RedBalloonTravel

Everyone knows the Harbour Bridge and the Great Barrier Reef, but there is a lot of travel destinations that are not was well-known, but are just as good.

In a land as vast and varied as Australia, if is not hard to understand why so many people love to travel both to the country and all around it once they get here.Where else can you get the following conditions all together in one country?

• Tropical Beaches
• Arid Deserts
• Snow Capped Mountains

And the range of native animals that you may see on your travels vary just as significantly.

But let’s take a look at 4 that destinations that you may not have heard of that you may wish to consider on your next Australian vacation.

1. Kangaroo Island
   The 3rd largest island in Australia, Kangaroo Island is located under South Australia which means that it can get incredibly cold (especially if you are located on the southern coast. Well known for its vineyards and Lion Seals, they also get a nice tourist boost due to their race track which holds a couple of high profile auto races each year.
2. Craddle Mountain
   A lesser known mountain range in Tasmania, but definitely one of the prettiest. Part of St. Claire National Park, the area is also home to Australia’s deepest lake.
3. The Queensland Outback
   Whenever people mention the outback their mind instantly goes to Ularu and the Northern Territory, but Queensland has a an outback as well  – with a lot to offer.

   Home to dinosaur fossils and footprints, as well as an air museum in the birthplace of QANTAS  it is definitely work taking your camper trailer and spending some time exploring.

4. The Olgas
   Formally known as Kata Tjuta, but more commonly called by its English name, the Olgas is the lesser known rock formation located 365 km’s from Alice Springs.

   Kata Tjuta is a sacred site to the local Aboriginals and in the traditional language it means ‘many heads’, which you will easily understand why when you see it.

The benefit of traveling to these destinations is that there will be less tourists and you will be able to experience the area more as a local – which will give you a greater understanding of the Australian culture.

Italy is home to the world’s most famous wine and food, renaissance castles and incredible Roman ruins. Traveling in Italy means the opportunity to experience a variety of different things. Visitors can spend days getting lost in beautiful ancient cities while enjoying the finest entertainment possibilities anywhere. Any number of days can also be spent journeying among the country’s hidden treasures, meeting the stylish and cultured residents of different regions.

This famous nation beckons travelers with the world’s most splendid collection of artistic and architectural achievements. Innovative cuisine, a world-famous fashion scene, artistic masterpieces and a gorgeous landscape, plus 44 World Heritage Sites, offer possibilities unheard of anywhere else. For centuries, poets, painters, and travelers have been inspired by its amazing cities such as Florence, Venice, and Rome.

Other than the large metropolitan areas, Italy also has a number of dramatic hill villages, especially around Tuscany, and the Amalfi coast has several unique oceanside fishing villages, such as Positano. Vineyards and wine cellars all over the countryside allow visitors a special opportunity to sample elegant cuisine and fine local wines.

Nature lovers, or anybody wanting to experience more than architecture and art, can be entertained by countless outdoor pursuits. Skiing, cliff diving, and watersports are popular here. For one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, head to Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. The Dolomites draw the most adventurous hikers, skiers, and campers.

Europe is separated Italy by the Alps. Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and France are all located to the north. The Dolomites, Po Plain, Val d’Aosta, and Piedmont are all found within the Alpine region which is home to several of Europe’s highest mountains. Tuscany is part of the central region, noted for its scenic mountain backdrop, undulating hills and rugged coastline. Umbria is home to expansive groves of olives, pine forests and vast plains. Rome, Italy’s capital, and Vatican City lie to the south of Umbria.

Miles of lush forests and olive orchards make up the country’s southern region, which is less populated than the north. Procida, Capri, and Ischia are all popular islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Sicily and Mt. Etna, an active volcano, are visible across a strait from the mainland. Sardinia has several islands off its rugged coastline. More volcanoes and lava fields may be found near Puglia, in the boot heel region.

Italy has become one of Europe’s favorite beach destinations, with nearly 8,500 of coastline and countless islands. All beaches feature convenient, modern amenities, watersports, and luxurious resorts. Large crowds are the norm all over the Italian Riviera, especially the Amalfi coast and Liguria. Beaches at any of the islands tend to be less crowded. Divers and surfers will find themselves well occupied in Mauro, the Tremiti Islands, and Sardinia.

Fishing holidays are popular at numerous destinations around the country. The waters of Sicily and Sardinia are traditional sea fishing locations, and the many rivers of the Umbria and Tuscany regions are popular as well. Traveling in Italy will allow visitors of any personality to experience their ideal vacation activities.

1. Plan early when booking your trip. This will allow you to the best promotions available and will save you money as well. A good rule of thumb is 4-12 months prior to your travel dates will get you the best prices.
2. Hire a travel expert. As a Maui travel agent we are made aware of travel specials to Hawaii before they are made public. With our local contacts at the properties and insider information we have saved our clients hundreds of dollars on their travel packages to the Hawaiian Islands!
3. When packing your luggage consider what you can live without and what you can’t!  With the new baggage fees checking in a second piece of luggage could end up costing you an additional $50-100 round trip.
4. If you do tend to over pack, or buy too much on your trip, then send yourself home a package! With the flat rate priority mail package you can send up to 20 pounds for as little as $10.70 to anywhere in the United States.
5. Get to the airport on time. Most airlines suggest up to 2 hours prior to flight time.
6. When traveling make sure and bring small bills to tip the porters, skycaps, and bellman. You don’t want to be searching for change when the time comes to tip.
7. Don’t leave your valuables in the trunk or under the seat of the car. Especially when renting a convertible or jeep.
8. When checking in to the hotel or resort please is patient if your room isn’t ready until check in time. Check in time is normally 3 pm or later. Check out time is generally noon. This allows the cleaning crew time to service your room.
9. When traveling during busy times please don’t expect an early check in or late check out. If you have a redeye flight home consider booking an additional night on the hotel if you want to check out later than noon.
10. Stay away from the in room minibar! Even better don’t take the key when you check in. Some hotels will actually charge you if you even move an item. I learned this one firsthand!

The South Indian style cuisine and the food here in Sri Lanka have quite a lot of similarities. There are many regional versions though, like different kinds of hopper, devilled chicken/cuttlefish/ prawns/ etc. as well the quite common fiery add-on to the curries, pol sambol, which is made from lime juice, grated coconut and red chili powder. The food is generally cheap. A Sri Lankan’s typical staple food is curry and rice.

When in Sri Lanka, try some of the local food if you really want to enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience and here are some of the best destinations to enjoy local and some other cuisines in the country:

• Beach Wadiya, Colombo – A very popular place for seafood and it also has had visits from some very well known celebrities like Richard Branson and Princess Anne amongst others. Choose a table outside, by the open, with the sand beneath you, or sit inside in the shack. The fried and the grilled seafood platters are famous. It’s certainly one of thebest destinations for seafood in the country. Make sure you have your reservations made beforehand.
• Seagreen Restaurant, Galle – It’s situated on the Rampart Street, about 200 meters roughly off from the known clock tower in the popular Fort Galle. It’s well known for its fresh and hygienic fruit juices and seafood. Do try the fried jumbo prawns and the best part is the food is not really expensive, making it perfect, even for the budget traveler.
• Rams, Kandy – Situated on the Colombo Street, Rams is where you’d find yummy food and a great value for your money. Try the South Indian style food here, which is mouthwatering and fresh. There are some unique food combinations which you should give a try like the Banana Lassi (sweet banana based yogurt drink) and the Dosa Pepper Chicken.
• Devon, Kandy – The place is perfect for family dining as it has a nice playroom available as well. You’ll also find assorted eating joints and a bakery in the area. The ‘Captain’s Table’ restaurant upstairs is nice. Take a seat in the restaurant’s balcony and enjoy the street view.
• Ceysands, Bentota – If you like dancing, then this is a great place to be at. It’s a lovely floating discotheque which is situated between the sea and the Bentota River. Get here via a ferry ride and dance your way, into the night, under the beautiful star lit sky.
• Catamaran Dining, Negombo – Hire a catamaran for the evening and head out in the open waters for a quaint evening barbeque meal. The experience would be unforgettable! A 3 people crew would attend the boat while you enjoy your meal in the company of your loved one.
• The Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya – Have a hearty buffet dinner or breakfast while the lunch here is a-la-carte. Head to the restaurant – Tea Factory which is located quaintly in a beautiful room where they once sorted tea. The desserts are nice; don’t forget to get a taste of their sundaes.
• Crescart Boulevard, Colombo – It’s a popular shopping complex in Colombo Plaza, which also has a well known Food Mall. Here you can try various types of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, Western and Sri Lankan.

Thus, along with fun, frolic and adventure, satiate your appetite and treat your senses to some of the most exotic and delicious meals by eating at any of the above best destinations/restaurants for food in Sri Lanka.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy International Airport is one of the top international passenger gateway in the United States. This airport is located in Jamaica, Queens. As an international airport, this airport is designed very modernly, and is aimed to give perfect comfort for people who are looking for comfort during the flight. Not only that, but this airport also becomes one of the leading freight gateway to the UUS too based on the value shipments available. And of course, you will be presented several types of flights that you are able choose based on your need. So, do not miss the chance to visit the airport when you are in the United States.

There is a lot of other goodness too that you are able to get from this airport. The first important benefit you can get is that you will be able to find hire car that you can rent. Yes, this car hiring is very beneficial and profitable for you, because you do not need to worry about where to find the best public transportation that will be very complicated to find around the airport. With this car hiring service too, you do not need to go anywhere around JFK with your own car, because the car available will take you everywhere.

Eco-travel experiences, now offers 30 distinct departure schedules, in between November to March for a visit to thePatagonia region of Chile and Argentina, with absolute comfort and style.

For someone with an affinity for explorations and adventures, Patagonia is the place to be. Some of the world’s most attractive mountains, rivers, fjords and landscapes explored by foot, boat and horseback are certainly heart-pumping experiences for the tourists.

Southern Explorations’ luxury Patagonia tour comprises of world-class luxury accommodations, gourmet meals and world renowned wines, of course along with the well-planned Patagonia excursions.

The highlights of this 11-day tour are the various optional tours of Buenos Aires, hikes and touring in Los ‘Glaciares National Park’, a boat tour of ‘Lake Argentino’ to witness the fame turquoise Perito Moreno glacier, exploring majestic Torres del Paine National Park by foot or horseback and much more.

Tours begin from $5795 per person.

For someone with an affinity for explorations and adventures, Patagonia is the place to be. Some of the world’s most attractive mountains, rivers, fjords and landscapes explored by foot, boat and horseback are certainly heart-pumping experiences for the tourists.

Southern Explorations’ luxury Patagonia tour comprises of world-class luxury accommodations, gourmet meals and world renowned wines, of course along with the well-planned Patagonia excursions.
The highlights of this 11-day tour are the various optional tours of Buenos Aires, hikes and touring in Los ‘Glaciares National Park’, a boat tour of ‘Lake Argentino’ to witness the fame turquoise Perito Moreno glacier, exploring majestic Torres del Paine National Park by foot or horseback and much more.

Tours begin from $5795 per person

travel news, tourism news, travel guides, travel tips, travel magazine eco-travel experiences, now offers 30 distinct departure schedules, in between November to March for a visit to the Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina, with absolute comfort and style.

For someone with an affinity for explorations and adventures, Patagonia is the place to be. Some of the world’s most attractive mountains, rivers, fjords and landscapes explored by foot, boat and horseback are certainly heart-pumping experiences for the tourists.

Southern Explorations’ luxury Patagonia tour comprises of world-class luxury accommodations, gourmet meals and world renowned wines, of course along with the well-planned Patagonia excursions.

The highlights of this 11-day tour are the various optional tours of Buenos Aires, hikes and touring in Los ‘Glaciares National Park’, a boat tour of ‘Lake Argentino’ to witness the fame turquoise Perito Moreno glacier, exploring majestic Torres del Paine National Park by foot or horseback and much more.

Tours begin from $5795 per person.

For someone with an affinity for explorations and adventures, Patagonia is the place to be. Some of the world’s most attractive mountains, rivers, fjords and landscapes explored by foot, boat and horseback are certainly heart-pumping experiences for the tourists.

Southern Explorations’ luxury Patagonia tour comprises of world-class luxury accommodations, gourmet meals and world renowned wines, of course along with the well-planned Patagonia excursions.

The highlights of this 11-day tour are the various optional tours of Buenos Aires, hikes and touring in Los ‘Glaciares National Park’, a boat tour of ‘Lake Argentino’ to witness the fame turquoise Perito Moreno glacier, exploring majestic Torres del Paine National Park by foot or horseback and much more.