holiday Archives - Short Holiday Breaks

Enjoy Darwin At Low to No Cost

July 18, 2018 by admin

Image by Watty via Flickr

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory and well worth visiting. With a population of just over 100,000 people, Darwin is smaller than all other Australian State Capitals, but there is still plenty to see and do. The good news is that many of them are free, or can be achieved with a very low budget.

Before venturing off to other places in the Top End, it is worth spending a few days visiting Darwin. There’s plenty of options for accommodation in Darwin and places to eat, and then you can head off to some other attractions such as Katherine Gorge. So, take a look at some of our suggestions of free or low cost things to do in Darwin before when planning your next visit.

1. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Here, you can learn all about the history of the NT, and you might just be amazed at some of the artefacts on display. Some of the fossils discovered around the Top End are the oldest known to man, and you can learn about natural history and evolution of the earth at the museum.

The art gallery houses some Aboriginal art from the region, as well as some special exhibits, including the Cyclone Tracy exhibition. You can also view a five-metre crocodile that was captured in 1979 after it had attached several fishing boats. The gallery is also placed at the harbour and is a wonderful place to watch the sunset in the evening.

The Museum and Art Gallery are both free to enter. There are also several other art galleries in the area including the Mason, Mbantua, and Aboriginal Fine Arts Galleries.

2. Watch the Sun Go Down

This might seem like a cliché, but Darwin is perfectly poised to watch a tropical sunset, with several waterfront venues facing west. Cullen Bay, East Point, and Mindil Beach are three of many places to watch the spectacular colour-cocktail of the sky as the sun disappears into the ocean and day turns into night. You could also indulge in a ‘sundowner’ drink – an Aussie tradition – to accompany the sunset, for a small price.

3. Spot Wildlife and Enjoy Nature at East Point Reserve and George Brown Botanic Gardens

East Point Reserve is a 200-hectare area that is a popular spot amongst the Darwin locals. You can walk, ride, or drive through the park; if you go at dusk, there is a good chance to spot some wallabies. The George Brown Botanic Gardens feature monsoon forests, mangroves, and woodlands, where you can spot endemic birds and discover traditional uses of local plants on a self-guided walk. There is also an orchid house and café onsite, and the Gardens are very easy to reach from the city centre.

Other Things to Do for Free in and Around Darwin

Those are our top three favourite free things to do in Darwin, but there’s still plenty more you can do in the area for low or no cost. Litchfield National Park is only a couple of hours away and certainly worth a visit if you enjoy bushwalking or swimming at the cascading waterfalls. Berry Springs Nature Park is also only a 40-minute drive from Darwin and a great place to swim in the pristine waters.

Whatever you choose to do in Darwin, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy your experience there at the Top End. Best of all is that many of the attractions are free or very low cost, so all the more reason to come and enjoy the Northern Territory’s capital city.

Top Tips for Camping in the Rain

March 5, 2018 by admin

No one on a camping trip likes to see angry clouds rolling in and the skies opening up. Unfortunately, rain is a fact of life, and at some point you’re likely going to be caught in it. This article will provide a number of tips that will make camping in the rain with a camper trailer a little more bearable. If you’re searching for camper trailers for sale, this article will also list what you should look for in a camper trailer to ensure it’s suitable for travelling in the rain.

Pack Plenty of Warm Clothing

If you’ve been caught in the rain, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to venture outside your camper trailer at some stage to take care of something, such as going to the toilet. There really is no way around getting wet, but one way to make things a lot more pleasant for yourself is to have some nice dry clothes ready to change into. Nobody likes getting wet – not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also lead to illness. However, by packing plenty of clothes (more than you think you will need), you can ensure you’ll always have something to change into should the weather take a turn for the worse and you end up getting wet.

Entertainment

If you do find yourself caught in the rain and have to stay inside your camper trailer, it’s essential that you have plenty to do. If you have a family and small children, it’s not going to be much fun being stuck inside with nothing to do – and before long, things will likely start to get uncomfortable. Until you can all head outside again, it’s important to have something to keep you all occupied inside. Before heading off on a trip, it’s a good idea to stock up on plenty of board games, books and other things to do that can be enjoyed when the rain is pouring and heading outside is not an option.

Purchasing a Quality Camper

If you’re looking for camper trailers for sale, then it’s wise to search for models that are made from quality materials to ensure they can withstand undesirable weather conditions such as rain. A camper trailer that’s made from quality materials is less likely to leak than a cheap one, and while a quality camper is always going to cost more, having a dry roof over your head is priceless. There are many camper trailers for sale, so it’s important to do a little research and separate the bad from the good in order to know that you’re going to be buying a quality product.

In Summary

If you find yourself trapped inside your camper trailer when you would rather be outside enjoying the outdoors, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. With a little preparation, a lot of boredom and discomfort can be avoided. By looking for camper trailers for sale that are made of quality materials, packing plenty of spare clothes, and bringing board games and other indoor activities to pass the time, avoiding the rain inside your camper trailer can actually be an enjoyable experience.

Bangkok – Top Rated Tourist Destination of 2017

December 22, 2017 by admin

Bangkok is the top tourism destination again. So, shouldn’t you be checking out what makes it top the charts year after year? Every discerning traveler has either been to the Thai capital or has plans to visit it soon. It is a tourist’s paradise. Just the right balance of culture and urbanization makes it a great destination for families, honeymooners and for solo explorers. The Thai capital is everything you expect it to be and much more. The cherry on the cake is the warmth that the people in Bangkok exude. You will come back beaming with a happy smile from your Bangkok trip. Getting the right price on your tickets is an important part of any trip, and Bangkok is no different. There are numerous airlines that fly to the Thai capital; to get a good budget deal you can opt to book cheap flights from Mumbai to Bangkok. There is a lot to do in Bangkok, and here are some things you should definitely see and experience.

Wat Pho

It has a huge Reclining Buddha statue which cannot be viewed in its entirety in one go. You can view the statue in sections. Highlights of the statue are the feet, adorned by varied precious stones and the 108 signs of true faith. Admire and revere the lotus-bud formation of the hands, a sign of purity and beauty, and the long earlobes signifying noble birth. Wat Pho is located near the Grand Palace and should be a must-visit in your itinerary. Thailand’s first university was also set up here. You can experience a classic Thai massage at the on-campus medical school but the same will be at a higher cost than in other massage parlors you will find around the city.

The Grand Palace

It leaves everyone who is visiting Bangkok for the first time awestruck. It redefines grandeur and beauty at the same time. It has been the seat of the Thai monarch for over 150 years now and still houses the state offices. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok. It is not only grand but boasts of intricate detailing and stands strong as a pillar of the creativity and craftsmanship of the Thai people. The Royals do not live in the palace anymore but it is still used for important ceremonies. A quick tip; do dress appropriately while visiting the palace. The most comfortable and hassle-free way to explore the Grand Palace is to book a guided tour.

The floating markets

Well, the floating markets are beautiful and Instagram-worthy. A tourist attraction mostly these days, it serves more tourists than locals. It is a chaotic but a unique experience to be buying farm fresh produce off the boats. Take a boat tour and enjoy the Thai delights. Try a couple of local snacks served hot from the boats.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is a serene, peaceful place. It was originally designed for Thai crafts and flowers. You can take a stroll and enjoy the greenery it has to offer. The best is to take a boat ride and you may even come across a water monitor lizard, a crocodile-like creature. It will definitely be the highlight of your trip. The park also hosts free, open-air concerts, mostly on Sundays.

Chatuchak Market

You will find everything here, from furniture to clothes, antiques, and numerous other things. You can also enjoy a lot of delectable local fare and enjoy various shows that happen around the market.

Bangkok is a great place to visit any time of the year. It can be a great budget destination too. And your air tickets should not let the trip cross the budget. Booking in advance helps and taking a flight from the right city can matter too. Try cheap flight bookings from Mumbai to Bangkok and you will gain a great deal from them. So don’t overthink, Bangkok is going to be delightful. Take a trip soon.

Top Tips for Transporting Kayaks with Roof Racks

December 15, 2017 by admin

For those who love to go kayaking, kayak roof racks offer a fantastic way to transport kayaks from home to water. If you’ve ever seen a fellow driver with them on the road, however, you’ll know that there seems to be more than one way to fix a kayak to a vehicle. We provide some top tips to help you determine how best to transport your cargo.

Getting Started

First of all, consider how many kayaks you will be transporting. Just one, or quite a few? Measure the height of your vehicle and figure out whether you can comfortably load the kayaks yourself or whether you will need assistance. And how long are your kayaks? It is important to know in advance whether they are going to overshoot the length of your car too dangerously for the road.

Horizontal Arrangement

Laying your kayak flat on its base is the most common method when using kayak roof racks. A wide range of sizes can be accommodated in this formation, and it makes loading and unloading easier and safer. This is also an effective arrangement to minimise wind resistance while driving. Such considerations can save you money on fuel, providing you with more money in the future to spend on kayaking trips!

Vertically Standing

Allowing for maximum boat capacity, vertical stacking is the way to go if you have many boats to place on your kayak roof racks. However, you should expect added wind resistance and a requirement to drive slower and safer.

Assistance in Loading and Unloading

Two examples of technology that can help you load and unload kayaks by yourself are the T-Load Towball Mount and the Rhino Universal Side Loader. The T-Load Towball Mount uses an anti-swivel plate to stop any tow ball sway, thereby giving you a stable support through the entire process. Meanwhile, the Rhino Universal Side Loader helps you unload your kayak from the side of the vehicle, using its pivot to load your boat onto the crossbars of the roof rack. Both items are useful for anyone who wants to go on a peaceful kayaking trip by themselves.

Freedom with Kayak Roof Racks

With kayak roof racks, you have the freedom to arrange your kayaks in whatever way suits you best. Whether you’re planning a trip to Gippsland, the Grampians, or the Great Ocean Road, you’ll be sure to arrive safe and sound, ready for your water sport adventure. Contact Roof Rack Superstore today to learn more, or browse our online range of kayak roof racks and accessories to find the best option for your needs.

Give Your Body and Mind a Reset: Take a Vacation

October 23, 2017 by admin

There is a lot of reasons to go on vacation. Beyond yearning to go somewhere new or different, those who take a break enjoy plenty of health benefits. If you want to give your body a reset then schedule a vacation. Here’s why you should take a vacation aside from the immediate reasons.

Reduce Stress

It’s understood those who break the monotony of everyday life help reduce their stress levels. While you may do well in allocating time for rest and relaxation on the weekends, five days on and two days off can get to you. Throw-in an unexpected mishap or two and you’re well on your way to higher levels of stress. Make it a point to take a well-deserved break.

Decrease Risk of Heart Disease

Those who schedule vacations at least once per year are less likely to contract heart disease as compared to peers who do not take regular breaks. There’s no doubting the mind’s influence on the body. Those who find time to take vacations are less likely to worry about problems related to the heart later in life.

Lessen Depression

There is a correlation between higher levels of stress and clinical depression. It’s not abnormal to feel blue on occasion yet those who don’t reserve time for vacation are more likely to be diagnosed with depression. A University of Pittsburgh study found that leisure activities, including taking vacations, separate people from the shackles of immediate stress and protects them from a potentially deep sadness.

Increase Productivity

The irony of taking a break is that it actually increases productivity once you get back to work. Those who are exceptionally successful or in high-profile positions feel pressure to put forth maximum effort. However, at some point, too much work has a negative impact. Taking a vacation can put you at a greater advantage as compared to peers who are used to never taking a break. Get ahead in business and reserve relaxation time at the Renaissance by Marriott, Dupont Circle.

Get More Creative

Taking a vacation can be a positive in blessing you with more creativity. Having new experiences helps open new doors of perception and trains of thought. Seeing new places and faces will fill you with more ideas and expose you to unique cultures. Even if you’re staying within the country, it’s a boost to your creativity to observe life happening in other places.

Lose a Bad Habit

Some take a vacation when planning on quitting cigarettes or starting a new diet. It can be hard to modify your behavior at home. Alternatively, you’ll be breaking your normal routine when traveling, so it’s a perfect time to incorporate something new and different. It doesn’t have to be a physical habit. It could be a mental one, such as being reluctant to approach strangers.

Start a Good Habit

As mentioned, being on vacation is a good time to start something new. Whether it’s eating healthier, jogging in the morning, or reserving a few moments each day to meditate, start a good habit while on vacation, so the time spent away is even more advantageous.