Category: TRAVEL

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a Cause this May 2022

Sydney Harbour Bridge sunset

BridgeClimb Sydney’s first charity event, Climb for a Cause, in aid of mental health charity Black Dog Institute, is on this May! So if ever you wanted to climb the Sydney icon, then now’s the time. For one day only, climbers can scale the iconic arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with family, friends, sports teams, community groups, colleagues or entire organisations while raising awareness and important funds towards a mentally healthier Australia. It’s even attracted attention from some big personalities in Sydney, like weatherman and mental health campaigner Sam Mac. He’s joined BridgeClimb as an event advocate for Climb for a Cause, saying, “60% of people experiencing symptoms of a mental illness will not seek help. That’s a terrifying statistic and the perfect motivator to push us to do more”. For more and to book a ticket, head to the BridgeClimb website

Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms are open this July – October 2022: get tickets now

White drawing room in Buckingham Palace

In the 70th year of Her Majesty’s reign, if ever there was a time to throw some money at the Royal Collection and celebrate the longest-running reign of any British Monarch ever, it’s now. And though most of the Palace isn’t accessible to the public – because it’s the HQ of the Monarchy and residence of Her Majesty herself – amongst other reasons, the opportunity to visit the sumptuous State Rooms in Buckingham Palace is returned after its Covid hiatus. It’s quite an experience – which you can read more about here – taking a trip back in time through the halls and rooms, frequented by countless Monarchs, world leaders and special visitors to the Queen. With such standouts as the gigantic malachite urn presented to Queen Victoria by Tsar Nicholas I in 1839 – renowned as one of the largest examples outside Russia – and architectural marvel you don’t see every day, the State Rooms are must-see stops in the Palace for British and visitors alike. The year 2022 is an especially standout year for the Palace, for obvious reasons and so, the public exhibition will take a particularly close look at the special display Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession looking at The Queen’s Accession to the throne in February 1952. On display will be examples from the remarkable series of portraits taken by Dorothy Wilding, that formed the basis of The Queen’s image on stamps and in British embassies across the world until 1971. Also featured will be The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, which… Read More

10 tips for a conscious Valentine’s Day

Couple love heart hike straight

After the past couple of years we have had, many people are finding themselves asking the bigger questions and getting back to what is important. With a huge decrease in social outings, formal events and time spent in shopping centres, we have unexpectedly found ourselves connecting more with nature and our own humanity. This has been reflected in our individual choices and desire to spend more consciously, buy more sustainably and have quality over quantity.  Australians are leading the way for conscious consumerism and many local businesses are jumping on board. For the many contemplating how to apply this to special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Emily Fletcher from the Clean + Conscious Awards has some advice for all of us.  How do we still celebrate without harming the planet in doing so, and how can we inspire others around us too? Valentine’s Day can unfortunately trigger a lot of landfill waste with shiny cards, wrapping, plastic and teddy bears, however it doesn’t need to. There are many ways to celebrate your love for another, whilst also caring for the planet and its people.  Gift an experience  Gift your loved one an experience – by themselves or even better, together. The memories can last a lifetime and be very bonding. Experiences can range from theatre tickets to cooking, art, pottery, wine tasting classes, to a weekend getaway. You could even recreate your first date. An experience gift shows you’ve put time and thought into getting your Valentine something special  Shop Locally When making purchases, keep in… Read More

Our hotel and restaurant pick in Paris for the weekend away from London

Paris skyline

France has definitely relaxed its rules about travel and travellers from the UK, so if you’re in London, the Eurostar’s begging you to book a tickets and head to the French capital. And with hotel options a plenty – this one in particular – and restaurants to-boot, why wouldn’t you? GENERATOR PARIS For those looking to immerse themselves in the French capital without breaking the bank, Generator, one of Europe’s fastest growing design-led hostels, has the perfect offering. Handily situated a 15 minute walk from Gare du Nord station in the 10th Arrondissement , Generator Paris is a stone’s throw from Canal Saint-Martin and Buttes-Chaumont Park, surrounded by boutique shops and pastoral cafés. Boasting views of the Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre, guests can sip cocktails at the property’s 9th floor heated Khayma Rooftop, open until 10PM Monday through Saturday. Those staying the full weekend can enjoy Sunday brunch on the rooftop too. With shared room rates starting from £22, and private rooms starting from £66, staying at Generator is accessible to all. SILENCIO DES PRES View this post on Instagram A post shared by SILENCIO DES PRÉS (@silenciodespres) Just a short metro-ride from Generator, iconic Parisian brand Silencio’s most recent opening, Silencio des Pres offers a chic, sought after dining  experience. The restaurant’s dishes have been curated under the progressive thinking of classically trained radical, Guillaume Sanchez, featuring a permanent menu with ingredients that change based on the stock of Silencio des Prés ten small-scale produce providers. Popular plates include Mature Beef Tartare, Kintoa Pork Sausages and Croque Monsieur. To… Read More

Thinking of a road trip? Try Mitsubishi’s top road trip tips

A Mitsubishi outlander drives away from the camera along a coastal road

Christmas holidays means lots of a few things: sun, beach and getting the heck outta town! So pack the life up into a car – rent one if you have to! – and hit the road, exploring some of your State’s, or further afield, hidden wonders and coastal gems. We spoke to Mitsubishi who gave us their top 10 tips for a road trip this summer that suits the newest to the most advanced drivers and their desire for a quality ride with a winning destination. Mitsubishi’s top ten festive road trip tips All I want for Christmas is less traffic Beat the rush and make an early start to avoid the highway traffic jam. Mitsubishi research indicates the busiest time on the roads this Christmas is likely to be between the 18th and 24th December, with half (48%) of Aussies planning on setting off for the Christmas holiday season between these dates and only one in ten planning to set off earlier than December 18th. Wrapping up insurance It’s important to protect the family from unexpected encounters with kangaroos on outback roads, or torrential downpours in the middle of rain forests, not to mention accidents and break-ins. As with every vehicle, make sure you have the insurance you need before travelling and purchase roadside assistance for additional support. Life cover never goes astray, either, while you’re at it. Be efficient with boot packing Much to the distress of parents Australia-wide, packing a boot is traditionally known as one of the most complicated and frustrating aspects of… Read More

Thailand has changed the entry Schemes: all the ways to get there

pexels alexandr podvalny 1031659

Thailand is a fantastic place for Asia lovers. It inspires creators to film movies and develop games like Lucky Thailand on PlayAmo Australia. Moreover, this country is a fantastic choice for travellers. And now it reopens again.  Since November 1, Thailand has changed the rules of entry to all programs for tourists. All those arriving need to get a QR code instead of an “entry permit” or COE. Also, travelers need to buy insurance with coverage of 50 thousand dollars (previously it was twice as much). All travelers need to get a PCR test 72 hours before departure. Without it, you won’t get on the plane. Head to ThailandPass.com for more information. You are vaccinated and flying from any country to Bangkok, Phuket or Samui The authorities have reduced the mandatory hotel stay to seven days under the Sandbox program and increased the number of “safe” regions to 17. You can fly to the Sandbox from any country, as long as you are fully vaccinated. At least one dose of vaccination is needed even if you have had COVID-19. Children under 18 years old may fly without vaccination, but parents must be vaccinated. Before you fly out, you have to pay for SHA+ hotel, PCR tests at the hotel, and insurance. You can get a QR code with all of this. Transfer to the hotel will also have to be booked in advance – travel time from the airport should not be over 5 hours. At the hotel, you will be asked to download MorChana,… Read More

Hotel in the heart of Hobart: The Tasman in Tasmania is taking bookings

Tasman hotel Hobart 1

This December 2021, The Tasman hotel is set to bring the unique local character of Hobart to life through authentic experiences that connect its pioneering past with an unexpected contemporary culture, surrounded by Tasmania’s captivating scenery. Right in the middle of town, just metres from the renowned Salamanca Market, the new hotel offers 152 unique rooms and some of Hobart’s most spectacular suites, each accommodation offering within the hotel highlights a distinct character and experience so that no stay is ever the same. And in true Hobart style, the hotel’s all about supporting local, opting for artworks from local artists, warming fireplaces and island baths are some of the highlight features within. In-keeping with that, making an authentic reflection of the exciting local dining culture, The Tasman will host an outstanding selection of bars and signature restaurant. Peppina is a celebration of old-world hospitality and produce-focused cooking led by renowned Tasmanian chef, Massimo Mele who gives Italian inspired cuisine a local Tasmanian twist. Hidden within the deep sandstone walls of the building, Mary Mary is an intimate and sophisticated bar by cocktail extraordinaries Charlie Ainsbury of Proof & Company, set to provide an old-world drinking experience reimagined for modern times, with an inspired cocktail menu celebrating local Tasmanian ingredients. Find the Tasman Hotel at 12 Murray Street, Hobart  7000 Australia or online.

Solo travel: it doesn’t have to be scary

Girl backpack travel photo

Have you always wanted to road trip around Australia or go further afield but have been to vary to go alone? This is your gentle nudge to just go for it. Why wait until a mate can join you on your travels? There are so many wonderful places to see and so much to do wherever you are heading that you won’t even notice you’re on your own. We have compiled a few tips to make it that much easier for you to travel solo. Be prepared Before you set off on your solo adventure, devise a rough plan. Doing so will settle some of your pre-trip nerves. Don’t forget to research the best way to get from the airport to your accommodation. You can also outline the various sites you want to see and activities you want to take part in before you go, doing this will give you a plan of action you can follow. Take photos or screenshots of all the documents you are going to need for your trip, such as booking references for your flight, accommodation and most importantly of your passport and visas just in case. You must also remember to secure a valid international driving license before you go, in case you want to rent a car and explore your destination on a road trip. Having these documents stored in an online cloud or in an e-mail will help tremendously if you misplace any of the physical copies. Sleeping arrangements These days there are so many different options… Read More

A summer German holiday at Schwan Locke in Munich

Schwan Locke hotel

You normally think of Berlin when Germany comes to mind. But that’s just one city in a long string of many, many ancient and beautiful cities that make up the now unified German country. Ever considered Munich? Well, as it turns out, you should because a pioneering lifestyle aparthotel has recently opened, the Schwan Locke aparthotel. Very near the Theresienwiese, the site of Oktoberfest, Schwan Locke features 151 spacious, design-led studio apartments, as well as a complimentary co-working space, gym, coffee shop, retail space, leafy courtyard and craft cocktail bar. The spaces of Schwan Locke are designed to be lived and existed in, rather than just visited and used. Their philosophy is that it makes each location attractive to a wide range of travellers from the leisure and business markets – for both long-, mid- and short-term stays. Schwan Locke is home to a unique art collection, which draws inspiration from the pioneering women involved in the Werkbund movement – from photographer and sculptor Marianne Brandt to Lilly Reich who was on the board of directors. The collection also champions local talent, featuring vibrant artwork from designer and illustrator Veronika Grenzebach, graffiti artist Armin Kiss-Istok, and illustrator Tomomi Maezawa. For more and to see what’s in store for any visit, head to the Schwan Locke website.

The Greek holiday you need: Santorini Wellness Oasis at Mystique

Mystique Hotel Santorini beach Greece

After the last almost two years we’ve had, you can’t be blamed for need a bit (read: a LOT) of downtime. So, why not get some? Thanks to the fact UK residents can now travel to a few prime locations around Europe, now’s the time to seize the opportunity to visit that long-awaited destination of Santorini. One of the island’s leading hospitality venues, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, perched on the Caldera cliffs of Oia in Santorini, has partnered with OPO wellness and technology studio to create an immersive meditation program for their guests and the community to experience. Each meditation program will allow you to connect with the captivating surroundings. This includes ‘Today’ meditations which are split between 4 sessions; Morning Rise, Daytime Chill, Evening Reflections and Night Sky, and the ‘Learn To Meditate’ programme, which is designed for those who are familiar with the benefits of meditation, but have not yet experienced them. During their stay, you’ll also have the opportunity to take a tranquil stroll through the cobbled streets to capture the beautiful sunrise on the island. Here’s a break down: Today’ sessions include: Morning Rise: a guided meditation infused with 3D sounds that actively promotes greater brain activity and a release of serotonin that can be maintained throughout the rest of the day as the guest wakes up. Daytime Chill: helpsmaintain a chilled vibe by listening to further calming sounds, tones and words during the day to keep in one’s best, most relaxed state. Evening Reflections: this meditation allows decompression by reflecting on the day with appreciation. Deeper 3D… Read More