The Essentials for Traveling to Australia

Australia is on most people's dream "must-visit" list.  And every person has their own packing list for this trip of a lifetime, but there are a few essentials you should be aware of before making the trip Down Under.

Money

While the the exchange rate between the Australian dollars has been going down over the last year again the American dollar, meaning Australia is a great value for Americans right now; it still costs a lot more of those American dollars to buy the same products.  For example, a pint of beer can cost around $8 in most major cities and domestic flights are as expensive as you will find to get from one coast in the US to the other. Don't let sticker shocker ruin your trip, budget enough to truly enjoy you dream vacation.

Bug and Sun Protection

Thanks to a hole in the ozone layer, the sun in Australia is vicious.  Follow the government ads and remember to "slip, slap, slop" on sunscreen and a hat that covers your ears.  Remember, its the middle of summer in Australia during the winter here in the US.

The "mozzies" or mosquitoes and sand gnats are another nuisance that can be prevented by bug spray with DEET and a handy mosquito net.  If you visit the Outback, the latter is a must-have, even if you feel silly wearing it!

Aussie Lingo Dictionary

"But don't they speak English in Australia?"  Yes; but do you know what mozzies, sunnies, arvo, cuppa, ambo, schooner, mean?  If you have no idea what these words mean, it might not be a bad idea to invest in an Australian language dictionary.  You don't want to embarrass yourself by not knowing how to order a beer.

Travel Insurance

Australia is trying to kill you.  But really.  There are more species of lethal creatures in Oz than anywhere else in the world, namely the box jellyfish, the blue ring octopus, the funnel web spider and who could forget the crocs?  And then there's all the extreme sports, like bungee jumping, sky diving, scuba diving and rafting.  Then add the weather and the long expensive flight and the cost of the trip..  If something happens, a travel insurance policy is a must-have for all travelers, but especially those visiting Australia.  It's also important to make sure all your gear is covered, like that fancy digital camera your trip with!  For those looking at an extended stay in Australia, make sure you have a look at travel health insurance to make sure you're covered.

A Sense of Adventure

Every day is an adventure in Australia.  One day you could be exploring the Daintree Rainforest and the next you could be sleeping underground in an Outback town.  You really have to be prepared for anything.

Great European River Cruises for Families

Although riverboats are generally smaller and offer fewer on-board facilities than traditional ocean-going cruise ships, this does not mean European river cruises are unsuitable for travelers with children.  European waterways are usually calm and smooth, offering a comfortable and scenic mode of transportation throughout the continent.  River cruise itineraries also allow independent exploration at their ports of call as opposed to organized shore excursions, allowing families to customize activities to suit their children.

Uniworld's Castles along the Rhine

Uniworld's Castles along the Rhine cruise is a nine-day journey from the Swiss city of Basel through western Germany to Amsterdam, ( or you can travel the other direction).  Families who take this cruise in summer months enjoy a provided "multi-generational family-friendly program."  Another family-friendly provision is the complimentary use of bicycles for exploring the towns and countryside of the Rhine River Valley.  The itinerary offers activities suitable for guests of various ages and interest, such as a canal boat cruise and tour of the fairytale-like Petite France district of Strasbourg, and a tour of the compact medieval town of Speyer.  On Day 7, passengers will enjoy the sight of more than 40 castles along the middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Viking River Cruises' Tulips and Windmills

During Viking River Cruises' Tulips and Windmills cruise, passengers of all ages will delight in Holland's colorful landscape of blooming tulip fields interspersed with characteristic Dutch windmills and preserved medieval cities.  The 10-day journey begins and ends in Amsterdam, where you'll explore the picturesque city on foot, canal boat or bicycle.  Consult the cruise's program director for assistance in choosing child-friendly activities in Amsterdam and each port of call.

The first stop is in Hoorn, an ancient shipping village.  On Day 4, see the Dutch royal family's summer palace and consider an optional battlefield tour.  In the 18th-century town of Kinderdijk, you will tour a working windmill and learn about its mechanisms.  In the Flemish capital, Antwerp, tour the city's landmarks in the morning and enjoy free time in the afternoon.  Other featured destinations are Ghent, Brugge, Middleurg, and Rotterdam, the world's second largest port.  Free time is allotted throughout the cruise, allowing for numerous independent excursions and activities of your choice.

Tauck Bridges' Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure

The Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure, presented by Tauck Bridges, is an eight-day journey through five European countries that is designed specifically for families.  Highlights of the cruise through the waterways of Budapest, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany include whitewater rafting in Bratislava; visiting the 1441-room royal Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna; and a scenic bicycle tour along the Danube from the medieval Austrian town of Durnstein.  While onboard, you will dine on the local specialties of the current location, and have the chance to make German-style marzipan treats and Viennese strudel.  Day four of the cruise is dedicated to family-friendly attractions at the Vienna Prater amusement park, which boasts more than 250 rides.  The cruise begins in Budapest and ends in Passau, Germany.

The Best of Natural Kauai: Hawaii's Paradise

When planning for a trip to Hawaii, if your like most people you look at the islands of Oahu, Maui, or maybe the Big Island.  If you do not include the island of Kauai on you list, you may be missing the most perfect vacation getaway.  Known as the the "garden island", Kauai is the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, and for the people who have visited there, most say it is the best.  The island is synonymous with beauty; with lush jungle mountains, stunning waterfalls, remote white sand beaches, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.  It's location as the northern most island, and over 80% of the island unreachable by road, give it a a feel that you have paradise all to yourself.  Words cannot describe the simple beauty of this island, but National Geographic continues to vote this tiny island in the Pacific as one of the Top 50 Places in the World to Visit, Live and Play.  Here are just a few of best places to see and experience if your lucky enough to visit this paradise.  After exploring Kauai, you too may just forget about the rest of the world.

Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea is the largest canyon in the Pacific and will undoubtedly capture your gaze, with its 10 mile long stretch at a mile wide and measuring more than 3500 feet deep.  The history of Kauai can be seen in the walls and crags of the canyon as you explore the more than 45 miles of trails.  This is a truly remarkable sight, offering numerous scenic overlooks and photo opportunities.

Surrounding the Waimea Canyon is the Kokee State Park which occupies 4345 acres.  Norfork pines, Koa hardwoods, native plants and wildlife are just a small fraction of what you will see here.  A great way to explore the canyon and state park is to hit the trails.  There are dozens of hiking trails for every level of expertise.  A popular hike is the Pihea Alakai Boardwalk Trail, which is a must do while visiting Kauai.  This hike is a challenging yet rewarding hike that will take you to the edge of one of the most spectacular valleys and on a clear day vistas of Hanalei Bay and as far as the Kilauea Light House.

The Napali Coast
The Napali Coast is a fifteen mile coastline that stretches from the north end of the island at Kee beach to the west side at Polihale beach.  The Napali coast is accessible only by boat with the exception of the 12 mile stretch of coastline along the Kalalau Trail.  This remarkable coast carved out by years of erosion is made up of sheer sea cliffs rising to heights of 4000 feet, hanging valleys, sea caves, and cascading waterfalls that make their way to the ocean from thousands of feet above.

The Kakakau Trail provides the only land access to the Napali Coast.  The trail begins at Kee Beach in Haena and ending after a challenging 11 miles at Kalalau Beach.  The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crisscrosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys, dropping to sea level on the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kaalau.  Don your hiking shoes and trek the first two miles into Hanakapiai Beach, kayak the coast during the calm of the summer months or book a boat or helicopter trip to experience one of the many wonders of Kauai.

Wailua Falls
The Wailua Falls are one of Kauai's little secrets known not only for its flowing beauty, but also ease of access.  This 140 foot waterfall appears on many postcards, print, and media collections and was used as the opening scene on the Television series Fantasy Island.  These easy to photograph falls will involve no hiking.  The size and the appearance of the falls is determined by the amount of rainfall further up the mountains.

Hanalei Valley and the North Shore
The valley is one of the most beautiful and lush places in all Hawaii and some argue the world.  Hanalei is surrounded by majestic mountains and countless cascading waterfalls that drain into the lush valley, taro fields, and rivers below.  If that doesn't bring you to your senses then perhaps Hanalei Bay with its perfect swimming waves and soft white sands may entice you.  You will also want to spend some time on the Hanalei Bay and explore the eight mile scenic drive from the town of Hanalei to the end of the road at Kee Beach.

Polihale Beach
This stunning beach is the longest stretch of white sand beach in Hawaii.  Located at the end of an old dirt cane haul road off the last stretch of highway on the West Side.  This is a favorite and beautiful beach for long walks, amazing sunsets and camping with the proper permits.  Ocean conditions can be dangerous especially during the winter months.  Polihale is exposed to the open ocean with no protective reefs and no lifeguard.

Along with all these natural wonders there are numerous activities and fun things to do.  So experience Kauai for yourself and create your own Best of Kauai List.

How to Pack for an Extended Vacation to Hawaii

Packing for a trip longer than 7-days to Hawaii can be an easy task with some organization and prep time.  The items you bring depend to some extent on your personal preferences and planned activities, but certain things such as sun-protection gear, are vital for everyone.  Make a list of your Hawaiian  essentials so you can focus on the sun, surf and Polynesian culture, and not on what you left behind.

Step 1
Pack the things that will take up the most room in your suitcase first, such as your shoes.  Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, plus flip-flops or other flat, open-toed footwear for the beach.  If you plan to hike through one of Hawaii's tropical jungles or mountains, bring hiking or running shoes.

Step 2
Pack light, comfortable clothing such as shorts, sundresses, and sleeveless shirts that allow your body to breathe in the tropical heat.  Bring at least one sweatshirt or light jacket to keep warm during breezy nights, occasional rainfall and trips to high altitudes, such as the Big Island's Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea.  One thing you can leave behind is formal attire, since Hawaii is known for its Aloha-wear, the casual clothing that mirrors the relaxed pace of island life.  Hawaii stays mostly sunny throughout the year, with temperature shifting no more than 10 to 15 degrees F.

Step 3
Bring your beachwear, since you'll likely be spending a decent amount of time on one of Hawaii's many beautiful beaches.  Bring a couple of swimsuits, (one to wear when the other has been wet and is drying), water shoes and cover-ups such as board shorts, T-shirts or light sundresses.  You might want to bring a beach towel, since they're not always provided by hotels.  Consider buying a water safe, which you can wear while frolicking around in the ocean and not have to leave your valuables exposed on a beach towel.  You can find these at most sporting goods retailers.  If you have room to spare, and are on a tight budget, you can pack snorkeling gear, but these can usually be rented cheaply or borrowing for free from your hotel.

Step 4
Pack your camera, prescription or over-the-counter medications, a photo ID such as a license, along with a photo-copy for backup, and any debit or credit cards.  Keep these items in your carry-on bags to prevent problems in case of lost or stolen luggage.

Step 5
Bring a sun-protection kit that includes sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher, sunglasses and hats.  The Hawaiian islands are close to the equator, where the sun's rays are the strongest.