New Zealand Travel Tips

New Zealand is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is composed of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island.

The country is very remote and is among the last habitable land by humans. New Zealand is a country of huge contrasts. There are active volcanoes, glacier lakes, caves, verdant valleys, and long sandy beaches. The country is very beautiful.

The country is home to unique wildlife not found anywhere else in the world. Kiwis are only found in New Zealand.

The capital city is Wellington.

New Zealand is famous as the adventure capital of the world. Popular activities include camping,  skydiving, hiking, caving, bungee jumping, and skiing.  Backpacking is very popular in the country.

The official languages are English, New Zealand Sign Language, and Maori.

The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

Tips for First-Time Visitors

When to Visit

The best time to visit is during the summer. The summer is from December to January. It is busier and more expensive than other seasons.

If you are planning a winter vacation, the best months to visit are from June to August. Ski resorts require booking in advance.

If you are on a budget, the cheapest months to visit are from April to May and September to October. 

What to Wear and What to Pack

During summer, lighter cotton clothes are recommended and during winter warmer clothes are recommended. It is advisable to pack an umbrella or a light raincoat. A good pair of walking or hiking boots are recommended.

Food

Lamb, mutton, seafood, and meat pies are very popular in the country. A meal will cost you between 20 and 25 NZD.

Accommodation

Hostels are very popular among visitors. A night in a hostel will cost 20-30 NZD per night. Many hostels offer free WiFi.

Airbnb is available, private rooms start from 62 NZD per night.

Transport

Buses are a popular way to get around the country. There are many long-distance companies. If you are on a budget, the bus is the best option. Some buses have free WiFi onboard.

There is a ferry service between the North and South Islands.

Things to do in New Zealand

Try bungee jumping

If you enjoy an adrenaline rush, the 500ft Nevis Bungy Jump outside Queenstown will do the trick.

Go skydiving

Skydiving is very popular in the country. Lake Taupo is one of the most fascinating places to skydive. It provides a spectacular backdrop as you hurtle towards land from 15,000 feet. It costs around 279 NZD to jump from 12,000 feet and 359 NZD from 15,000 feet. Other popular skydiving spots are Lake Wanaka and Franz Josef.

Visit Abel Tasman National Park

This national park has dense jungles with numerous hiking trails and sea kayaking. Entry is free.

Watch a live rugby match

Rugby is the country’s national sport. The All Blacks are the most successful rugby team in international rugby.

Explore Wellington

The capital has amazing architecture, cultural activities, and amazing nightlife. There are botanic gardens, museums, and the Lord of the Rings studio.

Visit Stewart Island

It is an island found south of the South Island. It is a natural paradise. Kiwis can be spotted during the daytime. The island is great for hiking and bird watching.

Relax in Rotorua

Rotorua is located on the North Island and is renowned for its Maori cultural haka dances and sulfurous odor. There are numerous thermal spas for relaxation. The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts has an impressive display of traditional Maori arts and crafts.

Watch Dolphins and Whales

The best months to watch dolphins and whales are from October to March. There are humpback whales, orcas, and sperm whales. A tour will cost you around 60-150 NZD.

Travel to Hobbiton

New Zealand is the location for both the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. There is a tour that starts with a drive through a 1,250-acre sheep farm that offers epic views over the Kaimai Ranges. You can explore Bag End, explore the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. The tours start from 89 NZD.…

What to See and Do in Australia

Australia is both a country and a continent. It is one of the smallest continents and one of the largest countries. It lies between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its capital city is Canberra.

Australia is a very popular tourist destination. It is famous for hiking, backpacking, camping, road trips, and diving.

The country is naturally beautiful. It has unique landscapes and wildlife. The wildlife in the country can not be found anywhere else in the world. Australia is famous for its kangaroos.

The Australian Dollar is the official currency.

Australia is a very expensive country to live in and tour.

Travel Tips for Touring Australia

When to visit

The weather in Australia varies a lot. The summer is the best time to visit northern Australia. The summer is from April to August.

What to Wear and What to Pack

The UV levels in the country are very high. You need to carry sunscreen and hat to protect yourself from the harsh sunlight.

Food

Food is expensive in Australia. Chicken and lamb are popular dishes.

Indian and Asian restaurants are more affordable. A decent meal starts from 10 AUD ($7 USD).

Accommodation

A night in a hostel will cost around 20 AUD ($15 USD). A private room will cost between 80-100 AUD ($60-75 USD) per night.

A private room in an Airbnb is available for 85 AUD ($65 USD) per night.

Transport

The country is very vast. You need to have an itinerary. Greyhound Australia has a countrywide network. A Short Hop Pass gives you 30 days to travel. Flying might be cheaper and faster in some cases.

Things to do in Australia

Go Snorkeling/ Diving

If you enjoy snorkeling or diving, the Great Barrier Reef offers a stunning place to explore underwater marine life.

Explore Fraser Island

It is the world’s largest sand island. It is very popular for hiking, swimming, and camping. The island has numerous lakes, hiking trails, and stunning scenery.

Explore the Outback

A trip to the outback is a must! You will have a chance to see crocodiles, valleys, lakes, and the red desert. There are several parks to explore including Karijini National Park, Kakadu, the Kimberlys, and Litchfield National Park.

Go Surfing on the Gold Coast

The country is famous for its great surf spots. If you want to learn to surf head over to the Gold Coast. The beach is wide with world-class waves. Other great places for surfing are Byron Bay, Noosa, Bondi Beach, and Perth. A two-hour surfing class costs around 65 AUD ($50 USD).

Go on a wine tasting tour

The Margret River, Hunter Valley, and the Barossa Valley all offer visitors a chance to taste wine from the source.

A full-day wine tour will cost you around 150 AUD ($112 USD)

Explore Tasmania

Tasmania has incredible hiking trails and beautiful bays, small towns, and amazing people. A ferry from the mainland will cost you around 100 AUD ($75 USD) each way. You can also opt to take a flight.

Hike the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are located outside Sydney. They are an amazing place to explore. You will see kangaroos, kookaburras, parrots, and many different species of animals. The most popular sights/hikes here include the Jenolan Caves, the Grand Canyon, and the Ruined Castle.

Tips For Traveling In Georgia

Georgia is a country located at the intersection of Asia and Europe. It is wedged between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Its capital is Tbilisi.

It has a population of 3.7 million people.

The country has a rich history and fascinating culture. The country has a long history of wine production.

Georgians are warm, generous, and welcoming.

The currency of the country is the Georgia Lari.

The official language of the country is Georgian.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

When to Visit

The best months to visit are between April to May and September to October.

The high season is from June to August. Temperatures often reach 40° C and above during summer. It is often crowded and prices are significantly higher.

The best time for skiers and snowboarders is in the winter. There are four ski resorts for winter sports enthusiasts.

What to Wear

It is very hot during the summer, light clothes are the best option. If you are traveling to the mountains, you need warm clothes.

The country is mostly Christian and therefore a conservative dress code is advised.

Food

Georgian cuisine is flavorful. The food is cheap and delicious. The most popular dishes are Khachapuri is bread filled with melted cheese. Khinkali are dumplings filled with broth. Lobia is a pie filled with bean (lobia) paste.

Wine is the drink of choice during meal times. It can be found everywhere at very affordable prices.

If you are on a budget, cooking your own meals is a cheaper option.

Transport

The easiest way to get around in Georgia is by minivans. The bus system is not efficiently organized.

Taxis are more convenient for shorter trips, however, they are more expensive.

For long distances, the best option is the train.

Accommodation

Georgia is an amazing backpacker’s destination. A bed in a hostel costs around 15-20 Georgian Lari. A private room costs around 50-80 Georgian Lari. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Airbnb is available and rooms start at around 45 Georgian Lari per night.

Camping is an option around the country.

Things to do in Georgia

Wander the Old Town Tbilisi

Tbilisi’s eclectic Old Town is Bohemian yet modern. There are ancient cobbled streets, leaning clock towers, and bazaars. Trip Advisor has a lot of great suggestions on exploring Tbilisi.

Explore the Tusheti region

It is a beautiful and panoramic region located in the northeast of Georgia on the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. It is an amazing place for hiking. You can choose to explore the Omalo Loop Trek or Ghele to Parma.

Visit the Stalin Museum

Stalin’s birthplace of Gori houses a museum dedicated to the life of the former USSR leader.

See Katskhi Pillar

It is a 40-meter tall limestone monolith. The site was used between the 9th and the 13th centuries by early Christian monks referred to as the “pillar monks.”

Visit Vardzia Cave Monastery

It is a fascinating monastery built on the side of Erusheli mountain during the 11th to the 13th century (Georgian Golden Age). It was a fortress built to protect Queen Tamar the Great against invaders. It has 6,000 apartments, a throne room, 25 wine cellars, a church, and a bakery.

Go Skiing

If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding you will love Georgia. The most popular ski resorts are Mestia, Gudauri, and Bakuriani.

Visit the Georgian National Museum

It is one of the most amazing museums in Tbilisi. It is made up of several museums. Admission to the museum costs 20 Georgian Lari.

Explore Kazbegi

It is an amazing place for outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, horse riding, biking, and water rafting. Hiking the dramatic Gergeti Trinity Church is a must for hikers.…

The Cheapest Places to Visit in Africa

Africa is a continent with many different cultures and landscapes. Cheap travel destinations in Africa are plentiful, but they can be difficult to find because of all the options. If you’re looking for that perfect destination where you can go on vacation without spending too much money, this blog post has some great information for you! Before we start, I want to thank my friends at www.galatians6moving.com for encouraging me to make this blog. Thanks guys!

Morocco – Cheap and Cheap

Morocco is a unique country that has many different landscapes to offer its tourists. The north of Morocco offers visitors the chance to see snow-capped mountains, as well as clear blue water on the coast. In addition, there are also some amazing cities such as Fez and Marrakesh where people can visit ancient mosques or go shopping in souks! However, despite all these attractions it’s still possible to find cheap travel destinations in Africa – because if you look hard enough you’ll be able to find them! South Africa – Cheap Travel Destination for Expats If you’re looking for an extremely affordable destination with lots of activities then consider visiting South Africa. This beautiful land boasts stunning national parks like Kruger Park which allow tourists to see wildlife like lions and elephants in a natural environment. It also has great urban attractions such as the city of Cape Town, which is surrounded by mountains and beaches! Cheap travel destinations in Africa can be found anywhere – even if they’re not advertised!

Malawi – Cheap and Cheap

Malawi is a small country in Africa that offers tourists many cheap travel destinations. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit on this entire continent! However, despite its low prices, Malawi has some amazing cities such as Blantyre which contains buildings from colonial times. It also boasts natural attractions like Lake Malawi – a massive lake with sandy beaches where people can relax or go kayaking.

Ethiopia – Cheap and Cheap

Ethiopia is a country that has been overlooked by many tourists, but it’s definitely worth visiting! It contains some of the oldest historical sites in Africa which makes for an amazing cultural experience. In addition to its history Ethiopia also offers lush landscapes such as Simien Mountains National Park where people can see Ethiopian wolves or go hiking among natural rock formations. 

South Africa – Cheap and Cheap

South Africa is a country that has something for everyone! There are many different landscapes to explore, such as beautiful beaches or the desert. In addition, South Africa also offers great cities like Cape Town where people can visit Table Mountain or go shopping in V&A Waterfront (a popular mall). Cheap travel destinations in Africa such as this one will make your money stretch further than you could ever imagine!

Ghana – Cheap and Cheap

Ghana is a country that has many different landscapes to offer its tourists. The best thing about Ghana is the fact it’s so cheap! This means you can experience an amazing place like Lake Bosumtwe, which contains beautiful black waters surrounded by lush green forests. Cheap travel destinations in Africa do exist – if you’re willing to look for them!