Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Guide to planning a winter weekend in Port Stephens

If you think it’s just the summers that are amazing in Port Stephens, you are probably wrong. It’s also a great winter escape with its many beaches and hills.

Staying in Port Stephens

Image by ZebethBrowse via Pixabay

Thinking about options for Port Stephens accommodation? As long as there are properties the likes of Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort, you don’t need to worry about it. They will offer you every luxury and comfort.

Explore the Tomaree Mountain

Get ready to explore one of the best lookouts in New South Wales- Tomaree Mountain. For the complete hike, it won’t take even 2 hours, but the views from the summit are totally worth it

Explore the beaches

Zenith Beach is not the only beach to head to during your winter getaway. Don’t forget about the Anna bay, One Mile Beach, and Fingal Bay Beach that is also can also be visited to bring you warmth, joy, and relief.

Head to Gan Gan Hill

For someone who loves views, the Tomaree Mountain is not the only option. Hike to the Gan Gan lookout without much effort and enjoy all the views of the Port Stephens, Hawks Nest, and many more.

Nuwara Eliya’s Top Attractions

Little England is the name given to Nuwara Eliya. You will at once see why when you visit this town because the buildings you see in this area, the climate, and everything else is very much similar to an English setup.

Image credit-Unsplash,Egle Sidaraviciute,CC0

Nuwara Eliya Water Falls

Nuwara Eliya is an area blessed with beautiful waterfalls. Glen Falls, Lovers Leap, and Ramboda Falls are just some of them. To witness the beauty of some, you will have to hike a little, but the views are astonishing!

Tea Bluefield Tea Factory

This region has a lot of tea estates, from where the world-famous tea brand ‘Ceylon Tea’ was originated from. During your tour, head to the Bluefield Tea Factory and enjoy an impressive cup of tea after a detailed factory visit.

Horton Plains National Park

Although this National Park is located 30km away from the city, it is worth a visit. You will find the World’s End here at the Horton Plains. It’s a bit of a long hike, but you are sure to enjoy it!

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya?

Since it’s a very touristy area, you don’t need to worry about options for accommodation in Nuwara Eliya. Hotels such as Galway Heights are available with world-class services to welcome you for a blissful holiday.

Victoria Falls Devils Pool and Livingstone Island

Located adjacent to hotels in Livingstone Zambia offered by popular chains such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Livingstone Island is a perfect place for a day out; however, only a maximum of 24 people are allowed on the island at a time.

Victoria Falls

A waterfall that is formed by the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is hailed as one of the largest waterfalls in the world due to its humongous width. It provides a flourishing habitat to its many species of animals and plants.

Image Credit: **Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas**

Livingstone Island

If you’re planning on a tour to this scenic island, you should know that they are seasonal and the island can only be reached when the Zambezi River’s water level is low enough to provide safe access to the island. The best time to visit this island would be from late June to early March.

Story behind Name

David Livingstone first revealed the whereabouts of this island in November 1855; hence the name of the island. It is said that he lowered a length of cotton cloth with a bullet attached to it in order to measure the depth of the pool.

Devils Pool

As the name suggests, the water level has to be pretty low for someone to even consider swimming at the Devils Pool.

Exciting Things to do in the Maldives

Have you ever daydreamed about what you’d do when you’re surrounded by exquisite stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters?! When you make reservations at one of the many Maldives resorts, you will experience the excitement and exhilaration that adventure seekers do.

Parasailing

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience in the Maldives, then Parasailing is a must-experience activity. You’ll feel exhilarated when you feel the ocean breeze on your face while drinking in the views of the azure waters of the Arabian Sea.

Fun Tubing

One of the most exciting things to do in these paradisiacal islands, fun tubing is an excellent activity if you love feeling that insane adrenaline rush through your veins. During your stay at the Maldives at properties such as Baros Maldives, you can try out this fun activity with your loved ones.

Scuba Diving

A different experience from the ones above the water surface, scuba diving provides an ethereal experience for those who brave the deep waters. Swimming alongside manta rays and whale sharks will enhance the sense of adventure.

Water Skiing

One of the most enjoyable water sports is water skiing although you must avoid the months from June through September as the rainy season brings harsh weather conditions. However, one should definitely experience this exciting sport where they get pulled around the ocean behind a boat.

Phang Nga Bay Island Cruise

The spectacular Phang Nga Bay has an exquisite element that makes its appeal increase as a tourist destination; the magnificent limestone karsts that are jutting out over the turquoise waters would surely make your jaw drop due to its unbelievable splendour.

Cruising the Bay

Phang Nga Bay is a perfect destination to go on a boating trip. It offers many safe places to anchor while you admire its scenic views.

James Bond Island

A landmark in the region, James Bond Island gained its popularity due to its starring role in The Man with the Golden Gun, a famous James Bond movie. When you cruise around the island, you will be mesmerised by the sheer number of majestic limestone karsts that are peppered around the region.

Koh Panyee Island

Another famous spot of the Phang Nga Bay, Koh Panyee Island is a great place to enjoy the breathtaking scenery on the bay, as you’d only have brief encounters with tourists. You can arrange a cruise around this picturesque bay during your stay at a pool villa in Phuket offered by popular chains such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Located just a 30-minute drive away from Phuket, Samet Nangshe Viewpoint offers the most bewitching views of the limestones of the Phang Nga Bay. This location has got extraordinary photographic potential that would absolutely delight your senses.

Dambulla in One Day

Located in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, the town of Dambulla is an ideal destination to visit or be based at. If you have just one day here, these are some of the things you can do.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Get off to an early start by heading to the top of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within easy reach of Aliya Resort & Spa. You will pass rock frescoes, the Mirror Wall and the remains of huge lion paws leading up to the summit where palace ruins and inspiring vistas await.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

With a history that dates to the 1st century BC, another key local attraction is the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Hotels that are close by are ideal since you can plan a visit to this site where you will find Buddha statues and historical paintings within a stunning cave temple complex.

Minneriya National Park

In the second half of the day, you can plan a wildlife safari to the Minneriya National Park home to diverse animal and bird life; if you visit between June to September you are in for a treat since you can witness “The Gathering” where hundreds of elephants can be seen.

Ayurvedic Spa Bliss

Look to stay at a hotel that has an Ayurveda spa so you can enjoy some relaxing and rejuvenating treatments after all your adventures. Such spas offer traditional and holistic rituals with everything from herbal oil body therapies to herbal steam baths and more.

Mekong River Cruise experience

In the earlier days, civilisations were born around massive rivers, which also assisted in establishing relevant cultures. Mekong River is no exception. One can learn about the fascinating cultural aspects of an ancient civilisation when embarking on a luxury Mekong River cruise.

History of Mekong River

The earliest settlement date back to 2100 BC, the Khmer culture of Funan. Khmer empire Angkor was the last greatest Indianised state in the area. Mekong River is regarded as the cornerstone of the economic growth and prosperity of South East Asia.

Cruising Area

The spectacular Mekong Delta is spread over an area of approximately 15,000 square miles, which boasts of lush green paddy fields, fruit orchards, fish farms, and thriving ecosystems. Mekong Delta contributes to more than half of Vietnam’s rice production; hence, it’s also called the “rice bowl” of the country.

Cruising Experience

A Mekong River cruise would let travellers come across new cultures, thus being able to perceive life from a different perspective. From ancient temples and serene villages to incredible scenery and wildlife along the way, a cruise along this mighty river will offer an unparalleled experience.

Overnight Mekong Cruises

One can embark on a unique and scintillating night-time adventure on the Mekong River with cruise companies such as Mekong Kingdoms. A night-time cruise along this river would reveal a land of spellbinding beauty.

Top Family Experiences in Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular countries to visit in South East asia, especially If you’re planning a vacation with the whole family. Here there’s adventures and excitement to be had for people of all ages – here are some of the top family experiences you can have in Thailand.

Elephant Nature Park

A visit to Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park is the chance to spend a day with some of the most magnificent and gentle creatures on the planet. All the elephants here were either rescued or orphaned individuals. You can interact and get close to these placid giants – but not too close! Here at the sanctuary, it’s all about maintaining a comfortable distance for both the people and the animals.

Jungle Adventures

If your family is of the adventurous type, consider an exhilarating jungle adventure in the wilds of Thailand. There are plenty of activities to try out from thrilling mountain bike rides to kayaking along the region’s pristine rivers.

Cycling in Thailand

If you’re staying at a hotel Khon Kaen has to offer – say, for example, the Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre – you might want to consider a cycling tour through Central Thailand. This provides the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most fantastic attractions and the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.

A Walking Food Tour

Thailand is famous for its local cuisine, renowned for its unique flavour combinations and delectable aromas. So, why not take a walking tour through the streets of Thailand with the family, tasting all kinds of different dishes along the way.

Botswana Wildlife Highlights

When it comes to experiencing African wildlife, few places in the continent can beat the fantastic opportunities Botswana offers. From sprawling deserts to lush swamplands, there’s an astounding degree of biodiversity to go around here.

The Okavango Delta

Most Botswana resorts – for example, the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino – will make mention of how you can see amazing varieties of wildlife in the region. The absolute best location for this is undoubtedly the Okavango Delta. Surrounded by the dry expanse of the Kalahari Desert, the delta serves as an oasis for all manner of species – from wading birds to colossal hippos.

The Kalahari

The desert that surrounds the Okavango is by no means devoid of life either – quite the opposite in fact. The Kalahari contains some of the world’s most recognizable animal species. This included the African elephant and the iconic African lin.

Hp.Baumeler, Säbelantilope Namibia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Ngami

Lake Ngami is full of spectacular wildlife and some breath-taking views. The lake is formed by the overflowing waters of the Okavango and provides a haven for many species. Notable sighting includes wading birds like marabou storks and predators like the Nile crocodile.

Tsodilo Hills

The Tsodilo Hills is an old geological formation that’s over 800 million years old! There are caves here that are full of ancient paintings that depict the region’s wildlife – from scavenging hyenas to roving herds of buffalo.

Visits to the Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon in Krabi

Looking for a change of scenery while enjoying a sublime coastal escape in Krabi? Head inland to an ancient forest where you will find the idyllic Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon.

Planning a Trip

These two sites are in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park in Khlong Thom about an hour away from the main town. An ideal place for excursions from local properties like Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, the Emerald Pool is open from 07:30am to 05:30pm; weekday visits are best to avoid weekend crowds.

The Emerald Pool

Locally referred to as “Sa Morakot”, the Emerald Pool has water sourced from natural streams and has a distinct colour that befits its name. Ideal to visit on a day tour for those staying at a hotel Ao Nang, Krabi has to offer, this pool is a great place for a relaxing swim; remember to bring your own towels!

Maksym Kozlenko, Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot), CC BY-SA 4.0

The Blue Lagoon

Around 400 metres away is the Blue Lagoon with heated water from an underground spring. While you are not permitted to swim here, the stunning azure of the water amidst the forest makes for a soothing sight and some amazing Insta pictures! This site is not always open so check ahead.

Forest Treks

One of the best things to do in Krabi for nature lovers is to combine their visit here with some trekking at the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park. You will come across diverse flora and fauna, charming waterfalls and plenty of birdlife; if you’re lucky, you may spot the Gurney’s pitta, a bird once thought to be extinct!