The 5 Best Winter Cruise Destinations

By Nicole Yi, Popsugar

If you're looking to get away this Winter, cruises are really the way to go. Enjoy your vacation without having to worry about accommodations and food (most lines are all-inclusive!) while getting to explore multiple destinations in one trip. Depending on what your criteria look like from pricing to weather, we've found the best cruise stops for all your Winter travel needs. Get on board with the five ahead. 

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Australia

Image Source: Flickr user Lenny K Photography

Weather wise, Winter is the best time to cruise to Australia because it's their Summer. Many travelers will have the same idea, however, so expect large crowds during the peak season from late November to March. But the ideal weather conditions you'll get to enjoy in major cities like Sydney are totally worth the high volume of people.

Caribbean

Image Source: Flickr user Abir Anwar

Unsurprisingly, the most popular times for Caribbean cruises are the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas when families have time off. Although great for families looking to hang out with other families, couples and young travelers will have to share the beaches. If you do have the flexibility to travel outside of these holiday peaks, go now through early January for amazing weather and fewer people.
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South America

Image Source: Flickr user Rodrigo Paredes

You'll enjoy South America's Summer from December to March, but the weather can be very temperamental. The busiest travel times are during holiday weeks, but you can score great deals just before Christmas. You'll have two options for South American cruising: Amazon river cruises from ports like Rio de Janeiro, and around-the-horn cruises in Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, and other places. 

South Pacific

Image Source: Flickr user Mayumi Ishikawa

You'll save tons while traveling within the South Pacific's off season from November through April. Travelers will get to enjoy amazing swimming conditions, but do expect high humidity and rain. South Pacific cruises travel to paradises like Fiji and Tahiti. 

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European River

Image Source: Flickr user LenDog64

Although European river cruises are recommended for picturesque Fall views, Christmas fanatics will want to board these ships in the off-season months of late November and December. During this time, many river lines offer Christmas market cruises to countries like Germany and Austria. You'll have to bear the unpleasant cold, but the adorably festive markets will warm you right up.

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8 Reasons to Visit the Great Wall of China at Least Once in Your Lifetime

By Samantha O'Brochta, Popsugar

One of the greatest wonders in the world lies in China. The Great Wall was named that for a good reason. It's huge, it's epic, and it's the perfect bucket-list destination to put at the top of your list if you have a chance. With travel becoming more accessible than ever, it's easy to make a journey to the wall a possibility. Personally, I took a day trip there on a layover, which was a great way to stretch my legs after a 14-hour flight to Beijing and get to view a huge cultural icon that was entirely man-made and well-preserved for tourists to still visit to this day.
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You Can Get a Free Visa For Short Visits

Image Source: Samantha O'Brochta

If you're visiting China for less than 72 hours, you can get a free transit visa upon landing. Rather than pay the usual expensive fee to visit for a longer time, you can take advantage of this transit visa if you have a layover in Beijing or another city in China. It's the perfect amount of time to get outside the city to visit the Great Wall.

 It's a Perfect Day Trip From Beijing

Image Source: Samantha O'Brochta

If you're strapped for time in Beijing, it's not too far away for a day trip. It only takes about an hour and a half to get from the city or airport to the wall entrance. There are a multitude of ways to get there. A private driver is great if you have a group to share the costs with, and they wait there for you to explore for as long as you want.
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There's a Tram Ride to the Top  

Image Source: Samantha O'Brochta

If you're not afraid of heights, you can take a beautiful tram ride to the top to start your Great Wall journey. The tiny seat takes you up the mountain over trees below for a great view of the landscape and greenery.

The Experience Is Photoshoot Goals

Image Source: Samantha O'Brochta

To avoid a million people in your photos, get to the wall as early as possible. Our driver got us there at about 9 a.m. and that was perfect for being some of the few who were willing to wake up early to visit. And what's better than having an ancient monument like this all to yourselves?
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Walking the Walk

Image Source: Samantha O'Brochta

While most of the wall is heavily restored and not exactly 100 percent of the original bricks that made it up when it was built, it still feels like you're in a scene from Mulan and you can walk as little or much of the wall as you want. Walking the whole of it would obviously be a difficult task, but some people have definitely done it.

All Seasons Are Great

Image Source: Samantha O'Brochta

It doesn't matter what time of the year that you visit because it'll be lovely no matter what. In the Autumn, the Fall foliage is out and takes over the entire mountain in hues of red and orange. In the Winter, you might see the place dusted with snow. Spring and Summer is the best time to get a view of the wall under the sun with clear blue skies.
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Find Secret Spots

Image Source: Samantha O'Brochta

There's tons of turrets that have stairways that take you up to the top for a better view. There are also a lot of pathways you can find that have you heading down the mountain if you're not wanting to take the normal path down.

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Ride the Slide Down

Image Source: Samantha O'Brochta

Did you know that the Mutianyu section of the wall has a toboggan slide you can take to get down the mountain? It's literally a thrill ride. You control the cart yourself and there are workers along the long track to make sure you're doing alright as you race down the hill to end your Great Wall journey.

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2018 Parkes Elvis Festival wraps up

Elvis has left the building.... Yesterday was the last day of the 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival. A record number of people enjuyed a full program of concerts and displays.
Accommodation was booked out in Parkes and surrounding towns, so if you intend to come to next years Elvis Festival I sugest you book your accommodation as soon as possible so that you do not miss out. 



Watch out for the

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3 FABULOUS PERFORMERS ALL SET TO STAR IN SLEEPING BEAUTY A KNIGHT AVENGER’S TALE

Director and Producer, Bonnie Lythgoe is thrilled to announce she has cast three of the roles to star in SLEEPING BEAUTY – “A KNIGHT AVENGER’S TALE” when it opens at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre playing from 29 June to 8 July and then moving to Sydney’s State Theatre from 13 to 22 July. 


One of Australia’s favourite and most versatile performers RHONDA BURCHMORE will play the role of the wicked

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Clipper Race fleet to arrive in Whitsundays within hours

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

It is now just a few hourss until the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet arrives in the Whitsundays.Expected arrival times have been put back due to the challenging weather conditions of the southern states, with the first yachts now expected to arrive on Tuesday (January 16).A tight finish is predicted, with the yachts currently bunched together as

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CURIO COLLECTION HOTEL OPENS IN SYDNEY

Australia's first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel was opened in Sydney today by the NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall, and offers visitors stylish accommodation next to the city's newest waterfront leisure and commercial precinct, Barangaroo.Located on Sussex Street, the new-build West Hotel Sydney features 182 stylish guest rooms, including four spacious suites, a

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Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Winner Annouced

Anthony Petrucci (left)

The winner of the Elvis Tribute Artist contest at the Parkes Elvis Festival was announced yesterday afternoon.



From the original entrants who performed on Friday afternoon, 8 were selected to go on to yesterday afternoons grand final competition.



The first prize was awarded to Anthony Petrucci. 2nd place went to Brody Finlay (the youngest contestant) and 3rd place

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Ben Thompson- Elvis Tribute Artist wows audiences in Australia

Ben Thompson

Ben Thompson, the young Elvis Tribute Artist from the U.K. is the featured artist at this years Parkes Elvis Festival.



He has been wowing audiences with booked out shows at the Parkes Leagues Cub by his energetic and heartfelt Elvis songs.



He delighted ladies in the audience by inviting them to the front of the stage so he could kiss them and give them scarves.

Ben pulled

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Parkes Elvis Festival Street Parade

Twinkle Toes ...

The Northparkes Mines Street Parade is the major annual highlight of the Parkes Elvis Festival.

It was held yesterday to the delight of thousands of onlookers. Elvis-themed floats, Elvis and Priscilla look-a-likes, vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and marching bands down the length of Clarinda Street from Bushman Street to Cooke Park.


What a load of Elvi ......

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Visit 10 of the Happiest Places in the World

By Ariana Dickson, Popsugar

What does it mean to be happy? Some say its having a sense of purpose or feeling financially secure while others believe its in being present or spiritually fulfilled. Whatever it may be, there are certain cities around the world that seem to have a better idea than the rest. From Denmark to New Zealand and Mexico, if you're planning a trip sometime soon, you may want to consider visiting one of these places that has the bliss meter on high. Keep reading for 10 of the happiest cities that everyone should visit.

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Auckland, New Zealand

Image Source: Flickr user Simon Lieschke

This city is New Zealand's largest and has enough happiness to match its size. With a bustling cityscape, thriving economy, excellent education system, serene black-sand beaches, and lush greenery as an escape (if you can call it that), it's really no surprise that residents are exceptionally satisfied here.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay

"Hygge", a Danish word meaning coziness, intimacy, and warmth, recently started trending with the Danish lifestyle becoming an ideal. It all makes sense — considering Denmark consistently tops international happiness surveys. Copenhagen in particular is full of city beaches, parks, cycling, and top-notch food. It's often visited for its happy vibe and laid-back people.

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Sydney, Australia

Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay

This city's balmy weather, outdoor-centric lifestyle, and chilled out locals make it one of the least stressful cities in the world — at least that's what surveys suggest. International travelers also find it to be one of the most friendly places to visit. So, there must be something right happening if those living and visiting believe there's nothing not to like.

Barcelona, Spain

Image Source: Burst / Daniel Gold

A classic Mediterranean city — beautiful weather, beaches, delicious food, lively culture, and a relaxed lifestyle. There is also affordable housing and loads of business opportunities. There's plenty to do and people that really know how to have fun while doing it. Barcelona knows how to truly live.
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Monterrey, Mexico

Image Source: Flickr user Rick González

Monterrey is a beautiful city in Mexico, and known for its strong community bonds. Unlike so many other city's around the world, professional lives are not always considered the most important thing. It seems logical that one would be free of stress with such high value placed on things like religion, family, and social life.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay

Similarly to Denmark, Holland also ranks high in happiness — with Amsterdam playing a major role in the decision. Researchers believe its the work-life balance, active lifestyle, and the Dutch mindset that make it such a happy place to be. Open-minded, healthy, friendly, and free. What more could you want?

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Singapore

Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay

Singapore is often recognized as Asia's happiest city. It's an extremely secure place — this we know from the city's interesting laws — which brings a strong peace of mind needed for one to be truly happy. With leadership that has a Confucian mindset, people are set up for the opportunity to live out a life of value.

Bergen, Norway

Image Source: Flickr user Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho

Bergen is a cheery city despite being known for its rain — with colorful wooden houses turned into shops, cafes, and bars and a mindset where each day is an adventure. Family, friendship, food, and heritage are the focus. Norway, as a whole, is said to be a land full of happy people.
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Image Source: Pexels / Florencia Potter

This Brazilian city is stunning with its sweeping views and dreamy beaches. Unsurprisingly, it tends to rank high in happiness for its culture, outdoor attractions, and warm people. The city is associated with good humor and good living — both very necessary for happiness.
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Koh Samui, Thailand

Image Source: Flickr user Sarah_Ackerman

Thailand is called "the land of smiles" — not just because visitors love it but also thanks to the country's welcoming locals. Koh Samui serves the title well with its quality of life and prosperity on the rise. Visitors are drawn to the large island's beautiful beaches, jungle waterfalls, intoxicating culture, and fascinating people. Happiness is contagious on this island.

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Soneva Kiri Invites You To Discover Koh Kood In Thailand

When looking for a unique experience for your next trip consider Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Those who book a stay in March of next year will receive complimentary experiences to discover the hidden secrets of the Thai island, Koh Kood.

While Koh Kood is Thailand's fourth largest, it is the least populated island, and home to the all-villa resort Soneva Kiri. With the new Secrets of Koh Kood offer, you'll receive complimentary experiences to explore as you immerse yourself in the culture of the island, which is home to more biodiversity than the entire island of Great Britain.

Soneva Kiri offers an unrivalled combination of luxury, an integral environmental approach, authentic Thai experiences and mouth-watering organic food. Soneva Kiri Resort comprises 36 vast pool villas on beach level, hillsides or cliff tops, all overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Available to rent or purchase, all have impossibly chic furnishings, personal electric buggies and impeccable service courtesy of Mr./Ms. Friday private butlers. Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, a home-made chocolate and ice cream parlour, a high-tech Observatory, a manta ray shaped children's Den and the spectacular Treetop Dining Pod.

Complimentary Experiences Include:

• Koh Kood Discovery Tour to see the highlights of the island
• A visit to Koh Rang National Marine Park including snorkeling and lunch
• Koh Kood Butterfly Quest with a local guide
• A Thai cooking class and market tour with Soneva Kiri's celebrated Chef Benz
• Stargazing with the resort's resident astronomer at the on-site state-of-the-art observatory

Plan Your Trip To Soneva Kiri 

To explore this and other experiences offer and book your trip with Soneva visit their website.

The Secrets of Koh Kood offer is only applicable for new bookings and is valid for stays at Soneva Kiri from March 1-31 in any villa category. All five experiences are available for guests during their stay and subject to availability, however only one experience can be arranged per day. The offer is applicable for individual bookings only and can be combined with other applicable promotions from Soneva.

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7 Healthy Travel Destinations You Should Add to Your Bucket List

By Ariana Dickson, Popsugar

Chemicals are out and all-natural everything is in. There's a surging urge to eat, live, and play better these days. However chaotic the world may seem, there's a rising number of us who are yearning for inner peace in favor of healthier physical and spiritual living.
[post_ads_2]A wellness revolution is in motion, and with that comes the desire to not only eat and live well, but travel well, too. For those healthy globetrotters who have been bit by the travel bug, there is a cure. There is an ever-evolving list of cities to fall in love with, oceans to explore, and mountains to climb. So, what are some wellness destinations that you can add to the list (for now)? All of you yogis, spiritualists, surfers, hikers, and chillers will want to keep reading.

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, a once "off-the-beaten-path" vacation destination in Mexico, is a rising star that's hidden away from the hustle and bustle. The crystal waters and sandy white beaches are met with preserved Mayan ruins and outrageous cenotes destined for exploring. To top it all off, the restaurants make it incredibly easy to stay on top of your healthy-eating game. With loads of spots catering to vegans, vegetarians, and the smoothie-obsessed, foodies will fall in love.

Sedona, Arizona

A spot that's best known for its red rocks and hiking is also a very special spot for spirituality and wellness. Why is that? It's called a vortex — a sacred location on the earth where energy is harnessed. Some have the belief that healing and spiritual transformation happen more easily in Sedona because the openings to other dimensions are thinner here. As you wander around, you'll likely find fellow visitors meditating, doing yoga, and working with practitioners to make the most of the energy's ability to heal.
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Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

Hours outside of Cape Town, JBay is a little oceanside retreat with (arguably) some of the best surfing known to the world. Surfers visit from all around the world for their pick of beaches each with their own appeal. For anyone with the desire for a chilled-out getaway, surf lesson, or horseback ride along the beach, this is it. There's nothing like some small-town R&R. Wake up in the morning to surf, get lazy near the waves with a book, and spend time enjoying the simple things in life.

Bali, Indonesia

More than just a dreamy tropical paradise with idyllic beaches, Bali, similarly to Sedona, expresses its own special energy. Pura Tirta Empul is a sacred spring that has attracted Balinese worshipers for more than a thousand years. People visit from near and far to bathe in the waters for healing and spiritual merit. The temples, surfing, iconic rice fields, secret canyons, and adventurous cliff-jumping make it a captivating respite for those in need of natural beauty and spiritual culture.
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Joshua Tree National Park, California

Welcoming rock climbers, tree-lovers, and stargazers with ethereal sunrises, sunsets to marvel at, and some of the darkest nights in Southern California, Joshua Tree is a stunning national park nestled between two deserts — the Colorado and the Mojave — not far from Los Angeles. The slow rhythm of life in the middle of absolute peace and quiet is an ideal place for rejuvenation and self-discovery. You can admire the Milky Way, the famous Joshua trees, or the colorful skies free of disruption.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland's capital city is packed with fresh air and natural gifts and is fueled by clean energy. For all-natural beauty connoisseurs, the famous Blue Lagoon offers healing mud masks, in-water massages, and skincare products to bring home. The wellness experience doesn't stop there with a long list of geothermal pools and spas. The Golden Circle tour will take you to cascading waterfalls, hot springs, and a UNSECO national park. If you're lucky, you may even catch the wonder of the aurora borealis.
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Dharamsala, India

A hillside city in Himachal Pradesh and home to the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala is filled with monasteries, momos, a Tibetan center for medicine and astrology, and monumental scenic beauty. A growing number of wellness retreats focused on holistic health, yoga, and ayurveda are popping up around India. This is one city that offers its own series of unique mindfulness opportunities. Recharge, trek, meditate, or volunteer with the community.

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Parkes Elvis Festival - SUNDAY14 January 2018

Elvis Central 


Elvis Central 

8.30AM TO 5PM, 203 Clarinda St
FURTHER DETAILS HERE




Festival Markets
9AM TO 4PM
Cooke Park
FURTHER DETAILS HERE




The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit & Parkes Motor Museum
9AM TO 5PM, Henry Parkes Centre, Newell Hwy, Ticketed
FURTHER DETAILS HERE




Henry Parkes Museum & Antique Machinery Collection
9AM TO 4.30PM, Newell Hwy, Ticketed



FURTHER DETAILS HERE

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Quang Ninh to host 100 events during National Tourism Year

Up to 100 events will be held throughout 2018 in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh as part of the National Tourism Year.

The provincial People’s Committee unveiled a plan for the National Tourism Year 2018 – Ha Long – Quang Ninh on December 27.

The events will be organised by Quang Ninh, some other provinces and cities and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The province will

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Parkes Elvis Festival 2018 in Full Swing

Elvis performer and dancers from the audience at Cook Park Main Stage




Elvis is well and truly alive in Parkes. Thousands of people from near and far had an action-packed day of Elvis related events to go to yesterday from early breakfast to late night functions. 




Cars of the Era (....and caravan)



The main street in Parkes was blocked off to traffic to allow a display of magnificently

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Parkes Elvis Festival Program - SATURDAY13 January 2018

Festival Markets


Elvis Central 

8.30AM TO 7PM, 203 Clarinda StFURTHER DETAILS HERE




Festival Markets
9AM TO 9.30PM, Cooke ParkFURTHER DETAILS HERE




The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit & Parkes Motor Museum
9AM TO 5PM, Henry Parkes Centre, Newell Hwy, TicketedFURTHER DETAILS HERE




Henry Parkes Museum & Antique Machinery Collection
9AM TO 4.30PM, Newell Hwy, TicketedFURTHER DETAILS HERE

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30 trillion VND for tourism infrastructure in 2016-2020

A view of Bai Chay Bridge in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh province

The Government will spend over 30 trillion VND (1.3 billion USD) in tourism infrastructure development in the 2016-2020 period, according to a target programme approved recently.The programme, which was approved under the Prime Minister’s Decision 1861/QĐ-TTg this month, is aimed at building a modern and developed infrastructure

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Elvis Blue Suede Express Pulls into Parkes

The Blue Suede Express

The Elvis Blue Suede Express was one of two special trains that travelled from Central Sation in Sydney to the Parkes Elvis Festival yesterday. Both trains were full of about 160 Elvis fans looking forward to a full program of Festival events in the NSW country town of Parkes.

Parkes has been staging the Elvis Festival for the past 26 years. The theme of this year's

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Kuma Lodge tariffs reduced 15 and 30% February/March

There are limited rooms remaining in February and March at Kuma Lodge a boutique ski in - ski out, property in Madarao ski resort on Japan's main island of Honshu.The last-minute deals will save 15% on the cost of a Twin Room with ensuite, a lodge room with Mountain View and Balcony, or a Japanese-style room, in February plus the lodge owners will also provide a Free Ski Pass for guests.And in

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2018 Parkes ElvisFestival - Day Three - FRIDAY 12 January

Ben Thompson


2018 Parkes Elvis Central 

9AM TO 8PM - 203 Clarinda St


FURTHER DETAILS HERE



Festival Markets 

9AM TO 9.30PM - Cooke Park
FURTHER DETAILS HERE



The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit & Parkes Motor Museum 

9AM TO 5PM - Henry Parkes Centre, Newell Hwy - Ticketed
FURTHER DETAILS HERE



Henry Parkes Museum & Antique Machinery Collection 

9AM TO 4.30PM - Newell Hwy - Ticketed

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