Beekman Beer Garden

Two Beekman Brothers - Traveling the World in Search of Great Beer

brothers

Before You Call the Pros: Identifying the Causes of Plumbing Issues

A close up of a metal pole Description automatically generated

Every homeowner will experience clogged drains at some point. But, while it may be a common home-related issue, it can still cause a lot of panic, especially if it’s your first time. As you’re enjoying a nice shower, you’d suddenly realize that the water doesn’t drain properly and just continues to slowly rise. What’s supposed to be the perfect morning may turn out to be your worst nightmare. At times like this, the immediate reaction is to call a plumber or DIY the problem if you think it’s manageable.

It’s easy to dismiss issues like this as something minor. But, unless you address the problem right away, it may become even more costly in the long run. A clogged drain may just be the beginning of many other plumbing-system related issues like corrosion and flooding. Whether it’s in chilly Salt Lake or sunny LA, there’s always something unexpected clogging your pipes. Avoid all of these bigger problems by recognizing all the possible causes right away. Here are the most common culprits:

Dirt

Drains and pipes may be there for all your washing needs, but it doesn’t mean that whenever you get something cleaned, you should just let all the dirt pass through. When you’re washing dirty clothes, for example, all the excess dirt you’ve removed may build up in your drains and cause them to get clogged. So, before taking everything in your sink, make sure to shake or rinse all your clothing items outside first.

Hair and Dental Flosses

Everything that has strands, whether it’s hair, your pets’ fur or even dental flosses, is among the biggest causes of clogged drains. Your bathtub, shower, bathroom, and laundry drains may have bigger issues when all these strands get knotted up and mixed with other substances that also cause clogging like grease and soap.

Soap

You may be thinking soaps melt, so what could be the problem? How can these possibly cause clogging? But, here’s the truth: regular soap bars are usually made using either grease of fats. Once these substances get mixed with minerals that are present in water, these will get stuck in the pipes and cause clogging problems. That’s why it’s more advisable to use bath washes instead, as the soap buildup will leave traces in your pipes that can only be addressed with pipe pressure cleaning services from professionals.

Toilet Paper Buildup

Some countries manufacture biodegradable toilet paper that melts even when flushed. So, unless you’re using this type of product, never throw your used papers in the toilet, as the buildup will soon make it difficult to flush the toilet properly. Don’t wait until your toilet is already filled and only the pros can fix it. After flushing, if you see that water can still run through the toilet, grab a plunger and see if it can solve the issue. Move the toilet paper around and try to dissolve them, if possible.

A blurry photo of a mirror Description automatically generated

Finally, check your kitchen sinks and you’ll realize how much food waste is causing them to get clogged. If you’re a big coffee or tea drinker, leaving the coffee grounds and tea leaves just flow through the sink can definitely cause clogging issues as these don’t typically melt or break down. So, avoid all these problems by being careful of what literally goes on in your sinks and drains.

 

Is Saudi Arabia the Next Holiday Hotspot?

Is Saudi Arabia the next holiday hotspot? While Saudi Arabia may not be the first-holiday destination which you think of, when you think of a luxurious vacation spot, Saudi Arabia is predicted to be one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.

To discover why you should travel off the beaten tourist track in order to discover some of the great travel experiences which Saudi Arabia has to offer, simply continue reading:

3 Reasons why you’ll fall in love with Saudi Arabia:

1. Saudi Arabia is set to open a plethora of luxurious new hotels

In an effort to become a more tourist-friendly travel destination Saudi Arabia has plans to open up luxury beach resorts in the northwest of the country, where Saudi Arabia meets the Red Sea.

Better yet, these luxury resorts have special exemptions put in place, to ensure that tourists can enjoy lounging by their resorts pools and engaging in a wide variety of water sports, without having to cover up and adhere to the country’s clothing laws. So if you thought that wearing swimming trunks, a one-piece or a bikini in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea was impossible think again.

As an added benefit as Saudi Arabia’s new luxury resorts will be built in the remote northwest, you’ll be able to enjoy a private, tranquil vacation experience away from the hustle and bustle of Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced cities.

2. You’ll be able to visit tourist sites which few tourists have had the pleasure of visiting

If you love being one of the first tourists to explore a region that was previously off-limits to tourists, you’ll have the time of your life on a day tour of the Arabian Desert. An expansive desert that is truly a sight to behold. If you’re interested in ticking riding a camel off your bucket list, you’ll also be able to book a camel trek in a desert off your bucket list.

Alternatively, if you like the idea of seeing the sunrise over a large sand dune, it’s well worth booking a sunrise tour of the Arabian Desert.

3. Saudi Arabia is home to numerous historic sites, many of which are well worth visiting

If you’re a bit of a history buff and enjoy learning about new cultures, you may be interested in visiting some of Saudi Arabia’s historic sites. One example of which is the Old Dir’aiyah which is located in Riyadh and features the ruins of what is thought to have been the first official capital city of Saudi Arabia.

Some of Old Dir’aiyah’s walls, houses, and palaces have been partially restored in order to give tourists an accurate representation of what Old Dir’aiyah may have looked like at the height of its influence.

Another historic attraction, that you may want to visit during your future trip to Saudi Arabia is the Al Masmak Fortress, which is also located in Riyadh and is a 19th-century mud fortress.

So if you enjoy staying at luxury resorts, have a thirst for adventure or are a self-confessed history buff, you may be interested in adding a Saudi Arabia Visa to your bucket list!

 

Jam Out to Live Music and Get a Taste of Wichita at Prairieland

 

Who doesn’t enjoy beer and live music? If you’re going to be in Wichita this fall, then there’s something you can’t miss. The 2nd Annual Praireland Beer & Music Festival is arriving in Wichita, Kansas on Sep. 14. You’ll want to get your tickets as soon as possible. In the meantime, learn some tips on how to plan your trip to Wichita.

About the Prairieland Beer & Music Festival

The Prairieland Beer & Music Festival was so popular in 2018 that it’s making a return this year. This celebration of beer and live music puts the best that Wichita has to offer on display. You’ll find something you’ll like between the 40 plus breweries, five different artists, and delicious tacos, nachos, and more from local fave Adios Nachoria.

Doors open at 3:00 p.m., but you’ll want to arrive as soon as possible. Tickets for music-only cost $20 and full-festival tickets cost $60. VIP tickets are available, as well.

Transportation

What makes Wichita a great place to visit is that it’s in a centralized location. It’s easy to go to and from the Prairieland Beer & Music Festival and other attractions. Wichita is just three hours away from Kansas City and two and a half hours away from Oklahoma City. If you’re looking for the right airport, then you have several options, including Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, which is the largest airport in Kansas. It operates with seven major airline providers.

You’ll also find that it’s quite easy to get around once you’re in Wichita. The Prairieland Beer & Music Festival is in Old Town—a central location. It’s a short drive from Eisenhower National Airport, which will be an easy commute with the very little traffic in Wichita.

Local Hotels

Do you need a place to stay in Wichita? There are a few downtown Wichita hotels that are close to Eisenhower National Airport and the Prairieland Beer & Music Festival. Some of the most popular choices include Courtyard Marriott in Old Town, Holiday Inn, and Hotel at Old Town.

Hyatt Regency Wichita is one of the most affordable options in the area. It’s an upscale hotel that provides you with comfortable amenities, spacious, modern hotel rooms, and a convenient location. It’s close to Exploration Place, Historic Old Town, Intrust Bank Arena, Orpheum Theatre, among others.

Food & Drink

Wichita is known for its wide variety of food. From international cuisine to fine dining, there’s something for everyone. You’ll have access to over 1,200 restaurants and venues that reflect Wichita’s diverse culture. Whether you’re craving Chinese food or steaks, you can explore different cultures without having to leave the city. If you don’t feel like running all over town, you can download the Wichita 2 Go mobile app and have your meals delivered to your hotel room.

Things to Do

Wichita will keep you busy with all of the things to do. You’re close to attractions, entertainment, museums, nightlife, and theaters and art clubs. Wichita also has Sedgwick County Zoo, which is the seventh-largest outdoor attraction and zoo in the U.S. There is also family-friendly entertainment for kids of all ages.

If you love beer festivals, then you must also check out the Beer & Wine Tour or the Brew Wagon Tour. If you’re more into art, check out the Urban Art Tour. If you’re looking for a city that’s ripe with adult comedy clubs, arts and culture, live entertainment, and nightlife, then Wichita is your city. You can create an itinerary on the Wichita website so you can keep track of which attractions and events you’d like to see during your stay.

To read more on topics like this, check out the world travel category.

Drink Up: 10 States That are Worth Visiting Just for Their Beer

There are a million places to visit and explore in the US but if you want a cold pint with local flavor but international respect then you’ll want to grab a designated driver and plan your road trip to some of the top national beer cities.

We’ve got the ultimate list of cities in the top ten states for best beer. 

So pull up a stool and check out the best beer states and cities across the nation to add to your beer tasting bucket list.

1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Back in the days of Laverne & Shirley Milwaukee was hailed as the beer capital of the world. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind now it still reigns high in the brewery industry.

Major brewers Miller, Shiltz, and Pabst all got their start there and today MillerCoors produces more than 10 million barrels of beer every year in Milwaukee.

There are dozens of notable microbreweries with close to 20 popping up in the last three years alone. Competition means each works their hardest to provide the best quality product with the fullest flavors.

2. Portland, Oregon

Nearly 40% of all the beer purchases in the state are craft beers. This isn’t surprising with 200 craft breweries to choose from. More than 50% of the draught sold in the state is produced locally.

You don’t have to go to a pub to try the local brew though because in Oregon you can buy beer pretty much anywhere you can buy water. From gas stations to corner stores, beer stores to grocery stores you will have no trouble finding a beer to fit every mood or occasion here.

3. Denver, Colorado

The Great American Beer Festival is held here. It holds the Guinness Book of World Records world’s largest beer festival record with 3500 varieties of beer to sample. 

The festival has a tendency to sell out within a few hours of tickets going on sale and draws beer lovers from around the world but isn’t the only time to visit Colorado.

There’s a beer trail you can follow that offers the opportunity to taste more than 30 local breweries.

4. San Deigo, California

When thinking alcohol and California most people think of wine first. California is one of the top places in the world for the best beers.

The state of California has more than 750 breweries operating and many of their finest ales made with the finest ale yeast are showcased in San Deigo. 

5. St. Louis, MO

Since 1830s beer has been a part of the history of St. Louis with the humble beginnings of Anheuser Busch.

Budweiser is still strong in the city. But there’s much more to the St. Louis beer scene than the big breweries. Micro Craft breweries and brewpubs are popular throughout the city and the entire state. 

6. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago isn’t just the windy city but home to some of the most adventurous and delicious craft beers found anywhere. Ales with taste profiles far beyond the usual with brews containing flavor hints like papaya, lemon, or chocolate.

These aren’t your grandfather’s traditional beer with sophisticated and daring flavors elevating the entire beer scene in Illinois.

There are new and exciting Chicago breweries and brewpubs being opened each year.

7. Portland, Maine

Oregon doesn’t have the only Portland known for beer. Portland, Maine makes a name for itself with craft breweries and locally brewed ales and draughts to satisfy even the most finicky of beer connoisseurs.

Referred to by many in the draught world as Beertown U.S.A, Portland, Maine has gained the respect and admiration of beer enthusiasts everywhere as it continues to be the starting point for many delicious and expertly crafted ales and brews.

8. Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington loves their beer. Whether it’s creating a golden ale or a dark and luscious stout the creativity and adventurous spirit of Seattle brewers has helped put the city and state on the beer lovers map of places to definitely visit.

There are more than 60 local breweries creating more than 250 craft beers that can rival the best international brews found around the globe.

9. Asheville, North Carolina

If you’re headed out on a road trip in search of the perfect beer then you’ll want to add North Carolina to your route. Beer is serious business in the Carolinas and they can offer up every quality of locally brewed beer you can imagine from honey-golden ales to rich chocolate stouts.

While in North Carolina you’ll want to be sure to head to Raleigh to the Raleigh Beer Garden where you have the option of more than 366 taps to choose from. You’ll feel right at home with the southern hospitality of locals who are proud to share the pride of brewing in their home state.

10. Grand Rapids, Michigan

USA Today named Grand Rapids, Michigan as Best Beer Town and Best Beer Scene and rightfully so with close to 100 micro craft breweries whipping up quality local brews.

During the summer, you’ll want to be sure to take the Grand Rapids Beer Walking Tour to find all the local treasures and taste all the local brews. Offering dozens of patios and hundreds of drinking establishments you’re sure to find a place that suits your taste.

The Quest for the Best Beer in the U.S.A.

You don’t have to travel far to find a great beverage as there are amazing options available from coast to coast. The quest for the best beer in the United States could take a lifetime to narrow the choices down to be able to pick just one favorite out of the thousands of brews out there.

Grab your drinking buddies, find a designated driver and hit the road. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of leisure at the local pub or want to travel across the nation in search of the best beer in the world, may you always find a comfortable stool and a cold glass to clink in celebration of life and America’s love for finely crafted beer.

Don’t forget to bookmark our site today for easy access to all our tips and resources to help you live your best life possible.

 

 

Add Some Craft To Your Beer With These Ideas

I am passionate about three things in this world: photography, travel and beer. Fortunately for me, these three things go together like peanut butter and jelly on bread.

A picture containing indoor, wall, cup, table Description automatically generated

Brewery tours can be one of the most interesting places to photograph – providing a unique range of subjects from the large, industrial equipment down to the smallest of fascinating details in the brewing process- and always offering you a great opportunity to sample the wares at the end.

A sign above a store Description automatically generated

Think big

When you think of travel and beer, thoughts naturally go to the famous big breweries around the world: Heineken in Amsterdam; Coors Brewery in Boulder, Colorado; or Carlsburg Beer in Denmark to name a few. And while each of these tours offers a look into the history of the company, and an overview of the brewing process, they are limited in their access to the true manufacturing environment – and may not be the most camera friendly places either.

A sign on the side of a brick building Description automatically generated

Look for local

A better option for photography is to look for the local gems in your area. I am fortunate enough to live near the oldest American owned brewery – the D.G. Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville, Pa. Their tour not only offers access to the original brewery, down to the tunnels that had to be sealed during Prohibition times, but it also gives an up close tour of the current brewing line – and a sampling of some pretty tasty ales. All making for some great images.

Go for the Crafts

But it is really the rise in popularity in craft beers, which gave rise to the launch of microbreweries around the world, that provides us with the best opportunities to tour, sample and photograph all that is fascinating about beer.

In the US alone, craft brewers grew from only 8 in 1980 to over 6,000 in 2018 according to the Brewers Association. Which means you don’t need to look far to find a unique place to sip and photograph truly unique craft beer.

Find the craft brewery tours

Craft beer microbreweries are becoming so pervasive we tend not to think of them as tour destinations anymore, but merely as a place to meet our friends for a pint after work. Oh sure, you may have a favorite one in your own backyard that you occasionally will remember to take a camera to, but do you ever think to make it a destination? Most microbreweries will offer behind the scenes tours just like the big guys do – but these usually give you a more personal interaction with the brewing process.

Add a quick search as part of your vacation planning to see if you can find breweries that are worth a short drive or weekend get away the next time you travel. Whether it is around your state or around the world, chances are good you can find a craft brewery worthwhile including in your next trip itinerary.

A group of people on a beach near a body of water Description automatically generated

Unique places worth a trip

Some breweries are worthy a trip just for their own sake. Did you know that Svalbard Bryggeri is the northern most location where beer is brewed located 650 miles south of the North Pole? Or that Trappist Monks have been brewing beer in their Sint-Sixtusabdji Monestary in Belgium for centuries? Or try the Weihenstaphan Brewery just outside of Munich, Germany to see the oldest brewery in the world. And look no further than the Church Brew Works in Pittsburg, PA to enjoy a cold one in a truly heavenly setting. The point is, there are as many interesting places to visit breweries, as there are interesting beers to try.

A close up of a door Description automatically generated

Take the shot

Once you find a great brewery to visit – take advantage of the entire range of photography subjects available to you. And while it is always interesting to focus on the eye catching objects when touring a brewery large or small – the process, the equipment, the finished products rolling off the manufacturing line – try to train your eye to see the small details as well. Look for textures in raw ingredients, or the play of light off small control valves. All are rich in photographic potential and unique to the venue you are in.

And don’t forget the food

I really should add a fourth category in my passions bucket list – and that would be food. Beer and food are kindred souls – which is why so many brewery tours end in tasting rooms that also offer a wide selection of beer themed, beer based, or beer compatible nibbles to eat and photograph while sipping a lager and thumbing through the great images you just took.

So the next time you are planning a trip around the corner or around the world, don’t forget to seek out and visit some of the fascinating craft breweries in the area. You are sure to see some great sights – and try some great beers! And don’t forget your camera – great shots are also there for the taking.

All images copyright Karen Foley via Dreamstime Stock Photography.

Karen Foley is a freelance photographer with a passion for her craft – and for craft beers! See more of her work at karenfoleyphotography.com.

To read more on topics like this, check out the food & beer category.

Observe Primates In Their Natural Habitats with Africa Safaris

One thing we can never ignore is the natural curiosity we have about primates, which in the animal kingdom are our closest relatives with much similarity to us. Reading about these human-like creatures is not an exaggeration, and having the chance for a close-up interaction always brings to light the many stories you have probably heard. In Africa, there are currently over 51 species of primates that have been recorded, making it the best place to have an immersive experience with the different groups that survive in the jungle.

However, human activities and the destruction of tropical forests have resulted in the primates becoming endangered species with most of them facing extinction. The result is these primates are not found in the high numbers they were before, and conservationists have taken strict measures to ensure the remaining ones are protected.

The desire to see primates on safari calls for the readiness to take the path less traveled and explore the depths of the forests. One of the most popular and breathtaking experiences is, without a doubt, gorilla trekking in East Africa, which takes you right to the heart of the natural habitats of these endangered primates. It is a terrific experience coming face to face with these intelligent apes that are in all evaluations the closets living relatives to humankind. Similar to man, they live in families which are headed by a silverback male with several adult females and their offspring.

If you have a strong desire to have these unforgettable experiences with a gorilla family, it is essential to know that special permits are required before access can be granted. It is therefore critical that early preparations and inquiries are made with leading tour operators that offer gorilla trekking services. This will save you from the inconveniences of last-minute hassles as the number of people who can go for a trip is limited and always pre-planned. You must also know that gorillas are vulnerable to human infections, and if you happened to have any diseases or the common cold, then the trek will not be permitted.

It will also be important to have a favorable fitness level to have a pleasant experience, which can take a few hours on rough paths in the mountain. The mountain gorillas are like most animals: unpredictable, and while they do not cover much space in their day to day movements, they could go to areas harder to access. Most of the time, however, gorilla trekkers get to have the pleasures of finding these apes in easily accessible areas where they have much space to rest as they feed. Finally, and most importantly, is to adhere to the rules provided by the guide which include respecting the animal space, avoiding flash photography, and dressing rightly for the jungle trek.

To read more on topics like this, check out the world travel category.

Boosting Your Father-and-Son Bond with Adventurous Activities

Not everyone has had a spectacular childhood, and you yourself might have little to no bonding with either of your parents. However, you turned out to be, it’s no reason for you to let the years pass by without spending quality time with your son.

It doesn’t matter if he’s on his way to adulthood or nearly ending his childhood. Find a common interest that you can engage in and have fun with together, such as watching action films and playing sports. If you’re both the outdoor activity kind of people, then you might want to give these ideas a try.

Camping Trips

This activity is perfect no matter what age you two are, as long as the two of you just want to be somewhere other than the city. There’s nothing quite like putting up a tent and just experiencing the wonder of nature all around you.

What’s also great about camping is that you get to do a lot of other activities, such as hiking and cooking over an open fire. Make sure to pack everything that you’d need beforehand, of course, and bring along handy items such as a paracord rope. You don’t want to end up being unprepared for an emergency.

Cycling

Riding a bike offers a lot of good for the father and son who want to spend quality time together. It’s a great way to get some exercise and experience the outdoors, and it’s an environmental-friendly way to travel too.

If you can go at the same pace together, you could also use it as an opportunity for a heart-to-heart talk. You can even give your son lessons if he’s still young or still doesn’t know how despite age. If you don’t have bikes yet, you can choose to either rent or buy bikes together and bond over picking the right one for both of you.

Long Drives

If you have an RV or can borrow one, then you might want to try going on a long road trip with your son. Depending on the situation, it can even become more of an adventure than a simple camping trip.

Make the most of it and regret nothing by taking the time to talk to your son while driving, cooking, eating, and even cleaning up. The possibilities are endless, and you’re only going to be held back by certain elements such as your time, how much money you have, as well as the kind of ideas you come up with.

Spending quality time with each other doesn’t have to stick with eating out and asking how you’re doing. Sometimes, you can do it over a challenging but enjoyable activity while being exposed to the freshness of nature.

You can try the three mentioned here or combine them all. Make the most of this time that you’ve been given and plan out something special that you both can do. The important thing is that you do it now rather than regret that you never did it while you had the chance.

 

Trail Essentials For the Avid Hiker

Hiking isn’t a gentle stroll. It’s about strength, balance, endurance and mostly perseverance. Avid hikers will know this but let’s get back to basics and explore some of the things to keep in mind if you are planning to go on a serious hike.

Appoint a team leader

All hikes require someone to be in charge of the group unless of course, you’re doing a solo hike. Appoint someone that is familiar with the area and has hiked the trail before.

This person or someone in the party needs to carry a first aid kit with the correct supplies in it in case something was to happen on the hike. It is also the leader’s responsibility to ensure that all those on the hike have the correct gear and equipment to take with.

The team leader also has the responsibility of checking the weather updates before a hike and making sure that the group is prepared for any change in weather during the hike. You cannot always assume that the weather report will be accurate so planning is vitally important.

Plan your water requirements

The most important thing by far is your water supply. Depending on the length and level of your hike will depend on how much water you need to take. Here planning is vital too. Experienced hikers tend not to take too much water but as we’ve said careful planning is required especially in dryer conditions where water sources are few and far between.

Remember to take small steps

If you are an advanced hiker you will know that it’s all about the footwork. Where you place your feet is very important and can make you more or less efficient depending on how you do it. It can take quite a number of years of training to know where to place your feet naturally without having to think about it but don’t despair, your body will soon get used to moving in a more efficient way.

It’s also important to hike at a consistent pace – don’t start off too fast. Hiking at a consistent pace is the key to success and don’t forget to take 10-minute breaks and snack often. Good snacks to take along include cheese with crackers or some nuts. Small portions of protein will keep your energy levels up and ensure that you don’t get a dip in energy which will slow you down.

Sun protection

It may not seem like something that is important particularly if you are hiking in milder weather but the UV from being exposed all day to the sun can cause some serious damage to your skin if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Search for decent wide brim hat and find a sun protection cream with as high an SPF as you can find. If you are sweating you need to reapply the sun protection cream regularly to ensure you don’t burn.

Lightweight gear

One thing all experienced hikers know is that wearing lightweight, breathable and waterproof clothing can make a huge difference to your comfort during a hike. Don’t skimp on this aspect – spend a little more for good quality gear that will last and that will work in all temperatures.

Don’t forget your feet

We cannot stress this enough – look after your feet while hiking. This means keeping your toenails nice and short, so you don’t get ingrown toenails or have your nail falling off from the pressure of being squashed in your shoe. Air your feet, shoes and socks every day to make sure that they dry completely. Wash your feet after a long day as well as your socks.

Photograph that

Photographic equipment can be a tricky thing to arrange and depends on the length of your hike. You’ll need a lightweight camera with a good long battery life that isn’t too fragile and can take a bit of movement from being carried in your backpack.

A trail camera is often a good idea here, especially if you are camping over on your hike. They’re sturdy and once setup, you can capture some great imagery of animals moving around. Feed that game provides some in-depth reviews of various trail cameras should you wish to get your hands on one!

On that note, happy hiking!

To read more on topics like this, check out the world travel category.

The Best Australian Spots You Must Visit

The land down under, that holds spectacular beauty is the largest island in the world and the smallest continent. Australia – also referred to as “the land of plenty” sure is home to staggering contrasts and many diversities.

The spectacular beauty along the coast, great cosmopolitan cities, ancient rainforests, endemic wildlife, national parks and vast send islands, make Australia a great destination for every traveler.

From the ancient Aboriginal legends on the coral reefs to the fever of the urbanite and modern cities, some places in Australia are just too good to be missed. However, do not underestimate the sheer size of this dreamland. You’ll need a lot of time off to see and experience it all.

Check our list of what you shouldn’t miss if you land your feet on Australian territory.

Sydney

The largest and most beautiful city in Australia – Sydney is famous for its beauty and international atmosphere. If you love a city that never sleeps with a multitude of attractions, including world-class art shows and entertainment, numerous festivals, beautiful beaches and buzzing nightlife – Sydney will be your dream destination.

Not to miss while in Sydney:

  • Sydney Darling Harbour – Sydney harbor cruises offer mesmerizing views by day and by night. Stay at the Harbour Rocks hotel for the best Sydney experience.
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • The Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Bondi Beach
  • The Rocks – don’t miss the best party district and enjoy a great club

Melbourne

For the distinctly European feel, Melbourne is often referred to as the European enclave. The place to be for culture vultures. Melbourne offers numerous galleries, museums, art shows, music bars and beautiful colonial Victorian architecture. Tourists love Melbourne CBD hotels as much as they enjoy the tiny lanes that hold award-winning restaurants and cozy cafes.

Not to miss while in Melbourne:

  • Federation square
  • Queen Victoria Market
  • National Gallery of Victoria
  • Yarra River Cruise
  • St. Kilda village and beach
  • Royal Botanic Gardens

The Great Barrier Reef

One of the planets awe-inspiring natural wonders, found on the Natural Heritage list –the Great Barrier Reef is a mesmerizing place to see.

This larger living structure in the world is also visible from the outer space. The protected eco-system includes more than 3000 coral reefs, 600 islands and 300 coral cays.

The Great Brier Reef stretches for 2300 km in the central Queensland Australia. The islands that are the part of this natural Reef are named the Whitsunday islands. To see and experience this great natural wonder you can stay at one of the mesmerizing islands. The coral reefs can be explored with snorkeling in the deep blue water, from a glass-bottom boat, or by air. Seaplanes offer an unforgettable overview of the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Ocean Road

Australia is a favorite destination for people that love road trips. Roads are wide and endless with some of the most beautiful sceneries in the world.

The Great Ocean Road is one such adventure that many love to take. It’s a 224km long road on the Australian south-eastern coast. Alongside the road, travelers can stop by to experience some of the most popular and most beautiful spots in Australia.

  • Griffiths Islands-Port Fairy
  • Bay of Islands
  • Bay of Martyrs
  • Port Campbell National Park
  • Gibson’s Steps
  • The Twelve Apostles
  • Apollo Bay
  • Kennett River Koala Walk
  • Bells Beach

 

Kangaroo Island

300 miles of mesmerizing coastline with several pristine beaches. Kangaroo Island is an adventurous place for people that love to experience Australia’s wildlife.

Visitors can share the beach with lounging sea lions and make some Koala friends near the eucalyptus trees. Kangaroos are also citizens of this island. It’s also a foodie’s paradise with various gastronomic experiences.

Natural attractions to be visited while on the island:

  • Admirals Arch
  • Flinders Chase National Park
  • Hanson Bay Sanctuary
  • Penneshaw Penguin Center

Activities offered to tourists:

  • Sandboarding
  • Adventure caving
  • Quad biking

National Parks in Australia You Need to See and Experience

Australia is famous for more than 500 National Parks. Each different and characteristic, yet all of them a thorough enjoyment for adventurous travelers. Limestone and sandstone rock formations, beautiful sceneries and beaches and endemic wildlife.

Scattered on the large Australian territory, here we have a list of the most mesmerizing places in the world – Australia’s best National Parks:

1. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – central Australia

  • Ancient Aboriginal landmark and a spiritual center for the region’s aboriginal people. The park consists of 32 rock domes.

2. Blue Mountains National Park – 81km west of Sydney

  • More than 664,000 acres of wilderness and gorgeous waterfalls, aboriginal rock paintings, and 140 kilometers of hiking trails. Attractions in the park: the rock formations called the Three Sisters, the Katoomba Scenic Railway. the Jamison Valley, ancient rainforest, and elevated views of the dense forests.

3. Daintree National Park – far north Queensland

  • A magnificent rainforest and the oldest one in the world.

4. Kakadu National Park – top end of the northern territory

  • Diverse terrain, great aboriginal rock art, endemic flora and fauna including kangaroos, giant crocodiles and beautiful birds. It is the largest National Park in Australia.

To read more on topics like this, check out the world travel category.

Amazon Cruise Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Safety

Travelling to the Amazon rainforest, the most famous jungle is definitely a remarkable experience that can best be enjoyed through an Amazon River cruise. It is home to over 10,000 species and that number is not even definite as scientists are constantly discovering new species.

The Amazon rainforest is a symbol of biodiversity. If you were uncertain whether or not you should go and explore the wild nature, we would definitely advise you to go there at least once in your lifetime.

As this fierce river is dominating through the entire area, the best way to learn about it is with a river cruise. After all, how will you get to know the power of this place if you’re not being on a river that pumps the life into this jungle?

Luckily, there are plenty of companies that can take you on a cruise and provide you with an entire Aqua Amazon River experience, where you will meet the locals, see some of the most fascinating animals and plants in the world and learn how to survive in this place.

Safety Instructions

Most of the boats you will see offering a cruise to this popular destination will have first aid and trained staff on board. Before your cruise start, you will be informed of all the safety instructions. Make sure you’re listening to it carefully as it will become quite handy if you end up in a situation where such a piece of advice would be extremely valuable.

Of course, if some things are unclear to you, can always talk to your boat crew and your guide about jungle-related topics. These people live and work in this region the bigger part of their life so you will feel very safe with them. That’s why it’s vital that you listen to everything they can and take all precaution measures to ensure your own safety and of those who are with you on that boat cruise.

What to Bring?

This is probably the first thing that will cross your mind once you book your cruise on the Amazon River. As the majority of people never actually visited a jungle in their life, it’s completely normal to be confused about what to bring. Even if you visited a jungle or been to the wild nature before, the Amazon is an experience by itself. It’s hard to be fully prepared for something like this!

However, you can avoid making a mistake that many people make. As we all know that Amazon has a tropical climate, people bring shorts and shirts with short sleeves because they think they will be hot. Due to mosquitos and other insects, not to mention all of these sharp and poisonous plants, it’s best if you cover as much as your body you can.

When all of these is combined with a strong, tropical sun, you can also risk getting sunburns there. Bring a hat or a cap and a light raincoat as you will definitely need it. The rain can be very merciless in the Amazon but a raincoat might help you not get wet while exploring around.

Also, bring a pair of good shoes that cover your ankles. Most of the things you could need for your own protection will be provided to you on the boat so you should only bring essential things with you. These are some of the things you can count to have on your river cruise:

  • First aid supplies and trained professionals
  • Satellite phone for emergency calls
  • Life vests
  • Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
  • Lifeboats
  • Emergency flares and signals

Information about Health

Some passengers will maybe suffer from illnesses caused by this giant change of the environment or being on a boat. Luckily, these situations can easily be prevented if you take your medications before your trip. Actually, one of the first things you should do when going to Amazon is to consult your physician who can tell you what precaution you need to take or what medications will be necessary to make your cruise more pleasant.

When talking about medical issues that could happen to you while in the Amazon rainforest, we have to mention motion sickness. It doesn’t happen that much as these boats are not fast, however, if you have suffered from motion sickness before, bring medications with you just in case you need it. For those who will go to this jungle, it’s advised to take malaria pills and be vaccinated for yellow fever.

Final Thoughts

You are in for quite an experience if you book your river cruise in the amazing Amazon. However, don’t neglect the safety instructions we’ve just mentioned and also make sure you talk about all your concerns with your guide and tour operator. It’s your responsibility to take care of yourself if you want to truly enjoy it!

To read more on topics like this, check out the world travel category.