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Free Things to do in London
The very name of the city makes wallets around the world groan. London can be a very expensive place to spend time. However there are also lots of events taking place each day that cost nothing. I’m not going to tell you to visit Buckingham Palace and Westminster; that’s what guidebooks are for. Here are some free things to get up to in London that guidebooks often forget. London sightseeing For an iconic London photo opportunity, head to the Changing of the Guard, which takes place at 11.30am (daily in summer, every other day in winter). The Prime Median is the line of longitude defined as 0 degrees. It runs…
10 Free Apps to download before you go
The Digital age is upon us and we now live in a world where everyone seems to have the internet in their pocket. You can update your Facebook status from a sailboat on the Mediterranean and tweet a Twitter update from Timbuctoo. We’ve all got email, Facebook, Twitter and games on our gadgets, but which apps are worthwhile? There are so many apps out there for iphones and ipads. Here are my favourite 10 free apps to download before you go which are especially useful for travellers. 1. Free Wi-Fi FinderLet’s be honest, however fantastic your gadget is, you’re not going to get far without an internet connection and roaming…
Cage Diving: How to cuddle a Great White Shark
Do you want to get up close and personal with an apex predator? Or do you think that people who do, like me, are crazy? If you’re keen but cautiously wondering what it involves, or perhaps not so keen, but still curious nonetheless, read on. Magnificent Great White sharks can grow up to 6m in length and are most commonly seen off the West coast of the United States, South Africa and Australia. Cage diving businesses operate in all of these locations (more specifically Guadalupe Island off Baja California, Gaansbai in South Africa and Port Lincoln in South Australia). So if you’re keen for a close encounter with Jaws, head…
Beaches of Auckland
Auckland, nestled between the Tasman sea and the Hauraki Gulf is the most densely populated region of New Zealand. It has a lot of coastline though, so when you want to hit the beach there are plenty of options. Here are a few favourites to get you started. Immortalised in songs by Crowded House and Salmonella Dub, as well as the movie The Piano, Kare Kare is about 35 miles West of Auckland and where the Waitakere mountain range drops away to a wide flat expanse of dark sand staring ominously at the ocean. It is an area of rugged natural beauty, first settled by Maori people but has since…
Places to visit around Perth
Perth is on the opposite side of Australia from most of the action and was referred to by Bill Byron as ‘the most remote city on earth’. What should you make of that? I found Perth to be a lively, laid-back place with a sunny and dry climate, without the humidity suffered in some other parts of Australia. These are the things I think you really shouldn’t miss. Cottesloe Only an easy 15 minutes drive from Perth, Cottesloe is a lovely beachside suburb. The beach here (pictured above) is amazing with great facilities including changing rooms and some foodstalls. There is a grassy bank with a few shade-providing trees behind…
There’s more to Bundaberg than Rum
Bundaberg, or ‘Bundy’, as it is known colloquially, is a popular stop for working holiday makers based on the east coast. This is because of the abundant local fruit-picking opportunities to secure that essential 3 months rural work to apply for a visa to stay in Australia for a second year. But its not all farmers and fruit. Bundaberg Rum Bundaberg, not surprisingly, is the home of Bundaberg Rum, a dark rum made from molasses which are a by-product of sugar production, which is big business locally. The distinctive branding includes a polar bear, apparently indicating Bundaberg rum’s ability to ward off the winter chill. How much of a winter…
Pre-Trip Planning
Maybe I’m about to expose myself as a bit of a nerd here, but I quite enjoy planning trips. I like to be well prepared in general and travelling is no different. Still, I realise that to a lot of people planning and researching sounds dull, dull, dull. However, if you are going to make an extended trip I’d say that at least some organisation is essential to make the most of it. Don’t panic! This doesn’t need to be painful. Read on for my tips on how to efficiently plan your trip so that you can get on with something else. Money We’ve all heard the phrase ‘Money makes…
Best things to do around Jinja, Uganda
Jinja is a large town on the shores of Lake Victoria, to the East of Uganda’s bustling capital Kampala. It is a friendly place and known as the source of the Nile river. In recent years it has become a popular place for travellers to visit and there are many exciting activities on offer. Bujagali Bujagali, near Jinja, is a small unassuming settlement, but it is also Uganda’s adventure sports capital. Several operators offer whitewater rafting and kayaking activities here, on the Nile. I’m told it is one of the slower and safer parts of the river to raft on, but it still scared me too much frankly. Everyone who…
Great beach bars in Barbados
Dreaming of sipping that scrummy cocktail on the beach while watching a magnificent sunset? Dream no more. There are plenty of places to do this in Barbados. Here are my favourites. Carib Beach bar, Christchurch Carib’s open deck spills out onto a glorious beach of golden powder sand and gently lapping waves. It is a really friendly beach bar and popular with young families due to its location right on the beach. Good varied menu. A word of warning though. If driving, be careful your car doesn’t get stuck in the sand in the car park. Your rescue mission will be a very public one, with the whole bar watching! …
Top 10 things to do in South West Turkey
A visit to South West Turkey can be a relaxing beach holiday, a culture-vulture extravaganza, a sailing break, an adventure sports trip or a party every night, anything you want it to be basically. Here are some of the fantastic things on offer. 1. Sail Turkey’s Turquoise Coast Gulets are traditional wooden Turkish sailing boats (as pictured above). Several operators offer gulet cruises along Turkeys beautiful Turquoise coast. Popular routes include Fethiye to Olympos and Fethiye to Marmaris. Cruises can be as short as 1 day or as long as 2 weeks and are a wonderful way to relax and take in the scenery, as well as visiting many remote spots which…
