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#1 Link to Metapost - http://lizabbott.tumblr.com/blogrationale #2 Link to Final Production - http://lizabbott.tumblr.com/finalproduction #3 Or you can access them via the buttons in left hand side navigation bar
Travel Agent vs Do it Yourself
The debate whether to hire a travel agent or research and book everything yourself long divides people. Some people believe travel agents are a waste of money as in this day and age you have access to websites which means that you have access to everything a travel agent does, whilst the others believe that travel agents offer an invaluable service that you would never be able to do yourself. The option to hire one or not really comes down to what you are planning on doing and how complicated it is and ultimately whether or not you will get value for money. So, if you are caught in the middle of this debate here are four key points which could ultimately help you make your decision. Firstly, Cost. Contrary to beliefs, a travel agent wont always cost more, in fact it is possible that overall it will cost you less. This is because popular travel agents have access to promotional offers and exclusives deals, whilst also having invaluable relationships that allow them to get lower prices and great deals. So whilst most travel agents do charge a service fee, they may get you an irresistible deal that pays off the travel agent rate. The opposite side to this is that the website has a lot of sites dedicated to bidding on rock bottom flights, hotels, car rentals and tourism deals, this is a good option if you don't want to pay travel agent fees, however you have to be committed to looking for these and willing to take the risk. Secondly, Time. Planning a holiday yourself will usually take a lot of work and hours trolling through the internet; whilst some people love this aspect, others find it laborious and time consuming and this is where a travel agent is great. A travel agent is the best option if you have limited time or find it hard to compile a comprehensive itinerary or just don't enjoy the planning stage. Travel agents wont book anything without running it past you, but they will compile a comprehensive list of options for you to quickly and easily choose your favourites. Thirdly, Advice. The ultimate advantage of hiring a travel agent is the invaluable advice that you can gain. Travel agents specialise in all things travel related and therefore they can either answer your question straight away or talk to their colleagues and find the best answer. They can steer you in the right direction of where to stay, how to get there and what places to visit, they have all the necessary experience and relationships that can help you to gain the best holiday experience possible. If you are planning the holiday yourself you can certainly ask others around you, and read reviews and forums on the internet, however you are taking a risk on how reliable they are and if they share similar interests and tastes. Fourth - Help - Your travel agent may be able to assist you once you are away and something goes wrong. If you turn up to your hotel you agent has booked, only to find there is no booking for you, a call to your agent to sort it out is invaluable. If the same thing happens and you have made your booking yourself, you don’t have the luxury of calling someone to help sort it out. In summary a travel agent is best to hire if it is your first time travelling, or travelling to an unknown location, if you are short on time or find the planning stages laborious, and if you have a lot of people or a complicated request then travel agents are your best option. Otherwise, if you are a confident traveler, enjoy planning or being in control and have enough time then planning your own holiday via the internet and other public sources would be the best option for you. So, before going ahead with one of these options think carefully and consider what you want and what is the best option to suit you and your needs, wants and desires. References - http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/none/why-you-still-need-a-travel-agent - http://www.theage.com.au/travel/traveller-tips/to-use-or-not-to-use-a-travel-agent-20110725-1hwsq.html
Travel Wallets
Being an organised traveller is extremely important, as when you travel overseas you will be carrying a lot of important documents and if you misplace or lose some you will be in very hot water and the rest of your trip could be in jeopardy. So, one great way to be organised is by buying and carrying a travel wallet. A travel wallet is an efficient and reliable way to organise and carry all your documents, but there a few useful tips to know before buying and organising one. When purchasing a travel wallet you need to either buy one with a zip around the outside or with a flap over the front to secure it, this will make sure that none of your documents will fall or slide out of the wallet. Your travel wallet needs to have a variety of pockets that are both different sizes and lengths, this will assure you that you can fit everything from your passport, to boarding passes, to credit cards and money, all the essential items that you will need. All these elements will ensure that you can keep all the appropriate documentation and other necessary items together in one place, this will make life a lot easier and less stressful, as when you are tired and have been travelling for hours you wont have to try and remember where you left your necessary documentation, and instead it will all be in one convenient location. Some other examples of where you will need a variety of documentation is when you are purchasing that all important duty travel presents, and you will need both your boarding pass, cash or credit card; When you are filling out your landing card you will need your passport details, hotel address and reservation documents and with a convenient travel wallet you will have everything in one efficient, reliable and convenient location. Another great feature of travel wallets is that they don’t have too be practical, they can also be very fashionable and still be just as efficient. Below, are links to some stylish and practical travel wallets --//http://www.mimco.com.au/wallets/travel-wallets //-- and --// http://www.kikki-k.com/bags-cases/travel-accessories/travel-wallet // So, before travelling you should go out and purchase a travel wallet, it will be a lifesaver on a long haul journey.
The Rise of Delhi
Delhi is noted to be one of the oldest cities in the world, and is not only the capital of India but is also a prominent culture hub known as the microcosm of India that thrives on strong education, strength in arts, commerce and finance. Legend estimates that the city is over 5000 years old and it is said that Delhi has been built and destroyed 11 times and continues to return in an incarnation form. Delhi is not only one of India’s multifaceted cities but it is also unique to the rest of the world, with a stark contrast between modern down town restaurants and shops and fashion boutiques and the old cities medieval bazaars and historical masterpieces and cultural places.
Delhi is situated on the Gangetic Plains, meaning that the city is very flat with no significant features other than the river Yamuna, which flows through the eastern side of the city. The city itself is separated into six main districts, with each district being built in a different era so housing a different cultural memory of the city. The six main districts are: South Delhi - the defence colony, East Delhi, North Delhi, West Delhi and Central Delhi. The native language is Hindi, however for official purposes English is more widely used and therefore communication with the locals shouldn't be a problem at all. Unfortunately Delhi’s climate is infamously bad, combining scorching heat from the surrounding Rajasthan’s deserts with freezing cold temperatures from the Himalayas. From April to June, temperatures are commonly over 40 degrees every day, with air conditioning running at full blast and the low hum of the conditioning echoing through all areas of the very large city. From July to September is the monsoon season, with roads flooding on a regular basis, which brings the enormous bustling city to a stand still. The harshest weather period for winter is from December to January, where temperatures can drop below one degree, but sometimes it can feel a lot colder as heating in normal houses is rather unknown as houses are designed to keep cool as summer is a lot more unbearable than the winter temperatures. Winter also brings thick fog, and so travelling in and out of the city can be quite a struggle as flights are quite often cancelled. The best time to travel to Delhi is either February to March or October to November, temperatures are comparatively pleasant ranging from 20 to 30 degrees and sunny, clear days. Delhi is a very bustling large city and therefore there is an abundance of things to see and do. This is further extended by the rich cultural history crossed with the modern aspects of today, making there even more to do. For a full and extensive list of things to do and see then check out --// http://wikitravel.org/en/Delhi //-- Half way down the page there is around 150 ideas of what you can both do and see, and they consider these the must do’s of the city. I have to let you know that Delhi is a shoppers heaven, but you must be prepared to hustle and bargain, its all apart of the cultural experience. Although there are western shopping centers popping up all over the city, I suggest that you go into the streets where small market stalls line the streets, selling hand made, one of a kind items. This will give you a true grass roots experience.
As the city is so large, you will need to use public transport to travel around or plan your days so that you visit a particular area each day and then catch public transport to the district and then walk around for the rest of the day. Public transport is the safest and easiest option. You can hire a car, but I don't recommend it, as the city streets are full of local car, buses, bikes and rickshaws and there are no set road rules, meaning it can be very chaotic and unpredictable. So, instead you can catch a local bus, they run very often and although they are often rather full, it is truly a Delhi experience. The buses have no set route and therefore you should talk and ask the locals on the bus. Another great tip is that the red buses are air conditioned and the green are not, so make sure you choose your bus wisely in summer. Another way is to catch a local taxi, these are the best option if you want to visit the outskirts of the city. An interesting way to get around is by catching an auto rickshaw, these are a great experience and are fun to travel in for short distances, you can also try cycle rickshaws for another truly Indian experience.
Finding good quality accommodation in Delhi is difficult, and demand for quality far out ways supply. If you are happy to say in a budget hotel, be prepared for a budget like you have never experienced before. Staying in a mid range hotel is like staying in a budget hotel, however the new bed and breakfasts places are turning up all over the city, but cracking a good one is pot luck. So if you don't want to take the risk of staying either of the above two options, then I suggest you book a more high end hotel, these rooms will cost over $300 AUD a night, but you will run less of a risk of the hotel being extremely run down. When booking your hotel, just remember its only a place to rest your head and recharge for the next exciting adventure in the city.
Delhi is a truly unique city, it combines years of ancient traditions and culture with new modern growth. It is a bustling and thriving city and, it is a once in a life time experience. The people are friendly and resilient, the architecture is a combination of traditional and new. The colours are vibrant and rich and the local food is outstanding. You need to look beyond the cities facade to take in the true depths of the city of Delhi. References: - http://wikitravel.org/en/Delhi - http://travel.nationalgeographic.com.au/travel/city-guides/delhi-india/ * All images are taken from Flickr under the creative commons license - http://www.flickr.com/photos/travlr/143163830/ - http://travel.nationalgeographic.com.au/travel/city-guides/delhi-photos-2/#/dehli-street-barber_1863_600x450.jpg
Tips on PrePaid Travel Cards
When travelling overseas it is preferable to carry as little cash on you as needed, because if you carry a lot of cash, it makes you a prime target for theft and the inconvenience of loosing it . So what do you do about money and paying for things? Well a prepaid travel money card is a great option. However, before you rush out and buy one you should know all the ins and outs of them first. So, a prepaid travel money card works like a savings card, you buy one before you leave and load it with the desired currency, then you can top it up online via BPAY as you need it. The cards are available from banks, Australia Post and travel exchange outlets, and are widely accepted as they are usually either Visa or MasterCard. The good thing is that your bank account is not linked to them, and so in the unfortunate case that the card is stolen or lost the most you can lose is the amount that is on the card. So my advice would be to only top it with a minimal amount, as you can easily top it up whenever its needed, this will reduce the risk of suffering a severe loss. Prepaid Travel money cards may seem like a very convenient option, but this may not be the best choice if you plan on spending less than $3000 AUD whilst you are overseas, as the fees and charges for the card may out weigh the pros of having the card. Each card that you might purchase will carry a different loading and fee charge, for specific details on what each card entails and the cost check out --//http://www.choice.com.au Halfway down the above website there is a very informative table that details the fees and costs for each of the most popular prepaid travel cards. Although there are costs and fees associated with prepaid travel cards, they are a much safer and better option for taking overseas with you, as you can always refill them and in the incident of the card becoming lost or stolen they are easily replaced and usually you will lose a lot less than you would have if you were carrying cash. So before you travel overseas, take into consideration buying a prepaid card, but make sure you do your research and only purchase one if they will be of benefit to you and if the fees and costs associated with the card will not be more costly than what you plan on spending. For more information on prepaid travel cards, and other alternatives head to --// http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/money/banking/travel-money.aspx //-- for a range of opinions and great information.
One Fabulous Travel Blog
Throughout the past week I have spent many hours searching through the web and looking at a variety of different travel blogs, I found some really good ones but when I stumbled upon this blog, I knew I had to tell everyone about it!. ‘y Travel Blog‘ is a blog focused on the travels of the ‘Makepeace‘ family, which includes Caz and Craig the parents and their two young daughters. The blog began in April of 2010 and follows their journeys from a personal experience. The blog is very easy to relate too and is fun and light hearted, as the blog is family orientated and shares some very humorous stories. The blog is very engaging to read and watch whilst still being very knowledgable and helpful. ‘y Travel Blog’ shares insider travel tips, stories, photos and videos all focusing on specific destinations, things to do and see, where to stay, eat and drink, how to get around, how to plan your trip and how to plan your trip if you are travelling with a family. The blog is extensive and you could spend many hours just reading, watching and listening to their stories and first hand experiences. Their blog may be just an independent site but as it is so engaging, light hearted and knowledgable they have been widely acknowledged and have worked on some high class campaigns such as Tourism Australia, Qantas and Carnival Cruise Lines, just to name a few. So, if you are ever after a great read, or want to learn some very knowledgable information on a travel topic, then I highly recommend that you check out the ‘y Travel blog’ ---// http://www.ytravelblog.com //---
The Fastest Growing City in the World - Dubai
Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, from its beginnings as a sleepy trading port to now a bustling metropolitan city that has literally sprung from the sand upwards. Dubai encompasses the old with the new, with ancient buildings now surrounded by 25 floor shopping centers and indoor ski runs. Dubai is an ever expanding city, with new suburbs literally being created out of sand and built in one of a kind shapes like the Worlds Palm Island. However, the city is not all new and gleaming and behind its modern facade lie old traditions and a very strict cultural background. If you want to experience a truly one of a kind city that incorporates both the old with the new then Dubai is definitely the place to visit. Travelling to Dubai from Australia has become all the more easy, when literally days ago the first Qantas plane left Sydney on its way to Europe with its stop over now being in Dubai. Qantas is flying in and out of Dubai eight times a day! This means that stopping over in Dubai has become so easy. Once you arrive in Dubai there is a seven hour time difference, with Sydney being seven hours in front of Dubai.
The weather in Dubai is a tropical desert climate, with summers in Dubai being very hot, dry and humid, with an average temperature of 40 degree celsius!. This may sound extremely hot and overwhelming, however there are so many activities to do that involve being in an air conditioned climate, that if you choose to visit during summertime you will still have a great time and not be short of things to do and see. Wintertime (if you can even call it that) is very pleasant, with average temperatures between 23 degrees to 25 degrees celsius. The days are still very sunny and rather humid. Rainfall mainly falls between December to March, however because it is a tropical climate, short and irregular rainfall does occur, but this should not effect your holiday there, because as fast as it comes, it goes. Once you arrive in Dubai there are a million different things to do, see and experience, but there a couple of ‘must dos‘ that a combine both old Dubai and new Dubai. which hopefully will give you a great,fun and engaging well rounded experience. The following is a list of activities that I believe are the ‘must dos‘ whilst you are in Dubai:
#1 = Only in Dubai can you ski in the middle of the desert and on real snow!. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of snow. There are five runs of varying difficultly, equipment rental and professional instructors. Even if you don't want to ski it is worth a look! #2 = Afternoon Tea at the Burj: This is a budget buster, so save it for very special occasions, but if you want to splash the cash then head for an afternoon of delicious food and tea. #3 = You must go and see the Hypropolis, which is a mega luxury underwater hotel, even if you cant get to it you can go and see the plans, it is truly a memorable experience! #4 = Despite Dubai's appearance it is in amongst a desert and therefore you should book a day trip to go out and see and experience all that it has to offer, there are some awesome activities including dune buggies! #5 = Tour the Grand Mosque: This is a very cultural experience where you are able to soak in some pre-urban development architecture and culture. The above five activities are a very limited list of things to do and see whilst you are there, for more information check out --// http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attractions-g295424-Activities-Dubai_Emirate_of_Dubai.html --//
After a long day of being out and in the heat, you will want to come back to a nice hotel to get a good night rest. Most hotels in Dubai are of a high quality, and therefore wherever you choose really will be suitable. But, remember when booking hotels, book what you can afford, so that you have enough money to do everything you plan on doing. Hotels in Dubai range from around 75 dollars per night to 350 dollars per night on average, however of course there are rooms that cost thousands of dollars, especially if you want to stay in the world famous ‘Burg Al Arab’, where rooms start at a minimum $2,400 Australian dollars per night. Whilst in the city you will need to get around, and the city is very large and spans a vast distance. The best way to get around is the catch a local taxi, as the weather is usually too hot and humid to walk or ride. But because the city is so vast and many of the activities that you will want to do are quite far from one another, one of the best way to get around is to book tours and shuttle buses. These can either be pre booked before you go, or once you arrive there you can talk to your hotel concierge and book everything through them. As Dubai is located within the United Arab Emirates, and stems from an Ancient arabic background, there a very strict cultural customs and traditions that visitors must respect in order to visit the city. Although, we do not have to abide by all of their customs and traditions, you should be respectful enough to take on a few, so that your time in the city is as pleasant as possible. - You should dress modestly whilst in the city, and save your beach attire for the beach. Make sure that you pack loose, long clothes and a head scarf for women for when you visit cultural sites and places of worship. Pack slip on shoes that are enclosed but that are easy to get on and off for when travelling into sites that don't permit shoes for cultural reasons. - Manners are very important whilst in the city, so remember to say please and thank you and be respectful. - Whilst you must use your manners, never shake the hand of an Emirate women, unless she offers you her hand first. - Dubai is an Islamic state and therefore it is illegal to drink or be intoxicated in public, so make sure if you have gone out and drunk that you catch a taxi straight back to the hotel. - If you are visiting someones home make sure that you take your shoes off before you enter. - Don’t display affection with the opposite sex in public and never share a hotel room with someone of the opposite sex unless you are married, as both of you could end up in jail. There are many more local customs and traditions that you should know before arriving in the city, so make sure you do your research and brush up on some basics. Overall Dubai is a city founded on the Muslim religion and beliefs, so just make sure that you are prepared to follow customs that you might not be used to, just embrace a new culture, as the more you do the better experience you will have!
Dubai is truly a one of kind city, it is by far the fastest growing metropolitan city in the world, with new buildings being built faster and taller everyday. New suburbs are rising out of the ocean in a variety of shapes and the contrast between the heat outside and the indoor skiing arena is a contrast that you would get in no other city in the world. Apart from its lavish buildings, tropical climate, mega shopping centers and indoor ski resorts, Dubai’s muslim cultural means that you able to experience the customs, traditions and visiting the scared places of worship. The contrast between the two worlds collide in Dubai, making it a destination like no other! References: - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/united-arab-emirates/dubai - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/dubai/34806/Dubai-city-break-guide.html *All images are taken from Flickr under the creative commons license, references as follows: - http://www.flickr.com/photos/nethopper/3873091942/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/32946716@N08/3067129033/
Great Travelling Blogs
When travelling or planning on travelling you need to gather as much information about the area you are planning on visiting, what the best way is to get there, advice on once your there, what and where you should eat, drink, see and where you should and shouldn't sleep, and the best way to get all this information is from people that have had first hand experiences. The best place to start is by of course researching but also asking your friends and family, but another great and interesting way to get first hand, real life experiences is from travelling blogs just like this one. There are hundreds of thousands of great blogs, that detail information about where to visit, when to visit, what to see, what to pack... pretty much anything you would want to know about travelling you can probably find in a blog. So, the below list is a just a very small compilation of three of the travelling blogs that I believe are a great useful, engaging and entertaining source of information.
- Intelligent Travel: This is a travel blog, produced by the National Geographic channel. This blog contains weekly works from a variety of top bloggers around the world. This blog is great to read for accurate information and if you want to mix it up and hear from a variety of people in the one place. Check out --//http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com --//
- Travelling Network: This is a tumblr focused travelling blog that is a compilation of other great travelling blogs. The sorts of blogs that can be found on the site are - blogs focused on certain destinations, blogs that are focused on travelling tips and advice and blogs that are focused on photography and imagery of certain destinations.
This is a great well rounded site that you should check out --//http://thetravelnetwork.tumblr.com--//
- Been - Seen: Been- Seen is an entire website devoted to travelling and everything that comes along with it. The main purpose of the site however, is to focus on combining travel with design and how the two go together. On the website there is a specific section devoted to their travel blogs, with a number of categories containing blogs each written by a different author. This is a very eclectic site, that contains information that you might not gain anywhere else. Definitely worth a read, head to --// http://been-seen.com/travel-blog --//
The above three blogs are all very different and have very varied views and opinions, which will give you not only a wide source of information but will also hopefully give you a laugh or two, as they are mostly very light hearted and some of their stories are unbelievable! So get reading!
* All references are in above sections.
Rome - The Eternal City
Rome is also known as the ‘Eternal City‘ of Europe as it dates back almost 3,000 years, it was one of Europe's most ancient urban cities. Due to Rome's long standing history, previous inhabitants of the city have left behind a treasure trove of architectural masterpieces and unrivaled artwork, making the city a very popular cultural destination. Not only is Rome a very popular cultural and historical tourist destination, but these days Rome is quite the metropolitan city, with many streets lined with small cafes and exquisite restaurants, intertwined with famous fashion houses and small clothing boutiques. Today Rome is home to around 5 million inhabitants all living within the 9 main districts that make up the city.
Rome has the epitome of a Mediterranean climate, with very hot summers and mild winters, which means that Rome is quite an easy place to visit at anytime of the year, however the optimum time to go would be in the warmer months, as there is a lot less rain. Throughout summer the city will receive average temperatures of between 25 to 30 degrees and in winter although the temperature does drop to an average of 13 degrees it will never usually drop below 5 degrees. Throughout summer the city will usually receive an average of nine hours of sunshine per day, making the day long allowing for tourists to gain the most of this wonderful city. Rain in summertime is rather rare, only receiving a few rainy days per month. Although in winter Rome is rather mild in temperature, rain is instead in abundance, with the average rainfall reaching 50ml per day in November, so if you plan on travelling to Rome in winter, don't forget to pack or buy a large umbrella! As the city is fairly large you will want to think about public transport and the best option if you are planning on staying three or more days, is to get a ‘Roma Pass’. The Roma Pass costs 30 euros and entitles you to free admission to the first two museums and/or archaeological sites visited, full access to the public transport system, reduced tickets and discounts for any other museums and sites visited, as well as exhibitions, music events, theatrical and dance performances and all other tourist services. As you can see this is a very good deal if you plan to visit as many places as you can within your time limit. There are a variety of public transport options which allow you not to have to hire a car and drive yourself around. Rome is renowned for its chaotic traffic and therefore first timers should avoid driving at all costs! Instead jump on a tram,bus, metro, taxi or hire a bike or walk, these are all efficient and reliable modes of transport that will allow you to enjoy your time in the city without a hassle. As your days will be filled with hours of pounding the local pavements seeing all that Rome has to offer, by the time the end of the day rolls around you will be yearning for a good night sleep. So, as any major city has to offer, there are a hundreds of different hotels and motels, that all run on the star rating system. A double room in a one-star will set you back €50-€100; a two-star, €60-€150; a three-star, €70-€300; a four-star, €120-€450. Five-star prices start at around €300 and go up from there. As you can see there are a wide variety of hotels that will suit whatever price budget that you have. Make sure to pick your hotel based on what you can afford, so that your not missing out on the activities that you want to do! As Rome has a vast cultural history, combined with todays modern metropolitan city that it has developed into, there is a wide variety of activities to see and do, and places that you must try and visit on your time in the city. I have complied the following list of what I believe are the top five iconic things to do in Rome. 1) Visit the Colosseum - the Colosseum is a monument of epic proportions and was built at the time when the Roman Empire was at its peak and therefore is the pinnacle of Roman history and is a must see when visiting the city of Rome. 2) Stroll through the Gardens of the Villa Borghese - As the city can get very crowded and chaotic, why not take a quiet and relaxing stroll in the city’s main central park, filled with ponds, seating areas and shady trees - this is the perfect place for an afternoon nap. 3) Browse the Boutiques - Rome is now not only known for its long, diverse cultural history but is now one of the fashion hubs of the world, so take a day to browse local boutiques and splash a little extra cash, if you have it! 4) Grab a slice of authentic Pizza - Visiting Italy, especially Rome without eating the local pizza at least once is a crime. So make sure you grab a slice of pizza at one of the many local pizzerias, you wont be disappointed! 5)Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain - Make sure you throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, as it is an age old local tradition and these days all the coins that are thrown in the fountain are given to the Red Cross, so you will be doing a good deed at the same time. This is a very very short list of what I think you MUST do whilst in the city, but for more ideas and inspiration check out ---// http://www.timeout.com/rome/features/51/20-great-things-to-do-in-rome //---
Rome is a very historical city founded on very strong cultural beliefs and morals, and so being a tourist to the area you too should respect these traditions. Italians are very proud of their history and are very fond of their cultural landmarks so to make these as easily accessible to us the tourists, once a year - usually around May, all cultural landmarks that are owned by the government are free for anyone to visit. This can be a very hectic time to visit the city but it is a great time to visit if you are low on money or want to see as many historical landmarks as possible! In contrast, in August for around two weeks nearly everything in the city will close up, as the locals take this time to go on their holidays. This is not a bad time to visit as you will always find somewhere to eat, however if you want to get the most out of the city then it maybe best to travel at another time of the year, as it can be frustrating to find things closed. Beware of fake taxi drivers, some locals dress their cars up to look like taxis, and end up charging you double the price. To try and avoid this make you sure you always check to see if the taxi driver has displayed their ID card and that they have a taxi meter in built. The above are just a few tips that will hopefully help you out whilst on your visit in Rome, but there are many more pieces of advice so if you want more local information and tips look at: ---// http://travel.nationalgeographic.com.au/travel/city-guides/rome-cultural-tips/ //---- Rome is a ‘must visit’ destination if you are ever planning a trip to Europe. Rome is a perfect combination of old and new, with architectural masterpieces spanning the entire city, with some these now housing modern world renowned fashion boutiques and famous restaurants. There are hundreds of things to do and see within the city, that will easily fill up your days for however long you plan on staying. Rome is truly a one of kind city that you must visit if you ever have the chance. References: - http://travel.nationalgeographic.com.au/travel/city-guides/rome-cultural-tips - http://www.timeout.com/rome/features/51/20-great-things-to-do-in-rome -http://www.timeout.com/rome/features/29/hotels-in-rome *All images that are found on the above blog are from Flickr under the creative commons license. Images references are below: -http://www.flickr.com/photos/rome
Five Hot Insider Travelling Tips
Travelling around the world is probably the greatest adventure you can ever have, but before you embark on any holiday there is so much to do and organise and at times this can become very overwhelming. Experienced travelers have their organisation down pat but for first timers you can often forget crucial elements and you certainly don't know the inside tricks and tips that can make your overall holiday experience a much smoother and easier one. The following information is a compilation of what I think is the best five tips and tricks covering all aspects of a holiday from planning to arriving home. These tips aim to give you the insider knowledge so that you too can organise and enjoy any trip like you are an experienced traveller. 1) Not too many people in the world have the luxury to travel in business or first class, however if you decide that you would like to upgrade your ticket the best place to do it is at the airport - however, you should only do it there if you aren't really fussed if you will actually get an upgrade or not, as it depends on how many available seats there are. The reason the best place to do this at is the airport, is because sometimes people do not turn up for their flight or the flight has empty seats left on it, so if you have a few extra dollars and decide that you want a little extra luxury for your long haul flight, why not take the risk at the airport and see if there is a cheap upgrade ticket available. 2) Although each airline strives to keep your belongings as safe as possible, sometimes mis-haps to do happen, so the best and most efficient way to avoid this is, if you are travelling with a spouse, friend, partner or family member, you should split the contents of each of your suitcases between the two. Then, if one of your suitcases was to go missing you will have enough clothes and other items to get by without having too much hassle. 3) Flying long distances will definitely take it out of you and your body, but there a few things that you can do to lessen the effects of flying. Cabin air is extremely dry, so to avoid dehydration start preparing before you fly. Use lots of moisteriser on your skin and drink lots of water. On flying day, women should avoid wearing makeup and men should avoid shaving. During the flight, drink a lot of water, and avoid alcohol. Most inflight packs come with face misting spray, and is so you should definitely use it! Once off the flight make sure to continue drinking water, go for a long walk outdoors; stay up until nightfall and then have a good night sleep. 4) As the majority of us travel in economy class you want to be as comfortable as possible on very long flights, in order to help you with you choice of seating their are tons and tons of applications and websites that guide you through the best available seat on your particular airline. This is a little extra research you definitely will be thanking you did when, eight hours into a fourteen hour flight. A great website to check out is seatguru.com 5) You will be surprised about just how many black suitcases there are, and no matter how different you think yours looks, wait until you see it in amongst a hundred other black suitcases and I guarantee you wont be able to tell the difference at all! So to try and avoid spending hours at the airport after a long flight searching for your suitcase there are two ways to make life easier: Firstly, if you don't have enough time, money or you just love your black suitcase and don't want to buy another one, put a bright ribbon on it, or something that distinctly makes its yours; This will help you spot it more easily in amongst all the other cases. The other option is to buy a brightly coloured suitcase, and although other people might have the same idea, it will still make spotting your suitcase a whole lot easier! The five hints and tips above will hopefully improve your overall travelling experience! If you want to check out another great travelling blog that compiles personal experiences with handy hints and tricks check out // http://www.everywhereist.com/my-55-best-travel-tips/ // Reference: - The Everywhereist, 30th April 2012,’ My 55 Best travel tips’, URL: http://www.everywhereist.com/my-55-best-travel-tips/, Retrieved on the 14th March 2013. - Gourmet Traveller February 2009, ’40 Top Travel Tips’, URL :http://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/40_top_travel_tips.htm, Retrieved on the 14th March 2013.
One Night in the City of Love - Paris
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world and for good reason too - it is defined as the city of love and romance and the city of lights. Paris is a cultural hub combined of countless art galleries containing some of the finest most renowned art work in the world; Bohemian style cafes are intertwined with Michelin star restaurants; Cobble stoned streets are lined with the finest fashion boutiques - Channel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint-Laurent; The aroma of fresh bread and croissants fill the air as eager tourists queue to see some of the most amazing architecture in the world.
Paris is the cosmopolitan capital of France, with almost 12 million people living within the cities 105km radius. Paris is located in the the north of France on the river Seine, this gives the city is spectacular water backdrop that adds to the stunning urban architecture. There is so much to see and do in Paris, but I have only ever visited the beautiful city for one day. Paris is just a short train ride from London, which means that it is an easy commute over so you can make this trip into one fabulous day trip. To get the best of this day, there are a few ‘must-do‘ activities and places to see, eat and shop! Paris has a maritime climate of cool winters and warm summers, and this is due to the moderating effect from the Atlantic ocean which helps to temper out the temperature extremes. Throughout winter the temperature is usually above freezing and snow is not common, however, it may fall once or twice a year. Summer is warm and pleasant with the average temperature of 23 degrees celsius. Rainfall is not significant at any particular time of the year and instead there is constant light rain fall all year round. This climate makes it ideal to travel to Paris any time of the year, so there is no excuse to miss out on it! There are many modes of public transport that make getting around this large city a lot easier and save precious time enabling you to see as much of the city as possible. Driving in your own car is not advised as traffic is very congested during the day, and there are many other modes of reliable transport that are a much better option. Paris is an incredibly open city, with many large streets and ‘grande boulevards‘, this makes it the perfect city to see by scooter or motorbike. The city has many rental stations which allows you to rent out a bike for a couple of hours or the entire day. The scooters and motorbikes are a novel and unique way to see the city, that make for an adventure in itself.
The Metro is an excellent underground train system, that cuts out the delays of dense day-to-day city traffic. The Metro is a fast and reliable way to get to far away landmarks and sites around the city. Another unique way to see the city is by bicycle or on skates - these are cheap and easy to hire and allow you to get to your desired location faster. If you would want to cycle around any city it would be Paris, as there are many large, smooth surfaces that are perfect for these types of activities. Apart from these unique travel methods there are a all the normal modes of public transport like buses, taxis and trains - but if you want a true Parisian experiences, these are a ‘must try’! As there are a thousand and one fantastic things to see in Paris, planning your short day trip could be overwhelming, however there are few must visit icons and eateries these include: Take the metro to the Arc de Triomphe - you will emerge from the metro to see a stunning piece of architecture. From there you can take the stairs or the escalator to the top, where you can get a very grand view of Paris below. You should consider getting lost in the Left Bank, where a variety of hidden cafes and restaurants are awaiting, not too mention some truly amazing Parisian fashion boutiques. What would a day in Paris be without a visit to the Eiffel Tower - unfortunately there is usually an extremely long wait, and quite a high admission fee, however if you want a truly unforgettable experience you must take the time to visit this world renowned icon. If you cant stand the wait to get to the top of tower, you should visit the tower as dusk. At this time of day the tower is illuminated and is visually absolutely stunning. This small list of things to do will probably take up the bulk of your day, however if you have to time you need to visit the one of the many art galleries and contemporary museums including the world famous Louvre Museum, which houses some of the most talked about and famous pieces of art. As you only have limited time within the day, you need to make the most of it and these few activities will leave you with a memorable and culturally enriching experience of the city.
However, if you plan on staying longer then just one day check out ---> http://www.francetravelplanner.com/go/paris/.html // this website contains a great set of flexible itineraries that will help you make the most out of your adventure in Paris. Paris is a wonderful city, however, there are a few key cultural tips that you should know that will make your time in the city a lot easier and more pleasant: Firstly most shops, banks, post offices and convenience stores are either completely shut on Sundays or they close around noon. Cafes have a unique etiquette with their three tier pricing chart - there is one price for standing at the counter, one for sitting inside, and one - the most expensive, for sitting outside. It is common and polite to tip at least 15% of the bill, whilst you are at restaurants and cafes, but it is also polite to tip hotel help and taxi drivers. Another handy fact is that there are hefty fines for littering throughout the city streets, so make sure that you find a bin instead! Paris is a once in a lifetime city that some people are lucky enough to have the pleasure to visit again and again. However, if you are travelling through Europe, then this city is a MUST visit destination. The architecture, museums and galleries, world renowned fashion boutiques and incredible food combined with the natural aesthetically pleasing back drop makes Paris one of the greatest cities in the world. References: - All the images are taken from Flickr under the creative commons license.
Travelling Tip #2 Rules for Packing
Whether you are travelling for an overnight stay, a weekend, a week or an entire month, packing is one of the most essential pre trip planning stages. There a many rules out there on what you should and shouldn’t pack, what size bag you should take and how many shoes you should bring. However, what you pack really depends on where you are travelling to and there a few golden rules that will make packing for any occasion a breeze! 1) Take half the amount: No matter how long you are away for, everyone over packs! So to avoid this take out all you were planning on taking and then halve the amount. This will save you unnecessary washing when you get home but most importantly it will allow room in your suitcase for all your holiday shopping! 2) Roll your clothing: Once you have chosen your clothing, tightly roll all the items, this will allow you to get everything into the smallest bag possible, allow you to pack more items and will also minimise wrinkling. 3) Security Savvy: Whilst what you pack is important, it is also important to make sure your suitcase is ready for travel. So put two separate identification tags on your suitcase - so that if one falls off the other one will still be there. 4) Take Precautions: Every airline strives to keep both you and your luggage safe, but sometimes accidents with lost luggage does occur. Therefore if you are planning on taking very expensive jewelry or items of clothing, place them in your carry on luggage so that you can be in charge of what happens to them. These four easy tips will make packing as quick and easy as possible but for more information check out this great blog, which gives you some advice on what style of clothes to take for every occasion! ----- http://www.goop.com/journal/get/190/packing
London
London is not only the capital of the United Kingdom it is also the largest city in Western Europe. The enormity of the city is reflected in the 14 million people that live in the greater metropolitan area. The size and the amount of people are some of the reasons why London is considered as one of the leading cities in the world, as it boasts a rich and diverse culture combining traditionalism with modern multi-culturalism. There is a constant hustle and bustle of both tourists buzzing from one iconic feature to the next combined, with local business men and women all on their daily commute through the large city. Big Ben rings on the hour, black taxis spread through the streets like ants on a mission, and the iconic red busses stop at all the must see icons. This blog contains all the insider information about this enormous city! If you are travelling from Australia to London you are looking at spending at least 24 hours on a plane, however it is well worth the jet lag! Once you arrive in London there is between a 11 to 9 hour time change (depending on the time of year you travel), so once you get off the plane you will want to make your way straight to your hotel to have a rest and a well earned shower, before getting up and hitting the pavements. As the city is so large, there is never a shortage of places to stay, however accommodation is quite pricey so make sure you do some serious research and scout out the best price!. The basic prices are outlined as: - A budget hotel = Just under 70 pounds ($108.00 Australian dollars) - A mid-range hotel = Around 140 pounds ($210.00 Australian dollars) - A luxury hotel = Over 180 pounds (Probably out of most travelers budget!) Weather in London is not that of a tropical climate, however it is all apart of the experience. Summer in London is very pleasant with temperatures ranging in the low to mid 20’s and the sky is sunny and clear. Spring and Autumn see temperatures between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius, with slightly cooler evenings. The Winter months normally experience temperatures between 2 and 6 degrees, with the temperature never usually dropping below freezing, but snow is not unusual. Although the temperature in London is quite consistent and bearable, rain is its biggest weather factor. On average it will rain between 11 to 15 days per month. The highest rainfall is in August and November and March and April have the lowest recorded rainfall. Don't be alarmed about the rain though, there are still many things to do and see even if it is wet. Pack a raincoat and a brolly and off you go!
London is home to some iconic modes of transport. These include London's double decker red buses. The buses run on a variety of routes around the city - they cost the same price as regular buses and are a must do, as they allow you to sit upstairs and watch the city go by. Many of the tour companies run open top double decker buses which is a great way to see the sights. London’s black cabs, are another iconic mode of transport. The cabs are quite pricey but all the drivers are super friendly and helpful, which makes for one interesting and fun adventure. A black cab “cabbie” trains for several years to earn the title of a London “cabbie”. The London underground is known for its famous line ‘mind the gap’. The underground runs all over the city and is reasonably priced. The underground makes it easy to get around as there are no traffic jams, therefore you can always get to your destination fast and efficiently, and still experience an iconic part of London. As London is a very multi- city there are many great places to eat, whether its dining at a fine dining restaurant, stopping a cafe for a quick lunch or grabbing some food on the run, there is never a shortage of options. Food prices vary, you can grab a cheap curry or pie and eel, or pay high prices in the fancy restaurants and cafes. A visit to the Harrods Food Hall is an absolute “must”. The beauty of old food combined with the amazing range of food that is available makes for one great real London experience. There is SO much to see and do in London, but a day in city could be planned as follows: In the morning take a ride on the London Eye, from at the top you will be able to get a full 360 degree view of the city. Once off the Eye, take a walk along the River Thames to soak up some local culture and get a good view of the city skyline across the river. You can stop in at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, to visit Europe’s largest collection of global marine life. From there take a slow walk across the bridge to the north side of the river where you can visit such iconic landmarks as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey. the Houses of Parliament, White Hall and the Tate Modern art gallery. Have a quick stop for lunch and then head to Madame Tussaud's or the London Dungeon or even the Tower Bridge. After all this walking you will need to take a break, so why not take a rest up in beautiful leafy green Hyde Park. Hyde Park is situated next to Buckingham palace so wander over and watch the late afternoon changing of the guards. This is just one possible day plan but there are many more attractions to visit, you can always spend a day getting lost in one of the very large Westfield shopping centres, visit the Natural History museum, stop in at the Tower of London, sit and watch the city go by in one of the picturesque parks just to name a few. London is a fast pace, multi cultural, unique city. The city is culturally diverse, full of iconic places and monuments, and is a must visit place. London is undoubtably one of the worlds leading cities. For more information about what the city has to offer check out --- http://www.visitlondon.com and read up on some other great blogs about London here --- Reference: London and Partners 2012, ‘visitlondon.com | Your Official London City Guide’, http://www.visitlondon.com Image retrieved from: http://www.etsy.com/listing/98393479/london-love-poem-london-photograph-big?ref=correlated_featured
Travelling Tip 1# How to be a Smart Traveller
In order to be able to travel around the world carefree and enjoy the most out of it you need to be a smart traveller. Whether it is your first time travelling or you are a very experienced traveller you need to follow a few a simple steps before you leave. As being a smart traveller starts even before you leave for the airport!. The following five tips are compiled from a variety of websites including smart traveller Australia and National Geographic. 1) You need to check the Australian Government website for the latest important information and updates about your destination. This will inform you about any travel warnings so you can make changes ahead of time. 2) You must, must, MUST take out comprehensive travel insurance and register your details on the Smart Traveller website. This will cover you in the even of any unexpected accidents!, and allow you to be contacted in case of an emergency. 3) Organise your documents and Identification cards. This is a vital part of your pre-trip preparation, you should make copies of all your relevant documentation and take a spare copy with you and leave one copy at home. This will save you a lot of money in case your documents and identification cards are stolen or lost. 4) Make sure you have checked with your health care practitioner to make sure that you have had all relevant vaccinations and are up to date with all your immunizations. 5) Finally, let your friends and family know all your travel plans and leave them with details on how to contact you. Once you are on your own keep in consistent contact with them, not only to share your amazing trip journeys, but also to let them know that you are safe and well! If you follow these five simple steps you will be prepared not only for your exciting adventure ahead but you will also be prepared for any unexpected incident that occurs! Reference: Australian Government 2012, ‘Smartraveller: The Australian Government’s travel advisory and consular assistance service’, http://www.smartraveller.gov.au
New York the City that Never Sleeps!
New York is comprised of five main boroughs but it is Manhattan that best represents the city. Manhattan is commonly known as the city that never sleeps, the city that is always changing and evolving and the city where you can never hail a cab but can always get a pretzel from a local street vender. Manhattan Island is situated in the middle of New York and this is where you want to be located for all the hustle and bustle of large city life, crammed into an area spanning just 87.46km. Manhattan is known for its diversity, its soaring skylines, countless museums and art galleries, Central Park filled with street vendors and ice rinks, musical theatre and countless restaurants and cafes all boasting their own unique cuisine, not to mention the fabulous shopping. You could spend an entire week on this tiny island and still not see half what this bustling city has to offer. The following information will divulge the “must see” icons, the best hidden food areas, travel tips to surviving this fast moving city and of course the best time to go and where to stay! Planning your trip to New York will become a breeze!
New York's weather can vary drastically from day to day, and so it really depends what you want to gain out of your time in the city, as when the best time travel there will be. Winter in New York will bring temperatures as low as -2 degrees along with snow and shorter days - however the sky will often be sunny and clear. Spring will see a range of cool to warm temperatures but the blossoms will be in full bloom in Central Park. Summer brings bright, sunny hot days and later sunsets, and the Fall season is cool and crisp with the entire city turning into auburn and orange colours. Before you get to the city you must plan where to stay. You will be surprised by the cost but once you get there you will see that the money is all worth it! Prices vary from season to season and due to availability but the common prices as reported on http://www.nycgo.com/hotels are as follows: - A bed in a hostel = $15-$40/night - A double room with private bath in a budget hotel = $100-$250/night - A room in a mid range hotel = $250 and up/night - A room in a luxury hotel = in excess of $350 a night The bustling city has many public transport options making it very easy to get around - but if you plan on catching a cab make sure you are wearing appropriate shoes when you have to run to chase it down! You can catch a local bus, or walk easily to most iconic landmarks but you must catch a subway at least once to experience a true New Yorker moment. Due to the ease of the public transport you can get to many activities in one day but there are a few must-do’s whilst you are in New York. The Empire State Building is a must - the view from the top is unrivaled as the best view in the entire city, a full 360 degree view of the bustling city below and the iconic skyline. Take a ride on one of the city’s iconic ferries around the Statue of Liberty and while you’re at it, take a look back the entire city to gain another view and dimension of where you have been.
Spend a day getting lost in Central Park, there is so much to see!; skating on the ice rinks, visiting the city’s zoo, clambering over the parks rocks, stopping to have hotdog and a pretzel for lunch from one of the numerous street vendors, taking an iconic horse ride through the leafy paths of the parks, paddle boating on one of three main lakes and taking a break on one of the park benches and watch the city as it continues to rush by. Manhattan is full of art galleries and museums, with each suburb having their own niche small galleries and collections. However, the National History Museum on the other side of Central Park is a must see icon as is the Museum of Modern Art which although is quite pricey, if you visit on a Friday it is free!. New York is also renowned as a fashion hub of the world, so ladies hit the pavements and visit the local boutiques along with the large department stores, which you can spend entire days in! Once night falls walk to Times Square and take in the spectacle of all the lights from the surrounding buildings and countless large billboards. From there take a walk to Broadway and check out the latest musical for a very cultured and unique experience, because there is nowhere else like Broadway.
As your days will be filled to the brim with activities, food on the go is a must! Each borough in Manhattan is home to a different cuisine, you are able to eat African, Caribbean food and Korean food all within a short stop from each other. You can take a stop in Little Italy to grab some unbelievably good pasta, just a short hop away is China Town home to countless dumpling bars, and if your after some typical American cuisine there are hundreds of local diners and restaurants. So there is so much to do in this AMAZING city but you should know some helpful local travelling tips. Although the city is very fast moving do not be tempted to Jaywalk, as this is a criminal offense that could cost you a $200 fine!. The drinking age is 21, and smoking in public places and bars is banned. Public toilets are everywhere and they are usually clean! Tipping is expected and you should tip between 15 to 17% of the bill. New York is a diverse and magical city. There is never a shortage of things to do and see! If you want to travel to somewhere for a holiday like no other you must experience what New York and its people have to offer! For more fantastic information on New York check out - http://www.nycgo.com
Reference: This blog was compiled of a combination of my own experiences and information from the webpage: NYC and Company 2013, ‘The Official New York City Guide / nycgo.com‘, http://www.nycgo.com Images retrieved from: http://www.underworldmagazines.com/weekly-inspiration-15-beautiful-photos-of-new-york-cityn20/
Ever since I can remember I have been travelling through airports, sitting on planes, waiting in lounges and eating that delicious plane food. I have grown up with travelling being a part of my life. I have visited many cities on different continents and I could not imagine my life without packing up a suitcase and going to a new destination. This blog series will take a look at some of my favourite cities that I have travelled too, divulging their hidden secrets and great activities and I will also investigate cities that I plan to one day visit and give you the inside scoop on what I have found. This blog series will also contain a series of top travelling tips that will help you become the ultimate smart traveller.