There is no better way to see Australia than by jumping in the car and hitting the highway, though it helps if you know where some of the best places are to go. Victoria is the perfect place for a nice long drive, and whether you are looking for an easy day trip or something a little longer, you have more than a few options in this spectacular and picturesque State. The following are a few drives well worth the cost of petrol.

Driving in Australia by James Mellor / Flickr

Stawell

For a great excuse to hit the road in your sweet ride, drive up to Stawell for the Easter long weekend to check out the running of Australia’s richest and most famous foot races, the Stawell Gift. This gorgeous town in north-western Victoria is a charming place any time of year and a great destination at the end of a long drive no matter where you have come from. Regardless of which way you are heading, it’s well worth ducking down into the Grampians to have a quick look, as this area is some of the most magical parts of Victoria.

The Great Ocean Road

If you haven’t heard of the Great Ocean Road, you really should get out more, as this drive is one of the most famous stretches of road in the world, and the prefect place to pump up the tunes kick back and enjoy the drive. Consisting of a few hundred kilometres of beautiful winding road, and taking in some of the most spectacular coastline in Australia, make sure you bring your camera and stop lots along the way. There are heaps of great little towns along the route where you can fuel up your car and your body, and if you are starting to fade a bit, check into one of the great little hotels and watch the sunset off this stunning coast. If you don’t have your own car but want to do this great drive, get on one of the great ocean road tours, leave the driving to someone else and enjoy the ride!

Great Ocean Road by Angela Rutherford / Flickr

Wilson’s Prom

Whether you just have the day off work or the entire weekend, for a great drive, do the Melbourne to Wilson’s Prom trip, which takes you through the gorgeous Gippsland area and down into one of Victoria’s most picturesque spots. The last hundred kilometres down into the Prom is simply magical and will have you feeling like you are driving through a fairytale. Make sure you stop in Yanakie if you need any snacks or supplies before heading further into the Prom, as it is your last chance, and if you are driving through here at dawn or dusk, watch out for wildlife on the road as there’s lots of it!

Wilson’s Prom by Anna Moony / Flickr

If you have a decent car, there is nothing better than leaving your work, worries and stress behind and hitting the open road, and if you want to see some amazing sights, Victoria is a driver’s dream. So whether you want to plan an epic road trip or just get out of town for the day, there are great options all over Victoria, so just pick up a decent map and you are good to go.

About the author
Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics.

The results of a new survey conducted by TripAdvisor confirms offering WiFi Internet Access it the hotel amenity travelers are most impressed by and most often require.  This first 360 degree survey released its findings after probing the opinions of 1,200 tourists and 600 hotel owners and managers in the USA. 88% of travelers said they expect to have free WiFi internet access at their hotel and any other type of lodging. Owners and managers seem to know their guests well, as 93% of surveyed hotels report they offer some sort of free WiFi access to Internet to their customers.

Similar findings were released by Hotels.com earlier in January, stating free WiFi is the top aspect considered by travelers in their hotel booking decisions. Most people now travel with several gadgets with WiFi capabilities and expect to take advantage of them during their hotel stays. 

U.S. Travelers Top Hotel Amenities according to TripAdvisor survey

1. WiFi Internet Access
2. Breakfast included in booking
3. Guest loyalty points
4. Restaurant in the hotel
5. Shuttle service to take them to nearby airports or attractions

Hotel owners  and managers have managed to get most of their top amenities right, but they still place more importance on restaurants than their guest, while they should focus more on their loyalty programs and the points they offer for stays.

“While accommodations generally appear to be in sync with most traveler amenity preferences, our first-ever 360 degree survey reveals that there are a number of opportunities for lodging businesses to shift the focus from some services to others to capture travelers’ attention,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “For example, offering complimentary or discounted tickets, recommendations or even a shuttle service to local attractions or a nearby airport may help tip the balance in a property’s favor, especially when you consider that more than half of travelers say they’ve canceled a reservation because they found better amenities elsewhere.”

U.S. Travelers Obsolete Hotel Amenities according to TripAdvisor survey

1. Turndown service
2. Pets allowed
3. Spa
4. Tours and other activities
5. Room service

Not Just WiFi, but Free Access

The vast majority of travelers expect their WiFi access to be free of charge and a little under half or survey respondents said they never paid for this amenity. In their search for free access, 65% said they have used free Wi-Fi Internet in an accommodation’s lobby or common areas to avoid paying for in-room access.

Hotel managers and owners should pay close attention to their guests preference for certain amenities, as more than half of surveyed travelers have canceled their reservations because they have found better amenities elsewhere.

Atlantic City used to be one of the most popular gambling destinations in the US, the casino gem of the east coast, yet it is faced with declining numbers in visitors and their spending. To win back its former glory, the city will go through a face lift according to a plan approved by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, which includes a revamp of its well-known boardwalk and the addition of new rides on the pier.

Atlantic City by Chris Goldberg

Although still the second-largest gambling center in the USA, Atlantic City, only second to Las Vegas, is currently facing strong competition from casinos in Pennsylvania, New York and New England. The city revamp will  mainly focus on the tourist-magnet boardwalk and will include the development of a whole new entertainment zone, new lighting, pavilions and art. Atlantic Avenue will become home to an arts and boutique district and a new residential area will be built along the water, near the South Inlet.

The famed Steel Pier will also undergo a $100 million facelift of its own, which will bring new amusement rides for this year, including a comeback of a once popular diving horse attraction and the once-famous Marine Ballroom.

John F. Palmieri, the executive director of the Atlantic City authority in charge of the plan to boost city popularity among gamblers, said about $30 to $40 million a year in gambling revenues will be used to pay for the public projects, hoping to also attract three to four times that amount in private investments.

“Our mission is to create a city where there is no off season,” said David Sheldon, a planner from The Jerde Partnership, who worked on the plan’s outline. “It is about a city that pulls you back in and makes you want to return again and again.”

While local authorities are quite taken with the plan, residents have voiced their concerns. They believe crime is a bigger issue than the city not having enough attractions to entertain visitors. According to data provided by City-Data.com, Atlantic City does have a higher crime rate than the US average, which might put off visitors that would come with enough cash and credit to spend in the local casinos.

Booking trips through online travel agencies is quickly gaining ground, making traditional travel agents obsolete. Recent data shows only 1 in 10 Britons will book their annual trip through an agent, the vast majority preferring online service: 66% of Britons state they will book through an online travel agent for their 2012 holiday.

Fresh research by TravelSupermarket revealed that just 14%of Britons intend to book their trip over the telephone and only 11% will visit a high street travel agent to book their holiday. In what research to decide where to go in 2012, only 12% of those surveyed would visit a shop to pick up brochures and discuss about destinations with an agent. An overwhelming 52% would rather use internet search engines and another 40% would check review websites like TripAdisor.

“Purse strings are tight for many in 2012,” said travel expert from TravelSupermarket, Bob Atkinson said. “’The internet makes researching our holiday so much easier. Review sites are growing in popularity as holidaymakers trust the opinion of their peers, and Brits are getting better at using the internet to compare prices and get the best deal.”

The numbers should worry traditional agents, as 96% of Britons plan to take a holiday this year and estimate researching it would take two to four week. With most of them favoring online services, Thomas Cook might not be the only company facing a dire end after a long lasting career in the travel sector.

When researching their next trip, one of the most important aspects for British travelers is to find low cost holidays (40%), a factor that plays a bigger part in decision making and purchasing than former kkey aspects, such as weather or accommodation options.

Spain is the most popular destination with 11 % of Britons already planning on heading there, followed, at quite a distance, by Italy with 3% and Portugal with 2%.

If you’re traveling to the Big Apple for the first time, no doubt there are things you want to do and see. The city can be overwhelming for those not used the crowds of the big city. Unless you are staying for a month or two, there’s a good chance you won’t have time to see all that’s offered in NYC. Creating an itinerary can help you stay on track and ensure you see the things that are the most important to you. Here are five things you should include on your list:

1. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is an American icon and must be seen at least once in a person’s lifetime. While you can pay to go to Ellis Island, you can also see it just as well from the Staten Island Ferry for free. Before you make up your mind whether you will spend the money to travel to the island, know this: the statue has been closed to the public since 9/11.

While making your itinerary, consider this as well: a trip to Ellis Island can easily take five hours from start to finish while a ride aboard the Staten Island Ferry can easily be completed in an hour or so. If you do decide to go directly to the statue, be sure to make reservations in advance so you can gain entry into the base; without reservations you’ll not be let in.

2. Shopping

NYC offers amazing shopping opportunities and, even if you don’t plan on making any purchases, you must head to Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue. The store is an experience in itself and ogling at the brilliant diamond jewelry and watches is a great way to spend an afternoon. Drop the right hints to your partner and who knows? You may just walk away with something gorgeous!

3. West Village

When you need a break from the city for an afternoon, or even when you don’t, head down to the West Village and walk the cobblestone streets. The village has looked nearly the same since the 19th century and is riddled with history. Mae West was once held at the Jefferson Market Courthouse and lovely shops dot the way along Bleecker and Commerce Streets. When you get hungry for a bite, or if you simply feel like a great pint of ale, walk into the Spotted Pig and pull yourself up a chair.

4. Empire State Building

If you’re dying to do something touristy, visit the ESB and head on up to the 86th floor. The observation deck provides views of the city that are breathtaking, especially at night. If you want to pay a bit extra, you can head up to the 105th floor for even better views and fewer crowds.

If you want to see the cityscape without the crowds, Rockefeller Center offers an observation deck with its own range of beautiful city vistas.

5. Grand Central Terminal

Even if you aren’t catching a train, the GCT is a must-see for any first-timer. Full of shops, eateries and bars, you don’t need to be heading anywhere to spend hours at the terminal. One of the least known facts about the building is the amazing Oyster Bar ramp. Stand at one end and have your traveling partner stand at the other; whisper sweet nothings to the wall and your partner will clearly hear what you said from the other side of the ramp.

There are, of course, hundreds of other things to see and do in NYC. From Broadway shows to amazing shopping opportunities, the city has something to offer everyone. Plan your itinerary well in advance to be sure you don’t miss anything!

About the author
Author Tanya Peterson resides in NYC and is a content contributor for watchrepairny.com, a Manhattan provider of fine services such as Omega watch repair and engraving since 1978. Tanya’s grandfather was in the antique watch business and it’s been a fascination with her since childhood.

The online travel agency postponed its official launch due to high sing up demand

Global Hotel Exchange, an online travel agency launching their very own business model for the hotel and accommodation industry, has recently signed over 1,000 new hotels through the California Lodging Industry Association and Independent Lodging Industry Association. The high demand for new hotels to be added to Global Hotels Exchange has forced the company to postpone the official launch, initially announced for last month, and push it to March 2012.

The Global Hotel Exchange business model focuses on cost-free distribution to hotels, helping them in a time where they are already facing ever-rising commissions and fees. They have already reported massive sign ups prior to the launch, CLIA and ILIA joining an already large family, which is expected to keep growing in the near future. As more signups mean time and resources devoted to integrating new comers in the GHX matrix, the OTA decided to postpone its launch to prevent any major hiccups.

“We are looking forward to adding over a thousand member hotels to the Global Hotel Exchange inventory,” said Bobbie Singh-Allen, J.D, Executive Vice President / COO of the California Lodging Industry Association and Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Industry Association. “This is an exciting opportunity for small and independent hotels to improve their bottom line with increased hotel revenue and bookings. We will work with Global Hotel Exchange to add several thousand additional hotels in the coming months.”

Hotels from around the world are also lining up to join this new online travel agency. As Global Hotel Exchange CEO Thomas Magnuson explains, “the massive number of hotels we are signing daily from dozens of countries clearly indicates a desire to combat a global triple threat of falling demand, lower room rates, and increased OTA fees.”

GHX is a consumer booking platform and will provide ‘market based pricing,’ a simple, fast and transparent way to book a room at a fair market price. Hotel owners will receive worldwide marketing at no cost. There will also be no merchant discounts, commissions or distribution fees of any kind to hotels. To finance their business, Global Hotel Exchange will charge a small one time service fee to consumers for each booking.

London is where most online searches from the UK ead travelers planing for their next vacation. The UK capital was top choice of the 1.8 million searches for hotels recorded in November 2011, according to the latest report analyzing online searches by Greenlight, ‘Hotels Issue 10′. Greenlight‘s report also analyzes which brands and review sites were the most visible in both natural and paid media results and hence received the greatest share of consideration when consumers searched for holidays on Google UK.

by Federico

The report showed consumer searches mostly focus on hotels in Ireland and the UK, amounting to more than 590.000 queries or 45% from all the searches made for hotels hat month. Most searched for location-specific terms used were ‘Hotels in London’, ‘London hotels’ and ‘Cheap hotels in London’ which together accounted for 10% of the total number of hotel searches over the period.

Searches for hotels in short haul locations accounted for more than 366,000 , the large majority targeting European destinations. Paris and Amsterdam accounted for 22% of hotel searches in this subsector. Long haul searches were topped by USA destinations, making up 22% of searches generated by from 341,000 queries. New York, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco and Boston were most popular among accommodation searches.

Most visible online brands

When analyzing natural search, Late Rooms was the most visible website for domestic hotel-related searches with a whooping 95% share of voice. Booking.com was the most dominant advertiser in paid media, with 99% share of voice. Trip Advisor, with 73% share of voice, was the most visible site for hotels in short haul destinations. Trip Advisor also took the lead in the long haul hotel subsector, with a 76% share of visibility.

In what social media presence is concerned, Expedia had the most number of followers on Facebook and LinkedIn, yet Trip Advisor still was top dog in overall social media brand visibility.

Whilst many romantic retreats involve cuddling up in a nice luxury apartment, some couples want to see and do romantic activities outside of the bedroom. Wether it be enjoying the Great Ocean Road tours and going horse riding along the south east coast, or hot air ballooning through the Avon valley and sipping champagne, or dining in the middle of a tropical rainforest, Australia has a number of romantic activities for couples to engage in.

Largs Bay Sunset by Howard Russell / Flickr

These are the top five romantic holiday activities that couples can explore all around Australia.

1. Cairns Rain Forest Dining Experience

Cairns, located in tropical North Queensland, offers a number of romantic activities, one being the “Flames of the Forest” dining experience.  The experience involves eating a six course meal amidst a beautiful and lush rainforest, underneath a silk marquee. The candle lit dinner is also accompanied by premium wine and non-alcoholic beverages, like tea and coffee.

Barron Falls, Cairns by Phil Long / Flickr

This dining experience takes place near Port Douglas (which is the meeting point) and couples are then chaperoned after booking the fine dining tour and the whole session takes between 2 – 3 hours.

There are also a number of accommodations in tropical Cairns for couples to stay in later after their six-course meal.

2. Horse Riding Along the Beaches of the South East Coast

The Great Ocean Road, located in Victoria, stretches along the pristine south east coast of Australia and contains some of the most beautiful rock formations. Within this area, horse rides are available for couples and these rides follow beach trails that occur between Warrnambool and Port Fairy.

horse riding by Rachel Smith / Flickr

The horse ride tours, which go for around 3 to 4 hours, offer views of rolling sand dunes, clear blue waters and possible glimpses of wallabies, seals and a variety of bird life.

Couples, thinking of going on these horse-riding tours, should consider stopping over and staying in Port Campbell. This coastal town is the main stop over point for people journeying along the Great Ocean Road and has a range of accommodation options.

3. Barossa Valley Cycling and Sparkling Wine Tour

The Barossa Valley, located in South Australia, produces some of Australia’s best wine. For couples that love wine, there are romantic bicycle tours, where bikes can be hired and delivered to your specific accommodation in the Barossa Valley. Couples are able to cycle through the scenic vineyards of the Barossa Valley and stop in at wine tasting cellars on the way.

Barossa Valley wine tour by ulterior epicure / Flickr

For the bike tour, couples are supplied with two bikes, all necessary safety equipment, a map, bottles of drinking water and a bottle of Australian Sparkling Wine (with two glass flutes).

The entire experience takes around 3 hours, which includes couples being picked up and dropped off within the local area and wine tastings.

4. Avon Valley Champagne and Balloon Flights

The Avon Valley, located in Western Australia, is renowned for its exquisite wineries. For couples, however, there is more to do than just taste wine. There is also the chance to float over the Avon Valley in a hot air balloon! This experience is also topped off with a cooked breakfast (accompanied by champagne) upon returning to the ground.

Avon Valley Balloon flights by Andrew Dennes / Flickr

The balloon fight, which starts and ends in Northam, takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour. However, the overall experience (including travel time and the breakfast) takes 4 -5 hours.

5. Abseiling and Champagne at Kangaroo Point

Kangaroo Point, located directly east from Queensland’s Brisbane River, offers couples the chance to abseil down Kangaroo Point Cliffs and later to enjoy champagne and nibbles. Thrill-seeking couples can abseil down the cliffs either in the day or at night and enjoying some truly spectacular aerial views of Story Bridge, Brisbane city and the Brisbane River. The best time to go abseiling is around dusk, when the Brisbane city begins to turn on all its nightlights. Couples, looking to complete this romantic experience can also find a number of luxury romantic serviced apartments in Brisbane.

Kangoroo Point by night by Tate Johnson / Flickr

The tour provides couples with all the necessary safety equipment and the entire experience takes approximately 2 hours, which also includes the demonstration by the professional guides.

About the author
Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics.

Traveling to a new country can be an exciting experience whether for business or pleasure, and often the most efficient and enjoyable way to get around a new place is by car. However, even for the most experienced drivers a new country will bring new challenges. It is important to remember that each nation has different road signs, languages, driving habits and even different sides of the road which they might drive on. Before you get behind the wheel of a car overseas, read this guide and become familiar with everything you need to in order to stay safe.

1. Confirm Auto Insurance

Before you even turn on a car in a new country, it is vital that you are properly covered by some form or auto insurance. Before you depart on vacation, call your auto insurance provider at home and ask about any regulations overseas and to inquire about whether or not your policy covers you in each particular country. If not, ensure that the rental car agency abroad has adequate insurance for you and the car.

2. GPS

In a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, driving can be a tricky situation. If you get lost, you may not be able to ask for direction. Even foreign maps can be difficult to understand as they often have city names written in the native language rather than in English. To ensure that you can safely find your way in a new location, get a GPS, or global positioning satellite system, for your car to give you clear English voice instructions to each of your destinations.

3. Road Signs

Every country has road signs that look a little different. Check online before you travel to familiarize yourself with the most basic signs, especially those for stop and yield, along with the exit signs on major highways. If you can, learn a few key words like exit, left, right and straight ahead to better understand the road signage.

4. Proper Licensing

Most foreign governments will allow visitors on vacation to use their home country licenses to drive for short periods of time. However, not all countries will, and some will have restrictions or time limits on how long you can do that. In order to be safe, invest in an International Driving Permit, or IDP, that will be accepted in hundreds of different countries around the world and costs a mere $20 to purchase.

5. Follow the Rules

Although it may be obvious that you should never drive while under the influence of alcohol or ride in a car without your seatbelt on, in a foreign country it becomes even more important to do so. Heavy fines or even jail time can apply and ruin your vacation, so always be safe.

By paying close attention to each of these tips, any driver should feel safe driving in a foreign country. Be sure to follow all signposted road rules and speed limits in order to avoid fines while traveling abroad.

Charlie Sullivan is an insurance consultant for autoinsurance.info, where you can find everything from Auto Insurance Companies in Missouri to the best deals for Car Insurance Companies in Arizona.

If you’re planning a Fiji holiday, firstly—congratulations! You’re about to have the experience of a lifetime. Fiji is a solidly popular holiday destination, and anyone who’s experienced its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, friendly locals and warm climate will tell you it’s worth the hype. One of the best things about Fiji, however, is that it offers something for every taste.

Beach in Fiji by miguel sanchez / Flickr

However you like to travel, Fiji’s got something in store for you, whether it’s a rugged hike, a deserted island or an experience with some locals who’ll leave you enchanted. We know that everyone is different—that’s what makes this world so fantastic—so we’ve put together three very different suggestions for three very different Fiji holidays. Which one takes your fancy?

Cultural Buzz

Fiji has an incredibly interesting local culture, with influences from the Indian and British, as well as the original Polynesian culture of its native people. Contrary to what many believe, Fiji isn’t just about tropical Oases and cocktails at sunset—it’s about the passionate, friendly and ancient culture of its people, and their willingness to share traditions with visitors. Essential experiences for those wanting to explore Fijian culture is a visit to a rural village, partaking in a kava ceremony, experiencing a traditional dance ceremony and driving through sacred areas to learn more about the proud history of this fascinating population.

Fiji, kava ceremony by Mark Whatmough / Flickr

Active Tourism

If lounging on the beach is fine for ten minutes and then you’re ready for your next adventure, a more active holiday is probably something you’ll enjoy, and lucky for you, Fiji is just the place to find one. Snorkelling, scuba-diving, sailing, fishing, parasailing and jet-skiing are all activities available to the Fijian visitor, and if you’re looking to raise your adrenalin and give yourself a trip to remember, make sure you seek out some of the more action-packed activities on the islands.

Fiji snorkeling by dmscvan / Flickr

Essential experiences for the active tourist include taking a fishing charter to see if you can land a big one, trying your hand at scuba-diving and learning how to sail amid some of the most pristine scenery around. If that isn’t enough for you, Fiji has some great waves, so grab your board ad throw yourself into the surf!

Rest and Relaxation

If you’re the kind of person who likes utter luxury and relaxation on holidays to get away from the hustle and bustle of real life, Fiji can also give you what you’re looking for. Practically lousy with beautiful beaches, all you have to do is choose your patch of sand, decide on a cocktail, find a good book and let yourself drift off into Fiji time, where deadlines and schedules no longer matter. If you are looking for a bit of tourism, a Fiji cruise around the islands should see you right, and you can even combine it with a luxury lunch so that you never have to let go of your wine glass! Essential experiences for the luxury traveller include having a spa treatment, sampling local cuisine and turning over every twenty minutes so as not to get an uneven tan…

Fiji sunset by Simon Clancy / Flickr

About the author
Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics.