lizzieburwell-blog
Lizzie Burwell
"A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”
— Richard Bach
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10 Best Spots to Watch the Sunset in Australia
Sunsets are not only beautiful sights to behold but can be therapeutic as well. Australia happens to have some of the best, most picturesque sunsets you’ll ever lay eyes on, especially if you know the right spots for viewing. Below is a list of 10 places in Australia where you can catch these incredible sunsets occurring in their full glory:
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5 Epic Road Trips When You Are in Australia
Australia is one of the world's largest countries and with all its natural diversity,, this is an ideal place to have an epic road trip. Seeing Australia from behind the wheel of a car or campervan is an unforgettable experience. Those planning to make this nation their next travel destination can find all sorts of ways to dive into authentic Australia experiences. These road trips will take you into the interior, along the coast and pretty much everywhere in between. Set out on an adventure in one of the world's most unique nations and see for yourself why so many people keep coming back here again and again.
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5 Best Cruises for Women Over 50
Want to see the world and meet other low-key globetrotters like yourself? Maybe you’re going with a travel companion or maybe you’re looking to meet new people. A cruise on an ocean liner might be just what you’re seeking.
Some companies offer cruises exclusive to the 50 and over crowd, while others cater to all ages but are more geared towards a middle-aged audience in their activities and destinations. Whether you’re looking for a tropical cruise or a world tour, one thing is for sure: a fabulous line of cruise options are just waiting to whisk you away on a fantastic adventure.
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How to Plan the Perfect Cruise Vacation with Kids!
When you are planning on traveling with your kids, there are always some obstacles that you will have to overcome. It is important to remember that while a cruise vacation with your kids can be fun and exciting, you have to do the proper planning first. It will be essential for you to go through the proper steps of planning before you head out on a cruise with your whole family.
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How to Make the Best of Your Cruise Vacation on a Budget
Booking a cruise vacation is a great way to enjoy a getaway without all of the hassles involved in planning outings and creating individual itineraries. With a cruise vacation, simply choose to relax and unwind, treat yourself to delicious meals, or attend live music and entertainment events while exploring the world around you. When you are thinking of planning an upcoming cruise vacation but you want to do so while on a budget, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to make the most out of any getaway you have in mind.
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Travel In Style: How To Get Around In Australia
Australia is an incredible country - let’s face it! There is so much rich aboriginal heritage, so many warm and inviting people, incredibly modern cities and amenities, top-notch sports tournaments, tasty foods and countless other things going for it that going for a visit is virtually inevitable at some point. It’s just one of those places that is really hard to dislike. Visiting is one thing, sure, but when it comes down to the logistics of turning an idea into a feasible way to get around Down Under there are some big decisions to make.
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Top 7 Extreme Sports Destinations In The World
Adrenaline junkies who just can’t get their fill of extreme sports have a whole world to explore. The excitement of the sport itself, whether it’s bungee jumping, diving, or river rafting, is enhanced by the exotic locales surrounding you.
There are hundreds of incredible extreme sports destinations to choose from, but those who travel a lot keep picking the same seven as the best in the world.
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10 Romantic Things To Do In Sydney
Sydney is easily one of the best cities in the world for a romantic getaway. From the Circular Quay of Sydney Harbor to the sandy stretches of Bondi Beach and out to the Blue Mountains west of the city, Sydney is simply packed with incredible ways to spend a romantic evening, weekend, or long holiday with the person of your dreams.
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How to Budget Now for an Epic Trip at the End of the Year
Taking a vacation at the end of the year when money is tight, family obligations are scheduled and things are often stressful, might seem impossible. But with the right planning at the start of the year, you can make an epic trip happen with minimal stress. All it takes is a little time now to do some research and planning, and the discipline to stick with your plans and budget as the year goes on.
Here are some of the best ways to plan and create a budget now for an epic trip at the end of the year.
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Top Tips for Your Next European Road Trip
Once you’ve bought a ticket to the continent which packs 50 nations into a space about the same size as the United States, you might be a little apprehensive about visiting this new place. Europe can offer the chance to sample a vast range of different cultures and traditions, but you could feel a bit lost. To help out, we’ve put together seven helpful tips to get you well on your way to hitting the open roads of Europe.
1. Plan a custom route
You might be tempted to go exploring the free open streets with no map but Europe is enormous, and you can very easily get lost. Create a plan for your route. It will save you a lot of time and money. Remember to carry a satellite navigation device with you, and you can be sure you won't get lost.
Image: Pixabay
2. Learn the rules of the road
Driving laws are different in every country, so it is always wise to read up on the various traffic laws in the countries you are visiting. You can be sure that the authorities won’t go easy on you because you are a tourist. Finding out the side of the road you should be driving on is the best place to start. It’s left in England and right in mainland European countries like France, Germany, and Holland. Some places may need you to modify your car. For example, you may be required to buy headlamp converters. Ensure that a warning triangle, travel-sized first-aid kits and reflective jackets are in your vehicle at all times. The omission of these things could result in a fine or worse. In countries like Spain, children below the age of 12 are not permitted to be in the front seat at all, and younger children need to have an approved child-safety seat. It pays (or saves) to do your research.
3. Please, don’t drink and drive
Drunk driving is a hazard to you and all the other drivers around you. It is not worth the risk of getting caught or worse, causing an accident. Also remember to wear your seatbelt at all times, stick to speed limits, and don’t use your phone while you are driving.
Image: Pixabay
4. Work with a budget
Travelling costs money and there could be many unforeseen expenses along the way. Most European countries feature toll roads, and they’re very common in France. Make sure to convert your money into Euros. This is the currency used by most of the countries on mainland of Europe. Keep some Euros in your pockets to ensure that toll roads don’t hold you back. Also, take some time to look into affordable road motels on your route for en route accommodation.
5. Get insured and have the right documents
Travel insurance is always mandatory no matter where in the world you’re going, but you should also look into the advantages of getting specialized European car insurance. Check with your current insurance provider to find out if your existing car insurance policy is for domestic use and seek advice from them about the options you have in your specific circumstance. Make sure to carry your Certificate of Motor Insurance and check if a Green Card is needed as you are required to have one in countries like Turkey and Albania. If you decide to go with European car insurance, make sure that you are covered in the countries you will be visiting.
Image: Mimooh (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
6. Add a few emergency contacts
Make sure you have someone to contact in case something goes wrong in unfamiliar surroundings. The official European emergency number is 112 and is the same across the continent. Some countries also have other emergency numbers available. For example, you can dial 999 in the UK to get assistance from the fire brigade, police, ambulance, and coastguard. A quick internet search can also give you the number you need to call.
7. Book a reliable car hire service in advance
Booking a car for hire well in advance on the internet should save you a lot of time and money. There are significant benefits like online discounts readily offered by the major rental companies operating in Europe. Be sure to look at the small print in the terms and conditions.
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7 Rotorua Attractions You Can’t Miss
Rotorua has become the top destination for all those seeking thrill and adventure on New Zealand’s North Island. The main thing that attracts people to this mystic place is the vast array of geysers and spectacular thermal activity all around the city. It is full of volcanic features, making it a geothermal wonderland of fun and excitement for people of all ages. Here is a list of 7 attractions you can't afford to miss when you take a trip to Rotorua.
Image: Robert Linsdell (Own work) CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
1. The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia
When you finally get to Rotorua, the first place you should check out is Te Puia. Here you will get a good sense of what Rotorua is all about. You can learn about the culture of the indigenous Maori people or maybe catch a traditional authentic haka dance performance. You can see giant craters, glimpse kiwis in the wild and even get a chance to try some arts and crafts. The Pohutu Geyser is also quite a marvel to behold, erupting every 20 minutes like clockwork. Truly well worth a visit.
Image: Bex Walton (Own work) CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
2. An evening at Mitai Maori Village
This a must-see destination for all those visitors seeking to learn and experience the culture of the Maori. What better way than to take part in an evening cultural show in Rotorua. Here you will experience learning interactively. You can enjoy the welcoming drink offered to you by native people as you get to know them. When you get a chance to yourself, explore the grounds and see a waka (traditional war canoe) glide down the river and maybe catch a cultural performance. The food is also amazing and full of variety.
3. A day at the Canopy Tours
Canopy Tours offers a thrill ride of exhilarating zip lining. For three hours, enjoy the magnificent view from the top as you zip line across the canopies and meet new people and share new experiences. There are six zip lines in total, so it is an exciting activity for the whole family. Zip lining is a great way to seize the day.
Image: Pseudopanax (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons
4. Rotorua's Skyline and Gondola
The Gondola is a fun and safe activity park built high above Rotorua with a great lakeside view. There are so many activities up here, but I recommend an early arrival instead of a late one for a better adventure. Explore natural trails and take thrilling luge rides, see volcanic hills and enjoy some wine tasting - the whole place is like a small theme park. The buffet is sure to satisfy your palate with a large variety of dishes. Memories are waiting to be made at Rotorua’s Skyline and Gondola.
Image: Pseudopanax (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons
5. Fun times at Wet ‘n’ Wild White Water Rafting
Want to go back home on a high? Try the white water rafting with Wet ‘n’ Wild. The rapids of Kaituna River are sure to get your heart pumping as soon as you step into that raft. It is also home to the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall. The whole experience takes 45 minutes and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Image: Robert Engberg (Own work) CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
6.Mountain Biking at The Redwoods
When you chat to locals in Rotorua, they’ll almost certainly tell you to visit The Redwoods. The place is full of mountain bikers exploring the trails and magnificent natural beauty of this impressive forest. If you are not a huge fan of biking, The Redwoods also offers hiking trails for walks between 15 minutes and 3 hours, so that you can enjoy the place as you like.
7. Off Road NZ
Enjoy Rotorua's Off Road NZ adventure experience jam-packed with go-karting, 4x4 Monster truck rides, a self-driving 4WD safari adventure and much more all in one place. It’s located a little bit outside of Rotorua but not too far. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful countryside surrounding the city.
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5 of Japan's Most Bizarre Festivals
Japan is well known for holding festivals that aren't exactly normal. In fact, they exceed at holding bizarre festivals. However, these festivals are treasured yearly events for some people. Yet they may leave you questioning what a festival's organizers were thinking. Here are the five most bizarre festivals:
Image: Mstyslav Chernov (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
1. Somin-sai, which loosely translates to "Naked Festival," is held in Japan every February. After more than 1,000 years the festival is still thriving. It is held in northern Japan's Tohoku region and is considered a longstanding tradition. The festival generally takes place in extremely cold temperatures. It is rarely above freezing when the festival takes place.
When you attend the male only event you wear nothing more than a loincloth. You'll find yourself traveling to Mizusawa to see the Kokuseki Temple. While you are there you make a dangerous trip through a series of ice courses leading from the temple to the Ruritsubo River, which is frozen due to the temperature. The goal is to be the first to reach the sacred bag. It is thought that the person who gets the bag first will be happy and healthy in the coming year.
2. Dorome Matsuri is a festival held in April and celebrating sake. Men and women compete to see who can drink it faster. Men get a 1.8 litre bowl of sake and women get a 0.9 litre bowl. Whoever finishes their whole bowl first is destined for good fortune, according to Japanese culture.
Image: Si-take. (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3. Onbashira Matsuri is a festival held every seven years in April and May. It spans six days and is known as the Nagano festival. The English translation of this is "Great Pillar Festival." This 1200 year tradition requires you to chop four logs. The logs weigh 10 tons each and the goal is to chop and transport them. The logs are taken to the shrine. When you arrive with them you put a log in each corner. The idea is that the area undergoes a spiritual renewal. The raising of the pillars is said to affect the divine spirits. These spirits supposedly live in the trees.
The reason the festival is held in April and May is because the first part takes place over the beginning days of April. The next part takes place in the middle of May. The first part of the festival is referred to as the yamadashi. This is when you descend the mountain with the logs. Raising the pillars is then completed the next month. The next Nagano Festival is scheduled for 2023.
4. Nabe Kanmuri Matsuri is a festival that takes place every May 3rd. It is a festival where all of the young girls wear pots on their heads. They walk around Shiga Prefecture wearing a pot and a green/red kimono called a karaginu. In English this translates to “hunting clothes”.
There are several theories about this festival. One is that the men in town give the women food in the pots. This is supposed to appeal to the Gods and bring you a good fortune. Another theory is that a girl wears a pot on her head to prove her virginity. If she is a virgin the pot will stay on her head.
Image: Adam Kahtava (Own work) CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
5. Abare Matsuri is a festival called Fire & Violence. It takes place every July and involves throwing floats in the town's river. The floats are then destroyed and burned. In addition, sake is poured onto them. This festival lasts for two days and usually takes place in the first week of July.
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Discover New Zealand’s Most Stunning Natural Vistas
New Zealand's diverse landscape makes it one of the most beautiful places on the planet. You'll find sandy beaches, a rugged coastline, mountains, glaciers and meadows all in one southwestern island nation roughly the size of California. Visit New Zealand and discover its most stunning natural vistas.
Cathedral Cove
Image: Pixabay
Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve has 2,100 acres of amazing sights among sandy flats, boulders, and reefs. One of the most popular is the rock arch formations along the shore. For adventure, stop for snorkeling at Gemstone Bay on the way to Cathedral Cove.
Tasman Glacier Lake
Image: Krzysztof Golik (Own work) CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Book an afternoon boat tour to admire the frozen beauty of the icebergs floating in Tasman Lake. This lake was formed as late as the 1970s in Mount Cook National Park. Tasman Lake was fully formed by 1990 and will reach its peak size within the next 20 years.
Castle Hill
Image: Jocelyn Kinghorn (Own work) CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
See limestone boulders that mimic the ruins of an old castle. This jagged rock formation is on the South Island's Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area. Limestone from Castle Hill was used to construct the Christchurch Cathedral in New Zealand. It's the spot the Dalai Lama proclaims as the “Spiritual Center of the Universe."
Clay Cliffs
Image: Jocelyn Kinghorn (Own work) CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Clay Cliffs is a mammoth rock formation that with an otherworldly look. You'll find these sharp rock pinnacles in Omarama four hours southwest of Christchurch. They were formed by layers of gravel and silt from the rivers of melting glaciers around two million years ago.
Milford Sound
Image: Pixabay
Milford Sound is a fiord known for the towering Mitre Peak surrounded by rainforests and gushing waterfalls. Located a few kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea, this area has won many accolades for its magical splendor. Rudyard Kipling called it “The Eighth Wonder of the World” and Tripadvisor named it the “World’s Top Travel Destination”.
Waiheke Island
Image: Pixabay
Take a ferry ride from Matiatia Bay to Waiheke Island 30 minutes away from Auckland. Enjoy the scenery along the way to admire the fertile rolling countryside lush with vineyards. Book a wine tour and end the day with a meal at Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant to dine with views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Waitomo
Image: Joxean Koret (Own work) CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Witness some of Earth's most fascinating natural mysteries around Waitomo on New Zealand's North Island. Check out the Ruakuri Cave's waterfalls and lime formations. West of Waitomo you'll find the Mangapohue Natural Bridge arching over the crystal waters of the Mangapohue Stream. Go northeast of the village and visit the Mangapohue Stream to see the rare kiwi birds. For the most mysterious sight there, don't miss the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Rotorua
Image: Pixabay
Marvel at the beauty of volcanic sites with a visit to Rotorua in Queenstown. Located on the edges of the North Island's Lake Rotorua, this urban destination is known for its geothermal tourism. Go south of the Okataina Volcanic Centre Okataina to Wai-O-Tapu and marvel at the erupting geysers, hot springs, craters, and kaleidoscopic pools.
Hobbiton
Image: Pixabay
Don't travel to New Zealand without a visit to Hobbiton, even if you're not a Lord of the Rings fan. Experience the breathtaking awe of The Middle Earth movie set. The otherworld setting in the movie has been preserved and recreated perfectly. This destination in Waikato is on a family farm with rolling green pastures.
Hokitika Gorge
Image: Holiday Photos (Own work) CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
For walking trails surrounded by the beauty of glaciers and freshwater ecosystems, go trekking along the Hokitika Gorge in Kokatahi, South Island. You'll be witness to some unique wildlife species along the way. Go kayaking in vivid turquoise water.
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7 Up and Coming Travel Destinations
Travel hot spots are developing and emerging faster than ever before. With airlines expanding their flights and lowering their ticket prices every year, you might be wondering where the next exciting adventure is waiting. Here are a few up-and-coming travel destinations that will take you off the beaten trail and into new adventures.
Botswana
Image:Pixabay
Just north of South Africa, Botswana is making quite the buzz for its increase in luxury safari camps that accompany the rich habitat of the Okavango Delta. Known for its abundant elephant population, there are several canoe safaris that will put you up close to bathing elephants in their native habitats. The awe-inspiring experience of being right next to such immense creatures is only elevated by the rare birds, hippos, and crocodiles that share the waters of your tour.
Bhutan
Image: Richard Mortel (Own work) CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
While a surge in travel to Nepal continues to grow, travelers are finding an alternative route for their Himalayan trekking ventures. The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan is making it easier for travelers to visit every year. With cheap prices, friendly hosts, and unseen mountainous paths, Bhutan is a great choice for those looking for new horizons in a beautiful region.
Albania
Image: Pudelek (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Albania is a perfect beach getaway. The undiscovered Balkan nation is affordable, safe, and boasts all the beauties and wonders of the Adriatic Sea that separates Greece and Italy. Due to its lack of development, Albania gives you the opportunity to discover more rugged terrain with welcoming locals.
Vietnam
Image: Pixabay
Though already a popular tourist destination, Vietnam is growing faster than most of its Southeast Asian counterparts. Vietnam is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders the world can offer. From the turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay to the tiered rice fields of Sa Pa, Vietnam’s unique natural sites will only become more accessible as the country continues to develop economically and build its infrastructure.
Nicaragua
Image: Pixabay
If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and towering volcanoes in an affordable Central American country, Nicaragua is the place to go. Unlike the neighboring Costa Rica, you can enjoy all the natural beauties of the region without the rush of tourists. Nicaragua is the place to be if you’re in search of excellent surf, easygoing beach towns, and live lava flow.
Gabon
Image: Kurt Dundy (Own work) CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gabon shoulders the Atlantic Ocean of Central Africa and is best known for its areas of protected parkland. This is a great destination due its price, environmental sustainability, and diverse habitat. You can find a number of tours in lush parks, such as Loango National Park, where you can get up close to gorillas, hippos, and elephants.
Azerbaijan
Image: Dan Lundberg (Own work) CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr
Azerbaijan’s tourism sector has grown immensely in the past decade, and this isn’t without good reason. While the country continues to ease visa restrictions and develop its accessibility to the outside world, you can find a lot happening today. You can check out unique mud volcanoes and the ancient Walled City of Baku, which has been inhabited by humans since the Paleolithic period. The country’s Naftalan Spa and Health Center will give you the strange pleasure of bathing in the former Soviet Republic’s finest crude oil, which is said to contain antibiotic properties that carry a number of health benefits.
With so many travel destinations, blogs, and shared experiences around the world, it can be hard to find new countries and adventures to satisfy your inner explorer. That doesn’t mean, however, that new countries, new adventures, and new experiences aren’t waiting for you right now.
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