Fancy a UK adventure holiday?  Then you’ll likely be charmed by the Wallace & Gromit’s Great UK Adventure commercial by Visit England.

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.

One of the best ways to travel in luxury is by taking a cruise somewhere in the world.

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

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.

Alaska

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.

Asia

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.

Antarctica

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.

The Arctic

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.

Traveling West Coast Australia by bicycle is one way to see the sights without spending a ton of money.

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:

1. Check Weather

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.

2. Make Accommodation Plans

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.

3. Plan Out The Trek

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.

4. Food On The Go

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.

5. Use The Right Bike

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. 

If you’re a serious volcano enthusiast, a bit of a geology fan or just a nature lover out to experience the natural wonders of our planet, you’ve probably at least considered a volcano tour for your next adventure.

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

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.

Vanuatu

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.

Indonesia

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

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.

Papua New Guinea

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.

Fireworks at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2011/12. Video courtesy of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

Sophie McGovern wrote this guest post about the best city Christmas break destinations.

Fancy getting away from it all this Christmas?

With the chilling temperatures, high winds and floods that have been sweeping the UK this December, you’re certainly not on your own! There are a number of cities around the world where festive celebrations are taken to a whole new level with Christmas lights and events transforming urban streets into winter wonderlands. But when it comes to the very best places to head for Christmas break, two cities steal the crown…

http://youtu.be/iy14SGW9vX0

Another Miracle on 34th Street. Video courtesy of Macys.

New York

The Big Apple is famed for its Christmas magic, largely due to the portrayal of the city in popular TV series such as Friends and movies including Home Alone 2, Miracle on 34th Street and Serendipity. The city more than lives up to its reputation and can guarantee pretty much every aspect of a winter wonderland except, of course, the snow. Famous department stories such as Saks and Macys present extraordinary Christmas window displays and the city becomes a wintry shopping paradise. Macys Santa Land is utterly enchanting with its elves, snow, traditional toy trains and Santa himself.

One of the most iconic city locations has to be Rockefeller Center Plaza. The big tree here is decorated with 30,000 lights making it one of the most impressive Christmas trees in the world. In terms of skating, give it a go in the Plaza or head to Central Park and glide around the rink in your woollies. Seeing a show is also a must, and the Christmas Spectacular comes highly recommended.

Edinburgh

Nowhere in Europe enjoys an enchanting Christmas feeling more than the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Fireworks and larger than life parades accompany the big lights switch-on at the end of November with a traditional Christmas tree lighting up Edinburgh’s iconic castle.

With Christmas treasure hunts through some of the city’s most famous shops and innovative seasonal window displays, it is also one of the most magical locations in Europe to do a bit of Christmas shopping. There are also several Christmas markets taking place in the city including a traditional German Christmas market and farmers market selling locally sourced treats.

The culmination of Christmas events in Edinburgh is the Hogmanay Festival taking place on New Year’s Eve with parades, midnight fireworks, the world’s largest street party and outdoor bars. One of the most magical aspects of this event is the torchlight procession taking place on December 30th when thousands of torch carriers illuminate the city as they walk from Chambers Street to Calton Hill.

With a 3D cinema, ice rink in the park and the city’s famous Santa Run, too, Edinburgh is the perfect UK destination to escape the winter blues and get into the Christmas spirit this season.

Paris boutique hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres. Each guest room is devoted to a letter of the alphabet and an international writer. Photo credit: Le Pavillon des Lettres.

Mary Taylor wrote this guest post about bringing travel inspiration home from Paris. She is an Australian writer who loves everything Paris and owns too many items of clothing with the Eiffel Tower printed on it.

Ah, Paris…the romantic’s city. Paris is chic, beautiful, stylish, and classic – the city is a perfect fusion of old-school glamor and cutting-edge style.

Any traveler who has been to Paris will fall in love with the stores, cafes, and buildings, and their classy décor. While you can’t bring all of Paris back home with you, you can make your home feel more like The City of Light with these tricks:

PARIS, part of the NewWave Caffè Cities of Europe collection by Villeroy & Boch. The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame are featured, accented by Gallic blue. Photo credit: Villeroy & Boch.

Use neutral, beige and creamy tones with a pop of colour

The idea of Paris always evokes a neutral color scheme: think beige, cream, brown, navy, and black. If you’re looking to bring the feeling of a small Parisian café into your home, paint the walls a beige shade and choose a navy blue for your feature wall; adorn this wall with paintings that echo the color scheme of the room and you’ll be one step closer to the heart of Europe.

Hang a photograph of the Eiffel Tower

It may seem cliché and obvious, but the Eiffel Tower is an icon that cannot be overlooked – it is cliché for a reason, after all. Choose a large photograph of the tower and frame it. If you want to make your room appear larger, choose a photo from a distance; if you want your room to be cosier or have that extra bit of style, then choose an angled shot.

Learn Parisian chic by staying at Paris holiday apartments with bedroom, balcony, breakfast over the streets of Paris. Photo credits: PRNewsFoto/A la carte Paris.

It’s the little things that matter

Parisians pay attention to the finer things in life, and it’s important that you do as well if you want to incorporate Paris into your home. It’s not only about stylish sofa recliners or a sleek dining table; instead, focus on buying small, quirky pieces to add some charm to your home. Don’t hide your jewellery in a jewellery box; instead, buy a jewellery stand shaped like a bird cage or a tree and hang it from there. The more creative you are, the more your property will evoke images of Paris.

When in doubt, typography it out

No matter whether you’re looking at land for sale in NSW or house and land packages in Illawarra, one of the easiest ways to bring a bit of Paris chic to your property is to purchase some artwork that features letter and word art. Typography is classic, elegant, and will suit almost every colour scheme and room shape. If you’re feeling brave, have a play around on Photoshop and create your own, then source a canvas or frame and print out your masterpiece to hang at home.

Lake Tahoe, a winter travel destination. Photo credit: Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

Lizz Riggs wrote this guest post about skiing in Lake Tahoe. She is the editor of TahoesBest.com, a travel site dedicated to all things Lake Tahoe.

If your idea of a California winter vacation is hitting the slopes for a wild adventure this winter, Lake Tahoe is a destination for you!

Lake Tahoe is home to 7 world-class ski resorts,and each one has its own little personality with a lot to offer. Obviously, it will be hard to visit them all in one trip, so you might want to set aside a few trips each winter to check out the best of the best.

Video courtesy of Squaw Valley.

Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are two ski resorts co-owned and operated in Lake Tahoe. They’re right next to each other and offer a shuttle back and forth. On top of that, purchasing 1 ticket gets you access to both! Alpine has over 2,400 acres of skiable terrain with 13 lifts and more than 100 trails, some for every level skier. If that’s not enough, Squaw has 3,600 skiable acres to hit after you’ve gotten your fix at Alpine. The job is never done when you choose these Lake Tahoe resorts for a ski vacation.

Video courtesy of Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Heavenly Mountain Resort always has something extreme going on, with more variety when it comes to terrain, more hidden glades, and more groomers and than other Lake Tahoe resort. Not only does this ski resort go all out on 97 of their trails, but they’ve got an awesome nightlife scene packed with parties, concerts, great food and casinos. Basically, this place is go big or go home.

Video courtesy of Northstar California.

Northstar California Resort is the year-round stop. While they’ve got awesome winter skiing and boarding to offer guests, they also have tons of trails for hiking and biking in the summer. An outdoorsman’s dream every season. As far as North Lake Tahoe goes, Northstar is pretty much the best option when it comes to ski resorts. You can tell they put a lot of love, care and money into this resort, and it actually pays off for all the things you’ll get over the course of the trip. On top of being the best in North Lake Tahoe, it’s also a top choice for a skiers first time, because they offer some of the best classes around. If you do hit up Northstar, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Shaun White. He’s always making appearances at this resort.

All of the ski resorts in Lake Tahoe are top-of-the-line and offer plenty of variety for every skier and boarder, but some of them go the extra mile when it comes to awesome deals and convenience. How can you beat getting access to 2 resorts for the price of 1? Or celeb spotting on vacation? Everyone has a different goal for vacation, so even if it’s just going hard on the trails from the time you get there to the time you leave, Lake Tahoe ski resorts will take good care of you!