The first week of September signifies many things, such as the end of summer, the change of seasons (my birthday), and, yes, back-to-school month. For us in Florida, back to school happened in early August, so we already have our routines back. However, September still feels like when the curriculum really gets into gear. In honor of all the parents sending their kids back to school this week or entering a new school this week, this video should put a smile on your face. When thinking of “back-to-school,” we often get caught up framing school in the traditional sense, yet as all of you know, the world is our school, and yes, you can learn the ABCs through travel. In fact, I will restate what I shared in a recent speech.
“We in this travel industry are part mentors, part consultants, part teachers, and yes, part students. Put shortly; we are custodians of dreams, vessels to broaden horizons”.
This classroom is devoid of politics about what to teach and standardized testing. It feeds curiosity; in fact, it embraces it. There is no varnish on these lectures, only interpretation. Most importantly, you get to be a socially responsible global citizen, as that is at the center of this classroom and the center of this lesson plan.
The commonality here, is that this classroom still starts with the alphabet in any language you choose. So we thought we would celebrate back-to-school with the first letter in that alphabet and built a video around a destination that has schools of fish, it has ancient rock art that deserves to be shared in our classroom blackboards, it has nature that is untouched in a manner we could all learn from, and it has a culture that still schools us today on the meaning of life. Here, you don’t have to raise your hand to ask the teacher a question, and you are encouraged to ask millions of questions. Not only will you get millions of answers, but some of those answers just might be from a million years ago.
Of course, I am talking about the letter A for Australia, which is one of our favorite destinations and a unique classroom for learning. It’s where the World Travel Tourism Council Global Summit will proudly be held in 2024.
Enjoy the video and discover the countless learning opportunities this beautiful country offers. You’ll definitely learn something.
More than 4 million people visit Australia each year – and that does not count the lucky residents of the country who stay right at home when they vacation! Known for its rugged natural beauty, Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the “Outback,” gorgeous vineyards (when in Australia, try the wine!), and, of course, kangaroo, emu, and dingo. There is another side to Australia as well. Its cities feature distinctive architecture, modern and cultural attractions, a variety of restaurants and shops, and much more. Exploring the cities is just as exciting as adventuring through the Outback!
Australia’s largest and most important cities include:
Sydney
One thing that visitors notice is that even in the cities, nature plays a big role in Australian life. Sydney is built around its famous harbor, and visitors are sure to recognize the famous Sydney Opera House. An incredibly dynamic city, visitors can enjoy arts and festivals, shopping, exquisite food and wine, and special events. There is something happening during every season. In October, for instance, you can walk through a massive outdoor sculpture exhibit. Sculpture by the Sea features incredible works from Australian and international artists lining the Bondi to Tamarama coast walk. Make sure to take in a local event when in town!
Melbourne
If theater, art, and shopping are part of your dream vacation, you will fall in love with Melbourne. You can take in a show at the incredible Princess and Her Majesty’s Theaters, or opt for local shows at the Arts Centre and Malthouse. Or better yet, both! Wander through over 100 art galleries, visit trendy clubs for live music, and shop, shop, shop. Whether you want designer clothing or local crafts, you will find it in Melbourne. A must is Queen Victoria’s Market. At the historic landmark, you will find everything from seafood, fruits, and vegetables to clothing, toys, and souvenirs. People watching is yours for free!
Brisbane
What can’t you do in Brisbane? Eating, shopping, sightseeing, biking, walking, rock climbing, kayaking, visiting national parks, watching world class shows, sporting events, going to lively festivals. If you want to be bored on vacation, sorry! Brisbane is second to none in urban offerings and its rich culture is melded into every aspect of city life. Terrific for couples, singles, and families, this Australian city also offers a variety of free and low-cost activities.
Warning: if you come to Australia, you’ll never want to leave! You’ll just have to come back again and again to visit the rest of Australia’s fabulous cities.
There is something special about Australia that attracts visitors from all over the world. These travelers are looking for adventure, beauty and culture. Luckily, it’s very easy to come across all of these elements in Australia.
There is a sense of excitement engrained in the aura of Australia. Just the name of one particular destination should peak your interest. Kangaroo Island is home to gorgeous landscapes and course, kangaroos. As one of Australia’s biggest islands, the island is home to national parks full of wildlife, isolated beaches and quaint locales to taste the local cuisine.
For those seeking an adventurous wildlife experience, there are a few tours that are very enjoyable. The Flinders Chase National Park offers four-wheel tours where you might see everything from echidnas to koalas. You might also consider taking a tour of Seal Bay, where you can observe a colony of rare seal lion soaking up some sun. No matter what tour you decide on, make sure you bring a pair of binoculars. You never know what birdlife might soar overhead.
Kangaroo Island is also known for its food. The cuisine here is fresh and usually straight from the ocean. If you are a lover of fish-dishes, you will be very pleased! There are also a number of wineries on the island. You will definitely want to grab a bottle of Australia’s best wine and take it hope with you.
Kangaroo Island is a very nice place to visit due to the lower number of tourists and the knowledgeable guides that are available to show you around. This is one destination that will give you the sights, sounds and tastes of Australia all in one trip.
Australia is known for having one of the most diverse landscapes on earth. Travelers come from all over the world to explore the cities, oceans and especially the famed wild bush. If you are the adventurous type and would enjoy experiencing all that the Australian bush has to offer, Bamurru Plains is definitely for you!
Imagine a place where you can be close to Australian wildlife while still having luxurious accommodations. Located west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River floodplains, Bamurru Plains offers guests safari style suites which blend in with the surrounding environment. This exposes guests to the beauty and majesty of the bush and its inhabitants. Guests are free from the distractions of TVs, telephones and other common hotel room features in order to let them fully connect with the surrounding bush. This is a very exclusive camp, so guests will not come into contact with other tourists while staying at the Bamburru Plains.
While the accommodations are amazing, the activities available at this location are even better! There are multiple ways to get out and experience the diverse Australian wildlife. You might choose to go on an airboat tour of the Mary River floodplain wetlands. This area is a big attraction and is home to a variety of birds such as the Magpie geese, ibis, egrets and the plumed whistling-duck. There are also wonderful scenic helicopter flights where you can get a bird’s eye view of the wildlife of the floodplains. If you would prefer to stay grounded, there are also four wheel drive safaris available during the dry season to show you around.
Want a unique look at an air boat tour of the Bamurru Plains floodplains? Check out this video!
Australia is one of those places that evoke a sense of excitement and adventure. After all, how can you go to Australia and not hike out in the wilderness or sleep out under the stars? That wide stretch of Australian sky beckons, as do the bustling cities and kangaroos!
Once you reach Australia– head right off the mainland! There are dozens of islands to check out that are situated off Australia’s coast, many of them with unique features that will make for amazing pictures to share when you return home. From Kangaroo Island to King Island, you’ll find the people are friendly and you’ll have plenty of time to fish, eat, and go diving.
When you get back to the mainland, check out Newcastle. Everyone always goes to Sydney, and while there’s nothing wrong with seeing the big city in all its glory,New Castle has a few delights of its own. Chitchat with locals there to find out where the best eateries are, where you can find the best cup of coffee, and even discover a few secret beach spots. Here you’ll have fewer crowds when you hit the sands, which is always nice.
Ready to see every color the ocean has to offer? Dive or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s locations to make Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel. It’s the world’s largest coral reef and full of vibrant fish, corals, starfish, and numerous other sea creatures that name the Reef their home.
Do you like art? Then visit MONA. The Museum of Old & New Art opened just a few years ago and features over $100 million worth of stunning art. Take a little time to appreciate some amazing works of creativity on a more relaxed day. Or if you’re closer to Canberra, you can visit the National Gallery of Australia instead.
What would a visit to Australia be without a hike or outback road trip? Do either or both while you’re there and see Australia’s wilder side. Vast blue skies above and bold red soil beneath your feet make for a stunning combination. You’ll see plenty of flora and fauna as you go, and you can either do it without a guide or hire one to point out everything along the way.
Australia awaits you, so it’s time to start planning your journey. Schedule in a few days to kick back and relax once you arrive before going all out on your hikes or diving. That way you’ll be able to take in a few sites around your hotel and get your energy up for some exciting times that you’ll remember forever.
When planning a vacation, it is very important to take into consideration the time of year you will be traveling. Most destinations have a specific time period where conditions are ideal for a great trip. However, other destinations are great all year long and traveling to them all depends on what you want to do or see. Australia is one of those destinations
Located in the southern hemisphere, Australia is home to diverse temperatures. The northern part of the country is hotter while the south is cooler. It’s not uncommon to have temperatures in the 50s in the south while it is 30 degrees warmer in the north. Even though temperatures may fluctuate between the north and south, much of Australia is temperate year- round. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind when planning your Australian adventure.
There are pros and cons with each time, so be sure to do your research. Just always remember, there is no bad time to travel to Australia!
When most people think about visiting Australia, they imagine stunning beaches and a laid back atmosphere. One thing travelers might not know is that Australia is home to some of the best wine in the world! Wine aficionados from all over the world travel to Barossa Valley to tour some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world and sample exquisite Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons and Grenaches. Wine New Zealand magazine once wrote, “it is quintessential Australia where fine wine mixes with historical ambience, stunning cuisine and friendly laid back Australian hospitality.”
Wine is a tradition in the Barossa Valley. Families from the area have been growing and producing wine for six generations. Wine is their passion, and it shows in the quality of the wine they produce. For visitors that are eager to taste the difference that pride and love make, a visit to the Barossa Wine Show’s Public Tasting or the Para Road Wine Path is well worth the effort. The Barossa valley is also known for its eclectic dining tradition as well. There are many award-winning eateries such as the Farmer’s Market, so there is always a great place to wine and dine in a relaxing atmosphere.
The Barossa Valley loves to show off its proud wine heritage and skill to visitors. There are often celebrations such as the Barossa Wine Show and the Barossa Gourmet Weekend throughout the region. Any time of year is a great time to visit the Valley, but those who plan to visit during these events will never forget the food, wine and incomparable hospitality of the people of Barossa Valley.
