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Five Must-See Icelandic Destinations (Outside of Reykjavik)

For those who want to beat the heat during the summer months, a vacation to a cooler climate can be highly appealing. With plenty of tourist-y destinations scattered all over the Northern Hemisphere, picking the right place for your tastes isn’t as simple as you might think.

Likewise, there are many travelers who want to fully encompass themselves in the ambiance of winter, choosing to travel from more temperate climates to colder ones. With plenty of outdoor winter activities to enjoy, it’s not as bad of an experience as some would believe.

One destination that’s increasingly gaining attention from travelers on a year-round basis is Iceland. A relatively small country with an even smaller population, Iceland boasts both great urban life and vast, tranquil nature. To get an idea of how fun Iceland can be, we’ve put together a list of five must-see attractions throughout Iceland, all of which can be found outside the main urban area of Reykjavik.

Thingvellir National Park

When people think of countries like Iceland – as well as most of the Nordic countries – one of the first things that comes to mind is the aurora borealis. Also known as “Northern Lights”, there are relatively few people who can enjoy this natural phenomenon on a consistent basis. If you’re visiting Iceland and want to take in the show for yourself, however, then a trip to Thingvellir National Park is a must.

Arguably the best place in the world to witness the Northern Lights, Iceland sightseeing isn’t complete without a trip to this park. With a ton of historical, cultural and geological activity to observe and learn about, this destination makes for both a fun and informative detour while in the country.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Far away from the busy capital of Reykjavik, a peninsula juts out from the remainder of Iceland. Known as the Westfjords, this section of Iceland provides some of the most beautiful views anywhere in the country. Situated within this region of the country is the Hornstrandir Natural Reserve, one of the most isolated places in the world.

Inside this beautifully preserved area, you can witness massive, jutting peaks that play home to many unique species of birds and wildlife. Until relatively recently, this section of Iceland was effectively cut off from civilization, with a few small villages being wholly self-reliant. While the villages have since disbanded, the beauty that comes with this natural reserve remains intact.

Lake Myvatn

People flock from all over the world to see, witness, and experience the immense geological activity in Iceland. From naturally-occurring hot springs to absurd lava formations, Lake Myvatn is one place to see it all.

The natural baths in the area are a prime attraction, but geological activity has made some of them unsafe (it is highly recommended to seek local advice before entering any natural bath or hot spring!). Nevertheless, you don’t have to dip your toes in the water to experience the beauty that lava, wind and time have bestowed upon the lake.

Hekla

Iceland may be best known for its immense geothermal activity. Underneath the island is a plethora of volcanic activity, culminating in large part around the active volcanoes on the island. Most people are familiar with the Eyjafjallajökull volcano that disrupted global air traffic with an eruption several years ago, but another beautiful example is the Hekla volcano.

Known as one of the most active volcanoes on the entire planet, Hekla rises more than 4,500 feet, providing an anchor in the Icelandic countryside for a beautiful vista. The area surrounding the volcano looks more like an alien planet than one would think is possible, which has led to it being a cultural and artistic inspiration for many.

Solheimajokull Glacier

What trip to Iceland would be complete without a bit of ice climbing and hiking? Iceland’s natural climate means that you can enjoy these adventures throughout most of the year. One of the best places to visit for an ice climbing adventure is the Solheimajokull glacier, located about 150km outside of Reykjavik.

With an expert guide to assist, you’ll be able to scale the beautiful ice formations of the region, visit one of the largest waterfalls in the country and take in the immaculate terrain of the region as ice collides and meshes with earth. For those seeking a full day’s adventure without fully separating themselves from the capital city, there are day-trip adventure packages to Solheimajokull from Reykjavik.

Looking at Iceland on a map, the country can seem quite small. However, once immersed in everything there is to see and do here, you’ll feel nothing of the sort. The vast, open terrain outside of the capital city can feel untamed at times, providing some of the most beautiful views anywhere in the world. If you’re ready to visit Iceland but want more than the typical urban tourist experience, then these five destinations are must-see attractions.

Lonavala – Explore For A Pleasant Weekend

Lonavala lies about 65 KM away from Pune, and 80 km away from Mumbai. Recently, the place has got a lot of traction for being a quiet nook for the people wishing to get away from the hard lifestyle of the city streets. So, why do people like it so much, let’s take a look.

Why lonavala?

Lonavala is a serene place with mist encompassing almost the whole of it. You could hide away in the bushes and see the hills, or go away into one of the hotels in Lonavala to have that break with your lover that you always wanted.

In fact, most of the fan-following of the place comes from people who can’t wait to get away from the bustling life of Mumbai city, and have some peace and quiet. With its vast hills and quiet sceneries, it provides ample amount of both.

Places to visit

Being part of the Western Ghats, Lonavala is the hill station to visit when it starts to rain. It has that tinge of romance that makes most hill stations special during these months. Along with the scenery there’s a lot of places to visit too. We take you through some of them.

Lohagad Fort

One of the famous forts of the Maharastrian legend Shivaji, this place offers a historical view amidst the greenery of the hill station. Get one of the hotels in Lonavala and spend your day visiting the fort of one of the true heroes of Indian history.

Rajmachi

Rajmachi has two peaks Manoranjan and Shrivardhan. Go visit the Rajmachi fort located between Lonavala and Khandala and you have this beautiful sight to be privy to.

Karla caves

The Karla Caves are said to have inscriptions from all throughout the rich history of India. This is the place for history buffs and people who want to be a part of something bigger.

Tiger’s Leap

You might visit Tiger’s Leap and lament over how its just another mountain viewing point, but, with its special charm, and a Echo Point, this is the place to take your family

Bushi Dam

A water body which is completely serene is a hard place to find. No wonder then that Bushi dam has become the picnic spot of choice for people all over the state.

Pavana Dam

One of the places that make Lonavala so interesting, Pavana Dam houses a lot of unexplored and untouched places for you to explore.

The Best Motor Biking Destinations For The Two-Wheeled Traveller

For car drivers nothing beats a wide open road or the gentle curves found round mountain passes made only better if there is little or no traffic. While this may be the case for the majority of avid drivers, it’s also true that others may have differing ideas of what would make up their perfect road. In the same way what makes for the perfect biking road? Is it the adventure of traveling on a smooth traffic-free roads, an element of danger, twists and turns, or having an impressive landscape as a backdrop.

Perhaps the best answer is that a great biking road is a blend of all the above, something that is shared by the following list of some of the world’s best motor biking destinations: 

Morocco

Morocco is a noted winter destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. With light traffic, reasonable surfaces on most main roads, and an amazing diversity of landscapes, the North African country makes for a great place to ride. In addition to good roads, Morocco also offers variety in the form of wild mountain trails, isolated high passes, mule tracks and sand dunes. As a result, there are several motor cycle tour companies that offer packages for Morocco including all inclusive off-road tours, all-day trails, and more.

Norway

Motorcycle tours have grown in popularity in recent years and as such there are a number of professional motor biking tour companies offering a variety of destinations. In most cases all you need to do is book your tour and the company will take care of everything from helmets to motorbike tyres for the smooth running of your trip. As such similar tours are offered in Norway too, one of the best destinations for motor biking in the world. A great example is the Bergen to Geiranger tour which takes you past Norway’s longest Fjord, through long tunnels, past glaciers and even waterfalls.

Italy

In addition to the allure of its history, Italy not only has the draw of amazing man-made historical attractions, the country is also blessed by an abundance of natural attributes. What’s more, the Italians also enjoy motor cycles too hence the wide availability of Hotels offering perks such as secure parking, tour and trail information, as well as facilities to help you relax after a long day’s ride. Highlights here include the Dolomites in Northern Italy, and the Amalfi Road coast tour from Naples to Salerno.

America (the Wild West)

Many places in the United States of America are also among some of the world’s best motor biking tours but none are as awe-inspiring, or as challenging as the country’s Wild West. Tours here will take you through some of America’s most untamed regions, including Utah, Arizona, and Nevada where you get a wide choice of terrain to ride. Frome cruising on the historic route 66 to hitting the dirt as you go off road, Americas Wild West sure is a top destination for avid bikers looking for some adventure and amazing scenery.

The destinations mentioned above are not the only great motor biking tours for avid two wheel travellers, there are many others including India, Costa Rica, Switzerland, and Turkey, among others. Still you’d be hard pressed to find better biking trails in the places mentioned above, making it a good start for all your motor biking tour planning.

Ways To Keep Your Belonging Safe While Travelling

As you plan a trip, it is important to think carefully about the valuable things that you’ll be carrying along. Many travel experts advise not to take anything of value that you cannot afford to lose, to cut down the bling and to only keep the essentials. We cannot deny that it is good advice as you’ll always think of your safety first. It’s just like when you’re playing online- you will always think of choosing the best site which offers online security like Ted Bingo. This top bingo site offers top security measures and uses the SSL protocol to make sure all your personal and card details are at the safest. So anywhere you can enjoy a variety of top online games, without having to worry even a little bit!

But, at times, you indeed need to carry things of value. Depending of the purpose of your trip, the bits ‘n bobs you might want to carry might be credits cards, money and passports, jewelleries for special events, items to sell (for auctions), expensive and essential equipment, items for others (documents) or prototypes for presentations. So, how to keep all your valuables items at the safest? Here are some tips!

Carry, don’t pack!

One of the most blatant ways to keep your valuables safe is to carry them, instead of packing. With a little dose of luck, your most valuable item can be packed easily in a bespoke case, which you can always keep in hand. Or, you can keep it under your seat or stashed between your feet. For small items like cash, credits cards or passports, better to keep a money belt- rather keep monies out of sight. One cracking way of making sure your items are safe is to stay awake or keep an eye, as you travel by wagon or bus.

Mail Service- Brilliant!

If you are going on a long trip across various countries, it’s better to use the mail services for delivery. It is safer than carrying an item you bought, from here to there. Some exclusive shops even propose to pack and mail them to your final destination. It is a good alternative to hefting, lugging or eyeing the items as you travel. If you’re unsure about shipping facilities, choose mail services which ask for signature to collect the valuable items- only yourself or trusted relatives can pick it up!

Locks to Luggage Racks

As you travel by wagon or bus, feel safer by locking your cases to the closet luggage racks using either a bile or luggage lock. Thus, it is less likely that someone will snatch the luggage rack when you’re sleeping or using the loo! You can even lock small cases to your airline seat or the back seat of your rented car as you drive. However, remember to lock the valuables to the case first, then use the locking cable through the handles of the case to add the lock, for maximum security.

Wherever you go, safety comes first! So, while planning your next trip, make sure to follow the above tips to come home with all your valuables – a happy and safe trip!

Fun Things To Do In Tanzania!

If you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip of a lifetime to Tanzania, continue reading to discover a wide variety of fun things to do on your upcoming Tanzania trip!

Fun Things to do in Tanzania:

  1. Book a safari at the Serengeti National Park

If booking an African safari is one of the items on your bucket list, the highlight of your trip to Tanzania will be embarking on a safari tour of the world-famous Serengeti National Park. Where you’ll get to explore wide open plains which are teeming with exotic wildlife.

Examples of which include lions, zebra, elephants, and giraffes. So if you’re looking for your best possible chance of viewing Africa’s big five, it’s well worth booking a multiple day tour of the Serengeti National Park.

  1. Tour Stone Town

Stone Town is located in Zanzibar, which is one of Tanzania’s most popular tourist spots. Stone Town, which is one of the oldest parts of Zanzibar is a UNESCO heritage site and is well known for its stunning stone buildings.

An example of which is the House of Wonders, which originally served as a palace for a wealthy, powerful sultan. Stone Town is also worth visiting in order to shop for a wide variety of herbs and spices, which boast fragrant aromas.

  1. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

If you’re looking to explore one of Northern Tanzania’s wildlife parks, you may be interested in visiting the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. As well as having the opportunity to walk around the rim of the park’s crater, you’ll also be able to spot prides of wild lions in their native habitat. As well as spotting lions, you should see hippopotamus, wildebeest, cheetahs, elephants, and zebra.

  1. Book a half day tour to Prison Island

If you love the idea of visiting a picture perfect island, which boasts white sand beaches, it’s well worth visiting Prison Island, which is also known as Changuu Island. Should you visit, you’ll also have the opportunity to view the island’s giant tortoises, many of which are well over 100 years old. In fact, the island is home to a few which have celebrated their 150th birthdays!

If you’re interested in Tanzania’s history, it’s also worth visiting Prison Island as it once served as a yellow fever quarantine center.

  1. Spend an afternoon at Nakupenda Beach

Nakupenda Beach is one of Tanzania’s highest rated beaches and is located on the coast of Zanzibar. If the thought of being able to swim and snorkel in clean, clear water appeals to you, it’s well worth spending a few hours at Nakupenda Beach. Just be sure to take an umbrella, to provide a bit of well-needed shade as the beach offers no trees or shade.

  1. Hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro

If you’re up for a challenge of a lifetime, book a guided hike, with an experienced guide who will help you with climbing Kilimanjaro, which is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

It’s definitely well worth adding all six of the attractions listed above to your Tanzanian itinerary!

The ‘New’ 7 Wonders of the World

The original Seven Wonders of the World date back to B.C. era. Original ancient wonders included the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Today, the only ancient world wonder still in existence is the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Luckily, the list has been updated with new wonders you can see in your lifetime. Conquer them all at once or plan your next holiday away from Australia with the help of an Australian travel guide.

  1. The Taj Mahal – India

The Taj Mahal stands as one of the top architectural achievements to come out of the Mughal empire. The building is the prime example of perfect balance and symmetry which marks the style of the Mughals. The best time of year to see this amazing piece of work is from November to February. Any other months you risk rain or extreme heat. Be sure to wake up early and catch the sunrise. Not only is this a sight to behold, you’ll also be able to avoid the late-morning crowds.

  1. The Colosseum – Italy

There are all sorts of architectural creations that date back to the Roman Empire, but the Colosseum is one of the most notable, even though only a third of the original structure is still standing. The arena was used for more than four centuries. At its peak the Colosseum was used for hunting shows, gladiator fighting, and even public executions. After the Roman Empire fell, the building was temporarily used as housing.

  1. The Great Wall – China

The Great Wall of China has been a Chinese national symbol since 220 B.C. The wall took nearly 1800 years to build and it stands as a stark contrast against the natural terrain that surrounds it. While some portions of the wall have fallen apart over the years, the most reserved section is located from southeastern Liaoning Province to northwestern Gansu Province. This portion of the wall was built during 1368-1644 and was meticulously maintained by the Ming dynasty.

  1. Chichén Itzá – Mexico

The Mayans were quite an amazing civilization and Chichén Itzá stands as a testament. Chichén Itzá was originally a Maya city that was eventually accepted by the Maya-Toltec civilization. The city was a booming city until A.D. 1200 but was abandoned soon after. Chichén Itzá is home to religious temples as well as buildings that show the civilizations advanced understanding of science, especially astronomy. Notable structures include:

  • The Temple of Kukulkán
  • The Pyramid of Kukulcan EL Castillo
  • Observatory El Caracol.
  • Temple of the Warriors
  • Temple of the Jaguar

During your trip to Cancun, don’t think twice about visiting Chichén Itzá if you want a true taste of the history of the area.

  1. Machu Picchu – Peru

Another amazing civilization that left ruins for future generations to enjoy are the Incas. Machu Picchu is located along the Andes Mountains and is thought to have been built as a retreat for emperor Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. The settlement was used between the mid-15th century through mid-16th century but was abandoned after. Machu Picchu wasn’t discovered until 1911. Today the government has limited the time allowed at the site to preserve the area as much as possible.

  1. Christ the Redeemer – Brazil

The Christ the Redeemer statue took five years to build and more than $100,000. This stands as the most recent addition to the list of Seven Wonders. The statue, which is 125 feet tall, weighs more than 1,145 tons and is the largest Art Deco sculpture on Earth. What’s even more amazing is that the statue is made up of 6 million stone tiles.

The statue is built atop a high mountain which has made it vulnerable to natural damage from weather and lightning.

  1. Petra – Jordan

The city of Petra dates back all the way to 4th century B.C. and is a notable creation of the Nabataean kingdom. The city took more than 400 years to build and during its time was ideally placed along the most important spice and silk trade routes. While the city was conquered by the Roman Empire in A.D. 106, it’s withstood the test of time. Because of ever-growing violence in the Middle East, tourism to Petra has dropped so if you take this trip, practice caution and safety.

Conclusion

There are thousands of sights to see throughout the world. You will be occupied for hours while traveling with the amount of sights and actives there are to experience. These 7 wonders have most impressed by travelers. Not only do these sights give you an insight into the past, they are truly like nothing that exists anywhere else in the world.

5 Top Reasons Why India Should Be On Your Bucket List

India is a country which is the world’s largest democracy. It is also a veritable treasure house of varied experiences for the traveler. Whether you are interested in losing yourself in spectacular landscapes or being awed by heritage structures that date way back in history, India is the place to head to. India is a vast country with its sights and attractions spread across the length and breadth of the country. However the country is well connected by rail, road, and air. Delhi is the Capital of India. It is easy and convenient to say book flights from Delhi to Mumbai or any other major city or town of India.

Here are our 5 top reasons why India should be on your bucket list.

Reason One- The Monuments of India

If you had only one reason to visit India and that were to visit its monuments, that reason is more than enough. On top of that if that list of monuments includes the Taj Mahal, then I am sure most people would head to India just to visit the Taj Mahal. Of course it would be nothing short of blasphemy if one were to visit India and not pay a mandatory visit to the Taj Mahal situated in the northern town of Agra in India. But if you were to look beyond the Taj Mahal, you will realize that India is virtually dotted with magnificent monuments and heritage sites which are unique and real gems not to be missed. Some of the monuments that one must see when in India include the Qutb Minar in Delhi, the Char Minar in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, the Gateway of India in the western Indian city of Mumbai, the Ajanta Caves in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, the Konark Sun temple in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, and so on. Actually the list is endless and would take chapters to list down each of the monuments that decorate India and stretch across its surface like a carpet strewn with precious stones.

Reason Two- The Natural Wonders of India

India is a country with very diverse and varied natural landscapes. You can experience the wild beauty of the arid deserts of Rajasthan in India. Contrast that with the snow clad mountains of the Himalayan ranges.

So it is only in India you that you can watch a spectacular sunset on the sand dunes of the Thar desert in Rajasthan and be off next day hiking in the snow trails of the Himalayas. It is in India that you will be enchanted by cruising on a luxurious house boat on the serene backwaters of Kerala one day and on the next be thrilled by the biodiversity of the UNESCO World heritage site of the Western Ghats. It is only in India that you can laze on the gorgeous beaches of Goa on one day and be on a boat cruising the Mangrove forests of the Sundarbans in West Bengal on the other. Again this is just a few glimpses of what India has to offer to the nature enthusiast. Needless to say India is a haven for those looking to have different and unique experiences in nature.

Reason Three- The Wildlife of India

India may not be Africa in terms of wildlife, but it is an impressive destination for wildlife alone. It has a rich spectrum of wildlife which is preserved and protected in more than five hundred wildlife sanctuaries, more than a hundred and twenty National Parks and eighteen Bio-reserves. The world has a total of thirty six identified bi-diversity hotspots and India has three of these.

The wildlife that is teeming in India includes the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Leopard and Snow Leopard, the Great Indian Rhinoceros, different species of deer, the Indian Elephant and many more. Some of the must visit hotspots for spotting wildlife in India are Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, Jim Corbett in the northern state of Uttarakhand, the Kanha National Park situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and the Kaziranga National Park that is located in the North-Eastern state of Assam. Indeed India is a country where your wild dreams crystallize into reality.

Reason Four- The Rich Culture of India 

India is a virtual melting pot of culture. Across history India has had successive impacts of culture from across the world. The Dutch, The Portuguese, the British, the Persians, the Moghuls and many others have left their influence in the country. While at the same time the indigenous culture too has been nurtured and thrives. India has a rich culture of music, dance, drama and handloom and handicrafts. Dances like Bharatanatyam and Kathakali from the south of India mesmerize with their rhythm while at the same time strains of the Sitar resonate throughout the land. The intricately woven silk sarees of Kanchipuram and Varanasi enthrall with their brilliance while the colourful handcrafted fabrics of the Kutch district in the western state of Gujarat captivate with their brilliance. Coming to popular and contemporary culture the Indian film industry known as Bollywood is the World’s largest film industry when it comes to film production. The colourful culture of India is nowhere more evident than its numerous festivals that are celebrated across the country. Some of the notable Indian festivals are Diwali which is known as the festival of Lights, Holi also known as the festival of colours, Ganesh Chaturthi, Uttaran or Kite festival. The culture of India needs to be experienced immersively and getting out to India exclusively to understand and celebrate its culture is always a great option.

Reason Five- The Cuisine of India

The intriguing diversity of India is visible in all its facets and also its cuisine. This is why it is one of the best travel spots. India has a mind-boggling array of food which varies from north to south and east to west. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or non-vegetarian, you are sure to be overwhelmed with the spread of food that you will find across the country. Some of the dishes that you must taste in India are its famed Biryani in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, the Masala Dosa in Bangalore or any other town or city in the southern part of the country. Of course you need to sweeten your mouth with tantalizing Indian desserts like the Gulab Jamun and Gajar ka Halwa which are available throughout the country.

So do you think these reasons are enough for you to want to head to India? What are your thoughts?

First Timer’s Guide To Matamata, New Zealand

Located in the Waikato region of New Zealand, Matamata is a small town that delivers plenty of activities. While the area might be best known as the location for the film The Lord of the Rings, it offers other attractions as well. As a result, Hobbit fans and non-Hobbit fans alike can discover something to do in Matamata. If you’re securing a campervan hire New Zealand, consider a road trip to Matamata. It’s located about 2 hours from Auckland, 1 hour from Rotorua, and 45 minutes from Hamilton. As a result, you have many paths to use to get to Matamata and explore everything it has to offer. Follow this guide to plan your journey to the thriving farm region of Matamata.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Fans of The Lord of the Rings know Matmata as the location where the popular film was shot. After the movie debuted and the cast and crew left New Zealand, traces of the film remain today. The New Zealand government opted to leave the hobbit holes used in the film so that they could become a tourist attraction. Today, visitors can go on one of several guided tours to explore one of 44 hobbit holes in the region up close.

On these tours, you can check out the real-life Middle Earth as it was reflected in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Hobbit films. Your tour will include a drive through a picturesque and vast sheep farm, which served as the site for filming. You’ll see Bag End, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree. You can even grab a refreshing drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Daily tours are available, so book yours before your campervan hire New Zealand arrives in Matamata.

Outdoor Adventures

Matamata offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, set in its scenic countryside. The best way to see all of Matamata is to dedicate a couple of hours to walking along the Heritage Trail. This trail weaves you through different parks, as well as through gardens and past local historical sites.

For a stunning view, check out Wairere Falls, which is located conveniently just 10 minutes from Matamata. This waterfall is 153 meters high, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the North Island. When you ascend to the top of these falls, you’ll take in spectacular views of the Waikato region. Be sure to reserve plenty of time for this outdoor adventure. You can expect your journey to take 3 to 4 hours, round trip. You’ll cross over streams on small wooden bridges; otherwise, the track is well maintained and easy to navigate. Along the way, you will encounter groves of nikau and puriri.

Located on the outskirts of Matamata sits Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park, which offers a spot for you to take a dip and relax. It features hot mineral pools, as well as private pools for your enjoyment. It also offers accommodations if you’re looking for a spot to stay.

For a relaxing afternoon, visit Dalton’s Plantation when you’re in Matamata. Featuring 10 acres of beautiful gardens, this spot is an ideal place to set up a picnic lunch under one of the many weeping silver pear trees. Plus, Dalton’s Plantation features a cafe where you can pick up a meal before or after your garden exploration.

For a more metropolitan day outdoors, plan a visit to Firth Tower. This tower, located in the heart of the city, sits in a lush park perfect for outdoor relaxation. Plus, 13 buildings display historic artifacts, and you can take a tour of these buildings after your explore the pristine grounds surrounding them.

Local Culture

You’ve visited Hobbiton and taken in the natural beauty of Matamata. Now, spend some time enjoying the local culture. First up, check out the Wallace Gallery in Morrinsville, which is home to a vast collection of New Zealand art. Next, head to the heart of Matamata and look for the Matamata i-SITE, a Middle Earth-inspired attraction that’s a perfect spot to grab an authentic New Zealand selfie.

For a more in-depth exploration of local culture, consider a farmstay during your visit. You’ll choose with a farm, head out to the country, and, as the name implies, stay on site. While you’re there, you will get an up-close look at farmlife in New Zealand. In many cases, you can even try your hand at some hands-on work, whether you’re milking cows or collecting eggs. You can get as involved as you want to be when you’re a guest at a farmstay and you will feel comfortable in your own surroundings.

Conclusion

Matamata is a worthwhile stop when you have your campervan hire New Zealand. It’s a must-see for any fans of The Lord of the Rings, but it has plenty of other activities to offer as well. Enjoy the natural beauty of its rugged landscape, and take in some local culture when you travel to Matamata.

The Perfect Road Trip Plan For Your Perth Visit

When we take a trip, we usually have certain goals in mind. For instance, you can go to Hong Kong or the Kuala Lumpur City Centre to shop on all boutiques and get good bargains. You can drop by Thailand and Cambodia to go sightseeing and check out ancient ruins and temples.

But for Perth, this is a trip best enjoyed through a road trip. After getting a car hire at the Perth airport, finding out why it has become an increasingly popular destination and getting to know its varied landscape will be an exciting journey to take.

Here, we have listed down some of the best stops you should be on the lookout for during your trip.

Perth to Exmouth

Starting off this list is one of the most scenic road trip routes to take, and it is more or less a 13-hour drive north of Perth. Exmouth is a port town, a seaside resort that is filled with adventure parks, beautiful reefs, museums, and countless restaurants. But the journey going from Perth to Exmouth is also a sight to see. If you happen to come on wildflower season, you will be able to see a sea of wildflowers during your drive. Places to visit include Cape Range National Park, the Exmouth Gulf, Ningaloo Reef, and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.

Lancelin Sand Dunes, the Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes Beach

These sand dunes are about 2 hours from the Perth Central Business District are the Lancelin Sand Dunes. You can bring your own board or rent one, and slide down the highest sand dune peak. Once you have had your fill, you can drive an hour more from Lancelin to the Pinnacles Desert. The desert is pretty big so you will not have to worry about tourists getting in your shot. You might even get to see wild kangaroos roaming the landscape.

Afterwards, chill out at Cervantes Beach which is only 20 minutes from the Pinnacles Desert. The best thing about this beach is it is not very crowded. It is a small fishing village with only a few restaurants, you can easily relax here without worrying about other tourists.

Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia is visited by so many people because it offers a unique encounter with some of the friendliest mammals in the world: the bottlenose dolphins. Fishermen in the region used to share their daily catch with the dolphins, forging a relationship with humans. Which is why if you make the 9-hour drive to Monkey Mia, not only will you enjoy relaxing at the beach, but you will also get the chance to feed the dolphins. While you are there, take the indigenous tour at the Shark Bay World Heritage Area for a unique look at the history of the indigenous people and Australia.

Albany

From Perth, drive 5 hours to reach one of the most breathtaking destinations in the country. What you will get from Albany is more than just scenic coastlines, it offers a unique look into the settler and convict history of Australia. Especially if you decide to traverse the Bibbulmun Track, you will see firsthand where the first Western settlers set foot in the country. Apart from being able to take a cruise and meeting the whales up close, you can also learn Albany’s history in the whaling industry. But more importantly, you can enjoy food, wine, diving, hiking, and four-wheel driving in just one place.

For more information on some of the best Perth destinations, you can visit and where you can get the best car hire, visit the DriveNow website here.

How To Organize A Perfect Trip To The Amazon Rainforest

No trip to Ecuador would surely be complete without a trip to the Amazon Rainforest. Monkeys, sloths, snakes, caiman, river dolphins, piranhas, pretty birds and all variety of tree and plant life make this an adventure not to be missed. Amazon tours in Ecuador are offered by many providers, but Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders (https://galapagosinsiders.com) offers some great tips to help you make the most of your trip to the Amazon rainforest. From selecting your trip, to what to bring, and even the best attitude to have, the below will help you get the most out of your Amazon tour in Ecuador.

Making the most of your trip to the Amazon rainforest is best achieved by selecting the right package for you, depending on how luxurious or rustic you like your experience to be. There are a very wide range of lodges to choose from, from the downright opulent, to very basic huts that may have a light bulb and a bed, but not much else, and everything in-between. Some of the more lavish options will have most of the creature comforts you would have at home, but the more meagre options will definitely not. There is something to be said for both types of experience in terms of the benefits and drawbacks, but it is important to select the Amazon tour in Ecuador that is right for you, and with a tremendous knowledge of Ecuador and its rainforest, Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders may be able to help you make the best choice to suit your personal needs and budget. The most important thing is to do your research and make sure you find a trip that you will be comfortable with.

Whichever package you choose, be prepared for a bit of a journey. All Amazon tours in Ecuador involve some time to travel there. This makes sense when you consider that to get to primary rainforest where animals roam, you will need to be away from civilization for a few days. Even if you choose a lodge “nearby” to a town, it could involve a motorized canoe ride of a couple of hours up the waterways. This is an experience in itself, and an excellent opportunity to spot birds and wildlife living alongside the water, and taking in the delights of the forest on your way to and from your lodge will help you to get the most from your trip. You may well spot birds and animal life that you do not get to see at any other time. Keep your eyes open, and scan the banks and you never know what you might see!

Another key thing to remember when taking your trip to the Amazon rainforest, to get the most out of it, is to bring a sense of adventure with you. If you’re up for anything and for trying new experiences, you will be most likely to have the best time. New experiences that you can try could include strolling along wooden walkways strung out in the jungle canopy, taking motorized canoes up and down the river to spy all manner of birds and animals during the day or at night, or trying new and exotic foods… and even insects! You might hold a tarantula in your hand or a boa constrictor around your shoulders. No one will make you do anything you don’t want to, but coming with an open mind, and leaving anxiety at home should help you get the most out of your adventurous trip. Make the most of the experience by taking as many of the available trips and walks as possible, and also listening to your guide impart a wealth of information on the flora and fauna of the jungle.

Getting the most out of your trip is possible by being kitted out appropriately for the experience. The rainforest is named so for a reason. This should give you a clue about the kind of weather you should expect. Making the most of your trip to the Amazon rainforest means understanding that you are likely to get wet. Most lodges will provide rubber boots for you to wear when out and about on walks, but you might also wish to bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots with you to ensure you are comfortable while traveling. You are also likely to get wet because of the amount of rainfall that the jungle receives, paths do get very muddy and can be slippery. You might also wish to consider bringing a rain coat, and clothes that are quick-dry, such as those designed for hiking. Nothing dries quickly here, even when it is not raining, due to the humidity. Long sleeves and pants help keep the bugs off. In terms of other equipment, you might want to bring a thin quick-dry camping towel. A pair of binoculars will undoubtedly be helpful for spotting animals and birds high up in the jungle canopy, or alternatively a camera with a powerful zoom will be useful – or both! Meanwhile, birdwatchers may wish to bring a bird book with them, to help them identify the beautiful range of birds they will spot. This aside, be sure to listen to any briefing that your guide gives about what to bring on any particular day, as this will help you get the most from your trip. Don’t forget sun screen and bug spray!

Finally, to make the most of your trip to the Ecuador rainforest, make sure to bring a positive attitude with you. Nature rules the jungle, and despite the best laid plans, sometimes not everything runs exactly as it should. Plans may have to change depending on the weather, or due to logistical and safety challenges. Remember, that the jungle is not a zoo – your guide will make sure you see as much of the wildlife as possible, but there are never any guarantees. Whatever the challenges, you can be sure that your hosts in the Amazon rainforest will be doing their utmost to ensure that your Amazon tour in Ecuador runs as smoothly as it can and that you have the best possible experience during your stay. Check out https://galapagosinsiders.com to find out more and organize your once in a lifetime trip to the Amazon today.