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7 Days in Far North Queensland
I just love exploring this great state of ours but every now and then, the urge to go beyond the borders and venture further into this great nation of ours becomes too much, especially when there are some great deals out there from a variety of budget airlines. Continue reading
10 Facts About the Nullarbor Plain
Crossing the Nullarbor via National Highway One is the quintessential experience of the outback and crossing it is a rite of passage for any self respecting Australian, yet it is a path few Australians follow. The Nullarbor Plain is famously known as the longest stretch of straight road in the world. Consequently, it also has the nickname Nullar-boring so when the few Aussies and international tourists who do make the journey, they consider it a chore and something to be achieved as quick as possible. Contrary to popular belief, if you have the time explore, then it’s as interesting as you are prepared to make it as I have outlined in the following facts and details. However, with my recent experience of the crossing, it is infinitely more interesting on the way over than it is on the way back.
Nevertheless, the Nullarbor crossing is a once in a lifetime drive which is recommended to road enthusiasts worldwide. Road trips in Australia are just as popular as they are in New Zealand or the USA and crossing Australia through the desert to experience its total vastness and awesomeness should be on everyone’s bucket list. Continue reading
5 Reasons to Book a Budget Airline to Asia
If you are departing from Australia, especially Western Australia, then it would just be criminal not to book with a budget airline on short haul flights. This is especially true when they have specials on. If you subscribe to their email alerts you can get some excellent deals. The less you pay for an airfare, the more you can spend at your destination or your next holiday. You worked hard for your money so don’t waste it. You can even make it cheaper by using these tips: Continue reading
Accidental Imposters: Hitchhiking in Malawi
Lake Malawi
“I am sliding deeper into the role of the protagonist in a fractured fairytale. Cinderella suddenly inherits a ‘step sister’ and attends the ball in her rags after her Negroid fairy godfather waves his magic jeep. We shake the Minister’s hand, wish him a happy birthday and exchange pleasantries and pray he won’t ask any questions that might expose the façade.” Continue reading
Undiscovered Singapore: Cycling on Pulau Ubin
Mention Singapore and immediately images of skyscrapers and frenetic shoppers come to mind. With its population of about 100 fishermen and subsistence farmers Pulau Ubin is in stark contrast and remains the last bastion of kampong or village life in Singapore. Sandwiched between the main island of Singapore and Malaysia, the pulau or island has so far managed to evade the developers. Many city-bound Singaporeans go there looking for off the beaten track adventure, unheard of on the mainland and go cycling on Pulau Ubin. It’s also a great escape for any visitor wanting to flee the fast paced shop until you drop syndrome. Continue reading
Walking With Lions
You could be forgiven for assuming the main attraction in Victoria Falls is the waterfall itself. While the thunderous might of the falls certainly are impressive, it’s no comparison to experiencing my lifelong dream whilst in town. At the tourist centre on the main street, the staff offer a variety of adventure tours ranging from bungy jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge to rafting the Zambezi River. My ‘adventure’ days have been and gone and I am hoping there is something more sedate. Adorning the walls are posters of cute lion cubs and immediately I flash back to my favourite childhood movie Born Free. It’s based on naturalist, Joy Adamson’s love of working with lions and in no time I excitedly rush back to camp clutching a Walking With Lions brochure. Continue reading
Friday the 13th
I once travelled in a ‘hippie’ backpacker bus up the west coast of the USA and the bumper sticker said “It’s not the destination that counts but the journey.” It sure was an interesting indie trip with us sleeping on seats turned into makeshift bunks and cooking up steaming flap jacks the next morning in a hippie camp in a Oregon forest on route from San Francisco to Seattle. On a recent family holiday, those words came back to haunt me on Friday the 13th. Continue reading
Orphanage Tourism in Cambodia
If you love travelling on a budget, then third world countries are often on the hit list, especially Asia. Incorporating responsible travel into your itinerary and seeing local communities benefit from tourism and generally improving lives is wonderful. I’m retelling my story of guilt upon discovering I may have unwittingly contributed to the exploitation of children on a trip to Cambodia. My journey commences from simply being a tourist looking at temples to delving further beneath the surface, revealing a dark side to Cambodia’s burgeoning tourism industry. In hindsight, I am providing some helpful advice on how people can make a positive difference when visiting Cambodia and avoid the orphanage tourism in Cambodia trap. Continue reading
Meeting Mondesa: Swakopmund’s Hidden Township
Some of the best preserved examples of German colonial architecture in the world are a striking feature of Swakopmund. This Namibian desert oasis clings to the western edge of southern Africa as the last bastion of German heritage. Along a spotless, peaceful beach dotted with palms and quaint villas, I meander through perfectly manicured and well watered green parks toward the centre of town. In the shopping precinct, quaint shops line the immaculate paved streets and through a charming shop window I admire souvenirs. I try to enter but it is locked with a prison style barricade, so peering through the window I check to see if the shop is open. Continue reading
