5 Incredible Backpacker Destinations in Australia

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As a traveller (whether you’re a seasoned pro who’s seen the world and climbed mountains – or whether it’s your first time and your first adventure) it’s known by all, that Australia is a pretty spectacular destination and a favourite amongst backpackers and travellers alike.

And it’s no wonder really – Australia is incredible. It has something for just about everyone – whether you like things laid back and relaxed – or you like to party and hop from place to place. It wasn’t until I visited this stunning country that I realised just how much there is on offer and just how beautiful this place is.

So, where should you head? Well, I’ve put together a few of my favourite destinations in Oz, which hopefully will appeal to most types of people reading this article. But bear in mind – even if somewhere doesn’t immediately appeal to you – sometimes the best travel magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone.

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Sydney

This iconic city deserves your attention, and at least a couple of days of your itinerary to truly explore it properly. There is so much to see and do in Sydney – from the bustling city streets to the incredible beaches spanning miles along the coastline – you won’t be stuck for ideas. Take time out to see the impressive Opera House and explore the botanical gardens adjacent to it, as well as the beautiful harbor bridge – because these are the sights and structures you’ll be wowed by. Then take in the atmosphere in Darling Harbor and grab a cheap drink during happy hour. The next day grab the public transport over to Manly Beach or Bondi Beach and relax on the gorgeous public beaches.

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The Whitsunday Islands

There are many ways to see the Whitsundays – and I’d definitely recommend doing at least one of these ways during your time in Australia. The Whitsundays are a collections of beautiful islands, some which have hotels on and some which are like remote desert islands.  If you fancy some fun – then there are plenty of backpacker boats and cruises which will take you out for a couple of nights. You’ll see the islands, make new friends and get a bit tipsy whilst you’re at it. For something a bit more luxury, head over to Hamilton Island or Hayman Island – which cater to the absolutely luxury and relaxation of everyone who visits. Just be prepared for the prices – because this kind of luxury doesn’t come cheap! You can also take day trips out to the Great Barrier Reef from here – so take the opportunity!

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Ayers Rock

For something peaceful, mind-blowing and ultimately life-changing Ayers Rock offers just that. It’s something so striking you’ll be overcome by it’s beauty – and the Australians take great pride in this natural phenomenon – with good reason.  I’d recommend getting a helicopter over the rock and then spending a night or two camping on the ground nearby – watching the incredible (unbeatable) sunrise and sunsets.

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Surfers Paradise

If you love nightlife, shopping and glorious sunshine – then surfers paradise might be the ideal Australian destination for you. Expect high sky-scrapers, beautiful beaches and lively restaurants and bars – all at a relatively good price too. There’s also lots of theme parks nearby too – meaning your options for day trips are huge! Theme park multi-passes are around $90 (AUS) which is a bargain and gives you entrance to around 3 different theme parks – including SeaWorld, Movie World, Dream World and various others. You’re also guaranteed some pretty special views too in this city – because the coast line is just stunning to look at.

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Noosa

Noosa is a pretty, scenic small town on the East Coast just north of Brisbane. If you’re after a few days of relaxation and pampering then this might be a good place to spend a few days. Hotels can be expensive – but there are some great hostel options in the town too which offer really good rates for those trying to keep spending on the small side. Noosa is a lovely place just to relax on the beach with an ice-cream, but it’s also a fantastic place to learn to surf too – if that’s your cup of tea. Lessons are relatively cheap, and the water is shallow and calm here (compared to other east-coast locations) which makes it much easier for beginners when they’re taking their first baby steps into surfing and technique.

About Author:

Elle works for No1 Traveller Lounges as a travel writer. She is currently travelling Australia and loving every second.

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How to Avoid Bugs and Pests while Traveling or Camping Outdoors

Don’t let bugs and pests ruin your next camping or hiking trip! Here are some all-natural tips to avoiding and deterring bugs, animals and other pests during your next trip to the great outdoors.

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Camp away from water

Water is a breeding ground for insects of all kinds, especially mosquitoes. When you’re choosing a campsite (especially when you are camping in a warm, moist climate), choose one on a hillside or slight incline and away from stagnant water, puddles, or small creeks that move slowly. Bugs tend to congregate near these areas, and although it can be lovely scenery, you’ll pay the price with bug bites.

Avoid fragrance

Come on, who are you going to impress on your next camping trip? Leave the floral fragrances, cologne and fragrant deodorants at home. These types of scents can attract bugs like flies, bees and mosquitoes.

Citronella

Citronella is most widely known in candle form and used for relaxing outdoors, but citronella can also be used to repel mosquitoes while you’re camping or hiking. Use citronella in oil in tablet form and sprinkle or place around your campsite, or use it in cartridge form on your person while you hike. Citronella is all natural and non-toxic and will repel mosquitoes, black flies, fleas and ticks.

Garlic

Garlic keeps away more than just vampires; it’s a great bug repellant, too. Eating a meal with heavy garlic lets the scent secrete through your pores, keeping bugs away while you hike or relax outdoors. You can also use garlic as an easy, safe pesticide by pureeing 12 cloves of garlic with 1 tablespoon of mineral oil and combining it with three cups of hot water and one teaspoon of dishwashing soap. Use a spray bottle to spray it onto plants around your campsite.

Cover up

Covering your arms and legs is one way to keep pests from ruining your trip. It may be hot out, but a lightweight cotton top and pants will not only shield you from bugs and pests, but from damage from the sun. Your head should be covered, too. Opt for a wide brimmed hat that can cover your head, face and neck. For even more coverage, consider tying a bandanna around your neck and face, or placing netting under your hat to cover your face. It’s best if your hat, shirt, pants and shoes are a lighter color (darker colors are more likely to attract bugs.)

Stay cool

Easier said than done when you’re outdoors, but a great way to deter bugs when you’re outdoors or hiking is to stay cool. Bugs can be attracted to the scent of human sweat, so staying in the shade or hiking in the early morning, when the temperature is lower, can help you keep your cool.

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Citrus

Bugs hate the smell of citrus, so keeping citrus fruits around your campsite can go a long way to protecting your campsite from bugs and pests. Bring oranges and grapefruit as snacks, which can help keep you healthy and hydrated, and squeeze some of the juice onto the ground as you eat.

Dryer sheets

Those dryer sheets not only keep your clothes static-free, but keep your skin bite free! Stashing a few dryer sheets in your shoes, clothing or hats can keep the bugs away, and adding a few to your campsite, especially in your tent, can ward off those flying, crawling pests.

Dispose of your trash

Bugs aren’t the only pets that can be a problem at your campsite. Raccoons, skunks, chipmunks, squirrels and rodents of all kinds are looking for a handout at campsites. The best tool to fight an influx of varmints is to keep your campsite clean and eat. Pack up all your trash, including food debris, bottles and cans, and wrappers. If there isn’t a disposal area, keep your trash in zippered kitchen bags until you can dispose of it properly. Keep your food sealed tightly in plastic containers instead of plastic zipper bags – animals can easily get into the plastic bags.

About the Author:

Karen Miller writes about avoiding pests and other bugs for Terminix.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go White Water Rafting This Summer

Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

White water rafting during the summer is one of the few activities that anyone and everyone can participate in. Whether you’re young or old, active or not, white water rafting is simple with the right education.

Here are five reasons why you should go white water rafting this summer:

• You’ll see the outdoors from a different view. Hiking, driving, skiing, rock climbing, none of those activities, as fun as they are, give you the same experience as white water rafting. Rafting down a river gives you a different view on the life around you. You’ll see wildlife you might never have seen before and you’ll see firsthand how a river really flows. If you bring a camera you can even capture those moments.

• It’s a fun challenge. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a reward in itself. Before you embark on your white water rafting trip you’ll go through a training process. This is to ensure that you know what to do during the trip and to make sure everybody is as safe as possible during it. So not only is it a fun challenge, but you’re learning along the way as well.

• It’s a group activity. Whether you’re with family, friends or colleagues, it’s a good group activity and great for bonding. Teamwork skills can be built during white water rafting and is a fast and fun way to build trust and friendship. Even if there’s just three or four of you that want to go, you’ll meet others that are rafting as well and get to know them along the trip.

• The price is right. Compared to a lot of other vacation trips you could take, white water rafting is cost efficient for the length and experience. Cruises, amusement parks, and international vacations are pricey. For the price of a white water rafting trip, you’ll also have new memories and a trip that won’t be forgotten.

• Anybody can do it. Children are allowed, something that isn’t easy to find with more extreme sports. White water rafting is an activity that can involve basically anybody as long as they’re willing to try something new.

In the long run, white water rafting is a great activity for the summer as it provides an inexpensive, fun challenge that anybody can participate in.

About the Author:

New Mexico River Adventures is pleased to bring you this fun and informative article. If you are interested in Taos box rafting or white water rafting in New Mexico please check out their website for more information.

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Do you have an adventurous streak? If your answer is yes, there is no better rite of passage than traveling. If you like to travel light, on a budget and see places that mainstream tours don't offer then you will love camping. As an outdoor recreational activity, camping is unparalleled.

Camping is well established and it is almost a cultural thing in many countries. Camping sites like any other tourist spots have their share of good and bad. A good camping site should have enough space to park campers, caravans or pitch tents. It should contain washing facilities and good showers, a grocery store or a restaurant if possible. Above all, it should be easy on the pocket. That is the point isn't it?

Camping in Europe

Europe is a very popular camping destination. It has more than 10,000 documented camping sites where campers from around the world congregate and experience the outdoors. Camping has also seen some innovation since the early parts of the 20^th century when it became a popular recreational pastime. Camping sites are equipped with modern camping equipment such as camping pods, offering a fresh perspective to the old camping experience.

Though European camping sites are less private or secluded than North American sites, they rarely if ever fill up. Even if they are full, the sign often refers to trailers. There's still plenty of space to squeeze a small tent.

Many campgrounds are located near major roads that go out from towns. It has also been noticed that campgrounds usually reflect their surroundings. If the region you are going to is dusty, unkempt, chaotic or dirty, it is unlikely find the campground is any better. Prices vary according to the facilities, styles and popularity. You might have to pay by the vehicle, the person or the tent. Registration is easy, you may have to deposit your passport at the campground office until you make payments. You can usually stay till noon if you want.

Some popular camping grounds in Europe are

Kamp Koren Kobarid, Slovenia

This camp site in Slovenia in the Soca Valley is situated in a riverside meadow. It is perfect for families and individuals who may want to try their hand at outdoor sports like rafting and canoeing.

Les Romarins, France

If you don't have children with you, then Les Romarins in Côte d’Azur, between Nice and Monaco is a nice spot to pitch your tent. This secluded camp site with a glorious Mediterranean view is situated on a cliff top.

Glenbrittle Campsite, Isle of Skye, Scotland

This campsite in Scotland is perfect for those interested in natural scenery. The site is encompassed by the sea on one side and a mountain range on another. The Isle of Skye is also famous for the numerous film scenes that have been shot here, like Ridley Scott's Prometheus. Some of the scenes were filmed at Old man of Storr.

Château de Martragny in Normandy, France

Situated near Bayeux and Caen, this elegant campsite surrounds a beautiful 18^th century Château. It is perfect for a family getaway and you will remember this experience for years to come.

Camping equipment

Your camping experience also depends on the equipment you carry. Spend some time to introspect and  outfit yourself with the equipment you might need. You must bring a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad to soften and insulate you from the ground. a butane stove if possible, water purification tablets, common medicines, warm clothes and a few packets of ready to eat food at the very least.

Some campsite also provide camp pods. Quality camp pod manufacturers take care to maximize the head room and floor space and provide a snug, warm place to sleep or relax, no matter what climate rages outside. If you want to be blown out of your mind, visit Europe's campsites.

Grace is an expert associated with Green Eco Living, suppliers of camping pods, garden offices, lodges and mobile homes. The company provides energy efficient and eco friendly home/office pods. You can visit the company website or click here for more information.

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Drive Your Way to Fun

Drive Your Way to Fun

In today’s economy, many people are foregoing the family vacation because it’s simply not within their budget to purchase multiple airline tickets. If you are thinking of giving up the annual family holiday, why not consider driving instead of flying? Driving to your destination offers many benefits that you’ll never receive while flying. Here are five great reasons to drive this summer.

Bonding Time

There’s no better way to bond as a family than on a road trip. From playing silly games to singing corny songs, a road trip offers a variety of opportunities to have fun and enjoy each other in a way that your daily lives don’t often allow. Try to use your time in the car constructively! Instead of blasting the radio and drowning each other out, turn the radio off and have an actual conversation. You may be surprised at what you can learn about each other when there are no distractions.

Faster Traveling

People don’t often stop to consider that traveling by car can often be faster than traveling by plane. Take into account the amount of time you will spend driving to the airport, waiting to board your plane and waiting to deplane. You may find that it’s actually faster to get in the car and drive to your destination, especially if you’re traveling a relatively short distance.

No Baggage Check

Did you know that many airlines are charging a fee to check in even a single bag? If you’ll be traveling with multiple suitcases, it may be more convenient for you to drive. Consider the time you will save by not having to wait in line to check your baggage, and consider the extra money you’ll have in your pocket once you’ve reached your destination!

You Can Take the Pets

Most people who fly board their pets in a kennel for the duration of their trip. Driving allows you to take every member of your family along for the ride, including those with four legs. More hotels are allowing pets every day, making it convenient to bring them along instead of leaving them behind. Your pets are members of your family; why shouldn’t they be able to enjoy a vacation with you?

See More of the Country

Any fan of road trips knows that the best way to see the country is through the car window. There’s no doubt that looking down at the earth from the sky is an experience to be had, but actually seeing our beautiful nation is another thing altogether. If you plan your route carefully, you’ll be able to drive past dozens of things that you’ve never had a chance to see before.

Don’t give up the family vacation this year because you think it’s out of your budget. Gas may be expensive, but filling the tank is cheaper than buying a plane ticket! If you do choose to drive, do it safely. Update your GPS before you leave so that you’re always sure of where you are, and pull over or stop for the night if you get tired.

Driving to your destination will give you time to bond as a family, eliminate the hassles associated with air travel and even allow you to take your pets along. If you’re planning a family vacation this year, consider driving to your destination. You may be surprised at how much fun you have!

About Author:

Haley Williams is an on the road freelance blogger for TheTruckersReport.com as well as a regular poster on TheTruckersReport.com Forum.

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Famous Museums in Paris

Holiday gives us a chance to get away from work and spend some time enjoying and relaxing the daylight. This article gives you valuable information about various museums in Paris city.

France is a country very rich in architecture and world-class designs. Millions of people visit Paris every year and they feel that every visit is a unique one. There is no doubt that trips to Paris can cost a pretty penny, and the best option for a holiday within your budget is by opting to cheap ferries to France.

Paris has unimaginable variety of museums that attract several visitors all over the globe. However, the museums in this city are closed for at least one day a week. This is usually Monday or Tuesday. Some of the best museums available in Paris are Louvre Museum.

Louvre is one of the well-known museums in Paris. It is world famous for its Mona Lisa painting drawn by Leonardo Da Vinchi. It is one of the most visited museums in the globe today. Going to Louvre Museum is like walking through history of France and into minds of great kings and revolutionaries. You need to spend there at least one day to see all the exhibits. This museum is closed on Tuesday.

National Navy Museum

Musee National de la Marine is a beautiful museum dedicated to the long and glorious history of the French Navy. Beautiful artwork stands next to a variety of vessels including: frigates, passenger ships, warships and liners.

Paris Science Museum

It is one of the biggest museums in Europe. It was opened on 1986 and was built using glass and steel. It has an IMAX theater, a planetarium, and special section for adults and children's.

Orsay Museum

It was originally designed as a train station in 1900. The building was remodelled and converted to museum in 1970s as it has very small place to accommodate modern trains. It is dedicated to display many masterpieces, including works done by Cezanne, Van Gogh, Guaguin and many other great artists. Located on the banks of the Seine opposite the Tuileries gardens this museum is a work of art itself. Both the magnificent building and the treasures inside are real miracles which no guest to Paris should miss.

Grevin Wax Museum

This museum has over 300 wax figures of the world's most famous people posed in incredible scenes.  It amazes visitors with a lively historical and contemporary lifelike scenes of Paris. Visitors may enjoy finding out how the waxworks are made here. This museum has various waxworks of major events in the last 100 years. You can witness the fall of Berlin Wall and the first step on the moon here. Here, you can also find a wax museum of great personalities like Gandhi, Michael Jackson, Einstein. With Paris pass the entry to this museum is free.

Maurice Denis Museum

This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Maurice Denis. He is a French symbolist painter and theoretician of the Nabi school. Nabi school was an interesting French led art movement. They were concerned with mysticism and God, but first and foremost with artistic methodology. In 1910 Maurice Denis rented the building and began to work there. He lived here until his death in 1943. The works from the Nabis school museum include Pierre Bonnard, Paul Serusier, Felix Vallotton and sculptures by Paul Gauguin.

At state run museums there is a chance for you to get a free pass on first Sunday of every month. If you choose this option, then you should be prepared for long queues and large crowds at some famous museums. But one of the best options available is to purchase a Paris pass, which gives you access to over sixty museums and attractions. Today there are several ways are available to reach France and spend the vacation. A ferry to France is a traditional means to reach this country and enjoy beauty of Paris.

Author Bio- The author is a professional writer for 10 years. Currently she has been writing articles for cheap ferries to France and ferry to related articles that help people to get good ferry deal.

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Roadside Attractions for Your Summer Road Trip

When you’re driving along the highway or even on an unpopulated road during vacation, you tend to see many road side offerings. Often times, it is someone trying to sell items to those passing by, maybe from the back of a pickup truck or a small stand they’ve built.

Truthfully, you can receive many bargains when buying from these road side stands which every driver will see at least once in their life.

Produce Stands:

Produce stands are one of the most common road side offerings. Whether it is on a main highway, or on the side of a road in a small town, you can pretty much find them anywhere.

These produce stands usually sell the fruits and vegetables that are in season and often times, you can buy their produce items for a cheaper price than you would at the grocery store or a normal produce store.

Most produce stands sell products that they have grown themselves or get them from a farm so that they are fresh. There are no preservatives or harmful chemicals used to grow them or keep them fresh, so these road side stands are best to buy from if you like to cook with fruits and vegetables a lot, or if you prefer organic foods.

Carpet & Blanket Sales:

Mainly on the weekends, you will see people selling carpets and blankets at the corner of popular intersections. This road side offering is great for those who are trying to furnish their home or for people that just need a new carpet or blanket to use within their household.

Often times, they will have special deals on their items. They may have a sale going on that are buy one, get one half off or possibly even buy one, get one free. The items that they sell are usually a significant amount cheaper than the carpets or blanket sold in department stores.

These stands have a variety of themed carpets such as, animals, a playboy bunny, different prints, and geometric designs. The best time to look for these stands are on the weekend because it is very rare to find them out on display during the week due to the fact that most people are at work, so they don’t receive as much business.

Newspaper Sales:

Newspaper sales are also another road side offering, however they are usually only out on Sundays because the Sunday paper is usually the most popular paper of the week. This is very convenient for those of us who do not receive paper delivery or for people who like to read a different Sunday paper than the one they already receive at home.

This is also convenient for people that have the hobby of couponing because the paper that those people receive only has one set of advertisements and coupon books in them. Therefore, if they wish to have more of those coupons, they can go buy another paper from the road side that has more of the coupons they wish to use.

Road Side Attractions:

There are several other road side offerings and attractions such as boiled peanuts stands and cheap car washes that are being run by students to raise funds for a school event or school supplies.

There are also road side attractions that are fun for individuals, couples, or families. In the south there are areas that have alligator farms, monkey farms, horse farms, and other fun attractions that anyone can enjoy.

So, next time you and your family are on vacation, stop at these road side offerings. You can find great bargains on souvenirs and you never know what fun stuff you may find.

Chris Baker is a freelance writer and blogs for cheapestcarinsurance.org.uk you can compare car insurance rates to get started on finding the cheapest deal! They even offer temporary car insurance uk!;

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Top 5 Road Trips

There’s something liberating about planning a road trip - it ignites a sense of adventure and free spirit.

There are many cult stories about impulsive mavericks hitting the road: Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, Ridley Scott’sThelma & Louise and Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Why not pluck a leaf out of their books and throw caution to the wind? Forget small group tours, hire a car and explore your country of choice independently. Only the best experiences spring from the unexpected.

Heathrow parking specialists, Purple Parking has put together its top five self-drive destinations, popular for their superb scenery, vibrant culture and sheer wow factor. Wind the windows down, feel the exotic breeze on your face and enjoy!

CUBA: for culture vultures

Cuba is a unique and fascinating Caribbean island pulsating with colour and passion. It’s famed for its salsa, vintage cars, cigars and of course, its revolutionary spirit. Make sure you book some home stays (casas paticulares) as it is a great way to meet Cuban families along the way. When driving through Cuba, make sure you ask for directions and take a compass and decent map as there are few road signs. Make sure you stop off at the following:

• Havana. You will be charmed by the crumbling splendor of the capital city of Havana. Although not conventionally beautiful, its eclectic culture gives the city an air of romance as vintage cars drive past shimmering colonial palaces. This place is not contrived for tourism, it is refreshingly authentic.
• Trinidad. Wander the cobbled streets of colonial Trinidad and admire the impressive churches, museums and public squares. When you get tired, relax in one of the bars, enjoy the Cuban music and sample the traditional sugarcane drink, Guarapo.
• Varadero. Ideal for beach-lovers, the white sands of Varadero will not fail to disappoint. The turquoise waters are crystal clear and warm and the sunsets are incredible – perfect to enjoy with a relaxing rum.
• Baracoa. The unspoiled colonial village of Baracoa has secluded beaches, rainforest and a flat-topped mountain. The colourful but weathered buildings add to its charm. Amid the rich vegetation you can find cocoa trees which make the white chocolate Baracoa is famous for.

COASTAL CALIFORNIA: for party people

This is where America meets the big blue Pacific, thousand-foot cliffs plunge into the sea, the world’s tallest trees cling to hillsides and huge waves beckon enticingly to the surf-crazed. California is huge; exploring by car will help you reach more of the remote spots. For the ultimate road trip, check out the following:

• San Francisco. Welcome to America’s most liberal city. Join the locals for a street party, eat like a king at the vast array of cafes, sail to see Alcatraz, spot whales from Point Reyes and watch eagles soar over Golden Gate.
• Santa Cruz. In funky town Santa Cruz you will find surfers, nudists, tree-huggers and punks living together in radical harmony. Make sure you visit the famous beach boardwalk, its amusement park rides and sweet shops will appeal to kids and adults alike.
• Santa Barbara vineyards. Head inland for just a few miles and you’ll find yourself in some of the world’s greatest wine-growing regions. The hills above Santa Barbara have a high concentration of wineries where you can try a sumptuous pinot noir and a smooth merlot.
• Hearst Castle. Don’t miss the ostentatious Hearst Castle at San Simeon. This sprawling estate, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, has 127 acres of landscaped gardens, shimmering pools and statues from ancient Greece and Moorish Spain.

SOUTH AFRICA: for wildlife enthusiasts

South Africa is everything you ever dreamed of. Nature lovers and adventurers alike will be blown away by the 3,500 kilometres of stunning coastline, abundance of National Parks, unique wildlife encounters and world-class surf and shark cage diving experiences. This country is popular for self-drive holidays as the landscape is so diverse. It also has some fabulous wine tasting trails and incredibly warm people. Don’t miss out on:

• Cape Town. It is a thriving cosmopolitan city that enjoys great weather all year round. A creative melting pot, Cape Town has a fantastic dining scene, busy nightlife, sunny beaches and great shopping – and all this is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain.
• The Garden Route. This is a gorgeous stretch of the south-eastern coast which features mountains, lakes, tall indigenous forests, amber-coloured rivers and golden beaches. Bright wild flowers illuminate your journey and you can indulge in every kind of adventure activity along the way.
  • Cape Winelands. Wine-lovers must book a trip to the picturesque Cape Winelands, divided into six main wine regions. You can book a range of dine and vine tours, with wines ranging from sumptuous Rhone reds to perfumed Sauvignon Blancs.
  • Game Reserves. South Africa has a huge collection of wildlife regions, game parks, nature reserves, bush camps and lodges. If you’re looking to spot the Big Five in all their glory, you will be spoilt for choice. Popular reserves include: Kruger Park, Sabi Sands and Shamwari Game Reserve.

ICELAND: for adventurers

Known as the ‘land of fire and ice’, Iceland is home to geographical phenomena and incredible landscapes. Here you will see lava flows, icecaps, deep fjords, geysers and hot springs. This magical country offers a variety of experiences and it is worth hiring a sturdy car to deal with slightly rougher terrain. if you’re lucky you may get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see killer whales and the awesome Northern Lights. Highlights include:

• Reykjavik. The capital of Iceland is a must-see, whether you go in the eternal sunshine of summer or never-ending night of winter. It has a quirky and creative culture and a kicking music scene, topped off with snow-topped mountains and incredible thermal pools.
• Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. These are two of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland and must be seen to be believed. The waterfall spray produces stunning rainbows in the right light and there is a pathway leading behind Seljalandsfoss, allowing you to view it from within.
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Snaefellsjokull glacier lies on this Peninsula, which is steeped in history and well-loved by Icelanders; some of the most important sagas took place here. The majestic silhouette can be seen from afar and the entire landscape is brimming with hot springs, lava caves and waterfalls.
• Golden Circle. Three of Iceland’s greatest natural wonders can all be visited in one day: the Geysir hot springs area, the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall and historical Thingvellir National Park.  Often called the ‘Golden Circle’, these attractions offer fabulous opportunities for the budding photographer.

NEW ZEALAND: for outdoor lovers

Much of New Zealand is pristine and untouched. A car will enable you to visit those harder to reach places, and then there are some spectacular walks and bike rides which will take you even further off the beaten track to reveal the natural beauty of the landscape and pure quality of the air. You can also learn about and meet the indigenous Maori people who have a strong influence on New Zealand culture. Wildlife is abundant here and nature lovers can watch whales, dolphins, kiwis and the protected colonies of royal albatross and penguins. Places worth a visit include:

• Auckland. The largest and most multicultural of New Zealand’s cities is a blend of islands, harbor and Polynesian culture and stretches from one side of the country to the other. Known as the ‘city of sails’, you’re never far from the wild surf and beautiful beaches.
• Bay of Islands. The first European settlers arrived in the Bay of Islands and forged relationships with the Maoris. There are 144 islands, each with its own unique culture. You can enjoy a sub-tropical climate while exploring one of the many nature walks here.
• Coromandel Peninsula. This is an ideal place to unwind with hundreds of natural hideaways waiting to be explored. The sparkling blue waters, white sandy beaches and rainforests make it a hard place to leave.
• Kaikoura. For an unforgettable experience, head to Kaikoura to catch a glimpse of the huge sperm whales, dolphins and orcas which are often seen in the water off the peninsula. Nestled on the rugged East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura offers stunning coastal alpine scenery.

Wherever you go, make sure you research the country’s driving rules and regulations. Here are some of the most important things to read up on before you drive overseas http://www.purpleparking.com/travel-advice/driving-abroad

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You've got the time off work.

You've bookmarked all the good travel websites.

You've had your passport renewed.

Your family/friends/mental health has been begging for a vacation for the past 6 months.

But where should you go? Deciding on a vacation spot isn't always easy. There are so many places to choose from and the options can be overwhelming at times. To help streamline the process and get you on your way sooner, here are five questions to point you in the direction of your dream vacation sooner rather than later.

Who?

The people you are going to be traveling with dictates a great deal about your vacation destination. Are you traveling with girlfriends? Your family and children? Maybe you are headed out on a solo adventure? If you are going to be taking the kiddies along, a family friendly beach or Disney World destination might be your best bet. However, if you are headed somewhere with just your significant other, you might want to settle for a romantic cabin in the woods for the weekend. If you are toting teenagers along, a service or volunteer trip might have a long lasting impact, where as you and your girlfriends might just want some relaxing time at a spa retreat. Whatever you pick, make sure it is appropriate for all concerned, or no one will end up having a good time.

What?

What attractions or activities do you want to see and do while you are gone? Maybe you have always dreamed of seeing New York City at Christmas time, or perhaps you would rather take a step back and visit colonial Williamsburg for a taste of how the early Americans lived life? Maybe you want an adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail or skiing on the slopes of Aspen? Decide if you are looking for culture, relaxation, adventure, or historical on your vacation and you can start zeroing in on your destination.

Weather

Weather isn't the end all be all of your vacation destination, but you want to make sure that you don't blatantly disregard Mother Nature's natural patterns. If you have your heart set on a cruise during the height of hurricane season or skiing during a unseasonably warm winter, you might not get the vacation you had in mind. You can always make the most of the weather conditions you get, but a little planning and research will set yourself up for as close to ideal conditions as possible.

Time

How much time do you have? A weekend? A week? A month? Some destinations are simply not worth the travel time if you don't have adequate time to enjoy them once you get there. For example, if you have the standard week, backpacking around Europe isn't really going to work this time (even if it's your dream). Rather, if you have a month off in the middle of the summer, then the Europe trip might be more in your favor. Don't spend all your vacation time getting to the destination only to have to turn around and come home before you even get a chance to enjoy it.

Budget

For the most part, there are places and things to do in every location, even on a small budget. Just know how much you plan to spend before you leave because it is very easy to overspend once you are actually on vacation. Remember, too, that there are a great number of places that are close to home and relatively inexpensive that can be a memorable vacation for years to come as well.

This guest blog was written by Freedom Travel, specializing in military vacations and quick trips for members of the military and government personnel. Freedom Travel offers military cruises and military airfare. We can get you where you want to go!

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Savannah,Georgia

Things to Do In the Southeast

If you can’t afford a trip out of the country but are looking for a memorable road trip, you can’t beat a trip through the Southeast.

Check out these destinations for a trip filled with beach, mountains, beauty, history, and fabulous food.

Start in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

The Outer Banks is a perfect beach vacation location. The islands offer both ocean-side and sound-side beaches, impressive dunes for climbing, parasailing, and kite flying, and even a wild herd of ponies. If you can, stay in Duck, which is the Northern-most town on the Outer Banks. Bring beach gear, dune-climbing clothes, kites, and an appetite for fresh seafood.

Asheville, North Carolina

Drive to Asheville, North Carolina

Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, head west to the mountains. Asheville is a perfect day’s drive away and will give you a completely unique experience. Asheville is a mountain art town, filled with extraordinary art galleries, fabulous coffee shops, delectable restaurants (offering everything from down home Southern cooking to vegetarian and Thai fare), street performers, live music, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Put on your artsy hat and explore Asheville for a couple days, making sure to tour the Biltmore Estate and Winery.

If you’re a nature buff, you’ll want to drive parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop in at Grandfather Mountain where you can cross the mile-high swinging bridge and do a little hiking. Another short hike will bring you to a spectacular waterfall view in Linnville Falls, just a few miles away from Grandfather Mountain.

Linville Falls

Finish Your Trip in Savannah, Georgia

When you’ve exhausted your options in the mountains, head south to Savannah, Georgia and get ready for a history lesson. Walk Savannah’s gorgeous squares (each has a fountain, statue or some sort of historic or aesthetically pleasing feature to it), eat at Paula Deen’s restaurant (if you can find a table), check out some native Gullah arts and crafts on the Riverwalk, and take a ghost tour. The architecture is amazing (be sure to walk Jones Street and visit the cathedrals), the history is fascinating, and the people welcoming.

Enjoy your visit to the Southeast! It’s bound to be a trip you’ll never forget.

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