Once you’ve decided to “travel Australia”, you will quickly realize that you’ve perhaps bitten off a little more than you can chew. It is a vast country, sprawling 7.6 million square kilometers and it plays host to an incomparable array of landscapes: bustling cities, sandy beachfront, expansive coral reefs, tumbleweed ridden deserts and the outback. Australia’s East coast is home to Sydney, Queensland and the world famous Byron Bay, while the West spans between Perth and Exmouth and plays host to stunning natural parks with astounding rock formations. So how can you possibly decide where to start? That’s where we can offer a helping hand. Let’s start with an insider’s recommendations to make the most of the West Coast.

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Experiencing the West Coast to the Fullest

In order to see as much of the West Coast as possible, we’d recommend taking a road trip. This allows you to visit all the major cities and sights in the area, while still allowing you to stray from the beaten track, undertaking your own adventure and finding lesser known surprises along the way. For a short jaunt, I’d recommend opting for a route between Perth and Albany. This will average around 650km. You can amble along at your own pace, but a direct trip from Albany back to Perth will only take you about four hours on the Albany Highway, meaning you can head back in good time whenever you please. This is a perfect idea for beginners who don’t have much experience being on the road for extended periods of time. If you’re a more experienced or enthusiastic road tripper, try out the jaunt along the Coral Coast. This will take you between Perth and Exmouth, with the entire route totaling a staggering 2950 km. This is a huge distance, but we can guarantee that it’s worth it. We’d suggest booking about ten days off from work and other responsibilities to make the most of this extensive journey.

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What Can You Expect to See?

Whichever route you take, your road trip will be exactly what you make of it. Plan a loose itinerary to fit in all of the major activities that you and your travel buddies wish to take part in or witness. Traveling the Coral Coast can see you pass the Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri National Park’s Gorges, the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. So prepare for some of the most stunning scenes that anyone could hope to encounter.

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Preparation

Preparation is going to be key for this journey. First of all, you need to ensure that you have a reliable means of transport. Breakdowns can throw your schedule off track and result in you having to miss out on major parts of your planned trip. Opt for car hire. This will ensure that the vehicle you take is in prime condition and definitely road-worthy. Choose a roomy vehicle that can comfortably accommodate you, your traveling partner(s) and any luggage that’s coming along for the ride too. When it comes to packing your bags, try to bring as few items as possible. This will prevent everything from piling up around you, making the journey irritating.

So, there you have it. Pack your bags, plan a route and join up with some of your nearest and dearest for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t forget to bring a camera and plenty of suncream. You’ll be heading home with a tonne of memories and a healthy tan to boot!

This Winter in Sydney has been the coldest I could remember but I also discovered the most beautiful Gardens in Winter! Last month, I went to The E.G. Watehhouse Camellia Gardens the first time and fell in love with all those most beautiful blooms right away. Where have I been in the past 20 years?

After days and days of cold rain and harsh wind, you’d think the garden would appear a little sad and gloomy but no:). Camellia flowers are so hardy and care free, they just thrive in any conditions in Autumn, Winter and right through Spring! I start to understand why camellia is Chanel’s favourite flowers now.

Next time I’ll bring my camera and take some photos of those big glorious camellia blooms. For now, I’d just take time to look around and admire!

Sydney Camellia gardens Sydney Camellia gardens-2 Sydney Camellia gardens-3 Sydney Camellia gardens-4 Sydney Camellia gardens-5 Sydney Camellia gardens-6 Sydney Camellia gardens-7 Sydney Camellia gardens-8 Sydney Camellia gardens-9photos: Candidtown Photography

 

Hiding in the bush… sorta?? #sydney

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All the images were taken by Jay Smolak Boudoir Photography Sydney.

Australia is a huge country, but there’s a lot that you’re going to miss out on if you’re travelling around it by plane. Sure, it’s the quickest way of getting from A to B, but when there’s so much on the ground to explore and take in then it can become a limiting option. That’s where driving definitely becomes an option. You don’t have to worry about being trapped in a vehicle that heats up well past the point of being a comfortable temperature; cars have come on a lot in the last decade, and more and more people are getting behind the wheel to start their Australian Adventure.

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Plan Where You’re Going

The best thing to start off with is a route of where you’re going. Just one wrong turn could take you so far off piste that you’ll be spending hours, if not days, trying to get back to where you are meant to be. This is avoided a lot of the time by following the maps either on your phone or on a sat nav, but if you’re using a traditional paper map then it’s still a wise idea to have your journey planned carefully. There are routes online from people who have travelled across the country before, and it may be a good idea to have a look at the time scale that they have provided for getting from place to place. Don’t underestimate how long it will take you to get to where you need to go, as it’s easy to misinterpret just how big this country is.

Be Prepared

Generally speaking, there are four different ‘types’ of Australia that you will be driving through: cities, towns, rural villages and the Outback. It may not be so much of a hassle if you run out of gas in the first, but it’s a pretty big deal if you do in the latter. If you are driving through the Outback, it is more essential than ever to be prepared for anything that may happen to either you or your vehicle. You can never over-pack on supplies such as food and water; you never know when they may come in handy. It’s so important to let people know where you are going, and try to keep a GPS link at all times to somebody who is in the position to send out emergency help to you. It’s a good idea to get a phone that is linked to a satellite rather than to a particular network – that way, you know that you will have signal in even the most remote of areas should you be driving into them. There are certain walkie-talkies and other radios that you can get that are linked to specific manned helplines around the more populated places which should be able to send you help. It’s best to learn basic survival methods just as a precautionary measure; you could be stuck for hours, but in a worst case scenario it could be a a few days before anybody passes your car to lend a hand.

Know Your Car

If you are sticking to cities, going with a general all-rounder car from a reputable car hire company will do the job. It’s important to ensure that you are fully covered on the insurance and have the documents to hand with you whenever you are in the vehicle – just in case. If you are venturing out onto rural roads, it may be better for you to get a 4 x 4, but knowing how to drive one and engage all of the different (and at times, much needed) features is something that requires a bit of practise. If you have never driven one before, ask the lender to show you how to work it as well as leaving you with an instruction manual. The last thing that you want is to be put into a position that could have been easily avoided if only somebody had shown you how to avoid it in the first place.

Sort Out Accommodation

If you thoroughly plan your route, and plan it right, you will be able to pinpoint hostels, B&Bs, hotels and other points of accommodation throughout your journey to be able to stay in. If you’re not too confident about your timing capabilities, or don’t have the money to be able to afford different beds to sleep in every night, it may be worth investing in a campervan for the duration of your stay. These can either be rented or bought outright; depending on how long you’re staying for, you may want to weigh up your options and see which one suits your budget more. The great thing about moving around in a campervan is that you can transport so much more food, water and luggage around with you then if you were in a standard car, as well as more people to boot. That way, it’s fun for all the family! (Or friends, depending on which one you’re actually travelling with.)

Check The Weather

Cars react differently to a lot of things – the most obvious one being the weather. Hot days can do a lot of damage to vehicles if they’re not maintained properly, so you need to ensure that you are topping up with any fluids that it may need on an extremely regular basis – especially if you are travelling across the Outback. Different conditions on the road can cause havoc for your tyres, not least your entire car as a whole. There are tip and pointers online for driving across things that you are mostly likely to encounter on Australian roads, such as rocky surfaces and sand. They require a multitude of PSIs for the inflation of your tyres to make sure that they are going to last as long as you would expect them to. It’s good to follow the rules in this instance, as those who are recommending the things for you to do have almost always been in the same situation before you have even thought of attempting it.

The Maldives is a stunning archipelago scattered across the crystal clear blue Indian Ocean waters. Lagoons are full of marine life with house reefs just moments from your shore line make the Maldives a luxurious holiday of your dreams but is also ideal for diving and snorkelling.

Maldives-4A little more about the Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls, made up of more than one thousand coral islands. Known for its beautiful beaches, extensive reefs and blue lagoons, the Maldives screams of luxury and tranquility all in one. Its capital, Malé, is busy with fish mongers, shops and restaurants along the main road, Majeedhee Magu, and 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy, which is made from carved white coral. You really need to go on a luxurious Maldives holiday to see what all of the fuss is about! Maldives-7

Some of the finer things to experience in the Maldives

  • Relaxation: Your mind, body and spirit will benefit from the peace and tranquility of a Maldives holiday, especially when enhanced by a rejuvenating relaxation session at a spa. There are approximately 110 high end spas at the island resorts plus some spas in Male’, in addition to some informal spas catering to those staying on inhabited islands.
  • Meditation: Yogic meditation is possible without being at a resort’s spa and is ideal to enhance your mood, during your stay on a deserted island or while enjoying a quiet beach of one of the inhabited islands. Meditation helps to get rid of the subtle mental barriers a person experiences and presents a better self-awareness and better thought processes. It definitely adds to the spiritual benefits of a Maldivian holiday.Maldives
  • Perfect privacy: If you are going with your spouse, a romantic Maldivian holiday is a chance for you both to be together that is special and unique from your usual home life. Resort accommodation is not just a room, it really is a private love nest designed for romance. Villas are hidden away in lush vegetation or craftily isolated over a lagoon. Interior décor is soft, impeccably furnished, with a large comfortable bed, finished off with a luxurious bathroom. Gaze from your veranda to a panoramic lagoon view, of coconut palm trees waving at your from the shoreline.Maldives-5

The local Maldivian culture

Greatly influenced by the exploring Indians, Arabs, Sri Lankans, and North Africans, the customs and traditions of the Maldivian culture are greatly reminiscent these visiting nations. These people would have visited the Maldives while traversing through the trade routes of the central Indian Ocean. As a result, the Maldivian culture is vibrant and rich. Although funnily enough, the Maldivians have built and preserved their own unique cultural identity. Accordingly, the Maldivians speak using their own language; In 1153 AD Maldivians converted to the Islamic religion, which has transformed and introduced new cultural fundamentalsto the Maldivian life.

For a romantic, tranquil stay on the luxurious blue waters of the Maldives, start looking for your Maldives holiday options today.

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Toronto is quickly becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations in Canada. The city is safe, on the shores of Lake Ontario and has some of the best restaurants in the world. People of all ages and level of budget visit the vibrant Toronto each year with many returning. The vast majority of people visit in the summer when the weather is more tolerable. This article describes everything you need to know about traveling to this wonderful city in Ontario.

Why Visit Toronto:

Toronto is home to lots of different neighbourhood that each have their own distinctive culture and vibes. Multiculturalism makes it unique and provides a wide range of cuisines and activities to keep you busy. There are regular festivals here throughout the year ranging from film to music events and it’s also a hub for shopping. Combine all of this with the relaxing way of life and beautiful scenery and you have yourself a perfect travel destination.

How to Get to Toronto:

Most people will get a flight to Toronto from either the United States or Europe. You can find direct flights from several places around the globe making it fairly accessible. There are also affordable domestic connections within Canada. If you’re already in Ontario, you can take the high-speed train or Greyhound bus from Ottawa. For any other part of the country, it’s best to fly since the distances are large and travelling time is long.

Places to See and Things to Do in Toronto:

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One of the most popular activities in Toronto is to see the lake. You can find lots of places in the city where you can get an excellent view and for the perfect photograph. It’s also possible to have a boat tour in the warmer months. High Park, a short drive to the west of Toronto, is a perfect place to spend an afternoon enjoying the views.

Distillery District is one of the hottest places in Toronto with its arty vibe and cobblestone streets. This was once an industrial area full of Victorian factories that have been converted into art galleries. One of the favorite things for tourists is to wander around here and soak up the atmosphere in one of the more unique parts of the city.

We can’t mention the best things to do without giving the CN Tower a mention. This 553-meter structure is the largest freestanding building in the world and is visible from most parts of the city. You can go up to the viewing platform on the top to get amazing views of Toronto below.

The Royal Ontario Museum is also a great place to visit to get a cultural insight. This is one of the biggest museums in all of North America that has a collection of more than six million specimens. You can spend hours inside enjoying the historical and cultural displays.

Toronto is a great place to visit with its world famous multiculturalism and special atmosphere. You have lots of things to do to keep you busy for the duration of your visit. Just remember to go when the weather is reasonably warm to fully experience what this city has to offer!

Are you hoping to still squeeze in a summer getaway this year? There are lots of awesome destinations you could choose from, but have you ever considered going to Bali? This Indonesian island is a tourist favorite, but it’s still possible to escape all the overwhelming tour groups and crowds. You just need to know some insider secrets! Hopefully, all of the following tips and secrets can help you make the most of your time in Bali.

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Head North Or West

Ok, so there are loads of crowds all over Bali. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet and is no longer an untouched paradise. Sure, it still feels like being in paradise, but you will have to share it with some other travelers! But if you want to stay away from the crowds as much as possible, you will need to head to the north or west of the island. These areas aren’t so touristy, and you will find that they are a lot more chilled out.

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Bali’s Best Beaches

Do you want to spend your vacation showing off your new full piece swimwear by the ocean? If so, you will need to know which of Bali’s beaches are the best! If you want some high-end luxury, head to the five-star Nusa Dua. This stretch of coast is a reclaimed mango swamp and is famous for its white sand and pretty reef. Kuta Beach is another favorite with visitors. It stretches for 8 kilometers and is popular with people watching sunrises and sunsets.

Don’t Drink The Water

Once upon a time, you had to be extremely careful about your diet while in Bali. Ideally, you would have to stay away from anything that had been freshly prepared with water. So, things like salad, fresh fruit and some meat used to be avoided. Thankfully, the island has greatly improved its hygiene standards, and now you just have to be mindful not to drink tap water.

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Pack Your Posh Clothes

You might think that you can just pack beachwear seeing as Bali is best-known for its beaches. But, you better save some space for some fancy clothes in your case! There are many high-end bars and restaurants on the island. If you aren’t dressed correctly, you just won’t be let in. So, make sure you have something you can dress up in, and then you won’t risk being turned away!

Remember To Respect Religion

The locals of Bali are very religious, and you should respect all of their customs and traditions. You might also want to check the Bali calendar. If your trip falls on a religious holiday, you might find that there are some closed streets to make way for the festivities. This could ruin your travel plans if you want to explore the island! So, remember to carefully time your trip and dress modestly while you are on the island.

Bali is such a great vacation destination; you certainly won’t forget your time there. Just remember these tips to ensure you have fun!

 

Thousands of people choose to take their summer vacations on the Australian continent every single year. Most of those travellers visit places like Sydney Harbour. Some of them might even opt to go snorkelling near the Great Barrier Reef. Everyone who takes a trip into the Outback will see Ayers Rock too. However, there are lots of hidden gems in Australia that visitors often overlook. Today, I’m going to highlight some of the places you might like to add to your list this summer. Of course, you don’t have to see any of the areas mentioned in this post. I just want to make sure you have the best experience possible.

The Yarra Valley

Many people choose to visit the district of Victoria during their Australian adventures. However, most of them tend to overlook the Yarra Valley. It’s home to some of the best scenery in the entire country, and there’s a world-famous river in the area. Just make sure you perform some research online before you plan to fly. There are lots of exciting sightseeing tours available in the area, but you might have to book in advance during the summertime. Due to the lack of tourists, there aren’t many places.

Norfolk Island

Two hours flight from Sydney, you will find the beautiful and tranquil Norfolk Island. It’s on the same latitude as Byron Bay, and it’s a place all nature lovers have to visit. The island is surrounded by stunning coastlines, and there are many cliffs perfect for rock climbing. If you want the best scuba diving experience possible in Australia, you have to go to Norfolk. Visitors will encounter dolphins and lots of other marine life in the area. There are also some fabulous hotels and restaurants on the island. So, you should arrange to stay there for a couple of nights to ensure you get to see everything.

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The Eyre Peninsula

The Outback drops into the clear blue waters at the Eyre Peninsula. It’s a place most people don’t visit because it’s a little out of the way. Still, if you enjoy seclusion and hate crowds, it’s an essential stop on your trip. Many travel experts claim it’s the country’s best kept secret. So, try not to tell everyone you know about the location. There are lots of walking trails and activities in the area to keep you entertained. Some companies even run sessions where you’re allowed to drive a four-wheel vehicle on the beach. That shows how quiet the area can become.

Make sure you research each of those locations before planning your itinerary this summer. Australia is one of the most exciting and vibrant countries on the planet. It’s just that some people never venture off the beaten track. If you don’t go out into the countryside and steer clear of the crowds, you’re never going to have the best experience. One last thing. Whenever you decide to visit, make sure you take your camera!

Growing old is one of those inevitable things in life. It’s certain to happen and there’s basically nothing you can do about it, hence why many people accept it and move on with life to focus on other things. However, growing old comes with some nasty side effects that can be made with bad habits. For instance, wrinkles are a common problem among those that grow old. While some people wear those wrinkles proudly as proof of their experience and wisdom, others want to hide them because it’s a sign that your age is catching up to you. This is just one of the many issues we run into as we grow older, but luckily there are ways to fight back against the effects of ageing.

Regular Exercise

exercisingOne of the best ways to stay healthy is to train towards a goal. For many, it’s the “5K” goal. This is just short for 5 kilometres and it refers to any kind of cardio that can be tracked with distance. For instance, you could do 5 kilometres by running, rowing or even cycling. The goal is to work your way up to that 5K goal and be able to do it every other day. This exercise keeps your heart healthy and can even protect your brain from ageing too quickly. Make sure you exercise every day and build up a healthy heart so you can age gracefully.

Sleep Well

We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping. It’s our way of recharging ourselves and giving us the energy to get through the next day. This is why it’s important to ensure we get a good night’s rest every night. Take a warm shower or bath before you sleep to relax your body, make sure your bedroom is the right temperature and take out any distracting electronics.

Mental Stimulation
Lastly, we can’t forget about mental stimulation. Our bodies aren’t the only thing that can grow older—our mind can too! Make sure you stimulate your mind with puzzles, games and regular activity that makes you think. You might think that video games are for children, but many seniors enjoy a relaxing video game because it keeps their mind sharp and provides entertainment. If you neglect your mental health, then your memory will suffer, you’ll have difficulty focusing and you’ll be at a higher risk of a mental health disorder.