Experience the sunny beaches of Aruba

Ah, the sunny beaches of Aruba – the perfect spot for soaking in the sun and enjoying the life of a beach enthusiast. Whether you prefer the vast seven-miles of beaches that make up Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, or you prefer wind-sailing in some of the best conditions of the world, this Dutch island makes the perfect Caribbean destination and holiday.

Travel to Aruba as a UK citizen is fairly simply. You will need your passport, including proof of a return ticket. While a visa is not required, standard travel documents are sometimes asked for to verify that you are not entering Aruba with the intent to stay. It is rare, but immigration officials do reserve the right to ask for financial proof of your visit, to make sure you aren’t going to free-load off the locals. Traveller’s insurance is recommended, to cover any accidents that may happen during your stay.

Hotel accommodation on Aruba is top-notch. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts, villas, and even apartments and condos that you can rent for the duration of your stay. Travel is easy, especially considering the size of the island. You can rent scooters and motorcycles, cars, or simply take taxis to your destination. There is also plenty of public transportation get you to and from the beaches so you don’t have to worry about the headache of rental.

Aruba is yet another of the amazing Caribbean destinations that will give you the Caribbean holiday you’ve been dreaming of. Bring plenty of sun-screen and an ample supply of pure indulgence to complete your vacation.

New Zealand in a Nutshell

From the famous harbours of Auckland on the North Island, to the historic vineyard villages of the Wairarapa, to the South Island Fiordland, to the coastal plains of Canterbury, New Zealand offers a unique variety of landscapes that caters to nearly every traveller. Whether you are a newbie explorer or a veteran backpacker working on your fifteenth pair of boots, this island destination cannot be passed up.

While the majority of the population is made up of European decent, the indigenous Maori make up around 15% of the total, and it is their rich cultural background that gives these islands some of their more unique holiday destinations. The North Island, known as “Te Ika a Maui” and the South Island, “Te Wai Pounamu” make up the two main islands within his nation, but there are a smattering of smaller islands as well. Its unique geometric positioning not only leads to a temperate climate but a series of plants and animal life not found anywhere else on the globe, which is quite the attraction to many travellers.

There are also the ski slopes of the Southern Alps and the many national parks that have led to New Zealand being one of the most beautiful destinations world-wide. Nearly every panoramic movie from the past decade has been filmed on the shores of this island nation, specifically for that reason.

If you are looking for an adventure like no other, consider New Zealand for your next holiday destination. With such a variety things to see and do, you can come to the islands a hundred times and never experience the same thing twice.

Soak Up Some Australian History

If history is your primary concern while visiting Australia, you will absolutely want to stop by the Australian Capital Territory. This territory was specifically created to house the nation’s capital Canberra, which is a treasure-trove of history.

Canberra is accessible by car, plane, or train. It is your choice. Hotels abound throughout the city, and the surrounding countryside is full of wineries, farms, and simple natural beauty. This is the natural headquarters for any travelling you plan on doing within the area.

Canberra is chock-full of museums and art galleries, along with national buildings such as the Old Parliament House and the New Parliament House, which allows the enthusiast to get a view of the contrast between old and new. Visit the National Gallery of Australia and enjoy the plethora of artistic achievements, or visit the Australian Institute of Sport and gaze in wonder at the achievements proud athletes have made over the years.

But it’s not just about the history. Australia’s tallest peak, Mount Koscuiszko, is nearby, and there are plenty of hiking trails within the mountains and valleys of the Namadgi National Park or the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, all within easy distance of Canberra.

Enjoy the nightlife of this capital city underneath the foliage of the surrounding countryside as you sample some of Australia’s finest wines aged on the very hillsides around you. Indulge your appetite as you soak in the cultural diversity that makes up the history of Australia while enjoying some of their traditional meals served under moonlight or soft sun. After just a short stay, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to move to Australia!

Plan Ahead for a Trip to Tibet

A wilderness adventure to Tibet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that most people will never experience. If you are one of those who want to brave the heights of this Himalayan Far East location, some planning is necessary.

Firstly, the tourist visa that got you into China in the first place will not be enough to get you into Tibet. Due to the political differences between mainland China and this mountain nation, you will need to apply for a separate visa.

You would also be well advised to prepare for a high-altitude trip. Everything in Tibet is above 4k meters (12,000 feet), which means you will probably want some high-altitude medication. Also be warned that first-class health care is pretty much non-existent in this part of the world, so precautions will need to be taken. This is not a trip for the weak-of-heart. This is an adventure Far East holiday.

You can fly in to Lhasa, Tibet’s only airport. From Lhasa you can strike out to the Jokhang Temple, the various monasteries around Lhasa, drive to Gyantse, or even visit the North Face base camp of Mount Everest.

Hotel accommodation is, well … you are in the middle of nowhere. Luxury is pretty much out of the question, but for a unique and cultural experience, this is quite possibly one of the most original you will get in the entire world. Careful planning is required for a trip to Tibet, because getting around is going to be dependent upon a translator and a lot of forethought. But the beauty of this region makes it absolutely worth seeing.

Visit Tasmania for an Island Adventure

Tasmania. The name itself evokes a strange feeling of excitement. Island adventure … you know you want to!

Tasmania is one of Australia’s premier destinations for a holiday. This lush, tropical island is positively teeming with wildlife and simply begs you to stretch your legs out and get ready for a serious hike. Or maybe you want to work your arms a bit on a kayak trip up Derwent River. Or how about a snorkel or scuba diving adventure over in Wineglass Bay, straight from the serenity of the white sandy beaches.

Getting to Tasmania is best done by plane, and you can fly in to the City of Launceston. From here you can begin to branch out over the island depending on what your heart desires. You can find plenty of hotels, car rentals – basically anything you need. Surrounded by Edwardian architecture and vineyards galore, you’ll feel as though you have passed into paradise once you step foot on this island.

There is so much to do on Tasmania that it would be virtually impossible to take it all in during just one trip. There are gold mining museums, natural parks, beaches, Australia’s largest working craft fair located in the village of Deloraine, a trip to the top of the cliffs of Mount Strzelecki, or you can sail on up to Davenport and enjoy the coastal sea community.

This rugged island is a destination for any adventurer who is itching to get out there and put some miles under their heels. Without a doubt, this is one of Australia’s best kept areas.

A Trail to the Past: The Inca Trail

Experiencing the Inca way of life is beyond words. And along with the many sites within Peru that are a must-see for anyone coming to South America to experience this amazing step back in history is the famous Inca Trail.

The Inca Trail is but one of many stone paths built by the Inca people years ago that cross the most remote parts of the Andes Mountains, and this particular 43km section of stone-paved trail was built as part of the royal highway, leading up to the impenetrable citadel of Machu Picchu, high up in the mountains and deep within the cover of the clouds.

This is the premier hiking trip within South America, hands-down. It is a four-day trek that is part of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, which is a designated site that crosses over three mountain passes and through various ruins of Incan settlements along the way. You will see the most amazing landscapes on your journey through these mountains until you finally reach the fabled Sun Gate, carved from stone, and you can see the mighty Machu Picchu visible below, with Huayna Piccho Mountain rising in the background, casting a protective shadow over all below.

You cannot hike independently on this trail. All arrangements must be made through official Inca Trail tour agencies. A good place to start is over at http://www.incatrailperu.com/ where they give a more detailed break-down of not only the various sights and locations along the way, but also references to some of the highest rated tour guides who can take you on this epic adventure.

Visiting China

One of the premier Far East holiday destinations is China. This vast country is a melting-pot of cultural and historical diversity that spans a region of the globe that is so magnificent that you simply must experience it first-hand.

Travel to, and within, China will vary depending on the region you are heading to. Major cities will have all of the amenities of home, with accommodation ranging from simple hotels to luxury stays. Car rentals, railways, subways … all are means of transportation that are readily available in all the major hubs. However, the more rural areas will require some planning in advance, as the countryside of China can range from the high-tech metropolis of the city to back-woods farm areas where the only means of transportation for most locals is their own two feet.

You will require a visa to travel to China as a UK citizen or resident. You can find the relevant information at their embassy website at http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/. Be prepared to provide a detailed itinerary for your trip, as this can vary the result of your visa. If you require a Business Visa you will need to get an up to date HIV test certifcate

China is a diverse nation. There are literally so many destinations that it would be impossible to pack them all into one Far East holiday trip. Coming back more than once over the years is ideal, as there are not only historical landmarks to see, but experiencing the cultural lifestyle of this country is beyond words. From cruises to walkabouts, to week-long stays at 6 star resorts, there is no limit to the variety of experiences to choose from.

Visit South Africa

South Africa is one of the most commonly visited countries within Africa proper. Most visitors usually stop by Cape Town as their first destination, which has resulted in this city becoming one of the most popular places to visit. Getting there is fairly simple for UK citizens; you do not require a South African tourist visa for stays up to 90 days so long as you are a British citizen, which means you can enjoy a vacation anywhere within the country without having to deal with the hassles of visa paperwork.

Cape Town hosts a variety of hot-spots. You can visit Robben Island, Table Mountain, or the Cape Winelands, home to some of the finer vintages of South African wines. Accommodation within Cape Town is plentiful, as are rental agencies, so you can spend the majority of your time enjoying the sights and sounds without any hassles.

A visit to Cape Town is an adventure holiday. You can hike or bike along the mountain trails, go rock climbing, rent a 4-wheel drive and take to the trails, paraglide, go diving with the sharks, or even bungee jump and skydive. The only limit is your imagination.

But with such a variety of destinations within South Africa, why stop with just Cape Town? You can visit the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach or head down to Kalk Bay for a nostalgic trip to an old fishing village.

While the summers are warm the evenings do cool down a bit and it will rain from time to time, but it’s always warm enough to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. And don’t fret if you forget to pack something. There are plenty of places to rent, buy, or hire gear should your adventuring needs require it.

Explore Brazil

Brazil is a South America destination guaranteed to thrill every member of your party, regardless of their travel experience. This country is filled with a variety of lush rainforests, dense jungles, and the wonder that is the Amazon.

Entry to Brazil as a UK national requires simply your passport for a 90 day stay if you are a tourist. A visa is not required unless you want to work here. If you are here for purely pleasure, you can also extend your stay for an additional 90 days at the consideration of the police.

Your first stop on any trip to Brazil is Rio de Janeiro. This cultural capital invokes images of lush, jungle forests against a backdrop of magnificent mountain peaks set against the natural beauty of the beaches that make up some of Brazil’s most fascinating destinations. And with more than 150 districts, each characterized by their own unique cultural features, no matter how many times you come back to Rio de Janeiro you will experience a different South America experience.

Driving within Rio is not recommended due to the nature of the streets and general lack of driving skill by any people who do drive here. Renting a car is extremely expensive and your best bet is to simply order a cab via the phone. They are more costly than normal taxis, but they have AC and are generally “safer” as they won’t rip you off for being a tourist.

Types of New Zealand Visas

Holiday Visa

This New Zealand Visa is also the Tourist Visa. One needs a tourist visa if they are visiting New Zealand to see relatives and friends, studying for a course that lasts up to three months, participating in sports, performing cultural events in a voluntary capacity, undertaking business trips, or receiving medical treatment. The requirements to acquire a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa include having a passport that is valid for a minimum of three months after the date that one leaves New Zealand, be a true tourist, and show proof of the date of the intended departure and also proof that one has sufficient funds to support oneself during the period of stay.

Skilled Visa

Eligibility for this New Zealand Visa includes that one be 56 years or younger, be able to meet the character requirements, qualify for the English language and health requirements, and meet the target of 100 points in the set Points System in order to apply and register. If one is successful, then they are given a New Zealand Visa known as a Residence Visa that allows the holder to enter the country and must be utilised within the period of twelve months upon issue. Further, Resident Permits or Work Permits are issued on arrival to the country.

Family Visa

This New Zealand Visa is granted for the purpose of reuniting families. A Residence Visa is given to the member of the family of a New Zealand resident and/or citizen. To quality, one must have a blood relationship with the New Zealander. One must either be a spouse, parent, dependant child, adult child, brother, or sister.

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