climbing – With two major mountain ranges and several smaller mountainous regions, cliffs and treks abound for rock climbing in almost every possible environment including the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico to the lushness of Washington and Oregon.
Mountain Biking – A popular American sport, mountain biking is especially popular along trails in California and southern Colorado.
Scuba Diving – The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic offer excellent scuba diving opportunities. Cruises departing from cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida bring underwater adventures to travelers easily.
Top Nature Areas for Camping and Hiking
Hiking Sierra Nevada Mountains – Source
Mother Campground in Grand Canyon National Park – Explore the largest canyon in North America by staying right on its edge.
Wawona Campground in Yosemite National Park – Located in California, enjoy hiking through the Sierra Nevada mountains and cool hiking and rock climbing adventures.
Bowman Lake Campground in Glacier National Park – Travel to Montana at the top of the United States to see stunning vistas from this remote national park.
Moraine Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park – Enjoy the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with a drive-up campground near elk breeding grounds.
Blackwood Campground in Acadia National Park – New England’s finest camping site is located on 47,000 acres along the coast of Maine.
Point Reyes Campgrounds in Marin County, California – Just minutes from San Francisco, these campgrounds are within walking distance of Point Reyes National Seashore – a stunning Pacific vista.
Resorts in the United States
Club Med Sandpiper – Located in Eastern Florida on the St. Lucie River, this resort caters to full families with all inclusive packages including water sports, drinks and comforts as well as golf and even a flying trapeze school.
Four Seasons Resort Westlake Village – Luxury hotel boasts top of the line medical spa to create a very special resort experience. Plush designer fabrics and experiences make this a premium experience.
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort – Why not experience a bit of cowboy tradition in a New York resort? This guest ranch gives visitors a chance to experience the cowboy ways up close with a bit of water park thrown in for good measure.
Tanque Verde Ranch – Explore 60,000 acres of amazing desert in the heart of Arizona. Enjoy horseback rides, hiking and stunning desert scenery.
Ocean House – Watch Hill in Rhode Island may not seem to be an ideal location for a resort, but the beach destination is amazing in both the summer and winter months. A grand Victorian property is home to old-world charm.
Earthshine Mountain Lodge – Deep in the woods of North Carolina, this lodge offers an all-inclusive approach to nature with an emphasis on ditching electronics for the duration and enjoying zip line tours and long hikes.
Travel Tips for the United States
Prices – The prices for goods and service in the United States can vary dramatically between cities and resorts. Expect to pay more in big cities, but overall prices remain reasonably close in comparable locations and amenities.
Traveling Alone – If you’re planning to travel solo through the United States, you’ll find yourself comfortable in most environments. It is always safer to travel in rural and rugged areas with a new friend or as part of a group for safety reasons, however.
Traveling with Families – The United States is an excellent location for family travel with an entire industry developed for American families. There are many family friendly resorts and most cities offer a balance of family and adult fun as well. Since you’ll likely be using public transportation or renting car in the United States, it’s a simple matter to arrange a larger rental for a family.
Safe Travel – There are rougher areas in most major cities with higher crime rates, but the vast majority of cities in the United States are clean and safe for travelers. Always be cautious when traveling in unfamiliar areas alone and stay alert to possible dangers in wildlife and camping areas as well.
Driving – Drivers in the United State tend to be moderately aggressive as driving is an essential means of transportation in the nation. Speed limits are enforced, however, and drivers in the United States sit on the left side of the vehicle and drive on the right side of the road.
Cuisine – The United States has an extremely varied collection of food choices in the major cities. Different cities and states will have different sorts of food to choose from. Since food is a way of life for many Americans, hotels often have recommendations for excellent dining or affordable dining nearby.
Nature – Americans have a healthy respect for nature, often including large parks within city limits. National parks and nature preserves have strict rules for travelers inside the various locations. Always check with the rangers in these areas to see what to expect.
Parties and Festivals in the United States
Mardi Gras – Source
Sundance Film Festival – The largest independent cinema experience is held in Utah every year as a premier opportunity for new American and International films.
Mardi Gras – While Mardi Gras is celebrated in many cities with parades and floats in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, New Orleans hosts the well-known party experience with more than 60 parades and countless parties.
Boston Marathon – The world’s oldest marathon is run once per year and those eligible to run must have won with a qualifying time in another certified marathon earlier that year.
Jazz Festival – New Orleans is known for her parties and the annual Jazz Festival is a 10-day cultural feast of music, fun and food.
Independence Day Celebration – the biggest Fourth of July celebration in the country happens in the nation’s capitol city with enormous parades and impressive firework displays over the Washington Monument grounds.
National Finals Rodeo – See the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls compete to win millions of dollars in Las Vegas’ annual rodeo event.
The Super Bowl – The most prominent event in American football, see the top two teams square off for the grand prize in the sport.
Shopping in the United States
Fifth Avenue – New York – Source
Fifth Avenue, New York – Look for amazing couture collections along 5th Avenue in the Big Apple.
Soho, New York – The off-beat and unique designs of independent fashion designers pepper the streets in small boutiques in Soho.
Rodeo Drive in Las Angeles – Famous the world over, Rodeo Drive has top end designers in an endless parade.
The Magnificent Mile in Chicago – A long stretch of Michigan Avenue holds a wide range of stores suited to virtually all levels of taste.
San Francisco – There is no single location in the city to shop as it is full of off-beat stores, second hand finds and truly unique creations.
First lets define the UK, the UK or United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland includes England, Wales and Scotland on the larger of the two main British Isles and also Northern Ireland, also known as Ulster, on the smaller western island, Ireland, but the UK does not include the Republic of Ireland to the south of Northern Ireland, also known as Eire.
If that sounds confusing then when you come to the UK and travel the different regions you will find that it is even less simple with each county and city having its own identity and often its own distinctive accent and dialect: making it very tough if you aren’t a native English speaker and pretty difficult even if you are from another area of the UK. If you are visiting the United Kingdom in 2015 then you should read this important guide to the British Isles.
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15 Cities to Visit in The UK 17 Places to Visit in The UK 12 Beaches to visit in The UK 10 Things to do in The UK 11 Adventure sports in The UK 4 Top Camping and Hiking spots 12 Hotels to Stay in The UK 15 Resorts to Stay in The UK UK Travel Tips 11 Festivals in The UK 12 places to Shop in The UK 12 Restaurants in the UK 10 Fast food joints in the UK Geography, Climate, History, Economy, Politics, Culture, Holidays How to Get There
This diversity though is what makes the UK such a rewarding place to visit and the whole country oozes history from Iron Age Britain through Roman Britain, the Anglo Saxons, Normans, a lot of wars with the French and Spanish, a civil war, an empire, the industrial revolution and a new identity as a centre of education, research and technology: therefore don’t make the mistake of sticking to only London and the South East.
Introducing The United Kingdom in 2015
15 Cities to Visit in The UK
London Skyline – Source
London – The UK’s capital: founded by the Roman’s and an important city ever since. London is one of the world’s great cities with a huge amount to see and culture to take in.
Manchester – Arguably the UK’s second city though Birmingham also claims that title; Manchester developed as an industrial city and the architecture and infrastructure of the industrial revolution still dominates though the wealth the era bought also makes it a grand city.
Newcastle Upon Tyne – Newcastle may have been a city famous for shipbuilding and heavy industry but now its known for culture including some great art museums and some of the best nightlife in Europe.
Brighton – This South Coast resort sees a huge number of Londoners arrive every weekend in summer to party and enjoy the beach and attractions such as the rides and arcades on the palace pier.
Plymouth – This famous port city was where Francis Drake played bowls while he awaited the Spanish Armada and where the Mayflower set off for America from; the historic Barbican area of the city is a must visit.
Glasgow – Once in serious decline this Scottish city has risen from the ashes to become a major centre of business and culture again with the Medieval Cathedral and Guildhall at the centre of the city.
Oxford – You can tell there’s a lot of money here, many of Oxford University’s students rather than move on after graduating have set up businesses here and some of Europe’s most innovative R & D and tech companies are based on the outskirts. The centre of the city is dominated by the university though and many related museums.
Edinburgh – Home of the Scottish parliament this dramatic and rugged city has remained seemingly untouched by development and the 16th and 17th century city centre is now a UNESCO heritage site.
Canterbury – The Archbishop of Canterbury is the leader of Church of England making Canterbury to Anglicans what Rome is to Catholics. Though Canterbury has been a centre of Pilgrimage since even before the murder of Thomas Beckett here in 1170 it was this that made it England’s premier pilgrimage destination.
Belfast – The Troubles in Northern Ireland had for a long time held back what had the potential to be a thriving city, now that differences are slowly being put aside Belfast is attracting a lot of investment and tourists keen to see a city that many saw as a no-go area for such a long time.
Liverpool – The 2008 capital of culture Liverpool celebrated its 800th birthday the year before; still though the Merseyside docks and warehouses, now a UNESCO world heritage site, and the Cavern Club and other sites associated with the Beatles are what the city is most famous for and what draws in the crowds.
York – York was already an established centre of commerce and religion when the industrial revolution came along and luckily for visitors today the industrial revolution mainly passed it by leaving the medieval feel that makes it so unique and truly beautiful.
Bournemouth – A great south coast resort with fantastic sandy beaches and a laid back atmosphere the tourists and students that come here mean the nightlife is great as well and it’s the place to head if the weatherman says there are a few days of hot weather coming.
Bath – The first record of Bath is of the Roman Baths in 43 AD and they remain, though most of the city is Georgian developed in the 18th century on a truly grand scale; today the city is a great place to shop, eat and to visit the theaters.
Cardiff – The Welsh capital and a clean crisp coastal city with a large student population and a mix of the old and new with Cardiff Castle and the modern city visitor’s centre demonstrating the stark contrasts that can be found here.
17 Places to Visit in The UK
Windsor Castle – Berkshire – Source
Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria & Northumberland – The Northwest boundary of the Roman Empire built on the instructions of Hadrian the wall remains in remarkably good condition and walking along it from coast to coast is popular taking in some fantastic scenery.
St Paul’s Cathedral, London – In the heart of the City of London the dome of St Paul’s can be seen for many miles around and is a true symbol of London.
Stirling Castle, Stirlingshire – Holding the pass to the Highlands this has always been an important point with the current castle dating from the 15th, and in parts 16th, centuries with the last major defence having taken place in 1746.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire – A gift to the 1st Duke of Marlborough from Queen Anne following the Battle of Blenheim this fabulous house and gardens are grand in every degree and if the décor and architecture aren’t impressive enough this was also Winston Churchhill’s birthplace.
Windsor Castle, Berkshire – The Queen and her family’s main residence, she spends more time here than at Buckingham palace: you may think that she would get fed up with visitors but this castle, originally built in 1070, is large enough for her not to be troubled by them.
Battle Abbey, East Sussex – Only the gatehouse remains of the abbey that William the Conqueror had placed on the battle field where the battle of Hastings took place in 1066, one of the most important events in English history.
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset – A 3 mile long limestone ravine, impressive in its own right but the caves with their stalactites and stalagmites, once used to make and store cheddar cheese, are what many come to explore.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire – In the pretty old town of Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare’s birthplace has been converted back to how it would have looked in Tudor times having been used for a long time as an inn.
Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire – Home of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, close to Nottingham with its famous Castle also associated with the folk hero.
Lincoln Cathedral, Lincolnshire – One of the country’s most beautiful cathedrals, begun in Norman times and from 1300 to 1549 the world’s tallest building, in 1549 the main spire collapsed.
Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry – Much of the museum with a great number of fascinating exhibits focuses on the Industrial Revolution in Manchester and the world’s first passenger railways station is now a part of the museum.
Alton Towers, Staffordshire – The UK’s most popular theme park with many of the biggest and best rides yet with plenty for younger children as well.
The Cavern Club, Liverpool – Famous for the site of many of The Beatles’ early gigs, the current Cavern Club is actually not on the same site exactly as the original but has been rebuilt using the same bricks nearby. Other Beatles sites to visit in Liverpool include their childhood homes and the Beatles Story museum.
Historic Dockyards Portsmouth, Hampshire – Home to the Flagship of the Royal Navy: HMS Victory which was Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and the ship on which he died. The Dockyards also have HMS Warrior the Navy’s first Ironclad Ocean going vessel and the remains of the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s ill-fated warship; the accompanying museums give further insight into the history of Britain’s Royal Navy.
Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Dorset – Among other artefacts, displays and interactive features Beaulieu has 250 iconic vehicles including many early cars, race cars, former land speed record holding vehicles, movie cars and motorbikes too.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire – It’s the archetypal northern beach resort but Blackpool’s pleasure beach and nightlcubs means that though the town can feel dated the young and trendy still flock here and enjoy a wide variety of rollercoaster’s, dodgems and other rides.
Portmeiron, Gwyneed, Wales – The village, in an Italian style, was created by the architect Clough Williams Ellis, the entire village is now a tourist attraction.
12 Beaches to visit in The UK
Camber Sands – Sussex – Source
Bude, Cornwall – Bude is a great beach for any surfers and if you have a family in tow they should enjoy the great beach as well; the children could take a lesson at the beach’s surf school.
Scarborough, Yorkshire – Great sandy beaches in this sheltered bay with calm waters and great conditions for bathing.
Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire – A quieter and unspoilt beach that is close to the mayhem of Blackpool.
Camber Sands, Sussex – A wide sandy beach backed by natural sand dunes with the historic town of Rye nearby.
Holkham Bay, Norfolk – A bird watcher’s paradise but also a great beach for relaxing on a sunny day, when the tide is out there is plenty of room for games on the sandy beach too.
Brighton, Sussex – Brighton may have a shingle beach but that doesn’t stop it becoming packed in summer, as are the promenades and large grass expanses just set back from the beach.
Canford Cliffs, Dorset – Close to Poole but with access down the cliffs that shelter the sandy beach it is a lot quieter than the beaches in Poole and Bournemouth themselves.
Newquay, Cornwall – The ultimate UK surfing beach and the number one place where people come to learn with plenty of surf schools and surf shops: though some come simply to relax and take in the laid back atmosphere.
Eastbourne, Sussex – A lovely place for a swim and a traditional holiday in this Victorian beach resort, the front is unspoilt by shops and arcades with only hotels allowed: meaning the seafront looks much as it did a hundred years ago with one of the best looking piers in England as well.
Portrush Whiterocks, Co. Antrim – The limestone cliffs that back the beach have caves and archways to explore while the beach itself is sandy with beautiful azure waters.
Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire – Close to the Pembrokeshire National Park this is an isolated area of Wales yet well worth the trip to this sandy blue flag beach.
Achmelvich Bay, Scottish Highlands – White sandy beaches and clear as crystal waters this is a hidden paradise on Scotland’s West Coast.
10 Things to do in The UK
Seven Sisters Country Park, near Seaford, East Sussex – Source
Visit a Country House – Britain has many grand country houses and castles right across the country and nowadays more seem to be open to the public than not. Many of the best are owned and maintained by the National Trust or English Heritage.
Visit a Museum – The UK is not only well stocked with museums but many are free, generally public sector run museums, these include the fantastic Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Imperial War Museums.
Visit a Country Pub – Britain’s traditional country pubs are often the centres of ruual communities and many date from the 16th century or earlier. A large number also have their own breweries with unique ales.
Visit a Lido – Lidos are outdoor pools, many of them at seaside resorts and filled with seawater, popular in Victorian times through to the 1920s and 30s many still remain in existence and are great fun in summer.
Watch a Cricket Match – It could be a test match or county match at one of England’s great grounds such as Lords, the Oval or Trent Bridge but it could equally be a village match, just as exciting and keenly contested.
Visit a National Park – Britain is in parts densely populated with many large sprawling cities but in most areas of the country you aren’t far from a National Park, where protected landscapes allow people to get away from it all.
Visit a Farmer’s Market – As well as fresh produce Farmer’s markets often have traditional British delicacies homemade on local farms.
Visit a City Park – Many of London’s parks were originally Royal Parks later opened to the public, while in Northern cities their grand parks were mainly opened in Victorian times to give those working in the factories, mines and mills the chance to enjoy clean, green spaces.
Watch a Play – Britain has a thriving theatre culture including many musicals that as well as being shown in the West End also tour the country. Plays also though include dramas, mysteries and often quite dark comedies, many performed by local but highly professional local groups.
Go to a gig – The UK has a thriving music scene as well as many artists that have conquered not just the UK but the world most towns have local bands playing gigs in town and city centre pub’s back rooms.
11 Adventure sports in The UK
Go-Karting on Hastings Seafront, East Sussex Coast – Source
Go-Karting – The British love motorsport and there are some great race tracks to visit but why not get racing yourself at a Go-Kart track either indoor or outdoor.
Open Water Swimming – Either in the sea or in freshwater the UK has many beaches that are ideal for swimming, with lifeguards in attendance. Freshwater lakes and lochs around the country provide beautiful spots for a dip too.
Rock Climbing – Many of the best spots for Rock Climbing n the UK are along its many areas of rocky coastline, the Lake District is also a popular Rock Climbing centre with other National Parks often having Rock Climbing centres too.
Mountaineering – The Welsh mountains in and around Snowdonia are popular for mountaineering and in winter especially can be quite challenging. The Cairngorms in Scotland though are among the most challenging mountains, especially in winter when conditions can change fast and mean you should always have a qualified lead.
Windsurfing – Along the coasts of Britain, especially the South Coast, there are some great windsurfing spots with reliable long shore breezes. There are windsurfing centres around the country including on inland lakes that are ideal for learning in safety.
Kayaking – Depending on how energetic you feel you could choose a gentle trip down a wide, slowly flowing river or choose a river such as the Dart that is fast flowing and a real challenge.
Gliding – See the UK from the air with a gliding experience, go with an instructor but once in the air take the controls as you glide above Britain’s green and pleasant landscape.
Skiing – Skiing is possible almost every winter in the Cairngorms and elsewhere in the Scottish highlands, the Cairngorms have one of the best developed ski resorts.
Bog Snorkelling – Originally a Welsh sport it now has a World Championship, bog snorkelling usually takes place in a peat bog using a snorkel, mask and flippers to navigate through water filled trenches found in the bogs.
Mountain Biking – Mountain biking is a great way to see the countryside across the UK and there are many long distance mountain bike trials with plenty of convenient places to stay along the way on a multi-day trip.
Geocaching – Geocaching is popular in many countries but seems to have really taken off in the UK, get the geocaching app on your phone and hunt down geocache boxes either in the towns and cities or out in the countryside.
4 Top Camping and Hiking spots
Dartmoor – Source
Lake District, – Explore the hills and waters in Cumbria on foot before staying in one of the basic and isolated private campsites deep in the National Park
Dartmoor – You could stay at somewhere like the River Dart Country Park right by the river Dart and with everything you could want, including plenty for the kids to do but you could also stay at one of the much more basic and rural sites and can plan to walk between them over a few days.
The Yorkshire Dales – Offers walks that take you up and down generally gently sloped hills and many of the campsites in the park are located on high ground with beautiful views.
Scottish Highlands – The Highlands cover a wide area and this means even in summer you can find an area to hike where you will see few others for those who want to feel they really are cut off from it all. You will need to find a campsite to stay in though and should plan ahead rather than assuming you will find one along the way.
12 Hotels to Stay in The UK
The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR
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Stunning outside, stunning inside this hotel is a slice of Victorian upper class London with some of the best service in the world.
Big Blue Hotel, Ocean Boulevard, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, FY4 1ND
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Right by the pleasure beach this four star hotel is very family friendly and with great service, though things can be noisy in the early evening so don’t expect to get an early night.
The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
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Facilities in this five star hotel, just opposite the train station, include a beautiful indoor pool, room service and a great restaurant.
Ardeonaig Hotel, South Loch Tay Side, Ardeonaig, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park FK21 8SU
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With views of Loch Tay a great base for touring the area by foot or by car from this cosy old coaching house.
A popular Romantic getaway the Langtry Manor is close to the centre of Bournemouth but in its own grounds giving peace and quiet.
The Oriental, 9 Oriental Place, Brighton BN1 2LJ
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A little set back from the Seafront this could be described as a Boutique Hotel but not where uniqueness is forced in place of comfort. Rooms are a good size and some have a seating area making your room a good place to get back to and relax after a day taking in everything Brighton has to offer.
Signature Living, 38 / 40 Victoria Street, Liverpool L1 6BX
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These serviced apartments in the city centre are great value and ideal for couples or groups of friends spending a few days in the city, apartments are modern and trendy.
Bloc Hotel, Caroline Street, Birmingham, B3 1UG
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From the outside this hotel looks a bit more like a police station but inside the rooms are a generous size and nicely appointed making it a good step up from a budget chain hotel.
The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Millbay Road, Plymouth PL1 3LG
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Only a short distance from the city centre and from the Hoe this grand old hotel is great value and offers suites as well as standard sized rooms and features a grand ballroom and a tower: the turrets of which give a great view down to the sea.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa, Thompson’s Lane, Cambridge CB5 8AQ
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In the centre of the city by Jesus Green this hotel is convenient for those wanting to see the University buildings and rooms are modern and airy with full length full width windows; with the spa facilities as well this is also a popular romantic weekend getaway.
Old Swan Hotel, Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SR
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Close to the International centre that often has festivals and events on as well as the Turkish Spa, this is also the hotel where Agatha Christie hid out when she famously disappeared in 1926.
Hydro Hotel, Mount Road, Eastbourne, BN20 7HZ
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To the west of the town centre as the seafront starts to slope up towards Beachy Head the Hydro Hotel is a grand Victorian hotel with views of the sea and downs.
15 Resorts to Stay in The UK
St Ives, Cornwall – Source
Bournemouth & Poole, Dorset – One of the UK’s fastest growing conurbations there are a series of resorts all joined together here from Christchurch and Boscombe in the east through Bournemouth and then on to Poole in the East: all with sandy beaches and traditional seaside attractions including a particularly good aquarium in Bournemouth
St Ives, Cornwall – A seaside fishing town with its origin in the 5th century but now popular too for the quaint and laid back feeling you get staying here.
Morecambe, Lancashire – A resort town built up to serve nearby mill towns’ workers in the 19th and 20th centuries and in decay until a recent resurgence where people have started to rediscover the beautiful Morecambe Bay and famous Morecambe Sands.
Brighton, Sussex – A big party town Brighton has great clubs from small niche clubs to mega clubs and great live music venues. The Royal Pavilion, the Palace Pier and the Lanes with its unique shops are just a few more of the city’s attractions though.
Ryde, Isle Of Wight – On the Isle Of Wight this little town remains a simple seaside resort known for its sea food and the UK’s oldest pier.
Skegness, Lincolnshire, – The first Butlins Holiday Park is in Skegness and is a good option for a cheap package holiday today.
Harrogate, Yorkshire – One of the UK’s few resort towns not to be on the coast: Harrogate became a resort with the spa here drawing people to take the waters in the Turkish Baths that are still open to all. The rest of the town is a charming place which regularly holds major events and festivals at the International Centre.
Eastbourne, Sussex – The Duke of Devonshire one of Eastbourne’s major landowners passed a by-law that no-one could open any shop or amusements on Eastbourne seafront: as such almost the entire seafront is lined with hotels, most of them grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings, the pier and bandstand makes the front picture perfect.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk – Known as gateway to the Norfolk broads it isn’t just the beaches that people come here for but the flat marshlands behind that are great for birdwatching and walking.
Weymouth, Dorset – Recently the site for Olympic sailing, Weymouth Bay is popular for sailing and windsurfing, close by is the popular Jurassic Coast, a world heritage site.
Lyme Regis, Dorset – Almost on the Devon-Dorset border the town feels like little more than a little fishing village with narrow cobbled streets and little crooked houses containing great seafood restaurants and quaint stores.
Torbay, Devon – Torbay is made up of both Paignton and Torquay, as seen in the comedy series Fawlty Towers. The resort is great for children who will especially enjoy the outdoor waterpark.
Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire – While neighbouring Grimsby remains a major port and industrialized town Cleethorpes is a resort with lots to do including the Pleasure Island theme park and the narrow gauge steam railway.
Blackpool, Lancashire – Blackpool is the North’s biggest seaside resort and attracts couples, families and larger groups, especially hen and stag nights, from across the whole of the UK to enjoy its Casinos, rides, clubs and other amusements, and the beach too of course.
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion – A lot more Welsh than the cities in the south of Wales and as well as having great beaches Aberystwyth is close to Snowdonia, if you want to discover Wales then this could be the resort for you.
UK Travel Tips
Costs
Expensive and cheaper areas – London can be a lot more expensive than other parts of the country though the South East is fairly expensive as well: generally the further west and north you get the cheaper things get. Drinks, food and hotel rooms probably have the widest regional variations in price
Surprisingly Expensive – There are a few things that might catch you out so check prices first for: trains at peak times, late night taxis, wine in restaurants, cinema tickets, parking(especially in London and the South East), fuel (compared to the US though only a little more than in Europe).
Solo travel
Going Out – If you are going out in the evenings on your own firstly know how you are getting home and don’t lose track of time if you are relying on a bus or train that stops running at a certain time.
Meeting People – Generally don’t accept drinks from anyone, it’s usually safer to start chatting to big groups of people rather than one or two people on their own; keep an eye on your drinks and don’t leave them unattended.
Pubs are often good places to meet people, the more low key and traditional the better, start by chatting to the barman or barmaid and they may introduce you to some of the regulars or those nearby may introduce themselves, though this varies in frequency from pub to pub and region to region.
Family travel
At the seaside – Most big seaside resorts are at least in part setup to serve families and there are often a lot of amusements as well as rides aimed at children, also look out for a traditional Punch and Judy show.
Where to stay – Chains of hotels and motels tend to be more family friendly and often have rooms with an extra sofa bed to accommodate families of up to four.
Campsites in the UK are often well developed with a lot to do for children as well including adventure playgrounds and kids’ clubs.
Safe travel
Avoid standing out – Try not to stand out as a tourist as this will make you an obvious target for thieves and pickpockets, try not to put expensive items such as electronics on show either and in crowded areas be aware of your bags and your pockets.
Use only licensed taxis and private hire cars – Check a taxi is licensed before getting in and that the driver’s ID matches the driver. If at a pub or club staff may be able to recommend a firm to call.
Budget travel
Where to stay – The UK has plenty of hostels and budget hotels with dorm rooms and rooms for larger groups but in towns where there are none a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is often a good value option.
Romantic getaways
Romantic Cities – Britain has many cities that are great for a romantic getaway such as Cambridge where you can go for a romantic punt along the river Cam (punting is taking out a boat and propelling it using a long pole on the riverbed). Harrogate, Warwick, Canterbury, York and Bath are all great for romantic city breaks too.
Rural solitude – As well as romantic breaks in towns and cities you could head for the countryside, many old country manor houses are now luxury hotels and many small picturesque villages have traditional inns with accommodation.
Regional Differences – Differences between England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
The people of each of these constituent countries have a strong identity and the way you refer to them is vital, don’t for example refer to a Scot as English. The UK is made up of these four home nations but Great Britain only really includes England Scotland and Wales so don’t refer to those from Northern Ireland as British, some won’t mind some will take offense. Once you get to recognize the main accents you should be able to work out where someone is from though regional accents may throw you off at times.
Food and drink – Culture varies around the UK and this includes food and drink, some areas eat a lot of seafood whereas London has a lot of international cuisine. Curries are popular pretty much everywhere but some of the best curry houses are in Birmingham, Manchester and Bradford as well as the Brick Lane area of London.
As for drinks Bitter is more popular in the north of England and lager more popular in the south, the Scots of course like their scotch and some bars have a choice of dozens of different whiskeys.
11 Festivals in The UK
Notting Hill Carnival, London – Source
Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, Somerset – Glasto is a massive festival based on hippie culture originally when it was founded in the 1970s. Lasting three or four days the festival attracts a mixture of new music acts and established acts as well as an assortment of other arts.
Hay On Wye Literary Festival, Powys, Wales – The town of books is a great for bibliophiles at any time of year with dozens of second hand book shops but the literary festival is a celebration of all things books including many readings by authors of their own or favourite works.
Edinburgh Festival, Scotland, – Not one festival but dozens happening throughout late July and August they include music, arts literature but maybe most famously comedy.
Notting Hill Carnival, London – Each August Bank holiday for two days, the world’s second largest street festival, second only to Rio, takes place. The Trinidad and Toboggan community in London lead the celebrations but many different Afro-Caribbean groups take part.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London – A major early summer event where gardeners come together to set up the most fantastic gardens all in one place to compete for prizes in a number of categories.
England’s Medieval Festival, Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex – Includes re-enactments of 13th and 14th century battles, jousting and archery competitions, falconry and stalls selling medieval style handicrafts.
Vintage Festival, Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire – Celebrating British Fashion from the 1930s through to the 1990s: plenty of live music as well as vintage clothing stalls and fashion shows.
Reading and Leeds Rock Festivals, Berskshire and Yorkshire respectively – Twin festivals with generally the same artists both events take place over three days every August Bank Holiday, weekend tickets include camping and the vibrant atmosphere continues all night.
Grassington Festival – An electic mix of arts and music in this Market Town in the Yorkshire Dales, look out for poetry and book readings, performing arts, jazz, film screenings and big name comedians.
Green Man Festival, Powys, Wales – Located in the Brecon Beacons the Green Man Festival is a long running weekend long folk festival with new and classic folk musicians.
Great British Beer Festival, Olympia, London, – British Ales are something you should at least try while in the UK, if you find you like them then come along to the Great British Beer Festival that attracts beer enthusiasts from around the world with around 800 casks ales to try but also ciders and international beers.
12 places to Shop in The UK
Westfield Sheppard’s Bush, London – Source
Camden Market, Camden Lock, London – With barely a single chain store in sight you are bound to find something new here in this warren of stores, many sell original fashion, often run by the designers themselves, there are also stores selling homewares, music antiques and oddities.
Westfield Sheppard’s Bush, London – One of London’s biggest shopping centres and known for its flagship stores and luxury brands, with stores here it is easy to spend a lot without even realising it.
Lakeside, Essex – Close to London in Thurrock, Essex around half a million people come to shop here every week in the 250 stores.
Brighton’s Lanes, Sussex – Brighton’s lanes are a series of narrow streets close to the city centre, with a great number of unique stores selling some of the latest and most outrageous fashions plus plenty of record stores and more.
Manchester Arndale Centre, Lancashire – The UK’s largest city centre shopping centre the Arndale centre dominates the commercial heart of Manchester though there are arguably more interesting stores on the streets around.
Bicester Outlet Village, Oxfordshire – A designer outlet centre where you can get bargains on a range of high end brands including Ralph Lauren and Gucci, typically there is a wider choice than in the brands’ other stores with savings of around 60%.
Metro Centre, Tyneside – Europe’s biggest shopping centre with 340 shops in the main centre and larger stores in the adjoining retail park: If you can’t find what you want here you probably won’t find it anywhere.
Bath, Somerset – Bath has a large number of independent boutiques selling high fashion including designer dresses and suits, beauty products and plenty of handbags.
Glasgow’s West End, – As well as plenty of fashion stores and the other usual chain stores Glasgow has a large number of art shops and craft stores.
The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent – Tunbridge Wells serves those with some money and some style and there are a number of boutique stores as well as a few great homeware and kitchenware stores.
Harrogate, Yorkshire – Taylors of Harrogate the tea merchants is one of Harrogate’s most famous stores and being a town surrounded by farms and rural communities there are also a choice of country outfitters and traditional stores including Hooper’s Department Store.
Portobello Road, Chelsea, London – Portabello road is known for selling second hand items including antiques, homewares and vintage fashion; on Saturdays the Potabello market expands your choice even further.
12 Restaurants in the UK
Apsleys, 1 Lanesborough Place, London
Within the Lanesborough Hotel this is a highly classy restaurant but with the difference that families are made welcome and children entertained rather than frowned upon.
Prashad, 86 Horton Grange Road, Bradford BD7 2DW
Bradford is known for its Curry houses and this is often considered the best with great service as well as great food.
Petrus, 1 Kinnerton Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 8EA
Fine dining with the best French cuisine has to offer, which Petrus do it as well as any restaurant in France itself.
Dubh Prais, 123B High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SG
Plenty of Scottish dishes done very well and a choice of more than just kippers or Haggis, though Haggis certainly is an option.
There are a lot of Italian restaurants in Britain but this one sells genuinely great genuine Italian dishes.
Mourne Seafood Bar, 34-36 Bank Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
A charming little venue selling locally caught fish and shellfish, with particularly good oysters and scallops.
Pomegranate, 10 Manchester Street, Brighton BN2 1TF
Offers a range of international cuisine; great for a romantic meal and popular for pre-theatre meals or a bite to eat before a gig.
Everest Dine, 61 Belgrave gate, Leicester LE1 3HR
Probably the best place outside of Nepal itself to try some Nepalese cuisine.
The Belgian Café, 11-23 Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3YN
Eastbourne’s Belgian Café offers great Belgian food and drink with generous portions but Mussels and Belgian Beer are the highlights with the largest range of Belgian Beers in the UK (over 50) and mussels done in dozens of different ways
Chaophraya, 20A Blayds Court, Leeds LS1 4AG
Not only do Chaopharaya serve beautiful tasting and beautifully presented Thai dishes you can also take Thai cooking classes here on certain nights.
Granite Park, 8 Golden Square, Aberdeen
A restaurant that mixes the best of Scottish food, including beautiful Aberdeen Angus steaks, with little continental flairs and twists.
The Wheel House, Upton Slip, Falmouth, TR11 3DQ
It’s almost worth coming all the way to Cornwall to eat here, though Falmouth is a very pretty fishing town, and all the fish sold in the Wheel House is freshly and locally caught.
10 Fast food joints in the UK
8 Local fast food joints
The Sugar Junction, 60 Tibb Street, Manchester M4 1LG,
A great little teashop for a traditional English Afternoon tea, although breakfasts and lunches are sold too.
Farrow’s Fish and Chips, 146 Wells Road, Totterdown, Bristol, BS8 5NS
An award winning traditional chippy with a good choice of different fish and other traditional British chip shop favourites like mushy peas, saveloys and of course don’t forget the curry sauce.
The Piemaker 38 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL
Close to the Royal Mile come here for great home-made pies during the day or late into the night.
Edo Sushi Takeaway, 24 – 26 High Court Chambers, Sheffield S1 2EP
Eat in or take out at this centrally located Sushi restaurant where every dish is made to order using the freshest fish.
Beljing Palace, Parkstone Road, Poole BH15 2PB
Not all the dishes may be genuine traditional Chinese dishes but if you want to eat Chinese as most British people enjoy it the food here is good and quick.
Soho Joe, 22 – 25 Dean Street, London W1D 3RY
Soho Joe serves mainly Mediterranean style dishes including salads, sandwiches and pizzas and is popular for lunches with tourists and office workers alike.
Bosphorus, 59 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3JS
Very good and very filling kebabs, not the standard kebabs you’d get from a late night store, making it a good choice for a great value lunch too.
Flip!, 54 Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JB
Flip! Aims to offer a good choice of fast food taking the best from around the world but keeping dishes healthy too, and they do this brilliantly.
And a couple of chains to look out for
Wimpy
In case you were wondering yes they are named after the burger munching character from Popeye and they do of course sell Burgers but in a location more like a restaurant than a traditional burger joint with plated meals.
West Cornwall Pasty Company
Without going to Cornwall these are the best and most authentic pasties you can get in most of the country, as well as original Cornish pasties with beef, potato, onion and swede they offer a range of original recipes including sweet pasties too.
If you want to tour the country a loop may make sense following the coast closely for most of the time with few places being more than two hours from the sea.
Don’t assume that because the UK is relatively small it doesn’t have a very varied landscape there are many distinctive areas and you should aim to enjoy as many National Park areas as possible.
Climate,
The UK can be wet at any time of year and in the summer there may be longer heatwaves but often rainy days will be followed by brighter days before going back to being overcast. When it does get hot it can be very pleasant and the British definitely do their best to make the most of it.
History,
The history of the UK couldn’t be summed up in a few short paragraphs without missing out several major events but the following should serve as an introduction.
The Romans changed Iron Age Britain immeasurably and connected it up with the rest of the world as well as establishing cities such as London, Manchester and Chester. After the Romans left various small tribes and kingdoms, including newcomers from Germany and Scandinavia, competed for land but by the time of the Norman Conquest an English nation had been established.
A monarchy has remained, not always in good health, ever since with the exception of the short period where England and Scotland were republics following the English Civil war. This didn’t last for long though and Charles the second, son of Charles the first, came to the throne 11 years after his father had been beheaded. It was only in 1707 though under Queen Anne that England and Scotland merged to form Great Britain and not until 1901 that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was created.
The 19th century saw the industrial revolution and the British Empire make Britain rich and powerful but in the late 20th and early 21st century Britain’s place in the world has changed and now the UK is a modern European nation moving from an industrial to a technology and services focused economy.
Economy,
Britain was of course the first country to be transformed by the Industrial revolution but now the UK is known more for R&D, technology and high tech industry than mining and mills.
The British economy is closely linked to the rest of Europe despite a psyche among many Brits that they aren’t or shouldn’t be a part of Europe.
Politics,
There are three main political parties in the UK, either Labour or the Conservatives though have won a majority in the country’s general elections, usually held every five years, since 1922 until the most recent election. The Liberal Democrats hold a significant number of seats too however making them an important part of the current coalition with the Conservatives, the first coalition government since the Second World War. Though David Cameron is the Prime Minister and head of Government Queen Elizabeth the Second remains the head of state.
Culture,
As mentioned earlier each home nation has its own culture and within that different counties have their own identity while still being generally proud of their English and British culture as well. Yorkshire and Lancashire have two of the strongest regional cultures.
London also has a culture that is perhaps less traditionally British than a lot of the country, being one of the world’s most diverse cities that people from around the world have made their home and added to the culture of.
Holidays
Although a lot of the British go on holiday outside of Britain, especially in southern Europe, more and more people are holidaying in the UK especially outside of their main summer holidays though and resorts are therefore well developed.
Public holidays include Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday and Easter Monday as well as two bank holidays in May and one in August. There are also occasional extra bank holidays which recently included for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and The wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton.
How to Get There
Getting In
Plane
The UK’s main airports are Heathrow and Gatwick that serve London as do Stansted and Luton with good links by train into the centre of the capital. There are also major international airports at Southampton, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh plus a number of others with limited flights mainly to major European destinations.
Ferry
Car ferries can get you across to the British mainland from France, Belgium, Holland, Ireland, Spain and Sweden, the quickest route though is from Calais in France to Dover and you can come across as a foot passenger for next to nothing by looking out for deals.
Get Around
Plane
Using a plane to get around isn’t a bad idea, especially to get up to Scotland from the South or across to Northern Ireland, or the Isle of Man.
Ferry
A ferry is another way to get to Northern Ireland or the Isle Of Man and ferries service a number of small islands as well including the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland up in Scotland and the Isle Of Wight down on England’s south Coast.
Cars
If you either hire a car or bring one over with you you will find that Britain has a generally good network of motorways and a number of other dual carriageways that would be counted as Motorways in many countries. There are some areas though where major roads are single carriageway and run through a series of town, this includes a number of coastal routes meaning your trip may take longer but you will see a lot more and may discover towns and villages to stop of in to take a closer look.
Public Transport
For long distances Trains are a much quicker and more comfortable option than buses or coaches. National Express however have a good network of long distance coaches that can be a lot cheaper than taking the train.
In most smaller cities and towns buses are a good way to get around but some larger cities have urban train and tram services. This includes the Underground, Overground, Trams and Docklands Light Railway in London that form the world’s second largest urban rail service which is quick and efficient, if sometimes a little cramped.
There are also metro rail services in Glasgow and Newcastle; Nottingham, Birmingham and Manchester have tram services and a number of cities have comprehensive commuter rail networks too such as Merseyrail in Liverpool.
Australia despite being remote to much of the world’s population still doesn’t have trouble attracting in tourists and when you get here it isn’t hard to see why with one of the highest standards of living in the world, beautiful landscapes, great weather, great beaches and warm welcoming people.
Its easy to assume that Australia has a simple culture that is a carbon copy of the British culture from which most early settlers came, with many more recent arrivals to the country from Asia though as well as the Aborigines with their own history, culture and traditions Australia is a melting pot and each state has its own feel and features.
Quick Navigation
Cities to Visit in Australia
Places to Visit in Australia
Beaches to visit in Australia
Things to do in Australia
Adventure sports in Australia
Top Camping and Hiking areas
Hotels to Stay in Australia
Resorts to Stay in Australia
Australia Travel Tips
Festivals in Australia
Shopping destinations in Australia
Restaurants in Australia
Fast Food Joints in Australia
Geography, Climate, History, Economy, Politics, Culture, Holidays
How to get there, in and around
Don’t make the mistake then of only visiting one city and thinking that you’ve seen Australia: get around the vast country and don’t just stay to the cities but see some of Australia’s diverse unspoilt nature from the red heart to rainforests and Tasmania with its mountainous forested landscape.
Cities to Visit in Australia
Sydney – Source
Hobart – A state capital but much smaller than the mainland state capitals the city of around 250,000 people stretches along the Derwent river and its cooler climate gives it a different feel to other Austrialian cities.
Perth – A long way from any other big cities Perth is a self contained city stretching along a beautiful coast with everything you need here and a number of distinct areas including Fremantle which is a city in its own right.
Melbourne – Australia’s second biggest city after Sydney the two cities have a major rivalry and though it is generally accepted that Melbourne is the cultural and historical centre of the country Sydney’s residents would disagree.
Canberra – A purpose built capital with less history than Melbourne or Sydney, you shouldn’t ignore the city though that has many cultural events as well as being home to national museums and Australia’s National War Memorial.
Cairns – With only 140,000 permanent residents people from across Australia and other countries, including the Japanese and English especially, flock here for the year round sunshine, surrounding rainforests, lagoons and salt lakes, beautiful coast and the Great Barrier Reef.
Darwin – A very cosmopolitan city and traditionally the entry point to Australia for Asian immigrants Darwin is a fantastic city but some people find the heat just too much in the dry season and storms and cyclones too extreme in the wet season.
Brisbane – Brisbane has grown quickly in recent years and though the surrounding area is dominated by industry and mining the city remains a clean and attractive modern location with a thriving business heart and a climate that isn’t too hot, too wet or too cold all year round.
Sydney – Everyone should visit Sydney at some point in their lives, one of the world’s greatest cities. It is Australia’s oldest and largest but the amount of things to do and see are what make it such a don’t miss destination from the opera house and Sydney Harbour Bridge to more hidden gems like the Botanical Gardens and preserved early settlement.
Adelaide – In the centre of Australia’s wine regions and with some beaches and parks nearby the city itself has a lot to offer, its famous Fringe festival, great wining and dining experiences and much more.
Alice Springs – In the heart of the Australian continent and a base for pioneers pushing on into the interior Alice Springs still has that pioneering feel; arguably older than Sydney Alice Springs was originally an Aborigine settlement called Mparntwe.
Newcastle – Australia’s second oldest sea port and still an important port today Newcastle in New South Wales is wedged between great beaches and beautiful mountains.
Places to Visit in Australia
Uluru – Source
Ayers Rock – Ayers Rock or Uluru is a sacred place to the Aborigines and arriving there and seeing its scale for the first time you will see why and why people make the pilgrimage to the centre of the continent to visit it.
Sydney Harbour Bridge – Sydney Harbour Bridge should ideally be seen from a distance but then cross the bridge too to take it in close up and enjoy the view of the natural harbour.
Rainforest – Australia has tropical, sub-tropical and temperate rainforests, each are unique with their own flora and fauna
Eucalyptus Groves – It is generally going to be true that it isn’t the trees you come to see but their inhabitants the Koalas; they don’t eat all types of Eucalyptus though and a Koala reserve such as the one in Brisbane is the best place to see them.
Mountains of Tasmania – Mt Ossa is the highest of Tasmania’s mountains and a popular place to aim for on a hiking trip through Tasmania’s forest covered mountains.
Hamilton Island – One of the Whitsunday islands and a real island paradise within the great barrier reef, the island itself has plenty of hotels and facilities and is big enough to allow you to explore the unspoilt south of the island.
Melbourne Cricket Ground – Australia’s most famous cricket ground and home to Melbourne Cricket Club try and catch a match.
Great Barrier Reef – The great barrier reef is the world’s largest coral formation and is just off the coast of north east Australia, best explored under the water snorkelling or scuba diving.
Sydney Opera House – One of the world’s most iconic buildings great to see from outside but why not catch an opera or classical music here.
Blue Mountains – Very easy to reach from Sydney being found just to the west of the city, the Blue Mountains are covered by three national parks and cover a wide area; the further you get from Sydney the quieter it gets of course.
Gold Coast – The Gold Coast city is actually a string of resorts and towns alogn the coast close to Brisbane but the coast is best known for surfing and watersports with Surfer’s paradise being one of the most iconic resorts.
Gunbarrel Highway – Mostly built in the 50s and 60s this highway opened up previously cut off parts of Australia’s interior though even now as you drive the track from Western Australia to the red heart of Australia you can go hundreds of miles without seeing any other signs of civilisation.
The Gold Coast’s Theme Parks – These include water parks like Wet n’ Wild, Seaworld which includes sharks, dolphins and polar bears and amusement parks like Dreamworld and Warner Bros with various rides and other attractions.
Bathurst – Australia’s most famous racing circuit in New South Wales, races include the famous Bathurst 1000 touring car race, or tin tops as their known, this is Australia’s answer to Daytona.
Beaches to visit in Australia
WhiteHaven Beach – Source
Bondi Beach, New South Wales – Australia’s famous Bondi beach is as much about the lifestyle as the surfing and everyone wants to come here to be seen on the closest beach to central Sydney.
Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland – Part of greater Brisbane the popular resort is great for surfing though people come here to simply relax on the beach during the day and then party at night as well.
Bell’s Beach, Victoria – More of a serious surfers’ beach its fairly out of the way location means few come here just to sunbathe.
Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia – One of Perth’s best beaches with a wide range of activities on offer, surfing of course as well as snorkelling, fishing and its popular for swimming too.
Four mile Beach, Queensland – Close to Port Douglas this is a great beach to walk along with fine soft sand; look out to the coral sea where the Great Barrier Reef lies.
Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland – This beach almost feels like the city around it is overflowing on to it and the beach is lined with bars, restaurants and clubs with the beach staying busy with revellers at night.
Manly Beach, New South Wales – Reached by ferry across Sydney Harbour there’s a feeling of getting away from it all though this is still a beach with great facilities and schools for almost every water sport going.
Ninety Mile Beach, Victoria – A popular place for fishing as well as other sports, ninety mile beach is great for walking both on the beach and the sand dunes behind: where sandboarding is another popular activity.
Noosa Heads, Queensland – Home to the Noosa festival of surfing there are a number of small beaches along the coast here in small bays.
Palm Beach, New South Wales – Close to Sydney, while Bondi beach is for everyone Palm beach is a little more exclusive and is surrounded by suburbs where some of Sydney’s richest residents live in some of the city’s biggest mansions.
Scarborough,Western Australia – On the outskirts of Perth Scarborough’s beaches are known for being relaxed and laid back.
WhiteHaven Beach – On Whitsunday island there is nothing to befoul this beautiful white beach on what is an uninhabited island, reached by ferries. The necessary trip to get here means it stays quiet though and the four mile stretch of beach means you can find your own quiet slice of paradise.
Things to do in Australia
Australian Outback – Source
Hike – Whether you prefer to go walkabout on the relatively flat desserts or get into the mountains there are plenty of hiking opportunities across Australia’s mainland, though Tasmania is still one of the most popular destinations.
Drive – Australia is big but this doesn’t stop visitors hiring a vehicle, often a camper, and heading along some of Australia’s long straight highways.
Swim – It could be indoors or outdoors swimming is a national pastime and there are some great natural spots such as lagoons, thermal pools, rivers, lakes and of course the sea.
Shop – Australians like to shop and most towns and suburbs have a mall plus the big cities offer luxury shopping from the world’s best brands and fantastic local designers too.
Party – Australians like a bit of a party and will take any excuse for a celebration, though sporting success is among the most passionately enjoyed.
Sail – Some of the most beautiful points along the Australian coast are best viewed from the sea and sailing up the coast is popular with many areas, including around Sydney, having quiet bays to weigh anchor and take a dip.
Watch some Sport – Live if possible and if not in a bar with local fans, Australians are true sports fans and most take part in sports regularly as well.
Listen to some live music – Australians enjoy a wide range of different music types from around the world and have many big festivals with international artists as well as local artists playing in bars and other venues.
Meet – Meet the Australians, the every day people whose country you have come to experience, the Australians are very welcoming and a bar is a great place to meet new people.
Eat and Drink – Australians are known more for their wine than their food but the range of different peoples who have come to the country means that there is a good range of food types wherever you go: Australian delicacies include Kangaroo, Crocodile, and Emu.
Adventure sports in Australia
Surfing – Source
Climbing – The Blue Mountains near Sydney are popular for climbing but there are locations across the country.
Windsurfing – Not as popular as surfing but a close second when it comes to watersports Australia has great conditions for the sport.
Mountain Biking – Either along trails, into the bush or on the mountains, with Tasmania being especially popular for tough climbs.
Bungee Jumping – Mainly setup for tourists bungee jumps are located across Australia and will make sure you don’t forget your trip.
Surfing – You might feel that you have to try surfing if you come to Australia, especially on Bondi beach, choose a beach or a day with conditions to match your skill though to make the most of it.
Scuba Diving – Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef takes you into an alien world with fantastic colours and sights that will see you totally lose track of time.
White Water Rafting – Baron River and the Russell River are just two popular spots for white water rafting down stream along with a skilled guide.
Zipline Canopy Tours – Usually on the edge of rainforests before they get just too dense these canopy tours show you a different part of the rainforest to what you would see from the ground and one of the best is close to Cairns.
Skydiving – See Australia from above, the coast close to the Great Barrier Reef being a popular spot as is close to Ayer’s Rock.
Kitesurfing – It may be best to take a course and this can take a little while to get the hang of but after a few hours you should be able to get going with this exhilarating sport.
Caving – The Wee Jaspar Caves near Canberra are among Australia’s most impressive with tiny gaps giving you access to impressive natural halls, fit for a mountain king.
Hang Gliding – Hang gliding, like skydiving, is great for seeing the topography or cities of Australia from the air: though hang gliding is a little more relaxed and can last longer too.
Sand Boarding – Surfing the dunes in Victoria or on Kangaroo Island is easy if you’re an accomplished snowboarder, if not then prepare to fall over a few times but its still great fun.
Top Camping and Hiking areas
Mt Field National Park, Tasmania – Source
Springlawn, Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania – It’s a shame to reduce this national park to just wombats but they are a big part of the attraction within this forested area where you can camp in a large clearing.
Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay, New South Wales – Camping is possible right by these pristine white beaches and you can sit up in summer and watch whales passing by; hike along the coast or through the forests which the beaches back on to.
Poeppel Corner, Simpson Desert National Park, Queensland – One for experienced hikers and campers able to take all they need with them and survive in these harsh and hot conditions.
Mt Field National Park, Tasmania – Fairly easy short hikes take you through the fern forests with their enormous swamp gum trees that tower like skyscrapers over 100 metres tall.
The Fortress, Grampians National Park, Victoria – The fortress is a camping ground giving great views along the Grampian mountains and the first stop on a popular three day hiking trail.
Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales – One of Australia’s largest national parks you can camp pretty much where you like making it ideal for hiking where you don’t want to have to make it to a specific site each night.
The Grotto, Wyndham, Western Australia – Its hot up here in Wyndham and long hikes taking you too far from water aren’t advisable, the grotto has a water hole fed by a waterfall and is a good place to base yourselves from: you will want to take a dip to cool down quite regularly.
Hotels to Stay in Australia
Simpsons of Potts Point Hotel, 8 Challis Ave, Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales 2011,
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In a great location a luxury Boutique hotel with 12 rooms in a converted Victorian mansion.
The Langham, Melbourne, 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria 3006,
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A great 5 star in central Melbourne, popular with business travellers and tourists and with great facilities.
Snooze Inn, 383 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland 4006,
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A little better than a hostel but still great value with clean and tidy, if quite small, rooms.
Geared towards tourists and family friendly this great value three star has a pool and a river front location.
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort, 51 Anderson Road, Cairns, Queensland 4870,
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A holiday park including self contained apartments but with a great restaurant on site so you don’t have to cook: you get your own outdoor space and use of a pool and great facilities for kids.
Clydesdale Manor, 292 Sandy Bay Road, Hobart, Tasmania 7005,
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In a converted manor house close to Sandy Bay in Hobart the hotel is far enough from the city centre to give you some real peace and quiet.
Edge of the Forest, 25 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, Western Australia 6285,
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Unsurprisingly a hotel on the edge of a forest a real get a way retreat with plenty of opportunities for walking nearby and a choice of rooms or suites.
Woodlands Bed and Breakfast, 348 Oxley Highway, Port Macquarie, New South Wales NSW 2444,
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A popular stop off point for those heading along the coast on a road trip, book ahead if possible as the three rooms go fast.
Seymours on Lydiard, 302 Lydiard St., Ballarat, Victoria 3350,
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A small but luxurious hotel with all the facilities you would expect from a much bigger city centre hotel.
Kingfisher Motel, 105 Merimbula Dr, Merimbula, New South Wales 2548,
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The standard of motels in Australia vary greatly but can be really good as is the case here with clean and well-decorated rooms, pools outside and beautiful surroundings.
Resorts to Stay in Australia
Gold Coast, Queensland – Source
Byron Bay, New South Wales – Important to the history of Australia James Cook used the bay as an anchorage and gave it its name; while here for the heritage you can also enjoy a number of cultural events such as the annual writers’ festival.
Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland – A popular resort for sun worshipers and surfers but things really hot up at night where the area comes alive with plenty of bars and clubs.
Kimberley, Tasmania – A spa resort based around the warm springs as Kimberly on Tasmania.
Port Douglas, Queensland – In northern Queensland this town’s tourists tend to be on the sea, in the sea or lazing close to the sea as it does get hot here meaning it can’t help but be a laid back sort of place.
Baird Bay, South Australia – Quiet and isolated Baird Bay is popular with naturalists and hikers but still brings in a lot of tourists who come to enjoy the rugged cliff lined coast and to watch the sea lion colony.
Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef – Not one for those with Herpetophobia this tiny granite island in the middle of the great barrier reef is the perfect place for scuba divers and snorkelers to use as a base to explore the reef with a luxurious resort on the north of the island.
Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland – Known locally just as ‘Surfer’s’ this resort is about more than surfing, though most people do surf: its about the shopping, the restaurants and the nightlife too.
Kangaroo Bay, Tasmania – Tasmania hasn’t really had any resorts as such until the ongoing development of Kangaroo Bay, likely to be more popular with sailors than swimmers and surfers though with a yacht club recently finished.
Frazer Island, Queensland – The world’s largest sand island the existence of this island could be at risk if sea levels keep rising for now though you can take in rainforest, heath, and animals including kangaroos, wallabies and sea turtles.
Dundee Beach, Northern Territory – A tropical beach resort at a relaxed fishing town with plenty of campsites.
Gippsland, Victoria – Popular for getting away at the weekend with Melbourne residents there’s plenty to do though it’s quiet during the week outside of high summer.
Australia Travel Tips
Australia Travel – Source
Costs – Prices on food, drink, clothes and other essentials, including fuel, vary greatly between the major cities and populous areas and the remote areas away from the coast; if taking a road trip stock up before you go.
Solo travel – Australia is a country where solo travel is perfectly viable as long as you take sensible precautions, however if you are heading into remote and rural areas especially mountains or deserts don’t go alone and wait until you’ve made some friends who are happy to have you along.
Family travel – Australia is popular with backpackers who explore the entire country, with children in tow this becomes difficult but by hiring a car you can tour areas such as the coast between Melbourne and Sydney or along the gold coast in Queensland. You may get more out of your break staying in a child friendly resort though and many Australians holidays as families along the Queensland coast’s resorts.
Safe travel – As well as the normal precautions you’d take in any country against crime you also have to stay safe from nature in this country, the weather, animals and even plants.
On routes such as the gun barrel you can check in with local police before you go and let them know when you arrive so if you do break down you can be found; many National Parks have similar systems for hikers.
Budget travel – Australia is setup to make travel easy for backpackers and you will find inexpensive hostels and campsites across the country, make sure you bring a tent and sleeping bag then. If you are time-rich but cash-poor you can become a fruit picker if you arrive at harvest time and earn a little extra money to keep you going.
Driving – Check all driving laws and rules before you go but particular dangers to look out for include trucks driving at dangerous speeds, its best to just slow down and let them get past. Some remote routes have few fuel stops so fill up some jerry cans and plan your route in advance.
Eating Out – Australia has a wide range of cuisine including some, think Indonesian and Balinese, that you will rarely see elsewhere. Australians love their steak but as well as beef it could easily be kangaroo or emu with crocodile meat quite common as well.
Respect for nature – You will come across a number of diverse but fragile habitats and while you are encouraged to enjoy and explore be respectful and remember that animals such as kangaroos, wombats and koalas are wild animals; in sanctuaries where orphaned animals have been rescued you can feed them and have a cuddle but in the wild this isn’t acceptable.
Festivals in Australia
Australia Day – Source
Australia Day, Nationwide – A public holiday celebrating everything Australia this is the mother of all parties with events across the country. Australia Day barbeques are common and families often get together but going out in the cities to events including concerts and fireworks is popular too.
Canberra Festival – If you think that the purpose built capital has no culture head to the Canberra festival for a 17 day long cultural extravaganza.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney – One of the world’s most famous new year’s eve parties up there with Time’s Square the fireworks over Sydney Harbour Bridge are broadcast around the world.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – All are welcome whatever your orientation and the carnival atmosphere and bright colours are all integral parts of the world’s biggest gay pride festival.
Adelaide Fringe Festival – The Southern hemisphere’s answer to Edinburgh Fringe this is a really international festival with all sorts of arts represented.
The Dreaming Festival Queensland – A traditional Aboriginal festival where they show off the beauty and history of their unique culture and arts.
Melbourne International Film Festival – Including features and shorts, international blockbusters and small budget movies by local talent.
Big Day Out, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, – A major international music festival with many of the world’s biggest artists each year as well as new up and coming acts on multiple stages over multiple days.
Queen Street Mall – Brisbane – Source
Chapel Street, Melbourne – Not just for shopping but also the centre of the restaurant and entertainment district of Melbourne this is the city’s beating heart.
Bridge Road, Melbourne – A street for clothes shopping including luxury brands, outlets and unique shops selling the latest from local designers.
Pitt Street Mall, Sydney – A pedestrianised street with a lot of big chain stores including many of Australia’s brands’ flagship stores; look out for exclusive products and offers here.
Westfield Centrepoint, Sydney – One of Westfield’s biggest and most popular shopping malls in the country there are a number of other malls nearby, together offering perhaps the biggest shopping choice in Australia.
Queen Street Mall, Brisbane – A number of malls and arcades in one including the Myer Centre and Wintergarden for fashion shopping.
Westfield, Chermside, Brisbane – On the outskirts of Brisbane this massive mall includes David jones, Myer and Harris Scarfe department stores.
King Street, Perth – Home to many luxury brands outlets including Gucci and Louis Vitton come here if you have a lot of money burning a whole in your pocket: it will soon disappear.
Rundle Mall, Adelaide – An outdoor mall there are over 600 shops along this pedestrianised area from small independents to major national chains.
Chasdstone Shopping Centre, Malvern East, Melbourne – The biggest shopping centre in Australia over in the Malvern East area of Melbourne has 190,000 square metres of shop floor space.
Canberra Centre, Canberra – The capital’s main shopping centre with everything from luxury to discount brands there are also restaurants and entertainments such as a cinema
Restaurants in Australia
Sokyo, Level G, The Darling, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street Pyrmont, Sydney, New South Wales,
A great, stylish Sushi restaurant that regularly gets great write-ups and awards.
The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, corner of Normanby Road and Clarendon Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3205,
Melbourne is famous for its trams and you can enjoy Australian dishes in this original tramcar.
Lenzerheide Restaurant, 146 Belair Road, Hawthorn, Adelaide, South Australia 5062,
A luxury restaurant serving a range of European dishes with a focus on Swiss dishes, ideal for a special date or anniversary.
Havana Music Café, 113 Lake Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870,
Mainly Caribbean dishes including fantastic Jerk Chicken; the cocktails are also great as is the live music and general atmosphere.
Jonah’s On The Beach, Cnr Shortland Esplanade & Zaara St, Newcastle, New South Wales 2300,
Enjoy the ocean view while you eat at Jonah’s that sells good value dishes including Australian food.
C-Grill, Chifley Hotel 60-62 harbour St, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500,
A typical Australian restaurant in many ways selling steaks and other popular Australian dishes but the quality makes it a cut above most steakhouses.
The Metz Café, 119 St John Street, Launceston, Tasmania 7250,
Not a great choice for a quiet romantic evening but good food and good service and after your meal stick around in the bar of this thriving venue.
Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant, Corner of Lake & Gatton Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870,
With Bali only a little way to the north and a popular destination for Australians its surprising there aren’t more Balinese restaurants, a must try and great value.
Rustico Tapas and Bar, 61 Rockingham Beach Road Rockingham, Perth, Western Australia,
A proper Tapas bar rather than a restaurant selling Tapas, you can eat at the bar or at a table and stay as long as you like afterwards to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and regular live entertainment.
Just a little way out of the city centre this place feels like it is aimed at locals much more than tourists and the prices reflect that, the fact they rely on repeat custom also means the food has to be excellent and it is.
Serves great big delicious burgers that are much more meaty than you’d get at a lot of chains there’s plenty of choice too.
Casa Pepe Byron Street, Byron Bay, New South Wales
A vegetarian restaurant but don’t let that put you off even if you usually like to get your teeth into some meat as the pizzas, pies and other choices here taste delicious.
Quick Bite Take Away, Yulara Shopping Centre, Yulara Drive, Yulara Northern Territory
At the resort by Ayer’s Rock you’d expect to pay a lot but this take away offers great value and is a lifesaver for backpackers on a budget.
Dylan’s on the Terrace, 82 Stirling Tce, Albany, Western Australia 6330
Popular for breakfasts and brunchs as well as late night snacks there’s a massive choice of food and drinks available to eat in or takeaway.
5 Nationwide Chains:
Hungry Jacks – Basically Burger King but under a different brand you can still get your Double Whopper here plus a few local variants.
Red Rooster – Specialising in chicken though this includes chicken burgers you can get decent roast chicken portions here too for a much healthier and additive free option than most fast food outlets.
Oporto – A fast food joint with a Portuguese theme selling grilled chicken and burgers mainly, with Portuguese style sauces and marinades.
Eagle Boy’s Pizza – A national Pizza chain with a great range of pizzas and some really interesting options such as Reef and Beef, Spanish Tapas and Butcher’s Block pizzas.
Noodle Box – Actually you can get rice or noodles here in a variety of styles and in a convenient chow mien style box.
What else you need to know
Geography – The British originally only claimed half of the continent and it wasn’t until quite a lot later that more of the continent was explored including the vast interior. The British had made Australia into 6 self governing crown colonies and these plus Tasmania became the states of today.
Australia’s interior tends to be dry and arid but this isn’t the case everywhere and there are a number of distinct desert areas rather than one vast dessert. The most fertile land is close to the coasts and along a few river valleys coming down from mountainous areas; even these areas though can be hit hard by drought.
Climate – Australia is a continent and so in the same way as other continents you can’t sum up the climate for the whole place. The north of the country is tropical and stays hot all year round, the seasons here are dry and wet and you are best to visit in the dry season as cyclones can reek havoc in the wet season. Round the middle of Australia in cities such as Perth and Brisbane it stays warm all year round but without the wet season or extreme temperatures further north.
In the south of the country the winters can get cool if not cold; though a warm spell can hit in winter too the best weather is in the summer. Then there is Tasmania, the environment here is temperate and it can get cold in winter especially a little way up into the mountains.
History – Home for about 40,000 years to the Aborigine people the first Europeans to discover Australia came here in 1606 but it wasn’t until 1770 that the continent was claimed by Great Britain and then settled from around 1778 as a penal colony. A large number of Australians have British or Irish ancestors then but since earliest colonial times the Chinese and other Asian people have immigrated here with major influxes during the gold rush of the late 19th century and in the mid 20th century.
The country became independent from Britain in 1901, though still closely linked, but since then the country has thrived with important industrial areas and business and financial centres that have made it a major world player with a high level of wealth and one of the highest standard’s of living.
Economy – The Australian economy is some would say overly dependent on mining and on the two big mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, in turn demand from China provides a large amount of the wealth that mining brings in and as such when China sneezes Australia gets a cold.
The Australian securities exchange is the ninth largest stock exchange in the world and Australia is home to many major international banks and financial services companies. Exports are made up of commodities and services primarily therefore with agriculture also being an important part of the economy with many large ranches for beef and lamb and production of fruit and of course some of the world’s best wines.
Politics – Queen Elizabeth II is still the head of state in Australia, which is a constitutional monarchy. The government itself is divided into three areas: the legislature, the judiciary and the executive; the Legislature being the country’s parliament is separated into the Senate and House of Representatives with the prime minister being the head of government.
Using preferential voting, in every state but Tasmania, Australians elect the House of Representatives every three years normally with the Liberal and Labour parties being the two main political parties, though in recent elections minor parties including the National party have done well.
Culture – The Australian culture is certainly influenced by the Anglo and Irish cultures but Asian cultures also have an effect on the national psyche. Though Aborigine culture is still strong amongst those or Aborigine decent it has little influence on the culture of the nation as a whole.
Australians are lovers of art, music and have some fantastic architecture but above all they love sport: the climate and opportunities to enjoy unspoilt landscapes surely a reason for this.
Holidays – National holidays in Australia include Australia day when the country celebrates the country as a whole and Labour Day celebrating the Labour movement, ANZAC Day remembering those who died fighting for Australia and the Queen’s birthday along with Christmas Day, Boxing Day New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday are all public holidays.
Australians regularly holiday in their own country with many from the southern cities of Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney heading up to Cairns or the Gold Coast with its theme parks and resorts or across to Perth; Darwin and the very north is often seen as too hot though. Australians love to travel however and many go to south east Asian destinations, the Philippines and Indonesia especially Bali, Australians can generally be found backpacking in almost any city in the world though.
How to get there.
Getting in
Plane – Qantas is the national flag carrier and can get you to any of Australia’s main city’s airports though for places such as Tasmania and Darwin a transfer may be required. Most flights from Europe have a stop over in South East Asia, often Singapore or Bangkok, this can give you a little bonus on your trip. As well as going east from Europe though consider the slightly longer trip west with a US stopover often in Los Angeles: these flights are often cheaper. From most major American cities you can go direct to at least Sydney and Melbourne.
Other options
The only other options for getting to Australia really is to seek passage from South East Asia on cargo ships and end up somewhere like Darwin
Getting around
Driving – The distances between state capitals are massive and the logistics to make sure you will have enough food, water and fuel can be a headache in some areas. At the same time you get to see a lot more including small towns and unspoilt wilderness.
Trains – You can get trains between all of the mainland state capitals: however to get from Darwin to the east coast you have to go almost all the way back to the south coast and come back on yourself though you get to travel right across the centre.
Internal Flights – Most Australians who just want to get from city to city use internal flights to get around, even for relatively close cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
Getting to Tasmania
You can fly to one of Tasmania’s two main airports at Hobart or Launceston or get a ferry across, do bare in mind though that the ferry takes you to the north of the island and you still have a long way to go to Hobart.
Australia is somewhere that many people go back to again and again and still feel they have missed things, then again most Australians would still like to see more of their diverse and beautiful country.
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The next five futuristic buildings in Morocco are something to be seen.
1- Al Noor Tower, Morocco:
Headed by Sheikh Tarek M Binladen and developed by Middle East Development, Al Noor Tower project is aiming to provide high living standards and flourishing economies. With the height of 540m, this project will be completed in 2018 and will generate employment, investment opportunities and simultaneously improve road rail infrastructure. The skyscraper will consist of 114 floors and all these floors will be used for offices, retail outlets, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment purposes.
2- Othmane Benjelloun Bouregreg:
The project of the richest man in Morocco, Othman Benjelloun Bouregreg building will be completed in 2018. In the beautiful city Rabat in Morocco, Othman Benjelloun Bouregreg is usually called the crazy project of its owner with the 65 floors. According to the report of the magazine Economy & Enterprises, overall investment falls 100 million dollars (1 billion dirhams). It should be built in the valley of Bouregreg.
3- Sand Tower:
Configured and designed by the French practices OXO architects and Nicolas laisné associés to cope with the demands of the Sahara desert. This conceptual project is imaginary as a vertical city towering above the vast wilderness of Sahara.
4- Casablanca Trade Center:
Casablanca region is considered the major source of the development of the Moroccan economy. It also appeals 32% of the country’s production elements, 16% of agriculture and 56% of industrial labor. With 60 floors and advanced technology, Casablanca Trade center is the backbone of Morocco. In postmodern architectural style and high rise structural type, this trade center is associated with global brands and Maghreb region.
5- Hassan-II-Mosque:
In the heart of key financial and commercial area, Hassan-II-Mosque is situated in Casablanca and considered in the top 10 tallest buildings in Africa. This flamboyant building was built and partially funded by King Hassan II and completed in 1993.
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