If you are planning a trip, one thing to consider is how safe a country is. The list below lists 10 of the safest countries to visit based on domestic and internal conflict, harmony within a nation, weapons imports, and political stability. Read on…
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Ireland, or the Emerald Isle, the home of Guinness is a very safe place to visit. It ranks as one of the top safest countries according the ‘Global Peace index’ ( or GPI, which measures the level of peace in a country). It gets high marks for low political instability and political terror, and faring well in U.N. peacekeeping funding.
Out of all the countries in Asia, Japan is the only country to make this list. The food alone is enough to visit, as well as the majestic landscapes. The safety and peace index notes the limited access to weapons and low homicide rate. It is also very easy to get around the country.
Singapore also ranked as one of the worlds smartest cities. It is a savvy business city and is safe to visit. It has low levels of domestic and international conflict. Society is also safe here.
Czech Republic
The country that was home to the Velvet Revolution got 1.381 points for low per-capita military spending and relatively few acts of violent crime.
Canada
Canada is a safe place to visit. Renowned for its beautiful and still mostly untouched nature, Canada is the largest country in North America and the second largest in the world. A country with close ties to the US and Europe, Canada is a popular touristic destination for its natural wonders such as the Niagara falls, its vibrant cities and high quality of life standards.
Denmark
Denmark regularly ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and its also one of the safest.
Iceland is at the top of the list for low numbers of homicides, people in jail and terror acts. It is also an island which makes it hard to have border disputes.
14 nights accommodation in a self-contained apartment
Grocery starter pack
Welcome kit for Live Like a Local Guests
Services advice & emergency assistance office
Live Like A Local – Gold Coast Australia
A travel highlight for most Globetrotters is to mingle and interact with locals. But to actually live amongst them, even for just a short time, is an experience of a life time. The Gold Coast dares you to try everything it offers. Mingle with dolphins and polar bears at world-class theme parks, dig your toes into fine white sand, ride sparkling waves, visit an island and explore the lush, subtropical Hinterland.
Whatever pace or possibilities you want from a holiday destination, you will find them on Australia’s Gold Coast. Enjoy the warmth and sunshine of a subtropical climate, relax on endless golden beaches or explore the untouched beauty of ancient rainforests.
The Southern Gold Coast is a region of contrasts that has been popular among Australian holiday-makers for almost 100 years. There are oceanfront apartments with breathtaking views, modern shopping precincts and quality restaurants plus major sporting clubs.
EXPERIENCE COOLANGATTA
The town of Coolangatta sits near the Queensland-New South Wales border and is home to the Twin Towns Services Club and Seagulls Rugby League Club. These are among the largest sporting and entertainment venues in Australia featuring live shows, gaming machines, restaurants and world-class sporting facilities.
The region is also characterized by the slow and majestic Tweed River that winds its way through lush cane fields, farmlands and tropical fruit plantations as well as the towns and villages like Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach and Pottsville that are found dotted along the coastline.
In addition to magnificent surf beaches, attractions in this scenic part of the Gold Coast include Tropical Fruit World, Pioneer Plantation and Melaleuca Station, all offering an insight into the rich rural diversity and heritage of the Tweed Valley.
Situated at the foot of Mt. Warning is Murwillumbah, scene of the annual Tweed Valley Banana Festival and Tweed Festival of Performing Arts. Further north is one of the Gold Coast’s most famous landmarks, Currumbin Sanctuary. Millions of visitors have enjoyed the spectacle of hand feeding thousands of wild lorikeets at the sanctuary and greeting some of Australia’s most loved native animals.
Day 1 Arrive on the Gold Coast
On arrival you will be transferred to your resort and the rest of the day is free to relax
Welcome Kit
All Live Like A Local Guests receive a Backpack with special welcome gift and a selection of information – local visitor guides, maps etc. will be available at Snowbird or Live Like a Local property.
Mantra Twin Towns Resort
Mantra Twin Towns Resort overlooks the pristine beaches of the Southern Gold Coast, the sparkling Tweed River, and the area’s picturesque hinterland. This unique location at the twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweeds Heads sits astride the border of Queensland and New South Wales. This resort offers stylishly appointed hotel rooms and fully self-contained apartments with an array of facilities that are superior among Tweed hotels.
Accommodation Mantra Twin Towns Resort
Days 2 – 14 Days at Leisure
These days are completely free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available on Australia’s Gold Coast or simply relax.
Day 15 Depart the Gold Coast
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
On arrival you will be transferred to your resort and the rest of the day is free to relax
Welcome Kit
All Live Like A Local Guests receive a Goway Backpack with special welcome gift and a selection of information – local visitor guides, maps etc. will be available at Snowbird or Live Like a Local property.
Mantra Twin Towns Resort
Mantra Twin Towns Resort overlooks the pristine beaches of the Southern Gold Coast, the sparkling Tweed River, and the area’s picturesque hinterland. This unique location at the twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweeds Heads sits astride the border of Queensland and New South Wales. This resort offers stylishly appointed hotel rooms and fully self-contained apartments with an array of facilities that are superior among Tweed hotels.
Accommodation Mantra Twin Towns Resort
Days 2 – 14: Days at Leisure
These days are completely free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available on Australia’s Gold Coast or simply relax.
Day: 15 Depart the Gold Coast
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
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*Additional dates & other destinations are available, call a Travel team Agent for details at 1-800-788-0829
Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.
Notes:
Land only package (ask a travel team agent to add airfare)
Prices are per person based on double occupancy
Prices are subject to availability
Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
Prices reflect cash discount
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Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
Australia is the 6th biggest country in the world. The massive size can be overlooked by first time visitors when planning their trip. If you are visiting Australia for the first time, one of the first things you need to decide is where to go during your trip. Read this guide about the major cities in Australia to help you plan where you want to visit.
Australia’s biggest city, Sydney has approximately 4.4 million people and is built around one of the world’s most spectacular natural harbors, that has shaped the city since it’s settlement. Sydney boasts other major attractions including its Opera House, Harbor Bridge, the historic Rocks area, and excellent beaches and national parks.
Sydney is full of sophisticated spots to eat, tons of cafes and bars, while golden sandy beaches yield to the lapping water of the Tasman Sea. There are fun and often free festivals throughout the year that celebrate Australia’s rich cultural diversity.
To the north is the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. To the west is The Blue Mountains, home to dramatic scenery, bushwalks, caves and enticing spots to eat and shop. Down south there is the rugged beauty of the Royal National Park and long stretches of unspoiled coastline.
You just can’t beat Sydney in summer, their summer is our winter; (December-February), the beaches are amazing during this time although Prices do rise in December and January, so if you are trying to keep costs down choose to come in February and March, these are the months following peak season. The water and the people stay warm long after party season has settled.
May and June is festival season – Sydney literally lights up for the Vivid Sydney festival, and there’s Riesling at The Sydney Writers’ Festival followed by the Sydney Film Festival and the Darling Harbor Jazz and Blues Festival.
In spring (September-November), the first signs of magnolias and cherry blossoms appear on the suburban streets and the mesmerizing lilac of jacaranda trees are in bloom.
Melbourne is the second largest city, with a population of approximately 3.89 million. Melbourne is a vibrant multicultural city, passionate about arts, food, wine and sport. One of the few cities in the world with complete tramway systems, which have become a celebrated tourist attraction in Australia and a popular means of transport. The temperamental climate forced this booming city to look indoors and inward which created a place obsessed with art, food and coffee, packed with galleries, architectural flourishes, independent bookshops, cafés, and iconic music venues.
Melbourne boasts prized wineries and sophisticated spas, millennia-old rainforests, snow-dusted mountains, and a wild, rugged coastline that will steal both your breath away.
Summer is the most popular season with visitors, with the longest days and good beach weather (especially from January to mid-March). The Australian Open (January) draws huge crowds to Melbourne, as does LGBT cultural festival mid-summer (January-February) and White Night (February). Autumn is the best season when days are warm and festival season begins.
Winters are a bit colder in July – August. Spring offers spring blooms and festival weather.
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, has a population of around 1.95 million people, and is the third largest of Australian cities. Surrounded by the misty blue hills on Australia’s east coast, and the third largest city in Australia, Brisbane is the gateway to Australia’s favorite holiday destinations of the Gold and Sunshine coasts, especially during the colder winter months in the south. Brisbane is a popular tourism destination due to its close proximity to the beautiful cities of the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. A great way to get to see Brisbane is to jump on one of the ferries. After your cruise, stroll through the Southbank area and relax in one of the many open-air cafés and restaurants that abound
You can drive the 1,700-odd km from Brisbane to Cairns, for access to the Great Barrier Reef from several towns along the northern half of the Queensland coastline. The beaches – north and south of Brisbane and right along the coastal strip – are uncrowded and clean.
Brisbane is warm and tropical all year round. December and February gets a lot of visitors. The Great Barrier Reef attracts most people between mid-April and mid-August. Cairns is warm in winter, and hot and often very wet, with the chance of cyclones – in summer (December to February). The more north you go the warmer it gets. Also, Australian schools are out for 6 – 8 weeks in December – January, so hotel rates may be at higher rates during this time.
Perth is full of personality, shaped by its outdoor-loving residents, glittering coastline (and plenty of Australia’s best beaches), little eateries and slick wine bars. Perth is also home to the highest number of self-made millionaires in the world, per capita and has 3,000 of sunshine a year which is the most of any Australian city.
In Western Australia, it is always warm and sunny somewhere. While most people visit during summer and stick to the south, if you are there in winter, try travel northward during its dry season.
Summer in West Australia is lazy days at the beach, balmy nights, cold beers, holidays and Christmas. Autumn, which is March through May is a magical time in Perth. The summer party is over, weather is still gorgeous enough for beach-going, yet the crowds have departed the holiday hotspots. Starting in April, temperatures become more pleasant as you head to northern parts of the state, such as Pinnacles Desert, and Exmouth, where whale sharks visit until July.
During winter, many people flock north to blue skies and warmer climates. it’s the best time to explore the miraculous Kimberley region, land of billions of years old rock formations, waterfalls and Aboriginal rock art. Spring comes in September, when thousands of wildflower species bloom across the state, a perfect time for road trips and hikes.
Darwin’s proximity to Asia and its immersion in aboriginal culture make for an interesting city with one of the most youthful populations in Australia. Darwin offers a wonderful winter climate, relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle and easy access to well-known sites and spectacular wilderness areas like Uluru and Kakadu National Park, Australia’s Northern Territory is an adventurer’s paradise.
You have to visit Uluru, one of Australia’s most unforgettable attractions, is only 4 1/2 hours’ drive away. The Northern Territory also has a large Aboriginal population, and a trip to Darwin or Alice Springs is a chance to experience indigenous Australia.
Go during Australian winter, which is May to early September. In Darwin and the Top End, this season is known as The Dry, a time of gorgeous weather. A visit during the monsoon months of the Top End’s wet season (January to April) brings vivid green landscapes, electrifying afternoon storms and the chance to explore with fewer visitors.
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, which has a population of almost 1.2 million . The charming city of Adelaide in South Australia combines European heritage with Australian modernity. The city is one of the best planned in the world and its elegant architecture and generous boulevards. Thirty minutes away, and the magnificent Mt Lofty Ranges, are the Adelaide Hills. In addition to the beauty of the hills themselves with their huge gum trees and their picturesque landscapes, there are more than 1000 km of bushwalking trails and many fascinating townships to explore.
Adelaide has a huge arts community, and is also known for producing some of the finest wines in Australia, from delicate Rieslings to the robust Shiraz.
The best time to visit Adelaide is from March to May and September through November, during the city’s fall and spring. During these shoulder seasons, rainfall is rare and daytime temperatures sit in the 60s and 70s. You’ll also avoid the crowds and higher prices associated with the area’s peak season, which coincides with the summer holidays and Adelaide’s festival season
The island state of Tasmania has a population of 507,600 making it the least populated state in Australia. Its capital, Hobart, has a population of 214,700 and is Australia’s second oldest city and its southern most capital. Beginning in 1804 as a collection of tents and huts populated by a mixture of convicts, military men and civil servants, Hobart soon developed into Australia’s most southerly city. It straddles the mouth of the Derwent River and is backed by the towering Mt Wellington.
Hobart combines the benefits of a modern city with a rich colonial heritage. With beautiful Georgian buildings, the busy harbor and the easy going atmosphere make the city one of the most enjoyable and engaging in Australia.
The tourist season in Tasmania runs from about October through to the end of April. The best weather is in February and the months either side of that. Hobart itself has a steady stream of tourists all year – especially on weekends. Hobart’s main festivals for the year are between Christmas and New Year.
New Zealand is a beautiful place with so much to see and do. Planning your dream vacation can sometimes get spendy so we made a list of ways you can save money while vacationing in New Zealand. Read on for these tips and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
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Yes the food in New Zealand is mind blowing. There are nice cafés, some hip eateries, and really delicious meals. A great way to save money is to buy groceries. , New Zealand’s groceries are not that expensive. Buy some food and cook in your room if there is a kitchen or ask the hotel if there is a kitchen you can use. Ask your travel team agent for information about hotel amenities by calling 1-800-788-0829
There are a few free walking tours in New Zealand, like the Auckland Free Walking Tour or tours that offer visitors (and locals) insight into each city.
Remember that nature is free
New Zealand, home to the Great Walks of the World, has tons of free outdoor activities. While the adventure sports, wine tours, glacier treks, and boat cruises can tax your budget, all the trails and walks are free. You can easily fill your day with free hikes, excursions to the lakes, or days on the beach!
And keep in mind the majority of museums in the country are also free!
How to Plan & Maximize Your Trip to Australia & New Zealand
Traveling to Australia and New Zealand is a long distance but it is oh so worth it. If you area foodie, Melbourne is probably the best city in the world to visit; if you want to see the most beautiful city on Earth, check out Queenstown. Here are some tips to help you plan and get the most out of your trip.
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Australia is very big, a flight across Australia can take over 5 hours. In New Zealand, you have to show you have a ticket out of New Zealand before you can board a plane into the country. You will need a e-visa to enter Australia.
Best Beaches
Want to visit the best beaches? Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne have great beaches. Queensland will have the most stunning beaches. If you are in Sydney, visit Bondi Beach. In New Zealand, go to the North Island and see beautiful beaches with a laid back vibe.
If you love wine, what you drink can determine where to go. Perth is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Adelaide has some of the best Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. In New Zealand you can taste Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Syrah on both islands.
Timing
Some cities aren’t going to take a lot of time to explore. Auckland is a 2 day city; it is a gorgeous city and fairly quiet. Now if you travel to Queenstown you will want at least 4 nights there because of all the activities and sights. This also goes for Melbourne and Sydney as there is never enough time to experience all the food and sights to see.
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Australia and New Zealand have excellent quality of life and high minimum wage standards. Prices are not cheap however but the food and wine are some of the best in the world.
You will need an adapter to use Australian plugs. Rugby, Cricket and Aussie Rules Football are everywhere on television. Everyone calls each other mate and you must use a very high SPF sunscreen. The buses and mass transit in Sydney and Melbourne are great, and of course there is also Uber. You won’t find predatory animals in New Zealand but Australia is full of them.
Whether you are flying for business or your dream vacation, flying can sometimes be stressful. If you are prepared ahead of time, you can avoid any delays and stress and have a wonderful trip. Read this 8 tips for smarter airline travel…
1 Take an Uber to the Airport
Instead of driving to the airport and paying for parking, take an Uber to the airport. You won’r have to worry about paying for parking, long lines or looking for a parking spot.
2 Leave Extra Early for your Flight
No matter what the weather, leave earlier that you think you need to. Even if there isn’t ice or snow on the ground, or bad traffic, all it takes in one accident to make you get stuck in a delay and you might miss your flight.
There is no way to prevent delays, but you can be better prepared if you anticipate for them. When you are prepared, you will avoid unnecessary stress in the event something does happen.
4 Book Your Airfare in 1 Itinerary
It is much better to book your flights on one itinerary rather than to book different flights on different itineraries. If there are any delays, you might miss a flight and the airlines may not have any obligation to accommodate you. Better yet, have your travel team agent book your flights by calling 1-800-788-0829
5 Fly into your Cruise Port a day Early
Some people think if they fly into their cruise port on the day they depart they might save money on a hotel stay. This can actually be risky if your flight is delayed – you may miss your cruise departure! Be safe and fly in the night before so you don’t risk watching your cruise depart without you!
You never know if weather or other circumstances might cause a delay and throw a wrench in your plans. Make sure you have alternate plans just in case.
7 Track Your Flight Online
It is a good idea to track your flight, even days before the trip. By tracking your flight, you can see if there are any delays, and if so you can plan accordingly how to avoid any hassles or delays.
8 Buy Travel Insurance
We always recommend our client purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide coverage for all sorts of delays and even a cancelled trip that is out of your control. You can browse your own travel insurance policies, or visit travel team travel insurance policies to compare prices here….
10 tips for making travel in Australia less expensive
Australia is a must see travel destination. If you aren’t prepared, you could end up spending more than you planned. There are ways to save money when traveling to Australia. Read 10 Tips For Making Australia Travel Less Expensive….
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1. Do your homework. One of the biggest expenses of any Australia trip is the cost of airfare to get there. Always compare airlines to find who has the better deal. Better yet, have your travel team agent book your flight, we can and will always get you the best deal on flights and more! Call 1-800-788-0829 for more information
2. Time your visit. Airfare is typically most expensive between December and February, which is summer in Australia and the most popular time to visit places. The cheapest time to fly is from mid-April to the end of August. Keep in mind there is no bad time to visit Australia; you just might want to avoid traveling during peak season to save money.
3. Book flights from outside of Australia.You can save a few dollars on domestic flights by booking through the Travel Team; Travel Team Agents have access to the latest deals and lowest rates, so when you book with us, you can be sure you are getting the best rates.
4. Sign up for Travel Team newsletters. We put all of our latest deals in our newsletter. We might often have multiple deals going on at once, by signing up to receive Travel Team newsletters, you will learn of the latest deals and special offers before anyone else. Check out our website or Facebook page for hot deals.
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5. Don’t pay cash on city buses!The fare is always much more (sometime more than double) when you pay cash on boarding the bus. Instead, get a transport pass or re-loadable swipe card. You can get these from convenience stores. Stick with buses when you’re travelling around a central city. A bus-only transport pass in Sydney is MUCH cheaper than one that lets you use rail or ferries. Pay for those only when you need to.
6. Book an airport shuttle. Taxis are expensive in Australia so don’t rely on them as an option for getting to or from the airport. Taking the public bus is an option. Catching the train in from Sydney is quick and convenient but can be spendy. Ask your Travel Team Agent to arrange this for you ahead of time.
7. Self cater where you can.
If you’re staying in an apartment or hostel or touring in a campervan it’s easy to self-cater. Supermarket food in Australia is a lot more reasonable than eating out as wages are high for restaurant workers. Even if you’re not staying somewhere with catering facilities, the weather in Australia is great for picnicing and eating outdoors. It’s really easy to find shared gas BBQs in common areas in parks and beachfronts too.
9.Keep your focus. Australia is enormous — nearly the size of the continental U.S. You wouldn’t try to see the entire U.S. in two weeks, so don’t attempt to do it in Australia either. If you have limited time for your trip, fix your sights on one or two regions and explore them thoroughly — you’ll have a more relaxing experience, and save both time and money on transportation.
10. Consider a cruise.
If you’re looking to see a variety of destinations without having to unpack more than once, a cruise is a cost-efficient and convenient option.
Did you know that the Australian Outback takes up much of Australia and there are so many things to see and do? Visiting the Outback is a must do when you visit Australia. Here are the top 9 things to do in the Australian Outback.
1 Visit Uluru
When you visit the Outback you have to visit Uluru (Ayers Rock). It is an iconic symbol that lies in the heart of this red rock county reaching 1,141 feet in the air. You can see the stars from the desert, dine under the night sky, take guided tours that teach you about the history and more!
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Alice Springs Desert Park is the best wildlife park in the Outback, highlighting much of Central Australia’s plants and animals in three different desert habitats. Check out the dingoes, emus and kangaroos, who sometimes try to untie your shoelaces if you stand in one place for too long! See birds of prey that swoop down from the sky. Visit the Nocturnal House where you can discover some of the rare creatures that you aren’t likely to see in the wild.
3 Take a Helicopter Flight Over Kakadu National Park
The Kakadu national Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a 5th of all of Australia’s animals including 10,000 crocodiles, both salt and freshwater crocodiles. You can also see kangaroos, wallabies, quolls, exotic birds, ancient Aboriginal rock art and thundering waterfalls. One of the best ways to see this is with a helicopter tour where you can see it’s impressive size and have a bird’s eye view over it all.
This luxury train takes people thru some of the most breathtaking wilderness in style. witness some of Australia’s most remote towns and the striking beauty of the Outback, while making stops at places like Alice Springs, Uluru Rock, and so much more. Begin in Darwin and travel over four days and three nights, as you travel thru red heart of Australia and on to Adelaide, including several off-train excursions like a cruise on the Katherine River.
5 Watch the Sunset from the back of a Camel
Australia is home to the largest camel herd in the world. They were imported during the 19th century to help with the hard work in the Outback. There are thousands of camels that roam wild. You can take a camel ride in Broome and Kimberley as you watch the sunset as you ride on the back of the camel.
Coober Pedy was built underground and constructed out of abandoned mines in the middle of nowhere in the desert. The residents make homes underground to keep cool from the heat of the sun. The temperatures can reach as high as 125 degrees! All of the homes, churches and restaurants are underground, this is a must see!
7 Hike to the Rim of Kings Canyon with an Aboriginal Guide
Kings Canyon rises nearly 900 feet above sea level in the heart of the red rock country, created over hundreds of millions of years. See soaring domes and plateaus and an oasis with natural rock pools and all sorts of native flora. Taking a hike to the rim is one of the best ways to explore it, with guided walks available, led by Aboriginal elders who tell fascinating history information about the area.
Last Minute Deals/Checklist for Christmas & Holiday Travel
Some people are looking for last minute travel deals. If you are one of those people, read this tip list on how to score the best deals during the peak travel holiday season.
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Shop now – The longer you wait to book your last minute travel, the more you will pay.
Make sure to compare airfares – If you only look at one airline to buy a tiket you might just being paying too much. There isn’t just one airline that will have the lowest airfares. Ask a travel team agent to find the lowest airfares by calling 1-800-788-0829
Check out unpopular flight times and days of the week – You can sometimes find better deals on flights if you travel during the least popular times of day or days of the week. Flights are often cheaper overnight or very early morning as opposed to popular times to fly. Look at flights to compare those with connecting flights. Non-stop flights can be more convenient but you often pay more for this.
Travel Checklist for last-minute travel
Print boarding passes at home. It is a good idea to have a copy of your boarding pass on your phone as well printing a paper copy. Just in case there isn’t a way to print at the airport you will have an extra copy for back up.
Leave for the airport early
During the holidays the airports will be very crowded. Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes early for domestic flights and 2-3 hours early for international flights. It is better to be super early than to miss your flight.
The weight limit is up to 50 pounds and for carry-ons are sometimes up 25 pounds. You don’t want to be hit with an overweight fee that can be as high as $200!
Don’t forget important things
Make a list of important medications, eyeglasses, phones, passport and other important things. Keep the important items in your carry on bags.
There are not too many places than can rival the adventures in Australia. You will find amazing activities on land and in the sea. Try jetboating, snorkeling, sailing, 4WD in the Outback, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, zip-lining and more! Here are some of the best outdoor activities you can experience in Australia.
Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge
The Sydney Harbor Bridge is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Australia. You can take a guided climb to the top of the bridge where you will see all of Sydney as you learn history along the way. You can climb at dawn, twilight or at night for different views of the city.
Take a 4WD off the southeast coast of Queensland on 75 mile beach. There are no paved roads here; dodge dingos on the beach, explore the red-streaked cliffs of the Cathedrals. Inland, travel through subtropical rainforest and see aquamarine lakes. Fishing, mountain biking, birding, hiking, and swimming are all popular here.
Sail the Whitsundays in Queensland
The Whitsundays are made up of 74 islands and are perfect for sailing. Most of the islands are not habitated, and you will find resorts on 8 of them. Highlights of sailing around these islands as you experience dazzling silica sands of Whitehaven Beach; the Heart Reef; and the underwater wonderland with its giant clams, colorful coral, and tropical fish.
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Snorkel with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Take a snorkel off Western Australia’s North Coast at Ningaloo Reef. 200 species of hard coral, 50 species of soft coral, and a range of tropical fish. See dolphins, turtles, manta rays, whales, and the highlight are the graceful whale sharks that swim these waters, typically between April and August. The fastest way to access Ningaloo is via a two-hour flight from Perth to Learmonth Airport.
The 12 Apostles rise up from the sea like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Drive along Great Ocean Road, or for an even better view hop on a helicopter to see it from the Air! In addition to the 12 Apostles, you can also see other giant rock formations, including London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, the Sentinel, and the Arch.
Kayak Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park), Northern Territory
The Katherine River is an awesome place for Outback kayaking adventures. Kayaking the river allows you to go beyond the first few gorges and see the even more scenic gorges in the park. Organized tours, some led by aboriginal guides, typically include picnics on the sandy river side as you see peaceful waterfalls, stories about the ecology, history, and sacred sites of the area; you can also rent a kayak or canoe on your own. The safest time to kayak is May – November during the dry season.
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Surf the Jungle along Cape Tribulation, Queensland
Cape Tribulation is where you will see the coral reef and rainforest meet along white sandy beaches. Surf thru a jungle canopy World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest, on a zipline tour. This is a fantastic adventure for the whole family and no experience is needed.
Rappell down limestone cliffs in the Blue Mountains
Coming down the face of a limestone cliff into a Blue Mist is an amazing experience. Blue Mountains National Park is one of the city’s top day trips where you will see the iconic Three Sisters rock pinnacles, plunging valleys, waterfalls, and eucalyptus forests stretching as far as you can see.
Trek across the desert aboard The Ghan
The Ghan is arguably the best train journey in Australia. It takes three days to cross the continent, as you see stunning landscape. The train has on-call stewards and carriages that are luxurious. You will dine in what is a moving restaurant with amazing service as you see the red world outside flash by. This experience is once in a lifetime.
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Tasmania has a growing wine industry and you can see over 250 vineyards. This is the perfect experience for wine lovers.
There are self-drive wine routes where you can explore the region and stopover in small family vineyards, experience beautiful scenery, and discover new tastes of wine.
Traveling is one of the best experiences you can have in life. If you have ever wondered which countries are some of the most friendliest in the world, read on. You might just find your next vacation destination!
Malaysia is a mix of Malay, Indian, Chinese and European influences. You will find good weather and friendly people here. Travelers say it is easy to make friends and have a friendly attitude towards travelers.
2 Thailand
Thailand often is on the list of the most friendliest countries. From amazing beaches, ancient Buddhist temples and cities, you will meet a variety of people who have a friendly attitude towards travelers.
3 Portugal
Portugal has been on the list of the world’s friendliest countries. There is plenty of sun, the people are welcoming. This is a place to visit where you feel at home right away when you arrive.
Mexico is in general one of the most friendliest countries in the world. It is easy to make friends, residents will treat you like family and you can’t beat the amazing food!
5 Cambodia
Cambodia is not only exotic but the people here are very welcoming. Visiting here you will feel right at home and enjoy the locals and making friends.
6 Costa Rica
The locals in Costa Rica are charming and friendly. It must be the beauty of the country that has everyone in a good mood but you will feel at home and may not even want to leave!
7 Columbia
Columbia has a very welcoming culture. There is wonderful food, weather and the joy around is contagious.
We often get asked when the best time to visit New Zealand. There really isn’t a bad time to visit New Zealand. Here are some tips to help you determine when the best time to visit.
New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere so the seasons are reversed than the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. You can compare the size of New Zealand to being a little smaller than California. New Zealand is made up of the North and South Island. The climate between the 2 islands can differ.
Summer time in New Zealand is December, January, and February. This time of year is the most popular for tourism. One tip, during January many locals take a few weeks off during the holidays, so cities are less crowded and some cafes and restaurants might shut down, as many people head to the beaches.
Fall is thru March, April, and May. The Fall season in New Zealand is absolutely stunning. This is a good time to visit as the crowds in summer have left, the charge for many attractions are lower and of course, the weather is great.
Winter is June, July and August. This is the perfect time for winter sports and a great time to experience the nightlife in Wellington.
Spring is September, October and November. If you visit during Spring make sure to see Lake Tekapo which is on the South Island.
In Auckland, the temperatures are in the 40’s in the winter and the 70’s in the summer. On the North Island, Hawkes Bay which is on the East Coast has year round sunshine. On the South Island, Queenstown has warm summers and cold winters.
Since New Zealand is fairly temperate, anytime you go is a good time. If you prefer cooler nights, visit in the Fall or Spring as it is still pretty warm during the day. You will also find that airfare is pretty reasonable compared to visiting in the Summer.
If you want to visit the beaches, the weather can be pretty cool and during the winter, it is too cold to swim in the Ocean unless you plan on bringing a wetsuit. New Zealand has a lot of wine regions too. Most of the locals prefer to do tastings during the summer, but you can visit any time of year as the vineyards offer yearlong tastings.
Traveling to New Zealand? Getting around isn’t that difficult. The country is divided between North and South Island. Places to visit are connected by roads and by air. You have plenty of choices to choose when traveling in New Zealand, here are some of the key ways of traveling…
Renting a car is great for the freedom of independent travel. You might have to do a little comparison of the different rental companies to choose where you will rent from. Renting a car allows you to explore on your own time and explore some off the beaten path areas.
Want the ultimate outdoor experience? You can save a little money on accommodations by renting a campervan. There are so many sizes and price ranges to choose from. Side note: you can camp free if your vehicle is certified self-contained.
National coach
For a fully national coach service, go with National Coach. They offer cheap bus tickets to most towns and cities in New Zealand. This makes the bus network the most extensive public transportation method in New Zealand. If you plan on using them a lot, you can get bus passes which will save you some money.
Bus Tours
Want a stress-free way to see New Zealand? Bus tours are typically all-inclusive with most meals and accommodations. Activities are included sometimes as well.
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Hop-on Hop-off buses are following a set route but you can get off in most places and get on another bus at a later time. You are in charge of getting your own food, but this transportation method is flexible.
Train
The train isn’t the most popular way to travel as the network is fairly small. Train journeys are really scenic and a fun way to explore and travel between Christchurch and Greymouth in the South Island or Auckland and Wellington in the North Island.
New Zealand has 25 domestic airports so traveling by plane is an option to get around, especially when traveling long distances. Now if somewhere is a 4-hour drive, it might be cheaper to drive than to fly. You can ask your travel team agent for more information by calling 1-800-788-0829.
Hitch-hiking
It might sound like a strange recommendation but hitch-hiking is legal and pretty common in New Zealand. There is always some risk when hitch-hiking since you don’t know who you are getting in the car with. But if you are cautious, this can be an awesome and free way to get around and meet people. This might not be the best method for saving time however as you won’t know when you will get your next ride.
Melbourne is full of character and is a cool and hip city with a city center full of things to do and see. There is also lush green parks, mountains and beaches. It is also known as the world’s most livable city! Here are 10 fun things to do when you visit Melbourne.
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Melbourne has some of the best coffee in the world. It is even better than Rome and Vienna for coffee. People here are proud coffee snobs. It is so tasty that other places like London will advertise hey have baristas from Melbourne!
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Melbourne is well-known for its street art, being considered one of the street art capitals of the world. There are certain designated areas for graffiti, and this has actually reduced graffiti in other spots of the city. You can tour the city looking at this creative street art.
3 Visit Flinders Street Station and Federation Square
This is a cultural symbol of Melbourne that is on many postcards and brochures. This is where you can find the busiest railway station, shopping areas and more.
4 Take a trip to the Yarra Valley
Visit Yarra Valley and see rolling green hills, vineyards and farmhouses. Check out the wineries, try the faboulous resteraunts and don’t miss free tastings!
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Brighton Beach is one of the best beaches, famous for its iconic colourful bathing boxes. This is one of the best places to realax, swim and watch an amazing sunset over Port Phillip Bay.
9 Visit the Melbourne Zoo
This zoo has a huge array wildlife. See elephants, visit the butterfly room, visit gorillas, see lions, reptiles, birds and more.
10 Shop until you drop!
Melbourne is known for its world-class shopping. Visit Chapel Street which is popular with both local and international celebrities for high-quality clothing. There are also outlets, great food and vintage things.
Happy Halloween travelers! Halloween is considered to originated in Ireland from the Celts. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. You might not know but Halloween is celebrated in many countries across the world. Here are how other countries celebrate across the world…
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In Austria, people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before bed on Halloween night. It was once believed that these would welcome the dead souls back to earth on a night that Austrians considered to be magical.
Belgium
See a black cat walk across your path? The Belgians believe that it is unlucky for a black cat to cross one’s path and also unlucky if it should enter a home or travel on a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives.
Modern Halloween celebrations in Canada began with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Jack O’Lanterns are carved and the festivities include trick-or-treating and the decorating of homes with pumpkins and corn stalks.
China
In China, food and water are placed in front of photographs of family members who have died, bonfires and lanterns are lit in order to light the paths of the spirits as they travel the earth on Halloween night. Worshippers in Buddhist temples fashion “boats of the law” from paper, some of which are very large, which are then burned in the evening hours. The reason for this is a remembrance of the dead and in order to free the spirits of those who died as a result of an accident or drowning and whose bodies were never buried. Monks are invited to recite sacred verses and offerings of fruit are presented.
While the Irish and Scots preferred turnips, English children made “punkies” out of large beets (which they call beetroots), upon which they carved a design of their choice. Then, they would carry their “punkies” through the streets while singing the “Punkie Night Song” as they knocked on doors and asked for money. Halloween became Guy Fawkes Night and moved a few days later
The Travel Team offers the GuaranteedLowest Rates on all river cruises; a perfect option to explore some of Europe’s most fascinating waterways by boat!
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Airfare is typically most expensive between December and February, which is summer in Australia and the most popular time to visit places. The cheapest time to fly is from mid-April to the end of August. Keep in mind there is no bad time to visit Australia; you just might want to avoid traveling during peak season to save money.
The fare is always much more (sometime more than double) when you pay cash on boarding the bus. Instead, get a transport pass or re-loadable swipe card. You can get these from convenience stores. Stick with buses when you’re travelling around a central city. A bus-only transport pass in Sydney is MUCH cheaper than one that lets you use rail or ferries. Pay for those only when you need to.
If you’re staying in an apartment or hostel or touring in a campervan it’s easy to self-cater. Supermarket food in Australia is a lot more reasonable than eating out as wages are high for restaurant workers. Even if you’re not staying somewhere with catering facilities, the weather in Australia is great for picnicing and eating outdoors. It’s really easy to find shared gas BBQs in common areas in parks and beachfronts too.
If you’re looking to see a variety of destinations without having to unpack more than once, a cruise is a cost-efficient and convenient option.
