Category: TRAVEL

Fantastic-sounding Australian location names that I can’t wait to visit

Uluru Australia

Australia is my dream location to explore, so it occurs to me because it’s so vast, then it’s best to travel around by van. To begin with, I would arrive in Brisbane and pick up a previewed van to buy or rent from around the area. Next I would need storage near Tingalpa to be a temporary base of operations to keep anything that I would rather have in a safer place than in the van I travel in or hotel room. Then off I go! Here are the order of destinations I want to visit from start to finish, and the attractions in that location I plan on spending time in. MANLY WEST Moreton Bay Marine Park, with its clean waters and intriguing islands, may be accessed from Brisbane via this location next to the Manly Boat Harbour. Manly Harbour Village retains a fishing village vibe and offers unique shopping. Manly Harbour Village has restaurants for every taste. Great coffee shops, Irish, Chinese, Thai, modern Australian, and seafood restaurants are available. Nearly every bar, cafe, and restaurant has a view of the harbour. MOUNT SURPRISE See and explore some (literal) hidden jewels in this welcoming municipality. Take a trip on the Savannahlander, one of Australia’s great railways, on a vintage “silver-bullet” railmotor from the 1960s. Find your favourite gemstones when you pan for topaz, quartz, garnets, and other jewels; at the Gem Den, learn how raw material is carved into sparkling gems. Join a journey to the adjacent Undara Lava Tubes, a geological wonder…. Read More

Your next holiday to Europe: stay in the palace from Netflix’s ‘The Empress’

Weissenstein Schloss Bavaria Airbnb castle palace 1

You don’t have to speak German to know how much of a legend Empress Elizabeth of Austria and the show Netflix made about her was. So when the chance to stay in the palace they created the latest show drop comes up on Airbnb, as if you wouldn’t consider a stay, right? Regardless of if you’re a monarchist, or not, into war history (WWII) or just love a beautiful ceiling, the opportunity to bathe in splendour at Weissenstein Palace is never one to overlook. Weissenstein palace is the remarkable palace and is now ready to welcome guests to a sumptuous suite, which has been given an imperial makeover that will transport guests back in time to the late 19th century when Empress Elizabeth was at the height of her fame. Located in Pommersfelden, Bavaria, Weissenstein Palace is steeped in a rich heritage and is widely considered to be one of Germany’s greatest Baroque buildings. The historical palace features prominently in Netflix’s The Empress, where it serves as Sisi’s principal royal residence. Beginning on Nov 3rd at 4 a.m. AEDT, guests can request to book the exclusive stay, which is just one of many historical homes on Airbnb. So now, in honour of the show and the fact that Sisi would have celebrated her 185th birthday this year, aspiring emperors and empresses can request to book this exclusive stay for €185 ($287 AUD) beginning Nov 3rd at 4 a.m. AEDT at airbnb.com/theempress

Going away for Halloween? 10 spooky stays for your weekend road trip

Road trip car

Halloween is at the end of October (31st), so now is the time – if you get to it fast! – to get booking and organising what you’re doing for it. Staying in, going out, or going away are all valid ideas, but if you’re a little less face make-up and more have someone make the bed, then getting out of town might be the ticket. We spoke to Toyota to get some of their top ideas for the spookiest weekend of the year… 1.      Monte Cristo Homestead, Junee NSW Dubbed “Australia’s most haunted homestead”, Monte Cristo – only two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Canberra – is said to be haunted by at least ten ghosts, most significantly its original owners Christopher and Elizabeth Crawley. Christopher still haunts the room in which he passed, as kind a spirit as he was in life – Elizabeth, however, is not so nice; if she doesn’t like you, she’ll cause a chill across your skin to scare you off. Don’t believe us? For the thrill seekers and sceptics out there, Monte Cristo offers accommodation for you to sleep – or stare at the ceiling wide awake in terror all night. 2.      George IV Inn, Picton NSW If you’re game, how about a night or two at the century-old George IV hotel in Picton? The eerily stripped-back interior couldn’t be more fitting for accommodation located in what is considered Australia’s most haunted town. Picton in NSW – an hour’s drive from Sydney – is host to a variety of ghostly locations. If… Read More

Residency rules: 4 tax residency options for digital nomads?

Man on laptop call

Digital nomads might lead a free life, but that doesn’t make them exempt from paying taxes and showing tax records to at least one country. You might have your documents in order, use an income tax calculator and be ready to do the right thing by the taxation department, but what is the right thing when you’re a citizen of the world? To help you, here are four tax residency options for digital nomads:  Sticking to Home One option is paying no local taxes in the countries you visit and instead maintaining tax residency in your home country only. The issue with doing this is that the country you are in could consider that you are breaking the terms of your tourist visa, and they could take legal action against you for that.  Sticking to Home & Local  Another option is paying tax at home, keeping tax residency at home, and paying local taxes where they are required. This option can get expensive because you could ultimately be paying out taxes twice with no restrictions, although it is worth doing if you haven’t got your paperwork in order as it’s better to pay double than face legal action.  Going Local One of the better options is to get tax residency in a country with low-tax demands and pay local taxes there. This strategy involves letting your home country release you as a tax resident so you can become one in your chosen nation. You may have to sell any property you have in your home… Read More

Best food festivals around Italy: where to go

Pizza

Italy is the home of pasta. The birthplace of pizza. The refuge of cannoli and the haven of tiramisu. And that’s just covering a few regions! As the world gets increasingly food focused, Italy’s reputation has just taken over, giving us not just the image of Italy as a foodie’s paradise, but direct-from-the-source-type places where we can get all the produce we’d ever need. Think Eataly! To honour the beautiful country that is Italy and to get excited for the full calendar year of food events and things to do around the country, we’re taking a look at the best and biggest food festivals around the country to add to your diary. And why. JANUARY, gennaio Sagra della Sfincia di Priescia, Montelepre, SICILY All about the traditional Sicilian sweet treat, sfincia di priescia, this annual festival takes place on 6th January in the Piazza Principe di Piemonte. FEBRUARY, febbraio Battle of Oranges, Ivrea, PIEDMONT Get your cameras ready because the Battle of Oranges must be seen to be believed. An epic three-day food fight which runs from Sunday until Shrove Tuesday every year, this festival is all about flying fruit in a re-enactment of a skirmish dating back to the 12th century. MARCH, marzo Feast of San Giuseppe, CAMPANIA, SICILY, LAZIO Across southern Italy on March 19th, Italians celebrate San Giuseppe with myriad versions of zeppole, the more-ish crispy fried dough balls which are a popular street food throughout the south. Ask for the melt-in-your-mouth Zeppole di San Giuseppe – and don’t even try stopping at just one…. Read More

Top world heritage sites to see in Italy outside of Pompeii and Venice

Venice gondola

Many of us have been to Pompeii and Venice, sure, but once you’ve been there and bought the t-shirt, where do you go for your next trip? Italy is a peninsula of unadulterated – in parts – coastline, urban dwelling, history, drama, good food and wine – the list is endless, so there’s no shortage of other world heritage sites, some over 2,000 years-old or more, to sink your passport into. So, let’s have a look and say a warm ‘buongiorno’ to your next Italian holiday… Frescoes of Padua, Veneto Added to the UNESCO stable in 2021, the glorious 14th century frescoes in the historic walled city of Padua are painted on eight secular and religious buildings. Chosen for the way they illustrate the progression of fresco art over the course of a century, the most famous is Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel fresco cycle, which is said to have marked the start of a revolution in mural painting. Porticoes of Bologna, Emilia Romagna Another newcomer, the Porticoes of Bologna have been a feature of the town since the 12th century. Covering 62 kilometres in total, the porticoes, 12 of which have been elected as UNESCO World Heritage sites, range from timber to brick, concrete and stone versions and are an iconic element of the city’s architecture. Sipping an espresso or enjoying a gelato on a summer evening under one of Bologna’s porticoes is an unforgettable, authentic local experience worthy of inclusion on any itinerary to the Emilia Romagna region, a firm favourite among foodies.   Montecatini Terme, Tuscany… Read More

She’s sophisticated, stylish & sassy: meet the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is due to hit Mitsubishi dealerships in Australia from 15th August 2022, offering a new-generation PHEV system for Aussies with up to 84km of pure electric driving – up from 54km in the previous model. For consumers looking for a sophisticated and fun PHEV without the high-end price tag, your time has come.  Shaun Westcott, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia says with the release of the new Outlander PHEV, the company is targeting a more premium market than before. “Our core target market is primarily middle-class Australians and we haven’t shifted from that, but what we have picked up from our market research is feedback from customers looking for a more premium offering. So, what we’ve done is move this car up in terms of quality finish, sophistication, and style. Every attribute of the vehicle has improved. And that is to give our customers a better value for money product at the more premium end of the market.”  MORE: We took one for a spin around all Victoria and here’s how it went The competitors versus the Outlander PHEV So, what makes the Outlander PHEV stand out from the competitors, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or the Kia Sorrento PHEV? If environmental considerations are high on your list of priorities, Mr Westcott says driving a PHEV versus a hybrid is the better option. Mitsubishi market research from the previous Outlander PHEV model has revealed drivers tend to use electric mode 84 per cent of the… Read More

5 best places to go in Italy for wellness retreats

La Sirenuse Italy Amalfi

The concept of wellness in Italy isn’t new. In fact, it’s ancient. Extending well past 1,500 years to the Ancient Romans whose passion for baths, public bathing and their freedom and flexibility with sumptuousness and nudity is now only too-well known. Good things the modern day ‘Romans’ – the Italians – are keeping the tradition alive and well across the entire country and the famed Italian Rivieras where health and wellness spas, hotels and establishments don’t just exist and thrive, but have a clientelle of the most global scale. Working with the Italian National Tourist Board, we’ve found a round-up of five of the best wellness retreats to consider when you’re next on the back of a Vespa, wondering which way the Mediterranean breeze should blow you… Terme di Saturnia, Tuscany Occupying 120 hectares among the rolling Tuscan hills, Terme di Saturnia is centred around legendary open-air thermal springs which have been flowing from the centre of the earth for more than 3000 years. The special ingredient here is Saturnia bioplancton, a naturally occurring ‘miracle’ ingredient in the 37.5°C water which leaves skin silky smooth and soft, as well as minerals said to help reduce blood pressure, soothe tired muscles, and help cleanse and detox the liver. From massaging your shoulders in invigorating whirlpools to surrendering to treatments in the on-site medi-spa or beauty clinic, resident guests enjoy a personalised wellness program, while day visitors can hit the spa, hot springs, tennis court or geo-certified golf course for quick pick-me-up in a picturesque setting. Palazzo Fiuggi, Lazio Is there… Read More

Going away in summer? 7 tips to be cyber-safe on travels

Woman phone beach summer

As the summer season is underway, people are increasingly taking holidays. Whether holidaymakers have chosen the beach, the countryside, the mountains, or an urban setting, one thing is certain: no one is immune to having their devices stolen or even hacked while they are away from home. Cybersecurity experts at NordVPN provide travelers with seven tips for a cybersecure holiday. Back up your data “My whole life is on my phone” — if this phrase sounds like something you would say, remember to make sure you have your phone’s contents backed up before you leave. After all, no one is safe from losing their phone or having it stolen. This also applies to the SD cards of your cameras. 2. Safe payment methods Instead of your main bank card, use a separate prepaid debit card abroad. This card can be topped up with any amount you want. That way, if your card details are stolen, you won’t lose all the money you store there. 3. Take a portable charger with you Don’t go out without your portable charger or a charging cable. Why not? Simply because charging stations can be a playground for cybercriminals. A USB/lightning cable can be modified by a malicious person, like in this demo made by a hacker in 2019. 4. Avoid public Wi-Fi It is always a good idea to use mobile data while traveling because it is encrypted. However, if you have no choice and need to use public Wi-Fi, don’t forget to use a VPN. This tool will… Read More

5 reasons to visit Mykonos Greece this summer

Mykonos ocean cliff view

It’s summer in Europe! And that means, well, so many things, but primarily: travel to and around the mainland. Europe’s a big place and Greece is one of the many destinations that sits atop its crown of must-visit destinations; and Mykonos even more so, if that’s your vibe. Think Jackie O’s on the beach, water views at every stop and all the table service anyone could ever need. Oh and these 5 other winning reasons. Read on and get planning! 1. Resident DJ and weekly music events Popular for its glamorous nightlife, superstar DJs and beautiful crowds, Mykonos is a true holiday destination. The fun starts at Kensh? Ornos, with a calendar of regular events sure to keep guests entertained. Throughout the season, different musicians and performances will be taking place at Kensh? Ornos, ranging from singers to DJ’s, dancers and more. Recent events include our resident DJ, DJ Angelosi playing Ethnic Electronic and Afro House music and Mediterranean ethnic music performances by Ghenwa Nemnom. 2. The star-lit swimming pool One of the best places to take a dip in Mykonos, the Kensh? Ornos pool was designed to complement the hotel’s surrounding Ornos Bay. With majestic views of the Aegean Sea, lounging by the pool has never been more relaxing. The pool is the perfect Instagram spot, guaranteed to give everyone at home FOMO. At night, the turquoise swimming pool is illuminated with ‘starlights’ that light up the turquoise water for inviting evening swims. Guests can enjoy fresh towels, delicious cocktails and snackable lite bites whilst… Read More