MANALI + TERRY | Newlyweds Backpack Round The World

Guest Post | Weird & Wonderful Balinese Wildlife

Manali — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:23:49 +0000

It is no wonder that the Indonesian island of Bali offers tourists the chance to see so many different types of wild animals; more than 13% of its land area has been classified as National Park lands where the primary purpose is the preservation of the island’s impressive wildlife. In addition to this park system, visitors can also enjoy sights such as Taman Burung Bali, an extensive garden avian park hosting over 1000 birds, including the Bali Mynah, a rare bird nearing extinction.

Indeed, Bali is perhaps best known for the nearly 300 bird species recorded on the island. In addition, the island also provides a home for a fascinating collection of mammals and reptiles. Visitors to the Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park) may see wild mammals they have never before heard mentioned, such as the Muntjak, also known as a barking deer; the Banteng, a type of wild cattle; and the Chevrotain, a species of fanged deer.

The waters around Bali are also thick with exotic life including no fewer than five varieties of turtle as well as the dugong, a marine mammal that sailors in ages past thought were mermaids. The thick coral reefs in Bali’s coastal waters have millions of brightly colored tropical fish, as well as several species of “giant” sea life, such as the Giant Manta Ray, Giant Sunfish, and Giant Moray Eel. Intrepid divers off the island can also have close encounters with both hammerhead and reef sharks in addition to sea snakes and barracuda.

The Bali Butterfly Park: The Bali Butterfly Park is the largest such facility in all of Asia and allows visitors to see thousands of butterflies, including rare species which are native to Indonesia. Any trip to the park is enjoyable since the gardens are meticulously landscaped with blooms that attract the various species, but for the very best butterfly experience, tourists should strive to visit at dusk when the insects are at their most active.

The Monkey Forest of Ubud: No wildlife visit to Bali is complete without a trip to see the monkeys that inhabit the forest temple in the
Ubud region. Although it is not advisable to try to pet these monkeys, tourists do find that the animals are willing to come quite close – close enough to take a banana out of a visitor’s hand. This attraction is very affordable and is best seen in bright daylight so you won’t miss a single moment of the simian entertainment.

The Elephant Safari Park: Located on the outskirts of Ubud is an elephant park where more than 24 rare Sumatran elephants make
their home. Here, visitors can come close to the elephants as they learn about how the animal has historically contributed to the culture and lifestyle of Indonesia. Also of great interest to many tourists is the visitor center, which features a skeleton of a mammoth – the only such skeleton in the entire southern hemisphere of the planet. The park is best visited in the morning hours since that allows time for visitors to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the restaurant afterwards.

The Balinese ecosystem possesses a rare beauty that must be kept in a delicate balance if the island’s wildlife is to continue to thrive. From lush tropical gardens replete with birds to dense forests where monkeys scamper over one another to reach tourists offering them bananas, to coastal waters thick with tropical fish, rays, and even dolphins, tourists staying in the island’s Seminyak Villas will be able to enjoy wildlife adventures throughout the entire length of their Bali vacation.

Photo credits: Manali & Terry and Kenski1970s

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Guest Post | On the Road in Australia
16 April 2012 7:37 PM | 37851 CommentGuest+Post+%7C+On+the+Road+in+Australia2012-04-17+02%3A37%3A22Manali
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Guest Post | Discovering Las Vegas
15 March 2012 9:18 AM | 37683 CommentsGuest+Post+%7C+Discovering+Las+Vegas2012-03-15+16%3A18%3A44Manali
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Guest Post | On the Road in Australia

Manali — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:37:22 +0000

If you are in search of a memorable touring vacation by car amid some wide-open spaces, one of the destinations you must consider is Australia. With its straight roads that go on for hundreds of miles through some of the most distinctive scenery that can be found on the planet, Australia lends itself very well to a driving vacation. This huge country offers what many people consider to be almost the ultimate ‘get away from it all’ adventure, but at the same time it has more than a fair share of lively and cosmopolitan cities that drivers can use as a base at the start and end of the journey. With economy car hire, a wide selection of routes and individual destinations become available to the driver in Australia.

While the scenery can be spectacular and the cities very civilized, it is essential to plan carefully before any Australian road trip vacation. The distances involved when travelling between points of civilization can be very large indeed. It therefore pays to be well prepared when setting out on a journey, particularly into the Outback. The intense heat and lack of human habitation experienced when you move away from the coast means that adequate water supplies are an essential item to carry; for the car’s cooling system and for the passengers to drink. An extensive first-aid kit is also a must, and care should be taken when dealing with the native Australian flora and fauna. With preparation, though, an Australian road trip can be a vacation that will stay in the memory for all the right reasons. There are a number of very good routes to consider but below are the three most popular:

1. For many visitors, the Red Centre Way is perhaps the archetypal Australian touring experience. The Outback has attracted and enchanted many travelers over the years, with the spectacular red sandstone and the aura of Aboriginal spirituality. Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is likely to be the focal point of such a trip in Australia’s Northern Territory, with Alice Springs as the logical staging post, but this should not blind the driver to the many sights to be found en route. A hire car provides the freedom to stop for photo opportunities at will.

2. The Great Tropical Drive along the Queensland coast gives a different picture of the country. This puts drivers within touching distance of water-based trips to the Great Barrier Reef, but the beauty of the coastline itself also makes it worth taking the trip leisurely and by road. There are also a number of pleasant coastal towns to enjoy, and having a car means that the schedule can be flexible according to personal taste. The city of Cairns is the most likely start and finish point for this picturesque journey.

3. Another driving route with a difference can be found on the island of Tasmania, where the Lap of Tassie starts and finishes in the city of Hobart. It takes a few days to complete the drive, although using a car means that some flexibility can be built into both the route and the timetable. Towns such as Launceston and Strahan provide comfortable places to break the journey, and in between there is a mix of wild countryside and photogenic coastline to enjoy at leisure. You really can’t go wrong anywhere in this amazing country!

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Melbourne | Australia :: The Great Ocean Road
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Guest Post | Discovering Las Vegas
15 March 2012 9:18 AM | 37683 CommentsGuest+Post+%7C+Discovering+Las+Vegas2012-03-15+16%3A18%3A44Manali
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Guest Post | Discovering Las Vegas

Manali — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:18:44 +0000

Las Vegas is one of the most popular vacation and gambling destinations in the US, and it has the advantage of never having an off-season like so many other places. There is plenty to do here all year round, although the public school holidays and dates like Halloween and New Years Eve are best avoided unless you are particularly fond of crowds!

The weather in Vegas is sunny and dry throughout the year, courtesy of the desert climate. Spring and fall are probably the best times to visit for the most comfortable temperatures. However, there are crowds in Las Vegas all the year round, whether you’re dining, gaming, walking or shopping. Even an activity as simple as walking along the Strip can turn into something of an obstacle course; even so it is still great fun.

There are many fantastic attractions in Las Vegas apart from the stunningly flamboyant casinos. Some of these are free to enter and others you will have to pay for, but a great time is guaranteed for all.

Adventuredome at Circus Circus

This is an awesome venue for the whole family to enjoy. It is packed with water rides, roller coasters and arcades, all in a theme park setting. The whole dome is climate controlled and so can be enjoyed throughout the year, and there are numerous eateries inside. This circus makes for a great day out!

Bellagio Hotel Fountains

This is probably the best free show in Las Vegas. It consists of beautiful fountains that are synchronized and choreographed with some sublime music. They are illuminated in the evenings and there is plenty of seating from which you can relax and enjoy the display. After a day in the casinos or at the circus this is a perfect place for chilling out and regaining a sense of balance.

The Mirage

The Dolphin Habitat and the Siegfried and Roy Secret Garden at the Mirage are effectively a small zoo. Beautifully appointed, it houses exotic wildlife such as the famous white tigers in a faithful reproduction of their natural habitat. The bottlenose dolphins are especially popular with the tourists.

Gondolas

Well – this is Vegas! A ride in a beautifully ornamented gondola at the Venetian Hotel is something else, and is immensely popular with all visitors to this amazing city. It is a particularly good place to make a marriage proposal in suitably surrealistic surroundings.

There are plenty of places to stay with the family in Las Vegas but the deciding factor is often location. A hotel with great views across the city is obviously ideal, and also one with activities on offer for the kids. With this very much in mind, the New York-New York hotel fits the bill perfectly as not only has it impressive city views but it even sports a roller coaster ride for the kids. There are also many themed hotels, such as the Mandalay Bay, which goes for the East Asia look, and even has a Shark Reef to explore!

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Guest Post | On the Road in Australia
16 April 2012 7:37 PM | 37851 CommentGuest+Post+%7C+On+the+Road+in+Australia2012-04-17+02%3A37%3A22Manali
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Guest Post | Weird & Wonderful Balinese Wildlife
27 April 2012 10:23 AM | 3797No Comments2012-04-27+17%3A23%3A49Manali
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Road Less Travelled | The Primrose Path

Manali — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:50:48 +0000

The many walking paths and gardens of the English countryside are always of great interest for travellers in general and backpackers specifically. There are so many to choose from that it is almost impossible to create a comprehensive list. If you’re looking for more flora than fauna, here is a list of several of the best paths to choose from including Worth Way located in West Sussex, which isn’t far from parking at Gatwick.

Worth Way from Three Bridges is a beautiful twenty kilometer walk not far from Crawley in West Sussex. The path is perfect for backpackers as it goes through the small village of East Grinstead which includes a pub and there are plenty of affordable hotels and hostels to take advantage of including the Yotel at Gatwick airport itself.

The Chailey Common is one of the largest commons in the country and a perfect walking path in East Sussex that provides the opportunity to check out local flora like heather, marsh gentian, sundew as well as heath-spotted orchids in the Summer. Chailey Common is within easy reach of the local bus public transportation.

Not far from Birmingham Airport, once you have found your ride at Birmingham airport parking or hopped on a bus, there is Sutton Park located in Birmingham. It not only provides the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful gardens in the country, but provides an easy walking path that is not far from Birmingham Central Backpackers, an independently run hostel perfect for those hoofing their way across the city.

Another Birmingham walking path is the Tolkien trail located in the Moseley Bog. The trail was one that was often walked by Tolkien himself and is believed to have inspired some of the locations within his novels. The trail takes you through beautiful forest and marsh land.

The American author, Hal Borland said, “All walking is discovery. On foot we take the time to see things whole”, and surely this is the epitome of travelling? To take the time to see the world whole.

*Guest post images from UGArdener

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Classic Road Trip Eats!
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Favorites | Festivals in Thailand

Manali — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:54:18 +0000

Thailand is a magical and mysterious country that offers travelers a glimpse of its ancient and fascinating South East Asian culture. Whether you seek out the history and culture, the exotic food, or the vibrant beauty and buzz of the country, a visit to Thailand is an opportunity to experience a completely different holiday environment. Thailand is definitely one of our favorite countries!

The country’s impressive temples, the beauty of the Mekong and the Chao Phraya Rivers, and the friendly and welcoming people will enchant you. The capital city, Bangkok, is a riot of noise and colour, with its impressive skyscrapers, wall-to-wall concrete and enormous traffic problems; it sometimes feels as though all of the city’s eleven million inhabitants are on the streets at the same time! Flights to Bangkok are available for reasonable prices if you shop around and be sure to book during one of these festivals so that you can join in the fun!

Chinese New Year

The date varies with each year, but this event falls some time during January or February. New Year is the largest annual celebration in the country and is greeted with great enthusiasm by the populace. Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown is completely closed to motorized traffic, and vendors and food stands are everywhere. Walking from one end of the street to the other and back can take all day, but what a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and life of Thailand.

Songkran or Water Festival

Celebrated during April, you will find Water Festivals taking place in many of the larger cities, such as Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chon Buri. A unique festival, it begins with young people honouring their elders by pouring fragrant water and calling for the blessings of the older people. Bathing the Buddha is another important ritual, and the temples are particularly important during this festival. Individuals also splash fragrant water over each other to wash off all misfortunes.

Ploughing Ceremony

Rice production is central to Thailand’s history, culture and economy. The Ploughing Ceremony dates back to the Sukhothai Period (around 1238-1438) and is held in May every year. The Minister of Agriculture presides over the ceremony and the four, so called, Celestial Maidens are also government servants.

Loy Krathong

Also known as the “Festival of Lights”, this ceremony is one of the country’s oldest and favourite traditions. The event takes place during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, which occurs in mid-November. For the festival the Thai people spend countless hours creating small, ornately-decorated boats made from banana leaves that are very intricate works of art in their own right. Many of the boats carry small lights, often candles, and when the boats are set free on the waterways at night it is an enchanting sight. The Thai people also wear traditional costumes and there is singing, dancing and all types of food are available. If you can only visit Thailand during one festival, this is perhaps the one to see – we had a wonderful time!

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Top 5 | Ski Destinations

Manali — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:55:03 +0000

There are plenty of slopes with the perfect powder, but how do you get the best deals on a ski holiday you and your family will never forget? Here are some of the top destinations and deals on the finest powder locations in the world.

Firstly, the Swiss Alps have long been known for their beauty, exciting pistes and amazingly consistent quality powder. Zermatt is the first destination on our list, for having nine of the ten tallest mountains in Europe, including the famous Monte Rosa, Switzerland’s tallest mountain, and the Matterhorn. Europe’s longest ski run is found on these slopes, giving skiers an opportunity to challenge 13km of perfectly packed powder. The slope offers a real challenge for experienced skiers, and there are easier trails for beginners and those intermediately skilled, making it a great family holiday destination.

Looking for a less traditional kind of holiday? The town of Bled in Slovenia is a valley town that boasts the bests in shopping and scenery. The area also offers holidaymakers the chance of some quality skiing. Perfect for family holidays, Bled offers skiing for beginners to those with intermediate skill levels, making it the perfect holiday spot for those setting out on all inclusive ski holidays.

On the other side of the pond, Alaska had a total of 268 metres of snowfall over the 2011 season. Alyeska Resort takes advantage of every single centimetre, offering courses for beginners right up to conditions for the most advanced skiers. Snowboarders have their own parks; every possible snow related sport can be enjoyed here.

While in the States, skiers should make it a point to visit Aspen, Colorado. With four huge ski resorts, local festivals, restaurants and the winter “X-games”, Aspen has been attracting hard-core skiing enthusiasts for over 50 years. Any age and any skill level are welcome in friendly Aspen, where many celebrities keep holiday homes. Combined with a wild nightlife, Aspen’s slopes are as hot as the snow is cold.

Finally, for a ski holiday a bit closer to home, Chamonix in France offers one of the most famous ski areas in all of Europe. Having three main areas for skiers, holidaymakers of all skill levels will find slopes to fit their needs in Chamonix. Grands Montets is one of the most challenging slopes anywhere in the world. Les Houches on the other side of the valley offers beginners to intermediates a less exciting ride down the mountain, making it the ideal stop for beginners and families out for their first skiing holiday.

With so many slopes to choose from, finding the best skiing holiday deals can be more challenging than learning to navigate the powder, so be sure to book early and talk to your travel agent about where to find the best deals on ski holidays!

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Top 10 | Whale Watching Destinations
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Raglan | New Zealand Surfer Haven

Terry — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:56:03 +0000

As we now sit in our corporate cubicles and enjoy the new life of being non-nomadic parents, we often reflect on the many adventures and relaxing times we had on our year long journey when we feel the slightest oncoming of stress. An underrated and fond town in New Zealand comes to mind immediately as somewhere we might take our kids to visit. Raglan, a coastal town, is the surfing mecca for most New Zealanders and offers wild waves year round. We enjoyed the chill atmosphere while taking a break from our road trip, enjoyed some local fish and chips and admired the surfers breaking waves at sunset before we headed to the hustle and bustle of Auckland. We stayed at the Raglan B&B which reminded us of the hotels in Edinburgh, and although we didn’t take full advantage of the surfing lessons we took in Bali, it was just as nice just to breathe in the fresh salty air and look back at how far we had come and the many months we had left to go.

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Nelson & Malborough | New Zealand :: The Kiwi Wine Region

Terry — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:54:37 +0000

Two years ago today, we were in Nelson, New Zealand’s oldest city, is an artsy retreat near expansive beaches, full of cafes, art galleries (the museum of ‘Wearable Art’ is located here) and craft outlets. We literally chilled for days with some local friends on our wonderful campgrounds right on Tahuna Beach and enjoyed the spectacular weather, sparse and spacious seaside. We really needed a vacation from our vacation!

Scenic river valleys in the Marlborough Sounds region lead the way into the hills offering the perfect soil and climate for grape growing, predominately Sauvignon Blanc, some of the world’s finest. We visited some of the world renowned wineries (over 60 wineries are located here) for some free sampling and tours and grabbed a few bottles of our favorites. A must do when you are in the area! If you’re not a wino, there are also some beer breweries and nature lovers can enjoy bird watching, horse riding, fishing and hiking. A truly superb place to relax in a service apartment and get away from it all!

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Top 5 | Underrated Vacation Spots

Manali — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:25:46 +0000

Everyone says the world is getting smaller by the day, but there are still many fascinating and largely underrated vacation destinations for us to enjoy if we really want to get off the over-beaten track. The majority of tourists head for well-known hotspots like Rome, Venice, London and all the usual suspects. This all to the good, as it frees up the rest of the world for those of us looking for something beyond the Eiffel Towers, Buckingham Palaces and sighing bridges of the glossy brochure covers. Here are just a few suggestions for the more demanding and adventurous vacationer.

Malta: Many people assume that Malta is not much more than a rock off the Mediterranean coast with a few old houses, bits of a castle and no beaches. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth, which is that Malta is absolutely packed with history, culture and entertainment. It may not have sandy beaches but it does have a magnificent shoreline and there are plenty of water sporting activities to indulge in when you are not enjoying the shopping and concerts in the capital, Valetta. Malta holidays will give you a chance to explore one of Europe’s most fascinating cultures.

Lyon: Visitors to France typically make a beeline for Paris to understandably ogle at Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the city’s numerous other monuments. There are less popular but equally fascinating places across France that are well worth taking the time to visit. Lyon is France’s third biggest city, after Paris and Marseille. Located in southeastern France, it has a history going back to the Romans and is a center for silk manufacture, banking and gastronomy.

Bratislava: Slovakia’s capital is very often actively avoided, under the mistaken impression that it is a gloomy Communist throwback and only worth stopping at for refreshments on the way to supposedly more interesting cities. However, Bratislava is full of attractions, not least of which are its breathtakingly attractive old town and its public squares, embassies and pastel-colored fairytale pre-Communist buildings. It also has a lovely castle and the whole place is simply enchanting.

Ottawa: This capital of Canada, is often missed in favor of centers like Toronto and Vancouver, but it has many things going for it, such as great national museums, including the Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada, and several fine heritage complexes. It abounds in parks and gardens and there are numerous great nightclubs and other hotspots for evening entertainment.

Detroit: “Detroit? Really?” You may ask… however, this city has an undeserved reputation as a center for crime and scrap metal, but although it has certainly seen more than its fair share of hard times, especially with the downturn in the auto industry in the US, there are several good reasons to add it to any list of underrated vacation destinations. For sports fans in particular Detroit is as near to paradise as many of them are likely to get this side of the grave, with American League football champions the Tigers and numerous other elite teams based here. Detroit also boasts many fine museums, such as the National Motown Museum, and major cultural venues like the Detroit Institute of Arts, as well as great shopping, great food and a fantastic nightlife.

Wherever you may end up, always be sure that you keep an open mind and wander off the beaten path once in a while so you can have endless adventure stories to share when you eventually arrive home!

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Top 5 | Romantic Places in Europe

Manali — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:45:59 +0000

Since Valentine’s Day is coming up, we thought that if romantic break is on the cards, then any place in Europe cannot be beaten. There are so many destinations that are perfect for a honeymooning couple (backpacking or not)and although these are mainstream cities, the energy and buzz surrounding these ancient and gorgeous cities can’t be compared!

Paris should definitely be at the top of everyone’s list of romantic destinations, cliche but true. Activities such as taking a river cruise down the Seine, soaking in the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower or seeing all that the Palace of Versailles has to offer are perfect for those who want a taste of French culture. Of course, don’t miss the delectable treats in the bakeries and cafes while you are exploring.

Venice is another popular romantic destination, particularly for honeymooners. This Italian city is renowned for gondola rides and buildings that have not changed in centuries. Ditch the map and get lost in the narrow alleyways, there are always hidden gems to be found and the best restaurants and cafes are off the main tourist trail.

Another capital city on the must-see list is Rome. The Italians can create a romantic atmosphere like no other and there are plenty of attractions to see while there. Opting for a rental car for travel options means that the countryside around the city can be explored, giving couples on a romantic break the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

With a large number of Greek islands to choose from, the country should be an obvious choice. The island of Santorini is particularly popular for romantic breaks and is a fairly small island. Local crafts are popular with shoppers and a traditional piece of gold jewelry makes the ideal gift for a loved one.

The city of Bruges in Belgium is perfect for a weekend break. It dates back to the medieval period and canal boat rides are one of the best ways to see all that the city has to offer. As a small country, Belgium can be easily explored with the help of a rental car; cities such as Brussels and Liege are within easy reach.

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