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Why Should You Visit Australia This Summer

November 13, 2019 by John Telford

Before travelling to Australia, you must have heard of the various attractions, Sydney accommodation options, and the outdoor activities you are going to enjoy on your trip. From surfing at Bondi beach, scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, driving along the great ocean road to climbing the Sydney harbour bridge, you’ve got your hands full on your summer trip.

Australia is a land full of surprises for both first-time and repeat visitors. The country has vast lands with diverse wildlife species and other attractions that will make your trip a memorable adventure. The natural beauty, exotic atmosphere, and ambience of the country are waiting to amaze you on your tour.

Reasons to Visit Australia in Summer

You Get to Enjoy Massive Outdoor Activities

During summer, you have a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy not forgetting the 5 star Melbourne hotel experience. You can stroll along the beaches, enjoy snorkelling, swimming, and plenty of other activities. Carry your sweatshirts and pants because you’ll have a busy schedule outdoors.

Australia is a diver’s paradise as well as a surfer’s heaven. It has rich diving spots in the sea where you can discover the breathtaking world found underneath the sea waves. One of the most popular diving sites in Australia is the Ningaloo Reef.

If you are a nature enthusiast, you will find plenty of activities to keep your adrenaline high.

Visit the Country’s Natural Attractions

Australia has a lot of natural attractions such as the long coastlines, beaches, sunrise and sunset views, watersports and more. The country has lush forests, enchanting islands, and wildlife zones. Don’t forget the national parks with different species of fauna. The rain forests, mountains, nature trails, tranquil oceans help to connect you with the world.

Apart from the stunning beaches and coastlines, the land of Kangaroos in Australia has the phenomenal Blue Mountains, rain forests, deserts, and national parks. The islands and islets surround the main Island.

To See the Man-Made Attractions

While sightseeing in Australia, you get to see both the natural and manmade attractions of the country. Australia has several museums where you can see the history and art of the Australian people. The Melbourne cricket ground and Sydney cricket ground are places worth visiting, especially if you are a cricket lover.

Here are some of the places to visit in Australia this summer and make your trip an unforgettable one:

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2300 kilometres and has different species of rare aqua-life. The Great Barrier Reef has more than 900 islands and is the largest reef in the world. It is a summer destination which allows you to indulge in outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, swimming, and other leisurely experiences. You will also enjoy riding in a submersible and feeding the fish.

Sydney

Sydney is well known for its scenic harbour. It has a rich history and culture as well as architectural art. The city has beautiful naturist landscapes that make great pictures. It creates a symphony between modernization and nature. It has a soothing climate with exotic restaurants where you can enjoy sumptuous meals.

While in Sydney, you can visit Bondi beach, the scenic Blue Mountains national park, and the Jenolan Caves. Here you will discover the native wildlife of Australia and the natural phenomena of the Jenolan caves.

Port Stephens Dolphins & Dunes is another coastal region with pristine waterways, eco diverse marina, national parks, and golden sandy beaches that you don’t want to miss when in Sydney.

The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has sunny weather and a destination that is famous for sand and surf. You will find the Currumbin wildlife sanctuary well known for the wild rainbow Lorikeet birds. Gold Coast outdoor activities you will enjoy include kayaking, jet skiing, cruising and relaxing on the beach.

Surfers Paradise is a hub you wouldn’t want to miss. Other places you can visit include the Byron Bay, South Stradbroke Island, and Brisbane.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a city with dynamic radiance and ideal for a summer visit. It is a mystical land full of picturesque and natural treasures. With vibrant street arts and natural acoustics, Melbourne will surely make your tour worthwhile. You can visit the cricket ground, town hall, the royal botanic gardens, and Fitzroy Gardens. Crown your evening at Philip Island as you watch the famous penguin parade.

The city is also famous for its café culture and the best coffee in the world. The food lover’s paradise will enchant your taste buds with unforgettable delicacies.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road takes you through natural destinations such as Shipwreck Coast, 12 Apostles, and the Port Campbell National Park. It stretches to the largest war memorial of Australia.

It leads to varying terrains and landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles limestone formations. The road hugs the surf coast between Cape Otway and Torquay as well as the Shipwreck Coast on the west of Cape Otway. It traverses through limestone and sandstone cliffs, beaches, and rainforests. The natural acoustics of the road include the Twelve Apostles, the Grotto, and the London Bridge. This is a summer experience you should never miss while visiting Australia.

Conclusion

Australia is a dream destination for every traveller. Visiting the country in summer allows you to visit the natural scenery and enjoy more outdoor activities. It is a destination with spellbinding beauty, tranquillity and aesthetic nature with mysteries that fills your tour with upscale adventurous experiences.

The 4 Best Destinations in Asia for a Family Vacation

October 28, 2019 by John Telford

Looking for a place to take the kids over their next school holiday? Traveling with your children is a great way to educate them about different cultures and customs, broadening their horizons in the process. There’s no place better to do it than multicultural Asia, which offers plenty of wholesome amusements for the entire family to enjoy. Below are the best countries to take your kids to when school lets out for the year.

Vietnam

For a family vacation in Vietnam, stick to historical Hanoi or on Phu Quoc island. An easy and convenient way of setting it up would be to search online for Vietnam travel packages, which will also allow you to save money on flights and accommodations. If you go with booking with travel agents, many of them are even able to suggest family-friendly itineraries for the location of your preference, saving you the hassle of looking up which sites are worth the effort of seeing.

In Hanoi, the city itself is a living piece of history. A cyclo ride into the narrow streets of the Old Quarter is sure to be a novel experience for the little ones. Take them to the Thang Long Water Puppet Show for an audiovisual retelling of some of Hanoi’s classic folk tales, and then bring them to Hoan Kiem Lake to show them the shrine dedicated to the magical turtle featured in Vietnam’s centuries-old stories.

On the island of Phu Quoc, your kids can go up close and personal with rare wildlife at the Phu Quoc Safari or learn more about the environment by trekking through Phu Quoc National Park. You may also want to visit Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc, an amusement park and water park combo filled with thrilling rides, slides, and other attractions.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the best Asia destinations for a holiday with kids if convenience is what you’re after. It’s a very walkable city, and going from one attraction to the other is made that much easier because of the city-state’s phenomenal public transport network.

Your little animal lovers will remember you taking them to the open-air Singapore Zoo, where they can view their favorite creatures in their close-to-natural habitats. Same goes for a visit to Jurong Bird Park and the S.E.A. Aquarium on Sentosa Island.

Speaking of Sentosa Island, your children may never want to leave this place! After all, it’s a hub of wholesome and family-friendly activities. Here, they can do go-karting at Skyline Luge, go swimming in the man-made Rainbow Reef over at Adventure Cove Waterpark, and go on all their favorite rides at Universal Studios Singapore.

Japan

Just like Singapore, Japan is a popular choice with families for its orderliness and for its many theme parks. There are two big ones: Tokyo Disneyland in Tokyo, and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. You don’t even have to pick just one to go to. Travel between the major prefectures of Kanto (where Tokyo is in) and Kansai (where Osaka is in) is fast and easy, since they are both served by the Shinkansen or bullet train.

Japan is also a great place to introduce your kids to arguably one of the best cuisines in the world. They’ll always remember their first bite of onigiri or their first bowl of ramen. They’re also likely to be amused with the variety of foodstuff that one can buy from any one of the country’s ubiquitous vending machines!

After introducing your kids to some of Japan’s temples and pagodas, also make sure to visit some of country’s well-known kid-friendly museum. For example, consider dropping by the cutting-edge MORI Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo, which is guaranteed to be a full-on sensory experience your little ones will love. If you can score tickets, a visit to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is also both delightful and educational. It’s specifically geared towards younger audiences, so they’ll learn how animated films are made and produced in a manner that’s easy for them to absorb and understand.

Indonesia

Bali tops the list when it comes to kid-friendly provinces in Indonesia. Sure, the island is famous for being a haven for honeymooners, but it’s great for families with children, too!

Many resorts in Bali offer activities that are geared towards kids, and these include those that don’t involve swimming. Look for resorts with dedicated kids’ clubs that will keep the young ones engaged with arts and crafts, sports lessons, or cultural experiences. Of course, it’s also important to venture outside for more unforgettable experiences, like meeting the elephants at Elephant Safari Park Bali, whitewater rafting in the Ayung River, or ziplining from tree to tree at the Bali Treetop Adventure Park.

There’s no need to go halfway across the world for a memorable family vacation; the trick is in making it meaningful. Visit any of the destinations on our list, and we guarantee that you’ll have a family vacation your children will be talking about for years to come.

The Best Things to Do in Chelmsford

October 25, 2019 by John Telford

Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Thanks to a certain television programme, we are all familiar with the county of Essex, but how much do you know about Chelmsford? The only city in the county, Chelmsford has a great deal to offer – Stage Security have compiled a list of some of the best things you can do there.

Just a 35-minute train ride from London, there’s plenty to explore in Chelmsford, and if it’s events you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed.

Go Green

For lovers of nature, the Grade II listed neo-classical Hylands Estate will be a big hit, with its stunning landscaped gardens, fairs, festivals, café, ancient woodlands and Adventure Playground.

Place Your Bets

Race-goers can attend Chelmsford City Racecourse, one of the country’s newest racecourses and one of only three to be floodlit. Whatever the weather, there’s always an exciting race on, and you can enjoy a lively atmosphere at two on-site restaurants and many bars. The city’s annual beer festival also takes place here – cheers!

Family Fun

Jump Street (not associated with the films) is a large indoor activity centre guaranteed to entertain the whole family. With more than 300 trampolines, 4000 sq ft of soft play area and the world’s largest Clip and Climb centre, expect little ones to be tired out! Great family fun for when it’s wet outside!

Spend Spend Spend

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, High Chelmer is the place for you. The largest shopping centre in the city, High Chelmer is home to more than 80 high-street favourites including Topshop, Pandora and SuperDry. When you’re all shopped out, grab a bite to eat at Turtle Bay, Carluccios or Cote Brasserie.

Catch a Show

If you’re a fan of the theatre, you’re in for a treat! The Civic Theatre offers fabulous views from every seat and provides an incredibly immersive experience. It’s the city’s largest theatre, with audiences of more than 500 and an array of productions. With everything from drama and comedy to musicals and talks about famous figures, there’s something for everyone. The city’s oldest theatre is the Old Court Theatre, which provides a more cosy, intimate atmosphere with shows the whole family can enjoy at a reasonable price.

Stroll Back in Time

Why not enjoy a stroll around Chelmsford Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic buildings? With over 800 years of rich history, the cathedral is the third smallest in the country and provides a picturesque backdrop for an autumnal walk.

At Stage Security, we’re big fans of this city and all it has to offer. If you are interested in the Chelmsford security services we can provide in the area, visit our website for more information.

The Best Places to Visit in France With Kids

October 23, 2019 by John Telford

Due to its proximity to the UK, a large number of families cross the sea every year in favour of the French coast, with great transport links such as the Eurostar allowing families to travel abroad in a few short hours. France is not only enjoyable because of its proximity, there are also a wide range of attractions and places in Paris and beyond that your kids will fall in love with.

1. Disneyland

If you do not have the time or money to travel to America to enjoy the magic of Disney World, you can still experience the magic with Disneyland tickets, giving you the opportunity to relax in a resort only a stone’s throw from Paris. Disneyland is a haven for kids and adults alike, with a wide range of slow and thrill rides for every age group, from the excitement of Splash Mountain to the iconic ‘It’s a Small World’, which will have your children singing along for days afterwards. Not only this, but Disneyland is also filled with other activities for all ages, whether that be watching one of their colourful, musical parades or tucking into some of the special grub that can only be found in the Disney parks.

2. Eiffel Tower

France is the second most visited country by UK citizens, and Paris is the top destination for Brits. You can’t visit Paris without going to the Eiffel Tower, and for kids, this will be one of the most recognisable monuments in the city, though you may want to beat the queues. Your kids may complain about the 1,710 steps to the top of the structure, so how about taking one of the elevators to help them along? From the top of the tower, you will be treated to amazing views of Paris beneath you.

3. French Alps

If your kids love being active and you want to try out an activity that you may not be able to enjoy in the UK, head to the French Alps. Skiing in the French Alps is a must-do for any sport-loving family, with slopes for every age group. Not only this, but the French Alps is also home to many ski schools where your children can learn the basics of the slopes with other individuals their own age.

4. The Louvre

If you want your child to come home having learnt something new, France is a hub of culture, with many museums scattered about the country. The Louvre in particular is a favourite with families due to its famous portrait, the Mona Lisa. Museums in France also regularly set up workshops that your children can attend, which usually take place on a Wednesday afternoon, when French children are off school.

5. The Beaches

If you want to spend your final days in France relaxing, your kids will love nowhere more than France’s variety of beaches. Family-friendly locations include Plage du Bosquet in Portiragnes and Conche Des Baleines, which is close enough to the A-list glamour of St Tropez for the adults in your family to have a relaxing outing too. If you want to travel off the mainland, Ile D’ Oleron is also the perfect option for families looking to entertain the children, with beautiful beaches such as Plage de Saumonards.

Things Every Traveler Should Know About Melbourne

October 23, 2019 by John Telford

The city of Melbourne is located in the state of Victoria, Australia. This is a fabulous city that has so much to offer in terms of attractions, sights, and places of interest not to mention culture, history, and entertainment. Whether you want to step back in time, relax and enjoy a high tea event, or delve into the culture of this city, you can find plenty to keep you busy.

Of course, before you head to any major city such as Melbourne, you should take some time to find out more about the destination. This is especially important if you are a first-time visitor to the area. So, in this article, we will look at some of the key things that every traveller should know about Melbourne.

Valuable Information and Tips for Visitors

If you want to make the most of your trip to Melbourne, you will find plenty of valuable tips and information that can help. Some of the key things to tips to take on board include:

Invest in a Myki Card

When travelling to Melbourne, you may want to make use of the public transport network if you are not hiring a car. Well, if this is what you plan to do, make sure you invest in a Myki card. These cards cost around $6.00 and are easily accessible at booths, train stations, and at some retailers. There are a number of card options to choose from, and these will save you money and hassle when using public transport in the city.

Try to Plan Your Trip During a Festival

If you really want to make your trip to this city special, try to time your visit with one of the major festivals that take place here each year. This includes fabulous events such as the Fashion Festival, the Jazz Festival, and the Melbourne Fringe. There are plenty of other festivals and events that take place over the course of the year.

Use Escalators Correctly

In this big city, you may find yourself using escalators on a regular basis. If so, remember the rule of thumb – stick to the left of the escalator if you plan to just stand and wait for it to transport you to the top or use the right if you want to speed things up by walking up the escalator.

Explore on Foot

Melbourne is a place that has plenty of fabulous sights and places of interest. The chances are you will have booked some trips and excursions around the city before your arrivals. This is great but you should also make sure you do some exploration on foot or at least book a walking tour, as this will enable you to enjoy sights you might otherwise miss.

Be Prepared for Fluctuating Temperatures

People who visit Melbourne often expect very stable temperatures throughout their time there depending on the time of year they visit. However, you should prepare yourself for fluctuating temperatures when it comes to the clothes you take along on your trip.

For instance, in the winter, you may find that there is an odd day or two when it really warms up and you can enjoy the sunshine and higher temperatures. In the summer, you may find that the days are hot, but some nights get a little chilly.

Explore Places Not on the Main Drag

In order to ensure you get to see the real Melbourne, make sure you explore areas that are not on the main drag. You will find plenty of alleys and laneways where you can take in the street art, discover hidden bars for a refreshing drink, and get a feel for the real vibe of this city.

Take in Free Galleries and Museums

Exploring Melbourne doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as there are plenty of free places to explore during your visit. This includes a range of excellent museums and galleries, which makes it ideal for culture vultures and history buffs. Places such as the National Gallery of Victoria and the Seventh Gallery are among the many free attractions you can look forward to.

Use Beaches for Relaxation not Surfing

Last but not least, you will find some great beaches in Melbourne, but they are all located along Port Phillip Bay. This means that they are great for relaxing, soaking up the sunshine, playing beach games, and enjoying beautiful surroundings. However, they are not for surfing because their location means that waves are minimal.

Enjoy the Trip of a Lifetime

By planning ahead and learning more about this city before you visit, you can enjoy making the most of your time here. Melbourne is a great place to enjoy an incredible, diverse, and exciting vacation experience with a huge variety of things to keep you busy.