Destination Discovery: Australia

Destination Discovery: Australia

Thinking about planning a vacation and don’t know where to travel? This is the first in my series of blogs on discovering new destinations and what there is to offer if you travel to these places. I first explore Australia and discuss attractions to visit and what to do while down under.

Sydney Harbor

The Sydney Harbour has a multitude of activities for everyone at anytime of the day. It is described as the most scenic waterway in the world. One of it’s most famous attractions is the Sydney Opera House. You can take tours and even eat there as well as see shows. Also there is the Sydney Harbor Bridge which you can walk on foot and is a site to be seen at night. There are also many activities in the harbor itself including shopping, dining, etc.

Blue Mountains

While Sydney is known for its beaches a quick 2 hour drive away you can also be hiking and enjoying nature’s finest views. There are many hiking trails, waterfalls, and views that will take your breath away. It also isn’t far off the beaten path and won’t take up a couple days to get to if you are on a time crunch.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is located in Cairns and is the world’s largest coral reef system. It’s made of 3,000 individual reefs and can be seen from outer space. There are day cruises as well as snorkeling adventures to go on. You can even ride a helicopter to see an overhead view of the reef. While you’re in Cairns you will be surrounded by great restaurants and coffee bars as well as be able to go see the rainforest.

Bondi Beach

Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi Beach offers a place to relax while enjoying Australia’s beautiful clear water. They have perfect surfing waves as well as many beachfront cafes. In addition you can explore many coves and sand walkways of this huge beach. Don’t be alarmed if you see people in the nude either, the beach is very tolerant.

Australia offers a ton of things to do and check out that it can be hard to choose. When planning a vacation make sure to choose your top sightseeing destinations like the ones listed above as well as schedule time to relax and unwind.

Cheap Places to Travel To

Cheap Places to Travel To

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive or take a huge chunk out of your savings. Sometimes the cheaper the trip, the more fun you have on the experience. Here are a few destinations to visit without breaking the bank:

Thailand

Thailand is one of the cheapest destinations to travel to. Naturally, near commercialized beaches and luxury resorts it is expensive. But if you go further off the beaten path then you can find a hotel with a swimming pool from $30.00 a night, surrounded by rice fields, buddhist temples, and hill tribes.

South Africa

South Africa is another great destination to travel to when you are on a budget. You can see the safari as well as explore the beautiful Cape Town. Day to day travel is really low here with food and lodging expenses being at least two times lower than other popular destinations. The most money you’ll be spending is the flight to get there, but it is definitely worth it.

Puerto Rico

The great thing about Puerto Rico is that you don’t need to apply for a passport to go there and they also accept US currency so there is no exchange fee. There’s beautiful beaches, great shopping, and amazing restaurants. If you travel end of April to December, which is low season, you’ll find even more great deals on direct flights.

Vietnam

Vietnam offers beautiful views, great food, and amazing sights for a small price. You can stay at a very nice hotel for cheap and there are many budget friendly hotels to relax at that are all safe and clean. In addition, the meals there cost around $5.00 for authentic vietnamese food, which is a steal for any place you travel to.

Greece

Greece’s declining economy has them no relying heavily on tourists. They have affordable hotels, 3 or 4 stars for less than $100 a night in a central location. The prices get even cheaper when you go to the countryside. In addition, meals are very inexpensive with a gyro at around 1-2$ and souvenirs are also very cheap.

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. If you plan, look for deals, and go to the right destinations then the options are endless. You just have to pack your bags and book your flights.

10 Unique Travel Destinations to Venture To This Summer

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10. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a hub of quirky city culture and beauty stretching from mountain to mountain. This city is known for its ability to host many different types of travelers with entertainment on every street. Whether you are looking to get some fresh air in the mountains by hiking a piece of the Appalachian Trail or grab a bite a the Sunset Terrace, this city has it all.

9.Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a city that has everything you could possibly need to experience a wonderful vacation. This South African peninsula has beaches, hiking, culture and food you must try. If crystal blue water and perfect weather is not enough for you to hop on a plane, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has restaurants and stores to spend hours at.

8. Portland, Oregon

Portland has been a city on the rise within the past few years. With the attention and growth this Oregon city has experienced, it makes a definite place worth traveling to this summer. Portland’s downtown is easily walkable which allows for simple tax-free shopping!

7.Glasgow, Scotland

Scotland’s biggest city allows for equal amount of fun. From the cafe district to the breath-taking museums this city as to offer, it is definitely worthy of travel this summer. Navigating throughout the city is a breeze due to the city’s open arms to tourism. The Glasgow Cathedral and the City Chambers are spots not to miss. This city has a strong nightlife scene to beautiful history which makes it such a desirable spot to travel to.

6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Many are calling Pittsburgh the best city to travel to in 2017, and for obvious reasons. Pittsburgh’s downtown is bursting with such strong love for the arts and entertainment. Summer in Pittsburgh is ideal for this east coast city for the best weather. Phipps Conservatory and the Warhol museum are a must see when coming through this iron city. It is a creative hodgepodge of beauty around every corner.

5. Hamburg, Germany

This offbeat but gorgeous city starts with a lake right in the middle of the city surrounded by large beautiful buildings. Ferries and cruises sail with ease in and out of the harbor during the summertime. The Speicherstadt warehouse district is a jaw-dropping sight to see with being the largest warehouse district in the world on timber logs. Hamburg is full of unexpected surprises which makes it a definite place worthy of summer travel.

4. Prince Edward Island, Canada

This island has beauty at every turn. Prince Edward Island is known for their seafood, beaches and farmland. Golfing and fishing are some relaxing things to do during your relaxing stay on the island. This spot is for nothing but relaxation and a great view of the landscape at every moment.

3. Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is known for its Gothic architecture and its wine. The city has a very modern public transportation system which allows tourists and locals to navigate the city with ease. You can not go to Bordeaux without going to a wine tasting or exploring the city center and the medieval stone towers.

2. Denver, Colorado

Denver has exploded in the past two years in terms of tourism and people moving there. It is the hub of American culture and youth right now. Denver has a great balance of downtown and outdoors which allows tourists to get a great experience from this city.

1. Huế, Vietnam

Known as the most royal city in Vietnam. Huế has a the Perfume River running right through the center of it. This city has Emperor’s Tombs, artifacts and food you can not eat anywhere else which gives this place so much cultural diversity.

10 Unique Travel Destinations

James Torpey discusses 10 unique travel destinations to explore this summer.