Author: scatty

So you’re headed “Down Under” and you want to experience New Zealand like the locals do?  We’ve got you covered with all the must-see things to see and do on your trip.

Read on for a roundup of five authentic activities to add to your New Zealand itinerary.

1. Experience a Haka

Many people see their first haka at an All Blacks rugby game. However, there are many places to witness this ancient Maori war dance ritual, which embodies the passion and power of the vibrant indigenous people of New Zealand.

Depending on the venue, you may even have the chance to participate in one—a true “bucket list” experience.

2. Nosh on New Zealand Lamb

New Zealand is known all over the planet for its tender and succulent lamb. However, this is just one example of the quintessential cuisine awaiting you in New Zealand. Kiwis also love their crayfish, mussels, fish and chips, “barbie,” mince pies, and artisan cheese.

And make sure to wash it down with a local Sauvignon Blanc or other selection from one of New Zealand’s world-class wine regions.

3. Hit the Road

New Zealand boasts some truly spectacular scenery. One of the best ways to take it all in like a local? If you don’t have access to a car, New Zealand is home to a vast intercity bus system stretching from the North to the South Island.

From bustling metropolises like Auckland and Wellington to off-the-beaten destinations like Rotorua and Wanaka, Kiwis know that there’s no adventure quite like a good, old-fashioned road trip.

4. Take the Ferry

While New Zealand’s roadways have abundant allures, your trip to New Zealand won’t be complete without taking the ferry. Many locals travel between the North and South Island via ferry.

While both the Bluebridge and the Interislander ferries will hook you up with everything from free Wi-Fi to refreshments for the 3.5-hour trip, you may not need them. You’ll be too busy taking in the breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds islands as you coast through the Cook Straight.

5. Catch Sight of a Kiwi

New Zealand is renowned for its wildlife, and its iconic wild kiwi birds are regarded as a national treasure. They’re also incredibly elusive.

However, there are some places where you’re more likely to see one of these endangered flightless birds for yourself—either in the wild or at a reserve. These include Stewart Island, Kiwi Birdlife Park, and the Franz Josef Wildlife Centre.

You’re in South Africa, a country that offers a landscape that has something for everyone. How you choose to explore the country is up to you. Just know there are many ways to get up close and experience the history, culture, landscape, and oh, yes, the wildlife this country is known for.

1. The Garden Route (Western Cape)

There are plenty of miles to cover in South Africa, and each has its own points of interest and things to do, such as The Garden Route, which covers approximately 124 miles of picturesque landscape.

The route runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River and allows travelers to get off the beaten path, park their rented vehicle, and explore area beaches, lakes, nature reserves, and the Garden Route National Park.

2. Kruger National Park Safari

A sure way to discover and learn about the many species of wildlife inhabiting South Africa is to schedule a safari tour with Kruger National Park for one of their many tours. Led by a knowledgeable guide, who takes visitors through the park and surrounding areas, you’ll experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 

While immersing yourself in the park’s atmosphere with accommodations to suit personal preferences, from tents and treehouses to luxury lodges, you’ll be in the midst of Kruger National Park and all it has to offer. 

3. The Blue Train

Arguably one of South Africa’s jewels in the crown is The Blue Train, which travels approximately 994 miles from Pretoria to Cape Town with a couple of off-train excursions on the itinerary. Overall, the train is the epitome of luxury on rails. 

While on board for the scenic journey, travelers are wined and dined in style while the train winds its way through open farmlands and semi-desert landscape as well as past Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands. 

4. Tour South Africa’s Wine Region

Something travelers new to South Africa may not know is the country is known for its wine regions situated around the cities of Paarl and Stellenbosch. South Africa has been in the wine business since the 17th century. 

To get the most out of visiting the wine regions, book an exclusive guided tour of the Western Cape region and its prominent wineries to have access to and sample some of the country’s most tasteful vineyards.

5. Cruising the Waterways

South Africa has an expansive coastline that allows for plenty of opportunities to get to know the area with a guide boat trip. Travelers who want to sit back, relax, and revel in the beauty of the moment, can book a sunset Champagne cruise out of Cape Town.

Above water, travelers can enjoy watching the sea life with whale-watching and dolphin-watching cruises or watch the antics of the black and white attired penguins at Penguin Island. There are also shoreline cruises that get you up close to crocodiles and hippos.

If you prefer down-under experiences, South Africa is a world hotspot for exploring the shipwrecks, inland caves, assorted underwater inhabitants, and other mysterious features with a scuba adventure.

Beijing, China offers centuries of fascinating history and culture that make the city an intriguing stop on anyone’s vacation itinerary. Known for its historical attractions, such as the Forbidden City and The Great Wall of China, there are also hidden gems to explore. Set aside some time to spend in these interesting areas, which will add an extra dash of spirit and an element of surprise to your trip. 

1. 798 Art Zone (Dashanzi Area)

For art enthusiasts who enjoy creativity off the beaten path, a visit to the 798 Art Zone is a cultural experience, where established and upcoming new artists display their work.

The site was the former 50-year-old compound for military factories. Once decommissioned in the 1990s, the zone became a primary gathering place for local artists and other creatives.

Today, the district is a visually exciting place to visit to absorb the many artistic styles, from photos and street art to expressive murals and outdoor sculptures.

Go on your own or take a tour. Either way, you’ll have access to trendy shops and boutiques to explore, and cafes for relaxing while absorbing the Chinese culture that permeates the zone. 

2. Beijing Botanical Garden

From creative art in the zone to the colorful palette of natural art in the garden, the Beijing Botanical Garden is an oasis to explore when you’re looking for a quiet and serene setting to get away from the crowds. Choose the cherry garden, bamboo garden, Chinese rose garden, magnolia garden, and many more to snap a photo or two. 

3. Ancient Observatory (Guguanxiangtai)

Step back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when visiting this ancient observatory. As one of the oldest in the world, the observatory is home to eight expansive astronomical instruments. Take a moment to ponder what it was the ancients who used these instruments were searching for and what they discovered along the way. A mystery, to be sure. The observatory is currently open to the public Sunday through Saturday. 

4. Beijing Underground City

Under Beijing’s city center lies a network of tunnels covering about 33 square miles. The tunnels were ordered by Chairman Mao in 1969 and completed in the 1970s and were designed as a place of refuge in case of an attack by foreign enemies.

There is an underground complex with shops, schools, doctor’s offices, hospitals, movie theaters, factories, amusement areas, and much more. A true “city” only underground. Only a portion of the tunnels is open to the public. 

5. Ritan Park

Ritan is one of Beijing’s oldest parks. Established in 1530 during the Ming dynasty, the park served as home for the Temple of the Sun. The park offers a scenic ornamental landscape filled with a variety of trees, bushes, plants, assorted flowers, and peach blossoms to enjoy a leisurely walk. Within the park are pavilions, altars, murals, and ornate red and green walls. The park is like a picture postcard that has come to life, displaying a cacophony of color, culture, and creativity. 

Tokyo, Japan – the city of culture, history, and intrigue. While it maintains a national presence on the world map, there are plenty of hidden gems within the hustle, bustle, and bright lights that permeate the city landscape. As the main city of The Land of the Rising Sun, a visit to some of its unique attractions is sure to spark your imagination. 

1. Shibuya Sky Observatory

If heights don’t bother you, then Shibuya Sky Observatory is the place to go for panoramic views. The 47-story building resides atop the largest skyscraper, so you can be sure the views are uninterrupted and spectacular. The rooftop platform is the largest for viewing that you’ll find in Japan, and to make it extra special, it is fitted with hammocks for visitors who want to relax at night and gaze at the stars. 

The 46th floor features the Sky Gallery for visitors who might get a little off-balance and experience vertigo on the 47th floor. Either way, the views are unforgettable, as Tokyo’s landmarks are visible on clear days, which includes Mt. Fuji.

2. Gotoku-ji Temple

This unusual temple is dedicated to felines. Legend has it a cat beckoned to a feudal lord with his right paw to come to his shelter during a rainstorm. As the lord approached the shelter, lightning struck the exact spot where the man had sat beneath a tree. This is the reason felines are referred to as “fortune” or “beckoning” cats and why you’ll see cat statues, paintings, jewelry, and trinkets displayed in stores and restaurants. 

The belief is that Gotoku-ji is where the lucky kitties originated from. The “cat temple” is open to the public. 

3. Asakusa-jinja

There are many temples and shrines to visit and learn about while visiting Tokyo. The oldest is the five-story Senjo-ji Buddhist temple. Right next door to the temple is the often-overlooked Asakusa-jinja shrine that has been part of the landscape since the 17th century. 

The shrine was constructed in honor of those who founded Senso-ji. The shrine features a large traditional Japanese torii gated entrance and two unusual dog-lion statues standing beneath a red parasol. The couple supposedly represents those couples in happy marriages. 

4. Hamarikyu Gardens

If you’ve been out and about sightseeing and want to take a break and sit amid a wondrous landscape of greenery, ponds, and serene water moving to its own beat beneath bridges, head to Hamarikyu Gardens, where a 300-year-old pine tree stands as a sentinel. 

While experiencing the beauty of the gardens, take a relaxing break at the Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse. The location of the thatched-roof teahouse is unusual, as it resides on a floating platform. 

5. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

By far, one of the most unique vistas to set your eyes upon is Mount Fuji, standing tall at 12,389 feet. The park offers numerous walking trails that provide views of the mountain. When visiting the park, this is the main attraction. A close second is visiting during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Enjoy the view

Are you looking forward to your upcoming vacation from work? Do you want to make plans for a special trip? Well, you don’t need to overpay for your next vacation. Keep reading if you want a few tips to avoid overpaying for a vacation this summer!

Avoid Weekend Air Travel

There is no way around the price hike on the weekend when it comes to air travel. Since many travelers book weekend flights, you may find that you are paying a premium to fly on Saturday or Sunday. If you have the option to book your flight on a weekday, then opt for a weekday flight. While the best day of the week may depend on many factors, you want to focus on weekdays to find better prices and deals.

Plan a Month or Three Ahead

It is common knowledge that you want to plan ahead to get the best rates on your vacation, but you may not realize that you also need to avoid planning too far in advance. As a general rule, plan your vacation between one and three months before the event.

Planning three months in advance allows you to keep an eye on flights, hotel rates, and other factors that may impact your costs. You can then book a flight, hotel room, and other travel-related plans when you see a special deal or price. Expect the prices to increase as you get closer to your vacation dates. In most cases, you can expect rates to increase roughly two to three weeks before the date of your trip.

Consider a Non-traditional Vacation Spot

Do you want to avoid overpaying for your vacation without giving up on quality? Consider a non-traditional vacation location. Avoid common vacation hot-spots like Orlando, Florida and opt for a vacation that is a bit off the beaten path, such as Hollywood, Florida. You may find that you are getting much better deals without giving up on your vacation plans. While you may have limitations if you are planning a trip to a theme park or similar place, you have a variety of unexpected gems available if you are looking for a relaxed beach vacation or hiking trip.

Compare Prices on Everything

Comparing prices may seem obvious, but you can easily overlook it when you are excited about your vacation. You can also overlook comparison shopping for some of the smaller expenses. Unfortunately, those small expenses can add up quickly when you do not pay attention.

Take the time to compare the prices on flights, hotels, rental cars, and even restaurants. You may find some unexpected hidden gems with a few minutes of comparison shopping.

Take Advantage of Your Reward Points on Credit Cards

If you have a credit card, then you likely have some type of reward points system or cash-back system. Look into the details of any credit cards you currently carry to see if you qualify for any travel-related points or cash-back. For example, you may have airline miles that cut back on the cost of your plane tickets through certain companies. Alternatively, you may get cash-back on your card for using it at restaurants, certain types of stores, or gasoline. Take advantage of your reward points or cash-back to cut back on the cost of your vacation.

Taking a bit of time to cut back on unnecessary costs while going on a vacation can help you save more than you realize. From comparing the prices of everything to strategically using your credit cards, you can find ways to avoid overspending and still enjoy a break from the daily grind.