Top Spot Travel

June 12, 2020 by Jeremy

Top 7 Tourist Attractions To Visit in Australia

World’s smallest continent, and largest Island, Australia is a breathtaking beauty on every traveller’s list. From being home to exotic wildlife to the land of revered aboriginal tribes, complete with clean sandy beaches, turquoise coral reefs, a stretch of deserts, national parks, and rainforests, Australia is a paradise. As you step on this diversified land, you will find yourself enjoying, relaxing, and having a frolic time.

So, if you are planning to tour Australia or wish to visit your sibling who has recently relocated to this city, then these are the unmissable tourist attractions of the city. Let’s explore!

1) Sydney Opera House: An architectural marvel! Structured and built as a huge sailing ship by architect, Jorn Utzon nestled between Sydney Harbour and Royal Botanic Gardens, The Opera House graces the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is also the world’s iconic architectural masterpiece.

2) Great Barrier Reef: Scuba Diving Hub. Located in the coral sea encompassing a vast area of more than 2, 900 coral reefs, islands, and cays, Great Barrier Reef is a most sought after destination for scuba divers and underwater explorers. It is also one of the seven wonders of the natural world that attracts venturesome souls to its lap.

3) Great Ocean Road: Spectacular formations and driving routes. For the beholders of beauty, this is a must-visit place. A long stretch of road along the Port Campbell National Park having wind and wave sculpted rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, The Arch, and Loch Ard Gorge; Great Ocean Road is a natural beauty to visit and explore.

4) Mudgee: A beautiful town northwest of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia harbouring colonial buildings, dozens of wineries, Lawson park on the banks of the river, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church is characterized by Gothic Revival architecture.

5) Blue Mountains National Park: Have a beautiful day trip at the Blue Mountains National park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blue Mountains National Park gets its name from the blue haze emanating from the eucalyptus tree. The stunning park shelters wilderness and encompasses waterfalls, gorges, hiking trails, and aboriginals rock paintings.

6) Kakadu National Park: Fuel your wilderness. It is this planet’s wilderness areas as well as a World Heritage Site. With a covering area of 19, 840 square kilometres, Kakadu is Australia’s largest National park and world’s second-largest in the world. In the National park lies the astounding quirkiest wildlife diversity.

7) Harbour Bridge: Another famous tourist attraction in Sydney, Australia is the Sydney Harbour Bridge– an epitome of engineering perfection. Also, known as the Coathanger, this steel construction is the largest steel arch bridge in the world.

So, these were the top 7 tourist attractions that you can’t afford to miss on your Australia trip. Given the current situation, it may not be possible for you to travel to this city; therefore, send rakhi to Australia to your sibling this year, and take a trip to Australia the next year because it’s a gem of a country to embrace and to explore.

May 24, 2020 by Jeremy

Travel Destinations in Thailand – Hua-Hin

In 1834 the province of Phetchaburi fell victim to a severe drought which brought much hardship to the area. As a result of this, a number of agricultural workers decided to seek more fertile land and moved South. They came across a small coastal village with glorious white sand and a row of rocks along the beach. They decided to put down their roots here and named the place Samore Riang, which translates as “Rows of Rocks”.

As the years rolled by, more and more people settled in the area. Prince Purachatra had the Railway Hotel built close to the beach. Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit built palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves. It was he that gave the beach the name “Hua Hin”. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) had his summer palace constructed there and named it Klai Kang Won, which means “Far from Worries”. For 2 years, from 2004 to 2006 it became the main residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), until poor health forced him to retire to the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.

As 1 of 8 districts within Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and 911 kilometers Southwest of Bangkok, Hua Hin is now a popular visitor destination for indigenous Thais and foreign travelers wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities. There is no doubting the beauty of the area, lush green plantations, rolling hills, sandy beaches and the calm cooling waters of The Gulf of Thailand.

See and Do in Hua Hin

Some visitors arrive in Hua Hin by train, but of course not all. For those that don’t, the station is an attractive structure and worth a short visit. Built during the reign of King Rama VI, the structure is of brightly painted timber of Thai design. But, strangely, it has the feel of a typical Victorian provincial railway station that would not be out of place in an English shire county. Remarkable this station is not, but pretty and pleasing it certainly is.

Black Mountain Water Park

Hua Hin has evolved into a family orientated resort area. Great family fun is to be had at the Black Mountain Water Park. There are 9 separate water slides, a beach pool and a pool just for the younger children. There’s also the lazy river and a wave pool. The park has been constructed around a man-made lake and is set against a mountain backdrop. Open from 10am to 5pm, the Black Mountain Water Park is an exciting day out for both parents and children, go on, make a splash.

The Venezia Hua Hin

Rather than build yet another glitzy shopping mall, which can be found in most towns and cities, the Venezia is something different, it’s a shopping village. Themed with a Venetian style this is a wonderfully refreshing shopping experience, it even sports a replica of San Marco’s Bell Tower. Lining each side of the canal are colorful shops, houses, restaurants and coffee shops. Relaxing terraces and plazas complete the experience, and Venezia makes a wonderful backdrop for the perfect photo opportunity.

Hua Hin Beach

Hua Hin Beach will always be a major attraction for visitors. With 4 kilometers of white sand the beach is rarely crowded and there are plenty of activities for all the family. Ride a pony along the soft sand, ride a banana boat, relax under a beach umbrella or sit on the terrace of one of the many beachside restaurants and bars that sit beneath the palms that fringe the soft white sand. Be you active or idle, Hua Hin Beach doesn’t disappoint.

Hua Hin, Close to Nature

Trekking and hiking is becoming more popular with visitors to the kingdom, and at Hua Hin there is much to see. Hua Hin is surrounded by National Parks, the hills and mountains that rise up from the Eastern seaboard are blanketed with verdant flora that supports a myriad of fauna, perfect for the rural explorer.

Following well mapped and signed posted trails, incredible caves and awe inspiring waterfalls await, viewing points allow for breathtaking vistas, the photo opportunities are endless. The birdlife will excite any ornithologist with, amongst others, the sight of eagles and hawks circling in the blue skies.

Hua Hin Night Market

The town’s night market is as good as any you will find in Thailand. Dominated by local merchandise this is a great place to barter for a bargain. The market also offers wonderful street food and restaurants, freshly caught seafood is a must try, prawns, crab and lobster are too tempting to miss. The night market is not just about lightening your wallet, it is a bright, colorful, vibrant form of entertainment all of its own.

Hua Hin, Something for Everyone

Hua Hin is certainly an all-encompassing holiday destination and provides an experience that lives with the visitor long after the holiday is over. For the old and the young, the adventurous and the idle, Hua Hin has it. From visiting the vineyards and the palaces, the animal park and the butterfly farm to bronzing on the beach, visitors can be sure of Hua Hin.

Visit Hua Hin Destination page on FerrySamui.com for travel packages and schedules to and from Hua Hin.

May 9, 2020 by Jeremy

Find Deals When You Hit the Road

If you like to travel, the last thing you want is feeling bad about your trip because money became an issue.

With that in mind, can you save some money when you next hit the road?

Yes, you can do so if you put your mind to it.

With some good planning and finding deals, you could see leftover money in your wallet once back from a trip.

So, how best to plan for savings?

Are You Good at Tracking Down Savings?

In coming up with deals when you plan to hit the road, remember a few keys:

Locating discounts with brands – Some fret that using brand names will cost them too much. In fact, the savings are there with even the top names in the travel business if you look hard enough. For example, are you looking to go about getting Disneyland discount tickets? Given the popularity of the iconic theme park, countless guests visit there each year. That said some of them save money during their visits. This is from finding discounted tickets through the brand or approved ticket resellers. A little homework on your end could lead to such savings. Since the top brands are rather easy to find online, tracking them down is not hard. Visit such online sites and see what deals they have to offer you.
Being a rewards member – Are you a rewards member when it comes to any brands in travel and entertainment? If so, you can save some money through those connections. Many brands offer their top customers savings given they tend to use them a lot. As such, you could see the savings pile up over time. Most rewards programs only need one to sign up and become a member. As the points grow, you could be rewarded with savings.
Planning far enough ahead – Another way to save during your time on the road is when you plan far enough in advance. As an example, say you have the desire to travel somewhere warm for spring break. The worst thing you could do would be to wait until the last minute to start making plans. This is especially true if you are looking at airlines, hotels, rental cars and more. By planning far enough in advance, you can lock-in savings. You also don’t have to sweat that they will have no reservations left for you by the time you start shopping around.
Rewards for categories – Also save if you or those in your travel party fall into categories. For example, do you have any young children as part of your travels? If so, they could qualify for free stays in hotel rooms, discounts at restaurants and more. If you are a senior citizen, this is another way to scoop up some savings when away from home. Still another way to save is if you are a current or former member of the military.

When you want to secure deals in hitting the road, plan ahead and do your homework.

April 29, 2020 by Jeremy

8 Outdoor Workout Essentials Every Beginner Runner Needs

There are few better ways to get into shape than running. The unique muscles it exercises and the efficiency with which it burns fat are hard to achieve via any other type of workout.

Maybe you have been inspired to pick up running by a book you have read, or perhaps you have been encouraged to give it a go by the ease with which the elegant runners glide past you on the sidewalk on the way to work. Whatever the reason, one thing is for certain: you are going to need the right gear if you ever intend on becoming a serious runner. However, outdoor equipment isn’t cheap, so always keep an eye out for discount codes similar to this decathlon discount code for some easy savings.

What follows is a guide to the eight essential items of equipment that every novice runner will need when starting out.

Shoes

The obvious place to start in any list of running essentials is with a comfortable and responsive pair of running shoes. You don’t have to break the bank; there are some fantastic discount running shoes on the market that will soon have you looking the part.

Running App

Part of the fun of running is the challenge of trying to beat your own personal best. Fortunately, there are now some fantastic mobile apps out there that will time you and track your distance.

Earphones

Running is the perfect time to listen to your favorite tunes or even immerse yourself in an e-book. To listen, you will need a pair of sports earphones which are able to withstand all types of weather.

Comfortable Shorts

Nothing is worse than the chaffing that comes from running in a pair of badly fitting shorts. If you plan to run for long distances, you will need some shorts that fit perfectly and are made of non-abrasive material.

Breathable Shirt

Running can be hot work. To help your body regulate temperature, it helps to be wearing a breathable top that allows cool air to draw away body heat.

Running Socks

A cutting-edge pair of running shoes will not offer a lot of comfort if you don’t combine them with a pair of breathable and supportive running socks.

Cell Phone Holder

Cell phone holders come in any shape and size you need to fit your device. You can also choose between types which are worn on your arm and those which are worn on a belt.

Headband

The sweat from exerting yourself when running can become nuisance when it runs into your eyes. The best way to protect them from that irritating stingy feeling is to wear an absorbent headband.

If you plan to take up running, give yourself the best chance of making your new hobby stick by starting off with the right gear. From running shoes that you can pick up from a quality discount shoe store online to the headband you wear, a large part of making running a pleasurable experience depends on having the right equipment. Once you have everything you need, the only other thing you need is dedication.

March 21, 2020 by Jeremy

Information on Australia Citizenship Test and Traveling Before Ceremony

So, you have visited Australia and have decided you want to stay and become an Australian citizen. You have thought about it and you want to live, work and invest in this great country referred to by many as the Outback.

Permanent resident

Just to be certain that you understand – a permanent resident of Australian is someone who has a permanent visa but is not yet a citizen. You can have a “permanent visa” and work, live and study without any restrictions but you will not be a citizen and will not be able to:

Automatically will not have the right of entry into Australia if you travel out of the country.
You will not be able to vote in Australian government elections.
You will not be eligible for any governmental services and benefits that are maintained for only citizens.

Australian Citizenship

Australian Citizenship does have plenty of rewards for those who want to have permanent legal residency in Australia. Most of all you get to meet and live among people that like you have come from different countries and races from almost every country around the world. Second, you become one of a unified, liberated and democratic society. And finally, the most valuable part of becoming a citizen of Australia is the commitment you make to the value of the country and its people. You can find more information at citizenshipaustralian.com.

Citizenship Test

One of the requirements of becoming an Australian citizen is that you will have to take the Australian Citizenship test. This is a test that will evaluate what your knowledge is of Australia. This includes:

Beliefs
Geography
Government
Laws
The people

You also will be tested on the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen. The Australian Citizenship Test will also test what you know about Australia in regards to the government and the law. And importantly, it will also test you on Australia’s democratic:

Beliefs
Liberties
Rights

Apart from the topics already mentioned, the exam will also test your basic knowledge of the English language.

20 questions

This test is made up of 20 multiple-choice questions. It is a computer-based exam and the questions are drawn randomly from a large database of 200 questions and each applicant will have 45 minutes to finish the test. The questions are taken from the official guide called “Our Common Bond” that is published by the Home Affairs Department. Passing this test, you will need to make a score of at least 75%. After passing the test, you will have demonstrated your commitment and understanding of the Australian Citizenship Pledge.

Traveling outside Australia

You might have questions about traveling outside of Australia after you have approved for citizenship, passed your exam and ready for the citizenship ceremony. If you have not finished all of this, you must still travel using your current passport. And in addition, this will not affect your ability to attend your ceremony or to become an Australian citizen.

10 days

If you wait for at least 10 days, you might be able to apply to get a passport as an Australian citizen. If you have passed the Citizenship Test, it takes about 10 days for this information to be updated in the system. If you can’t wait, then your current passport will have to be used.