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Australia, Travel Tips

Romantic Travel Guide to Melbourne

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If you and your significant other are looking for a romantic place to visit, you most certainly have to consider Melbourne. This Australian city is known for being a multicultural capital that is full of amazing sights but it also boasts a ton of charming spots you can visit together and have a great time. It doesn’t matter if you are celebrating an anniversary or planning on doing something special (ahem, proposal), Melbourne has your back. Check out the handy guide below.

Explore the city in creative ways

The capital of Victoria is a unique city with plenty of sights and spots you can visit. What is more, there are many ways how you can do this. For example, if you love art, you will want to take a stroll through one of the most distinctive areas of Melbourne – the laneways. This graffiti-sheathed area is home to many free museums and art galleries. Then, you can also choose to explore the city on two wheels. If this leisurely approach is more your style, set a route that will show you all the attractions such as the Yarra River, Melbourne Park and the Como House. By taking the Bayside Cycling Trail, you can get to the Williamstown suburb, cycle through Westgate Park and get all the way to Albert Park. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a super romantic way to see some of the main attractions of this city, you can hire a horse-drawn carriage and feel like a royal couple for a few hours.

See the city from high up

Melbourne also offers a gorgeous panoramic view. If you visit the Eureka Tower’s Skydeck, you will get a chance to be 285 meters above the ground and enjoy the spectacular sight. You can even step into The Edge – a glass cube protruding outside the tower that allows you to see the city beneath your feet. Alternatively, you can also choose to hire a hot air balloon that will take you above the Yarra River, Melbourne CBD and many other sights. Ask for a private ride if it is a special occasion and sip some champagne while overlooking the city.

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Book a nice hotel to stay in

Travelling to this exquisite city should be complemented with a stay in a nice hotel. Luckily for you, Melbourne is full of amazing establishments that will cater to your every need. For instance, you can check into the Westin and experience its in-house wellness centre that includes a sauna, a steam room and pools. Then, you can book the Grand Romance Package at the Hotel Windsor and be welcomed with a bottle of French champagne while also getting breakfast in bed and valet parking during your stay. If you’d rather opt for a retreat, you can choose from the Woolrich Retreat and Kudos Villas and Retreats among many other options. Even if you cannot afford a high-end hotel, you should still make your partner feel special so organize for a bottle of top-notch whiskey to be delivered to your room or get flower delivery in Melbourne, especially if it’s their birthday or your anniversary.

Look for unique places to eat at

You cannot go on a romantic trip to Melbourne without looking for a fancy restaurant where you can have a nice dinner for two. Of course, you should check whether you need to reserve a table because some of these spots might be booked up well in advance. There are many places in the CBD where you can have a great evening such as Punch Lane, Hihou and Bistrot d’Orsay or you can go to South Yarra as that entire neighbourhood is full of romantic hotspots. On the other hand, maybe you’d like to visit one of the many wineries near Melbourne. In addition to tasting amazing wine, you will also get a chance to enjoy the scenery and have a meal at some of these fine establishments. However, perhaps you’d rather go on a cute picnic with your loved one. Well, that is possible as well. Just go to the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens, spread a picnic mat, pop a bottle of bubbly and watch the sunset in the distance or the starry sky above you.

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Have fun together

If you and your significant other don’t care about high-end hotels and restaurants, you might be looking for a fun activity that will allow you to simply spend time together. Fortunately, there are plenty of those in Melbourne as well. For example, if the time of your visit coincides, you can attend one of the many festivals that are held in this city. You can also enjoy a musical or a show at a local theatre or go to a jazz club for some live music. The Holey Moley Golf Club, the Strike QV bowling alley and Luna Park will all provide you with an unforgettable experience while you can also go on a ghost tour if you are a fan of the supernatural. Finally, you can try your luck at a local casino and treat yourself if you win big.

Without a doubt, Melbourne has some unique romantic spots that you and your partner should check out if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city.

Travel Tips

Top Volunteering Destinations – Travel to Make a Difference

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Most of us love traveling because it allows us to see unique things, meet new people and gain all sorts of different experiences. It is through these experiences that we get to develop as people and get a new perspective on life. However, other than traveling for pure pleasure, you can also consider volunteering during your travels which will not only help people and animals in need but it will bring you satisfaction as well. Take a look at some of the top destinations where you could go to really make a difference.

Experience life on a Native American reservation

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If you would like to help preserve the cultural identity of Native Americans, you can choose to volunteer at one of the reservations that require additional services. Some of the things you could contribute include maintenance and construction, painting houses and tending to gardens. Then, if you would rather work with people, you can provide assistance to the elders of the community by taking them to grocery stores, parks, museums or by helping them around the house and preparing meals. If kids are more your forte, you can supervise field trips, read them books or play various games. Furthermore, if you have a medical or social services degree, you can provide them with assistance during some crisis or even give advice or run workshops to share your knowledge. For instance, you can consider the Blackfeet Indian Reservation or the Navajo Nation.

Contribute to Ghana’s development

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You have another great opportunity to help people by visiting Ghana. This colorful African nation offers plenty of volunteer options that are all aimed at supporting the local communities and developing the quality of life. For example, if you like working with children, you can help out in nurseries, schools and orphanages. Teaching kids to read, playing with them and providing them with essential assistance will be very fulfilling. Moreover, you can also work in hospitals; even if you have no experience, you can help out with some basics. Finally, lending a hand when it comes to building schools is always welcome.

Help the conservation of Australian wildlife

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In case you would rather volunteer with animals abroad, you definitely need to consider going to Australia. By opting for this path, you will get to work with rangers at a local NSW wildlife park and be surrounded by the wonderful wildlife. The park participates in rehabilitating animals that have been orphaned or injured and you will help with their care. What is more, there are breeding programs that help increase the survival rate of certain rare and endangered native animals. Other than caring for the animals, you will also be involved with cleaning and maintaining their enclosures by mending fences and fixing up various things around the park.

Save the sea turtles in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is an amazing destination for students looking to travel and volunteer during their gap year. The cost of living in this gorgeous Central American country is not super expensive and it offers plenty of opportunities. Seeing as how they have so many stunning beaches, it is no wonder that turtle hatchlings happen all year long. However, the sea turtle population is in decline due to poaching and pollution. This is where volunteering can play a big role. You can help with the conservation of sea turtles by joining one of the many programs available and patrol beaches, man hatcheries and assist in rehabilitation centers. In addition to sea turtles, there are also conservation centers that work toward protecting sloths, jaguars and butterflies.

Work at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand

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Millions of travelers visit Thailand every year and unfortunately, a lot of them opt for riding on an elephant’s back during this time. While it may seem like a fun activity, most people are unaware of how these gentle animals are being treated. Luckily, there are many organizations working to protect elephants and encourage proper and healthy treatment. You will get hands-on experience by taking care of rescued elephants in sanctuaries that allow them to roam around huge pieces of land. What is more, retired elephants can no longer be returned to the wild and they require human assistance for daily care. When looking for an organization to work with, make sure they are reputable and treat these animals properly and ethically.

Try your hand at archeology in Israel

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Israel offers a wide variety of volunteering opportunities from marine and wildlife conservation to teaching English and building eco-friendly lodges. However, you can also get a first-hand look at all the history that this country is famous for by sifting through many archeological sites. No previous experience is needed, which is great for everyone who wants to learn something new. But keep in mind that this is tedious and difficult work including a lot of digging, shoveling and hauling earth.

These six locations are all unique in their own way and you will surely find a way to help if you decide to visit them. Try something new if you want to be challenged or rely on your skills and really make a difference in the world. Bon voyage!