Leave Your Worries Behind in Sydney

Sydney, Australia has been a top destination for travelers for decades and it’s no wonder why. This city is filled with sights to see, things to do, and some of the friendliest people on earth. Australia is widely known for its laid-back attitude and Sydney takes this to a whole new level by combining vast coastlines, and scenic mountains. While you are touring around looking at all Sydney has to offer, you will be doing it all in climate that is as mild as the people’s disposition.

The first place you may want to visit is the Sydney Opera House, one of the most famous sights to see in Sydney. This fabulous structure holds a concert hall, three different performing arts areas, and of course, an opera theater. Take in one of the fabulous shows or just go on a tour to check out the space. Guided tours are available or you can simply wander around the building on your own. Be sure to pay special attention to the roof – it’s comprised of over one million tiles! And if after leaving the Opera House, you’re still craving an art fill, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art. Here you will find over 7,000 works of art including sculptures, post-modern art and contemporary Native art, all housed in an art deco style building. Everything about this wonderful museum speaks of spirit and style!

Sydney, Australia is also home to one of the world’s largest bridges and in addition to simply being an awe-inspiring structure there are plenty of things to do here as well! Built in 1932 this bridge holds eight lanes of traffic as well as two railroad tracks. The bridge’s arch encompasses 1,605 feet and the pylons are beautifully done in an Egyptian style. Make sure to book in advance so that you can take part in the Bridgeclimb, where you will be hooked onto a static line and be given the opportunity to climb to the top of the bridge. Once there, you will receive a photo of yourself climbing the great bridge as well as additional photos that you can purchase, if desired as well as one of the most stunning views you will see in your lifetime! The total climb involves 1,337 steps and takes about three and a half hours. Once you are finished with your climb, you may be interested to sit back and take a break at the Pylon Lookout Museum. Here you will find out all the interesting facts of the bridge and be able to watch a video showing how the bridge was built!

Sydney is not only filled with fantastic architecture however. There are plenty of beaches for you to spend your leisure time on as well! Bondi Beach is a popular area for photographs as people want to capture its crescent shape on film. Stretching over half a mile long, this beach offers swimming, Olympic beach volleyball, and plenty of fine shops and restaurants. Manly Beach may be where Sydney first adopted its cavalier attitude with its original slogan, “Seven Miles from Sydney and a Thousand Miles of Care.” The beach was first used to determine the city’s boundaries but due to the vast expansion over the years, it now lies in the heart of the city.

Besides these wonderful sights and attractions, you can also spend time shopping in the Queen Victoria Building and in a neighbourhood called The Rocks. There is definitely an endless amount of things to do in Sydney and so you will want to make sure that you book enough time to see it all!

Auckland, New Zealand: The City of Sails

The city of Auckland, which lies in the heart of New Zealand is the spot that adventure seekers and water lovers go to get their fill of excitement! Auckland is nicknamed “The City of Sails” due to the many harbors that can be found there as well as the endless beaches and waterfronts that always have boats bobbing in the water and sails gliding across seamlessly. Auckland has a very unique lifestyle and it is perhaps because of this that is the largest city visited in New Zealand year after year.

The water is clear and plentiful in Auckland and it is just waiting for recreational fun! You may want to start your trip with a tour of the waters where you will see many different islands and sea life along with many other great sights. The Tallship Soren Larsen is a ship that has guided tours and sails just like the pirates have! This masterpiece will take you through Auckland Harbor and give you a chance to look at some wonderful attractions. For a truly great sight, you may want to swim with the dolphins, another fabulous opportunity that Auckland has to offer! This beautiful city has many of these same types of cruises and if you prefer to get off the boat and into the fine crystal blue yourself, there are also many snorkeling, diving, tubing, water skiing, and other water sports to experience while you are there!

If you’d rather be above the water than in it, there are plenty of activities for you as well! New Zealanders are known for their sense of adventure and you can get a taste of this during your stay by using a day to jump out of a plane with one of a few great skydiving companies or you can climb up, around and in the Auckland Bridge. Once on top, suit up and get ready for the bungee jump of your life! If these are all a bit extreme, also check out the many cycling, hiking and rock climbing places that are continuously being created all around the town! In Auckland, you can even experience what it’s like to be in the Olympics as you zip through the Auckland Luge.

For those that prefer the shopping scene, Auckland has some of the finest shopping centers in the world. Spend some time in Aotea Square Markets where you will find fun and spirited pieces unlike anything you’ve ever seen before or choose to head over to Chancery, an area that is known for more contemporary items and things for sale. And where else would you go to sample some of New Zealand’s finest chocolate but Chocolate Boutique Café? A whole shop dedicated to chocolate, there’s nothing wrong with that! When you have shopped until you have about dropped, rest your bags and your feet in one of the many fine Auckland cafes and restaurants.

There is an entire world waiting to be discovered in Auckland, New Zealand! Whether you are looking for sun and sand or some time checking out museums and shopping areas, Auckland is sure to have something you will keep coming back for!