Wallace & Gromit’s UK Adventure
Looking for fun family train holidays? Then take a look at this fun Australia infographic Family-Friendly Train Rides created by EscapeTravel, the Holiday People.
Milford Sound, New Zealand. Photo credit: Destination Queenstown.
Jasmine Poole wrote this guest post about cruise holiday destinations.
All you need to do is choose the right cruise from the wide variety of cruises available. Choose your destination and the date and get packing! You’ll be traveling in luxury to one of the world’s must-see landmarks.
Here is my list of 5 Places To Take A Cruise Holiday:
New Zealand (above) is full of beautiful landscapes, spectacular geography and fantastic sights to see. It is home to natural phenomena including geysers, thermal springs and boiling mud. You can watch locals fish in the North Island in the biggest crater lake, Lake Taupo. You can experience the wilderness while sailing along the Fiorlands which have been carved by icy glaciers. Taking New Zealand cruises is a great way to appreciate the country’s stunning lakes.
Portage Glacier, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau.
There is no shortage of Alaska cruises to choose from. The geography of Alaska means that a cruise is simply the best way to experience the range of destinations. This is the perfect choice for people that appreciate unspoiled wilderness. While sailing to Alaska you will see the glimmering glaciers, untouched forests, mountain landscapes and wildlife. Most cruises that travel to Alaska will also pass along the West Coast of Canada. You will need to keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins. Easily described as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Alaska is a destination full of Native American culture and Russian influence.
Singapore skyline. Photo credit: Singapore Tourism Board.
There are cruise ships based in this region, specifically Singapore. It is the largest continent; it has the tallest mountains, the longest coastline and has more than three-fifth’s the world’s population. So many records held by one continent. As a cruise traveler, the countries you have the opportunity to see include: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Japan.
Experience the beauty of untouched wildlife and nature on a continent without man. These beautiful white and majestic mountains, glaciers, icebergs and ocean cannot be seen anywhere else. See penguins, seals, whales and variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
You’ll need to organize your time, there is so much to explore in the Arctic. Polar bears, walrus, seals and foxes are just some of the wild creatures you could see. This remote wilderness destination is perfect for adventure and animal lovers who are seeking a wilderness retreat and Arctic wildlife spotting.
Town Beach Cafe, Broome. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia.
Kelly Holmes wrote this guest post about seeing West Coast Australia on your bike. A professional triathlete for five years, she prides herself as an active mum of three boys.
There are many things you might miss if you travel any other way than by bike. Here are a few key tips for Seeing West Australia On Your Bike:
One of the best things you can do is to check the weather for the time you’ll be visiting the west coast. If you are new to cycling and sightseeing, find out if the weather is going to be decent for your trek. You do not want to be stuck in a rainstorm while traveling the entire time. A few days of rain here and there should be expected, but avoid traveling if you know you are going to be getting a wet season coming your way.
A perfect day for taking time to go snorkeling Ningaloo. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia.
You really need to know when and where you’ll be staying so that you can be sure you get a good rest at the end of each day. Resting after a day filled with cycling is important to both your physical and mental well-being. Never force yourself to cycle for hours upon hours without any rest. Research different hotels, motels and accommodations in the area where you’ll be traveling so that you have options.
Eco Beach Beach Beach Houses. Photo credits: Tourism Western Australia.
Before going to the west coast on bike, plan out the entire trek from beginning to end. You need to know which roads you’ll be taking, alternative routes if you get caught up in something unexpected and also the laws in the specific area you’ll be. Plan out how many miles you’re willing to bike each day.
Margaret River food & wine. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia.
As a cyclist, you need to keep your strength up by increasing the amount of calories you consume. This involves bringing high calorie snacks with you that contain a lot of protein and making frequent stops for meals. Make sure that you pack plenty of water and liquids to keep yourself completely hydrated while on the road.
Want a new cycling challenge after West Coast Australia? Head to Tasmania, home to cycling adventures from island cycle tours (above) to the Pure Tasmania Cycling Challenge. Photo credit: Tourism Tasmania.
Using the right bicycle is also an important aspect when cycling Australia. Choose a comfortable bike which is in good running condition before going anywhere. The last thing you want while on the road is to experience major problems with your mode of transportation. However, be prepared for minor problems to occur while cycling, like a flat tire or even brake issues. Carry a handy bike repair kit with you.
If you need to rent a bicycle while you’re over there, there are plenty of Perth shops for bicycles in town. Visit bike shops where you may meet up with some fellow cycling travelers or even travel companions.
Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations for live volcano tours. This is Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park which has the two active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Photo credit: Big Island Visitors Bureau.
Jasmine Poole wrote this guest post about live volcano tours.
With so much volcanic activity across the globe, it can be hard to choose a volcanic area to explore. So to help get your on your way to the lava pits, we’ve put together our list of 5 Destinations for Live Volcano Tours:
Hawaii is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea. It has been erupting constantly since 1983, with travelers able to watch molten lava flowing into the ocean almost year-round, as long as the roads are open. There are also two lava lakes here, the east pit lava lake in Pu’u O’o and the summit lava lake in Halemaumau crater, both impressive sights for onlookers.
There are several walks around Kilauea to suit all hiking abilities. With Hawaiian Airlines flights now working in partnership with Virgin Australia, many Aussie volcano enthusiasts are flocking to Hawaii to visit the live lava flows and extinct volcanic landscape that makes Hawaii such a unique destination.
Eruption of Yasur. Photo credit: Rolf Cosar.
A volcano enthusiast will never grow bored of Vanuatu, with many active volcanoes and surrounding geological wonders to explore. There’s Yasur Volcano, which has been erupting continuously for hundreds of years, treating visitors to impressive eruptions that propel molten lava hundreds of meters into the air. There’s also Ambrym Volcano, which provides travellers with some of the most challenging but impressive crater hikes and several lava lakes.
There’s Lopevi, said to have the most beautiful shape of all the volcanoes in Vanuatu, and Ambae, one of the least visited and most unspoiled, also home to Lake Vui, which, in 2006, turned red in a fascinating phenomenon of geological activity.
A small eruption of Mount Rinjani, with volcanic lightning in Lombok, Indonesia. Photo credit: Oliver Spalt, http://www.artweise.de.
Like Vanuatu, Indonesia leaves volcanic travelers spoiled for choice. There is a wealth of volcanic activity in Sumatra, where visitors can trek through wild jungle to the crater-less summit of Talang, scale Marapi for incredible views across Sumatra, or participate in the challenging climb up Kerinci, the highest active volcano in Indonesia. It is home to many more active volcanoes, including the infamous Krakatau, 75km west of Java, all accessible with an experienced guide.
Ethiopia is one of the most geologically active places on the planet, from active volcanoes to lava lakes, from salt lakes to geysers and springs, Ethiopia is a must-see for anybody interested in a multi-faceted volcanic exploration experience. Travelers can will make their way through highlands, across deserts and into live volcanoes. There are ancient rock and salt formations to impress even the most seasoned traveler, and rich history in the centuries-old salt trade.
The history and culture, hand-in-hand with the extreme landscapes in Ethiopia make a tour here perfect for the traveler who wants to experience not only the heat of bubbling lava, but the complex relationships between the history, the people and the geology of this volcanic environment.
Mount Tavurvur, a part of the Rabaul caldera volcano, in Papua New Guinea. Photo credit: Taro Taylor.
Garbuna in Papua New Guinea ended its 1700 year period of dormancy in 2005, creating new vents for travelers to explore and putting it on the map for active volcano tours. The area is home to volcanic cones, the geothermal region of the Talasea Peninsula, and beautiful stretched of jungle and coral reef.
PNG is also where you’ll find Manam, the site of one of the world’s largest eruptions in 2004 and is one of the country’s most active volcanoes, located on the northern coast 15km from the mainland.
With so much choice you’ll be hard pressed exploring everything that these exquisite and thrilling volcanic locations have on offer. Once you’ve explored your first live volcano, you’re sure to be back for more, and there’s never an end to these constantly evolving adventures.
Surf Scene to Barely Seen: A digital postcard from Cornwall. Video courtesy of Cornwall Tourist Board.
Mark Hutchins wrote this guest post about surfing in Cornwall.
The surfing mecca that is Cornwall on the UK’s South West Coast, attracts all comers from fleet-footed professionals who strut their stuff in the annual Rip Curl Masters on Fistral Beach, to novice beginners fresh out of surf school, hoping to impress.
North Cornwall tends to serve up the pick of conditions thanks to its north facing beaches, while down south Praa Sands and Porthleven provide plenty of thrills and spills for the more experienced board riders.
Autumn surf’s up: A digital postcard from Cornwall. Video courtesy of Cornwall Tourist Board.
Finding a nice place to stay in Cornwall is a lot easier than mastering a surfboard, with plenty of self-catering coastal cottages to rent dotted about most surfing beaches, some even perched right on the beachfront.
Whether it’s the laid-back beach culture adopted by surfers or the feeling you get watching them dance along a wave, Cornwall and it’s array of beautiful beaches, surf schools and hire shops could be your next step to joining them.
Seeking the ultimate bike travel adventure? One thrilling travel option may be biking Greenland’s ice cap in the Arctic Circle.
Take a look at this stunning video Biking on the Greenlandic Ice Cap by Visit Greenland at greenland.com.