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Category: Trip Locations

  • Getting Around Vanuatu, A Guide to Transport in Vila and Luganville

    Many tourists are content to spend their Vanuatu vacation lazing by the pool of their resort with a cocktail in hand. But if you hope to explore, there are a few transport options worth considering.

    Vanuatu’s bus service may seem chaotic to Western tourists. The buses don’t run to any timetable, and there are no regular bus stops! But you’ll find many of these buses in the major tourist areas of Vila, Luganville, eastern Santo, and eastern Malekula.

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    Look for the vehicles bearing a red letter B near their numberplate, and flag them down as you would a taxi. As there are no set routes, the drivers will happily drive you to any destination on the island.

    The taxis in Vila and Luganville look like regular sedans, while in regional areas you’ll find four-wheel drive vehicles marked with a red letter T. The amount charged will depend on the distance you’re traveling, and the condition of the road. To avoid a nasty scare at the end of your journey, you can ask the driver before you set off. Taxis are scarce on Sundays and public holidays, so be prepared to wait longer when traveling on these days.

    If you’d prefer to take charge of your travel consider hiring a car or scooter. Cars are available to drivers aged 23 and over, while scooters are available for riders 17 and over. An international drivers license is not required, but drivers must have held a license in their own country for at least one year. The tourist centers of Vila and Luganville have a maximum speed of 50 km/h, but there are no speed limits in rural area. However as many roads are in poor condition, it’s not advisable to go too fast! Cars in Vanuatu travel on the right side of the road, and seatbelts are not compulsory.

  • Vegemite, Kangaroo, and Other Far Out Australian Foods

    The thought of chowing down on Vegemite, and kangaroo might turn your stomach, but when visiting Australia consider sampling these local delicacies and many more.

    At nearly 90 years old, Vegemite is an Australian institution.

    22 million jars of the thick brown spread are sold in Australia each year, but it’s often feared by foreign tourists. The key to enjoying Vegemite is to use it sparingly. Its intense, salty flavor can be overwhelming, but a thin layer on toast or crackers can taste delicious. Some restaurants also use the spread in their marinades and sauces. It complements most meats well, so don’t be scared to try some! Meat pies are another icon which has been eaten in Australia since the 1800s. They’re perfect for warming you up during a football match in winter, or for a quick meal on the run. A meat pie is made from a mix of beef mince and gravy enclosed in a flaky pastry casing. They’re traditionally served smothered in ketchup, or tomato sauce as the locals call it. Harry’s Café de Wheels has made the humble meat pie big business, but you will be able to find a meat pie at any Aussie bakery or gas station.australia travel highlight Australia is one of the few countries in the world that happily munches upon its iconic animals. Kangaroo, emu, and crocodile, commonly make their way on to restaurant menus around the country. Kangaroo is particularly popular as it's so high in protein and low in fat. With just one calorie per gram, it’s a great option for diet-conscious tourists! As it's so lean, kangaroo is best served rare as you would venison. Its flavor is somewhat like beef, although it’s a bit earthier. Surprisingly emu has a similar, beefy taste to kangaroo. It's also a nutritious choice with plenty of protein and few calories. Crocodile tastes somewhere between chicken and turkey. This white meat is similar in texture to pork, and when cooked right will be very tender. It’s also low in cholesterol, so great for those watching their weight. Australia has all of the dining options you'd find in any Western country, but where's the fun in that? Make sure you dare to be different and sample some of these unique foods during your stay Down Under.

  • Luxury in the Bay of Islands at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa

    If you’re looking for ultimate luxury during your New Zealand stay, consider bunkering down at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

    Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa is located in the Cavalli Islands, a small cluster of isles located to the east of Matauri Bay.

    It opens its doors to just eight guests at a time, who clearly enjoy the privacy and pampering. These visitors arrive aboard a luxury yacht, which is also available to them at any time during their stay. On stepping foot on the island, the lucky travelers are greeted with a traditional Maori powhiri ceremony. There are contemporary and old world accommodation options. Modern tastes will love the sophisticated suite in the main pavilion. In contrast, the cottage dates back to the 1800s. Its open fireplace and antique bath are remnants of the past, but of course there are all the creature comforts of the 21st century too including cable television on the big screen.find cheap hotels The rooms are just a stone's throw from the beach, but guests preferring to avoid the waves can enjoy the water in the lodge's private pool. It's easy to relax here, with a jacuzzi and the famous spa treatments upping the opulence. If you want to raise your heart rate, the lodge also has a professional gymnasium. Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa also employs award-winning chefs who are willing to whip up a gourmet dish using the freshest local produce whenever your tummy grumbles. And these meals always taste best paired with one of New Zealand's favorite wines from the retreat's private cellar. It's probably obvious that a stay at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa isn’t cheap. At $13, 230 a night per couple at the time of writing, it's out of the reach of most mere mortals. But if you've got the cash to spare, there are worse ways to spend it!

  • How to Bargain – A Guide to Shopping in Asian Markets

    The busy markets of Asian nations like Thailand and Vietnam are a mecca for bargain shoppers, but the culture shock of bargaining can scare some foreign tourists.

    The process won’t be so daunting if you follow these simple tips. It's good to get a feel for the markets before you commit to your first purchase. Spend some time walking around, perusing the wares and watching other shoppers bargain for the best price. This will give you some sense of what items are worth, and what sellers may be willing to settle for. It's also important to choose the optimum time to shop. Many sellers may be willing to discount goods in the late afternoon, particularly if they have not had a successful day. Surprisingly the early morning can also be a good time to shop, as some marketeers may reward their first customers with some bargains. Once you've found the perfect item, make sure you keep your composure. It's best to feign disinterest and inquire about several items rather than zeroing in on the one you covet. Make your first offer very low, as the seller will typically drive this cost up before you reach an agreement. It's also advisable to bargain away from other customers if you can; a shop owner may be willing to offer a larger discount if other potential buyers don't know about it! Buying several goods from the same market stall can also be to your advantage. One tactic is to begin bargaining for one item, then ask the seller what discount you could receive if you buy more. Another is to suggest a small complimentary item could help to seal the deal. Above all, it's important to remember that those selling in the markets expect you to bargain with them. They may protest and declare that you are sending them broke, but it’s all part of the game. Hold your nerve and enjoy the rewards of this unique Asian shopping experience!

  • Dim Sum Dining – Eat Like a Local in Hong Kong

    Hong Kong offers a range of restaurants to suit all palettes, but if you want to eat like the locals make sure you try Dim Sum.

    Dim Sum dumplings in steamer baskets
    Dim Sum dumplings in steamer baskets

    Dim Sum is about more than cuisine; it’s a cultural experience which will show you the real Hong Kong. While dining in the Western world is a private affair, Dim Sum restaurants encourage diners to share large tables and make new friends. As you might imagine, the restaurants are typically noisy and a little out of control, but that only adds to the atmosphere.

    Small meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes are typically served in steamer baskets. Tiny desserts and fruits are also served as sweeteners at the end of the meal. Dim Sum is typically paired with Asian tea. When you have finished your pot, lift the lid from the kettle and rest it on the rim to tell your waiter you’d like more.

    As with any experience which steps off the tourist track, there can be a language barrier in Dim Sum restaurants.

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    If you do not have a Chinese-speaking friend to help you, you can always point to the food that looks tasty to communicate.

    Dim Sum restaurants generally open in the morning and trade until the middle of the afternoon. Do not be deterred by the queues around lunch time; they’re the easiest way to spot Hong Kong’s best Dim Sum restaurants. If you aren’t sure where to dine, the concierge at your hotel should point you in the right direction.

    [Image Source: Alykat/Flickr]

  • World Cup Tours Along the East Coast of South Africa

    Travelling down the East Coast of South Africa you will come to fabulous cities including Durban, East London, and Port Elizabeth making touring during the 2010 Fifa World Cup a fun filled experience.

    Starting in Durban, the newly built Moses Mabhida Stadium has the capacity for 70,000 soccer fans and consists of an indoor arena, sport institute, sporting museum, and a new transmodal transportation station. Durban is an exciting and multi-cultural city with plenty to offer tourists. You can enjoy the city life along the coast and visit UShaka Marine World, as well as the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom. Durban World Cup accommodation options include guest houses, hotels, and various other self catering or B and B accommodation in the nearby towns and suburbs. Morningside is one of the best locations in Durban offering Upton Hall hotel, and also the Riverside Hotel and Spa in Durban North. Whilst in this area it is the perfect opportunity to visit the Valley of A Thousand Hills where the Zululand Phezulu Open Air Cultural Center is located, and the famous Umhlanga Rocks for a relaxed weekend. For the best family and sports bar dining options and clubs you should visit Havana Grill, Yossis Café, Club 54, Moyo, Fusion World Food Café, Hemingway’s, and Olive and Oil. Other attractions include visiting Mini Town, checking out the Beer Route, going to the Botanical Garden, riding on a Rickshaw, Croc Park. Moving south you will come to the so called Windy City of Port Elizabeth or PE. The new stadium called Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is able to hold 44 thousand people with the ability for 4000 temporary seats during the World Cup. The roof was specially designed to withstand the high winds of the area and the entire stadium complex cost 2.1 Billion Rands (approximately $284 million). It is conveniently located close to the major road links and accommodation which makes this perfect for the players and visitors alike. For some excellent accommodation you can look at suburbs like Summerstrand where you will find Bayside Guest House, Beacon Lodge, or The Beach Hotel. Favorite sports bars and restaurants in the area include Riverside Sports Bar, The Blinking Owl, Nosh, Raasoie The Kitchen of India, The Coachman, and of course Squires Legendary Grills. Some "musts" on your visit to PE include going bungee jumping off the Bloukrantz Bridge, and the NuKaKamma Canoe Trail where you can see tons of birdlife and wildlife as you paddle to the overnight camp in Cannonville. [caption id="attachment_3545" align="alignright" width="275" caption="South Africa World Cup Trip"]South Africa World Cup Trip[/caption] With these and other fantastic places along the East Coast of the country you will be able to enjoy a week long or even longer vacation in this area alone. On your way from Durban to Port Elizabeth, you will come to the quite city of East London. Here you can also enjoy some relaxing shopping and dining experiences, and after a long day you can go to Kaisers beach for sundowners, which is a popular pastime. The East Coast of South Africa has plenty to offer and travelling to the North or the South, you will be sure to have a splendid time whilst you also catch the specific World Cup matches that you have planned. One of the best ideas if you want to tour is to hire a car for the family so that you can explore at your own pace. Make sure that you plan your itinerary to include some special places like Mpongo Private Game Reserve, or the Addo Elephant Park, as well as Lake St Lucia. You can also go on a tour of the settlements and townships in each of these cities and take home small mementos including wire artwork, special shack paintings, sculptures and beadwork made by the locals. When you book your flights to visit South Africa, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal Provinces provide some of the most exciting attractions and interesting cultural sights in the country. You can enjoy the busy city life, the peaceful coastline, the quite towns, and refreshing inland areas that make South Africa a very special place to visit. With the World Cup fast approaching you should look at the match schedule to see when your favorite teams are playing at the Nelson Mandela or Moses Mabhida stadiums and plan your tour accordingly.

  • Weather in Japan – The Best Times to Visit Asia

    Japan experiences four distinct seasons, including very cold winters and hot and steamy summers.

    Knowing what to expect at different points in the year will help you plan your Japanese getaway. Winter in Japan typically lasts between December and February. If it's skiing and other alpine sports you're after, traveling to Northern Japan or the Sea of Japan coast during these months is a must. To enjoy a milder winter consider staying in the south. With spring's arrival in March, Japan's weather begins to warm and the famous cherry blossoms begin to bloom. However, this is a slow and gradual process so you'll still need to carry some cold weather clothes when traveling from March to May. Light coats and sweaters can help you cope with cold snaps and chilly nights without taking up too much space in a suitcase. Note - ever consider a job in Japan teaching English? If so, check our partner site JobMonkey! Japan enjoys summer from June to August. The season typically starts with a month or so of rain, known as tsuyu, before the weather clears. To escape the dreary weather consider holidaying on the island of Hokkaido, the only place in Japan immune to the tsuyu. Once the rainy season is over Japan's summer weather is often not much more pleasant, with the temperatures soaring as high as the humidity. You'll find the most comfortable conditions in the mountains and Hokkaido.japan map It's advisable to avoid Japan in September when typhoon season is at its peak. Wild weather along the coasts of Okinawa, Shikoku, and Kyushu can affect all of Japan. The good news is that once the typhoons clear, they leave perfect fall conditions. In October and November the weather is temperate, and the landscape is ablaze with the rich earthy colors of autumn. Just as you would in spring, it's advisable to bring light jackets and sweaters to wear on cooler fall days.

  • Australia’s Best Beaches You’ve Never Heard Of

    Australia is famous for many things including its cuddly wildlife, its friendly locals, and its white sandy beaches. Whether you want to catch some waves or perfect your tan, chances are you’ll spend some part of your getaway Down Under enjoying the sun, surf, and sand. Bondi Beach and the coastline of Surfers Paradise grab all the headlines, but the best beaches in Australia are much lower key. If you want to beat the crowds and hang with the locals, here are a few breaks to consider.

    Whitehaven Beach in Queensland
    Whitehaven Beach in Queensland

    Whitehaven Beach is one of the most isolated, and most breathtaking, beaches in Queensland. You’ll need to hop a 15-minute flight to Airlie Beach to reach this picturesque spot located on the eastern side of Whitsunday Island. But the journey is worth it for the miles of pristine white sand which stretch before you. This is a special location in the popular Whitsundays tourist stretch, a place clear of resorts and foot traffic.

    Three hours from Sydney’s tourist track you’ll find Hyams Beach, a Jervis Bay beach that is every bit as beautiful as is innercity counterparts. In fact, the Guinness Book of Records says the sand at Hyams Beach is the whitest in the world. Less than 100 people live in the seaside village, which is a big reason behind its appeal. Without the crowds of these more popular spots, Hyams is teeming with wildlife. If you’re after more sun and sand, visit Chinaman’s Beach to the north and Seaman’s Beach to the south.

    Bells Beach is the most well known of the beaches on this list, but it deserves its place. Many say that the beach has the most perfect waves in the world, and the surfers who participate in the annual Rip Curl Pro competition probably wouldn’t disagree.


    There's a reason why Patrick Swayze's character in Point Break made a pilgrimage to this Australian locale! When it comes to beaches, the East Coast tends to get all of the attention, but that simply means that the locals are free to enjoy the beauty of Western Australia's Cable Beach uninterrupted. Drive 10 minutes from Broome and you'll stumble across this tropical seaside haven. If you want to linger a little longer make sure you check out the beachside bungalows and deluxe suites of Cable Beach Club Resort. Tasmania is a state more famous for its chilly weather and lush mountain landscapes than its beaches, but it's also home to Wineglass Bay. While it sounds like a place to sample Tasmania's iconic pinot noir, Wineglass Beach has some of the clearest waters and whitest sands in the country. It's ideal for children, as they can spot easily shells in the transparent sheltered waters. There's nothing wrong with visiting the most popular tourist beaches, but if you want to relax by the ocean consider taking the path less traveled.

  • Where to Stay in South Africa During the World Cup

    Soccer Fever in South Africa – Getting the Most Out of your Stay

    The FNB Soccer City awaits the millions of expected visitors that will ascend on Johannesburg to attend the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa.

    Table Mountain in Cape Town
    Table Mountain in Cape Town

    Come June 11th, visitors from all over the world will be ready to watch the kick-off as history is made. If you are hoping to be part of that history, you will want to find out more about where you can stay in Johannesburg as well as what you can do to make the most of your time there.

    Johannesburg is the City of Gold, or Egoli, and this means that is alive with the culture and vibrancy that you can expect from a large city. Arriving at OR Tambo Airport, you will be able to catch a private taxi or hire a car through Avis or Budget Car Hire to your hotel or B&B accommodation, from where you can sight see and get to the stadium to watch the opening ceremony and opening match between South Africa and Mexico. On the same day you can also be in beautiful Cape Town ready to attend the Group A match between Uruguay and France at Green Point Stadium.

    Both Johannesburg (Joburg) and Cape Town (the Mother City) have some of the best Soccer World Cup accommodation options and sight-seeing opportunities to offer tourists. With Johannesburg being a typical big city, you can expect to find the best and most affordable accommodation closer to the suburbs.

    Even schools are being transformed into backpacking accommodation for the duration of the World Cup, as schools are going to be on a 4 week break. Stylish accommodation for your family can be found in up market Sandton, Fourways, and Randburg among other suburbs. One of the top accommodation choices, not yet fully booked, is the Ellis Park Amani Apartments. These are stunning apartments in The Splice Riviera, a pretty leafy area in close proximity to Killarney, Sandton, and Rosebank. Here you can visit any of the main shopping malls including prestigious Sandton City, Hyde Park, Illovo, and Killarney Mall. The newly finished Gautrain will provide quick and easy transport to all the best tourist attractions and to the stadiums, with Ellis Park Stadium being only 10 minutes away. You can book a Soweto Tour, visit the Nelson Mandela Museum, as well as the Hector Pietersen Memorial. You can also visit the famous Gold Reef City Amusement park and go down into the actual gold mines. Some of the best places to eat at in Johannesburg include Mimmos, The Melville Grill, Moyo, and The Loft among others. In Cape Town, accommodation options range from prestigious hotels on the Atlantic Seaboard, to self catering units in the South Peninsula. Plenty of affordable options still exist and one of the best places to look for World Cup accommodation is Cape Sky Realtors, as they offer budget and luxury accommodation all over the Cape. Another idea is to book into the Table Bay Hotel, or one of the many other City Bowl accommodation options. In Cape Town, you cannot simply come for the soccer. You also have to make time to go on tours to the various wine regions of South Africa including Stellenbosch, Constantia, Paarl, and Franschhoek. You can also go up Table Mountain, wander through the V&A Waterfront, go on a ferry to Robben Island, and visit Cape Point Nature Reserve. In Cape Town, there are plenty of exciting restaurants that you should try including the Sushi Bar in Green Point near the stadium called Go Mama Go, as well as places like News Café, Green Dolphin, Quay Four, and Long Street Café.  A little further South in the eclectic village of Kalk Bay, you can experience interesting dining and stunning cocktails at Cape to Cuba, Polana, or the busy Brass Bell. The most popular restaurants that you can find just about anywhere in Jo’burg and Cape Town are the Ocean Basket, and Spur, which is a great place for the kids. The best thing to do when you get to your destination is to ask your hotel or B&B for a list of all the possible attraction, shopping and dining options nearby, and ask them to make reservations for you if you have some specific places in mind. Otherwise, great websites to use are Restaurants.co.za and Booking.com.

  • Fun Vacations for the Family in Tropical Fiji

    If you want to treat your whole family to a South Pacific vacation, make sure you consider Fiji.

    While many island locations cater for couples, this is one country whose tourism industry puts family first. Many of the island's resorts have child-friendly clubs and activities designed to give mom and dad as much private time as they wish. The Shangri-La Fijian is one of the oldest resorts in Fiji, and one of the largest. The Shangri-La has its own island with a sheltered lagoon for safe swimming. There is also a children’s pool open during daylight hours, and a games room equipped with arcade games and snooker and table tennis tables. The biggest drawcard is the Children’s Stay and Eat for Free program. Under this scheme, up to two children under the age of 12 can stay and eat in selected restaurants within the resort for free. Another complimentary service is The Little Chief's Club. This program amuses children aged between two and 12 with a host of activities including sports, games, and lessons in Fijian culture. [caption id="attachment_3479" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Lagoon Pool at the Shangri-La Fijian"]The Lagoon Pool at the Shangri-La Fijian[/caption] Not far from the Shangri-La you'll find the Hideaway Resort. There are some great family-friendly facilities here, including a waterslide, putt-putt golf course, and traditional craft classes. Its Hermit Kids Club offers personalized attention, with one staff member for every three children. The club leads children in a host of cultural activities, including rainforest walks, excursions to local villages, and fancy dress parades. A day trip on the Coral Coast Scenic Railway is great fun for the entire family. The revamped steam train runs from Cuvu Station, outside the Shangri-La, to Natadola Beach. Along the way you'll enjoy throwing precious candy to the village children who line the tracks. Once at the beach your guides will treat you to a barbeque lunch and Fiji's famous kava. You'll have time for a swim in the ocean before catching the train home. Another family favorite is Kulu Eco Park, Fiji’s only wildlife sanctuary. The park is home to many endangered animals, including the crested iguana and peregrine falcon. And of course, families vacationing in Fiji can also make their own fun enjoying the country's beautiful beaches and tropical weather.