Travello Blog

Tag: Travel tips

  • Here’s a List of Darwin’s Must Dos

    Here’s a List of Darwin’s Must Dos

    Unlike most of Australia, Darwin experiences summer all year long which means that activities are not limited to seasons. With their tropical weather, Darwin is packed with thrills and adventures, with a dash of Asian culture due to its proximity with Asia. Here are the must-dos while you’re in the city.

    Visit national parks around Darwin

    With a World Heritage-listed national park just under two hours drive from Darwin and numerous waterfalls scattered throughout the area, seeing the natural beauty of Darwin is something you can’t miss in Darwin. Experience walking through fiery red rocks and learn the rich history of Aboriginal people through ancient rock arts.

    Katherine Gorge – Tourism NT

    Take a day trip to visit the famous Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park if you’re not in the area for long. You can also jump on a day tour to Kakadu National Park and see crocodiles!

    Day trip to Kakadu National Park

    If you’re looking for a camping trip, then this 3 day trip to Kakadu and Litchfield National Park is perfect for you. Plus, you get to experience off road driving in a 4  wheel drive!

    See crocodiles

    Crocodile-related activity is definitely a must in Darwin. With the territory boasting the largest crocodile population in the world, Darwin offers crocodile experiences that will surely make your heart skip a beat!

    Tourism NT

    We all know that you’re not supposed to swim in random creeks here, just in case a crocodile is waiting for you. But what if you get to actually swim with them? In a protected area, of course. Crocosaurus Cove lets its visitors get up close and personal with the world’s biggest crocodiles.

    If you want to see the crocodiles in their natural habitat, definitely jump on this adventure. Cruise along the Adelaide River and watch crocodiles jumping out of the water, showing off their strength!

    Join cultural Aboriginal tours

    Immerse yourself in the local Aboriginal culture and heritage by joining day tours to cultural spots around Darwin. Join a traditional Aboriginal guide to Arnhemland and learn stories through ancient rock arts. You also get the chance to watch Aboriginals paint and weaving their traditional baskets!

    Local guide in Arnhemland

    You can also visit a modern-day Aboriginal community in Tiwi Islands and experience scenes that are not usually seen by the outside world. A local guide will take you through the Island and the local community of Wurrumiyanga. The guide and the women of the community will perform a welcoming smoke dance for you!

    Tiwi Island

    Jet ski around Darwin during sunset

    A trip to Darwin must include sunset-watching, and there’s nothing better than watching it on a jet ski! Indulge yourself in an hour and a half jet ski ride–that you can drive yourself–and cruise from Mindil Beach to East Point. This is especially great for those of you who love photography as you chase the sun while it sets over the horizon.

    Take a look at this: Sildenafil: Your Comprehensive Guide to Adventure and Health

  • Awesome Things You Get To See in Kakadu National Park

    Awesome Things You Get To See in Kakadu National Park

    Imagine a national park with expansive lush rainforests, fiery red rocks, and ancient Aboriginal art. Well, look no further as Kakadu National Park has all that (and more) for you to see! Here are some awesome things that you can see and experience in this World Heritage listed national park.

    Kakadu National Park – Tourism NT/Jarrad Seng

    Ancient Aboriginal Art

    Discover the Aboriginal history of the Bininj/Mungguy people through stories told by their painting on rock walls. What makes them so extraordinary is that it dates back to 20,000 years ago and is the longest recorded art of any group of people on earth!

    Tourism NT/Helen Orr
    Tourism NT/Helen Orr

    Here, you get to learn about how the Bininj/Mungguy people established their connection with their spiritual heritage and physical environment. They paint with crushed pigments from rocks and you’ll find lots of animal paintings and even how they met European settlers for the first time!

    Tourism NT/Helen Orr

    Best place to visit these ancient rock art is in Ubirr, and you can get there by booking a day tour with a professional guide to make the most of your time!

    Crocodiles

    Northern territory is pretty much an animal lover’s dream. With the state being home to the largest crocodile population in the world (100,000 of them!), you might get a chance to see Australian saltwater crocodiles up to 6 metres in Kakadu National Park.

    Tourism NT/Backyard Bandits

    Considering there is one crocodile for every person in the Top End, you will most likely spot them in the wild. If you didn’t see any, don’t worry, cause they will definitely see you.

    Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

    You can see crocodiles in Kakadu National Park’s East Alligator River through this day tour. Alternatively, you can book a multi-day tour to see crocodiles while enjoying a picnic lunch or by hopping on Yellow Water Cruises.

    Waterfalls

    Explore Kakadu’s magnificent Jim Jim Falls, with a height of 200 metres cascading down towering cliffs. During months where the falls is a mere trickle, catch a thrilling 4WD drive here and experience swimming in crystal clear waters of the plunge pool! The falls become inaccessible in wet tropical seasons when it turns into a thundering waterfall.

    Jim Jim Falls – Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

    If you’re up for a little bit of hiking, you get to see the amazing Twin Falls. Tackle a challenging walk over large boulders and rough terrain to get here, and take a dip in the shimmering waters during dry season!

    Twin Falls – ourism NT/Jewels Lynch

    In Gunlom Plunge Pools, you get to see magnificent views of Kakadu’s southern hills while swimming in the warm waters of the pool. During the dry season, you can trek down the main pool and enjoy a nice picnic in the shade.

    Gunlom Plunge Pool – Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino
  • A Guide To Make the Most Out of Your Time in Brisbane

    A Guide To Make the Most Out of Your Time in Brisbane

    With its relatively warm climate, Brisbane offers fun and adventurous activities all year round. Queensland’s capital city is rich with history and culture and provides a relaxing getaway for those who want to escape the city life to neighbouring islands, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Keep on reading to find out how to make the most of your time in Brisbane!

    Brisbane’s inner city

    There are so many reasons to love Brisbane’s city lifestyle. You can go out and treat yourself by shopping around Queen Street Mall in the City or strolling along James Street in Fortitude Valley.

    Feeling hungry? Brisbane is home to incredible food and beverage options. Find yourself a restaurant or coffee shop right next to where you’re shopping or drive out of the city, and maybe grab a cheeky cocktail there! Whether you’re looking for light snack in a cute café, a burger joint, or a buffet, Brisbane will delight your taste buds with their culinary choices.

    Or even, drive 20 minutes out from the city to visit Brisbane’s iconic Eat Street, where you can find market stalls full of various dishes from all over the world, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife at Howard Smith Wharves.

    If you’d like to have a more relaxed way to end your day in Brisbane city, take a sunset cruise through the Brisbane River with a glass of bubbles in hand, before stopping at Brisbane Powerhouse for a tour and appetisers.

    Brisbane’s region

    Take yourself on a day full of adventure on Moreton Island where you can get a guided tour in a 4-wheel-drive around the island’s pristine beaches. Not only that, but you also get to toboggan down the sand dunes! End the day with a snorkelling tour around the Tangalooma Wrecks where you can discover amazing marine life.

    Just south of Moreton Island you’ll find North Stradbroke Island that is definitely up there in terms of natural beauty. Take a trip out to the island and explore freshwater lakes, springs, and lush beaches. Make sure to look out for kangaroos, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins when you’re there! It’s a relaxing getaway that you can do in one day.

    You can head south towards Gold Coast’s Mount Tamborine and explore what the region has to offer with a personalised guided wine tasting!  It’s a full day tour with two-course lunch, so all you have to do is sit back and relax and let the Vino Bus take you around.

  • 5 Activities You Must Do in the Gold Coast

    5 Activities You Must Do in the Gold Coast

    Home to world-class surfing beaches and Australia’s biggest theme parks, the Gold Coast is a vast playground with year-round sunny weather. Whether you’re in the city for a few days or a few weeks, here is a list of the things to do on the Gold Coast that you definitely shouldn’t miss!

    1. Take surf lessons

    The Gold Coast surfing culture has a name worldwide, so learning how to surf is definitely a must do here! With numerous beaches scattered along the coastline from Surfers Paradise, to the Spit, Burleigh Beach, or Miami Beach, there are endless options to join a surf school with professional coaches. Check out these surfing classes offered by Get Wet Surf School that will teach you skills to show off when you go home!

    2. Go whale watching

    During the months of May – November, the Gold Coast is blessed with a spectacular performance by migrating whales. It is no doubt that the best way to watch their magical migration is by hopping on a whale watching boat tour that will take you just minutes outside the Seaway. Combined with views of the famous Gold Coast high-rise skyline, this experience will surely leave you in a state of awe. It’s a pretty popular activity to do here on the Gold Coast especially during winter months, so grab your tickets fast!

    3. Kayaking during sunset

    Experience the Gold Coast’s Nerang River by kayaking during sunset through Surfers Paradise. Whether you’re going with your loved one, family, or friends, it is the perfect activity if you’re looking to spend quality time with them. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you cruise along the calm waters. We recommend booking a trip with Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour to conclude your day.

    4. Do adventurous water activities

    If you’re looking for a more thrilling water activity, check out this jet boat ride around The Broadwater. It’s a fun and adventurous way of viewing the beauty of the city’s skyline, while exploring Wave Break Island and the exclusive Moreton Bay Marine Park. It’s not an activity where you’d expect to sit down and relax, but this one will definitely give you a big splash of water and lots of fun!

    5. Visiting Theme Parks

    You wouldn’t be visiting the Gold Coast if you don’t go to these theme parks! Providing Australia’s largest theme parks, you can come here and meet your favourite movie characters and take a ride on thrill-packed roller coasters. Not only that, but the Gold Coast is home to Sea World where you can learn about marine life. If you’re looking for a fun way to cool down, head to Wet’n’Wild water park! Purchase your pass to these three theme parks here, and you’ll get the real deal!

  • 7 Ways You Can Participate In Sustainable Travel

    7 Ways You Can Participate In Sustainable Travel

    Travelling is in our human nature. Witnessing Uluru at sunrise, white water rafting in Queenstown, or participating a food tour of Cancun is how we get to experience our beautiful planet. And while we’re all about exploring the world, an increase in the amount of travellers has taken its toll on the environment. Experts say that at least 10% of the 100 million tonnes of plastic we use every year ends up in the oceans. That is not okay!

    Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, so now more than ever, it’s important to be a sustainable traveller. According to National Geographic, that means engaging in environmentally friendly practises, providing tangible social and economic benefits for local communities, and protecting cultural and natural heritage.

    Not sure where to start? Don’t fret. Here are 7 ways you can participate in sustainable travel.

    Buy local and use local

    Photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash

    Supporting the local economy is a big aspect of sustainable travel. That means eating at local restaurants, buying crafts and souvenirs from a market, or using public transport whenever possible. This ensures that your contribution to the economy has a direct and positive impact on the community. When buying souvenirs, specifically, make sure you’re buying from an artisan who makes the crafts, rather than a gift shop who imports products from China. If you’re worried about the language barrier, a guided tour can help you navigate street food and local markets.

    Avoid taking a plane if it’s not absolutely necessary

    Photo by Tristan Hess on Unsplash

    Avoiding air travel is tricky. We know. But let’s say you’re backpacking Southeast Asia and not entirely strapped for time — then taking a bus or train between cities is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint. It’s also way better for your budget. And hey, you haven’t had a true backpacking experience if you’ve never taken a 15 hour + bus ride. That’s just the facts.

    Cut back on plastic

    Did you know that about 4.8-12.7 million tonnes of plastic pollute the world’s oceans each year? EACH YEAR! That’s terrible. Avoid using disposable plastic water bottles or grocery bags when you can. Instead, pack your own reusable container or tote bags to help cut back on plastic waste. This will help you and those you travel with take steps toward being a sustainable traveller.

    Choose a reputable tour company

    German travel blog

    One of the best ways to see and learn about a place is on a guided tour. But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones participate in sustainable travel? Backpacker Deals only works with tour companies who are aware of their impact on the environment. That means they might participate in environmental conservation, employ local guides, protect wildlife, or support cultural heritage. Never be shy to ask the company how they engage in sustainable practices. Check out Backpacker Deals to find hundreds of eco-certified tours around the world.

    Prioritize animal welfare

    Photo by Nam Anh on Unsplash

    Make sure your travels remain ethical when it comes to interacting with local wildlife. There are plenty of tour operators who take advantage of animals for the sake of tourism. For instance, elephant riding, wildlife selfies, or dancing monkeys is not recommend as the operator may participate in abusive behaviours that cause the animal harm. Practice sustainable travel by not participating in attractions that capture animals from the wild. And when you’re visiting coral reefs, be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen in order to avoid coral bleaching.

    Stay in an eco-lodge

    Photo by Dennis Rochel on Unsplash

    Have you ever tried staying in an eco-lodge? It’s a great way to practice sustainable travel! They’re usually designed to have the minimum possible impact on the natural environment in which it is situated. That may mean it uses renewable energy technology, it has access to nature guides, it employs locals at fair wages, or handles waste properly. They’re usually small and in an natural areas but provides an educational and immersive way of interacting with the local environment.

    Give back

    Giving back to the local community comes in many variations, but it’s important to know that you’re giving back the right way. Rather than directly give money to a beggar on the street, donate clothes or non-perishable items to a reputable organization or global non-profits. If you don’t have much to donate, lend your time volunteering. As with all of these tips, be sure to do your research before joining a volunteer group. Beach clean-ups are a great way to give back and meet other travellers! For instance, use the hashtag #AdventureBagCrew to join a collective of other world travellers who are cleaning up mountains, jungles, and beaches.

  • 5 Ways To Look After Your Mental Health

    5 Ways To Look After Your Mental Health

    The coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic has completely changed the world’s way of living these past few months, and feelings of anxiety and stress are also dramatically increasing. These feelings of unease and worry are completely normal and understandable following such significant change, but it is important we take a step back and look at ways to take care of our mental health and manage stress, without reacting from a place of panic. When things feel completely out of our control, one of the most effective ways to look after our wellbeing is to focus on what is in our control. Amidst the global pandemic, these are 5 ways we can look after our mental health.

    1) Set Limits Around News Regarding COVID-19

    To the best of your ability and no matter how tempting it may be to turn on the TV multiple times a day, try to avoid excessive exposure to the media coverage around coronavirus. Fixating on updates and social media feeds about the pandemic can really intensity those feelings of unease and distress. Take a break and try set some boundaries, whether that be limiting yourself to a broadcast a day, or going for a walk to clear your head after reading an article. Find what works for you.

    2) Check Out Travello App & Stay Connected with Likeminded Individuals

    With so many travel plans, adventures, and activities on pause due to the global pandemic, those dreadful feelings of missing out and wanderlust are at an all-time high. Travello app is the ultimate social network for likeminded travellers to connect across the globe. Meet and reach out to other travellers in the same situation as you, get tips and tricks on beating lockdown, ask for advice, and even make friends for life. Travello will connect you people from all around the world, and it’ll make life a lot easier once you’re able to travel again. Remember, physical distancing does not mean social disconnection, download Travello from the app store or play store here.
    For more information on other Travello community members, check out this article on how these users became international stars.

    3) Maintain Self Care

    Looking after yourself in the midst of this outbreak can be an integral part in boosting your moral and motivation. Try to create and maintain a positive daily routine and normal activities as best as possible. Get enough sleep and wake up early, do some exercise, get dressed and ready for the day, keep your space clean and fresh, eat healthy meals, take breaks throughout the day to go for a walk or meditate and stretch. Focus on prioritising your wellbeing with positive activities to give you a natural
    boost.

    4) Establish a Workout Routine

    Exercise is proven to decrease stress and anxiety, and amidst the pandemic while we’re all in lockdown what better way to kickstart your fitness goals. By now we’ve all seen how the internet is flooding with at home workout routines, free online classes, celebrity training sessions and DIY exercises for you to check out and find what you’re into! Set a weekly goal and establish a workout routine, try challenge yourself with all this free time on our hands.

    5) Try Something New and Try To Challenge Yourself

    One thing for certain during the coronavirus pandemic is that lockdown has provided us with plenty of free time. What better way to distract ourselves from the stress and keep our minds active and healthy than to try something new. Whether that be learning a new language, getting creative with painting or drawing, or creating a podcast or a blog. Think about something you’ve always wanted to do or try and go for it! You may surprise yourself and find a hidden talent you never knew you had.
  • 6 Reasons Why the NT Is An Animal Lover’s Dream

    6 Reasons Why the NT Is An Animal Lover’s Dream

    Calling all animal lovers! Want to discover some of Australia’s most incredible creatures? Then look no further than the Northern Territory! With everything from stunning birdlife to bouncing kangaroos and snapping crocs, the NT is an animal lovers dream!

    The fascinating animals that call the Northern Territory home are one of the area’s biggest drawcards, and there’s no shortage of incredible ways to discover these creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you want to see a dingo, meet kangaroos or discover native birdlife, the NT has you covered. Here’s 6 reasons animal lovers (and everyone else) will love the NT.

    1. There’s this place called the Desert Park…

    … and it’s amazing! This spot is like a one-stop shop for learning about animals in the Red Centre. The park has three recreated desert habitats, the Sand Country, Woodland, and Desert Rivers, which are all home to an array of unique creatures. As you wander around the park you’ll get to see these animals up close, and can read about them and their habits.

    Make sure you check out the Nocturnal House which is home to critters like the bilby, thorny devil and mala. There’s a fantastic bird show too, which shows off some of the area’s most impressive birds of prey.

    We’d recommend giving yourself a full day to explore here so that you can learn as much as possible.

    The Desert Park is open 7.30am to 6.00pm every day. Last entry 4.30pm. Nocturnal House open 9am to 6pm.

    2. You can meet orphaned kangaroos

    The Kangaroo Sanctuary just outside Alice Springs is a special spot to visit.  Here you can meet the gorgeous rescued orphaned baby and adult kangaroos and learn more about these amazing animals. The Sanctuary’s aim is to ‘educate and encourage people to rescue and care for kangaroos and other wildlife and animals’, and you’ll definitely leave with a fuzzy feeling.

    You can book online to visit the roos here. The Sanctuary is open Tuesday – Friday.

    3. You can find the largest reptile display in Central Australia

    It’s called the Reptile Centre! Located in Alice Springs, it’s home to Terry the Saltwater Crocodile, Perentie Goannas, Thorny Devils, Frill-neck Lizards and tons of geckos!

    There’s a daily show at 11am, 1pm, and 3.30pm, which consists of an informative presentation followed by a handling session! It’s a great chance to come face to face with some of the Red Centre’s scaly inhabitants and learn all about them.

    The centre is open from 9.30 am – 5.00 pm daily.

    4. You can get close to crocs!

    That probably doesn’t sound like everyone’s cup of tea, but even if you’re not too keen on coming face to face with crocs, you’ll find something to enjoy at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin.

    If you’re feeling brave, check out the Cage of Death, Crocosaurus Cove’s signature experience. This is Australia’s only crocodile dive that plunges you below the water with the crocs themselves! It’s a unique way to encounter these prehistoric beasts and an experience you’ll never forget. Some of the largest Saltwater Crocodiles in the world live here, so prepare for an epic adventure!

    If you prefer to stay on dry land, there’s plenty to check out above the water too! Crocosaurus Cove holds the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles and the staff here are passionate about educating visitors on the array of reptiles found in the NT. There are tons of facts to soak up and you’ll get to meet creatures from the Kimberley, Kakadu, and Litchfield areas, as well those found in the Central Australian Desert. There’s also 9 reptile shows daily that will teach you all about the Cove’s inhabitants.

    5. You can visit Kakadu National Park

    This place is a haven for animal lovers, especially those interested in birds. Kakadu is home to one-third of Australia’s bird species, so no matter where you visit here, there’s plenty to see!

    A good place to start is with the Yellow Waters Cruise on the Yellow Waters Billabong. The wetlands around this area are home to around 60 species of birds, including Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, Jabirus and Brolgas. You can book your cruise here.

    Kakadu also boasts Corroboree Billabong, another great spot for a cruise. Here you’ll see white-bellied sea eagles, kingfishers, barramundi fish, and some saltwater crocs. The Billabong is home the largest concentration of these crocodiles in the world!

    And then there’s Jabiru! This town in the Kakadu National Park is home to something called ‘Kakadu’s Black Cloud”… what’s that you ask? Well, it’s not as ominous as it sounds. The Black Cloud refers to the thousands of flying foxes which take off every night around dusk. It’s truly a very special sight!

    6. There’s a good chance you’ll see animals in the wild.

    This is one of the best things about the NT. The desert and bush have tons of native wildlife living there, and if you keep your eyes peeled you never know what you’ll see.

    Keep quiet when you’re doing a walk, and you might notice a lizard watching you from a rock! You could also meet a brave wallaby while you’re setting up camp or see an emu running while you’re driving!

    Related topic: Sildenafil: Your Comprehensive Guide to Adventure and Health

  • 2019 Global Travel Survey

    2019 Global Travel Survey

    Short 4-10 Day trips account for 50% of travel intention for the next 12 months.

    Just over half of all respondents (54%) were female, so any perception that women weren’t as willing as men to travel solo is completely wrong!

    Over 97% of our respondents said they would be travelling in the next 12 months and it looks like short sharp trips are on the rise! 50% said they travel (on average) for 4-10 days at a time, 23% for 11-20 days and only 18% were hitting the road for over 21 days.

    The experiences you have while travelling is the best thing about travel

    When asked what the best part about travelling was, there was a runaway winner with 72% stating Experiences (including tours & activities). The people you meet was the next best thing (16%) with the places you stay (7%), the food you eat (4%) and the things you buy (>1%) taking out the minor placings. So experiences and people are clearly the most important things for today’s traveller.

    Are you mobile-ready as a travel business? You better be!

    As expected, the mobile phone plays an integral role for travellers today with 83% saying they used their mobile to book one or more parts of their last trip.

    Over 50% of travellers have booked tours & experiences on their mobile.

    Accommodation & flights lead the way, but the big growth came in the “Experiences” vertical, with over 54% saying they had used their mobile to book a tour, activity or experience on their last trip. This is significantly higher than most industry surveys that report mobile booking for experiences closer to 30%. It looks like Travello, Klook, Get your Guide and some of the other Experience OTAs are on the right track!

    Today’s travellers would rather collect experiences, not things

    It’s a cliché, but it looks like it’s also the truth! Today’s travellers would rather collect experiences, not things. When asked where they preferred to spend their travel budget, experiences came out well ahead of flights, accommodation, food, beverages and transfers. It looks like they are happy to rough it on the flight and the hotel in order to get that amazing experience (and Instagram shot to prove it!)

    over 20% of travellers now like to book the majority of their trip after they arrive in the destination

    Mobile, phones and increased connectivity are also having an impact on the booking window, which is becoming shorter and shorter. While the majority of travellers still like to book in advance, over 20% of travellers now like to book the majority of their trip after they arrive in the destination. This correlates with the growth in solo travel and the spontaneous nature that goes along with it. Solo travellers are less bound to plans, can meet people as they go and find amazing adventures they never had planned!

    Peer to peer recommendations rule the roost

    And what’s the biggest influence on their travel decision making? Peer to peer recommendations! Over 31% said peer’s recommendations played the biggest part in where they went and what they did. But Trip Advisor isn’t dead just yet, with reviews (29%) coming in a close second. The days of the travel influencer might be coming to an end with only 9% saying these tanned travel gods are their biggest influence – on par with old school travel ads at 9%. So it seems the humble fellow traveller is a bigger influence than the influencers!

    What would you choose travel over?

    We also thought we’d have a little fun, just to see how important travel really was! And guess what – it’s pretty important! 62% said they would choose their dream trip over their dream job and 76% would choose travel over a home deposit. 80% would choose travel over sex (I guess that depends who you’re doing it with!) and just over half of respondents (53%) would actually choose travel over their partner!

    • Would you choose a dream tip or a dream job?
    • Would you choose a home deposit or would you use that same money to travel?
    • Would you choose the love of a partner or love of travel?
    • Would you choose more travel or more sex?

    Travello’s inaugural Global Travel Survey revealed some great insights. We’ll be back next year to see what’s changed, what’s new and whether even more people would choose travel over their partners!

  • Top 5 Things to Do in Melbourne in Just Under $50

    Top 5 Things to Do in Melbourne in Just Under $50

    Melbourne isn’t exactly the cheapest city to visit. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t cheap things to do! If you’re looking for discounted tours, Travello offers a whole range of activities at affordable prices. You can take a day trip to the Yarra Valley, explore the Great Ocean Road, or go on a food tour of the city itself.

    But if you’re looking for fun things to do under $50, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 5 affordable things to do in Melbourne.

    ICEBAR MELBOURNE

    How do you feel about the cold? What about enjoying a cocktail while bundled up in a snow cape, ugg boots, and gloves? IceBar Melbourne is a fun and frosty -10 degree C room where you can sip on creative drinks, play games, or marvel at the 30 tons of ice sculptures that surround you. That’s right, 30 tons of ice!! We won’t give too much away because it’s a really awesome experience! But when you go, make sure to try a Crunchie shot to warm you up! Oh, and say “hi” to the friendly polar bear! Okay, we’ll let you find out how cool it is on your own! Bundle up!

    MELBOURNE’S SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

    Explore Melbourne from a different perspective! Hop on a sightseeing cruise that will take you along the Yarra River. You’ll spend an hour passing under bridges and looking up at the skyscrapers. Specific highlights include the Westgate bridge, Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct, World Congress & Trade Center, the Polly Woodside, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Crown Entertainment Complex, Eureka Sky Tower, and Flinders Street Station. The cruise is a cheap, fun way to get acquainted with the city — especially on a warm, sunny day!

    MEBOURNE STAR

    Melbourne Star is one of the top 10 tallest observation wheels in the world! Walk over to the Docklands to find the big circular wheel. A single flight is as cheap as $16.50! But it all depends on the kind of experience you want to have. For instance, you can choose to sip champagne while enjoying the views or opt for a yoga in the sky experience. When you walk into the private cabin, you’ll get 360-degree views of the city of Melbourne. The wheel spins around at a leisurely pace while audio commentary provides a brief introduction to the history and significance of the landmarks below.

    FREE WALKING TOUR

    Another great way to acquaint yourself with Melbourne is on a free walking tour! You can opt to learn about culture and history, or do a sightseeing tour. A guide will take you around the city and explain the street art, food, markets, and landmarks. Wear comfortable walking shoes for this experience as it usually lasts two to three hours. Walking tours depart every day.

    EUREKA SKYDECK

    Eureka Skydeck is the tallest building in Melbourne. You’ll notice it because the top of the building is coated in gold. You can zoom to the top for $23. At 285 meters above the ground, you can walk around the floor to ceiling windows for incredible views of the city. Can you spot Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay, and the Dandenong Ranges? There are about 30 viewfinders to help you spot specific attractions. Don’t leave without stepping into The Edge! It’s a glass cube that suspends you nearly 300 meters over Melbourne. Eeek!

  • 6 Things I Always Regret Packing

    6 Things I Always Regret Packing

    Raise your hand if you like packing…

    I’m going to assume that not many people raised their hands. Let’s just be honest — packing sucks! If you’re like me, I usually leave it until the night before the flight leaves. I’m usually spending longer than necessary trying to figure out what to bring, looking at the weather app 10 times in one minute, and then getting distracted on social media. It’s a process.

    But after taking my fair share holidays, backpacking trips, or visits to grandma and grandpa’s, I think I’ve got this whole packing thing down. At least, I know what not to pack. Here are six items I always regret packing because it’s just not worth it.

    That extra pair of shoes, “just in case”
    Photo Credit: Unsplash

    There are plentyyy of “just in case” items that run through my head when I’m packing. Some of them include a belt, a hat, an extra bathing suit, a bulky jumper — you know, the things that you might need. But what I’ve learned from packing these “just in case” items is that I absolutely do not need that extra pair of shoes.

    When I travel, I’m happy with taking a pair of sandals/thongs, a pair of walking shoes (my Converse have been around the world and back), and a pair of sneakers (if I think I’ll be exercising or doing a hike). That’s it! I know that’s all I’ll need. In the past, I’ve regretted packing a pair of heels “just in case” I go clubbing or an extra pair of sandals to match a dress I didn’t end up wearing. If you’re joining a group tour, make sure to read through the suggested packing list so that you have the appropriate items.

    Hardcover books
    Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

    Ahh, this was a tough one for me to come to terms with. Yes, I’m one of those people who loves physically flipping a page when I read. But taking a heavy book on a holiday is not ideal. Most of the time, I don’t even open it.

    I recently made the long-overdue switch to reading off a Kindle and I hate to admit that it’s WAY better for a frequent traveller. And TBH, I’ve found that I actually read more with the E-reader than with a physical book! So it’s a win-win for me and my backpack.

    Valuable sunglasses
    Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash

    I know there are some peeps out there who love their designer brand sunglasses! I love them too! They’re stylish and trendy, but not usually durable… which makes packing them a nightmare. After losing or crushing three pairs of Ray-Bans on a holiday, I’ve decided that I am no longer allowed to bring valuable sunglasses with me on vacation. Instead, I’ll buy a cheap pair of sunglasses from a vendor or convenience store to use during my travels. That way I’m less worried about them and I can come home to my nice $250 pair of sunnies.

    Laptop
    Photo Credit: Unsplash

    Unless you absolutely know that you’ll need it for work, don’t pack your laptop! It’s not only a burden to carry around with you, but also a valuable item that’s at high risk of being stolen. At the end of the day, it’s not worth it to worry about its safety in your dorm or hotel room while you’re out exploring a foreign destination. Leave it at home for peace of mind.

    Anything irreplaceable
    Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

    When I pack for a holiday or backpacking trip, I need to remind myself that I’m coming home. I don’t need to take any irreplaceable items — and I’m not talking electronics, but rather nice jewellery/heirlooms, artwork, or custom made treasures. It’s totally unnecessary and not worth the looming worry in the back of your head. When you travel, you just have to assume that anything can happen to you or your belongings. It’s best not to pack any valuable items.

    Anything that I can share with my travel buddy
    Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash

    If you’re travelling with a group of friends or a travel partner, link up on sharing certain items such as a hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, soap, toothpaste, or other toiletries. I’ve found that it’s not necessary to both bring these items when you can simply share and save space in your suitcase. Come on now, no one has cooties. If you’re travelling solo, invest in travel-size containers that you can refill, instead of buying new ones for every trip. When it comes to toiletries and cosmetics, keep the mind-frame that less is more.

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