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Emma

Emma

Emma’s been reading, writing and dreaming about travel for over two decades. English by birth, Aussie at heart and Brazilian/Japanese by marriage, Emma needs little excuse to jump on a plane in search of adventure. When not writing about travel (or sampling it first hand!), Emma plays dress-up with her three-year-old daughter and teaches yoga in Melbourne, Australia.

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May242012

Kabuki Theater in Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Kabuki is a traditional form of theater that originated in the Edo Period (1603–1867) – a relatively peaceful time in which popular culture flourished. Unlike the older and more refined Japanese Noh theater, Kabuki was popularised by the lower classes who loved it for its universal themes of love, tragedy and conflict and its outrageously flamboyant costumes.

May232012

Budget Friendly Things To Do In Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

A trip to Melbourne needn’t make a dent in your budget. In fact, many of the city’s top attractions are free! On top of that we’ve got a whole list of wallet-friendly activities to enjoy:

May212012

Shopping in Sydney’s The Rocks

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Wandering the cobbled streets and laneways of The Rocks in Sydney and poking your head into specialty stores, boutiques and galleries is a relaxing way to enjoy a day’s shopping.

May182012

Wellington’s Cable Car Museum

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

Wellington’s Cable Car Museum tells the story of the city’s old cable cars that used to transport locals from the early 1900s to 1970.

May182012

Blue Water Country Music Festival in Port Stephens, Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

Popular vacation destination and dolphin watching center Port Stephens is hosting the Blue Water Country Music Festival the weekend of June 10-13.

May162012

Visit the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

The National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo is a large, rambling museum in Ueno Park that explores (in the main) the evolution of life on Earth. Its large themed displays, dinosaurs, and hands-on exhibits are a real hit with kids and its science and nature based exhibits are comprehensive and informative enough for adults to enjoy as well.

May162012

Explore Auckland’s Art Scene in Parnell Village

Travel Recommendation

Location: Auckland

My Recommendation Tip:

Almost every city in the world has a creative quarter and, in Auckland, that title goes to the suburb of Parnell. It is here that you will find Auckland’s biggest collection of galleries, boutiques, craft shops, and jewellers, as well as over 40 cafes, bars and restaurants.

May162012

Melbourne by Bike

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne’s many bike paths and relatively flat topography make it an easy city to travel around by bike.

May142012

Wine Tasting Trips Near Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Beautiful Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine growing region and lies just two hours north of Sydney.

May112012

Transcontinental Adventures on Australia’s The Ghan Railway

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

A trip on The Ghan through central Australia is considered one of the world’s great train journeys. Traveling between Adelaide in South Australia to Alice Springs in Central Australia and then onto Darwin in the Northern Territory, The Ghan travels almost 3,000 kilometers (1,850 miles) from one edge of the vast Australian continent to the other.

May102012

Tips for Visiting Mt Fuji

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

The snow-capped, cone-shaped image of Japan’s highest mountain, Mt Fuji is one of Japan’s most enduring symbols. Visible from Tokyo on a clear day, the mountain is surrounded by the lakes of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and stands at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet) above sea level.

May092012

Famous Foods to Try in New Zealand

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

Today’s most common New Zealand cuisine owes much to its British heritage. We’re talking stodgy staples such as fish and chips, meat pies, hamburgers and meals containing meat with two veg. There are, however, a few foods that are uniquely Kiwi, many of which have been around since New Zealand’s first settlers, the Maori, arrived. Here’s a list of some New Zealand’s best bites:

May092012

Free Museums in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Like most cities in the world, Melbourne has its share of museums covering art, history, culture and more; and many of the best ones won’t cost you a single dollar to enjoy. Here are just a few ideas for budget travelers who want to see the best fee museums in Melbourne.

May082012

Top 10 Romantic Things to Do in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

In Sydney there is plenty to do and see; with excitement all around, beautiful views and a never ending list of attractions, events and activities. With everything that Sydney has to offer, it may be overwhelming to try and find the best things to do with that special someone. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 romantic things to do in Sydney!

May082012

Top 10 Things to Do in Brisbane in the Fall

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

With daytime temperatures averaging around 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 degrees Farenheit), sub tropical Brisbane is at its most comfortable during the fall. While there are still many excellent museums and art galleries to visit, life in the city at this time is mostly happening outdoors.

May042012

Mother’s Day in Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

Mother’s Day in Australia falls on the same day as Mother’s Day in the US – the second Sunday in May. As we all know, many people mark this day as a chance to spoil their Mums, who typically receive cards, gifts or breakfast in bed as a token of love and appreciation of all the hard work that goes into being a mother!

May032012

Tokyo’s Oktoberfest in Hibiya

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Every year in May Tokyo hosts its own ‘Oktoberfest’ in Hibiya Park. Exactly why it’s held in May we’re not quite sure but the date anomaly does not stop thousands of Japanese and tourists heading down to Hibiya Park for ten days of drinking and merriment.

May032012

New Zealand’s Bluff Oyster Festival

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

The rustic, seaside, fishing town of Bluff at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island is gearing up for this year’s biggest event: the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, held every year in May.

May022012

Wine Tasting in the Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula is a just an hour’s drive from Melbourne and a popular getaway for weekenders, wine lovers, surfers and anyone looking to get out of the city for some downtime.

May012012

Whale Watching From Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

From May to December, whales are commonly sighted on their annual migration along the New South Wales coast and it is possible to see them up close from Sydney. Seeing whales up close is a bucket list activity for many people and those who have done it have described it as a deeply moving and a humbling experience.

Apr262012

Tai O Fishing Village – the Venice of Hong Kong

Travel Recommendation

Location: Hong Kong

My Recommendation Tip:

To visit the Tai O fishing village on Lantau Island is to see a way of life that has continued virtually unchanged for centuries. As a contrast to the steel and mirrored high rises of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, the modest buildings in Tai O stand on stilts in the water.

Apr262012

How to Get Around Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

The best way to get around Tokyo is via the very efficient train and subway system. The train station signage is bewildering at first but can actually be quite simply understood when armed with a few fundamental pieces of information.

Apr252012

Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Queen Victoria Market, or Vic Market as the locals call it, is a much-loved Melbourne institution. Known for its huge variety of fresh produce and specialty goods, this open-air market is always bustling with people, tourists and families looking to stock up on fresh produce or score a bargain at one of the many stalls and shops.

Apr242012

May in Japan: Traditional Annual Events

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

Japan is full of festivals, activities and events in during the month of May. If you plan on venturing to Japan, here are some traditional events that you won’t want to miss!

Apr232012

Madame Tussauds Opens in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Visitors to Sydney will soon be able to take advantage of a new attraction in the city – the famous waxwork museum, Madame Tussauds.

Apr202012

Should You Visit Uluru (Ayers Rock)?

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

To visit Australia and not visit Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be like bypassing London on a visit to England (excepting the fact that Uluru is Australia’s most recognisable natural icon, and about as far away from a big city as any great tourist attraction can get). So should you visit Uluru: yes!

Apr202012

Riding New Zealand’s Taieri Gorge Railway

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

Take an old-fashioned train journey through some of the South Island’s most spectacular scenery.

Based in the heritage town of Dunedin on the Otago Peninsula, the Taieri Gorge Railway is one of the main attractions in the region and gives visitors unparalleled access to the rugged and beautiful Taieri River Gorge.

Apr192012

Fashion and Fun in Tokyo’s Harajuku District

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

It’s Sunday in Japan and Harajuku (in central Tokyo) is the place to be. In a small area just outside Harajuku station and Yoyogi Park a crowd of eccentrically dressed young Japanese is gathering for the weekly freaky fashion show.

Apr182012

Your Guide to the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf

Travel Recommendation

Location: Auckland

My Recommendation Tip:

Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Islands harbor more than a few surprises. Make sure you arrange a day trip to at least one of these incredibly diverse and fascinating islands. Just don’t forget your ‘togs’ – your swimming gear, that is.

Apr182012

Viewing Melbourne from the Eureka Skydeck

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

For the best views of Melbourne head to the city’s tallest building – the Eureka Tower. Look skyward day or night from almost any vantage point in Melbourne and you won’t be able to miss its distinctive gold and red top towering impressively above all the other buildings.

Apr162012

Lights, Music and Ideas at Vivid Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Sydney’s Vivid Festival will once again flood the city with a multicolored canvas of light, music and ideas in late May 2012.

Ranked one of the Top Ten global ideas festivals by the UK’s Guardian newspaper, Vivid Sydney celebrates the world’s creative industries and is the biggest festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Apr132012

Wine Tasting in Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

Australian wine may not have an Old World reputation to call upon when spruiking its wines (all grapes were introduced from Europe and South Africa originally in the late 18th and early 19th centuries) but it is recognised the world over as a formidable player in the world’s wine market.

Apr112012

Melbourne’s Best Museums

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

With all of Melbourne’s natural beauty many visitors pack their itineraries with outdoor activities and adventures. One should keep in mind, however, that there is much to do and see indoors as well! That’s why we compiled this list of Melbourne’s best museums.

Apr112012

Skiing in New Zealand

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

Want to go skiing in New Zealand but not sure where to start? Here’s our guide to some of the best powder, scenery and slopes in the country.

Apr102012

Caxton Street Seafood and Wine Festival

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

It’s party time on Brisbane’s historic Caxton Street. Foodies, wine lovers, music fans and anyone looking for a fun day out heads to the Caxton Street Seafood and Wine Festival on May 6. Billed as Brisbane’s biggest street party, the festival is all about eating fresh seafood, listening to great music and hanging out with the locals.

Apr102012

Guilin’s Top Five Attractions

Travel Recommendation

Location: China

My Recommendation Tip:

Guilin is full of great places to visit and beautiful sights to see. If you make it to Guilin, here are 5 attractions that should definitely be on your itinerary!

Apr102012

ANZAC Day Events in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance held on April 25 to honor the Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in World War One. It is also a national holiday for all Australians. A number of events take place around the Sydney on this day.

Apr062012

Top 10 Crazy Adventure Sports in Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

Even the sky isn’t the limit when it comes to adrenaline pumping activities in Australia. All over the country you can throw yourself out of planes, fall off of cliffs, and be tossed around by the rivers and ocean. Crazy adventurers read on…

Apr052012

Day Trip from Tokyo: Seeing the Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Late March and early April are the best times to view cherry blossoms (Sakura) in Japan. While cherry blossoms can be seen all over Japan (including in Tokyo), Kyoto, with its ancient temples, is one of the prettiest spots to see Sakura. Kyoto is an easy day trip from Tokyo on the bullet train.

Apr052012

Lord of the Rings Fans: Tour the Landscapes of Middle-Earth in New Zealand

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

Fans of The Lord of Rings trilogy are eagerly anticipating filmmaker Peter Jackson’s next movie: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Adapted from the classic cult novel The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, it is set in Middle-earth (New Zealand) 60 years before The Lord of the Rings.

Apr042012

Yarra Valley Day Trips from Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

The rolling hills and vineyards of Melbourne’s Yarra Valley are just a one-hour drive from the city center. As Victoria’s largest wine growing region most visitors come here to taste the many wines on offer and enjoy a gourmet meal, but there’s plenty more to see and do here.

Apr022012

Sydney’s Art and Culture: Top Attractions

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Despite popular belief that there is no culture in Sydney (rumors reportedly spread by Sydney’s rival city, Melbourne), the city has a vibrant arts and culture scene that can be experienced in its many museums, galleries and theatres.

Mar302012

Top 5 Budget-Friendly Activities in Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

You can see much that Australia has to offer without burning too large a hole in your budget. In fact, many of the best activities – such as exploring Australia’s gorgeous coastline and beaches – are free! Here are our picks of the best valued activities in and around Australia’s major cities.

Mar302012

Balloons Over Waikato Hot Air Balloon Festival

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

For five days every autumn the Hamilton and Waikato region gears up for its annual Balloons over Waikato festival. Attracting balloonists from all over the world, the festival features dozens of hot air balloons in all shapes and sizes and is a great day out for families and anyone who wants to see these colorful balloons take flight.

Mar292012

A Traditional Tea Ceremony in Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

A traditional tea ceremony is a relaxing, meditative and uniquely Japanese experience. If you are thinking of attending a tea ceremony in Tokyo, it is helpful to understand some of the history and protocol associated with this ancient ritual.

Mar282012

Breweries and Brewery Tours in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne has so much to offer visitors that one may never tire of visiting this beautiful place! So if you feel like you’ve seen it all, then these unique tours and activities may be just right for you. You’ll get a taste of Melbourne’s beer culture, learn about the breweries, and of course, drink some beer!

Mar272012

Central Sydney Highlights: From Top Attractions to Hidden Gems

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

It’s hard to miss Sydney’s biggest attractions – just head to the harbour and there they are! But once you’ve seen the Opera House, Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, what’s next? We’ve broken down the city into points of interest in each area to help you navigate your way around Sydney’s best sights.

Mar222012

Top 10 Things To Do in Hong Kong

Travel Recommendation

Location: Hong Kong

My Recommendation Tip:

In Hong Kong there is so much to see and do that you may not know where to start! To help you out, below is a list of the top 10 things to do in Hong Kong.

Mar222012

Springtime in Tokyo: Top 10 Things to Do

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

If you’re going to be in Tokyo in the spring then you are in for some treats – 10 treats, to be exact! Below is a list of the top 10 things to do in spring in Tokyo:

Mar212012

Best Transportation Tips in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

There’s no denying it – Melbourne is a car-loving city. A past penchant for bungalows and outer suburban living means the city’s fringes sprawl for miles. Most visitors base themselves in the inner city, however, where getting around is fairly straightforward – as long as you can master the ticketing system!

Mar202012

April in Japan: Traditional Annual Events

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

The highlight in Japan in April has to be the visually stunning Takayama Festival (April 14-15) with its colorful, musical parade that features floats from the Edo Period. Read on for more traditional festivals during April.

Mar162012

Follow Your Nose: New Zealand’s Food and Wine Trail

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

From Hawke’s Bay in the North Island to Marlborough in the South Island, you can taste your way through three of New Zealand’s most significant wine regions and take in some of the country’s best scenery on the way.

Mar142012

Spring Events in Hong Kong

Travel Recommendation

Location: Hong Kong

My Recommendation Tip:

Hong Kong is bursting with big events in March and April. See the blooms at the Flower Show in Victoria Park, take in a premiere at the Film Festival, buy a work of art at the International Art Fair or watch the world’s rugby nations fight for supremacy in the Hong Kong Sevens rugby nations series.

Mar092012

One Year After the Tsunami: Why You Should Visit Japan Now

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

It hardly seems possible that it was a year ago that Japan experienced a major natural disaster: an earthquake and tsunami that wiped out entire communities along its eastern seaboard and triggered the meltdown of its Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Mar082012

Feel the Rush: 4 Exhilarating Activities in Queenstown

Travel Recommendation

Location: Queenstown

My Recommendation Tip:

Nestled snugly around the edges of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by snow-covered mountains, Queenstown attracts nearly two million visitors per year. Many come to relax and rejuvenate and enjoy Queenstown’s gorgeous natural setting, but the great majority of visitors come for seeking thrills and adventure.

Mar022012

Fraser Island: The Largest Sand Island in the World

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is one of Australia’s most incredible places and stands alongside natural icons such as Uluru, Kakadu National Park and the Great Barrier Reef as a unique and precious part of Australia’s heritage and ecology.

Mar012012

Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

Marlborough, in New Zealand’s South Island, is a region blessed with a temperate climate and plenty of sunshine – the perfect combination to produce some of the world’s best sauvignon blanc. But wine is not the only reason to come here; in fact, Marlborough’s natural attractions are an even bigger draw for most visitors.

Feb272012

Kangaroo Valley

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Just a two-hour scenic drive south of Sydney will bring you to a historic little township nestled between rainforest-strewn mountains. A National Trust-listed village, Kangaroo Valley takes its name from the native wildlife that is a feature of this area.

Feb222012

Top Festivals in Melbourne: March 2012

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne is the place to be in March as music, food and wine, sport, comedy and gardening are all represented in a range of fantastic festivals throughout the city.

Feb212012

Best Times for Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Timing is everything if you want to experience Japanese cherry trees in full-bloom.

Feb212012

Taste of Sydney 2012

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

It’s Sydney’s turn to host the scrumptious Taste Festival in March 2012. Catch all the action over four days at the beautiful Centennial Parklands near Oxford Street, Paddington.

Feb212012

Top Festivals and Customs in Guilin

Travel Recommendation

Location: China

My Recommendation Tip:

Home to many different ethnic minorities, Guilin plays host to a number of colorful festivals and traditions which highlight their unique cultures.

Feb172012

The Best of Broome

Travel Recommendation

Location: Broome

My Recommendation Tip:

Broome is a charming tropical town in the remote Kimberley region of Australia. Nestled on a peninsula and surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the town is a popular holiday destination for Aussies and visitors alike who come to enjoy balmy nights, beaches, hiking, art galleries, and fresh seafood.

Feb172012

Second Rare White Kiwi Born at Pukaha

Travel Recommendation

Location: North Island

My Recommendation Tip:

The world’s first white kiwi was born at the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre last May and, just before Christmas, she was joined by a sibling! Kiwis are nearly always brown in color, so the arrival of a pure white chick in May and another in December is an extremely rare occurrence.

Endemic to New Zealand, kiwis are flightless birds that have roamed the country for 70 million years. About the size of a chicken and looking rather like a small mammal, kiwis’ long beaks are the only beaks in the world to have nostrils at the end to help it sniff out its food in the undergrowth.

Feb152012

Explore Fukagawa

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

It may seem strange that al fresco drinking spaces were once a rare find in Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District), since the Australian city is so blessed with good weather. Thankfully those days are consigned to the warm chardonnay drinking times of old and the new cosmopolitan (with just a twist of lime) Melbourne can now hold its own when it comes to cool al fresco hang outs.

Feb132012

Sydney's Best Kept Secret

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

One of Australia’s most pristine islands is also the closest island getaway to Sydney. What is surprising is that only a few Australian’s are aware of its existence and even fewer have visited.

Feb102012

Top 3 Sites: Aboriginal Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Ayers Rock

My Recommendation Tip:

Are you looking to connect with and discover more about Australia’s original inhabitants? There are a number of ancient sites around the country with particular historical and spiritual significance to Australian Aborigines. Here’s our top three.

Feb082012

Melbourne's Top Coastal Spots

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

For many Melburnians, the New Year means only one thing: summer holidays. From late December onwards you can expect to see a steady stream of cars, many with surfboards, kayaks, bikes or caravans attached, hightailing it out of the city to one of Victoria’s divine coastal spots.

Feb082012

The Marlborough Wine and Food Festival

Travel Recommendation

Location: South Island

My Recommendation Tip:

The region that brought you one of the world’s best-loved Sauvignon Blancs is celebrating its wine and local produce at The Marlborough Wine and Food Festival on February 11, 2012.

Feb062012

Brisbane's Best Urban Green Spaces

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

February marks the last four weeks of the Australian summer and Sydneysiders are determined to make the most of it! Check out some of the events happening in Sydney, Australia this month.

Feb062012

Sapporo Snow Festival

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

Sapporo, in Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture is one of the country’s leading tourist destinations. One of Japan’s youngest cities, upon arrival you may notice that Sapporo’s grid system and layout is more familiar and less typically Japanese in style than Japan’s other cities. And that’s because it is.

Feb032012

Roadtrip in The Kimberley

Travel Recommendation

Location: Western Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

If you’re hankering for a slice of the ‘real’ Australia then the Kimberley region in the country’s remote northwest is a great place to start. Deep gorges, waterfalls, rivers, unique plants and animals and deserted roads that stretch for miles - the Kimberley is a place to truly feel at one with nature.

Feb022012

International Anime Fair in Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

For fans of Japanese animation, March means only one thing –The Tokyo International Anime Fair (TAF). Held annually at Odaiba’s Big Sight convention center in Tokyo Bay, it is one of the largest animation related events in the world.

Feb022012

International Art Festival at the Museum of New Zealand

Travel Recommendation

Location: Wellington

My Recommendation Tip:

It’s worth timing your trip to New Zealand’s capital to coincide with the NZ International Arts Festival. Taking place in Wellington from February 24 to March 18, 2012, the festival attracts artists and performers from all over the world and promises a three-week program chock full of the best in international arts and culture.

Wellington’s waterfront is this year being transformed into a new Festival hub. A giant multimedia artwork, First Contact 2012, will turn Te Papa into a huge moving canvas each night at dusk while on the foreshore you’ll find a vintage Big Top, a Spiegeltent and a Festival Club.

Feb012012

Top 3 Cycling Trails in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne is mostly flat and perfect for cycling. It’s a sprawling city with several bustling inner suburbs that are ideal for exploring by bike. Several bike tracks and trails run through the city and its surrounds, which provide a much safer and often more scenic alternative to jostling for position on the roads.

Jan302012

Sydney's best sights by neighborhood

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

It’s hard to miss Sydney’s biggest attractions – just head to the harbour and there they are! But once you’ve seen the Opera House, the harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, what’s next? We’ve broken down the city into points of interest in each area to help you navigate your way around Sydney’s best sights.

Jan262012

Daruma Doll Fairs in Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

If you are in Tokyo in January you may be wondering about the proliferation of rather funny looking eyeless dolls. Known as the Daruma doll, these dolls are believed to bring good luck and are typically bought in the New Year as people set their goals and aspirations for the year ahead.

Jan262012

Day Trip to Macau

Travel Recommendation

Location: Hong Kong

My Recommendation Tip:

Famous for its casinos and Portuguese architecture, Macau is only 65km (40mi) west of Hong Kong and can easily be visited on a day trip.
A former Portuguese colony, the city is an historic treasure trove full of fortresses, baroque churches, Art Deco buildings and cobbled alleyways. In fact, 22 of Macau’s historic buildings have been awarded World Heritage status. Most of Macau’s sights are clustered around the inner harbor, which makes exploration easy.

Jan242012

January in Japan

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

We like the sound of January in Japan. Known as mutsuki – the ‘month of harmony’, it’s a month and a new years resolution rolled into one! Here’s a list of the festivals and events happening around this time.

Jan232012

Public Transportation in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

As you might expect from any large city, there are numerous ways to get around Sydney. Here’s a few tips to help you navigate the public transport maze so you can spend more time sightseeing and less time waiting for a bus!

Jan202012

Special Summertime Events in Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Queensland

My Recommendation Tip:

To Queenslanders, summer means the beginning of the ‘wet’. Starting in December and finishing at the end of February, the wet season brings increased heat, humidity, rainfall and the occasional thunderstorm.

While Australia’s long stretches of golden coastline are still popular for tourists at this time (especially on the drier southern beaches), it is Queensland’s marine life that is really thriving. making this the best time to witness some incredible natural phenomena that takes place both in the water and on the beach.

Jan202012

Christchurch and Other Top South Island Destinations

Travel Recommendation

Location: Christchurch

My Recommendation Tip:

A series of earthquakes hit Christchurch, New Zealand in 2010 and 2011 causing widespread damage. While recovery is underway there are still parts of the center that are out of bounds to the general public while rebuilding takes place.
In order stay informed of the changes happening in the city, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism have set up a new blog to chart the city’s recovery

Jan182012

Public Art to See in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne’s public art displays are part of what makes the city such an exciting and vibrant place. Take a turn down an alleyway and discover a mural worthy of the best art gallery, walk among life-size sculptures and suddenly find yourself in the center of an art installation – all this and more is an essential part of this creative city’s heart.

Jan182012

Britomart, Auckland's New Darling

Travel Recommendation

Location: Auckland

My Recommendation Tip:

The Britomart heritage area in downtown Auckland has had fresh life breathed into it in recent years and now features some of Auckland’s coolest retail outlets, cafes and urban spaces.

Jan132012

Top 10 Attractions in Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

It may be predictable but when you fly as far as Australia you want to experience the country’s big hitters, right? Here are our pick of the bunch with a small tip – if you want to see the top attractions in each state, you’re either going to have to spend several weeks behind the wheel of a car or speed things up by flying.

Jan112012

Melbourne’s Best Shopping: CBD

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Shopping in the city used to consist of a few Australian novelty shops, a handful of surf shops and an excellent hatter. These days Melbourne’s shopping scene has a reputation for being international, unique and exciting. The central business district alone has enough shops to keep you busy for days. Here’s a few tips from a local to help you narrow your search in the city center.

Jan112012

Celebrate Summer in Wellington

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

It comes as no surprise to see that the biggest events on Wellington’s calendar are those with an artistic flavour. Having said that, however, you can’t be a true New Zealander if you don’t love rugby and the ‘International Sevens’ tournament is always an early sell-out with locals and tourists alike.

Jan102012

Brisbane’s Urban Villages (Part 2)

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

Not sure where to go in Brisbane? Read part two of our exploration of the city’s urban centers.

Jan092012

Tour Sydney’s Heritage Buildings and Architecture

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Sydney’s heritage buildings continue to stand the test of time. A wander around the historic ‘Rocks’ area to the west of Circular Quay will give you a small taste of the city’s history in brick and stone, but there is much more to see. Why not dig deeper and follow your own self-guided city heritage tour? Here are a few not-to-be-missed historic homes and buildings.

Jan092012

Surf Events in Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

Surfing has been synonymous with Australian culture since the late 60s and no matter what the weather or season you’ll see surfers bobbing on the water all around Australia’s coast. But late summer is when the country’s surfing action really heats up and everyone, from first-timers and grommets (young surfers) to old-timers and professionals, grabs a board and hits the waves.

Jan052012

Trekking to Milford Sound

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

New Zealand’s most celebrated walk, the Milford Track, is located in the southwest of the South Island in Fiordland.

Jan052012

Japanese Castles

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

The curlicue rooves of Japan’s castles is just one of the architectural features that makes theses buildings so impressive and admired. And yet beneath their beguiling wedding cake exteriors lies a world of history, intrigue, war, death and life that would surprise, delight and horrify you.

Jan042012

A Taste of Spain in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Multicultural Melbourne is truly a global city when it comes to food. A few short years ago, Spanish food and culture could only be found in a small pocket in Fitzroy, one of Melbourne’s fashionable inner suburbs. These days, the city’s best restaurants are smack bang in the middle of the Central Business District (CBD). Here are our pick of the best.

Jan032012

Best Waterside Dining in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Thanks to its natural good looks, harbour location and reputation for quality ingredients, Sydney is the city to enjoy a memorable meal with a view. From world class dining to Sydney’s best fish and chips, there are dozens of options to choose from. Here is our guide to waterside dining in Sydney.

Dec282011

Melbourne’s Best Shopping: Inner Suburbs

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

If you can’t quite handle Melbourne‘s city center, but are still on the search for that perfect gift or pair of shoes, then you should jump on a tram and explore the nearby shopping strips of Fitzroy, Carlton, Richmond, St. Kilda and Prahran.

Dec272011

Things To Do in New Zealand During Summer 2012

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

Key events in New Zealand this summer that you won’t want to miss!

Dec212011

Melbourne Markets

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne’s markets have come into their own in recent years with a resurgence of farmers’ markets and many inner suburbs operating their own markets that reflect their area’s unique character. Here’s our quick guide to markets in Melbourne.

Dec192011

Sydney Festival 2012

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Every January, Sydney celebrates summer in the city with three weeks packed full of performances, exhibitions and events. Attracting over 200,000 people to its first night alone, Sydney Festival is the top event on every Sydneysider’s calendar.

Dec152011

Kamakura: Top Picks in Temple Town

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Just an hour south of Tokyo on the coast lies the ancient city of Kamakura. Once an important political and religious center, Kamakura is now known for its proliferation of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines and the famous Amida Buddha statue at Kotoku-in. Here are our top five picks.

Dec142011

What’s on in Melbourne: December 2011 to January 2012

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne’s gearing up for some major sporting events over the coming months, including the Australia Open Tennis tournament that takes place in the last two weeks of January 2012. Non-sporty types won’t miss out, however, with two new exhibitions at Melbourne’s premier arts venues.

Dec132011

Nara’s Top Ten Sights

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

Less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka lies Japan’s first permanent capital Nara. Home to the country’s oldest and largest temples, Nara is bursting with ancient monasteries, Zen gardens and shrines. Here is our guide to the sights you won’t want to miss.

Dec122011

Eat and Drink In The Rocks

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Sydney is renowned for its superb restaurants, fresh local produce and fine dining, and The Rocks is the place to enjoy good food with a view! Here’s a small taste of some of the best restaurants, pubs and bars in The Rocks.

Dec092011

Top Things To Do in Wellington

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

New Zealand’s picturesque capital has plenty to keep you entertained. Pick a theme and dig deep into Wellington’s food, art and culture or adventure scene. Alternatively get a taste of the best with our top 7 things to do.

Dec092011

The Great Outdoors: Top Perth Picks

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

Sunny Perth is the capital of Western Australia. It’s a small and relaxed city that lays claim to some of Australia’s best beaches. And with almost year round glorious sunshine, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had. Here are our pick of the best places to spend your time outdoors.

Dec082011

Guide to Tokyo's Imperial Palace

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Built on the grounds of a former Edo Castle in central Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is the official residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.

Dec072011

Top 10 Things To Do in Auckland

Travel Recommendation

Location: Auckland

My Recommendation Tip:

New Zealand’s biggest city has plenty to keep you entertained. Once you’ve explored the city center and gaped in disbelief at the super yachts in the harbour, here are a few more ideas to give you a well-rounded Auckland experience.

Dec072011

Japanese Cuisine in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Looking for good Japanese in the city? Check out our list of Melbourne’s best Japanese eateries, from the terrifyingly expensive but worth it, Nobu, to the soul nourishing ‘fast food’ of Ramen Ya, there’s something to suit every kind of traveler.

Dec052011

Experience the Magic: Harry Potter comes to Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Australian fans of witchcraft and wizardry are thrilled about the recent opening of Harry Potter: The Exhibition at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum that debuted on November 19, 2011. The exhibition offers fans a first-hand look inside the wizard’s magical world and the opportunity to experience the sets, props and costumes from the much-loved Harry Potter movies.

Dec012011

Get Your Motor Running: The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

One of the world’s top motor shows takes place for the first time in Odaiba in December 2011. Previously held at Makuhari Messe, a commercial district just outside central Tokyo, this will be the first time the event has been held in Tokyo and on Odaiba, the city’s entertainment district and man-made island in Tokyo Bay.

Nov302011

Hike the Length of New Zealand Through the Te Araroa

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

The walking world is abuzz with the news that an amazing new trail will soon be open.

Nearly 40 years in the making, the idea for a New Zealand-long scenic trail was first dreamed up in the mid 70s by the NZ Walkways Commission and now that dream is about to come true. By the end of 2011, it will be possible to walk the entire length of New Zealand; from Cape Reinga in the North to Bluff in the South.

Nov302011

Bring in the New Year in Melbourne!

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

If you’re in Melbourne this New Year’s Eve you’ll be swept up in a sea of people (half a million to be exact!) who all flock to the city each year to see the incredible firework displays and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Nov292011

Brisbane's Urban Villages (Part 1)

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

Brisbane is so much more than its city-center. Described as a city of urban villages, Brisbane’s suburbs have taken on their own unique feel that reflects the personalities of the people who live, work and play there.

Nov282011

Essential Sydney: The Rocks

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

The Rocks is a buzzing area in central Sydney, just a short walk from Sydney Harbour Bridge and across from the Sydney Opera House.

Nov232011

Celebrate Melbourne Music Week

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne Music Week returns for the second year running from November 18 to 26, and has a redefined artistic direction and an inventive program that takes place right across the city.

Nov212011

Aboriginal Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Sydney’s Aboriginal culture and heritage is not immediately visible upon arrival in the city, having been almost completely wiped out during early European occupation. It has, however, found a new form of expression through Aboriginal art and cultural events throughout the city.

Nov172011

Sento 101 – Visiting a Japanese Bath House

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

For the Japanese, there is nothing more natural than sitting butt-naked with total strangers and having a good old scrub down before relaxing in a steaming hot bath. For Westerners, the whole concept may seem bizarre, confronting or just plain hilarious, but it really is worthwhile trying to put these perceptions to one side and allowing yourself to unabashedly take the plunge.

Nov152011

The Culinary Adventurer’s Guide to Japanese Food

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

Bony, squidgy, slimy and poisonous; anything goes in the weird and wonderful world of Japanese cuisine!

Nov142011

10 Free Things To Do in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Experience this beautiful city without blowing your budget. Here’s our Top 10 free Sydney experiences:

1. Enjoy two gorgeous coastal walks from Bondi to Coogee, and Manly to Spit.

2. Stroll over Sydney Harbour Bridge from the Rocks to Milsons Point.

Nov112011

Hit the Road: The Great Ocean Road

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

If you are looking to get out of the city and breathe some sea air into your lungs, you can’t go wrong with a trip down the Great Ocean Road.

Nov112011

South Island’s Top 10 (part 2)

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

The further south you travel in New Zealand, the more wild and wonderful it becomes.

1. Queenstown
Sitting pretty on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown’s cool climate and mountainous landscape make it the country’s premier adventure tourism destination. If you’ve ever wanted to try bungy-jumping, zorbing, canyon swinging or white water rafting, this is the place to do it.

Nov102011

Top Ten Ways to Experience Traditional Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

1. Food
Traditional Japanese food is still very much on the menu in Tokyo. We’re talking miso soup, plain rice, tofu, fish and tempura to name just a few. If you are happy to splurge, try kaiseki, a seasonal banquet or shojin cuisine, which arrived in Japan at the same time as Buddhism, 1,500 years ago.

Nov092011

Inner Suburbs of Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne is a sprawling city and its inner suburbs add their own unique flavor to the Melbourne mix. From the creative hipster suburbs of Fitzroy and Brunswick in the north to the flashier, well-groomed suburbs of the south and east, each neighborhood is an essential part of the city’s character. For a few gold coins you can jump on a tram or hire a bike and explore these areas for little to no cost.

Nov072011

Moreton Bay and Islands

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

The tropical islands of Moreton Bay lay just 25 kilometers from Brisbane’s city center. Sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by four sand islands, the bay is home to a wide variety of marine life, including the endangered and intriguing dugong.

Nov042011

Top Seven Convict Heritage Sites in Tasmania

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tasmania

My Recommendation Tip:

Tasmania’s shores saw the beginning of Australia’s white settlement. Originally known as Van Diemen’s Land, the colony was established in 1803 as a solution to overcrowding in British prisons. Out of the POMs’ (Prisoners of Her Majesty) hard labour came many great buildings and sites that can still be visited today.

Nov032011

The Best Museums in Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Exploring everything from Japan’s history and culture to anime, photography and the just plain bizarre is easy. There’s a museum in Tokyo that will inform, entertain and inspire you.

Ueno Park is a good place to start. There’s a wealth of museums here just a stone’s throw from each other, including the impressive Tokyo National Museum. We’ve listed our favourite museums according to interest:

Nov022011

North Island's Top 10 (part 2)

Travel Recommendation

Location: North Island

My Recommendation Tip:

Here’s the rest of our list of some the must-sees on New Zealand’s North Island.

Oct282011

South Island’s Top 10 (part 1)

Travel Recommendation

Location: South Island

My Recommendation Tip:

The South Island is all about getting back to nature, breathing fresh air into your lungs and celebrating the good things in life. Here’s our pick of the best experiences.

Oct262011

Letting it all hang out: Your Guide to Tokyo Onsen

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Bathhouses play an essential role in Japanese culture and are used extensively to wash, relax and socialize. No mere bathhouse can call itself an onsen (hot spring), however. Only baths containing water from a natural spring that gushes or is pumped at more than 25°C can lay claim to this title.

Oct262011

The 7 Best Diving Spots in Australia

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

Australia offers unique opportunities to explore the incredible diversity of life that lives in its surrounding ocean. In no other single country in the world can you dive with whale sharks and sea dragons and swim and snorkel along the world’s largest reef system.

So in a country as big as Australia, where do you start? Here’s our guide to the standout dive spots in each state.

Oct262011

Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Kids in Melbourne, well, they’re a little bit spoilt really. Spoilt for choice that is. With museums, parks, theatres, gardens and specially designed kids’ spaces and workshops, there’s plenty to keep the rug rats busy all year round! (And if all else fails, there’s always the beach…)

Oct212011

Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise

Tour / Activity

My Rating: 5 star rating: Highly Recommended

Location: Melbourne, Australia

My Review: I chose to go on the dinner cruise on a cold, winter evening. Probably not the season of choice for most diners, but the main deck of the boat was still almost full and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.... While I enjoyed the cruise, I think the experience would be enhanced during the warmer months of the year, particularly summer, when it doesn’t get dark until 9pm. That way, you can loll around on the boat’s upper deck between courses while enjoying the city sights in daylight and then see its twinkling lights on the way back.

Note from Viator: This review was written by Emma McMahon, who wrote a complete summary of the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise (with video!) on the Viator Travel Blog.

My Photos:

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Oct212011

Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour

Tour / Activity

Location: Melbourne, Australia

My Photos:

Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour

Oct202011

Hong Kong Islands: Lantau

Travel Recommendation

Location: Hong Kong

My Recommendation Tip:

Hong Kong is a territory of islands: 230 of them to be precise, and Lantau is the biggest of them all. With Hong Kong’s highest mountain, a rugged coastline and several pretty beaches, Lantau is a popular getaway for people looking to escape the gleaming high rises of Hong Kong and Kowloon.

Oct202011

Tokyo’s Best Tatami Sleeping Spots

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

If, like me, you’re fascinated with Japanese culture and enjoy the Japanese aesthetic, you can really make your visit special by staying in a ryokan, or traditionally styled accommodation.

Oct192011

The Best Places for High Tea in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Since the 1800s, ladies and gentlemen have been enjoying high tea in the afternoons. Until recently, sipping on earl grey and nibbling cucumber sandwiches was an activity reserved almost exclusively for the blue rinse set, but these days it may as well be known as iTea due to its rapidly growing popularity with a younger, trendier crowd.

Oct182011

Best Places in Central and Southern Japan to Experience Koyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

As the last of the summer heat begin to wane, Japan’s foliage undergoes its dramatic seasonal transformation. Through late November, a carpet of color spreads from the northern island of Hokkaido to the lower elevations of central and southern Japan.

Oct172011

Our Guide to Guilin Cuisine

Travel Recommendation

Location: China

My Recommendation Tip:

Guilin cuisine has been strongly influenced over the centuries by the food of its neighbouring provinces. Out of Canton, Sichuan, Hunan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Fujian cuisines, Cantonese and Sichuan dishes have proved the most enduring.

Oct172011

Sydney Harbour’s Top 5 Islands

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Fort Denison, Shark, Clark, Rodd, Goat and Cockatoo are all islands in Sydney Harbour. Easily accessed by ferry from the city center, these islands have great cultural and historical significance.

Oct142011

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Tasmania

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tasmania

My Recommendation Tip:

No trip to Australia would be complete without exploring ‘Tassie’. Being cut off from the Australian mainland has ensured that Tasmania has retained much of its old world charm. Here’s our Tasmanian Top 10.

Oct122011

The Top 6 Places to Indulge Your Passion for Fashion in Auckland

Travel Recommendation

Location: Auckland

My Recommendation Tip:

New Zealand’s fashion capital caters to shoppers of every budget. The key is knowing where to look! Here’s our quick guide to shopping in Auckland.

Oct122011

The Dandenong Ranges

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Less than an hour east of Melbourne‘s city centre lie lush mountain ranges known locally as the Dandenongs. Popular with day-trippers since the 1870s, these gently rolling hills and prettily named villages still have a touch of the Victorian about them, and are bursting with quaint cafes, tearooms, sweet shops and cozy pubs.

Oct112011

Fast Facts: Cairns and Tropical North Queensland

Travel Recommendation

Location: Cairns & the Tropical North

My Recommendation Tip:

When to visit:
Australia is popular over summer, which in the southern hemisphere starts in December and ends in late February. This is the best time to enjoy the famous Australian beaches along the south, east and west coasts and experience Aussie culture at its best.

Oct102011

The Best Family-Friendly Attractions of North Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Just across Sydney Harbour among the leafy green suburbs of Manly, Mosman and Milsons Point lie a few of the city’s best family-friendly attractions. Here’s our pick of the bunch.

Oct102011

Brisbane for Kids

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

Here are our picks for Brisbane‘s best attractions for families and kids.

Oct072011

The Best of Byron Bay

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

Byron Bay, just south of the Gold Coast on the east coast of Australia, has long attracted artists, surfers and hippies seeking a simpler, more laid-back lifestyle. They couldn’t keep Byron’s golden beaches, perfect surf and temperate weather all to themselves, however, and before long, the wealthy and sometimes famous caught on to the area’s divine natural beauty and richly forested hinterland.

Oct062011

Accommodation in Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Are you tempted by the idea of staying in a ryokan but are unsure of what to expect? Tokyo offers an array of accommodation options, from capsule hotels to temple lodgings. Here’s our guide to Japanese-style accommodation in Tokyo.

Oct052011

North Island’s Top 10 (part 1)

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

From North to South, here’s our list of some the must-sees on New Zealand’s North Island.

Oct052011

The Top 6 Free Things to Do in Melbourne

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

While Melbourne may have recently been voted the world’s most livable city, the surging Australian dollar means that travel here is no longer the bargain it used to be. Thankfully, many of the city’s most iconic attractions cost nothing. Here’s six of the best.

Oct032011

Chinese Tea Culture

Travel Recommendation

Location: China

My Recommendation Tip:

Teahouses can be found all over China, reflecting the importance of tea in Chinese culture. Tea drinking gained popularity in the Song Dynasty and before long, teahouses outnumbered restaurants in China. Often decorated with exquisite calligraphy, paintings and rare plants in order to attract clientele, teahouses prospered during the Ming and Qing dynasties and became an essential daily ritual for many Chinese people.

Oct032011

Top 5 Free Things to Do in Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Some of the best experiences in Tokyo don’t cost a dime. Here are our Top 5 free experiences in the neon city.

Oct032011

Beijing: The 4 Best Sights from China’s Imperial Past

Travel Recommendation

Location: Beijing

My Recommendation Tip:

Beijing is home to some of the finest treasures of China’s imperial past. The UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Forbidden City; the Temple of Heaven; the Summer Palace and the Great Wall are absolute must-sees for any visitor to China.

Sep282011

Melbourne Coffee Culture: Top Spots for Bean Lovers

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Make no mistake about it, Melbournians are mad about coffee. Consuming, on average, a whopping 2.4kgs of coffee per person per year, it’s no surprise that coffee has become a serious business here.

With cafes and coffee carts on every corner and discerning caffeine addicts seeking out the city’s very best latte, competition is high and skilled baristas are in big demand.

If you’re serious about your coffee too, check out my top coffee spots in Melbourne.

Sep262011

Crave Sydney International Food Festival

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Crave Sydney is a highlight on any food lovers calendar. Attracting famous foodies from around the world, Crave hijacks October with an entire month of food events across Sydney and regional NSW.

Like any grand feast, there’s a packed menu with feature events stealing the show. Here’s a taste of a few of them.

Sep222011

The Best Places in Tokyo for Kids

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Tokyo is not a city that immediately springs to mind when thinking of child-friendly places to take the kids. While parks and playgrounds may be thin on the ground in Tokyo, there’s plenty to keep the little people entertained.

Sep222011

Traditional Festivals in Hong Kong

Travel Recommendation

Location: Hong Kong

My Recommendation Tip:

Hong Kong‘s traditional festivals are colorful and noisy affairs. Fireworks, lion and dragon dancers, Chinese opera, mah jong, fortune-telling, carnivals and parades are all part of the unique festive atmosphere.

Two such festivals have recently been lauded in China’s national list of intangible cultural heritage.

Sep212011

Shanghai Food Specialities

Travel Recommendation

Location: Shanghai

My Recommendation Tip:

Shanghai cuisine, also known as Hu Cai, includes two styles – Benbang cuisine and Haipai cuisine.

Sep212011

Top 10 Melbourne Experiences

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

City-bound and not sure what to see? Here are our top 10 Melbourne experiences.

Sep202011

Kyoto’s Top 5 Sights

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

Kyoto has so many fabulous sights that deciding what to see can be quite overwhelming! While there are many wonderful temples, you’ll quickly become ‘templed-out’ if you try to see too many of them in too short a time. Here’s a hit list of my favorite sights.

Sep192011

Guilin by Season

Travel Recommendation

Location: China

My Recommendation Tip:

Famous for being one of the most picturesque areas in China, Guilin’s spectacular karst scenery is every travel photographer’s dream, and floating along the serene Li River as you gaze at the breathtaking vistas is a not-to-be missed experience.

Sep192011

Sydney’s 5 Best Day Trips

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

1. Blue Mountains
This World Heritage listed forest is only two hours west of Sydney. Its sandstone gorges and peaks are dense with eucalypts whose oil reacts with the air to create the distinct blue haze that gives these mountains their name. Standout attractions here include the Three Sisters rock formation, Leura village and the township of Katoomba.

Sep162011

New Zealand’s National Parks

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

New Zealand is a natural beauty in a world that is rapidly losing its looks. Its forests, mountains and beaches were here long before the islands indigenous inhabitants, the Maori, set foot on its soil and even longer before the arrival of Europeans.

With over 14 national parks throughout the country – three in the North Island and 10 in the South Island (the 14th is in tiny Stewart Island), each offers the visitor a unique experience of New Zealand’s flora and fauna.

Sep162011

Australia’s Best Natural Wonders

Travel Recommendation

Location: Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

We’ve all heard of Australia’s most famous natural icons such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef. Take a journey around Australia as we list some of the country’s not quite so well known natural wonders.

Sep152011

What’s on in Brisbane?

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

Brisbane Festival – until September 24

Brisbane Festival is in full swing this month with a packed program of international and Australian artists and productions. Celebrating and promoting the city’s artistic culture, there are free outdoor events, home grown productions and fringe theatre at every kind of venue across the city.

Sep152011

Get your game on at the Tokyo Game Show!

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

The Tokyo Game Show is one of the world’s biggest video game exhibitions. A highlight on every avid gamer and developers calendar, the show offers the chance for technology giants such as Sony, Microsoft and Sega to launch new products and shout about their latest innovations.

The show is open to the general public for two days only on September 17-18, 2011 at Makuhari Messe in the Chiba Prefecture (just outside central Tokyo). The exhibition is split into several different areas so you can focus your attention on the various sections without getting too lost. They are as follows.

Sep142011

What’s going on in Auckland

Travel Recommendation

Location: Auckland

My Recommendation Tip:

Auckland is at the center of the action during the Rugby World Cup 2011, and to celebrate the city is hosting a series of events as part of the REAL NZ festival. Here’s just a taste of some of the happenings around the city in September and October 2011.

Sep142011

Melbourne’s Main Events

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbournians love to party and thousands flock to the city every year to join in the fun. In mid-summer tennis fans descend on the city for the Australian Open. Fall, between March and May, is the busiest season for festivals with foodies, car racing nuts and gardeners well catered for. As the cooler weather breezes in, winter festivals encourage writers and film buffs to come out of the cold. Spring begins in earnest at the Spring Racing Carnival, where one sporting event (the Melbourne Cup) grabs the attention of the entire nation.

Sep122011

Sydney’s Top 4 Hidden Natural Attractions

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

If you’re a Sydney local, free time is rarely spent indoors. And living in a city so blessed with natural attractions and year-round sunshine, why wouldn’t you want to spend your time outdoors?

So when it’s too cool for the beach, where do Sydneysiders go? Here are a few not so well known natural attractions less than an hour from Sydney.

Sep092011

Yarra Valley Wine and Winery Tour from Melbourne

Tour / Activity

Location: Melbourne, Australia

My Photos:

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Sep092011

Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne

Tour / Activity

Location: Melbourne, Australia

My Photos:

Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne

Sep082011

Koyo - Autumn Colors in Tokyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Tokyo

My Recommendation Tip:

Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons to visit Japan and to see the country’s natural beauty at its best. Spring is of course cherry blossom season while autumn brings Kōyō (red leaves). Locals celebrate this event with viewing parties across Japan as the palette of the surrounding foliage changes from green to deep reds, rich gold and fiery orange.

The foliage begins to change from mid-September and remains colorful through to early December. Here’s a list of places in Tokyo to see the best displays.

Sep072011

Rugby World Cup brings excitement to New Zealand

Travel Recommendation

Location: New Zealand

My Recommendation Tip:

After the shock of February’s earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealanders could do with something to celebrate. It has come in the form of the Rugby World Cup, which is due to kick off in early September.

Many New Zealanders live and breathe rugby, so the chance to host this international event has gripped the country with excitement ever since the announcement back in 2005.

Sep072011

Melbourne’s Top 4 Hidden Treasures

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Melbourne’s arcades and laneways speak as much of the city’s past as they do of its future. From original Victorian arcades and specialty shops to fashion boutiques showcasing upcoming local designers, Melbourne’s most unique shopping experiences are not on the main drag. Let us take you on a walk through the city’s most popular laneways...

Sep072011

Shop 'til you drop: Top 4 Shopping Spots in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Forget shopping for souvenirs! Sydney’s the place for a splurge. From designer wares in hip boutiques to vintage clothing, historic arcades and local handicrafts at community markets, there’s a world of temptation beckoning you from every street corner. Find your way through the maze of consumer delights with our guide to the absolute best of Sydney shopping.

Sep022011

The Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway

Travel Recommendation

Location: Beijing

My Recommendation Tip:

Tickets for the new Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway have been selling like hot cakes. The 1,318-kilometer railway officially started operating on July 1 this year with promises to whisk passengers between the two cities in a little under five hours.

The new high-speed train route significantly eases the transportation strain and improves business communications between Beijing and Shanghai. Previously a journey between the two metropolises always involved air travel.

Aug312011

Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Festival

Travel Recommendation

Location: Hong Kong

My Recommendation Tip:

If you are visiting Hong Kong in the next couple of weeks, this colorful festival could be the highlight of your visit. For 11 days in early September the city comes alive with lantern displays, feasting and fire dragon dances in a celebration of harvest time and the brightest moon of the year.

Moon cakes are the ubiquitous festival snack. Made of ground lotus and sesame seed paste, egg-yolk and other ingredients, many locals can be found munching on them at The Peak come nightfall, as they light their lanterns at Hong Kong city’s highest point.

Aug302011

Best Places in Northern Japan to Experience Koyo

Travel Recommendation

Location: Japan

My Recommendation Tip:

Koyo (red leaves) spread like a colorful blanket from north to south Japan as the cooler fall weather sets in. Here’s our selection of the best places to experience the full beauty of Koyo in northern Japan.

Aug252011

What’s on in Melbourne?

Travel Recommendation

Location: Melbourne

My Recommendation Tip:

Spring is already in the air in Melbourne and the city is celebrating with several festivals and events.


Melbourne Writers Festival –25 Aug to 04 Sep 2011
Now in its 26th year, the Melbourne Writers Festival continues to celebrate the world of words with a packed festival program that takes place over 10 days in late August/early September. This year’s festival explores the future of media in a digital world by looking at the growing popularity of graphic novels. Keynote events include a chat and digital video performance by acclaimed local author and illustrator Shaun Tan and a discussion on autobiographical fiction by famous US novelist Jonathan Franzen.

Aug252011

Darwin Attractions

Travel Recommendation

Location: Darwin

My Recommendation Tip:

It’s easy to fall into a state tropical languor on a visit to Darwin but you must resist! So put down that cold drink and peel your butt out of that hammock, a whole swathe of attractions await.


Kakadu National Park
This incredible natural beauty is the reason why most people visit Australia’s Top End. Covering a staggering 4.2 million acres, Kakadu is of great significance to Australian Aborigines and supports a huge variety of plant and animal life. Its sandstone escarpments, life-giving waterholes and lily-strewn waterways can be explored on a day trip from Darwin but camping overnight is perhaps the best way to experience its true beauty.

Aug222011

Discover Sydney’s Inner Precincts

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Sydney is so much more than its stunning harbour, beaches, bridge and Opera House. To get to the real heart of the city you’ll need to explore its inner precincts. Like recalcitrant children, they all have distinct personalities and a flavor that is very much their own.

Manly: Hop on a ferry across the harbour to this laid-back seaside suburb. It buzzes with life on the weekend when locals hit the beaches or roller-blade along the promenade. Go surfing, hire a bike or visit Manly Ocean World.

Mosman: Also a short hop across the harbour, Mosman has pocket-sized beaches with Sydney’s best harbour views. Most visitors come to see one of Sydney’s biggest attractions: the award-winning Taronga Zoo.

Aug182011

The City of Hobart

Travel Recommendation

Location: Hobart

My Recommendation Tip:

Tasmania’s charming waterfront capital, Hobart, is close to many nearby attractions but also ‘harbors’ a few treasures of its own.

Make Salamanca Place the first stop on your Hobart itinerary. The honey-colored historic warehouses here date back to the whaling days of the 1830s but today preside over an altogether different scene. Salamanca Place is now the city’s cultural and artistic hub and it’s the place to find unique arts and crafts made by local artisans. Wander the galleries and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. If you’re there on a Saturday you’ll be able to browse for bargains at the lively Salamanca market.

Aug172011

10 Things to do on a rainy day in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Yes, it does occasionally rain in Sydney. Particularly in the winter months of June, July and August. My favorite ways to spend a rainy day in Sydney are as follows:

1. Art Gallery of New South Wales
Take in the largest permanent collection of Aboriginal art in the world – for free! You can even take the kids if you like.

2. Museum of Sydney
Learn about Sydney’s Aboriginal and European history and get a taste of the city’s contemporary culture through a series of changing exhibitions.

3. Opera House
A guided tour of the Opera House will take you behind the scenes of this iconic building (and out of the rain!).

Aug122011

The Northern Territory’s Top 10

Travel Recommendation

Location: Northern Territory

My Recommendation Tip:

From Darwin, Arnhem Land and Kakadu to Australia’s biggest natural icon, Ayers Rock, here’s a taster of the Northern territory’s top ten attractions.

1. Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Ayers Rock is a World Heritage Area and iconic Australian destination. A site of great spiritual significance for the local Anangu people, Ayers Rock wows visitors with its fabulous color changes during sunset and sunrise.

Aug092011

Cairns for Kids

Travel Recommendation

Location: Cairns & the Tropical North

My Recommendation Tip:

Central Cairns:

Cairns Lagoon
Cairns Lagoon on the Esplanade in central Cairns is a real drawcard for kids. This huge manmade pool is a safe saltwater swimming spot for kids (and their parents!) all year round.

Aug082011

What's on in Brisbane for July and August

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

Top 3 things to do in Brisbane this season:

1. Surrealism Exhibition
Where: Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art (QAG/GoMA), South Bank.
When: 11 Jun 2011 - 2 Oct 2011

GoMA is the only Australian venue to exhibit 'Surrealism: The Poetry of Dreams', a selection of surrealist works from the Musée national d'art moderne, Centre Pompidou, Paris.

This exhibition features more than 180 works by 56 artists, including paintings, sculptures, films, photographs, drawings and collages. Representing an opportunity to see important art works that rarely leave Paris, this exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the Surrealist movement and includes paintings and sculptures by surrealists Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Victor Brauner, Joan Miró, Alberto Giacometti, Max Ernst and Paul Delvaux.

Aug082011

Sydney's Top 5 Attractions

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

1. Sydney Harbor
This should be the first stop on any Sydney itinerary. A visit to the harbor will take in several of Sydney’s preeminent sights including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. Take a Sunset Dinner tour on the harbour to appreciate the city from the water.

2. The Sydney Opera House
Explore this iconic building from every possible angle! Take a guided tour for a greater insight into the day-to-day workings of the Opera House and then take in a performance (it’s not all Opera you know!).

Aug052011

Queensland

Travel Recommendation

Location: Queensland

My Recommendation Tip:

Now is the time to go!

In February 2011 a massive cyclone hit Queensland’s shores causing widespread damage across the state, including many popular tourism areas along the sunshine coast. After a fast and furious clean up campaign, Queensland has proudly announced that it’s back in business although a few things have changed… there are hardly any other travelers!

Aug012011

Shopping in Beijing

Travel Recommendation

Location: Beijing

My Recommendation Tip:

You can still find many traditional handicrafts in China’s bustling modern capital. Perhaps the best know are Cloisonné (a popular ancient metalworking technique), Ivory Carving, Lacquer and Jade. Other items that make good souvenirs include snuff bottles, artificial flowers, pearls and silk.

Aug012011

What's on in Sydney in August

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

As Sydney’s weather cools down, its culture gets hot! Check out these events if you’re in Sydney over the next few months.

Sydney Opera House
La boheme - Puccini Jul 12 to Oct 24
Don't miss the new production of Puccini's La boheme, the world's favorite opera!

The Merry Widow Aug 4 to Nov 11
Lehar's luscious score waltzes back in a new production brimming with ball gowns and fans, top hats and tails.

Jul292011

Beijing Festivals – July to September

Travel Recommendation

Location: Beijing

My Recommendation Tip:

Tanzhesi Temple Zen Tea Culture Festival – Jul. 7 to Sep. 10 2011
One of Beijing’s oldest and best-known temples, the Tanzhesi (or Tanzhe) Temple is holding a Zen Tea Culture Festival from July until early September. Aimed at promoting China’s traditional tea culture, visitors will be able to try the temple’s very own “Tanzhesi Zen Tea” and “Tanzhesi prime cake.”

Jul282011

Margaret River

Travel Recommendation

Location: Western Australia

My Recommendation Tip:

No trip to Western Australia (WA) is complete without visiting one of Australia’s most magical places. Margaret River, with its incredible coastline and year-round sunshine is WA’s prime surfing and wine growing region.

Jul252011

What's on in Sydney this month?

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Vivid Sydney (May 27 to June 13):
There’s a few more days left to catch the spectacular light installations on the city’s iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. 3D light installations are accompanied by music and creative events celebrating innovation and ideas. Viator can help secure you the best view while enjoying a meal at Sydney’s highest restaurant or on a sunset cruise of Sydney Harbour.

Jul252011

Messing About on the Water

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Messing about on the water is positively encouraged in Sydney and there’s no end of activities on offer to help you do just that. We dipped our toe in to bring you the best of the wet.

Jul202011

Buildings of the Bund

Travel Recommendation

Location: Shanghai

My Recommendation Tip:

A stroll along The Bund in Shanghai will reveal a rich mix of architectural styles that demonstrate the wealth and power of the foreign companies in China at the time.

Jul192011

Osaka: A Short History

Travel Recommendation

Location: Osaka

My Recommendation Tip:

Early beginnings: Osaka is centrally placed between busy river and sea routes and has therefore always been Japan’s gateway to the rest of the world.

Naniwazu Port, the predecessor to the modern port of Osaka, was where foreigners first touched the soil of ancient Japan in the 5th century bringing with them a whole swathe of knowledge and artifacts, including a new religion, Buddhism.

Jul182011

Traditional Festivals in China

Travel Recommendation

Location: China

My Recommendation Tip:

There are a number of traditional festivals in China, which fall at different times of the year depending on the lunar calendar. Each festival has its own unique origins and customs. The biggest and most popular events include the following:

Jul182011

Top 10 Things to Do in Sydney in the Winter

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

The northern hemispheres hottest months are of course the southern hemispheres coldest. While winters are generally mild and sunny in Sydney (the daily temperature rarely drops below 14 degrees) it’s certainly not bikini weather! So what is there to do in Australia’s beach-loving city from June to August? Plenty… We list the Top 10 Sydney winter experiences both in and out of the city.

Jul182011

Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)

Travel Recommendation

Location: Hobart

My Recommendation Tip:

The latest buzz to come out of Tasmania is the opening of a new museum in Hobart called MONA. The brain child of Australian multi-millionaire, David Walsh, who calls it his “subversive adult Disneyland”, MONA’s $75 million, three-level building showcases Walsh’s own eclectic collection.

Jul122011

Top 5 Attractions in Cairns and the Tropical North

Travel Recommendation

Location: Cairns & the Tropical North

My Recommendation Tip:

From Mission Beach just south of Cairns all the way up to Cape York and the Torres Strait, the tropical north offers a swathe of attractions ranging from beach bumming and spa pampering to diving and adrenaline-fueled white water rafting. With so much to choose from it can be tough making a decision about what to see and do. Here’s a Top 5 list of our favourite not-to-be-missed experiences.

Jul112011

Top 5 Best Beaches in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Set on a picturesque natural harbor, Sydney is blessed with over 37 beaches, most of them just a hop, skip and a jump away from the center of the busy city action. While it may seem all work in Sydney’s central business district, come five o’clock those office workers peel off their starched collars to reveal bikinis and board shorts and head straight for the beach.

Jul112011

Brisbane’s Top 5 City Lunch Spots

Travel Recommendation

Location: Brisbane

My Recommendation Tip:

Not content to lap at the heels of Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is fast becoming a sophisticated city known for its arts, festivals and food. As with most cities, it can be tricky finding that perfect lunch spot without some local knowledge. Luckily we have the knowledge… Here’s our list of some of the best value and most delicious places around town.

Jul082011

Top 5 Things to do in Sydney with Kids

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Sydney is a great family destination so if you’re traveling with kids you won’t struggle to find things to keep you all entertained. Here’s my pick of the best!

Jul072011

Top 5 Picnic Spots in Sydney

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

Blessed with warm weather and sunshine most of the year round, Sydney’s parks, gardens and beaches are perfect for picnicking. Here’s our pick of the bunch:

Jun302011

Chinese Eating Etiquette

Travel Recommendation

Location: China

My Recommendation Tip: Many of us know that sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is considered inauspicious, right? Well, when it comes to Chinese table manners that’s just the beginning. Here are a few things worth considering when eating in China.

Jun062011

Shopping in Shanghai

Travel Recommendation

Location: Shanghai

My Recommendation Tip:

Shanghai takes shopping seriously. Retail areas are divided into “Four Streets” and “Four Cities” so you can be sure that you have covered all possibilities. Store-lined Nanjing Road includes East Nanjing and West Nanjing Road and is famous for being one of China’s best shopping streets. Here you’ll find a mix of the old and the new, from centuries old shops to gleaming shopping centres.

May312011

Vivid Sydney Festival

Travel Recommendation

Location: Sydney

My Recommendation Tip:

If you are lucky enough to be in Sydney during beginning of June then you’re in for a treat, as the city’s iconic landmarks become a spectacular canvas of color and light during the Vivid Sydney festival.

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