Sydney. Dragon boat race

23 January – 1 March. A Photographic Retrospective of the Chinese New Year Parade will be still open at Customs House, Circular Quay.

18 January - 6 May. Dragons exhibition at Art Gallery of NSW. See dragons depicted in ceramics, textiles, jade, metalwork, calligraphy and painting from the gallery’s collection.

4-5 February. Dragon Boat Race at Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour.

19 February. Short film festival’s Tropfest main event will take place at The Domain. Go there early as place fills up very quickly.

What’s on in Sydney in February, 2012 is a post from: Travel Tips

Chiang Mai Temple by Quinto Sol, on Flickr

Guest post by Joe

Thailand has been a popular tourist destination for some years, with holidaymakers flocking to the south-east Asian country for its idyllic islands, luscious jungles and bustling cities – and one location that should be on your itinerary if you are planning a holiday in Thailand is Chiang Mai.

Most people head straight to Bangkok when flying to Thailand, with the capital city offering them world-acclaimed restaurants, vibrant nightlife and plenty of historical attractions. However, you might also want to make time to stop in Chiang Mai, as this metropolis provides tourists with the opportunity to experience busy city life in Thailand, as well as venture deep into its abundant rain forests.  One of the first things you could do after arriving in the area is take a trip around the many impressive temples that can be found in the city.  Head to Wat Chiang Man, which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It was built in 1296 by King Mengrai and remains one of the most breathtaking of the city’s religious buildings.

Among the other popular temples to visit are Wat Prasat, Wat Phra Sing and Wat Phan Tao.  However, if your visit to Chang Mai is about getting back to nature and seeing Thailand’s ancient hill tribes, you will want to book a tour through its mountainous jungles.  Spend a couple of days walking through the humid forests and enjoying spectacular views of fresh waterfalls and steep green hillsides. You may even wish to join one of the tribal communities for a night and experience their rustic way of life, which remains detached from any form of modernity.

Make the experience even more memorable by taking a river trip on a bamboo raft or by opting for an elephant ride through the overgrown jungle.

Chiang Mai is also a popular destination for those keen on brushing up on their culinary skills, as it is home to many Thai cooking schools. By taking part in these foodie workshops, you can learn from locals and expert chefs about how to create some authentic and delicious Thai recipes. Not only will you get to watch the meals being prepared, but you can have a go at making them yourself – and, of course, sample your efforts at the end. You will be able to impress your friends with your new repertoire of Asian cooking when you return home, as well as be able to taste the spicy flavours whenever you wish to, which is sure to bring your experience in Chiang Mai rushing back to you.

With so many hotels to choose from, you are sure to find accommodation that allows you to make the most of your stay in the city, while also enjoy a luxurious break away.

Whether you choose to orgnanise your own trip or sign up to tours offered by companies, you are sure to find your trip to Chiang Mai is one of your best holidays yet.

About the Author: Joe is a travel blogger who is well-versed in South East Asia. Although the region isn’t as culturally rich, he’s thinking of going on Caribbean holidays this year. You can keep up with Joe on his blog, Total Travel Blog.

What to do in Chiang Mai is a post from: Travel Tips

Is it very expensive? Cherry blossom season is coming in Japan and a lot of people would love to visit Japan, but afraid it can be very expensive.

Actually it is not so expensive. Except transport. I want o list expenses I had on my 10 days/9 nights visit to Japan. It was couple years ago and prices probably are up now, but it still can be good for orientation.

Currency exchange rates you can find at XE.
In Tokyo I had where to stay, so it didn’t cost anything, but in Hakone and Hiroshima I think it is possible to find cheaper accommodation to keep average price at ¥2000 per night
I didn’t include souvenirs or some snacks to this list, but that doesn’t cost much.
As you can see the price for 10 days visit would be around 1200USD/900EUR, but more then half of it is price for transport. If you are staying in one place and not alone as I was (you can save on accommodation) the price will be half of this and that won’t look so expensive.

Travel cost in Japan is a post from: Travel Tips

Yes, you can still do it, as there is no ban yet. But do you really need to do it.  Please read this post about Uluru climb and hopefully you will change you mind and will enjoy this majestic rock from the distance.

Climbing Uluru rock in Australia is a post from: Travel Tips

Unfortunately you can’t do it.  Occasionally in Thailand scuba divers can see whale sharks, but these are rare cases. The swimming with whale sharks tours is the best way to see these creatures. And Australia is one of best places in the world to go on these tours. You can check here tour prices and best time for tours.

Diving with whale sharks is a post from: Travel Tips

What’s on in Sydney in January, 2012 is a post from: Travel Tips

Sydney New Years Eve Fireworks 2012 is a post from: Travel Tips

Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks, 2009

Summer is coming to Sydney. That means more and more events outside. Especially with Christmas in the air. Here are some of events you can visit in Sydney in December.

If you didn’t see yet Christmas projections are in the city. You still have couple week to see it untill 25 December. The projections are  turned on from 20:30 till 1:00 (8.30pm – 1am).

On 17th of December check largest free Xmas concert in Australia. Carols in the Domain starts at 20:30 (8.30pm) in Domain.

Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is another exciting events. It starts on 26 December in Sydney and it already became one of iconic yacht races. The race begins at 13:00 hours on the picturesque Sydney Harbour, but you can go to South Heads for one of the best view points for this race. May be you’ll see some whales thought whale watching season is almost over in Sydney this year.

But of course Sydney New Year Eve fireworks on 31 December will be most spectacular event of this month. Thought it is most spectacular event of the year. Check official site for a map with places where you can see fireworks. You need to be there well in advance. Early afternoon is the best time as later it can be difficult to find place. There are two fireworks shows. At 21:00 (9pm) will be shorter show for children and of course full show at midnight. Enjoy it!

What’s on in Sydney in December, 2011 is a post from: Travel Tips

As we draw nearer to the holidays, more and more people are rushing to get their holiday travel plans in gear: plotting vacation leaves, packing up suitcases and the like. Deciding where to celebrate, though, is not as simple. The tricky part is the actual choosing process, as the holiday traveler’s choices are endless. Still fretting over where to spend the holidays this year? Dash through our list below and find yourself a merry little Christmas.

1. Singapore City, Singapore

Watch in awe as the Orchard Road gets wrapped in a beautiful, twinkling Christmas glow. This year, the Orchard Road’s theme is Christmas Blooms in Singapore. The Switch On Ceremony will be on November 19, 2011.

2. New York City, USA

For a more bustling vacation, head on over to The Rock at New York City. Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree, a spectacular eye-catcher with over five miles of lights covering its entirety, is lit up starting the week after Thanksgiving.

3. Sydney, Australia

Don’t want to get cooped up in the cold for the holidays? Fly to Sydney and enjoy warm weather, ice cold drinks and Christmas carols by the beach! The Bondi Beach Park will be hosting this year’s Carols by the Sea on December 7, 2011.

4. London, UK

By Lord Dickens! The London Walking Tour is a definite holiday experience. Enjoy a whole day of going across London and finding more about the places where characters Pickwick, Scrooge and Tiny Tim supposedly lived.

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Feast your eyes on this winter wonderland: Iceland’s local folklore has not one but thirteen Santas bearing goodie bags at Christmas Parties. Have the chance to meet the Ladle Licker, Skyr Gobbler, Meat Hook and the rest of the 13 Yulemen of Iceland beginning December 12.

About the Author: Paul Kesslerwrites for National Holidays, a leading travel portal that offers sensational value coach holidays and trips by coach across Britain, Ireland and Europe.

Top Destinations for the Holidays is a post from: Travel Tips

Art & About Sydney is still on till 23rd of October

And you can see amazing fireworks at Darling Harbour on 23rd and 29th of October.

What’s on in Sydney in October, 2011 is a post from: Travel Tips