There are several amazing Greek island day trips from Athens you can plan for. Greece’s ancient yet modern capital is the primary entry point to Greece, rich with archaeological sites, vibrant nightlife and unique urban flair. Athens is also a launching pad for Greek island excursions that are perfect day trips, each one just about an hour ferry ride away.
Here’s a look at the most popular Greek island day trips from Athens.
Read MoreThe Arctic region’s beauty crosses the borders of 5 countries: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Russia, and the United States. Because of its immense size it contains some amazing sites, both natural and those that occur from the meshing of cultures.
There is simply no way you’re going to be able to take in all that the Arctic has to offer in one visit. So we’ve put together a quick list of eleven bits of awesomeness that should help you get started in putting together your Arctic adventure.
Read MoreThe Surf Coast of Victoria and its world famous beaches, makes it an incredible destination for an escape from the bustling heart of Melbourne. Just over an hour west of the CBD, The Surf Coast stretches along the Great Ocean Road, so you’ll be at no shortage of breathtaking ocean views from atop the rugged cliff faces.
Whether you make the trip in summer to soak up the sunshine from the sand, or choose to explore the region on a cooler day, there’s so much to see and do!
Read MorePhu Quoc island is a relatively unknown tourism destination in Vietnam. Yet, the biggest island in Vietnam and the gulf of Thailand offers no shortage of tourism attractions, landmark, and unique tropical experiences.
As an almost virgin, relatively unknown destination, you can expect a clean tropical paradise with spectacular panoramas. For beach lovers, Phu Quoc is definitely a tropical paradise, but the island offers a wide variety of landscapes from rocky mountains to beaches to the city itself.
If you are looking for your next adventurous destination, Phu Quoc should be a serious contender; here are some of the unique experiences you can enjoy.
Read MoreWith four major islands and over 50 smaller (mostly uninhabited) islands, The British Virgin Islands are a treasure trove of places to sightsee, snorkel, and sail. With so many options, it can be difficult for travelers to pinpoint the best places that the islands have to offer.
Whether you are on a BVI yacht charter or a bareboat charter, here are some of the most spectacular spots to drop anchor.
Read MoreWhen I mentioned to family and friends that I planned to climb Kilimanjaro, the overwhelming majority laughed. Not in a malicious way, but in a “you over-estimate your abilities” type of way.
And honestly, to begin with, I didn’t really care if I climbed Kilimanjaro or not. I was going to be in Tanzania, the mountain was going to be there, and I had read a feature about Thérèse Rein and vaguely remembered that the climb was something you could brag about having done (I still use it as a sticking point on my adventurous resume to this day).
But for my original indifference of whether I completed the climb or not, the decision was made when I was told “it’s a lovely goal, I just don’t think you’ll get to the top.” And honestly, I thank every single person who said this to me. Because this was the motivating factor which got me to the top. Come hell or high water (I did trek through hell, just not high water!), I was going to prove every single one of them wrong.
I often write about what travel has taught me, and how travel has changed my perspective on life. However a lot of my transformation happened on that mountain top.
Read MoreOur trip to Antarctica was bittersweet. We were experiencing the most epic adventure of a lifetime – exploring the most isolated and remote continent on earth, though acutely aware that no trip in the future would ever compare.
I’ve grappled for the past few weeks with how to put the experience into words. Because even though the continent pulls rave reviews, the experience is still undersold. One of the rare destinations which actually exceeds and surpasses the hype.
And I’ll admit, I was apprehensive of traveling to Antarctica. Extraordinarily excited, sure, but I’ve traveled enough to know that you can ruin a destination by building it up in your mind. And the pedestal I’d built for Antarctica was exceptionally high. But we needn’t have been scared. Because the reality of Antarctica didn’t crush the dream – it blew it out of the water.
Read MoreDown Under, we hear the call of the beach often. But if you’re up for more than just a swim or a stroll, these pristine beach spots along the coast offer mesmerizing views, remote camping, reef snorkeling, horse riding and even cliff walking above the Tasman.
Read MoreWhen it comes to booking accommodation, hotels and hostels tend to be the first port of call. However, if you’re looking to infuse some extra adventure into your trip, there are plenty of wonderful and wacky alternatives.
In fact, accommodation should never be seen as a mere afterthought – it can really transform your experience of a place. Even if you’re more of a luxury hotel kind of person, it is definitely worth trying a more unconventional option at least once.
Here are some out-there accommodations and where you can find them.
Read MoreMany of us dream of going on safari at least once in our lives. To see the exotic landscape and get up close and personal with beautiful and majestic animals really is the experience of a lifetime.
South Africa is a great destination to choose for all of this, and if you want to make the most of it, these tips will help you to maximise the magic.
Read MoreThese beach camping destinations around Australia are gorgeous, and they’re some of my favourites. Here’s where to go to sleep (and wake up!) this summer by the sea.
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland: You’ll find a gorgeous array of beach camping sites in the Whitsundays, but one of the standouts is Whitehaven.
Pristine white sands and glistening blue waters await, with the campsite and toilets nestled in the bush just metres back from the beach. It’s only small (with seven sites), so book early to grab a spot.
Read MoreIf you’re planning on hitting the slopes this winter, Europe is home to some of the World’s most iconic ski resorts. And while skiing might have originated in Norway and Sweden, it’s the southern ski destinations that have cemented their names as a classic.
“From Ernest Hemingway in the 1920’s and James Bond in the 1980’s to the snowboarders of today, the mighty Alps provide both framework and backdrop for skiing in France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.” You’ll find reliable snow, vast skiing terrains, legendary night life and family friendly facilities. There are Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels and destination spas with ultra-luxury chalets.
Europe has literally hundreds of ski resorts to choose from, though only a couple of classics. Here are our favorite top 10.
Read MoreThe idea to attempt a long walk had been in my head for some time. The book Wild, by Cheryl Strayed, came into my hands, shortly followed by Patrick Leigh Fermor’s A Time of Gifts; two autobiographies which detailed epic adventures across magical landscapes on foot.
It became clear to me that something very special happens to a traveler in this situation, so I decided I had to be involved. Though having never walked long distance before, I had to figure out where I should start.
The obvious choice for most travelers these days is the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St James. One of the most popular long distance routes made famous by films such as The Way with Martin Sheen, thousands come from all over the world to walk it every year. I imagined I’d probably be one of those thousands until – surprisingly – I started to learn a little bit more about European pilgrimage routes.
Read MoreIn October 2010 I traveled to Tanzania with the goal of conquering a mountain. And at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft), it was really, really tall. The highest mountain in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa, and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, if we’re keeping score.
Dominating the landscape like no other mountain, both iconic and instantly recognizable, Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most visited National Parks. Unlike the other parks, this isn’t for the wildlife, although it’s there. Rather, coming here is all about gazing in awe at a mountain on the equator capped with snow, and to climb to the top of Africa.
There are many decisions to consider when planning your Kilimanjaro climb, but the best decision you’ll make is to combine it with an African safari.
Read MoreJilin is a northeastern Chinese province bordering North Korea and Russia, and while it may not be the first place you think to go when you think of China, come winter it is a destination full of superlatives; of ski resorts, natural hot springs, and stunning ice-rimmed riverside trees.
For those travelers looking for a destination which offers an incredible winter wonderland, and lengthy period of winter snow, this is the place to be. From October to April, Jilin is transformed into a truly magical destination with mesmerising natural wonders you have to see to believe.
From a stunning, deep-blue volcanic crater lake within the country’s largest reserve, to China’s extraordinary frozen fog, the following are 7 reasons to spend this winter among the wonders of Jilin.
Read MoreMotorbike travel has always been the most sought-after way to get around in my country. It’s the ultimate thrill; the feeling of total freedom, of immersing yourself in the scenery around you, and the cool breeze rushing through your hair. Motorbike travel is one of the best ways to explore, and the buzz it offers is indescribable in words.
That said, a motorcycle trip requires extensive pre-trip planning and research, and there are many factors to keep in mind while planning the trip. After 10 years of motorcycle travel, the following are my top five tips; everything you need to know before you jump on a bike and take a trip.
Read More100 years ago no more than a handful of people had journeyed to Antarctica, however today around 30,000 travelers visit each year. And we’re ridiculously excited to announce that next year, we will be too!
Antarctica remains one of the most unique destinations on earth, and expeditions are available to the average person seeking an exceptional experience. We’re looking forward to spectacular glacial lagoons, dramatic icebergs, breaching whales and deep-diving seals. To stepping out of our boat for hikes through ice fields, kayaking adventures, and camping overnight on the most remote continent in the world!
Being Australia’s most diverse Antarctic operator, we’re booked for February 2017 with Chimu Adventures. We’ll be traveling on their Pure Antarctica cruise; here’s a sneak peak at some of the stories, photos and videos you can look forward to!!
Read MoreAfter years of full time travel, finding a frequent fix of life on the road is a necessity now that I’ve (kind of) re-joined the real world. But the need pursue adventure on a regular basis has a tendency to present financial obstacles, so I’m constantly creating new ways to explore on a budget, without having to feel like a backpacker again.
With a love of outdoor adventure, over the years I’ve developed a bit of a habit for sleeping out under the stars. So this time I set my sights on a week of wild camping in Greece.
Read MoreIn 2015 my boyfriend Tyler and I traded our stable jobs in South Lake Tahoe for a couple years of hot spring soaked adventures. We hitchhiked through Cuba and Central America, and cycled 1800 miles along the Pacific Coast.
When we loaded up Baby Beluga, a tiny Mazda pickup truck, we figured we’d be exploring North American national parks in luxury compared to the previous months of stuffing our belongings in a backpack or panniers. Au contraire.
For anyone considering the option of traveling and living out of a truck, I hope these tips will allow you to maximize the good, dwindle the bad, and prepare you for the smelly!
Read MoreWith its vast collection of idyllic beaches, mysterious caves, majestic mountains, and other natural wonders, the Philippines is a true haven for active vacationers and thrill-seeking adventurers.
Home to some of the most breathtaking vacation spots in the world, there are many reasons to visit the Philippines, though perhaps the most exciting are the truly unforgettable adventures that also offer the most epic adrenaline rush!
Whether you’re into extreme sports like surfing, swimming with whale sharks, or death-defying activities atop the country’s highest points, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Read MoreOne of the world’s most dazzling natural phenomenons, few travel experiences can top witnessing the Northern Lights. Also known as Aurora Borealis, this is mother nature’s most impressive light show, and something which tops almost every traveler’s bucketlist.
Located in the far-northern latitudes, northern Norway is a popular destination for witnessing the spectacle. “Created by solar winds interacting with charged particles in the earth’s magnetic field, the lights appear as otherworldly streaks of green, red, yellow and purple dancing across the arctic skies.”
The following are the cities and towns in Norway where you have the most chance of seeing the Northern lights. It’s important to note that there is no exact science to catching the Aurora, and that there’s never any guarantee. But occurring predominantly between late September and late March, often close to midnight, here some of your best bets.
Read MoreOne of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States, Antelope Canyon is a favorite among photographers, tourists, and visitors from all over the world. A popular slot canyon on the Navajo Reservation, it is unearthly in its beauty, created over many thousands of years by wind and water which carved the sandstone into the temple we see today.
Tourists make the trek for the natural light show, which is something of a photographers dream. “The views in Lower Antelope Canyon change constantly as the sun moves across the sky, filtering lights softly across the stone walls. These ever-moving sun angles bounce light back and forth across the narrow canyon’s walls, creating a dazzling display of color, light, and shadow.”
Antelope Canyon is a place where you can experience nature in its raw form, though those interested in visiting should note that the area is only open by joining a tour.
Read MoreWe spent three weeks exploring the Canadian Rockies. From Banff to Mount Robson, Icefall canyon to the Bugaboos.
We hiked and boated, played disc and checked out the hotsprings. We heli hiked and skied while marveling at everything this incredible country has to offer.
This is the best of Canada in three minutes. I guarantee after watching it you’ll be convinced to jump on a flight!
Read MoreVisiting a game lodge was high on my priority list during my recent visit to South Africa. In the limited time I had, fifteen days to be precise, my itinerary also included Durban, Cape Town and my arrival destination, Johannesburg.
Kruger National Park seemed fascinating at first, however after a little bit of homework I decided to check on some of the private game lodges which abound all over South Africa. I was initially totally unaware of the public facilities offered within Kruger and the other private game lodges, but on advice of a friend I decided to visit the lesser known Zululand Rhino Reserve.
As it turns out, this was excellent advice, and my six nights spent at the private Zebra Hills safari lodge within the reserve will remain etched in my memory forever.
Read MoreWhen you think of Africa, images of wildlife immediately come to mind. And why not, after all, the vast continent is world famous for its wildlife safaris, and is known as the land of big five – the African elephant, African lion, Black rhinoceros, African leopard and Cape buffalo.
The big five are game animals, and the term refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot.
Though gone is the day where game hunting is acceptable, and now we load our cameras instead of guns.
The best-known countries for African Safaris are Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Get ready for the best African safari experience at any one of the following parks.
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I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!
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