destinations Archives - Page 3 of 9

Where to go on a road trip in Australia and New Zealand

November 8, 2019 by Mandy

Going to Australia and New Zealand will be on most people’s bucket list. The landscapes and cultures appeal to a lot of tourists, and some may only make it here once in their lives. Others may feel like their home and stay a lot longer.

However, there’s nothing like a road trip to learn about a place and the people you’re traveling with. So why not explore Australia and New Zealand on four wheels? These are just some suggestions you may want to think about if this sounds like the journey of a lifetime to you.

Pacific coast

If you’re looking for a typical flavor of Australia, then going along the coastal roads of New South Wales and Queensland will give you all you expect and more. Starting in Sydney, you’ll wind your way north towards Brisbane, with plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore just a little bit of the eastern side of this vast country.

Make a pit stop at places such as Port Stephens, Newcastle, and Byron Bay and discover the surfing beaches, seaside towns and national parks along the 900km route. You could even go west at Newcastle and check out the Hunter Valley region: perfect if you like cheese, olive, or chocolate as you find these local producers.

Vehicle hire experts such as Advantage Rental Car will be able to offer you a rental car for your trip. See if you can pick it up direct from the airport at the start of your trip – that way, you can get out onto the open road and start your exciting drive as soon as possible.

Perth to Exmouth

For those on the west of the country, there’s this route that begins at Western Australia’s main city and goes up towards Exmouth, just as the coastline turns northeast. The 1,200km journey shows off this part of the world’s coral coast, and other beautiful views.

As well as the turquoise Indian Ocean, there’s the Pinnacles Desert, Shark Bay, and the gorges of Kalbarri National Park to look at in awe. If you go between June and September, then you get the added bonus of seeing the colorful wildflowers across the landscape.

Auckland to Cape Reinga

Many tourists will use Auckland on the north island as their base when going to New Zealand – and if you don’t have many days in this picturesque country, you’ll still get to explore some of it’s best places from here. Head north out of the city, and you’ll not only see magnificent landscapes but have fantastic experiences.

Make your way to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands, which is made up of 144 islands with green countryside and blue waters. You can swim with dolphins here or, if getting into the sea isn’t your thing, you can take a ferry to the historic town of Russell. Then head up to 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga – the top of New Zealand – and onto the Kauri forests and waterfalls that are inland.

9 Amazing Reasons for Visiting Vietnam This Year

October 11, 2019 by Mandy

How do you fancy visiting somewhere with delicious food, flawless beaches, and tropical forests? What if we said it’s also extremely affordable, filled with friendly people, and rich in culture?

Visiting Vietnam is a must for anyone who wants adventure mixed with surprising ease. This beautiful and mountainous South East Asian country has got so much to offer that a single vacation won’t be enough.

Read on to discover why Vietnam should be top of your vacation wish list.

1. Don’t Break Your Budget

From hotels to food, Vietnam is a very affordable country to travel in. Tours, travel, and activities are often considerably cheaper than you’d find back home.

You can eat out for just a couple of dollars and the street food scene is world-famous. Pick up souvenirs and stay in opulence for little money.

2. Fall in Love with the Cuisine

Vietnam’s cuisine will charm you from the moment you take the first bite. From the classic noodle soup Pho to the intricate flavors of the local herbs and spices, you’ll be buying a Vietnamese recipe book before you leave.

3. Hike Amongst the Rice Paddies

Hiking here is outstanding with mountainous regions, tropical forests, and rice paddies. Head to Sapa valley in Northwest Vietnam and prepare to have your mind blown. Hike through the incredible landscape and don’t forget your camera.

4. Relax on the Beaches

Vietnam’s beaches are out of this world. With vast cliff backdrops, white sand, and clear water, you can lie back and forget about everything but the present moment.

Travel to Phu Quoc to visit Star Beach and Long Beach. Go snorkeling in the beautiful water and lie under coconut palms dreaming of lunch.

5. Visit Stunning Towns

This country is full of wonderful villages and towns that show you what everyday life is like here. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An and hire a bicycle. Explore the stunning streets with yellow houses and sample the town’s renowned restaurant scene.

6. Explore Vast Cave Networks

You might not know this, but Vietnam is famous for having some of the most amazing caves on the planet.

Travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and explore the Son Doong cave, the largest in the world.

7. Get to Know the Locals

Is Vietnam safe to visit? That question will be answered as soon as you leave the airport because you’ll quickly discover that the Vietnamese are incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Even with a language divide, locals will be happy to give you directions and help you out. Homestays are a great way to get to know Vietnam’s wonderful people.

8. Embrace the Activities

From hiking and ziplining to kayaking and snorkeling, Vietnam is a country rich in activities. With 30 National Parks, there’s plenty of walking and nature hikes to be had.

Cooking courses are also a fun activity and you’ll go home with expert local tips and tricks to impress all your friends with.

9. Enjoy the Easy Travel

Vietnam has the perfect balance of backpacker trails and friendly people. It’s easy to get around and you can take tours wherever you go. Many Vietnamese in the tourist trade speak English and help is never far.

Make Time for Visiting Vietnam

With so much to do and in such a phenomenal landscape, visiting Vietnam is a no-brainer. Pack flip flops and sunscreen and be whisked away on an adventure you’ll never forget.

5 Reasons You Have to Visit New York

September 30, 2019 by Mandy

New York is one of the world’s most famous cities and there is so much on offer in the Big Apple for tourists. For anyone who loves to travel New York has to be at the top of your list of cities to visit and when you go you will understand exactly why so many millions of tourists have walked these streets. Whether you are looking for a long weekend break, or even a longer vacation in this epic city, I would recommend that you grab yourself a ticket to New York, and here is exactly why.

Melting Pot

The phrase melting pot can be applied to New York more than any other city on Earth and there is a reason why they call this place ‘immigrant city’. In just a matter of streets you can be deep in Little Italy, absorbing all of the Italian culture here, and then you could be in the heart of Chinatown which actually feels as though you’ve stepped into the middle of a Chinese city. The food, the music, the culture and the people in New York have come here from all over the world which makes it a fascinating place to discover.

Broadway

They say that if you can make it here then you can make it anywhere and the bright lights of Broadway have long attracted the biggest and best in the world of theater. There are over 30 theaters here on Broadway with performances each and every day. Going to see show on this big stage is a special moment and it is reason enough to visit the city. Check online for best prices, we did this when we went and found Mean Girls tickets from $78, much cheaper than on the street.

Attractions

New York has some of the most iconic tourist attractions anywhere in the world and seeing places like the Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building and the famous bridges like Manhattan and Brooklyn are a rite of passage when visiting the city. Beyond this you have places like Central Park, Yankee Stadium and Times Square, famous places which you can visit with ease during your time in New York.

Museums and Galleries

New York offers some of the most famous art galleries and museums anywhere in the US and places like The Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art are must-visit places. In terms of other museums you’ll also find the likes of Sea, Air & Space museum, as well as the American Museum of Natural History. If you like museums and galleries then this is your city.

Food

Because of the rich blend of cultures which you’ll find in the city, there are food options from everywhere in the world. Furthermore there are some of the finest restaurants in America situated in New York so if you consider yourself something of a foodie, this city is going to blow you away.

Don’t wait any longer, get yourself booked up for a vacation in the Big Apple, you won’t regret it.

The Land of Ten Thousand Lakes: The Top Things to Do in Minnesota

July 29, 2019 by Mandy

We’ve all heard about Minnesota and the ten thousand lakes, but in reality, there are 11,842 lakes? The majestic water features and breathtaking natural views of Minnesota are a huge draw for the state.

The Minnesotan splendor drew 73 million visitors to the state in 2017 alone! The secret is out and people are flocking to Minnesota for their next vacation destination.

Minnesota is much more than the natural landscapes though. There’s a myriad of activities to suit everyone’s tastes! All you need is the right guide.

We have gathered a list of our absolute favorite things to do in Minnesota when you visit. Keep reading to find out which activities and attractions to add to your vacation bucket list!

The Art-y Scene at Grand Marais

Grand Marais is a small town of about 1,400 people tucked away in a harbor off of Lake Superior. The closest major city is Duluth and that is about 110 southwest of Grand Marais.

Though this town is quaint, it’s brimming with stunning regional art in shops downtown. If you prefer a hands-on experience, visit the North House Folk School for art classes including basket weaving and boat construction!

The town of Grand Marais is sure to bring out your inner artist and inspire you long after you leave!

North Shore State Parks

As you cruise north of Duluth on State Road 61, you’ll notice turnoffs for several state parks. Any of these parks is a perfect choice for a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views.

In particular, you should check out Split Rock Lighthouse. Perched on a steep cliff, this picturesque lighthouse and the grounds around it are sure to get you back in touch with the beauty of nature!

Each of the 8 parks that make up the North Shore state parks in Minnesota offers a new and exciting experience. From beautiful views of Lake Superior to waterfalls and hiking trails, the North Shore is perfect for those with an adventurous soul!

Setting the Stage in Minneapolis

Most people don’t know how amazing the theatre scene is in Minneapolis. In fact, only New York City has more theatre seats than Minneapolis!

If you are looking for a luxurious night out seeing a play or a musical, look no further than the legendary Guthrie theatre. After the play, swing by one of the Guthrie Theatre’s popular restaurants for a quick bite to end the night! If you visit during the day, you can go on a guided tour of the architecture of the theatre as well!

Things to Do in Minnesota for Wild West Enthusiasts

44 miles south of Minneapolis lies a city called Northfield. If you love wild west history and the tales of cowboys and outlaws, this is a must-see city for your trip!

The notorious outlaw Jesse James and his gang attempted to rob the First National Bank in Northfield in 1876. The towns’ people rallied and all but decimated the gang. Only Jesse James and his brother Frank escaped with their lives!

To memorialize this victory, each year Northfield holds a festival with re-enactments of the robbery gone wrong, a parade, and art fair. This popular event draws more than 100,000 guests, so be ready for a crowd!

Northfield also has a museum which is the home of a restored office of the First National Bank. Be sure to check out the museum after you leave the re-enactment festival!

Minnesota River Valley Views

In the Minnesota River Vallet runs a breathtaking 287 miles of byway running parallel to US-169. If you love to take a scenic drive, this is going to be your paradise!

As you cruise along the byway, you will come across several quaint little towns which exude a historic charm that is sure to have you feeling nostalgic! One of these little towns is Henderson, where you can enjoy an old fashioned soda from a fountain or try and apple from one of the apple stands!

If you enjoy a good glass of wine, be sure to swing by Morgan Creek Vineyards! They are only open to the public on the weekends, but the wine and the views are well worth the trip!

The byway and its towns are so beautiful that you may want to make a permanent move to Minnesota. Before you start packing, there are a few things you should know. We recommend you find out more about the good, the bad, and the ugly about living in Minnesota full time before you move.

Find Your Inner Paul Bunyan in Brainerd

Deep in the Lakelands (about 125 miles north of the Twin Cities) sits a town called Brainerd. This city is home to several woodsy resorts as well as hiking trails and a lively restaurant and shopping district.

Those who love a good tee time should try the Brainerd Golf Trail and then follow up with a relaxing dip in the Glacial Waters Spa located at the Grand View Lodge.

We’re Going to the Mall… of America

If your idea of a great time involves shopping, the Mall of America should be your go-to attraction! There are 500 different stores, several sit down restaurants, an aquarium, a butterfly garden, and even an amusement park! There’s something at the Mall of America for everyone in your group.

You’ll find the Mall of America about 10 miles south of Minneapolis but you should plan ahead and know the best times to go. The Mall of America is a very popular attraction and draws over 40 million visitors every year! The mall does get pretty busy during peak times, so steer clear during those times if you want to miss the crowds.

We’ve Got More Travel Tips and Tricks… Dontcha Know?

With about a million things to do in Minnesota, how can you go wrong? Whether you want to enjoy the countless peaceful lakes and waterways or if you enjoy a more urban atmosphere, Minnesota has it all!

After you get back from Minnesota, we can help you plan your next vacation! We have tips and tricks and inside info on many other destinations. Come check out the rest of our travel blogs today!

Preparing for Your Next Family Vacation in Utah

June 11, 2019 by Mandy

Are you ready for your big trip to the famous Utah slopes? Family vacations can be so much fun, especially when outdoor sports like skiing and hiking are involved.

While most of the time family vacations go off without a hitch, sometimes the unexpected can occur. Take for example, one family hit the Utah slopes, having a great time skiing and snowboarding. Then, the father was coming off the chairlift, and someone left a shovel out on the approach that he did not see. So as he exited the lift, he fell and broke his leg.

Talk about a fantastic family vacation coming to an abrupt end. The father is the sole provider for the family, and he cannot work now. Then to add to the tragedy, the surgery was pretty extensive to repair the injury leaving a costly medical bill to pay. It might be time for them to find Utah lawyers who can help.

Now with all this added burden of debt, and the father is not able to work for probably three to four months. The family is in a very stressful situation due to the negligence of someone at the resort.

The family has reached out to the resort, and they will not answer their phone calls. This is just adding to their mounting frustrations. It seems like these things happen to good people.

When a life-changing tragedy occurs, it is hard to know what to do and to make wise choices. Sometimes emotions take over, and all we can feel is rage or sadness from our situation.

Injury Preparedness

So what should the family do? They are at a loss for direction because of their overwhelming situation. Here is some practical suggestion if you are ever in a situation similar to this family:

Breath and do not panic
As soon as you can, have everyone you know write down as much as they can remember about what happened.
To help the injured person remember, ask them what happened right away and then write it down.
If at all possible, take pictures with your phone of the surroundings of the accident and the injured person.
If anyone else was around and saw the accident, be sure to get their contact information. If possible, get their name, address phone number, and email address.

When an injury accident happens to someone you know and love it is essential to not just think in the moment, but think of how to help them for their future. By collecting information regarding what happened from other people that saw the accident, that can really help in the future.

After the injured person is receiving treatment for their injuries, and in a stable condition, it is a good idea to call a lawyer to get some direction. Finding a lawyer that specializes in injury cases can help give guidance, so your future is protected.

Now back to the experience of the family we started this discussion with. The family followed the steps above. They called a local injury lawyer from the hospital, showed the pictures, and shared their written versions of what occurred on the ski slope. They also had a few contacts they shared with the attorney.

After consulting with the attorney, they decided they needed help with their situation. The attorney guided them and helped relieve them of much of the stress from the accident.

Recovery

When involved in an accident involving injury where we cannot work, it is easy to get caught up in thinking, “This is so not fair.” There are a lot of things in life that are not fair that we cannot do anything about. But when we suffer from someone else’s negligence, there is often a remedy that can make it fair.

It is good that these situations do not happen on most family vacations. In the unfortunate event your family experiences a mishap, there is no need to despair. Simply get the help you need from qualified professionals. Follow the steps above and be sure to document your situation well. Then get the help you need from a seasoned lawyer to make sure your family understands what you are entitled to.