FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Here are some tips for tourists to safeguard their belongings while traveling overseas based on the latest search results: Remember, protecting yourself and your belongings while abroad requires common sense and vigilance. Tips sourced from here.
If you’re planning a trip to Australia or New Zealand and are looking for a hotel chain that is dedicated to giving back to the community, then Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites might just be the perfect choice for you. As part of their Oaks Giving Tree program, this hotel chain has partnered with Mount Franklin and Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for disadvantaged families in Australia and New Zealand. Guests staying at any Oaks property can now contribute to this worthy cause by purchasing Mount Franklin water during their stay. For every bottle sold, one dollar is donated to Habitat for Humanity Australia and Habitat for Humanity New Zealand. These funds will go towards building safe and secure homes for vulnerable people in our communities, including those impacted by natural disasters, people with disabilities and their carers, indigenous Australians and those fleeing family violence. Each bottle of Mount Franklin water features a branded neck tag, so you can easily identify them at the hotel. This initiative is called Hydrate for Humanity, and it’s a fantastic way to stay hydrated while helping those in need. According to Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer for Minor Hotels Australia and New Zealand, “Our Hydrate for Humanity activity with Mount Franklin and Habitat for Humanity further elevates our work as part of the Oaks Giving Tree Program, in providing support to low-income families facing adverse circumstances.” In addition to this fantastic initiative, Oaks Hotels is also involved with Habitat for Humanity on another level. The hotel chain… Read More
As much as we love travel, the experience of flying economy class can be uncomfortable and tiring. However, there are gadgets that can make your flight more comfortable so you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore. Here are some of the best gadgets to make flying economy class better: Portable Footrest Hammock: Sitting in an economy class seat for several hours can leave you with numb feet or aches and pains. The Portable Footrest Hammock is designed to give you maximum comfort during long flights. It is adjustable and can fit any height traveler. It also packs away easily in your carry-on luggage. Bluetooth Transmitter and Headphones: Have you ever been stuck on a flight with noisy neighbors? The Twelve South Airfly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter can connect to any device with a headphone jack and transmit audio wirelessly to your headphones. This gadget is perfect for watching movies or listening to music without disturbing others. Universal Airplane Phone Holder: Watching movies or TV shows on your phone is a great way to pass the time on a long flight. The Universal Airplane Phone Holder is a hands-free device that attaches to the back of your tray table. It rotates 360 degrees, so you can adjust it to any angle and watch your favourite show comfortably. Travel Pillow: Rest is essential on a long-haul flight, and the right travel pillow can make all the difference. The Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow provides excellent neck support and is made with high-quality… Read More
If you’re a dessert lover or coffee fanatic, Shizuoka Prefecture is the place to be. Located just 40 minutes from Tokyo, this region boasts some of Japan’s best cafés that offer everything from cute animal desserts to matcha latte art. Here are our top picks for the most Insta-worthy cafés in the area. First up, Atami Purin Café 2nd in the coastal Onsen town of Atami is a charming little café that serves up desserts as cute as they are delicious. With seasonal treats ranging from hippo cookies atop soft serve to creamy puddings in adorable glass bottles, this café is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The bathroom-themed décor adds a touch of nostalgia to the experience. Next on our list is Chaluck in Shizuoka City. As Japan’s leading producer of green tea, trying a green tea specialty café is a must when visiting the Prefecture. This café, run by a long-established tea wholesaler in the quaint town of Okitsu, serves a wide range of tea drinks as well as tea-based sweets. Their homemade Anmitsu is a must-try, and their anko paste is sure to get your tastebuds tingling. For those looking for a stunning view with their coffee, check out Mujoudou in Fuji City. With picturesque views of Mount Fuji from the café’s large windows, this café overlooks rice paddies and offers a tranquil escape from the city. Their seasonal menu changes frequently, with delicious kakigori available in summer and warm desserts like oshiruko to warm you up in winter. Hug Coffee, with… Read More
It’s time to start planning your much-anticipated journey with Qatar Airways‘ end of fiscal year travel promotion. Starting today and lasting until Friday, June 30, 2023, take advantage of this online-only deal to discover the globe and enjoy an unparalleled travel adventure across Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa and beyond.
MyDatingAdviser.com has released a report titled “The Best Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel in 2023” to raise awareness of global attitudes during LGBTQ Pride Month. Australia has secured the eighth spot on the list, with an impressive LGBTQ+ travel index score of 94.3 out of 100. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, some countries are more welcoming than others when it comes to travel and adventure. While there have been significant changes in laws and norms surrounding same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights around the world, public opinion on accepting homosexuality remains divided by country, region, and economic development. Australia’s high ranking on the list is due to its public acceptance towards homosexuality, with 81% of Australians accepting homosexuality, according to a ‘Global Attitudes & Trends’ survey by Pew Research. Additionally, same-sex sexual activity has been legal for women and men (in some states and territories) since the mid-1970s. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017, and adoption rights were granted nationwide in 2018. Australia also boasts anti-discrimination laws that ban all anti-gay discrimination and allows for military service rights for gay men, lesbians, transgender, and intersex people. However, some states legally require sex reassignment surgery to change sex on a birth certificate. Overall, Australia stands out as a gay-friendly country that welcomes visitors from all walks of life and all backgrounds.
Mykonos, Greece has long been known for its picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. However, in recent years, the island has faced a growing problem of illegal construction and tourist overdevelopment, threatening the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the island. The issue of illegal construction starts with the lack of proper zoning laws and regulations on the island, leading to uncontrolled development. Many buildings, including hotels, have been constructed without proper permits or building codes, often encroaching on public spaces such as beaches or archaeological sites. It’s becoming a life-threatening issue, too. As recent as this year, Manolis Psarros, an archaeologist, was attacked as he walked toward his car. Why? As the Guardian explains, Greece’s community of archaeologists, a group no bigger than a 1000-strong, have long been regarded as the custodians of the nation’s extraordinary historical legacy. For many the hardy band of dedicated excavators and researchers are the last bulwark against depredations increasingly associated with tourism. Additionally, tourism has exploded on Mykonos in recent years, with an influx of visitors seeking to experience the island’s famed parties and luxurious lifestyle. This has put immense pressure on the island’s infrastructure, leading to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and strain on resources such as water and electricity. The combination of these issues threatens to erode the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the island. Beaches that were once pristine are now littered with lounge chairs and umbrellas, while some archaeological sites have been damaged by illegal construction. The character of Mykonos, which drew tourists in… Read More
Looking for a queer-friendly destination that’s not just about the party scene? Look no further than Athens. While it may not be as flashy as Mykonos or Amsterdam, the Greek capital has a and welcoming LGBTQ+ community that’s active throughout the year. But come June, when Pride events kick off, you’re in for a treat. Here are some must-do activities for your 48-hour Athens itinerary, inspired by This is Athens: Day 1: Athens Realness Morning Get your day started at Rooster for a cup of delicious Greek coffee. This all-day café is located a short walk from Monastiraki metro and is a popular spot among the local LGBTQ+ community. Afterward, make your way to the Acropolis, passing sights like Hadrian‘s Library and the Roman Agora along the way. Don’t forget to check out the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum and explore the surrounding area, including the Odeon Of Herodes Atticus, Philopappou Monument, and Anafiotika. Lunch Head out of the Historic Centre and explore LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods like Gazi, Keramikos, and Metaxourgio. For lunch, try Myrolovos on Avdi Square for small Greek plates or hit up Groovy MyPlate in nearby Keramikos Square for some of Athens’ famous street food. Afternoon Take a break from ancient marble and explore Athens’ contemporary art scene at the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) or check out the underground Greek art in Gazi. If shopping is more your thing, head to the chic boutiques in Kolonaki or Athenian street fashion purveyors like Pitch, Dangerous Minds, or He-m-n-oid. Evening Experience Athens’ nightlife with… Read More
It’s time to break out the skis and snowboards as Thredbo Resort celebrates an amazing night of snowfall and snowmaking in anticipation of the 2023 winter season. With only 15 days left until opening day on June 10, excitement is building for what promises to be a massive long weekend of celebrations on and off the mountain. Thredbo received an additional 15cm of snow on the upper half of the mountain, and with cold temperatures overnight, snowmaking conditions were ideal, resulting in some great early snow coverage. The sun shone the next morning, creating a beautiful bluebird day in the Snowy Mountains area. Thredbo’s snowmaking operations have been impressive so far, with more snowfall and snowmaking conditions predicted in the coming week. To see the snowfall for yourself, check out the live snow cams on Thredbo’s website. But it’s not just about skiing and snowboarding, Thredbo’s Winter 2023 Opening Weekend includes an exciting line-up of après, dining, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and more. And the fun won’t stop there, as Thredbo’s winter events and entertainment calendar is bigger and more diverse than ever this year, with new events added to the line-up, old favourites returning, and more bookings available for the hugely popular on-mountain experiences. So get ready to hit the slopes and enjoy all that Thredbo has to offer this winter season. With incredible snowfall and an exciting line-up of events and activities, it’s sure to be one to remember.
As winter sets in down under, many Aussies look to the Northern Hemisphere for warmer climes. However, you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to escape the cold. New Caledonia is accessible in just two hours from Brisbane and three from Sydney and boasts year-round summer weather, making it a perfect destination for those seeking sunshine even in winter. During June-August, which is considered the dry season for this South Pacific oasis, temperatures sit at a very pleasant 22°C with lower humidity, clearer skies, and more sunlight than other times of the year. This mild climate makes outdoor activities more comfortable than in the sweltering heat of summer. With countless activities to do in New Caledonia, you’re sure to find your perfect tropical escape this winter. The destination has little congestion even during peak season in summer, but visiting in winter means even more space to yourself. Here are some of the top activities to enjoy: Explore the lagoon Diving and snorkeling are great activities to enjoy in New Caledonia’s World Heritage-listed lagoon, especially between June and October when the clear blue waters offer better visibility. If swimming isn’t your thing, take a flight over the lagoon to enjoy the view from above. Taste a slice of France New Caledonia’s French influence is strong, and you can enjoy wine tastings, cheese, and pastries all year round. Don’t miss the Bastille Day celebration on July 14th, complete with a parade of lanterns, community dances, and fireworks. Go hiking New Caledonia is a hiker’s paradise,… Read More
