For most people, the ideal vacation includes escaping to a sun drenched paradise, and at the mere mention of paradise, Bali instantly comes to mind.
Yes, Bali has beaches, surfing, diving, and resorts great and small, but it’s the scenic south-west, in Nusa Dua, where one resort out does them all.
Grand Hyatt Bali is the crown jewel of resorts in Nusa Dua, though this incredible 42-acre resort is more of an intimate beautiful Balinese river village than your typical resort.
With 5 star facilities, and a world-class shopping and convention centre at its front door, the hotel blends Balinese hospitality, tropical scenery, and modern convenience while oozing luxury across the board. And then there’s 650 meters of private white-sand beach, and activities galore.
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Iceland has become somewhat of a trend in recent years, and as with any destination which has seen a recent surge in tourism, it’s quite difficult to find great value accommodation. Difficult, though not impossible. Especially if you’re looking at Iceland’s hostels.
With some of the highest standards of hostel accommodation in the world (in terms of cleanliness, character, rooms and facilities), if you’re heading to Iceland, it’s a no brainer to book a hostel. And if you’re looking for Reykjavík’s cream of the crop, we recommend a stay at the Loft Hostel.
Offering a range of dorms, twins and private rooms, it has a modern, clean interior, a buzzing vibe, and a great location right in the middle of the city’s bar, restaurant and cafe district. It was also voted the world’s best HI (Hostelling International) hostel in 2014. Awards aside, this is what else it’s got.
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Travelers tend to group themselves into categories when it comes to what motivates them to experience the world. Some travelers’ sole aim is to taste new flavors (the “foodie”), while some are cultural travelers and history buffs. Some look to backpack on the cheap, while others simply want a break on an exotic beach.
There is an endless list of reasons why people travel, and a seemingly endless list of stereotypes to categorize them into. You’ve no doubt also come across the term eco-travel too. Though unlike being a foodie, a beach-bum, or a wine connoisseur, “eco-tourism” is one term which ultimately affects every kind of traveler, and something that, regardless of your interests, every traveler should care about.
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Arising from Orchard Road like a beacon, Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is one of the best located hotels in Singapore, offering luxury accommodation, with the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Singapore at your feet.
An iconic road which cuts through the very heart of the city, visitors can take full advantage of its central location and proximity to everything there is to see and do in the world’s greenest city. So for those who care about location, Orchard Road is where you’ll want to stay.
Until August 29, you can save up to 61% by booking a package deal via Luxury Escapes.
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For Australian residents, Spirit of Tasmania is giving away 6 themed Tasmanian adventures, and all you have to do is take their Spirited Adventurer quiz!
There are 6 types of Spirited Adventurer, and I’m the nature type. But others who are drawn to Tasmania include the foodie fanatic, the wine taster, the culture buff, the bushwalker, and the thrill seeker – take the Spirit of Tasmania’s Spirited Adventurer Quiz to find out which one is you … and win!
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Whether it be for socio-economic circumstance, ambition, or even wanderlust, you’ve made the decision to settle down abroad and become a fully-fledged expat. Congrats!
Many people dream of moving abroad; to experience life as part of a new culture and have the chance to discover an exotic new land. But as enjoyable as it is to plan and plot where we’d like to go and what we’d like to do, there are some very real considerations to take into account.
Here are 7 things to consider once you’ve decided to settle down overseas.
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About a year ago a message popped up on my Twitter feed. It said that all national parks in Canada will be free in 2017 to mark its 150th anniversary. Home to some of the most incredible scenery in the world, I immediately started planning my trip.
I rented a mid-size car from Edmonton for less than $80 a week. It was about a 4-hour drive to the entrance of Jasper National Park. Now, I’ve done a few amazing scenic drives in my lifetime, like the Pacific Coast Highway along the California coast, Hue to Hoi An in Vietnam, and Lisbon to Algarve in Portugal. But with exhilarating vistas of forest, craig, glacier, ice Fields and wildlife, the drive from Jasper to Banff takes out the top spot on my list. It’s easily one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
The following is a rough 5-day itinerary. If you’re thinking of a self drive adventure through the Canadian rockies, I encourage you to follow this route.
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You can pretty much guarantee that every adventure will come with it’s bumps in the road, but with careful planning and a few handy travel accessories you can be prepared for anything.
The accessories you travel with will depend on a variety of different things – the environment you’re heading to, the length of your journey, the type of transit you prefer, and even the weather. And then the rest of the time it comes down to personal preference.
Accessories most commonly found in a travelers bag include a first aid kit, flashlight, camera, headphones, and perhaps a travel hoodie, though to cover all possible bases, we’ve listed and discussed 15 more.
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Kettering is a hidden gem of a town located in Australia’s island state of Tasmania. Tasmania, land of the ferociously cute devils, incredible cuisine, and talented artistry, has really exploded onto the tourism radar with the Hobart region seeing some of the greatest influx of holiday makers.
Just 20 to 30 minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Tasmania’s capital of Hobart lies Kettering. A town fit for artists, sailing enthusiasts, and anyone looking for ultimate relaxation in an incredibly beautiful landscape. And the Cove Kettering offers luxury accommodation for your stay.
Deal Alert: Save up to 54% off your stay at the Cove Kettering with package deals from Luxury Escapes.
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Traveling the world may sound glamorous, and many moments are indeed. However let’s not pretend that there aren’t just as many moments where you begin questioning whether all the headaches are worth it!
I long for the day when I win the lottery and can fly First Class, with fancy additions like compression socks, slippers, pajamas, and those seemingly much more high tech headphones. Upon seeing them on my last flight I was jealous enough that I finally looked into replacing my free tangled mess given to me by the flight attendant.
I came across Sennheiser’s PXC 550 Wireless noise cancelling headphones. A German based company that specialises in premium audio products, there are headphones, and then there are these.
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Having a wedding in your hometown is a very convenient option; you know many vendors and venues, can select among a great variety of offers, and plan the wedding on any budget.
All your friends and relatives are (mostly) close to you, while those who live far away still can come to the event to join the celebration. Why have a destination wedding then?
You might be surprised how many advantages this option holds! After marrying in Hawaii ourselves, we have put together a shortlist of advantages and unexpected perks which make a destination wedding a dream event.
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Famed for it’s fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Koh Samui has become the most popular destination for a luxury getaway in Thailand, and as such, has become the island with the most stunning beachfront resorts.
Ultra-luxurious properties line the tropical coastline, with infinity pool vistas and direct access to the type of beaches you find featured in ads.
Because the standard of accommodation across Koh Samui is high, it can be tempting to just book any 5 star room. But if you’re looking to experience true luxury; private infinity pools, personal chefs and an exclusive section of the beach; you should book a private luxury villa instead. And I believe we’ve found the most beautiful villa in Thailand; Villa Acacia – one of the 11 incredible villa’s in the Miskawaan set.
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If you’re even considering taking your children on vacation this year, there’s a good chance you’re experiencing conflicting emotions right now.
On the one hand, you’re excited for the trip, and the opportunity to spend quality time as a family exploring new places. On the other, you’re slowly filling with dread, nervous of the logistical nightmare that lies ahead.
I’m here to tell you that traveling with children needn’t be a nightmare – as long as you’re prepared to put in a little planning…
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You’ve probably heard the old adage that the best camera is the one you have with you. For most of us, that means our best camera is our humble mobile phone.
Modern mobile phones do a decent job at taking a pretty picture, but they do have their limitations. If you want to get creative with your photography, or get that envious ‘blurred-background’ look, you’re much better off investing in an inter-changeable lens (ILC) camera, or at least, a good compact camera.
Buying a decent camera doesn’t mean breaking the bank – there are plenty of great cameras available for under $500 and some great dSLR lenses which cost much less than you’d expect.
What I will say though, is that by stretching your budget a little further, you can get a camera that will serve you well for many years to come. But let’s first decide what makes a good travel camera.
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Having just driven 20,000km around Australia (that’s the same distance as flying London to Sydney) in an battered, old Landrover, I can definitely attest to this country’s Instagrammability … if this is even a word!
Yes when you’re living out of a tent on a roof, surrounded the beauty of Australia every day, you realise just how perfect this place is if you want to snap some amazing travel shots.
With stunning scenery and vibrant visuals, the Land Down Under is so diverse and has so many unique sights, that it really is the most #instaperfect country in my opinion.
So check out these 8 places I’ve selected as the most instagrammable in Australia and start getting your friends jealous now!
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Photography is a huge part of the travel experience, though it’s rare to come home with shots which don’t require any editing. Whether it needs cropping, or adjusting brightness to finding the perfect contrast and saturation, sometimes that precious moment was captured in the wrong way.
Even for those who take amazing photos, a lot of the time it’s the editing stage that separates the pros from the amateurs. Professional editing can really go a long way. Sad thing being, I’ve never been very savvy with Lightroom or Photoshop (I swear you need an advanced degree!)
But what if there was a tool that could help you make your photos look just as good as the professionals? An editor that anyone can use to make their photos look great, and do some serious photo editing with virtually no learning curve?
Sometimes you just want a quick, fun way to enhance your photos, add some neat effects, and maybe create a collage or two. Fotor is the answer – a free online photo editor which proves that not everyone has to be skilled at Photoshop to compete.
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It’s the great debate among travelers – backpacks vs wheels. On one hand, a backpack is easier to get around with, and wheels don’t bode well on cobblestone streets or through jungles (I’ve tried). But on the other hand, after a couple of trips hauling a heavy backpack, even the most hardened travelers have secretly wished for wheels.
So which is better? The good news is you no longer have to decide. Leading brands like BlackWolf Adventure Gear offer hybrids; a wheeled travel backpack, which is basically like a suitcase you can take off road. When the terrain becomes too much for the wheels to handle, simply pick it up and put it on your back.
Combining the best parts of a suitcase (the wheels, handle and packing structure), and the best parts of a backpack (removable day pack, compression straps, terrific support), today we review the BlackWolf Grand Tour.
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Melbourne has earned a fantastic reputation for being a fun and friendly cosmopolitan city. Not only is there an endless amount of excitement to be had in wandering amidst the alleys and laneways, but Melbourne has also been christened the culinary capital of Australia too!
So if you’ve got a limited amount of time in this thriving metropolis, what are the key things to check out?
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Vietnamese tourism is becoming more popular every year. Western travelers flock to this small, oceanfront country in Southeastern Asia due to its rich culture and affordable pricing.
Even though tourism is on the rise in Vietnam and the surrounding countries, many travelers still don’t know what to expect when they arrive. Here are five of the most surprising facts about traveling through Vietnam.
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San Francisco is one of those cities that has a little bit of everything. From stunning landscapes to iconic monuments, along with a thriving arts, culture, and food scene, there are plenty of things to do and see.
But if you only have time for a brief visit, using this itinerary will help you pack the highlights into three days.
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In 2016, Australians took 8.5 million overseas trips. We budgeted an average of $4,607 AUD per trip, according to the Visa International Travel Intentions Survey, which also ranked Australians fifth in the world for spending on international travel.
With so much money involved, creating a good travel budget is essential. There are many things to take into account, but these tips should guide you.
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As global citizens, we are becoming more aware of our impact on the environment when travelling. With travel becoming more accessible we need to make sure our trips don’t have a negative impact on the places we visit and the environment.
As well as offsetting our carbon footprint we need to think about the things we bring along and what we leave behind. This means being careful about what you pack and purchase during your journey, and one way to reduce waste whilst traveling is to ditch the plastic packaging / bags.
Did you know that regular plastic bags can take up to 500 years to biodegrade? Although a lot is being done across the world to reduce plastic waste, as travelers we can do our small bit too – instead of using disposable plastic bags when packing, it’s far more environmentally friendly (and a lot easier to stay organized) to use packing cubes.
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Queensland is known for its year-round warmth and its picturesque beaches drenched in sunshine, and nowhere is the quintessential Australian image more fitting than on the tropical islands found just off the state’s coast.
But once you start planning your trip you’ll realize it can be difficult to know which island – or islands – to visit. They’re all exciting in their different ways and offer a wide variety of experiences – from observing natural wonders to getting involved in unique and an action packed itinerary.
To help you with your decision, we’ve developed a snapshot of some of QLD’s most popular islands, highlighting what you’ll find at each one.
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When it comes to a Greek holiday, Mykonos is an island that gives you a bit of everything. Not only does this glamourous island have sizzling weather nearly all year round, but with its mix of party atmosphere and family-friendly amenities, Mykonos is a holiday destination that everyone can enjoy.
Even better, despite its St Tropez meets Ibiza reputation, this little island won’t break your bank account to visit. Intrigued? Here are 7 other reasons why Mykonos needs to be on your bucket list.
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If you can’t fathom the thought of a vacation without your best friend, the UK is an ideal country to visit. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are dotted with picturesque beaches and lush countryside for you and your pet to explore. (Not to mention the centuries of history and famous monuments).
With many residents being dog lovers themselves, accommodation often caters to furry guests. You’ll find suitable options throughout the region, but here are a few of the top destinations.
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