Page 59 – A Brit and A Southerner

Dream Destinations – Rome

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Apr 21, 2014

After including a little Italian flavor to our Dream Destinations series with our feature on Pompeii, I think I have well and truly been given the bug to explore other locations throughout this beautiful country. Our next feature is the gorgeous capital city of Rome.

When you are thinking about European history, architectural genius and relaxing atmospheres many of you that have visited Rome will likely put this at the top of the list to meet each of these categories. Rome can undoubtedly be overwhelming to a first time visitor simply because there is just so much to do there and if you have any sort of time constraints, the most difficult task is establishing what to see and when to schedule it.

To provide a little assistance on the key attractions and landmarks in Rome, here are our top spots in the City of the Seven Hills.

Colosseum

Image courtesy of Bjarki Sigursveinsson (Self-photographed) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Roman Colosseum is probably the most famous landmark still standing from the Roman Empire. Constructed in AD 80, this impressive structure housed many gladiator fights and its unsurprising that this has been used so frequently in movie recreations of the Roman games. The Colosseum is located in the heart of piazza del Colosseo in the center of Rome.

Standing proudly above surrounding Roman streets, the Colosseum dominates the area that it resides. It is symbolic of the Roman empire in terms of its size purely representing the power of the Empire in addition to the architectural flamboyance that prevailed even thousands of years ago. Tours of the Colosseum today are available and I am sure that most first-time visitors to Rome will have this near the top of their bucket list.

Trevi Fountain

Image courtesy of Karelj (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Coined as the most famous fountain in the world, the Trevi Fountain is an extraordinary piece of Roman mastery. The largest Baroque fountain in the world, the Trevi Fountain is over 85 feet tall and shoots almost 3 million cubic feet of water every day!

Everything in the design of the Trevi Fountain is uniquely related to a story of Roman ancestry and of course for every visitor that throws a coin into this fountain, they are left with a guarantee that they will return to the beautiful city of Rome.

But do you know that there is a correct technique in throwing the coin into the fountain? Legend has it that you must throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder with your back to the fountain. Of course, a lot of money is thrown into the fountain but you will be pleased to know that all of the proceeds from this go to charity!

Roman Forum

Continuing the theme of Roman architecture simply because a visit to Rome for the first-time would not be the same without experiencing all of these great historic landmarks, the Roman Forum is another great example of brilliant infrastructure still standing from the Roman era. This plaza was the hub of the Roman Empire where everything relating to day to day business took place.

Just standing today in this location allows you to think about what daily life must have been like thousands of years ago and comparing to where we are today. It’s awesome how the architecture can still remain in place even after so many years and this is a credit to the design and brilliance of those that dedicated their time to constructing these masterpieces.

Stadio Olimpico

Image courtesy of Gaúcho (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Of course whenever I visit a new city, I am interested in seeing all of the historical buildings and attractions but at the same time I would love to see some of the more modern infrastructure, in particular those related to the sports teams/events in the area. Rome plays host to Lazio and AS Roma in the footballing world and both of these teams play their home matches at the impressive Stadio Olimpico stadium.

I think it would be really cool to do both a stadium tour here but also to watch one of these teams play a Serie A encounter ideally against each other but against any team would be a great experience.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Image courtesy of Giacomo della Porta [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

After taking a break from the history and seeing the beautiful Stadio Olimpico football stadium, let’s get back to what Rome is really about and discovering some more genius design with St. Peter’s Basilica. It is a Renaissance designed church and still remains as one of the largest throughout the world.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

Dream Destinations – Quebec City

Chris Boothman

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Apr 19, 2014

24

If you have been fortunate enough to visit Canada, you will know that there are a myriad of gorgeous locations throughout this country. In 2013 we visited Toronto and Niagara Falls for the first time which was an amazing experience so moving forward we are excited about exploring more of what Canada has to offer.

Next up on our agenda of Dream Destinations features Quebec City where we are currently planning on visiting in May 2014 over the Memorial Day weekend. Road tripping through the New England states into Canada and up to Quebec City is our tentative plan but with so many awesome attractions there, we would be crazy not to at least try and follow through with this.

Here are some of the top attractions and things to see in Quebec City that we are particularly excited about visiting.

Montmorency Falls

Image courtesy of Marc Bélanger [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Of course Canada will always be famous for having part of Niagara Falls but don’t think there are not other spectacular waterfalls throughout this beautiful country. Quebec City plays host to Montmorency Falls which is a large waterfall a few miles outside of the old city center.

These falls are about 275 feet tall and there are ample observation towers, bridges and other exhilarating viewpoints along the way allowing for visitors to capture some amazing photographs of treasured memories.

Le Château Frontenac

Image courtesy of Hurteau, Paul ; Parent, Claude [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons

It’s rare that a hotel will feature on top attractions in a Dream Destination but the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is one of the finest hotels in Canada and likely throughout North America. With such grandeur filling both the exterior and interior, it is no surprise that this landmark was designated as a National Historic site of Canada in 1980.

With breathtaking views of old Quebec City available from this hotel, it is certainly a sought after accommodation for the rich. Just as an additional note, my research suggests that Le Château Frontenac is actually pretty reasonably priced for this type of hotel so this will certainly be on our radar whenever we head to Quebec City in May 2014.

Old Quebec

Image courtesy of Guilhermeduartegarcia (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Old Quebec is a historic part of Quebec City and is unsurprisingly categorized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Two of the main attractions in this historic neighborhood are the Citadel and Fortifications of Quebec which provide a unique military history of this city.

Much of the French influence can be seen in this part of the city also, with much of the architecture following the French design in particular with the cathedrals, museums and fine dining options.

The Battlefields Park

Image courtesy of Skarg at en.wikipedia [CC-BY-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons

Every city around the world seems to have a relaxation spot. Take Central Park in New York City and Hyde Park in London for example, well Quebec City is no different and their unique hub is The Battlefields Park. However, there is so much more to this park in terms of overall history and background in comparison to the two aforementioned examples.

This was the site of many ferocious battles between the French and British in the late 18th Century but nowadays is common ground for locals and tourists alike to take a few moments away from the city life and grab some lunch or just wind down after a long day.

Quartier du Petit Champlain

Image courtesy of Jeangagnon (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you want a spot in Quebec City that reminds you of a stereotypical French village by the coast, check out the Quartier du Petit Champlain which offers a plethora of local shops, museums and local cuisine. Many of the locally owned shops sell home-made crafts or local food which is a great way to grab a cherished memory from your trip to Quebec City.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

Dream Destinations – Pompeii

Chris Boothman

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Apr 18, 2014

13

It’s time to take a slightly different approach with our next Dream Destination as we want to head to mainland Europe and visit the historic city of Pompeii. I am sure many folks reading this will be more familiar with Pompeii because of the recent release of the movie that highlights the historic and tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that saw Pompeii literally flattened and buried under a mass of ash and debris.

But to add a little extra twist to this, what exactly do you know about this cultural hub in Italy and the attractions that lead thousands of visitors to exploring this beautiful location?

Here are some of the key landmarks worth exploring if you are fortunate enough to travel to Pompeii.

Mount Vesuvius

Image courtesy of Dommaria (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Let’s start with the most obvious of them all – Mount Vesuvius. Located in the Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius stands as the only active volcano in mainland Europe and is most infamous for the eruption in AD 79. A tour of Vesuvius is available and I am sure this is a really cool experience even if this is more of a hiking trail to the Vesuvius Crater. If you are fortunate enough to take this tour during good weather, you will be left astonished by the amazing views of the crater but all too frequently the views are marred by the weather conditions, leaving visitors with an eerie memory of what occurred thousands of years ago.

Amphitheatre of Pompeii

Image courtesy of Mosborne01 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

The oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre is located in the heart of Pompeii and is simply known as the Ampitheatre of Pompeii. Whenever you see such a historic landmark as this beautiful ampitheatre you are left gazing down at a plethora of history. Just think about standing there and overlooking this magnificent piece of architecture, closing your eyes and pondering those Roman soldiers fighting for their lives during the heat of battle.

Unlike other Roman amphitheatres constructed around this time period (believed to have been constructed in BC 80), the one in Pompeii does not have an underground section. Does this have any real significance? Well, you could maybe consider that the Romans felt ‘safer’ in Pompeii therefore didn’t need to have such underground tunnels and sections available to have a secure location but maybe there was just something more simple behind this approach – we can all use our imagination here!

Temple of Apollo

Image courtesy of Lord Pheasant at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

One of the oldest landmarks still remaining in Pompeii is the Temple of Apollo which is definitely a piece of architecture worth exploring. Of course when visiting Pompeii it is difficult to choose exactly which of the historic landmarks you want to visit and everyone will have very different reasons for exploring each one.

The House of the Faun

Image courtesy of Dave & Margie Hill / Kleerup from Centennial, CO, USA (House of the Faun Uploaded by Marcus Cyron) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Historically one of the most lucrative private residences in Pompeii, the House of the Faun is commonly referred to as this because of the dancing statue stood outside the front of this residence. It was one of the largest and most richly decorated houses during the Roman period and is undoubtedly a true representation of the aristocratic life in not only Pompeii but of ancient Rome.

Thousands of visitors flock here to not only see the remains of the house but of the beautifully designed mosaics that are still present on the floors to this day in certain spots along with others that have been transferred to the National Museum in nearby Naples.

Pompeii Sanctuary

Image courtesy of By Velvet (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The Pompeii Sanctuary was constructed towards the latter end of the 19th Century and was funded by donations from millions of patriotic believers from around the world. Modernization and expansion has taken place since this original design but even with this on certain days of the year this iconic basilica still cannot hold the large numbers that flock here.

Also referred to as specifically the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Rosary, this landmark is a must-see because it covers over 2000 years of history that can be seen in the exhibition area of the sanctuary.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

Interview – Brian and Noelle (Wandering On)

Interviews

Chris Boothman

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Apr 18, 2014

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Interview – Brian and Noelle (Wandering On)

We have been very fortunate throughout our interview series to get to know a bunch of great folks from all corners of the globe. Today’s featured couple are no different and we are delighted to welcome Brian and Noelle of from Wandering On. Please feel free to comment, ask questions and connect with Brian and Noelle using their various social media fronts listed below.

We would like to give a special THANK YOU to our wandering couple for taking time to interview with us!

Intro: We are Brian and Noelle, an Irish couple, Brian from Cork and Noelle from Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Our travel blog is WanderingOn.com where we share our travel tips, photos, videos and stories from the road.

Website: WanderingOn.com

Social Media:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WanderingOn
Twitter – https://twitter.com/wanderingon_bn
Instagram – http://instagram.com/wanderingon
YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/user/wanderingonbn
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/+Wanderingon/posts
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/wanderingon/
StumbleUpon – http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/wandering-on

What is your favorite aspect of traveling and if you are a travel blogger, why did you decide to create your website?

Our favourite thing about travel is the freedom and all the new things you get to experience; new people, new places, new cultures, new languages, new food and so on. We love change and variety in our life and that’s one of the reasons why travel is so appealing to us.

We started our blog originally as a way for family and friends to keep up to date with where we were and what we were doing. It also served as a personal record of our journey, something nice to look back at when we’re old and grey!

How many continents have you visited?

Four

How many countries have you visited?

21-30

What is your favorite destination in the world and why?

That’s a really tough question. We’ve been to a lot of amazing places and each has been amazing for it’s own individual reasons. India would probably take the prize for that one if we had to choose. Mostly for it’s diversity but also for its random mad moments. There are not too many places in the world where you can be walking through a crowded street dodging people, vehichles and cows and an elephant will just nonchalantly go strolling by.

We were waiting for a bus in Hyderabad and a guy on a camel went strolling by. Pure and utter random madness but we loved it! Of course the food is just another string to India’s bow, just the street food alone is incredible and usually much better than what you get in any restaurant. Ya, India is a cool country.

If money/time was no object and you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you travel to and why?

This question is a killer! The honest truth is we want to go everywhere and that is our plan. We know it can kind sound of cliched to say it but we really do want to visit as many countries in the world as we can and we’re trying to make that dream a reality.

If time/money was no object we would probably choose an expensive place rather than a cheaper option. After a lot of thought, we think it would be Bhutan. We would both absolutely love to go there but the fact that you have to spend a minimum of $250 per day puts it way outside our price range. Quick, next question before we change our minds!

Which of the following gadgets do you take on your travels?

Laptop, Phone and Camera

What is your preferred method of transport?

Whatever will get us to where we’re going really. If travelling by land we would prefer train over bus but we have taken 17hour buses before without any problems. If we are travelling long distance then plane. If we were seeing a city then by foot or bicycle. Travelling by car/van yourself is a great way to explore a country too. It really depends on the situation. 🙂

Complete the following, “Everywhere I go, I visit….”

Everywhere we go, we visit a restaurant. We definitely enjoy our food and love to try the local food wherever we are.

Here is your chance to sell yourself and your website! Tell us some more information about yourself, what your travel philosophies & future plans are and anything else that people may find interesting to read about…

Our website WanderingOn.com is about all things travel. We share travel tips, photos, videos, interviews with other travellers and of course our own travel experiences.

Our travel philosophy is to travel slowly and take our time in a place. We enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of places we visit rather than flying through on a quick tour. This gives us more time to learn about a country, it’s people and it’s culture and that’s really important to us.

Right now, we are living in South Korea teaching English for the next five months and then we’re hitting the road again! We’re really excited about packing our bags again. Our (very loose) plan for now is to go to Tokyo and Mt. Fuji in Japan then Taiwan and onto South East Asia. We want to spend about a month in Cambodia and Laos, a few weeks around Northern Vietnam and then maybe another month in Myanmar. After that, we don’t really know what’s going to happen but that’s all part of the adventure and we can’t wait to see what how it pans out.

Dream Destinations – Orlando

Chris Boothman

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Apr 17, 2014

7

For many visitors outside of the United States, the ultimate relaxation spot for them is Florida. Of course this is justified because of a variety of reasons. Florida plays host to some of the most beautiful beaches throughout USA, cities such as Miami and Tampa are attractive tourist destinations and then you have Key West which is the stereotypical end of USA due to it’s proximity to Cuba.

Beyond all of these great locations there is one more spot which likely supersedes all of these when it comes to the first destination that you think about when you hear Florida – the city of Orlando. It’s pretty obvious the main reason why this is so popular given that it is home to the Walt Disney World Resort. But Orlando is not just about Disney World as there are many other attractions that make this such a lucrative location for visitors from around the world. Here are some of the top reasons for visiting Orlando.

Walt Disney World

Image courtesy of Jrobertiko (Denis Adriana Macias) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Do you have kids and want to find the ultimate spot that will leave them in awe at the amazing attractions and adventures that take place in Walt Disney World? Even if the answer to this question is no, Walt Disney World offers so much more than many people fail to realize. It is NOT just for kids but one thing that it will do is take you back to your childhood memories and provide you with a moment of joy as you walk around the various parks on offer here.

I have read a variety of reviews from people that have visited the different parks, ranging from probably the most famous Magic Kingdom Park to Epcot. If you are an aspiring world traveler, you will likely be very interested in experiencing the World Showcase at Epcot which shares with guests the cultures and cuisines of eleven countries around the world.

Gatorland

Image courtesy of Bobak at en.wikipedia [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons

If you haven’t already had enough fun after experiencing Walt Disney World, head on over to the world famous Gatorland which houses thousands of crocodiles and alligators. Here you can see some of the world’s largest gators but if you are too feared by these predators, you can still have a great time by checking out an aviary, petting zoo and a selection of panthers local to the Florida region.

Bok Tower Gardens

Image courtesy of Ebyabe (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

One of Florida’s best kept secrets but most beautiful attractions, Bok Tower Gardens is a hub of natural beauty. Filled with acres of gorgeous landscapes and floral beauty, these gardens are frequently voted as Florida’s finest. If you have any interest in art-deco architecture, the bell tower that stands proudly at the heart of Bok Tower Gardens rings every half hours providing a relaxing ambiance to the thousands of daily visitors that arrive here for pure relaxation.

International Drive

Image courtesy of IDriveDistrict (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Orlando’s destination for some of the world’s greatest theme parks, finest dining options, myriad of shopping outlets and much more, International Drive is a great spot to enjoy some of Orlando’s finest attractions. Commonly known as I-Drive, this Orlando strip serves a similar purpose to ‘The Strip’ in Las Vegas as a core attraction for tourism.

The local authorities are constantly making improvements to I-Drive and if you can wait until 2015, there is a brand new entertainment complex being constructed containing ‘The Orlando Eye’, a Madame Tussauds waxwork museum and SeaLife Aquarium.

Lake Eola Park

Image courtesy of David Akers [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Continuing with the natural beauty within the Orlando region, Lake Eola Park is located at the heart of the city’s central business district and provides a relaxing spot for locals and tourists to have lunch or take a few minutes before heading back to the hectic city lifestyle. A gorgeous fountain and graceful swan boats are key features of Lake Eola ensuring that anyone visiting this park have a memorable experience.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

Dream Destinations – New Zealand

Chris Boothman

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Apr 16, 2014

32

After a series of very diverse locations around the world that have their very own characteristics to warrant being classified as a Dream Destination, I have finally arrived at my ultimate dream location that I simply cannot wait to visit and explore further – the gorgeous islands of New Zealand. Situated in the heart of Oceania in relative close proximity to Australia, New Zealand is an attractive destination for many reasons, none more so than the beautiful scenery and landscapes that the natural terrain offers.

We are hoping to visit New Zealand at the end of 2014 so hopefully we will be in a better position to truly confirm that this is the ultimate in Dream Destinations. Here are some of the key attractions and locations we are really excited about visiting, hopefully in the not too distant future!

Milford Sound

Image courtesy of http://upload.wikimedia.org/

Located towards the southernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island, Milford Sound is a spectacular fjord emphasizing the true natural beauty throughout this country. For many visitors, it is difficult to understand and visualize that this fjord was actually carved out by the path of a glacier but it is a must see for anyone visiting New Zealand.

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound provides an iconic symbol for New Zealand and with waterfalls cascading down the sides of the fjord, it is a gorgeous sight in all weather.

Tongariro National Park

Continuing the spectacular natural landscapes in New Zealand, Tongariro National Park offers visitors with gorgeous scenery and a perfect opportunity to get out and start exploring the heart of the Kiwi land. This national park was established in the late 19th century and is one of the world’s oldest. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its Maori cultural and spiritual associations along with the fascinating volcanic formations that are present here.

Tongariro National Park is located in the center of the North Island so visitors opting to see both here and Milford Sound will have a spectacular trek between the two beautiful attractions.

Waiheke Island

One of the most amazing experiences in New Zealand is to go on a wine tasting tour of Waiheke Island which is located just a short forty minute ferry ride from Auckland. Waiheke is home to a gorgeous array of vineyards that produce high quality wines and sampling some of New Zealand’s finest would be a real treat for anyone interested in wine-tasting.

Not only can you sample this amazing wine but you can do so with fascinating beach and other scenic views of the surrounding regions. What could be better than sipping a glass of New Zealand’s finest red wine and watching the sunset fading in the gorgeous backdrop!

Auckland

After spending some time on Waiheke Island, why not head back to Auckland and experience some of the attractions in one of New Zealand’s leading cities. Key attractions include the Sky Tower, Auckland War Memorial Museum and Auckland Harbour Bridge and each one are uniquely catered to reflect the Kiwi image in one way or another.

The Viaduct Harbour plays host to some of New Zealand’s finest restaurants and shopping experiences so this is a spot worth exploring if you want to find something local to New Zealand both in terms of fine cuisine and a memorable local souvenir.

Bay of Islands

If you really want to experience New Zealand, take a trip north to the gorgeous Bay of Islands where you can really enjoy beach and water activities. It is a subtropical region known for its stunning beauty & history, and is an ultimate spot for relaxation after spending so much time exploring the rest of the North and South Islands.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

Dream Destinations – Melbourne

Chris Boothman

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Apr 15, 2014

33

After visiting Australia at the end of 2012 and having an amazing experience there, we really want to go back and explore further. Our experience was restricted to the Eastern coast (Brisbane, Gold Coast and a day trip to Sydney) and the first place I would love to see when we return next time is the gorgeous city of Melbourne.

Despite being such a large country, much of Australia’s population is located around the coastal regions. Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and is the second most populous city throughout the Land of Oz. With that being said, there are obviously plenty of amazing attractions here that folks from all corners of the globe flock to visit. Here are some of the top reasons for visiting this beautiful location.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

MCG — Image courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/

I am going to start out with one of the most famous stadiums in the world of cricket, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Even if you have no interest or have no clue about cricket, the MCG is an iconic landmark in Melbourne and certainly worth exploring. Tours of the stadium are available and provide visitors with the opportunity to relive their great sporting memories through a comprehensive tour of this beautiful stadium.

Of course, the ultimate dream for a cricket fan would be to see an Ashes contest between Australia and England but given that this only takes place every few years at the MCG, you would need to time your visit around the Ashes schedule.

The Australian Open

Melbourne Park — Image courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/

Another of my dreams is to visit all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and having already experienced Wimbledon, I think a visit to the Australian Open in Melbourne would be amazing. Held at the Melbourne Park tennis center, watching some of the world’s tennis legends participating in the opening Grand Slam of the year would be really cool.

I know that the temperatures get a little toasty in January (heart of Australian summer!) but I am sure it would be worthwhile to see the likes of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic in action.

Eureka Tower

When you love visiting skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, you are attracted to finding these when exploring a new city. Melbourne plays host to Eureka Tower, commonly known as Eureka Skydeck 88 which provides awe inspiring views of Melbourne city center and surrounding areas.

Standing at just under 1000 ft, it is not one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers but what it does offer are memorable views and experiences both on the glass deck ‘Edge’ and ‘Outside Terrace’.

Great Ocean Road

A trip to Melbourne wouldn’t be the same without taking some time to experience the Great Ocean Road which is often acclaimed as one of the world’s most gorgeous drives, and clearly with reason. Stretching over 240km, this stretch of road takes in beautiful Australian coastline with the iconic Twelve Apostles one of the key highlights along this route.

The Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly one of the most photographed areas in Australia, primarily because of the gorgeous marine and rock formations along the route but also because it is so ‘visitor friendly’ with plenty of spots to take a memorable shot.

Phillip Island

Another great day trip or short break within close proximity is Phillip Island which plays host to thousands of penguins which are an immediate tourist attraction. Of course there are plenty of other things to do on the island including exploring a Koala Conservation Centre and various hiking trails around the island that provide breathtaking scenery of the shoreline and beyond.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

Giveaway Celebrating 1000 LIKES

Giveaways

Chris Boothman

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Apr 14, 2014

33

To celebrate our recent achievement of 1000 Facebook LIKES, we are delighted to announce our first official giveaway opportunity to all our followers around the world. The rules are pretty simple if you would like a chance to win a great prize which will be very beneficial for both traveling and everyday life.

The Rules

1. Eligibility – Giveaways are open to readers with valid shipping addresses only, unless otherwise stated.

2. How to Enter – Entries will be made using the generator below.

There are 4 ways you can gain entries into this giveaway:

a) LIKE our Facebook page.

b) FOLLOW us on Twitter.

c) TWEET the following message about this giveaway – I am participating in the Wenger Swiss Gear Backpack Giveaway by @ABritSoutherner #travel #ttot

d) COMMENT on this blog answering a specific question.

3. Entry Deadline – The deadline for this contest is 12:00AM (Eastern Time US & Canada) on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. All entries for giveaways through this site must be received on or before the given “Entry Deadline Date” to be eligible to win a prize.

4. Winner Selection and Notification – A winner will be randomly generated from all the entries. The winner will be notified within three (3) days of the giveaway deadline date. The winner MUST respond within three (3) days after that confirming their acceptance of the prize and providing a mailing address.

The Prize

As avid travelers and technology lovers, we all know that it is imperative that we keep our gadgets with us at all times. Have you ever been traveling and wondered what was the best way to carry around your iPad, laptop and all those cables? Well, you don’t need to worry any longer as our amazing giveaway prize will relieve all of these concerns!

The Swiss Gear Lightweight Backpack is a great way to keep all those travel essentials with you in a perfectly sized travel companion. Here are some of the key components of this great backpack:

Shoulder Strap System – Ergonomically designed with added padding for comfort and control.
Water Bottle Pocket – Features a great side pocket to secure various size water bottles.
Audio Interface – Inside pocket to hold most iPods, iPhones or other MP3 players.
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Padded Laptop Sleeve – Probably the most important aspect of any modern day backpack.

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Dream Destinations – Luxembourg

Chris Boothman

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Apr 14, 2014

25

We are heading back to Europe for our next featured Dream Destination with the small yet beautiful country of Luxembourg. Landlocked by Belgium, France and Germany, Luxembourg rarely features in European tourism guides purely because of its geographical location among these other powerhouse nations. However, whenever you do some research on this country, you will see that there are plenty of attractions warranting a trip here at least for a few days to sample the beauty for yourself.

Most people who do take the time to visit Luxembourg only do so for a day or two given its small size, but please don’t let this convince you that there are only few things to do there. Here are just some of the top attractions worth exploring in Luxembourg.

Casemates du Bock

The Casemates du Bock are a series of defensive passageways that has helped Luxembourg gain a reputation of having serious military prowess despite it’s minnow size in comparison to surrounding nations. The first tunnels to this underground network adjacent to the castle built in by Count Siegfried, were developed in the mid-17th Century. They are well worth a visit by tourists and provide a unique look into Luxembourg’s deep history. Even if you suffer from a little claustrophobia, this is still an experience worth fighting that fear because you will learn a lot for only a small cost (3 Euros).

Pont Adolphe

Pont Adolphe translated as Adolphe Bridge is an arch bridge in Luxembourg City, capital of Luxembourg. Constructed at the end of the 19th Century, this iconic structure provides a symbolic representation of the country’s independence. It has certainly become one of the main tourist attractions throughout Luxembourg and standing on the bridge provides scenic views overlooking the capital and surrounding areas. The bridge is very photogenic from the city and from the delightfully manicured park underneath.

Viaduc (Passerelle)

Surrounding Luxembourg City are the Casemates du Bock but either end of the city are two massive viaducts, one in particular which is an impressive architectural design – the Viaduc Passerelle. This area of rural greenery is a perfect getaway outside the central business district and is a great setting for an afternoon stroll as you find a perfect solitude between urban sprawl and nature.

As with all viaducts that have such technological brilliance in their design, they provide excellent photography opportunities both of the viaduct but also looking back over the city.

Monument de la Solidarite Nationale

The Monument de la Solidarite Nationale (Monument of National Solidarity, also known as the Monument of Remembrance) is located in the heart of Luxembourg City and is yet another iconic symbol of Luxembourg’s history. It is a dedication to the thousands of Luxembourg soldiers that participated in World War I, many losing their lives fighting for their country and Allies.

When visiting this monument you are also treated to some very awe inspiring views of Luxembourg which makes it a must see but also its central location makes this a perfect starting point to explore other key attractions in the city.

Luxembourg City Railway Station

Set in the heart of the city, Luxembourg’s answer to Grand Central Station may not be quite as architecturally lavish but it certainly provides a very local feel and is well worth a visit even if you don’t plan on taking a train ride through the countryside or to a nearby location. The station was built in 1907 and in addition to being a beautiful national monument, it offers a hub for shopping, dining and entertainment options for locals and tourists.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

Dream Destinations – Kuala Lumpur

Chris Boothman

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Apr 12, 2014

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I know that Malaysia has been in the media recently for all the wrong reasons due to the Malaysian Airlines catastrophe but despite this negativity this country plays host to a number of gorgeous attractions, none more so than it’s capital city – Kuala Lumpur. We have been really considering visiting Singapore and trying to figure out if it would be feasible to visit Kuala Lumpur for a couple of days during this same trip.

Public transportation within this part of world is excellent but of course there are many cultural differences which all Western societies have to appreciate and be accustomed to when visiting Malaysia. Here are some of our recommended attractions in the Kuala Lumpur region.

Petronas Towers

Skyscrapers around the world are such marvelous pieces of architectural genius. One of the world’s leading buildings is located in Kuala Lumpur and offers not one but two towers. The Petronas Towers are just under 1500 ft in height and when it was first constructed in 1998 was the world’s tallest freestanding structure.

A differentiating factor over many other leading skyscrapers is the skybridge that connects the two twin towers and provides visitors with stunning views over the Malaysian landscape. If you don’t have any fear over heights, why not continue climbing to the observation deck on level 86.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is both a series of beautifully structured caves on the side of a limestone hill and also a Hindu temple which attracts devoted Hinduism followers and tourists alike. One of the key attractions to this series of three caves is the large statue of the Hindu God located at the entrance, in addition to a steep 272 climb up its steps to provide a memorable view of the stunning Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

World renowned as the largest free-flight walk-in aviary where birds can fly around to their hearts content, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is located in the beautiful Lake Gardens. It provides a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur’s city lifestyle. A popular relaxing spot for Malaysian families to take their children for a perfect family day out, it is also very popular for tourists around the world. We both love visiting zoos whenever we travel to different locations and although this is a little different as it uniquely focuses on various bird species, it is a great way to relax!

KLCC Park

Much of Kuala Lumpur is like many other global cities with massive skyscrapers forming the skyline but because of this there is a distinct lack of greenery within the city center. Local authorities made note of this and the KLCC Park is one of their various attempts to bring a more rural approach to the city area.

Designed by a Brazilian architect, it’s interesting to note that the specific idea behind the KLCC Park was to “leave the world a little more sensitive and a little more educated to the importance of nature”. Does it achieve this? Well, looking at images and reading reviews of this park it certainly provides a hub of relaxation and also helps portray the Petronas Twin Towers in a different light rather than just as a t0wering skyscraper that many environmentalists probably cringe about.

Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary is a great way to get a close-up look of Malaysian elephants. Day trips from Kuala Lumpur are available to provide a rare opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures protected by this orphanage. There are so many cool attractions here including the opportunity to take the elephants down to the river and help give them a bath.

***This post is part of the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge (#DreamDestinations #AtoZChallenge)***

Colosseum

Trevi Fountain

Roman Forum

Stadio Olimpico

St. Peter’s Basilica

Montmorency Falls

Le Château Frontenac

Old Quebec

The Battlefields Park

Quartier du Petit Champlain

Mount Vesuvius

Amphitheatre of Pompeii

Temple of Apollo

The House of the Faun

Pompeii Sanctuary

Walt Disney World

Gatorland

Bok Tower Gardens

International Drive

Lake Eola Park

Milford Sound

Tongariro National Park

Waiheke Island

Auckland

Bay of Islands

Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Australian Open

Eureka Tower

Great Ocean Road

Phillip Island

The Rules

The Prize

Enter Now Below

Casemates du Bock

Pont Adolphe

Viaduc (Passerelle)

Monument de la Solidarite Nationale

Luxembourg City Railway Station

Petronas Towers

Batu Caves

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

KLCC Park

Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary

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