My Holiday Getaway

Holidays in the USA

Think about your ideal holiday. Is it sand, snow, luxury, hiking or diving focused? Any holiday scenario imaginable is possible in the USA. Sun bake on the beaches at Miami in Florida or ski the slopes on the Rockies in Colorado. Witness impressive natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the Great Lakes or visit impressive man made structures like the Empire State Building, Times Square or the Seattle Space Needle. While on holidays in the USA some tourists like to visit cities based on their favourite TV shows or movies. Places like Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Miami. USA holidays really are blessed with choice.

The United States of America is also home to the celebrity, especially in places like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Hollywood. Hollywood is home to the US film industry and tourists love to stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here you will also find the back lot for Paramount Pictures and the Kodak Theatre where the Oscars are now held.

If you like warm weather, you should travel to the USA in the middle of the year, during the summer time. The Deep South has an almost tropical climate and the best times to travel to places like New Orleans and Florida is during spring and autumn. If cold weather is more your thing, then try a Christmas holiday in the snow at some of the northern US cities. USA Holidays – the hard part is where to go and what time of year to travel.

Tags: holidays, hollywood, miami, USA

Hong Kong Holidays

Hong Kong is growing steadily to become one of the top holiday destinations in Asia for Australian’s. It’s a lively mix of ancient Asia combined with 99 years of British rule to become a westernised region perfect for Aussie tourists. Hong Kong is made up of over 260 islands jam packed with history, skyscrapers, statues and amazing shopping. Now under the administrative rule of China (mainly for defence and foreign affairs), Hong Kong translates to ‘fragrant harbour’ referring to the sweet smells of wood and incense that were once traded by the sea.

Subtropical in climate, Hong Kong is prone to typhoons (similar to cyclones) in the summer months. Although starting out sunny the weather can get quite cold in winter. The best times to visit Hong Kong are in spring and autumn, September to November and March to May respectively. The islands are mostly mountainous with only a quarter of the land mass used for development. The majority of urbanisation occurs on Hong Kong Island and pollution can be a problem, so just forget the city and head to a park or nature reserve. 40% of Hong Kong is devoted to parks and reserves.

Hong Kong Holidays must include a visit to Victoria Harbour. Surrounded by tall buildings the Harbour has spectacular views, day and night. For an even better view of the Harbour and the surrounding areas then a visit to Victoria Peak is a must. The biggest peak on Hong Kong Island has several parks and a milder climate which tourists love. Travelling by taxi or by the scenic peak tram visitors to the peak now have shopping options at 2 nearby shopping centres. Away from the heavily populated areas the religious beliefs become more evident with Buddhist statues, monuments and temples dotting the countryside. The Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island features a huge bronze Buddha statue, which is the biggest of its kind in the world and is a favourite for tourists.

See why Hong Kong is so popular for Australians on holidays today.

Tags: accommodation, asia, holidays, Hong Kong

2010 Holidays in the Snow

Most of Australia is basking under a hot sun right now. With Christmas and the New Year behind us we look forward to working off our festive season excess in a much colder climate just 5 months out from now. Images of skiing down soft white slopes while on holidays in the snow start to fill the mind. But is it too late? Accommodation at all the skiing hot spots is being snapped up quickly so start searching.

The Australian snow season is very short with July and August being the best times for skiing but the season can extend sometimes into early October. The two most well known snow regions in the country are Perisher and Thredbo and both are nearly full for the upcoming season. Some accommodation is available in the surrounding areas like Crackenback and Jindabyne but is disappearing rapidly.

You may even have to start thinking about next years snow season. Now is the time to start the odd purchasing of ski equipment in preparation and motivation for unbelievable and unforgettable holidays in the snow.

Tags: australia, holidays, Perisher, Skiing, Snow, Thredbo

Lord Howe and Tourism

Lord Howe Island is located about six hundred kilometers east from mainland Australia. Almost directly out from Port Macquarie, Lord Howe is a tiny island just 56 square kilometers in area and has a small population of just a little under 400 people. The island has a wide range of unique flora and fauna and became World Heritage listed in 1982. This holiday destination is perfect for not just nature lovers be lovers of peace and quiet.

Formed from an ancient shield volcano, Lord Howe Island has pleasant temperatures from 20-26 degrees in summer to 13-18 degrees in winter. The Island’s rainforest are home to some unique plants and animals – including a glowing mushroom seen sometimes after rain. Several bird species are endemic to Lord Howe Island. The Howea plant makes a great indoor houseplant and millions are sold annually all around the world. This is the only major industry behind tourism on Lord Howe.

Lord Howe Tourism provides the bulk of the income to the Island. With just 400 tourist allowed on the Island at any one time means it never becomes over-run or busy. All the Lord Howe Island accommodation is owned and operated by the locals. Lodges, apartments, cottages and B & B’s dot the island and all have friendly hosts and a warm holiday experience. Accommodation needs to be confirmed before you reach Lord Howe Island and camping is not allowed.

Tags: accommodation, heritage listed, holiday, Lord Howe, tourism

Getaway Holidays to New Caledonia

New Caledonia is a bit of an unknown. It is a lot closer to Australia than many might think. Found before you get to the islands of Vanuatu and Fiji, it is the nearest south pacific island group to Australia making it great for holiday getaways. The main island is quite large compared to many other Pacific Islands at eighteen and a half thousand square kilometers. The French still rule New Caledonia as it is referred to as a non-self governing territory and the vote for independence will happen between 2014 – 19.

The weather on the islands is clearly tropical, hot humid summer months with plenty of rain and cool winters with the occasional cyclone. Mostly warm weather means New Caledonia holidays are filled with sunshine.

Noumea is the capital, the country’s largest city and port as well as the world’s biggest lagoon. Reef tours are everywhere with over 1200km of reef at your doorstep. There a dozens of beautiful beaches nearby that are usually only frequented by the locals.

The French history and the daily lives revolving around the water combine for a very interesting country that is ideal for family holidays and sailing adventures.

Tags: holidays, New Caledonia, tropical

Norfolk Island – Laid back Holidays

Norfolk Island is a small rock outcrop right in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. It sits right in between New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia as an isolated piece of paradise. Lush rolling fields are found right across the 35 kilometers of land that makes up Norfolk Island. Formed from an ancient volcano, Norfolk is well known for its laid back pace and quiet way of life.

The islands icon is the Pine Tree, which also features on the Norfolk Island flag. Pine trees gently sway in the breeze in front of quaint bed & breakfasts and other boutique accommodation. Norfolk Island accommodation is not cheap but the service is excellent and the visitors just keep coming back for more.

Norfolk Island has a dark and barbaric history, which is in stark contrast to how quiet and serene the island looks today. On and off for 50 years, Norfolk Island was home to some of the worst criminals in early Australia history during the late 1700’s to the mid 1800’s. Some of these settlement ruins are still visible today and make for great viewing in the afternoon sunlight.

Norfolk Island is rich in history, lovely in isolation, abounding in luxury accommodation and is perfect for laid back holidays.

Tags: accommodation, holidays, National Parks, Norfolk Island, Walks

Samoa Getaway Holidays

The Samoan Islands have been split into 2 groups of Islands since the early 1900’s. Just over half a dozen islands make up Samoa to the west and several other smaller islands make up American Samoa in the East. American Samoa is still governed by the United States while Samoa is an independent country having separated from New Zealand in 1962 after previously being governed by the Germans. So after all these political movements Samoa can now focus on being the perfect tropical getaway holiday destination.

Tourism in Samoa is growing rapidly and now accounts for 25% of the Samoan GDP with over 100,000 visitors each year. Before that Samoa had to rely mainly on agriculture for nearly all their export dollars. The Samoa capital, Apia, is located on the island of Upolo and is the only place in the country with enough population to be called a city. It is here you will find the major sea port and the International Airport.

Both Upolo and Savaii are the 2 major islands of Samoa, they make up most of the land mass and population. Holiday visitors can expect beautiful beaches, rocky shorelines and craggy mountaintops. A volcanic history has resulted in craters, gorges, lava flows and waterfalls to impress the tourists. The range of accommodation is just as impressive with Fales on the beach, open sided bungalows under swaying palm trees and luxury villas, hotels and apartments dot the islands.

A Samoa Getaway holiday has so much to offer. Now is the time to visit this fantastic tropical island holiday destination.

Tags: accommodation, holidays, islands, Samoa

Tahiti Holidays

Tahiti is made up of several groups of islands, all tiny specks in the vast Pacific Ocean, and located beyond the Cook Islands when travelling from Australia. Sitting directly below Hawaii on the lower side of the globe, Tahiti is similar to Hawaii in many ways. Many of the islands are covered in lush rainforests and tropical foliage. There are beautiful beaches on some of the smaller islands and craggy volcanic peaks on the main island.

Tahiti holidays present some exciting options. Bora Bora has stunning overwater bungalows perfect for honeymoons and romantic getaways. On Moorea the Sheraton features awesome views surrounded by two magnificent bays and has room types like apartments, beach, garden and overwater bungalows.

The biggest island in the group is Tahiti Island and it keeps the capital city of Papeete. Tahiti Island does not have the white sandy tropical beaches you see in the travel photos but you can find these stunning locations on some of the smaller islands like Bora Bora, Moorea and Huahine.

Tags: accommodation, Bora Bora, holidays, Morea, romantic, Tahiti

Holiday Action and Sydney Getaways

It may sound cheesy but Sydney really does have a massive range of things to see and do. Several contrasting regions surround Sydney city. The lush green wine region of the Hunter Valley to the north is a favourite weekend getaway destination for Sydney locals and a stop over location for international visitors. 2 hours inland from Sydney the Blue Mountains draw tourists from around the globe with its magnificent rocky outcrops and endless scenic mountain views.

Sydney beaches contain some of the world’s most famous stretches of sand. Bondi Beach is just half an hour from the CBD and is a favourite of just about everyone on the planet. Manly Beach is further north and is less crowded but just as enjoyable. There is never a problem finding Sydney accommodation close enough to these wonderful beaches too.

Deciding on where you want to go in Sydney is just the beginning. There is sightseeing to do… attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, The Rocks, Darling Harbour & Circular Quay feature many picture worthy views. There are sports attractions like the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and Homebush Stadium – home to the 2000 Olympic games. Maybe some inner city shopping at the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) or browsing one of the many markets in the area is more your thing.

There are several theatres and performance venues to consider, and many restaurants to experience in a myriad of locations with extraordinary views and mouth-watering menus.

Sydney is also quite alternative as well with areas like Kings Cross and Darlinghurst where the gay & lesbian Mardi Gras runs every year. These areas also feature a very colourful nightlife.

Tags: accommodation, attractions, blue mountains, bondi beach, Getaways, kings cross, Sydney

Gold Coast Holidays

Beautiful beaches, great surfing, plenty of shopping and beachfront accommodation are just some of the images that spring to mind when planning holidays to the Gold Coast. Families can play on the beach all day long or visit one or several of the theme parks located between the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet n Wild and Movie World are just some of the fantastic Gold Coast Theme parks to visit while holidaying in the area.

Planning where to stay is half the fun. Gold Coast Accommodation stretches from Southport all the way down to Coolangatta on the New South Wales border. Choose a high rise apartment right on the beach at Surfers or head south for more laid back areas with less tourists and more accommodation Styles. Some visitors like staying at the Gold Coast Hinterland in mountain cabins or large fireplace lodges.

Pacific Fair shopping complex has over 300 shops catering to fashion, food, souvenirs and toys. If you want to buy it, then you will find it at Pacific Fair. Located right beside Jupiters Casino and just five minutes south from Surfers Paradise it would take at least a day to check out all the shops properly. Surfers Paradise too has become a shopping focal point over the last few years. Cavill Avenue has long been a ‘be seen’ shopping area that now has competition from the Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre for boutique shopping and Centro Surfers Paradise with over 100 shops right on the beach.

Tags: accommodation, Getaways, Gold Coast, holidays, surfers paradise