Bali Travel Advice

April 15, 2009 By

Bali is considered an island paradise by Australians, as well as many other citizens of the world. This Indonesian island has managed to remain a popular getaway for thousands of visitors each year and is affectionately referred to by a number of names. This “Last Paradise on Earth” and “Island of the Gods” is Indonesia’s largest tourist destination and is home to more than 4 million people. This tropical island nation is just 95 miles wide and is home to two active volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur, but that’s not what makes it a hot travel destination!

Bali offers fun in the sun and rest and relaxation, and is in no short supply of tourist attractions for everyone.

Tourist Cities
The main tourist cities in Bali are Seminyak, Sanur, Ubad, Kuta, and Nusa Dua; which are all located in the southern area of Bali. Kuta is by far the main tourist area and is commonly referred to as “surfer central”. Seminyak is home to a very active nightlife and swanky beach resorts. Ubad is a cultural center located in the foothills, and Nusa Dua is comprised of expensive hotels and getaways. All of these cities are within close proximity to each other and can be reached by land travel.

Bali Holiday

What To Do In Bali
Bali’s tropical location and warm climate makes it a desirable location and destination for surfing, spas, scuba diving, and even destination weddings.

Surfing-Bali is known for its prime surfing real estate and is considered a must see stop for world surfers. Kuta and Nusa Dua are the prime locations for surfing and even have local instructors who can offer their services, for a small fee of course.

Scuba Diving-Scuba diving is popular throughout the country. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and white and black sand beaches.

Spas-Hot springs and spas are immensely popular in Bali and are offered to the locals and tourists alike. Their affordability and effectiveness make them a must-do for many tourists.

Get married-While getting married abroad is not suitable for everyone, Bali provides a wonderful backdrop for any wedding ceremony. Many local venues are capable of performing an entire wedding ceremony with activities. Just make sure that you adhere to Australian marriage laws and the laws of Bali when getting married there, so that the ceremony is properly recognized.

Travel Insurance

Regardless of where you travel you should have proper travel insurance. Health care around the world varies in nature and expense, so you shouldn’t take any chances. There can be more than a few stops when traveling from Australia to Bali so you want to be certain that if you have any delays or your luggage is lost you won’t be faced with even more hardships or difficulties

Make your trip to Bali one you won’t soon forget!

Filed Under: Overseas Travel

Great Barrier Reef Holiday

April 15, 2009 By

To fully grasp the magnitude of the beauty and vastness of the Great Barrier Reef, one would need to take a step back. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, encompassing 1800 miles of more than 2900 reefs and 900 islands. Located off the coast of Queensland and in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef is the visible from space and is the largest single structure made by living organisms. The Great Barrier Reef is home to various marine animals and is inhabited by more than 400 species of coral. Every year more than two million people visit Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

View the reef at its best
Hamilton Island is the premiere location to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef and is located in the Whitsundays off the Queensland Coast. Hamilton Island offers daily tours to the Great Barrier Reef, amongst a number of other activities that you can enjoy while on holiday. Hamilton Island is the destination of choice for Australians on holiday and vacation. Although the island is privately owned, it is open to the public and features its own airport for easy travel access by travelers. There is also a number of accommodations available on the island, including apartments, villas, and hotels. Try a Hamilton Island Holiday for your next family vacation!

All the Great Barrier Reef has to offer
The Great Barrier Reef is home to not just millions of coral but is a breeding ground for humpback whales which migrate there every winter, home to green turtles, whales, birds, dudongs, and dolphins. You can view the Reef by air, taking a cruise, scuba diving, or snorkeling. You can also enjoy yachting and fishing in specified areas of the reef.

Just as the Great Barrier Reef is endangered by ecological threats and requires protection, so do you when traveling there. Purchasing travel insurance can make sure that your vacation is not postponed or ruined by medical emergencies, lost baggage, or trip cancellation.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a great family trip that offers you the chance to view one of nature’s largest displays of grandeur and beauty. Travel to the reefs is restricted to a certain number per year and should be booked well in advance, in order to ensure that you are able to visit the reef when you’d like to.

Filed Under: Qld

Things To Do On The Gold Coast

April 15, 2009 By

There’s no shortage of things to do while visiting Australia’s Gold Coast. No matter what your idea of fun is, there’s something on the Gold Coast to keep you entertained. While there are literally hundreds of activities that you can enjoy, here’s a list of just a few activities and tourist attractions that are guaranteed to make your trip to the Gold Coast an experience to remember.

Visit Q1
Let’s literally start from the top! Q1 is the tallest residential building in not only Australia, but the world! Visit the observation decks on the 77th and 78th level and enjoy the panoramic view of Surfer’s Paradise, Brisbane, Byron Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. The view is beautiful anytime of day or night!

Learn to surf
Catch a wave at Surfer’s Paradise. Once you come down from your high of visiting Q1, enjoy the beach below and learn to surf. Surfing lessons are available for kids and adults alike and are available as single lessons or packages.

Be thrilled at an amusement park
The Gold Coast has a variety of amusement parks. Sea World, Dreamworld, and Wet ‘n’ Wild all provide a great place to just let your hair down and go wild, Aussie style! Gold Coast amusement parks are great place for the entire family to enjoy seals, roller coasters, and water rides!

Shop ‘til you drop
Pacific Fair, Harbour Town, Oasis Shopping Center, and Chevron Renaissance are just a few of the places where you can purchase everything from fine jewelry to footwear. If shopping is your game then the Gold Coast is just the place to load up on bargains and souvenirs.

Explore the rainforest
Just a short drive from the beaches of the Gold Coast is one of the most magnificent rainforests in the world, at hinterland. The Gold Coast hinterland is comprised of several national parks and landmarks that are sure to help you escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Take a tour
If you can’t decide what to do or if you want to do a bunch of things, then take a tour! If you can name it, there’s a Gold Coast tour for it. Ecotours, kayaking, scuba diving, hot air ballooning, bush walking, and sailing are just some of the tours you can enjoy on your vacation or holiday.

If you are visiting Australia’s Gold Coast on a tight budget, no worries! Visit the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame or City Art Gallery, enjoy the beach, visit the Regional Botanical Gardens, or enjoy the boardwalk at the Gold Coast Spit.

No matter where you visit on the Gold Coast, make sure that you have the travel insurance you need and deserve. Making sure that you are protected in case of accidental injury or loss is just as important to your vacation as having fun.

Enjoy all the golden opportunities for fun that the Gold Coast has to offer today!

Filed Under: Gold Coast

Travel Insurance For Your Australian Journey

April 15, 2009 By

Knowing which travel insurance policy to select can be difficult. Should you choose the cheapest policy? Do you need medical coverage? Do I really need travel insurance at all? All of these questions can easily be answered by considering just a few simple facts and knowing exactly what to look for in your travel insurance policy.

Give it thought ahead of time
Travel insurance should definitely be purchased if you are traveling outside of Australia, and should at least be considered if you are traveling extensively or far from home even throughout the country. Review your existing insurance and medical policies to ascertain if you are fully covered for loss or injury while traveling. Keep in mind the nature of your travel and the length. If you are venturing into the Amazon or plan on being abroad for a large amount of time, you’re coverage needs may be just a little more than extensive than someone who is traveling to visit Grandma. If you travel frequently consider annual multi-trip insurance, if you don’t travel very much then purchasing single trip insurance may be wiser. If your current coverage is inadequate then you should find a travel insurance policy that includes the following attributes.

Medical travel insurance
Your health is more important than anything else when you are traveling. If you are sick or injured while traveling you want to make sure that you are covered. Private hospitals throughout the world range from affordable to downright exorbitant. Make sure your travel insurance policy covers your hospital stay, medicines, medical evacuation, and any health conditions that you have. You can even purchase medical only insurance if you’d like.

Lost luggage and travel cancellations & delays
We all know that when it comes to travel, Murphy’s Law is the only law, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”. Of course no one wants to get to the baggage claim in a foreign country only to discover that your insurance is lost, or to approach the ticket counter to find out that your flight has been cancelled..indefinitely. But guess what? It happens. Refuse to be a victim of circumstances; make sure your travel insurance covers the full loss or theft of your luggage from a car, hotel, airport, and any other reasonable place.

Quality over cost
Purchasing cheap travel insurance should not be your ultimate goal when selecting a travel insurance policy. Everyone loves getting a bargain but insuring that your health and property are adequately covered in case of an emergency is much more important than saving a few dollars. Purchase direct travel insurance or comprehensive travel insurance only after receiving several quotes and remember that travel insurance should cover your travel needs from the moment you begin your trip.

Filed Under: Travel Insurance Tagged With: , , ,

Australian and Gold Coast Holidays In The Current Economic Climate

April 14, 2009 By

Most of Australia’s best holiday destinations are on its east coast. With the bulk of the country’s population living in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, it is really convenient to travel to the closest destinations, especially during the current credit crisis and while the Aussie dollar is low against the greenback. Queensland travel destinations like the Whitsunday Islands and the Gold Coast are showing a marked resilience to the current drop off in tourist numbers. Gold Coast accommodation has been in high demand over the Christmas and New Year periods despite predictions that there would be high vacancy factors. There has not yet been many signs in the domestic travel market in these regions that a recession is looming.

The main tourist areas on the Gold Coast like Surfers paradise, Broadbeach and Main beach have been fully booked over the Christmas, New Year break. Reports from tour operators on Fraser Island say that conditions are actually booming. Managing director of the Fraser Island co. Mr. Shane Boyd said they were experiencing their busiest holiday period for over five years and there were still plenty of inbound group bookings out of Europe, well into the New Year. The level of the Australian dollar against the Euro was obviously having a positive effect, he said. The Whitsunday Islands are always a popular tourist destination for Australians because it is so easy to get to. With a domestic airport on Hamilton Island you can fly right to the resort and it can’t get any easier than that. Regular daily flights operate from all southern capitals.

While the immediate future of the economy is still running into uncharted water, it is still a little uncertain how levels of participation in the travel industry will be affected however a low Australian Dollar is positive for both domestic and international visits alike so hopefully the impact in 2009 will not be as dire as some pundits have been predicting.

Filed Under: Destinations, NSW, Qld, Vic Tagged With: , , , ,

Understanding Kakadu’s Many Seasons

April 8, 2009 By

Kakadu National Park is an area rich in biodiversity, vast landscapes and truly spectacular surroundings.

Consisting of over 1,980,000 hectares of land, Kakadu boasts many, different landforms, all of which showcase the beautiful biodiversity of this amazing, Northern Territory region. Kakadu is astoundingly different, depending on the time of the year. In fact, the landscape throughout Kakadu can be dramatically different from month to month. It is because of this that the Aborigine people of the area, the Bininj/Mungguy, recognize six, different seasons, which include:

Yegge – Yegge runs from May to June, which is the cool season in Kakadu. Yegge is a time for new growth in the area.
Wurrgeng – Wurrgeng runs from June to August, which is the early dry season of Kakadu. Wurrgeng is the time when creek beds dry up and floodplains dry out.
Gurrung – Gurrung runs from August to October, which is the hot, dry season.
Gunumeleng – Gunumeleng runs from October to December, which is the pre-monsoon season. It follows Gurrung, and is the time when streams fill up and new growth becomes predominant.
Gudjewg – Gudjewg runs from December to March, which is the monsoon season. The extreme heat and humidity encourages an abundance of new plant and animal life, and the woodlands begin to thrive once again.
Banggerreng – Banggerreng, which includes the month of April, has long been recognized by the Bininj/Mungguy people as the harvest season. With clear skies and receding waters, plants are fruiting, thus bringing an abundance of food and new life to the region.
With the beautiful diversity of the land and the difference of the seasons, there are always things to see, do and experience in Kakadu throughout the year. Darwin provides easy access to Kakadu, making a holiday in Kakadu very convenient.

A vacation in Kakadu is made simple through NT Travel with completeNT Accommodation and travel bookings.. From fine, Kakadu accommodation to excellent sightseeing and adventure tours, NT Travel can make your next Kakadu National Park holiday exciting, adventurous and memorable. If you are looking for cheap deals or an all-inclusive travel package, then look no further than NT Travel.

Filed Under: Destinations Tagged With: , ,

Thredbo Adventures and Amenities: Anything but Typical

April 8, 2009 By

Whether you’re looking for excitement or pampering, Thredbo (also known as Thredbo Village) certainly has something to fulfill your holiday wishes. From its adrenaline-rushing black diamond runs, the Cannonball and the Funnel, to the luxurious amenities of the Thredbo Leisure Center, Thredbo is a an all-encompassing resort in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales that caters to just about any want, need or desire.

Located only a few hours drive from Canberra, and six hours drive from Sydney and Melbourne, Thredbo is a popular ski resort in New South Wales, thanks to its excellent accommodation and impressive winter recreational opportunities. Another huge draw to Thredbo is that is boasts the longest ski runs in Australia.
This year-round resort destination features great summer activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, golfing and horseback riding, and of course the winter activities are second to none in terms of excitement and fun. A NSW Ski Holiday could be just what you need !

Thredbo, like the other resorts of the Snowy Mountains, namely Perisher, boasts great skiing; but it is Thredbo’s other amenities that often set in apart from competing resorts in Australia. Quaint chalets, lodges and hotels all offer superb, ski resort accommodation, while a great variety of restaurants serve up some of the finest cuisine in the Snowy Mountains.

Thredbo also features a small-town atmosphere, which is enjoyed by many visitors. From its narrow, winding streets, charming cafes and boutiques, to its unbeatable, picturesque surroundings, the atmosphere in Thredbo is unlike any other.

Visitors on holiday in Thredbo may partake in snowy activities, such as snowshoeing, snow climbing and riding the alpine slide, while those looking for a break from the action may head to the Thredbo Leisure Centre and take a dip in the heated swimming pool.

NSW Travel can accommodate your stay in Thredbo and provide you with a wonderful array of travel package options and cheap travel deals to fulfill your vacation needs and wants. Your adventure holiday to New South Wales ski fields is not complete without the services of NSW Travel!

Always remember to buy travel insurance before a holiday – this is especially important for adventure holidays that may involve skiing. Cheap Travel Insurance can be found easily enough if you shop around online – just be sure to find a policy that fully covers your travelling needs.

Filed Under: NSW

Experiencing the Best of the Perisher Ski Resort

April 8, 2009 By

New South Wales’ most popular ski resort is, without a doubt, Perisher (also still referred to by its old name, Perisher Blue). High atop the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, along the Snowy River Shire and within Kosciuskio National Park, Perisher is a fantastic example of the outstanding ski resorts found throughout Australia.
Located about 600 kilometers southwest of Sydney, Perisher Blue is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, and consists of four, separate villages within the resort itself: Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow.

• Perisher Valley – With an elevation of 1,720 m, Perisher Valley boasts excellent slopes, beautiful resort accommodation and a great variety of amenities and services to make your stay both comfortable and luxurious.
• Smiggin Holes – Located 1,680 m high atop the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Smiggin Holes is a popular destination for both beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders. This village offers great ski resort accommodation. Smiggin Holes is most commonly reached by flights from Cooma.
• Guthega – With an elevation of 1,640 m, Guthega boasts an excellent array of ski facilities and quaint accommodation. Many of the runs of Guthega are tree-lined, which therefore holds snow much longer than other resorts. There are great lodges and hotels found in Guthega, thereby offering guests quality ski resort accommodation.
• Blue Cow – With the highest elevation at 1,890 m, Blue Cow is Perisher’s only day-only resort. Located within close proximity to the Perisher Blue Resort, most visitors reach Blue Cow by either ski lifts or skitube.

 

Skiing In NSW - Great Holiday Destination

Skiing In NSW - Great Holiday Destination

 

 

So if a holiday overseas isn’t what you are looking for and you would prefer to stay down under, try a NSW ski holiday. The NSW Ski Holiday Accommodation options are vast and can offer plenty of options for those on a budget or those looking for luxury.

If the Snowy Mountains are calling you this winter, consider the Perisher Blue Ski Resort for fantastic skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, and choose NSW Travel to make your holiday dreams come true. Fantastic dining, world-class shopping and exciting nightlife can all be found at the Perisher Ski Resort.
You may choose lodging within the ski resort, or at nearby Jindabyne, but whatever your choice, NSW Travel can provide you with a great variety of travel packages and cheap deals to make your New South Wales ski holiday unforgettable.

Always remember to buy travel insurance before a holiday – this is especially important for adventure holidays that may involve skiing. Cheap Travel Insurance can be found easily enough if you shop around online – just be sure to find a policy that fully covers your travelling needs.

Filed Under: Destinations Tagged With: , ,

The Casual Beach Atmosphere of Broadbeach

April 8, 2009 By

As part of Australia’s fabulous Gold Coast, Broadbeach is the destination for vacationers seeking a laid-back, casual beach holiday.

This popular Queensland vacation spot is situated next to Surfers Paradise, yet boasts a less hectic, more casual atmosphere. Many visitors of Surfers Paradise enjoy visiting Broadbeach for a break from the hustle and bustle; likewise, vacationers of Broadbeach enjoy heading to Surfers Paradise for an evening of excitement.

Wherever your Gold Coast holiday plans may take you, make sure you include Broadbeach on your itinerary. This fabulous beach community boasts all the pleasures of a Gold Coast holiday, including sandy beaches, fantastic water sports, exciting day trips and tours and, of course, the warm, tropical waters and the warm, Australian sunshine.

However, don’t mistake the laid-back atmosphere of Broadbeach for a lackluster vacation; on the contrary, this vibrant, progressive, beach community features a fantastic nightlife scene, Conrad Jupiter’s Casino and loads of family entertainment. The boardwalk is family-oriented, as well, as it features picnic areas, barbeque grills, a children’s playground and even a duck pond.

Holiday on Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland

Holiday on Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland

The cuisine of Broadbeach is also fun and causal. Many, great restaurants can be found along Albert Avenue in Broadbeach, where it is common to find a fantastic variety of alfresco restaurants, cafes, gelato bars and coffee bars, just to name a few. The local and international cuisine of Broadbeach is well known in this region, and is why so many visitors appreciate the dining found here.

Broadbeach, in keeping with its family-friendly atmosphere, also hosts many fairs and festivals throughout the year. It is also a great place for both upscale boutiques and casual retailers, thanks to the wildly popular Pacific Fair Shopping Center, which includes over 250 stores.

The accommodation found in Broadbeach can be both casual and high-end. This beach community boasts budget-friendly hotels, family-friendly resorts and luxury accommodation.

From high-end holiday rentals to cheap accommodation deals, QLD Travel can pair you up with quality accommodation for your next Broadbeach holiday. Cheap deals and holiday rentals are plentiful and easily accessible when you use QLD Travel.

Filed Under: Gold Coast Tagged With: , , ,

Family Accommodation Meets Resort Splendor on Daydream Island

April 8, 2009 By

Day trippers and vacationers alike will find something to love while on Daydream Island. As the closest island of the Whitsundays to the mainland, a day trip or a holiday to Daydream Island is both easily accessible and convenient.

Many tourists and Australians choose Daydream Island as their holiday destination of choice because of its close proximity to Shute Harbour on the mainland at Airlie Beach, its great, outdoor recreation, its fabulous accommodation and its accessibility to the rainbow-colored coral of the Great Barrier Reef.

This family-friendly island of the Whitsunday Islands of Queensland is a great place to engage in lively water sports, from mild to adventurous, including swimming, reef fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and parasailing. The dense, tropical forests of Daydream Island are also a fabulous spot from which to experience the beauty of the surrounding bushland.

The natural surroundings of the Whitsunday Islands are spectacular, and like no other in the world. This is the place to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor, family entertainment and recreation!

Take a Holiday on Daydream Island, Whitsundays, Queensland

Take a Holiday on Daydream Island, Whitsundays, Queensland

Many visitors of Daydream Island also choose to spend their time enjoying the beautiful variety of birds and wildlife, including the annual migration of the humpback whales. There are many day tours, including seaplane and helicopter rides, which enable visitors of this tropical destination to understand the immense beauty and diversity found here.

Loads of family fun can be enjoyed on Daydream Island, as well, thanks to the great variety of entertainment choices, including miniature golf, an open air cinema, a kids’ club, a gymnasium, a kids’ jungle-themed playground, tennis and croquet courts and three swimming pools.

The Daydream Island Resort and Spa, which is the centerpiece of the island, is a family-friendly resort that includes some of the finest accommodation on the Whitsundays. Some of the amenities of this luxury resort include spacious suites and expansive balconies with panoramic views.

If you are looking for cheap deals on your next Daydream Island vacation in Australia, then look no further than QLD Travel. QLD Travel can find a great deal, travel package or vacation package for a splendid Daydream Island holiday.

Filed Under: Qld Tagged With: , , , ,
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