Wild, feral Tasmania is a strange land that lures scores of curious international visitors every year. The massive island state is a major cog in Australia’s tourism industry and a peerless UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Tasmanian Wilderness is indeed on the prestigious UNESCO list and at over one million hectares, covers a colossal swath of rainforest parks and reserves. While biodiversity is the number one tourist magnet in Tasmania, the island has more than just phenomenal fauna and flora. The capital Hobart is a great little city and others like Launceston and Devonport provide ample points of interest between forays into the wilderness. Indeed, the island state with half a million people packs a lot into 62,409 square kilometres.

With all that in mind, check out ten must-see attractions in Tasmania.

10. Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires Conservation Area is a marvel of white sand, crystal-clear azure water and spectacular rock formations. The bay is part of Mount William National Park and is on the North East Coast of Tasmania. A popular campground, surf spot and recreation area, the Bay of Fires also has a tidy little gateway in the town of Binalong Bay.

9. Port Arthur

One of Tasmania’s most infamous and indeed, popular points of interest is 60 km south east of Hobart. Port Arthur is a small town of 500 people but is more commonly familiar as a former convict settlement. The penal complex was the most massive and notorious in the Southern Hemisphere for over two decades in the mid-19th century. Today it ranks up there with Alcatraz in San Francisco and Robben Island in South Africa as one of the top prison attractions in the world.

8. Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is a brilliant nature reserve less than two hours drive from Hobart. On the doorstep of one of Australia’s emergent wine regions, Freycinet is famous for a diverse array of colourful granite formations, Hazards mountain chain and two gorgeous bays in Wineglass and Promise. The national park is also home to over forty endemic animals, the Tasmanian Devil chief among them.

7. Salamanca Place

Hobart is the dynamic capital of Tasmania and offers a calm, semi-urban respite on the island state. Salamanca Place is one of the city’s best points of interest. The popular district has plenty of heritage architecture, with numerous restaurants, bars, market stalls and shops.

6. The Nut

The small town of Stanley is a popular tourist destination on the North West coast of Tasmania. Aside from local charm, the main photo-op in town is The Nut, a 143 metre-tall volcanic plug. The walk to the top is steep but well worth the effort.

5. Hastings Caves

Tasmania has some of the most brilliant underground chambers in the world. Tours of the impressive Hastings complex include a stop in Newdegate Cave, a colossal chamber with scores of unusual limestone formations.

4. Mole Creek Karst National Park

Mole Creek Karst National Park is unlike any other place on Earth. The conservation area 168 km from Hobart provides visitors the chance to witness underground streams, cathedral caverns, glow worm displays and more than 300 caves in all.

3. Cataract Gorge

Launceston’s famous river gorge is a popular tourist attraction in the city of just over 100,000 people. The urban park is lush, with fern glades, dense bushland, the occasional wallaby and a Victorian garden.

2. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

A gorgeous parcel of land in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is 165 km northwest of Hobart. At over 1,600 square kilometres, the park offers visitors many fine points of exploration. Over half the flora here is endemic.

1. Mount Field National Park

The home of Russell Falls was the first nature reserve in Tasmania. Numerous paths shepherd visitors past awesome attractions like Lake Dobson, the Tarn Shelf and Pandani Grove.

Discover superb hotel deals in Hobart, Tasmania.

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Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most charming southern cities in the United States. When you first set foot on the historic cobblestone streets you’ll feel as though you have been transported to another time and place.

A time where history and hospitality take precedence over everything else – and where you can immerse yourself in the history of the Civil War and the development of the Old South.

When to Visit Charleston

There is plenty to see and do year round in Charleston but some times of year are better than others depending on the type of climate you enjoy. You’ll find that most of the area’s attractions are within walking distance of your Charleston hotel, so if you don’t like walking in cold weather you should avoid visiting in the winter months when temperatures can easily vary from 30 degrees Fahrenheit up to the mid-70’s.

During the spring months you’ll be treated to gorgeous temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and will have the opportunity to see Charleston’s famous azaleas, peach blossoms, and dogwoods in full bloom. During the fall months the temperatures will begin to drop and you’ll be astounded by the stunning fall foliage.

The summer months are incredibly popular amongst tourists and are, of course, most expensive. Between the months of June and September you’ll enjoy strolling along the beaches, building sandcastles, or hunkering down in your rental. Temperatures usually hover in the 90’s with high humidity levels and the ocean is so warm it’ll feel as though you’re taking a bath.

Transportation throughout Charleston

Charleston is a great city to visit if you love walking and if your trip won’t take you outside the city you won’t need to rent a car. Simply take a cab from the airport to your hotel, ask the concierge where you can get a map of the city, and start plotting which museums and sites you’re going to visit.

The city of Charleston has a great public bus system that you can use to visit sites on the outskirts, including the Civil War monuments and The Citadel. You can also take a water taxi if you want to venture out to Mount Pleasant and Patriot’s Point.

If you’re going to be in town for a long time you might want to consider renting a car so that you can visit some of the islands. Don’t rent it for the duration of your stay, though. It’ll be a waste of money. Simply rent it for the days you plan to leave town.

Health & Safety in Charleston

Charleston is a friendly town full of hospitable people but while it may not be anything like any of the other big cities you’ve ever visited it is just that – a big city. Use standard safety precautions to protect yourself and your valuables at all times.

There are a few areas of the city you should avoid. Meeting Street, Market Street, King Street, and East Bay Street are very busy and you should be as aware as possible while traveling these areas at night. Try to avoid walking past Calhoun Street during the evening hours and never walk past Cannon or Spring Street no matter what the time of day.

Use common sense. If you think an area looks or feels dangerous, stay away.

Tipping Etiquette in Charleston

Tipping in the United States is a bit different than in many other countries. Sadly, waiters and waitresses in the US are usually paid below minimum wage because their employers believe that the tips they receive will make up the difference. Many of the 50 states allow a lower minimum wages (sometimes less than half the normal minimum) to be paid to bartenders and waiters. The laws are different from state to state.

This could make tipping a bit confusing. While you may be inclined to leave a lower tip for poor service, doing so could really make a difference in a person’s income for the evening. The standard tip in any restaurant, however, is between 10 and 15%. For dinner in high-end restaurants or for exceptional service you might even want to go as high as 25%.

Exploring Charleston Neighborhoods

Charleston has two main neighborhoods – the South of Broad District and the French Quarter. The South of Broad District is mostly residential while the French Quarter is home to not only residential neighborhoods but several historic attractions, restaurants, art galleries, and shopping opportunities. Ask your hotel concierge to direct you to some of the best sites in each area.

The city of Charleston is an amazing destination for individuals, couples, and even families. Its historic allure ensures you’ll find something for everyone – regardless of age or background!

Ah, Melbourne. If you love culture in all its forms, whether it’s art, music, great food, fashion, architecture, or anything else, Melbourne is the Australian destination for you. Melbourne’s blend of old-world charm and new-world cool will prove delightful to even the most seasoned…

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Women need to travel with caution no matter where they go, even in their hometowns. If you’re traveling abroad, however, there are a few things you can do to ensure your trip is as safe as possible. A few preventative actions can go a very long way in ensuring you get from point A to point B with no problems. Here are a few to consider:

10. Leave Your Jewelry at Home

A piece of jewelry you wear regularly is one thing, like your wedding or engagement ring, but anything else you don’t usually wear should be left at home. Wearing ostentatious jewelry will draw the attention of thieves and muggers and will increase the likelihood of someone robbing or injuring you.

9. Wear a Wedding Ring

Wear a wedding ring at all times while traveling. Not married? Buy a cheap one from your local department store and wear it anyway. Men who think you are married are less likely to give you trouble than those who see you are not and a wedding ring is a great way to ward off unwanted advances.

8. Stay in a Small Hotel

The smaller your hotel, the smaller the lobby area will be. A hotel with a small lobby area is easy to monitor. Hotel staff will be familiar with their guests and will be able to recognize loiterers and you’ll be better able to identify familiar faces that may be following you as well. There are dozens of small hotels in Australia, Hong Kong, and in virtually any city around the world. All you have to do is look around for the best ones.

7. Dress Casually

Don’t wear expensive clothing and, if at all possible, try to dress like the women local to the area you’re visiting. Expensive looking threads will make people think you’re carrying a lot of money with you. The clothing you wear at home may be offensive or misleading to men in foreign countries. This is especially important if you plan to visit a Muslim country where women are required to cover their heads at all times.

6. Ask for Directions

If you are lost, ask for directions, but be smart about it. Approach authorities, store employees (when you’re in the store), fellow women, or families with children. Phrase your question as if you are going to meet someone at the destination you are asking about. These groups are less likely to pose a threat to you.

5. Navigating Public Restrooms

Use the corner stall in any public restroom you use. That way you can put your belongings between your feet and the floor instead of next to the open stall on your other side. If that’s not possible and there is no hook to hang your bag, loop the strap around your foot until you can pick it up again. Do the same thing if you put your purse down in a restaurant, too.

4. Avoid Eye Contact

Do a little research about the area you plan to visit but, all in all, try to avoid direct eye contact with men as much as possible. In some country, making extended eye contact is considered an invitation to approach. In others, it is considered disrespectful. Either way, you could find yourself in an incredibly awkward situation.

3. Handle Money Carefully

Divide your money into small portions so that you never have to pull out a huge wad of cash in a store or restaurant. Thieves will watch to see how much money you are carrying and if they see that you don’t have much they will be less likely to target you.

2. Don’t Struggle with Thieves

If someone tries to grab your purse or backpack, just let it go. Struggling could get you injured – or worse. Don’t try to reach into your bag to give the thief the money in your wallet, either. He could just as easily think you’re reaching for a weapon or can of mace and cause you physical harm. The odds of you walking away unharmed are higher if you simply let your things go without a struggle. You can always buy a new purse.

1. Never Wear a Money Belt

Thieves actually know about money belts and if someone wants to rob you the first thing he’ll do is look under your shirt to see if you’re wearing one. Ditch the money belt and consider sewing an extra pocket into the inside of your bra. You can easily store your money or credit cards and then slip out what you need to keep in your pocket or purse while in your hotel room or a bathroom.

A strong, independent woman deserves the opportunity to travel the world but, unfortunately, can be a target for crime. Keep your wits about you as you travel and you’re bound to have an amazing vacation experience!

No matter what you call it, travel for the sake of a charitable cause is all the rage. While far from a new concept, many recent indicators point to the fact that we do indeed live in a new era of volunteer tourism.

The allure of volunteer vacations is manifold and indeed, manifest. See a new part of the world – perhaps one devoid of rampant and negligent tourism development – and do some good at the same time. A powerful cocktail of personal enrichment, fulfillment, self-satisfaction and sense of global contribution … or so we hope. Like other charitable efforts, volunteer travel is all too easy to over-simplify and glorify. While the ideal is to come back home with a sense of personal improvement and moral gratification, volunteer tourism is seldom that black and white. The experience of a lifetime? Perhaps. Yet like other “vacations”, one has to do pick and choose the cause and destination carefully.

From NGOs to United Nations and local government programs, there are more opportunities to volunteer and travel abroad than ever before. With that in mind, here are some volunteer travel experiences for 2010 that herald some real promise.

Nepal

The cultural heritage of Nepal is without peer. Deeply spiritual and geographically spectacular, the country is beautiful but not without problems. These factors combine to make it a popular destination for volunteer travel. Numerous programs exist in Nepal to lure intrepid tourists to Kathmandu and more remote parts to volunteer expertise at health clinics, day cares, orphanages and various infrastructure projects. Volunteer programs typically last from one to four weeks. Do a simple search engine query to garner a comprehensive list.

Check out great hotel rates in Nepal.

Tajikistan

Voluntary Service Overseas is one of the foremost international associations engaged in the fight against poverty and economic inequality. The VSO’s website has a bevy of volunteer travel opportunities that require many different skill sets. One country with a few interesting projects in 2010 is Tajikistan. In particular, the VSO is urgently seeking a medicinal herb producer and nut processing specialist. Scour the VSO’s list of programs and it’s clear that volunteer travel today is for more than just prospective English teachers.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is certainly a familiar name when it comes to charitable travel opportunities. The organization’s Global Village program offers terrific ways to experience a new place and immerse yourself in a different culture, not to mention work hard and give back. For 2010, Global Village has projects underway in Romania, Malaysia and Malawi. Habitat for Humanity’s Disaster Response program is another one to keep in mind, albeit a potential travel opportunity with vastly different parameters and requirements.

United Nations Volunteers

When Barack Obama ran for President in 2008, he spoke at length about volunteerism and on more than one occasion, invoked the Peace Corps and the legacy of John F. Kennedy. Non-U.S. residents inspired by the words of now President Obama can always seek interesting opportunities via the United Nations Volunteers program. The international body could not possible do all the work that it does, in as many countries as it does, without the aid of volunteers. The UNV engages more than 8,000 volunteers in total and the agency’s website offers instructive information on how to apply. Opportunities exist in places like Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and South Asia in areas like development assistance and humanitarian operations.

While organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the United Nations are conspicuous targets for potential volunteer tourists, there are countless other smaller associations and NGO’s that offer wonderful opportunities. It’s contingent on individuals interested in travelling abroad for a cause to do their homework.

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Kaynak: Ian Harrison >>

Known mostly as one of Australia’s premiere beach destinations, sporting a perfect climate, fine sand beaches and radical waves, the Gold Coast area is also a theme-park paradise. Whether you’re looking for a fun family adventure or an adrenalin rush that will get your heart throbbing, you’ll…

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Kaynak: Florin Nedelcu >>

About 62 miles off the coast of Belize City in Belize, you’ll encounter what is affectionately referred to as The Great Blue Hole. Measuring more than 300 meters (or 900 feet) across, the hole was long ago a limestone cave. As the last glacial period ended the sea levels began to rise and, eventually, the roof of the cave collapsed, causing the creation of a gigantic “hole.”

The Blue Hole is located in the midst of the great Lighthouse Reef and is considered part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. It has also been named a World Heritage site as well.

Jacques-Yves Cousteau Explores the Blue Hole

Back in the early 1970’s, the famous diver Jacques-Yves Cousteau brought his team to the Blue Hole to explore the formation and it’s marine life. He was able to prove that the cave had originally formed in an age before the sea levels rose by extracting stalactites from the cave and also noted that the stalactites were no longer vertical. The non-vertical angle is further proof that a shift of the plateau beneath the cave had happened.

The Great Blue Hole has been a popular destination for scuba divers from around the world ever since Cousteau’s visit. His declaration that it was one of the top 10 sites in the world skyrocketed its popularity only added to its already charming allure.

Exploring the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole, to be honest, was popular before Cousteau visited. The area is surrounded by sparklingly clear waters and is filled with several marine life species may or may not see in other areas. Divers report seeing nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, Blacktip sharks, and groupers on a regular basis. While they don’t usually appear, you may see a few hammerheads and bull sharks as well if you are lucky.

The marine life isn’t the only amazing feature, though. The incredible coral reef formations surrounding the hole are stunning as well. If you wish to visit the Blue Hole you should be prepared for a full day trip during which you’ll get to dive once in the Blue Hole itself and twice in the surrounding reefs. Diving in the Great Blue Hole is considered an experience that should be reserved for advanced divers.

Belize Diving Adventures

Belize Diving Adventures is one of the best tour groups in the area for divers who want to take a trip out to the Great Blue Hole. They offer not only diving options, for snorkeling options for those who want to stay a little closer to the surface while exploring.

Belize Diving Adventures runs a trip to the Blue Hole on the regular basis. The trip leaves at 6am and features 3 dives. The first is a 130 foot dive into the Blue Hole where you can explore the stalactites and stalagmites and the other two are at the Half Moon Caye Wall and at Long Caye. Beautiful Long Caye will make you feel as though you’ve dropped yourself right into an aquarium!

The trip costs around $250 and includes both your park fee and lunch. Belize Diving Adventures runs dive trips to Turnefee Atoll and land tours as well.

Belize Diving Services

Belize Diving Services is another incredible diving group leading dive tours to the Great Blue Hole. Located in Caye Caulker, Belize Diving Services has more than 30 years experience. Sadly, Belize Diving Services will only lead technical dives – dives that go more than 130 feet beneath the surface for scientific, educational, or other reasons.

Belize Diving Services does lead dives to other reefs in the area, though. These include the North Cut, Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, Hol-Chan Marine Reserve, St. George’s Caye Wall, Spanish Bay, Turneffe Atoll-North, and The Elbow. The organization also leads several different diving classes for beginners and advanced divers. If you’re lucky, you may even get to schedule an evening dive!

If you enjoy the open sea and watching marine life you should make an effort to visit the Blue Hole at least once in your life. It’s an experience you’ll always remember!

Kaynak: Jennifer Gregory >>