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The Time We Stayed in a Pyramid at Grampians Getaway
As travel restrictions begin to ease in Australia, it’s time to start thinking about travelling domestically to boost our local economies. And after months of being locked down, Aussies could all use a breath of fresh air in the nation’s beautiful reserves and national parks.
Just a short drive from Melbourne is one of our country’s finest national parks: Grampians National Park. The Grampians as it’s also known, attracts travellers from all around the world who come to witness the park’s scenic lookouts, waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Oh, and did I mention there are pyramids in these hills? If you’re looking to experience one of the most unique and relaxing stays in the Grampians, look no further than Grampians Getaway which accommodates everyone from romantic couples to larger families and groups.
read moreHow to Make the Most of a Trip to Masada, Israel
There’s nothing quite like stepping out onto the summit of Masada, the sun beating down on you and the Dead Sea stretching out before you.
This stunning ancient fortress is one of the most visited sites in Israel for a reason, and everyone should aim to visit at least once if planning a visit to the country.
A magnificent 2,000 year old fortification atop a rugged rocky plateau, Masada is one of the world’s most beautiful ruins. However this is not the type of site where you can just step off the tour bus, admire for twenty minutes, and then get back on.
Making the most out of a trip to Masada requires a little bit of forward planning, so here are some of the things you can do before your visit, an introduction to the history of the site, and whether or not you should hike!
read moreBest USA Hiking Holiday Destinations
From hiking through national parks to experiencing the Alaskan wildlife and wilderness, there are plenty of walking holiday destinations in the USA to consider before jetting off.
Here’s a quick guide to the best locations for hiking holidays in the USA and what kinds of things you can expect from each.
read moreThe Otherworldly Landscapes of Uyuni, Bolivia
Uyuni, the land of wonders, is almost at hand’s reach. We’ve heard so much about it, at every table of every hostel throughout South America.
We’re ecstatic, exhilarated and exquisitely excited. But we’ve also thought long and hard about which tour we should take. Should we stick to the salt flats, or indulge in the 3-day excursion?
Honestly, if we had known about the myriad stunning landscapes we would go through on the 3-day Uyuni tour, it would have saved a lot of time and effort. The South of Bolivia has so much more to it than the salt flats.
Truth is, what you’re about to read is exactly the kind of post we would have needed.
read moreHow to Visit and Support Bushfire Affected Regions of Australia – Use Your Tourism For Good
When we embarked on our ‘Road Trip for Good‘ at the beginning of March, the purpose was to visit bushfire affected parts of the country, and do our bit to support struggling local economies.
The start of 2020 saw unprecedented bushfires rip through Australia; millions of people were affected, but the devastation wasn’t just limited to property, wildlife, and land. It also decimated local economies across the country, as travelers cancelled their plans.
Summer is peak season for tourism in Australia, and many small businesses rely on the visitor economy. Even if the fire didn’t reach their doors, the sudden drought of tourism was a heart aching pill to swallow.
Our gratitude can’t be expressed deeply enough for the outpouring of love, donations, and support which flooded in from around the world, and from around the country. But the bushfire recovery is far from over, especially for those who have lost their income.
By mid March a pandemic swept in, and we were forced to rush home. But as Australia went into lockdown and we cut our trip short, the residents of bushfire affected Australia had a clear message:
‘Please don’t forget about us’.
read moreWhy Traveling Boosts Your Self-Confidence
I remember a quote I read many years ago from Sir Richard Burton. “The greatest moment in a man’s life is when he sets out for an unknown land.”
I had no idea who Sir Richard was, but the quote stuck in my head. Traveling could really cause the most extraordinary moments? I was excited about the possibilities, and this quote motivated me to make traveling my profession.
For years, I worked as a travel writer and traveled across all seven continents. And the quote turned out to be correct. Different places, people, cultures, natural wonders, mega cities, unknown customs and outstanding places, from the mountain ranges of the Rocky Mountains to the beaches of Thailand, had definitely filled my life.
When I look back on my travels in over 90 countries over the last two decades, I discovered that the mysterious Sir Richard Burton was formerly a British Africa researcher, though in his above quote he had underestimated the outcome of the journey.
I found out that travel does much more: it also boosts your self-esteem, and greatly improves self confidence.
read moreHow to Have an Epic Time on the Gold Coast (Without Theme Parks or Surfers Paradise)
Southeast Queensland’s Gold Coast has a reputation as a gaudy family friendly holiday destination with theme parks, beaches and wild nightlife.
While it is indeed all of those things, for those that venture outside of the usual tourist hotspots, it has so much more to offer, from great food to endless outdoor activities.
Locals feel that just by living here, it’s like winning one of those giant American lottery jackpots – there’s a reason so many Aussies move to the Gold Coast, though it’s not for the typical tourist haunts!
Check out our list of things to do on the Gold Coast beyond the theme parks and Surfers. You may find that you’re the next person wanting to move!
read more5 Reasons You Should Travel Europe by Bike
Europe is a cyclists dream. There are historic castles and cities to explore, pastoral countryside dotted with small towns, and snow-capped mountains for hiking.
While most people navigate Europe by car or train, the continent is ideally suited for bike touring. You can get just about anywhere in Europe by bike with ease, and it can lead to a much more immersive travel experience.
If you need some motivation to trade out the traditional European trip for a bike tour, we’ve got five reasons why two wheels is the way to go.
read more7 Ways to Be More Eco-Friendly While Traveling
Traveling doesn’t always have to be so taxing on the environment. By finding ways to travel greener, you’ll be making less of a negative impact on the planet with each trip.
Here are seven great ways to be more eco-friendly while you’re traveling. Small changes we make on an individual level do add up to have a powerful collective effect.
read moreThings to do in Joshua Tree National Park
The popularity of Joshua Tree National Park dates back 10,000 years, back when the Pinto Culture were hunter-gatherers within the region. Cattle rustlers and miners would later move into the area before Joshua Tree would eventually go on to become the outdoor recreation mecca it is today.
Joshua Tree’s otherworldly landscape is filled with billion-year-old boulders and crazy looking Joshua trees for which the park is named. It’s now been 25 years since California’s Joshua Tree became a national park, conserving nearly a half million acres of rugged yet beautiful desert wilderness.
The park has been popularized through its appearance in music videos, iconic album covers, and through big name music concerts, though it’s major draw is its offering of outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re into rock climbing, hiking, camping, or spotting wildlife, Joshua Tree definitely delivers! Read about all the things you can do!
read more