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Destinations, Editor's Picks, Sport and Adventure, Travel Blogging, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

3 Extreme Sydney Adventures You Can’t Miss

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In the land down under, there is no shortage of things to do. If you’re traveling to the most populated city in this land of extremes, you may be searching for the most extreme experiences to write home about. Here’s a few of the adventure sports Sydney has to offer your starved adrenaline glands.

Shark Dive in Sydney

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This Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary shark dive will take your breath away. Well, not literally, as they do provide oxygen for all divers. But when you dip your toes into the main oceanarium and you see sharks, stingrays, and turtles circling you, you’ll wish everyone could witness you frolicking in this underwater wonderland. At 30 minutes long, this dive may seem short, until you remember you’ll be surrounded by sharks with sharp teeth that might bite you if they weren’t well-fed. After contemplating that, 30 minutes sounds like more than enough time to get a shot with your favorite enormous sea creature.

Jetboat Sydney Harbour

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If you haven’t heard of jetboating, imagine sitting in a boat with your closest family and friends. Now imagine a madman takes the wheel. That’s the gist, and it’s way more fun than it sounds. This boat is designed for maximum speed and maneuverability, so you’ll be getting drenched as your skilled driver makes 180 and 270-degree spins, intense fishtails, turns and powerslides at high speeds. Every now and then, you’ll get a chance to breathe and take in the beautiful sights of Sydney Harbor as well. Just hold on tight!

Canyon in the Blue Mountains

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If you’re looking for a challenging abseiling experience that mashes the thrill of witnessing pristine nature and adrenaline-pumping physical activity, canyoning in the Blue Mountains is for you. You’ll adventure through the highest and deepest of the canyon as you navigate the breathtaking terrain. Trek, climb, jump, swim, and rappel your way through Australia’s most beautiful region to get a personal look at untouched caves and magnificent waterfalls. There’s two difficulties to choose from, so if you aren’t up for the challenging Rainforest Canyoning experience, the beginner-friendly Empress Canyon welcomes you.

There’s plenty to do in Harbour City, but these experiences are guaranteed to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re an underwater adventurer, fan of extreme water-sports, or a hiker who enjoys a challenge, you’ll be happy you made it to Sydney.

Australia, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

5 Interesting Places to Visit in Sydney

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With its outstanding skyscrapers towering against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Sydney, Australia, is considered by many as one of the most beautiful metropolitan areas in the world. Sydney is bustling with life and energy and provides a broad range of attractions and activities in which visitors can indulge when on holiday. Tourists can choose from a variety of options with something to please everyone. Below are five fun things to do in Sydney city:

The Sydney Opera House

Sydney

Sydney boasts one of the world’s most renowned theatres, called the Sydney Opera House. Here, more than 1,000 performances take place on an annual basis. The Opera House, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to multiple stages where performances occur every day of the year. Anyone visiting the city will not want to miss a trip to this outstanding theatre.

The Harbour Bridge

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The Harbour Bridge, which is arguably Australia’s most well-known symbol, is another attraction holidaymakers should place on their must-see list. This one-of-a-kind structure can be used as a viewing platform from where visitors can take in the spectacular landscape that surrounds the bridge. Walking across the famous arch is a popular activity among local residents and holidaymakers alike, and such an experience will never be forgotten.

Shopping and Nightlife

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Sydney is also considered one of the world’s most fashionable cities by numerous designers across the globe. Australian Fashion Week, which is hosted by the city each year, is a favourite event of both consumers and those who own shops, boutiques, discount outlets or other apparel establishments. The city is also well known for its exciting and boisterous nightlife, where something can be found to please all travellers, from trendy nightclubs to traditional restaurants and bars. Kings Crossing and Circular Quay are two of the best areas for nightlife and shopping opportunities in Sydney.

Sydney’s Darling Quarter

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The Darling Quarter should not be overlooked by any Sydney visitor, as a trip to this interesting and beautiful area is sure to be an intriguing experience. Sydney’s Darling Quarter is a new and vibrant community created by local builders and architects. It features beautifully designed buildings in contemporary style, as well as green open spaces, a vast array of cafés and bars, a wide selection of eateries featuring cuisine from around the world, and numerous children’s playgrounds and recreational areas.

The Rocks

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Situated in the Circular Quay area is the city’s oldest and most beautiful colonial district. Often referred to by local residents as “The Rocks,” this part of the city is home to numerous pubs, shops, restaurants, art galleries and even a small museum. Settled at the end of the 18th century, The Rocks is a terrific starting point from which holidaymakers can begin a day of sightseeing and shopping.

With all the fun things to do in Sydney city, it is easy to find something to please any type of traveller. For this reason, a sojourn in this lovely and engaging Metropolis is guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

Editor's Picks, Europe, Infographic, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

European Cities: What To Do When It Rains

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No matter how much planning you do for your next travel trip, you can’t really plan for what the weather will be like. Sometimes you’ll hit it lucky and have perfect weather, whilst other times you may end up spending your whole holiday stuck in a treacherous rainstorm. Continue reading European Cities: What To Do When It Rains →

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks

Best Things to do in Abu dhabi

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Are you an avid explorer? The UAE capital definitely has a lot for you to explore! A more than perfect destination to catch winter sun, Abu Dhabi stuns you with tall leaning towers, giant slides, and solar cities. Although Abu Dhabi garners much lesser attention compared to Dubai that’s popular as a rich and flashy city. However, Abu Dhabi is much richer and more happening city that has been grown consistently over the years without disturbing the original heritage and culture. Abu Dhabi, with its contribution of golden beaches, traditional souks, desert safaris, gold shops, water parks, international hotels, and much more to the UAE; is no wonder one of the great holiday destinations across the globe.

Here’s the list of some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi!

  1. Stay on the sands

Abu Dhabi sands

Staying on the sands is one of the fantasies of some people; and I must say, it’s worth it! Staying at a five star hotel on a beach can be compared with nothing else. Reach the beach for a leisure walk or simply have a dip in your private pool; your beach stay allows you to experience all this. There are a number of restaurants serving great food to satisfy your holiday food cravings.

  1. The Must-see Desert Blooms

Al ain

Greenery in desert? Yes, an hour or two from the bustling city is the crest of about 100 feet sand dune. And it’s a must visit destination in Abu Dhabi. Al Ain named this pristine place the Garden City. It’s easy to get here because 4×4 tours are often available. You can also visit a permanent exhibition at the Al Jahili Fort.

  1. Ramble on the Prom with Your Loved Ones

Corniche Road Abu Dhabi

The Corniche Road is one of the best places in Abu Dhabi, in fact in the UAE. It’s a four-mile long promenade forming a complete curve on the Western side of Abu Dhabi. Filled with a lot of spots to stop by, the promenade offers you several things to enjoy including park areas, fountains, and cycle paths. Stroll in entire prom or simply hire a bike to drive along it, in case you need to speed up things. The Capital Gate Building, amazingly leaning to 18 degrees, is especially remarkable. Moreover, the Flag of Emirates that’s as huge as a bus’s size definitely catches eye on a 360 feet pole.

  1. Get Adventurous on the Island of Adventure

Ferrari World

Got to experience a little adrenaline rush? This Island of Adventure can drive lots of it! Yas Island is located at a few minutes from the airport and is known as the hottest adventure destination across Abu Dhabi. There are several rides which can actually turn your knuckles white! It also features Water World and Ferrari World. You can also view Abu Dhabi’s Formula One Track here at Yas Island.

  1. Keep Extra Time to Appreciate the Art of Surprise

Zayed National Museum Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi, being the proud cultural district on the Saadiyat Island, has a marvelous surprise for art lovers. If you really wish to take a glance at the world’s greatest art pieces, then it’s no more a difficult task once you’re in the city centre. Just a ten minutes ride from the city centre and you reach the incredible hub of art. We bet you’ll spend hours here.

  1. Do Pay a Visit the Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

For a truly exhilarating experience, a visit to the Grand Mosque is must. Being the third biggest mosque across the globe, it has around 82 domes and approximately 1, 048 columns in the central courtyard. This mosque is a structure worth Dh 2.5 billion and is the resting place of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the UAE.

  1. Take a Peek into the Heritage Village

Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

Abu Dhabi has a glorious past. And who would miss a chance to take a quick peek into the history? The Emirates Heritage Club runs this heritage site that’s situated along the beautiful breakwaters and recreates the desert life through museums, stalls, photography exhibitions, camels, crafts, spice shops, and Bedouin tents.

  1. Spend a Day at the Carpet Souk in Mina

Carpet Souk in Mina

The Afghan Carpet Souk is a must visit place even if you don’t have any plans to buy an oriental carpet. You can have a look at those typical Majlis style sofas and prayer rugs in hundreds of shops. A vegetable market and fish market are near from the old market on the Mina Road.

  1. Go Kayaking in Abu Dhabi Mangroves

Mangrove Kayak

Yes, you can also plan a short kayaking tour when in Abu Dhabi. The spectacular mangroves will introduce you a unique marine eco-system while you’re on the kayaking adventure. Take a glance at breathtaking mangrove scenery and have fun on this adventurous tour.

  1. Try Your Hand at Carving Dhows at Al Bateen Shipyard

Carving Dhows at Al Bateen Shipyard

If some free time allows, just take a few minutes’ walk or drive from the Corniche and visit the traditional heritage gem in Abu Dhabi. You can watch skilled craftsmen making beautiful traditional wooden dhows and even try your skills with their hand tools. Lots of souvenir shops sell pretty miniature shows.

  1. Visit the Future City

Masdar City

The astonishing attraction in Abu Dhabi – the city of future is located in Masdar City. It focuses on promoting zero-carbon development and does not allow vehicles in its zone. You’ll get surprised to know that this village is entirely powered by solar energy and wind energy. Narrow alleys featuring a number of buildings mimic typical Arabian streets.

  1. Appreciate the Emirates Palace

Emirate Palace

The Emirates Palace is a five-star hotel sure to stun you with its 100 hectares of lush gardens and lawns. This architectural marvel is sandy golden colored and features around 1002 crystal chandeliers, hundreds of domes, and jaw-dropping interior designed with gold leaves, pearl, and original marble.

Apart from all these attractions, you can also visit the Qasr Al Hosn Fort to see the oldest built building in Abu Dhabi, and check out an Emirati short film or an art flick (European) at The Space. It’s free of cost.

So when are you planning your Abu Dhabi tour?

Destinations, Editor's Picks, Europe

There is Much to See in Oslo

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Norway’s capital is a compact city with much to see. There are some wonderful museums, large parks, great restaurants and interesting nightlife. Here are some suggestions on things to see.

Main street

When we walk down the main street of Oslo, we feel at ease. There is no mad traffic, the airy streets and pleasant squares have a comfortable feel, and restaurants and cafes spill out onto the footpaths welcoming us to stay. It would be hard to find a significant capital city with a more good-natured feel.

Main street

The city centre has remained surprisingly compact and the main thoroughfare – Karl Johans gate – is a good reference point as it starts at the main railway station and ends at the royal palace. It is the location for the city’s parades, and the site of a seasonal ice-skating rink. The street is bustling with restaurants and stores that make for excellent people watching and window-shopping.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace stands without walls, and reflects Norwegian openness and general safety. It is built in Neo-Classical style with a facade of stuccoed brick. The building has two wings and is three storeys high. The building was commissioned by Karl XIV Johan in the early 19th century but he died before it was completed. A statue of the king on horseback is in the open space in front of the palace.

Royal Palace

This is where the daily work of the monarchy is conducted and where the King and Queen live. It is where the King presides over the Council of State, grants audiences and holds official dinners. Foreign heads of state who visit Oslo generally stay at the Palace and most of the members of the Royal Court have their workplace here.

Folk Museum

The Norwegian Folk Museum combines indoor displays with a collection of 160 reassembled buildings from around the country making it Europe’s oldest and largest open-air museum. The oldest two buildings are the shingle-covered Gol stave church and a house from Rauland, both from the thirteenth century.

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In summer, costumed guides roam the site demonstrating traditional skills such as spinning, carving, dancing and horn blowing and this adds considerably to its appeal. An unexpected feature is an apartment building with exhibits and interiors representing different time periods during the past 130 years. Both the buildings and the indoor exhibits which cover furniture, clothing, tapestries, rose-painting, carving, farming implements and the Sámi population are interesting.

Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is a five-minute walk away. Here a trio of 9th-century Viking ships are on display in a specially constructed building which has viewing platforms to let you see into the ships. They are the best-preserved Viking ships in the world.

Two of the ships – the Oseberg ship and Gokstad ship -are in remarkably good condition and there is also a display of the treasures that were buried with them. As burial ships, they were equipped with unique treasures such as wagons, horses and textiles. Few examples exist elsewhere as they are seldom preserved from the Viking age.

Viking Ship Museum (2)

The graves also contained jewellery, weapons, tools and household goods. I now see the Vikings in a new light – sure there was rape and plunder but there was also domestic sophistication. The museum was constructed over a long period starting in 1913 and it was not finally completed until 1957. It is the work of Amstein Arneberg a highly renowned Norwegian architect who also designed the Oslo City Hall.

Fram Museum

The Fram Museum displays the vessel that took explorer Roald Amundsen to within striking distance of both the South and North Poles. Fram is claimed to be the strongest vessel in the world, and the surface vessel that has been the farthest both to the north and south of the globe. It was launched in 1892. My wife and I clamour all over the boat and see the cramped living quarters that the crew endured.

Fram (1)

These explorers were undoubtedly strong men and the conditions they experienced were tough. I certainly would not have volunteered. Three galleries run along the museum’s walls displaying items taken on the voyages and detailing the route and conditions encountered by the intrepid explorers. There is also a representative selection of stuffed animals from the polar region which may interest children.

Sculpture Park

Oslo’s most popular attraction – Vigeland Sculpture Park – is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist and is open to visitors all year round. There are more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron.

The sculpture park is within a large green area called Frogner Park. Fifty eight of the park’s sculptures, including the popular Angry Boy are arranged along what is called The Bridge, the main connection between the Main Gate and the Fountain.

Sculpture Park (2)

The Fountain is one of the Park’s showpieces and is adorned with 60 statues portraying children and skeletons amid giant trees. The park’s most popular attraction is The Monolith which is situated at the highest point. This towers upwards and is composed of 121 human figures climbing towards the sky. I find the Park has enormous appeal and I urge everyone to visit whether you are into art or not.

Nobel Peace Centre

In Oslo’s old railway station is the Noble Peace Centre which celebrates and publicizes the Noble Peace Prize. The building’s ground floor features a series of displays about conflict and peace while upstairs there is a display on the Nobel family and the ‘Nobel Fiels’ where all past holders of the peace prize have a light bulb on a flimsy stalk in a striking display.

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Infographic, Travel Tips

The Cost of Speeding Around The World

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Renting a car whilst abroad can be a liberating and fun way to explore the ‘real’ parts of the place you’re visiting and to find destinations out of the general tourists’ eye, but when it comes to driving there are different rules around the world that must be followed if you want to stay in line with the law. Continue reading The Cost of Speeding Around The World →