The Great Barrier Reef

The world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef stretches almost 1500 miles into the Pacific from the tip of Queensland. Designated a Marine Park by the Australian government and a World Heritage Area by UNESCO, the reef is home to an extraordinary abundance of species and habitats. Snorkeling, diving and fishing are rightly popular along the reef, nowhere more so than on the Whitsunday Islands, where the silica sands and aqua waters of the Coral Sea create the perfect beach escape.

Sydney Opera House

 

One of the most iconic buildings in the world – the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and vibrant performance space. It’s a place where the past shapes the future, where conventions are challenged, and cultures are celebrated. Step inside and discover the stories that make the Opera House so inspiring. Whether you are a local or a tourist, a first-timer or an aficionado, the Sydney Opera House has something for everyone.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Spanning the city center to the North Shore, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a wide steel arch bridge known for its beauty as well as function, providing a crossing for cars, trains, bikes, and pedestrians. While the more daring can do the BridgeClimb to the top of the structure, opened to traffic in 1932, anyone can enjoy a walk for free.

Jenolan Caves

Jenolan Caves are the largest, most spectacular and most famous caves in Australia. Explore the world’s oldest caves – one of the most outstanding cave systems in the world. You are never too young or old to experience the amazing – award-winning tours, adventure caving and scenic bush walks. Glimpse Australian birds and animals in the wild, including kangaroos and platypus. Relax in our magnificent Chisolm’s Restaurant, cafe or bar. We even offer accommodation – hotel, motel, cottage or backpacker lodge. Set in Blue Mountains World Heritage wilderness, Jenolan Caves are a national treasure, of awe-inspiring beauty and scale. Please note that our amazing caves are closed temporarily due to COVID-19 restrictions, however we are currently welcoming guests to our hotel, restaurant and cafe.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Embark on a fascinating journey of discovery over and through the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on earth. Enjoy a truly unique perspective of Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest as you glide just meters above the pristine rainforest canopy before descending to explore the forest floor at Red Peak and Barron Falls to learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas in the world. Enhance your experience by unlocking the secrets of the ancient rainforest at the Rainforest Discovery Zone at Red Peak, put the story of the rainforest in your hands with the Skyrail Interpretive App & Audio Guide and experience the beautiful Barron Falls and Gorge like never before from The Edge Lookout. Explore Kuranda village known for its markets, cafes, art galleries and wildlife parks and return via the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway to complete your day. Discover, encounter, and immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

How to travel in a period of pandemic in a safe and convenient way? 

Air travel is undoubtedly a great experience, especially if you plan out carefully your travel. If you are a frequent flyer, then you are probably interested in the topic about Covid-19  and is it safe to travel during these times.

As you know in the end of 2019 the world was caught by Covid-19 virus attack. The air travel industry has experienced some changes due to this pandemic.

 

All travel lovers watch with a close eye the tourism industry’s steps. Countries around the world have started opening their borders, and this encouraged a certain number of people to travel again. 

Vaccinations offer an option for stopping the virus, but it can’t be gone quickly. Until then we need to take all the necessary precautions to protect ourselves. 

So, it’s good to know some of the travel rules for safe and efficient air travel that different countries have. To ensure your safety and well-being during times of a virus attack,  you need to follow some useful advice for keeping yourself safe.

We will show you below what are destinations which are safe to travel to, and which are with elevated positivity. These destinations are considered to be safe by the European Union and United Kingdom.

Let’s check out what are the safest  countries to travel to during Covid-19:

Europe

• Iceland
• Norway
• Finland
• Denmark
• Cyprus
• Madeira

(considered some of the safest destinations in Europe)

America

• Caribbean – Trinidad and Tobago
• Central America-Guatemala, El Salvador

Asia Pacific

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Korea
• India
• Thailand
• Mongolia
• Japan
• Philippines
• Bhutan
• Sri Lanka

Middle East

Saudi Arabia, Iraq

Africa

Rwanda, Morocco

Let’s see some of the top safest destinations to fly to during Covid-19 and their current Covid-19 travel rules:

Canada

Due to the virus there are restrictions to Canada’s borders. Canada imposed cross-border travel restrictions concerning travelers from the United States.

After 21st of January access is again granted to the country for all arriving international air passengers. And after 21st of February foreign passengers from other countries are allowed access to Canada. Foreign passengers are restricted to enter the US border until 31st August.

After January 2021 the Canadian government requires all passengers from another country who are over five years to pass a Covid-19 PCR test before traveling to Canada. 

The virus test should be done within 72 hours before flying to Canada. Those passengers who aren’t tested for Covid-19 won’t be allowed to board their flight.

Passengers are currently required to undergo a quarantine period prior departure.

France

The borders of the country are closed. Travel from France to the UK is not allowed from 20st of December 2020. The only exception is for travelers who are under special circumstances.

Passengers who are arriving from a country that is not among the approved countries as well as passengers who visited such a country a month before arriving in France need to go through a quarantine period.

All UK passengers (including kids that are 11-years old or older) coming to France are required to show a negative result from Covid-19 test. The test should be completed 72 hours before departure. Besides PCR tests, antigen tests are also accepted for entering the country.

Australia

Australia’s borders are closed. The country’s authorities allow only returning permanent citizens and their families to enter the country without an exemption.

All passengers who go to Australia are obliged to spend  a 14-day quarantine in a dedicated facility (usually a hotel) upon entering the country.

These rules are set by each state and territory governments and they tend to vary depending on the state. Territory governments in fact set charges for quarantine in certain states (they are already in power in the Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland).

Australia’s authorities require a negative Covid-19 test before departure from all returning passengers with Australian nationality and other passengers who aren’t living in Australia. Exceptions to this rule are available only for seasonal workers who work at a place where there is no access to Covid-19 tests.

Those passengers who want to make a transit through Australia should do this within 72 hours or less and show evidence of onward arrangements for international travel. 

And if you want to spend more than 72 hours in Australia, for example if you are waiting for a connecting flight, then you aren’t categorized as a transiting passenger. In this case you should ask the Australian Border Force Commissioner for an exemption. 

If your transit is between 8 and 72 hours, you are required to spend a state quarantine. Passengers with a transit lasting up to 8 hours won’t need to go into a quarantine. 

Abu Dhabi

There are border restrictions for Abu Dhabi. The country gives entry to all passengers who have an entry permit issued by the authorities of UAE (United Arab Emirates).

Arriving passengers in Abu Dhabi are required to be in isolation for 14 days and they also need to wear a medically approved wristband during the entire period of their quarantine.

The authorities of Abu Dhabi require from all tourists, returning residents, transit travelers to show a certificate for a negative Covid-19 PCR test that is completed 96 hours prior to catching a flight to UAE. This rule has some exceptions for tourists to Dubai.

Dubai

Dubai’s borders are open. All passengers who own an entry permit by UAE can enter the country. Arriving passengers are required to spend a quarantine of 10 days.

All people who live in Dubai, tourists, transit passengers and returning citizens need to show a certificate for a negative result from  Covid-19 PCR test. The test should be done within 96 hours before flying to UAE.

Mexico

Mexico’s borders are opened. The US land border was opened after 21st of February 2021. Currently, there are no limitations in power for international air arrivals. Passengers are  required to fill the form “Cuestionario de identificación de factores de riesgo en viajeros” and show it upon arrival to the immigration authorities. 

Travelers should also pass health screening measures upon arrival and depending on the result they will be either required to spend a quarantine or allowed to continue with their travel.

All passengers who have symptoms of Covid-19 when arriving in one of Mexico’s airports will be cared for by an International Health Team.

Japan

Japan’s borders are closed and entry for tourism purposes is not allowed to non-Japanese passengers who have been to the UK or several other countries in the past 14 days. Exceptions can be applied for unique circumstances.

Every passenger who wants to go to Japan must own a written evidence of a negative result from Covid-19 up to 72 hours before departure. Japan authorities require travelers to undergo another Covid-19 test at the airport and after the results are ready, the travelers can continue on their trip to the country.

Passengers who are traveling from South Africa or the UK are required to spend a 3-day isolation period in a facility chosen by the government. They need to undergo a Covid-19 test on the third day and given that they show a negative result, they will be allowed to continue with the self-isolation for 14 days.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s borders are closed. The country’s government restricts the access of passengers who have been to the UK or Africa for more than two hours in the past 21 days.

All passengers and citizens of Hong Kong who are arriving in the country are required to undergo a Covid-19 medical test. After that they need to spend a 21-day quarantine. 

Those passengers who are arriving at Hong Kong International Airport need to offer a confirmation of a hotel booking in Hong Kong for a period of at least 21 days (starts from the arrival date). This doesn’t apply for travelers who are coming from China, Taiwan or Macau. 

Another rule is that every traveler who is arriving in Hong Kong must show a negative result for the nuclear acid Covid-19 test which should be done within 72 hours before travel.

On 15th of June Hong Kong International Airport resumed its transit services for passengers who are checked before their originating flight and at their end destination. 

You are not allowed to transit between flights that aren’t operated by one and the same airline. 

Singapore

The borders of Singapore are closed. All passengers who have visited the UK or South Africa in the past 14 days are not allowed access to the country. The only exception is for returning residents of Singapore and people with a permanent citizenship in the country.

All passengers who are coming to Singapore need to show a negative result from a Covid-19 test that is done 72 hours before departure.

Travelers who are allowed to enter the country are required to be in a quarantine for a 14-day period. They will receive a SHN (Stay At Home Notice) and after that they are required to spend their quarantine in a designated hotel. 

Those travelers who are in a home quarantine and older than 12 years are obliged to wear an electronic tag on the wrist until the end of their quarantine.

If you are flying with an authorised airline, you are allowed to transit by Singapore’s Changi Airport. But it’s recommended to first check the specific conditions of your airline before making a transit through Singapore.

Bali

The borders of Bali are closed and foreign travelers who want to visit Bali as tourists aren’t allowed to enter Indonesia. The country’s visa services are currently stopped.

All passengers who enter Bali need to pass a Covid-19 swab test (PCR test) upon arrival. After doing this they also need to submit a health certificate in English that confirms a negative result from Covid-19 PCR test. This certificate should be issued within 48 hours prior departure to Indonesia.

After doing this they should also spend a quarantine lasting five days in a hotel and after the five days are over they are required to undergo a PCR test for a third time. If the result of the test is again negative, then the passengers are allowed to continue on their journey.

When is it appropriate to book a summer holiday in 2021? 

When talking about booking a holiday for summer 2021, it may seem too early to be sure how long  the period of lockdown will last for each destination and which countries will reopen or close their borders for international travel in the near future. But in fact, making plans for a summer holiday well in advance can pay off. 

If you are one of those who want to book their summer holiday for 2021 in advance, it’s okay to continue with your holiday travel planning despite the current situation.

That’s because many air companies and hotels are beginning to recognize the passengers’ increasing need for flexibility when it comes to air travel arrangements. 

The companies in the travel industry sphere have started to direct their efforts in attracting new customers by offering more flexible air travel options. Passengers can use different convenient options depending on the policy of the chosen airline, hotel or other accommodation facility. 

Some of the flexible options are for refundable bookings which include free cancelation of booked airline tickets, hotel reservations in a period of a couple of days before the reservation date. 

In this way by booking your holiday in advance and by paying an extra price, you can secure your ticket and accommodation arrangements and also receive best available rates. In this way you will get some advantages which you won’t get, if you choose to book your summer holiday on a later date.

On the other hand, standard non-refundable bookings don’t involve an extra price, but they involve a certain risk and they are not recommended in times of Covid-19 pandemics.

General travel safety precautions for Covid-19

Wear mask

Wearing a mask while traveling is one of the most important things you should do to protect yourself and the others around you from Covid-19.

• Keep your hands clean as much as possible
• Sneeze or cough in your bent elbow
• Don’t touch your mouth, nose and eyes
• Keep safe distance ( Covid-19 is spread primarily from person to person)
• Avoid social events and crowded spots
• Give touched surfaces and objects regular disinfection

Vancouver was originally named Gastown and began as a settlement which grew around the site of a makeshift tavern on the western edges of Hastings Mill that was built on July 1, 1867,it was owned by proprietor Gassy Jack. The original site is marked by the Gastown steam clock. Gastown then formally registered as a townsite dubbed Granville, Burrard Inlet. The city was renamed “Vancouver” in 1886, through a deal with the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Vancouver is also one of the fastest growing populous cities, with 28,000 new residents migrating since 2011. It is the Fifth most densely populated city with over 250,000 residence in North America (behind New York City, Guadalajara, San Francisco and Mexico City). Vancouver is the most ethnically and linguistically diverse city in Canada.

Helpful Tips

1. Seasons of Vancouver – Know when to go

Vancouver truly is a year-round destination. If you love winter sports (December through March) skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more, are available.

If you love warm weather (July through September)enjoy sunny days and late nights on the patio (the sun sets around 10 pm in the summer). And yes, there are beaches in Vancouver. Enjoy nature in the Spring and view the cherry blossoms that bloom in March and in late September and October, you will see autumn colors when the leaves start to change. 

2. Getting Around the Town

You can either rent a car at the airport, get picked up, take a taxi, or take the Skytrain (Vancouver’s version of a subway).

• If you are renting a car and you are looking to save money, I would rent away from the airport.
• The best and least expensive way to get into the city is to take the Skytrain from the airport to downtown Vancouver. When you get out of the airport, go out of the doors, walk across the crosswalk, go up the escalator/elevator to the departures level, and follow the sites for Skytrain. It costs less than $9 and takes about 30 minutes. There is a ticket machine that you can buy a ticket from. Be sure to buy tickets, there are random ticket checks on the Skytrain and fines are about $150, from what I hear.
• Taxis into downtown, depending on traffic, range up to $35 or more, not including tip. I believe the taxi companies are doing set fares, so ask before you start your ride.
• At long last, as of January 2020, ridesharing apps, like Uber and Lyft, are up and running in Vancouver. 

3. Take Advantage of the Free WiFi

Save on roaming fees and enjoy free internet throughout the city by connecting to any of the 550 (and counting) #VanWifi hotspots.          

4. Know the Neighborhoods

Boring but Useful Map of Vancouver’s Neighborhoods:

Entertaining, Un-Politically Correct, But Reasonably Accurate Map of Vancouver’s Neighborhoods:

5. Miscellaneous Helpful Tips

• The voltage in Canada is 110V / 60 Hz and they use outlet type A & B.

(If you are traveling from the United States, you do not need an adapter/converter in Canada.)

• Geography Crash-Course – Super quick info, so you don’t get lost:
• The mountains are north.
• The airport is south.
• Downtown and Stanley Park are on a peninsula at the north of the city, where 98% of tourists are, so be part of the 2% from time-to-time.
• Outside of downtown, numbered streets go east-west and named streets go north-south.
• East Vancouver (brown areas in the map above) used to be poor. Now it’s hipster.
• West Vancouver (green neighborhoods in map above) was hippy (Kits) and humble (the rest). Now it’s too expensive.
• The West End (downtown neighborhood) is not the same as the West Side (half the city) or West Van (a suburb across Lions Gate Bridge).
• You can bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 7 ounces of tobacco; 1 bottle (1.14 litres or 40 imperial ounces) of liquor or 1.5 litres of wine, or 24 355-millilitre (12-ounce) bottles or cans of beer for personal consumption. Anything more and you will be subject to taxes, duties, etc.
• You can bring in gifts with a value of up to $60 Canadian per gift. 

Attractions

1. Stanley Park

2. Granville Island

 

3. Grouse Mountain

 

4. Whale Watching

5. Capilano Suspension Bridge

 

6. English Bay

7. Canada Place

 

8. Gastown

The History

In Ireland, is Dublin the largest city or the capital?

It happens to be both, the largest city AND the capital.

Dublin was founded by the Norse Vikings in 841. They founded a new town on the bank of the Liffey called Dubh Linn, which means black pool. The new Town of Dublin was fortified with a ditch and an earth rampart with a wooden palisade on top. In the 11^th century, stone walls were built around Dublin. The Danes also erected an artificial hill where the men of Dublin met to make laws and discuss policy.

Plaque broke out in 1650 CE. A large part of the population died, possibly as many as half. It was said, at that time, that Dublin was exceedingly depopulated. The population had fell to less than 9000 people. Nevertheless, in true Irish spirit, Dublin prospered and recovered.

The early 1900’s werea hectic time in Ireland’s political forum, as the country fought an uprising, faced civil war and finally achieved independence. In Dublin, the period brought significant changes to the city’s structuring and layout. Rebellions fought on the streets, which resulted in the damage and destruction of prized Georgian buildings like the Four Courts and the General Post Office.

Today, Dublin has a population of more than 1 million people and is now very prosperous, much different from the population a 1000 years ago.

Travel Tips 

1. LEAP VISITOR CARD

By your Leap Visitor Card in the Airport upon arrival. This will allow you to ride the public bus, DART, rail and Luas around Dublin.

They have a:1-day (24 Hours): €10.00 ($12.25 USD)

3-day (48 Hours): €19.50 ($23.89 USD)

7-day (168 Hours): €40.00 ($49.01 USD) 

2. ORDER A TAXI IN DUBLIN

If you do not want to take public transportation, request a taxi. Taxi Services in Dublin have their own apps that allow you to request a taxi or book one in advance. The drivers there are courteous, knowledgeable, and usually arrive before your requested time.

3. TAKE THE HOP ON HOP OFF BUS FOR TOURING

The majority of attractions are within walking distance of Trinity College with some exceptions. The Guinness Storehouse, The Glasnevin Cemetery and the Dublin Zoo are a little out of the way and possible to far to walk. The Hop on Hop off buss pass can be purchased on its own or as part of the Dublin Pass.

4. WATCH OUT FOR LACK OF STREET SIGNS

The names of streets are often painted, and on the sides of buildings, so over time they may fade or get covered by vines, blocked by plants or construction work. If you are used to finding your direction by street sign, they might be hard to locate. A good strategy is to find landmarks and pubs around Dublin. This is what many locals themselves suggest. Make sure to stop in and have a drink while you’re at it!

 

5. WHERE TO GET FREE WI-FI IN DUBLIN CITY

Wi-Fi is always available on buses and yes you guessed it, the local Starbucks, which are the easiest ways to get online. Within the touristy areas there is a Starbucks location down the street from the main entry of Trinity College.