Fritzjames Stephen - The Adventure Travel Site

Things to Do in Brisbane after Night Falls – Let the dark welcome more fun!

Many travellers know A-Z about the things they can do in Brisbane when the sun shines. But are the nights only reserved for sleep? No- not in Brisbane. Brisbane nights are more impressive.

Twilight kayaking
This is not an adventurous experience. It’s more of a relaxing, romantic experience that you can try out with your loved one. Paddle under the Story Bridge and collect great memories.

Dine at a good restaurant

Kgbo, Logan Road, Woolloongabba, Queensland 08, CC BY-SA 4.0

Are you spending your vacation at a Woolloongabba hotel? Do not miss out on the chance to have a great meal with your family or friends. Properties such as Oaks Brisbane Woolloongabba Suites do food wonders!

Climb rocks
Why focus on fake rocks when you have Kangaroo Point Cliffs? This can be a challenging experience to climb in the night, but it’s sure to be exciting.

Watch a movie
If candlelit dinners are too mainstream, here’s a wonderful idea! Head to the Powerhouse Moonlight Cinema or the American Express Open-Air Cinema to watch a new release classic movie. You just have to grab a bean bag chair and enjoy your moments.

Insightful Africa Travel Tips – Plan the Ideal Getaway

Be it adventures in the wild, beachside relaxation or experiencing a rich culture, there’s never a dull moment in Africa! Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your holiday.

Select the Destination

Narrow down where you want to go in Africa which is no easy task! Wildlife safaris in Namibia, visits to Victoria Falls in Zambia and coastal getaways in Mozambique are just some of the many options. Book hotels online in advance especially during the peak season (May to October) and check transport and related costs.

Original uploader was Ian Restall at en.wikipedia, Tourists swimming at Victoria Falls, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons

Respecting Local Culture

Many areas in Africa are quite conservative and you need to be respectful of local culture and religions. That said, the African people are friendly and hospital; be it at properties of brands like Avani Hotels & Resorts or when travelling, you will encounter warm-hearted locals who will make you feel at home.

Food and Water

Foodies will have a blast trying the various culinary highlights of each region though do be mindful of meat dishes in remote areas that may not have proper refrigeration. While tap water is safe in certain areas, generally, it’s better to drink filtered or boiled water; reduce your plastic use by bringing a reusable water bottle.

Using Money

Keep in mind that different African nations use different currencies; most areas will have credit card facilities and ATMs though if not, change your money at a local bank. Keep some extra dollars to change for any emergencies and when leaving, convert back any remaining local currency at a reputable money changer.

Exploring Jebel Samhan in Oman – Discovering A Breathtaking Viewpoint

Towering above the landscape, Jabal Samhan is the tallest mountain in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate and offers stunning vistas from its viewpoint that’s well worth visiting.

A Protected Sanctuary

Apart from being one of the key Oman attractions, this mountain that reaches a height of 2,100 metres, is also home to a wildlife reserve where the critically endangered Arabian leopard resides; other wildlife can be found here too including the Arabian gazelle. Keep in mind, to visit this sanctuary, special permission is needed.

Planning an Excursion

Jabal Samhan is about an hour’s drive from Salalah and the Kharif or monsoon season (end of July to early September) is an ideal time to visit since the landscapes are more verdant. Properties like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara organise excursions here which also include visits to other local attractions such as the Tawi Atayr sinkhole.

StellarD, Tawi Atayr Dhofar Oman, CC BY-SA 4.0

Making the Ascent

Depending on the tour, you can drive to the plateau viewpoint or undertake a six-hour trek. Set amidst deep mountain passes and limestone caves, Jabal Samhan also features fascinating flora. On your journey, you may come across spiky dragon trees that are centuries old, beautiful desert roses and frankincense trees.

The Famed Viewpoint

Near the summit, you will find the viewpoint with some truly spectacular coastal panoramas over 1,000 metres above the ground. Depending on when you visit, you will also see thick clouds below which add to the area’s charm. Be mindful that the wind can be quite strong and don’t forget your camera to capture this spellbinding sight!

Travel Requirements to Enter Abu Dhabi – Guidelines You Need to Keep in Mind

Abu Dhabi is once more open for tourists and makes an ideal holiday destination; however, there are guidelines and protocols in place that you should know before travelling here.

Go Safe Certification

When it comes to accommodation including 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, ensure you choose one that has the ‘Go Safe’ certification from the Department of Culture and Tourism. These properties such as those belonging to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas have adopted stringent health and hygiene measures ensuring safe stays.

Image via Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Arriving in Abu Dhabi

Depending on where you are flying from, you will have to present a negative result of a PCR test for COVID-19 taken within 48, 72 or 96 hours of departure. On arrival at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, you will have to take another PCR test as well as on day four and day eight, depending on the length of your stay.

The Green List

Those from destinations on the Green List are not required to undergo a 10-day quarantine. You need to present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before your departure to Abu Dhabi, undergo a PCR test on arrival and self-isolate till the results are given.

You can find the Green List of countries at – https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel/permitted-countries

Other Travellers

If your country is not on the Green List, you will have a 10-day mandatory quarantine. After the PCR test on arrival, travellers must register and will be given an electronic wristband to be worn during quarantine; the local health authorities will determine a suitable quarantine location be it a hotel, your home or other accommodation option.

Since procedures can change depending on the global pandemic situation, always check for updated guidelines: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel

What Is Thailand Most Famous For? – Reasons to enjoy your next vacation in Thailand

Thailand is a paradise for all sorts of travellers, especially for the backpackers out there! It’s famous for many great reasons. Here are a few of them.

Thai Food

Forget about the unreadable names of Thai dishes, just enjoy their unique tastes. Thailand is a paradise for those who love street food and even seafood. Diverse kinds of noodles, meat, and spices, you find it all there.

The Temples

The main religion of the Thais is Buddhism. This is why you find many Buddhist Temples (pagodas) and statues that are over a thousand years of age. There are also monasteries that you can visit when you are in Thailand.

© Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/, Wat Saket, Prayer, Bangkok, Thailand, CC BY 4.0

Thai Hospitality

Since Thailand is a country that considerably depends on the tourism industry, you find many good hotels everywhere. You may head to a hotel in Khon Kaen the likes of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre for your stay, and you are sure to enjoy the best of authentic hospitality.

Martial Arts

Those who know about Martial Arts, know about Muay Thai too. Muay Thai has been originated in Thailand. It has its unique ways of kicking, punching, and fighting and that’s worth watching.

Enjoy Flyboarding in Maldives – Soaring to New Heights

Looking for new water sports in Maldives to get your adrenaline pumping? Don’t miss the chance to try flyboarding that takes you above the waves on an experience you won’t forget!

Understanding the Basics

Ever wished you could take off the ground like Iron Man? Well, flyboarding is similar! Your feet will be strapped into special boots on a board connected to a watercraft by a long hose; through high-powered water pressure, jet nozzles lift the board / boots into the air which can reach heights of over 70 feet!

Where You Can Try It

The ideal water sport to try after relaxing at a Maldives water suite, flyboarding is on offer only at certain private resorts so check ahead. This includes properties such as Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort that have professional instructors and follow the needed safety procedures for a fun and safe experience.

Image via Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

More Than Just Flight

While this activity is relatively simple to learn, once you get the hang of it, you can enjoy more than just soaring in the air. Apart from speeding along the water, you can also (with the proper guidance) perform “tricks” which can include spinning around and even diving below the waves before being propelled back up.

Other Fun-filled Thrills

If you are craving more action-packed excitement on the water, then the right place to be is in the Maldives! Resorts feature a range of other thrilling water sports too; you can zip along on jet skis, satisfy your need for speed while kneeboarding, wakeboarding or water-skiing and try parasailing for stunning aerial vistas.

Conserving the Marine Treasures of the Maldives – Preserving an Underwater Paradise

While travellers enjoy seeing the array of coral and fish species in Maldives, many are unaware that this marine ecosystem faces threats too. Here’s what you should know.

Climate Change

While the Maldives has strict laws to protect coral and fish species, one thing it has no control over is climate change, especially rises in water temperature which harm reefs the world over; this has a direct impact on marine life that depends on the reefs and in turn, the survival of larger creatures up the food chain.

Coral Conservation

Coral conservation is vital and resorts such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas have initiated coral adoption programmes that travellers can get involved in; apart from enjoying a stay at a Maldives pool villa, guests can help the resort team to transplant broken coral in a reef nursery and get updates on its progress.

Responsible Tourism

Travellers should choose resorts that are vested in conservation including responsible snorkelling and diving in Maldives. Such properties will have a resident marine biologist who will help you get a greater understanding of marine life too; be it swimming with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay or spotting turtles and dolphins, there’s much to enjoy.

Shaping Young Minds

The next generation will also play an important role in marine conservation in Maldives; to this end, some resorts have marine biology courses for kids with a resident marine biologist. It can include fun Indian Ocean adventures where they can see dolphins, swim with turtles, learn about conservation efforts and even get training on diving.

Make the Most of the Magic Day in Hong Kong Disneyland – When magic becomes real

Situated on the island of Lantau, Disneyland in Hong Kong is one of the most magical places to visit in Asia. You might be travelling solo, with family or as a couple, this place is what brings your childhood fantasies to life and is extremely enjoyable.

Main Street, USA
This is the name of the entrance that stretches out towards the Castle of Sleeping Beauty. It is designed to look like a late 19th early 20th century style town. Find some souvenirs at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or let your little ones play dress up as their favourite characters at Royal Princess Garden.

Adventureland
This is the largest park within the entire complex and is focused on all the adventurous stories by Disney. You can take a tour of Tarzan’s treehouse or join in the Home Coming Celebrations for Moana. If you love adventure, you will never get enough of this place!

Fantasyland
As the name suggests, this is where all your magical Disney dreams come to life. Meet your favourite characters and take pictures with them. You can indulge in various rides like the Cinderella Carousel or The Giant Teacups and much more.

Mystic Point
This is where the dark magic comes to life! It’s a place that is designed for 3D illusions of hauntings and various other items and atmospheres that give you the sense of mystery. It is the ideal place to click away.
Hotels in Wan Chai Hong Kong, the likes of Cosmo Hotel Wan Chai Hong Kong are just a 30-minute drive away from Disneyland, so if ever possible, make sure you visit.

Why Is Namibia Unique? – Discover Africa

Being one of the least densely populated countries on the planet, Namibia fills you with an inexplicable feeling that you can’t experience elsewhere. Experience the calmness and immerse in the wilderness as you holiday at one of the hotels in Namibia such as the Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino.

RudiBosbouer, Fish River Canyon – Boulder section before Wild Fig Bend, CC BY-SA 3.0

That Feeling of Being by Yourself

With just two or so people per square kilometre, Namibia offers you the chance of driving for hours under sunny blue skies without a soul in sight.

The Driest Country Around!

Being the driest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, deserts reign much of the country. This has helped an incredible array of animals and plants adapt to the harsh desert conditions, making it a popular destination for spotting desert wildlife.

Spectacular Game Safaris

Namibia has a range of parks and game reserves out of which Etosha National Park stands out above the rest. Here, wildlife enthusiasts can track black rhinos and cheetahs on foot.

Extreme Landscapes

These landscapes contribute to the uniqueness of Namibia in a major way. From some of the tallest dunes in the world and breathtaking Fish River Canyon to the sand seas of Namib, this country has the most splendidly diverse natural terrains.

A Guide to Explore Brighton, Melbourne – An Idyllic Suburb by the Ocean

One of Melbourne’s charming coastal suburbs, Brighton is the ideal place to spend the day on your holiday and offers more than just beachside bliss; here’s what to expect.

Donaldytong, Elsternwick Park, CC BY-SA 3.0

Planning Your Visit

This suburb is around 11 km from the CBD of Melbourne; hotel apartments in the city centre including the likes of Oaks Melbourne on Lonsdale Suites are about 30 minutes away by car. You can also take the train from Flinders Street Station (Sandringham line) to Brighton Beach Station, the bus (#600, 922, 923) or tram (#64).

Brighton Beach

Nestled along Port Phillip Bay, Brighton Beach is made up of three sections; of these, the most popular is Dendy Street Beach as it’s home to 82 historical and colourful Victorian-era bathing boxes that are an Instagram favourite too! Overall, the white sandy beaches here are perfect for relaxing and swimming.

Shopping & Dining

Apart from spending time at the beach, one can also explore Brighton for retail therapy and foodie adventures. Start at Church Street, home to the Dendy Plaza Shopping Centre, clothes shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars. Also of note is Bay Street, a historic shopping strip with dining options as well.

Other Highlights

Amongst the best things to do in Brighton is to walk or cycle along the 17 km Bayside Coastal Art Trail that features lovely coastal views and signs regarding artworks by local artists. Other key attractions to visit include the historic Middle Brighton Baths, Billilla Historic Mansion, Brighton Public Golf Course and Elsternwick Park.