Feature Destination: Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania, the island just off the south coast of Australia is truly one of Earth's last great refuges. 37% of Tasmania is comprised of natural reserves, national parks and world heritage sites.

The Australian state is the most mountainous region in the entire country, and lends to some of the most breath taking scenery in the world. Australia's largest temperate rain forest is located on the Northwest portion of the island, where the Northeast portion has some of the most beautiful beaches, such as the Bay of Fires.

The Bay of Fires

To truly experience the best Tasmania has to offer, it is best to go during the summer months from December to February. For being a small landmass, the climate can vary widely due to the different types of geographic terrain. For example, the average daytime high in the summer can vary up to four or five degrees depending on where you are.

Also during the summer months are numerous festivals that are ongoing around the island. One of the most popular of such festivals is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race. The race starts on Boxing Day (December 26th), and typically ends 3 - 4 days later as the yachts reach Constitution Harbor in Hobart City. Coincidentally, the race ends during the Taste of Tasmania festival, which features food and wine from around the island.

Constitution Harbor

And if food and wine is your game, Tasmania is the place for you. Traditionally most common forms of cuisine were derivatives of English fare, but over the last few decades, Tasmania food has had a revolution with more focus on locally grown foods and vegetables which have allowed the food industry to create its own identity.

As for libations, there are a number of locally produced beers, both from microbreweries and larger scale productions that allow their beers to be available on mainland Australia. For a popular local brew, try Boags beer.

The wine industry has also blossomed over the decades, partially due to Tasmania's unique ecosystem and climate. One very notable vineyard is Moorilla Estate. Moorilla is a remarkable complex which focuses not only on wines, though the vineyard has been producing award winning wines since 1958, but also makes beer, contains an antiquities museum, has a boutique hotel which showcases world class art, and hosts exclusive events throughout the year. Moorilla Estate is a remarkable winery that is much more than just wine, and could really be a Feature Destination in its own right. Visit their website at Moorilla Estate.

If your style is more urban contemporary rather than country style relaxation, try visiting some of the major cities on the island. The main cities are Launceston, Devonport, and of course Hobart, the region's capital city.

Hobart City

Hobart, a city of just over 200,000 is considered one of Australia's most sustainable cities, and has also been ranked as one of the most innovative cities on the globe. It is a major hub for Antarctic Services, serving as a close port to the south pole for research facilities. Hobart is also no stranger to tourists. The city sees more than 40 cruise ships a year dock in its harbors.

If your looking for a lively place where you can mingle with the locals, try Salamanaca Place, which turns into a giant outdoor market every Saturday. Great bargains can be found, and you will no doubt meet dozens of locals. It's estimated that more than 25,000 people shop at Salamanaca every weekend.

If you're done with shopping and want to let off a little steam, you can try out dozens of taverns, pubs, restaurants and clubs on Elizabeth St. or Sandy Bay. If nightclubbing is what appeals to you most, search out the Syrup Club, a hopping nightclub that features some well known DJs and acts. Check them out at Syrup Club. Or try your luck at the Wrest Point Hotel and Casino.

The summer season in Tasmania is just beginning and now is the time to visit. The easiest way to travel there is by air and the most common major airlines that fly there are Qantas and Virgin Blue. But if your too late to make it there this year, why not plan ahead and book for 2011? You'll have the privilege of attending the Ten Days On The Island Festival, which is Tasmania's bi-annual international arts festival. Go and soak up some culture.

Happy Travels

Featured Destination: Easter Island

World Famous Statues or Moai on Easter Island

This week's feature destination is Easter Island. Technically considered a "Special Territory" of Chile, Easter Island is one of the most beautiful, yet isolated places on Earth that is permanently inhabited. The island, also known as Rapa Nui is more than 3,500 km west of continental Chile. The next closest civilization is the New Zealand protectorate of Pitcairn Island, which is still over 2000 km away, and actually has less than 100 habitants.

Easter Island has a little under 4000 year round inhabitants, 65% of which are natives. The remainder of the residents are primarily Chileans who have married into Rapa Nui families.

The Rapa Nui are fiercely protective of their Island, and are working towards gaining more control over emigration to Easter Island. However, tourism is a major industry on Easter Island, and the residents are most welcoming of visitors, so long as they are committed to returning home eventually.

Pano Anakena Beach

Easter Island is perhaps most famously known for the many statues that litter the shores of the Island. Many are in good shape and still standing or have been resurrected. There are a number of different theories and legends as to why they were built, and it has long been thought that the erection of the huge monoliths contributed to the massive deforestation of the island, in that the Rapa Nui cut trees down to help lift and move the statues.

But there are many other things to see and do on Easter Island. There are beautiful beaches to relax on or do some snorkeling, such as Pano Anakena beach. The waters are pure and crystal clean.

In fact, the Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is fiercely protected with a number of ecological programs ongoing such as re-introducing native flora to the island. Try taking a tour of the Rapa Nui National Park.

Viewing Orongo From The Ridge of Rano Kao Volcano

Easter Island was formed by extinct volcanoes. Spend a day hiking up to the top of Rano Kao volcano. The summit is 400 meter high and offers spectacular views of the island and the South Pacific. While you are on your trek, you can continue onto the the site of Orongo. Here you will find dozens of archeologically restored stone houses used by the Rapa Nui centuries ago. The houses are near a lake filled crater that offers a spectacular vista.

Stone Houses of Orongo

(All images from wikipedia.org)

When you go to Easter Island, you are best to go in January or February, which are the warmest months with daily highs around 28C. Going in the winter months of July and August will won't be too bad, with daily lows reaching 18C. I do recommend staying away during the month of April, as it is typically the rainiest.

To get to the Island, you can take Lan Chile from Santiago. Lan Chile is the main airline in Chile so it is a safe and reliable bet. That being said, flying to Easter Island is not cheap, so if you are on a budget, try searching one of the many smaller air companies that fly to the island.

While you are there, you can use the Chilean Peso, US Dollar or Euro. Sorry Canadians and Brits, but you will have to convert currency. There are several different tours that travel Easter Island, so if you are looking for a guide they should be easy to find.

Eco Cabins of Morerava

There are several different accommodation options on the island. If you check out the Easter Island home page, they even reference being able to stay in a private residence. That being said, why not try Cabanas Moreava?

Master Bedroom

This company has built a number of eco friendly cabins. The cabins are comfortable and well appointed and are meant to be as eco self sufficient as possible, so as to not damage the delicate ecosystem on the island. The cabins collect and purify their own rainfall, use solar panels and are built so they will do no damage if moved. You can check out the Moreava website here.

Living Room /Kitchenette

Easter Island is truly a unique place to visit. Their literally is no other place like it on earth. The island has only been inhabited for about 1000 years, but has such a rich history. It's a once in a lifetime trip, so if you go, take a million photos.

Happy Travels

Destination of the Week: Athens, Greece

As fall sets in, the colours become bright and vibrant, the weather seems to suddenly take a turn for the better (we had a horrible summer), and it reminds me of lazy summer days. Which is why I think Athens is the perfect choice for a featured destination!

The weather always seems to be beautiful in Athens, with nothing but sunshine and and the occasional breeze off the Mediterranean Sea.

Athens is a remarkable city, and one of the oldest on the planet. It was once the major power of the known world, and much of modern Western civilization was built upon its principles and social graces.

Over the millenia, Athens has continued to grow, evolve and expand to a burgeoning metropolis of more than 3 million people.

Athens For Miles

Although the city is huge and expansive, you would never know it by walking and touring around. There are always people milling about, and with so many outdoor cafes, charming streets, and public squares, it's easy to think of yourself as being in a small community.

Changing of The Guard: Constitution Square

Of course one of the most important reasons for visiting Athens is the architecture and history of the city. After all, this is one of the places where civilization as we know it started. There are many interesting sites to visit.

The Acropolis is arguably one of the most visited sites in the world. It can get very busy throughout the day, but I assure you it is worth it. This site has some of the best kept ancient buildings in all of Greece. And the government has been working continuously to restore much of the damage.

The Acropolis

Another great site to visit is the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora, which are located next to each other. They are in an area of the city called Monastiraki, and the local metro has a stop right there. Make sure to tour the whole area of Monastiraki, as there are literally dozens of great restaurants and lots of shopping for the ladies. (Remember to barter with the shop keepers while shopping.)

Ruins in Monastiraki

Other great sites to see are The Temple of Olympian Zeus, The Archeological Museum, and more. Infact, there are so many museums that it would be difficult to see them all in only one week.

The people in Athens tend to be very friendly, and most of them speak a fair amount of English, especially in the more tourist areas. Though they often seem to look at Americans (or Amerikani, as they say) with a certain amount of amusement. They really don't seem to want to make the distinction between Canadians or Americans though. If you are from North America, you will be considered "Amerikani".

The Greek have a much different way of life than we do in Canada and the US. Their culture is very much driven by family. Greeks tend to live at home with their parents until they marry, and family is the most important aspect of their lives. While the Greeks work hard, work seems to be more of an afterthought to many of them. Simply a means of maintaining their lifestyle, rather than an important area of focus. Upon talking to many of the locals, they seem to have a more positive outlook on life and enjoy themselves more frequently than we do.

It is true that the city looks old. The WHOLE city looks that way. But the insides of buildings are well maintained and it's part of Athens' charm. I especially recommend going to the bar on top of the Intercontinental Hotel at night to get a great view of the city. It's truly spectacular.

A trip to Europe is simply not complete until one visits Athens. I think after you've been there, you tend to look at life a bit differently. I know it made me re-examine what is truly important in life.

Happy Travels.

Featured Destination of The Week - Zurich, Switzerland

Since I like to travel so much, I thought a new and interesting idea would be to post my "Featured Destination" each week.

Some of these destinations may be places that I have visited, or where I would like to go. I will be sure to include some really neat photos, as well as travel tips for each destination.

To start off this week's destination, I have chosen Zurich, Switzerland.

Lake Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful and peaceful city in Switzerland. It sits on Lake Zurich, which is a wonderful place to take a boat ride and do some site seeing of the countryside. As well, I believe one or two of the smaller tour boats actually sail you down the river which intersects part of downtown Zurich for a closer look at architecture.

Part of Old Town Zurich

All of the streets appear to be quite clean and tidy. The Old Town has plenty of high end shopping outlets and pubs are located everywhere if you need to take a break from touring around.

The people seem to be genuinely friendly, though I was surprised how many citizens speak absolutely no English at all, which seems odd for such an international city. It is quite helpful if you speak German or even Italian.

It's easy to get around in Zurich, as the rail system seems to be quite extensive. However, if you stay in the downtown area, you can walk pretty much anywhere. The weather in the summer is pleasant enough that you may prefer to walk anyway.

As a note, they do not typically use the Euro in Zurich, as the prefer they Swiss Franc. The currency is close to Par with the Canadian dollar, but the city is expensive. I have also had reports from some travelers that they had problems using some of the automated banking machines in Zurich, and that for some reason they would not read Canadian bank cards (though mine seemed to work fine).

If you are in town for a short while, I recommend you stay at the Hotel Ascot, which is right across the street from the central rail station. It is well kept, clean, with fairly spacious rooms. There is a nice quiet evening restaurant on the main floor, and they have a great breakfast buffet in the morning which is included in the room rate. Also, the staff is fluent in English, and very polite and helpful.

You can view their website here: http://www.ascot.ch/en.html

If you have been to a place that you think is fantastic and would like to see it featured, send me an email and let me know!

Happy Travels

Rainn