Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities, and draws visitors from all over the globe with its elegant European feel, convenient and reliable public transportation, rich culinary heritage, and wealth of exciting attractions.
With year round festivals and events, there is always something happening in Melbourne. Whether you fancy watching sports, enjoying entertainment, or simply want to relax in beautiful gardens, Melbourne makes for the perfect holiday no matter what your personality is.
Though how do you know if Melbourne is the destination for you? Even though it’s a pretty safe bet in terms of an incredible vacation, what kind of travelers does the city suit?
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Whether you’re visiting relatives in New Zealand or soaking up the bright lights of Hong Kong, travelling with kids can really make those grey hairs sprout.
And the stress seems to ramp up days before the trip – youngsters spit the dummy for random reasons and teens whinge when they realise they might miss the Aussie tour dates for Taylor Swift.
But family travel can be much more Zen-like if you follow these three tips.
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As of March 2018, the Australian Government introduced a new work visa in replacement of the 457 visa – the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
The Government’s March visa changes have been highly anticipated since its announcement in April last year that they would be replacing the 457 visa in order to address Australia’s skills shortages and to prioritise Australian workers.
Brisbane based migration agents, Results Migration have agreed to take us through the changes.
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Being an archipelago made up of more than 7000 islands, the Philippines is becoming one of Asia’s most popular destinations. Most travelers head to the Philippines for the beaches, water sports and island scenery, so it’s good to know in advance the best months weather-wise for those activities.
The Philippines is a tropical country with only two seasons – a dry season and a wet season – but there are climatic variations within those seasons, and it can rain at any time of the year.
The following is a weather guide to the Philippines – a month by month breakdown to help you choose the best time of year to plan your travel.
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I met Oren Liebermann in 2014, 5 months after he had been diagnosed with diabetes. Though his journey to diagnosis was anything but conventional.
In the middle of a yearlong backpacking trip around the world with his wife, Oren was teaching English to young Buddhist monks in Pokhara, Nepal, when his body began to fail him. He had picked up a virus in Kenya weeks earlier, and had been traveling for two months as a medical time bomb.
He had been brushing off signs of poor health for months; dismissing constant thirst as a consequence of the Bangkok heat; exhaustion in the Himalayas to the altitude, and weakness / extreme weight loss to malnutrition.
But after visiting a local clinic in Nepal, a doctor gives him a diagnosis that will change his life forever: “I’m sorry to tell you, my friend, that you are a diabetic.”
Oren’s reaction? “Holy shit”.
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There are many reasons to include Mykonos in your Greek itinerary. Besides the music, the party atmosphere, the colour of the water and the sky, and the amazing elite villas set atop hills overlooking the Aegean, there is also a food scene that will blow you away.
Lobster, sausages, onion pie, and freshly-caught fish are some of the signature dishes every traveler should try when visiting Mykonos. So, whether you wish for tavernas serving feta cheese and baklava, or eateries whose menu is specifically catered for light eaters, there are many great finds.
Now, if you are wondering where to start this culinary journey of all five senses, here are some recommendations. The following are our favorite restaurants in Mykonos.
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Only a short one hour drive from the strip of Las Vegas is a geological wonderland, the Valley of Fire State Park. The beauty of this park captivated my heart with it’s bright red Aztec sandstone formations, and beautiful limestone rock faces.
Covering some 40,000 acres, sandstone outcrops are the main attraction here, along with ancient petrified trees, and petroglyphs which date back 2,500 years. There is something very special about this place that evokes a sense of grounding and peacefulness; this is nature at it’s greatest.
The Valley of Fire is a traveler’s paradise that can accommodate campers, hikers, and drivers, and you’re more than welcome to bring your pup! There are 14 points of interest in the park, however the following were my highlights if you’re wondering where to start.
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Coral reefs are one of our planet’s most unique beauties, a must on any travel bucket lists. Their gleaming vivid colors and the explosion of shapes and sizes fascinate onlookers and provide an idyllic habitat to countless species.
There are many ways in which you can visit a coral reef and admire its breath-taking beauty, while you still can. Tourism to coral reefs around the world happen in a highly supervised manner so that our presence doesn’t further contribute to their extinction.
The following are five unique trips which will allow you to explore the true beauty of the world’s coral reefs.
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It goes without saying that Brazil is one of the most fascinating countries in the Americas. Yes, it’s a popular destination for medical tourism, and almost every has heard of Rio de Janeiro, though its landscapes and biodiversity are legendary in scope, and it has all the scenic and cultural variety you would expect from such a vast country.
It’s a truly captivating experience to travel here, and explore attractions which range from “frozen-in-time colonial towns to otherworldly landscapes of red-rock canyons, thundering waterfalls and coral-fringed tropical islands.”
And with ecosystems more diverse than anywhere else on earth, there are countless opportunities to spot iconic species, including toucans, jaguars, anacondas, scarlet macaws, pink river dolphins, and sea turtles.
Granted, obtaining a visa can be a little involved depending on your citizenship, but it’s well worth the effort in making sure your Brazil visa requirements are met for the chance to visit this beautiful country.
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It’s a popular held belief that in life, you get what you pay for, and that’s usually true when it comes to budget airlines; with lengthy delays, hidden charges and uncomfortable seating, picking a good low-cost airline can sometimes be akin to playing a game of roulette.
But there are some budget friendly airlines who are bucking this trend, and have dedicated themselves to providing an exemplary service – despite the fact that you’re not paying for it.
So if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, the following are the world’s best budget airlines; all living examples that low-cost flying doesn’t always have to be limited to a no-fills experience. Bon voyage!
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Whether you’re traveling for the first time, or you’re an adventure fanatic, we all make blunders that can ruin our trip. According to research, over 30 percent of adventure travelers report being disappointed with their experience, but this is usually due to silly mistakes that could have been avoided.
Many people think that they are too savvy to fall for the following mistakes, but with so many decisions to make, and so much organization, slip ups are inevitable at some stage; after-all, we’re all human!
So we’ve put together a list of the most common travel mistakes, and how to avoid them. You might be surprised at how many of them you’ve made!
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For most people, one of the biggest obstacles to travel is figuring out the money. But you don’t need to be rich to travel the world; a lot of the time what it comes down to is reassessing priorities.
Saving money can be a daunting task, but there are many ways to cut costs, and with a couple of creative strategies you might be amazed at how quickly you can build a travel fund.
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The global fish market set a record in 2017 for sales, which comes as good news to Boston’s uncertain seafood future. This comes after a questionable cod ban and host of regulations has threatened to wipe out New England’s seafood industry for good.
Fortunately, even if the supply of seafood in New England was upended, the demand in Boston for great seafood could never falter. For Beantown residents, seafood is as much a part of its culture as pizza is to Brooklyn or coffee to Seattle.
While Boston is known for its freshly shucked oysters and gourmet lobster rolls, any type of local fare is guaranteed to be delicious here. Being a harbor town and a connoisseur of seafood, Boston tends to offer some pretty amazing bites.
The following are our six favorite Boston seafood joints, you just have to try!
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Layovers can be a pain when you’re traveling, especially when you have somewhere important to go. But if you plan your layover strategically, you can often use this to your advantage and see two cities for the price of one!
Barcelona is a popular stopover for flights en-route to Europe, and whether you have a 12 hour layover, or you’re there for 24 hours +, use the following suggestions to seize the day.
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With travel photography becoming increasingly popular, a good quality camera is now a necessity for most travelers. But the biggest question is, what kind of camera should we use?
For years, a DSLR camera was everyone’s go-to. But technology evolves, and there’s a growing trend among travelers today to go the mirrorless route.
Keeping up pace with bulkier and older DSLRs, mirrorless cameras use the latest technology to produce high quality images in smaller bodies. It’s called mirrorless because the cameras are designed not to have an optical mirror in front of the sensor, which is common in DSLR cameras. Instead, it uses a digital display system, or an electronic viewfinder.
So if you’re planning to switch your DSLR to a mirrorless camera, or you’re looking for your first camera to start with, here are 6 mirrorless cameras that you can try.
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An island nation that lies in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is as dense with UNESCO Heritage Sites as it is densely populated; a cultural blend of English, Italian, and Arabic influences, with a rich history and a prehistoric past.
The largest of the country’s three main islands, Malta is the nation’s cultural centre. Exploring the island in its entirety is rather easy as it is quite small, and English is widely spoken. Buses will get you to even the most remote parts of the island, or you can hire your own car to explore on your own schedule.
For such a small island Malta certainly packs a heavy punch; a holiday here allows you to take in prehistoric temples, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, fossil studded cliffs, incredible scuba diving, and a food scene which mixes Sicilian and Middle Eastern flavours with local Maltese ingredients like rabbit and honey.
Not yet convinced you should visit? You will be after reading more about the country’s top cultural treasures and cuisine!
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Everyone knows that when you bring a dog into your life, you’re not only welcoming a ton of new excitement, but you’re also embracing a substantial amount of new responsibility.
That responsibility, however, doesn’t mean you need to give up your flexibility when it comes to travel, at least not all of it!
It has become quite acceptable in today’s day and age to bring your pet with you, and travel with your dog on the plane. So the following are our trips on flying with your dog; because there’s no reason you should have to choose between your wanderlust and your pet!
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Visiting a city that is rich in culture and history like Madrid can be costly, but as tourists we want to soak up as much of the culture and vibrancy of the city as we can before we hop back on a plane to our lives back home.
It can be difficult to plan a city break on a budget, but did you know that with a little research you can experience the city of Madrid without spending a single Euro?!
Here we’ll give you a few ideas and tips of how you can fill your Madrid break to the brim with the very best of Spanish culture – for free!
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The idea that the internet is awash with travel deals could easily be one of the greatest myths of our time (right next to drop bears, and that Walt Disney invented Mickey Mouse. I know you’re questioning me on that one, so to set the record straight, it was Ub Iwerks).
Sure, there are exceptions, but once you realize that there are only two companies who control the industry, it becomes clear that the travel deals we get giddy about aren’t really true deals. They’re very clever marketing.
But that doesn’t mean that cheaper rates aren’t available. They’re just not available to you (until now). There’s a huge difference between wholesale travel rates and the retail markup that we as everyday travelers pay. Wholesale rates are about 70% cheaper. Want access? Here’s how!
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Despite what the media may tell you, the world isn’t actually dangerous or unsafe. Forget what you saw in the movies, and tell your mother to stop referencing Taken, the truth is that you’re generally safe when traveling overseas.
I’ve long been an advocate that common sense is the biggest secret to staying safe abroad. Traveling with street smarts, being aware of your surroundings, and trusting your gut instinct.
BUT there are many common sense safety tips which most travelers take for granted; basic measures for travel safety which are often overlooked.
And in fact, the most serious obstacle to personal safety abroad is an attitude of complacency or fatalism. “It can’t happen to me” and “if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen” – this is dangerous thinking.
So the following are some straightforward, basic tips for travel safety, which are frequently brushed off. Often, the most simple advice is the advice we need the most.
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Palermo has a rich history as being the most conquered city in the world; the regional capital of Sicily has seen close to 15 ruling bodies throughout its history, including: Phoenicians, Arabs, Aragons, Romans and Spaniards (just to name a few).
This diverse cultural experience is what draws so many tourists to this part of Sicily year after year. In Old Town alone, you will find hundreds of historical relics, structures and traditions, all part of a cultural diversity that the city retains.
A good example of this is the bustling street markets that first emerged during Arab rule, thousands of years ago. While these street markets are often in the dilapidated and neglected areas of town, there are four that are very important for anyone traveling to Palermo to see in person.
The following are reasons to explore the historic street markets of Palermo. These are Vucciria, Capo, Borgo Vecchio and Ballaro.
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Sounds a bit ridiculous right? Sending postcards – a modern trend? Surely that’s been around forever, and the age of the postcard is dead.
I mean, when was the last time you actually received a postcard? When was the last time you wrote one? Got your hands all covered in ink, and traveled with a print out list with everyone’s mailing address?
But despite the fact that you don’t visit your letterbox anymore, the act of sending postcards is not dead. Secretly everyone loves the idea of postcards, but as social media swept in we lost the motivation to buy them, write them, and track down a local post office.
So how has it come back as a modern trend? To revive the act of sending postcards, and make it easy and relevant for modern travelers, MyPostcard is a website / app at the center of a movement which says no to E-cards, and yes to the real thing! You upload your photo and a personalized message, they print and mail them. It’s easy, cheap, and solid proof that the age of the postcard is not dead!
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We all want to have an enjoyable time on vacation. That’s literally the definition of the word. But travel these days can be stressful, not only in the planning stages, but once you’re actually there.
Considering just how little time off we have, and how much we spend on our trips, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to have the perfect trip. Too much pressure.
So to relieve some of that, we’ve put together a list of tips for actually enjoying your vacation. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning for a working holiday or a vacation spent sunbathing on the beach, you can improve any trip by using the following tips.
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The United Arab Emirates is a country of sheer opulence, and no city embodies this more than Dubai. But Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, offers a much different glimpse into the nation than the fast-paced cosmopolitan of Dubai, despite being just a short distance away.
Abu Dhabi is far more quiet and conservative than Dubai and offers visitors a more authentic glimpse of the regions’s culture. The UAE is much more than the glitz and glam of lavish resorts and manmade islands, and Abu Dhabi offers a better chance to see the real UAE before it became overly commercialised.
Abu Dhabi taxis are a safe, secure, and accessible way to get around the city and are also quite economical. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is not the most pedestrian friendly city, and while this is something they are looking to change, for now it’s best to take a taxi.
The following are 5 of the cultural highlights Abu Dhabi has to offer.
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It’s not my ideal way to begin a blog post by making reference to my age, but there was once a time where you would head out into the world with your camera, and a roll of film which had 24 exposures. This meant you had the opportunity to take 24 photos total (obviously you could travel with more than one roll of film though).
You would arrive home, have them developed, and add them to a photo album which you would have handy to pull out every now and then. But these days, find me someone who doesn’t return home with hundreds, if not thousands, of photos.
With the ability to take such a vast amount of photos these days, even our great photos end up suffering a pretty sad fate. You might Instagram or Facebook them, but for the most part, they sit quietly forgotten in a digital folder or harddrive. They fade away.
So we’ve come up with some ideas for bringing your photos to life in this modern age, and actually using them in the everyday.
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