Travel Tips, United States

10 Tips for Planning a US Road Trip

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Planning the Ultimate US Road Trip

Growing up with a steady diet of US television and cinema, it makes sense that I would be drawn to all things US.

My earliest travel daydreams were of someday making it to Disneyland (which I did in 2012). It has been an enduring love affair ever since

My first US road trip with a relatively modest affair: taking me from Couer d’Alene, Idaho to Portland, Oregon to American Falls, Idaho. Not the most glamorous of starts, I’ll admit.

2012 saw me making the drive along the US West Coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Along the way, we visited Yosemite and Monterey.

2015 saw me kick things up a notch with our five-week Great US Road Trip. Hitting Austin, New Orleans, Nashville, DC, Philadelphia, and more along the way, it was one for the books.

Most recently, my brothers, our partners, and I embarked on a two week Southwest US road trip. Over the course of a fortnight, we visited San Diego, Las Vegas, Flagstaff, and Joshua Tree.

As you can see, I’ve managed to build a fair resume when it comes to planning US road trips. With my imminent marriage to a US citizen, it seems fated that I’ll be making many more US road trips in the future.

I’ve picked up some handy tips and tricks along the way, so allow me to share with you my ten tips for planning a US road trip.

#10 – Get travel insurance

Healthcare in the US is expensive. Their broken healthcare system can mean you’re getting hit with a $1,000 USD fee just for walking in the door, so you don’t want to be caught with your proverbial pants down.

Ever since I broke my arm in Indonesia, I’ve been fastidious when it comes to arranging my travel insurance. The last thing you want is to fall ill or get injured and be on the hook for a hefty medical bill, trust me.

Thankfully, World Nomads travel insurance has fantastic rates for trips that include the US. They’re who I use for all of my trips, and who I recommend my friends choose when hitting the road.

Don’t let your trip be absolutely derailed by an accident. Get travel insurance, you idiot.

#9 – The cost of dining out

One of the things my brothers were super excited about when visiting the United States was the opportunity to eat all of the things.

From IHOP to colossal hamburgers to fried chicken to Mexican, they wanted to eat as much as humanly possible, much to the dismay of my waistline and my wallet.

You see, food only looks cheap in the United States. The large portion sizes and conservative prices can be very tempting, but there are two things that mean you’re not getting the deal you thought you were:

  • Tax
  • Tip

In Australia, tax is included in the menu pricing and tipping is replaced by a living wage, so it is easy to think you have found a bargain. However, once you factor in the 10-15% tax and the 18-20% for tip, you’re looking at Aussie pricing.

Saving Money on Food

Look, I get the temptation to eat out for every meal. Even at that price point, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck when eating out in the US.

Unless you’re made of money, however, you’re going to find your wallet shrinking faster than your appetite.

Far be it from me to recommend fast food, but you can avoid the tipping culture if you grab lunch at Taco Bell or Chipotle. I wouldn’t recommend it for every meal, but a $6 meal every now and then takes the sting off those $20 – $40 bills at sit down restaurants.

However, my #1 tip for eating on the cheap is a simple one: cook!

If you’re able to work a few Airbnb properties into your itinerary, you’ll likely have access to a full kitchen. Hit up a Trader Joe’s, stock up on delicious ingredients, and do a little home cooking. We did this in Flagstaff and Joshua Tree on our recent trip, mixing things up with homemade burgers, fajitas, and Thai green curry in between our meals out.

#8 – Get your visa early

If you’re from one of the 38 countries eligible for the fantastic ESTA visa waiver program, this couldn’t be easier! Simply log onto ESTA USA, fill out your application, and you’re all set!

The ESTA process often returns an answer inside an hour, but I always recommend my friends arrange this a week or two in advance to ensure there aren’t any hiccups. You don’t want to get turned away at the border!

Not Eligible for ESTA?

While not as smooth and painless as the ESTA visa waiver program, applying for a US visitor visa is still a relatively quick process.

As the visitor visa program can require interviews ahead of visa issuance, you’ll want to get a jump on these early!

#7 – National Park passes

The United States has a truly mind-blowing number of National Parks and State Parks. Just check out this list of US National Parks and you get the idea.

To my mind, the stunning National Parks that dot the US are every bit as appealing as the world-famous cities that more immediately spring to mind. Sure, I love Vegas, Austin, and New York, but I feel a similar level of excitement when you mention Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, or Yellowstone.

If your US Road Trip is going to include more than 2-3 national parks, you’ll want to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. At just $80 USD for a year, this pass not only gives you access to every single national park but over 2,000 parks and recreation areas across the country!

Seriously, when parks are usually $25 USD to enter, this is a steal!

road trip pacific coast highway

#6 – Renting a car

Unless you’re lucky enough to be traveling with a US citizen who happens to have a car handy, you’re going to want to rent a car for your US road trip.

There are so many factors to take into account when finding a car rental:

  • Mileage
  • Comfort
  • Size
  • Cost
  • Features
  • Start and end point
  • Wear and tear
  • Insurance

My 2015 US Road Trip saw the two of us sharing a black Mustang convertible and sticking to tarmac roads, but the recent trip saw seven of us piling into a spacious Chevy Pacifica and doing a little off-roading in the Arizona desert.

As you can imagine, we had very different requirements when shopping around for the two cars.

On the 2015 trip, we were starting in San Francisco and ending in New York, which added quite a bit to our costing. If you can return to the same point as your pick-up, you’re going to get a much better deal.

The make and model of your car, number of seats, length of your rental, and pick-up/drop-off locations are all going to be a factor in pricing.

And that’s before you realize that insurance is an optional extra. Seriously, when getting pricing on your rental car, be aware you’re likely looking at it doubling once you add insurance.

Finding a Rental Car

There is no shortage of sites where you can search for rental cars and shop around.

On our recent trip, we made use of Kayak.com to compare prices before visiting individual sites to hunt for better prices. Our 2015 trip saw us finding a much better price using a Chinese search engine than a US or Australian based one, so don’t hesitate to use a VPN to hunt for the best rate.

Bonus Tip: Choosing the Right Vehicle

Does car choice matter here? Very much so. Road trips can get pretty unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for every situation that you may encounter while you’re on the wheel. Your vehicle should be road-trip friendly; meaning, it should be suitable for long drives.

Check your chosen car to see if they have all the necessary accessories that’ll help you out on your journey.

wingman
Wingman Level: 10.

#5 – Conflict resolution

No matter how close you are with your companions, there’s bound to be the occasional conflict.

Whether it’s arguing with my brothers about what to have for dinner or getting heated at Hogg for being an awful wingman, no road trip is without incident.

It was the 2015 trip that prompted me to write a guide on how to be a good road trip companion. I still stand by my points in this article today.

Seriously, go read that. Your travel buddies will thank you for it.

#4 – Tours vs. Self-Guided

Accommodation, car hire, food… these things all add up!

Once you also add in the cost of a few guided tours, you’re looking at a hefty bill for your US road trip.

While it might seem that skipping tours is a great way to save money, there are going to be some occasions where a guided tour will save you a lot of time and hassle.

Case in point: visiting LA in a day is a miserable experience. Californian drivers are the worst, and LA seems to be where the worst of them gather. Why deal with that if you don’t have to?

Similarly, tours such as my Carpe DC food tour and my haunted Vegas tour offered insight that I wouldn’t have found in a guidebook or blog.

On the flip side, there are certainly places where you can do it on your own and avoid the cost. You don’t need a guide to enjoy Yosemite or Walnut Creek Canyon, for example.

My advice? Find the places where you’re willing to splurge on a guided tour, factor those in ahead of time, and do the rest on your own.

travel-items-wood-background

#3 – Packing for your US Road Trip

Depending on the number of people tagging along for your US road trip, there’s going to be finite space for luggage. Don’t be that jerk whose oversized suitcase forces somebody else to ride with a laptop bag twixt their thighs!

The delightful Where is Nina has a great road trip packing list, but my own personal list is below.

  • 4-6 t-shirts
  • 1-2 long sleeved button ups
  • 1 pair of jeans/trousers
  • 3-4 pairs of shorts
  • 1 pair of board shorts/swimmers
  • Toiletries (deodorant, body wash, razor, etc)
  • 7 pairs of underpants and socks
  • Thongs/sandals
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A comfortable travel coat

The clothing will obviously depend on the climates you’re visiting, but the above list did me fine for the warmth of California & Vegas all the way to the sub-zero temperatures of Flagstaff.

If you’re only staying in hotels, you’ll need to either pack extra or shell out for laundry, but I always mix in a few AirBnBs to give me access to a washer/dryer.

For a few less essential inclusions:

Lastly, here are a few must-have apps that I swear by for any road trip, US or otherwise.

And, of course, you’ll want to listen to all of the Comes with Baggage.

#2 – Finding affordable accommodation

Accommodation in the US isn’t cheap, but there are certainly ways to save money on your US road trip.

First and foremost, I will always recommend Booking.com ahead of other price comparison sites like Expedia and Agoda.

Why? Booking.com offers free cancellation on many of their properties and they include taxes and resort fees in their total. Agoda leaves these as a nasty surprise you’ll need to pay when you check-in. Not cool.

It is also worth checking out Airbnb whenever you are having trouble finding something affordable in a given city. Not only can these be cheaper, but the access to a kitchen and laundry can be invaluable on a long trip.

Register with Airbnb here for a $30 USD credit for your first stay!

san francisco to new york road trip
The itinerary in all of its squiggly glory!

#1 – Choosing the right route

The most important about planning a US road trip? The actual route!

Sites like Furkot are invaluable when it comes to mapping out a road trip. It’s more than just a map – it also suggests accommodation, rest stops, and attractions in the areas you’re driving through!

But where in the US will you go? How long do you have?

These are questions you’ll need to ask yourself ahead of your trip.

Got two weeks? I’d suggest focussing on a specific region or state. The Southwest is always a good option, covering California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. You could also focus on the Northeast (New York, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston), the South (New Orleans and its friends), or the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, and Canada).

If you have more time, that is when you can get ambitious. We traveled from San Francisco to New York across five weeks, heading through the southern states, but we could just have easily cut through the middle (hitting Denver and Colorado) or the north (hitting Seattle and Montana).

Your US road trip route is a very personal decision, but it is also going to be one of compromise. Was I overjoyed to be visiting the Grand Canyon a third time on my recent trip? Not particularly, but I knew it meant a lot to the other six in my group.

I’m sure they weren’t as excited for five days in Vegas as I was…

Looking for some inspiration? Wanderlust Crew has compiled a pretty good list of US road trip routes.

——-

A Massive Undertaking

Planning your dream US road trip can be a big task, but armed with the above tips, you’re off to a good start.

In a later post, I’ll be highlighting some of my favorite US road trip routes for you to use as a jumping off point.

In the meantime, I would love your road trip planning tips or route ideas!

Featured image courtesy of Alexandre Lazaro

Croatia, Europe
plitvice lakes croatia things to do in split

Six Adventurous Things to do in Split, Croatia

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Six Adventurous Things to do in Split

With the change in seasons coming up, many people are planning their upcoming vacations. One potential location is Split, one of the largest cities in Croatia. Renowned for its cathedrals and architecture, it can be difficult knowing where to get started. However, one company named Pelican Tours Split was created for the purpose of getting the client the most for their money, and they have several recommendations for exactly what activities are available at Split, Croatia.

Visit the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave tour takes visitors to several Croatian islands and visits some of the most gorgeous caves available. These include the Blue Grotto and the Monk Seal Cave. Starting with an exciting speedboat journey to Bisevo Island, there is then a one and a half-hour ride to the Blue Cave and the Monk Seal Cave. Afterward, visitors are dropped off at the luxurious Stinvia Beach and later, the Rukavac bay.

Palmizana and the Pakleni Islands are next to where lunch can be bought, with a bay for people of all ages to enjoy. Finally, visitors can go to Hvar, a local town with plenty of amenities and architecture to marvel at. This Blue Cave tour offers beverages on board, with an expert tour host to lead the way. For first-time visitors, this trip hits some of Split’s most important landmarks.

plitvice lakes croatia things to do in split
The gorgeous Plitvice Lakes.

Visit the Plitvice Lakes

The Plitvice Lakes are a tourist favorite and a must-see on any trip. With over sixteen lakes to visit, it can be hard for first timers to know where to start. Taking the Plitvice Lakes Tour from Split can be a good option as they offer a specialized and knowledgeable host that leads tourists over the wooden walkways and rumbling waters.

Not only will tourists have the chance to learn about the history behind the gorgeous lakes, but they will also have a chance to go on a panoramic train ride. Afterward, they are treated to a hike on the upper lakes trail and an electric boat ride in the Kozjak lake. The visit ends with a visit to the huge, 78m high Veliki Slap, otherwise known as the Big Waterfall. With complimentary WiFi on all vehicles, they can please everyone with the tour, from small children who have short attention spans to adults, who wish to learn about Croatia and see the breathtaking sights.

Krka waterfall things to do in split
The Krka Waterfalls are undeniably gorgeous.

Visit the Krka Waterfalls

The Krka waterfalls, located in the Krka National Park, have a beauty hard to find elsewhere. The Pelican Tour will begin at Sibenik, where visitors can take in the view of the Cathedral of St. James, as well as admire the architecture of four fortresses. The first waterfall visited is the Skradinski Buk waterfall where tourists can also see the ethno village as well as water mills. It is even encouraged to take a dive under the renowned landmark as several hours are offered for families and individuals to swim under the Skradinski Buk and explore the pools.

After, there will be a trip to Skradin, a local town where a guide awaits. Tourists get an explanation of the scenery as they walk and will finish their trip by sampling wines in a traditional winery. With professional drivers and guides, visitors can be sure that they will not miss a single important landmark.

Experience Cruising

Croatia is a country with a long and varied history, and there are many small ship return cruises in Croatia that allow you to explore its many different facets. Whether you’re interested in its Roman ruins, medieval castles, or Venetian architecture, there’s a cruise that will let you experience it up close. And because Croatia is located on the Adriatic Sea, you’ll also be able to enjoy its beautiful coastline as you cruise from one port to another. Best of all, many of these small ship cruises return to the same port so you can explore even more of Croatia on your next trip.

Zipline in Split

The Zipline Split adventure has eight separate zip lines and a total length of 2100 meters. After an instructional lecture, all guests are safely guided to the wire and hooked up. Safety is guaranteed as tourists zip line over the Cetina River canyon, taking in the scenery as they do so. All equipment necessary is provided by the company, meaning that tourists have little to worry about. This exhilarating adventure is tailored for the daredevils, the risk-takers, or anyone looking to have a little more fun.

cetina river things to do in split
There is plenty to do on, around, and even above Cetina River.

Extreme Canyoning in Split

This is another exciting activity that requires a brave participant. Here, professional guides will help those interested in exploring the Cetina River and the surrounding gorges. After an instructional meeting where tourists will be given equipment, they can swim through the pools, move across the rapids, and work their way through the Cetina River. They can descend the 50-meter tall Gubavica waterfall, luckily with equipment making this risky act safe. While it takes anywhere from three to five hours, there is no previous experience required except for courage and knowing how to swim.

These services can ensure that the tourists can be genuinely excited to visit Croatia and cover some of the most majestic landmarks in Split. No matter the vacation, there will certainly be an excursion that can fit its needs and tastes. Make the most of your time and money and sign up for an excursion when planning your trip to Croatia. Tourists also have many options for Split hotels, guest houses, hostels, and more in the area.

Countdowns, Life on the Road

“Too Much Carry On” – 10 Essential Travel Gadgets for Long-Term Travelers

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My Travel Gadgets Addiction

I’ll never be accused of being a light packer. While I’ve not yet graduated to the point where I pack a dozen pairs of shoes and enough make-up to run a stable of courtesans out of my hostel room, I’m definitely guilty of packing a few too many t-shirts every time I go away.

My real addiction when it comes to over-packing is my travel gadgets. In this digital age, they’ve all become as essential to me as the passport and enough pairs of underpants to avoid doing laundry for a week.

Whether you’re packing for your own big trip or looking for travel gadget gifts for your budding traveler, here’s my guide to the ten essential travel gadgets.

10 Essential Travel Gadgets for Long-Term Travelers

#1 – Smartphone

Ever since I first got an iPhone back in the summer of 2010, I’ve been shamelessly addicted to the little bastard.

I’ve gone through a pair of iPhone 3GS, an iPhone 4, iPhone 6, and the new love of my life: my iPhone 8 Plus.

A good smartphone is one part camera, one part navigation tool, one part communication tool, and one part entertainment device. They’ve become an essential part of how we work as a society, and it’s especially true of travel.

My iPhone gets a whole hell of a lot of use on the road. Whether I’m checking in on Swarm or updating the world on my every thought via Facebook or Twitter, it’s on hand.

I use apps like WeChat, WhatsApp, and Skype to keep in touch with people at home and abroad.

I download local tourism apps to be used offline if I get lost or stuck. I load it with music so that I can zone out on a plane or train.

If you’re looking for travel app suggestions, I’ve got you covered in my handy essential travel apps post.

A much younger Aussie on the Road all packed up with nowhere to go.
A much younger Aussie on the Road all packed up with nowhere to go.

Essential iPhone Accessories

It would be remiss of me to write about how important my smartphone is to me without also mentioning a few must-have accessories.

I’ve seen far too many phones damaged or cracked in my travels to go without one of these.

Whether you’re looking for something lightweight and fashionable or something sturdier like a LifeProof case for hard use, it’s essential that you protect your phone while you travel.

  • Flexible iPhone lenses

Smartphone cameras have improved in leaps and bounds, but there are always ways to get just a little more out of your humble smartphone.

There are a variety of smartphone lenses out there that turn your camera into a wide angle, fisheye, or macro photo machine.

Some clip on and others attach magnetically, but they all combine to add a little extra grunt to your phone’s camera.

#2 – Kindle (or similar eBook reader)

An ex-girlfriend bought me my first Kindle, and I’ve not been without one in the eight years since. I’ll never completely move on from the world of books (and that new book smell), but it’s infinitely more convenient to have a single, slim device in my back pocket rather than a number of bulky novels crammed into my checked luggage.

I cram my Kindle with novels to keep me occupied during long layovers or when I’m sleepless on a plane and I can’t bear to watch another romantic comedy.

I also like to have the occasional Lonely Planet or Rough Guide for the place I’m headed loaded onto it. You never know when you’ll need a restaurant recommendation or address and can’t find a WiFi hotspot!

quokka selfie rottnest island

#3 – Camera(s)

A good camera (or a pair of cameras) is every bit as essential as a smartphone to the modern traveler.

Sure, you could just remember that you’ve been there and be happy with it, but isn’t it better to have a collection of unforgettable photos from your travels to reflect on?

I travel with a Canon SX60HS and a little Sony Cyber-Shot.

The Canon takes amazing photos and is remarkably easy to use. It’s a bridge camera – meaning it isn’t quite as powerful as a true DSLR – but I like that I don’t need to worry about switching out lenses. There’s no time for that when you’re on safari!

The little point and shoot is for those days where I know I’m going to be working up a sweat. Tucked away in my back pocket, it’s on hand for when I need to photograph my Great Wall hike or my gorilla trekking adventure.

#4 – Video Camera

Most digital cameras worth their salt have the capacity to work in place of a video camera, but the quality isn’t always as good as what you’d get from a dedicated video device.

These days, the GoPro Hero 7 is the obvious choice when it comes to durable video cameras, but they have a distinct ‘look’ to their video that might not work for all walks of life.

I’m by no means an expert on this subject, however, so let Jarryd and Alesha from Nomadasaurus guide you in how to find the best travel camera.

#5 – Laptop

When you work on the road like Richelle and I do, you can’t get around the fact that you’re going to need your laptop in your carry-on luggage.

I’ve gone through a bunch of laptops in my time and recently splashed out on the Acer Predator to replace my dying Dell.

Given the amount of photo editing I do and how I sometimes enjoy a wee game of Skyrim or World of WarCraft in between assignments, this powerful piece of hardware is my second favorite thing in the world after Adventures Around Asia.

If you’re not an idiot like me and want a more compact laptop, Mark Quadros has a great post on the best 11-inch laptops out there.

The Best Laptop for Travel

Is the Acer Predator a good laptop for travel? Hell no!

It’s a bulky beast that is at its best when it’s set up on a desk, but it’s what I needed.

Richelle swears by her MacBook Air for portability and function, while tablet hybrids like the Surface Pro and Acer Chromebook are more my speed.

If I hadn’t needed something capable of also playing the demanding games I love so much, I’d have gone with one of those.

My old point and shoot and beloved Camelbak 'Bite 'n Suck'. We were inseparable!
My old point and shoot and beloved Camelbak ‘Bite ‘n Suck’. We were inseparable!

#6 – Power Bank

With all of these power-hungry travel gadgets in my bag, you’d better believe I have a power bank or two with me everywhere I go.

Generally speaking, I’ll travel with one for pocket use and one for more heavy duty purposes.

A Pocket Smartphone Charger

The current power bank in my back pocket is the flexible and powerful Reeljuice All-in-One Power Bank. Not only does it hold enough charge for multiple recharges of my iPhone, Kindle, or Sennheiser headphones, it also comes with a retractable 48″ cord, a built-in wall charger, and an interchangeable lightning/micro USB adaptor.

best portable laptop charger

A Laptop Battery Pack

While the above gets the job done if my iPhone is running low on juice, what do I do when I need to work and can’t find an outlet?

When I’ve got my heavy-duty charging needs (such as feeding my power-hungry laptop), I’ve become a bit obsessed with my Novoo Portable Laptop Battery Pack. Not only can it fully charge my beast of a laptop, but it also has two USB ports in order to charge Kindles, smartphones, and the like as well!

A little larger (and a lot heavier) than a soda can, the Novoo is set up to charge up to three devices at once and holds more than enough power to go a few days between charges. It’s a Godsend if you work while traveling.

Want 15% off your Novoo Portable Laptop Battery Pack? Use the promo code: 5HD93M7G

#7 – Mobile Hotspot

When we were out hiking the Kumano Kodo Iseji, Richelle and I would have been lost without a mobile hotspot. With so much of our Iseji itinerary online, we needed to be constantly connected to make sure we were on the right path.

A mobile hotspot like the RoamingMan is a great way to stay connected when you can’t get a local SIM and don’t want to hop from hotspot to hotspot.

The ability to rent WiFi in more than 100 countries is a gamechanger for those of us who don’t want to have a pocket full of SIM cards and is much more flexible than a hotspot subscription through a company like Boingo.

#8 – International Power Adaptor

All of these groovy travel gadgets would be for naught if you didn’t have a way to charge them, so having a flexible power adaptor is a must.

Richelle still travels with a bag full of international adaptors, but I’ve long since upgraded to a more powerful international travel adaptor with the flexibility to plug into any outlet and accept any kind of plug.

Coupled with a few handy USB charging slots, it lets me keep my laptop, phone, and Kindle charged no matter where in the world I am.

guy working on laptop
I stole this laptop so I could take this photo.

#9 – Noise-Cancelling Headphones

I would be lost without my amazing Sennheiser PXC 550 Travel Headphones. Honestly, I don’t know how I survived long-haul flights and bumpy Southeast Asian bus rides without a good pair of wireless, noise canceling headphones.

They’re the perfect way to drown out the screaming babies and arguing couples you’ll encounter along the way and fold up nicely to fit into your carry-on.

I waxed lyrical about them in my product review, so go read that to see why I’ll never go back to earbuds.

Headphone Splitters

Another handy little innovation that Richelle and I love – a cheap set of headphone splitters lets both of us watch our favorite Netflix show on the same laptop without having to miss half the audio.

#10 – Bluetooth Speaker

It’s hard to get the party started when your iPhone’s tinny speakers aren’t really doing your jams justice.

A portable, durable Bluetooth speaker can be a great icebreaker for days on the beach or when you’re out hiking.

I can tell you, we’d have loved to be able to actually hear Hardcore History when we were hiking through the mountains of Japan huddled around my phone.

selfie with food
I wasn’t even hungry, but this photo is going to look sweet!

Your Say

What travel electronics do you take with you wherever you go? Do you have any favorite apps or gadgets that you think others should know about?

Have a question about any of the products I’ve mentioned above? Don’t hesitate to post below. I’m always checking back for comments and I’ll reply as soon as possible.

Disclosure

Chris Walker-Bush is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Australia
dangar falls dorrigo

Ten Underrated Australian Cities to Visit in 2019

 6 Comments

#GoLikeALocal and Explore These Underrated Australian Cities

Almost a decade ago now, I tried to highlight some of Australia’s lesser-known spots in a two-part article, Australia’s Best Kept Secrets (Part One) and Australia’s Best Kept Secrets (Part Two).

With regional carriers like Tiger Air making it easier than ever to jet around Australia’s vastness, I thought it was high time I highlighted some more off the beaten path Australian destinations that will give you a glimpse into that elusive “real Australia”.

Obviously, any Australian tour worth its salt is going to include Sydney and Melbourne. Perth, Cairns, and the Gold Coast probably make appearances too.

You don’t need me to tell you how great these places are, so I’ve gone for cities (or regions, in two cases) that tend to go under the radar when people are plotting their tour of Australia. 

Some of the below are far from unknown, while others just might have you flicking frantically through Google Maps muttering: “Such a place cannot be!”

As Seinfeld once said, “They’re real, and they’re spectacular”

dangar falls dorrigo
Image courtesy of yours truly on my trusty iPhone 6.

#10 – Coffs Harbour & Bellingen, NSW

Two for the price of one to get the ball rolling!

It’s no secret that Adventures Around Asia and I love the Coffs Harbour region. Not only did I go to university there, but also we’re getting married there this October!

Bellingen, a rapidly developing tourism hotspot full of trendy eateries and boutiques, still retains a lot of the hippie charm that has drawn people to it for decades now. 

My favorite spot in Bellingen? Either the delicious pub food at Cedar Bar (where we’ll tie the knot) or the little-known swimming holes of the aptly named Promised Lands.

If beaches, shopping, and international cuisine are more your speed, the larger city of Coffs Harbour is just a short drive away. 

Jumping off the titular jetty at Jetty Beach, having a delicious beachside brunch at Cafe Treeo, or paying homage at the famous Big Banana are all worth a look while you’re on the road between Sydney and Byron Bay.

Getting There: TigerAir has daily flights from Sydney. You can also take a train from Sydney.

hobart tasmania
Image courtesy of Mariusz Kluzniak.

#9 – Hobart, Tasmania

Tasmania is getting itself on more and more radars when it comes to touring Australia, but it’s criminal how few people make the trek across the Bass Strait to Australia’s most beautiful state.

Myself included.

The quirky Museum of Old & New Art (MONA) was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List in the Top 20, beating out the likes of Yosemite National Park, Myanmar’s Bagan, Victoria Falls, and the freaking Pyramids! High praise indeed.

Hobart is a city with a small town feel and the perfect place to launch into exploring Tasmania’s many national parks and beaches.

Planning an extended visit to Tasmania? I’ve got you covered with an exhaustive list of things to do in Tasmania.

Getting There: Multiple domestic carriers including TigerAir fly to Hobart from multiple cities. You could also take the ferry from Victoria as part of an extended Australian bucket list tour.

australian alps camping alpine national park
Image courtesy of Australian Alps.

#8 – High Country, Victoria

So underrated that I hadn’t heard of it until a friend mentioned it, Victoria’s High Country gives you a third reason to visit Victoria after Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road.

Like the Southern Highlands in NSW, High Country is a great place for a romantic getaway with its vineyards and quaint country towns laden with Australian frontier history.

For me, though, it’s the prospect of exploring Alpine National Park and taking the Great Alpine Road that really has me interested. The alpine and sub-alpine aren’t often associated with Australia, so it’s something you won’t find in many other places.

Between that and a little Australian colonial history, it sounds like it’s well worth a visit.

Getting There: The High Country is a three-hour drive from Melbourne.

broken hill sculptures
Image courtesy of Simon Yeo.

#7 – Broken Hill, NSW

Set against the kind of backdrop that made it a perfect filming location for Mad Max 2, Broken Hill is the Australian outback epitomized.

An old mining town whose boom days are behind it, Broken Hill is surrounded by isolated little country towns and even a few ghost towns.

I spent a few of my formative years growing up on the shores of nearby Lake Menindee, and have fond memories of visiting the ghost town of Silverton as a kid before stopping in at some local cafe for what I called a ‘dippy cheese’ but what full-grown humans call ‘grilled cheese’.

While Broken Hill is literally ‘Beyond Burke’ (and if you don’t understand that, you need to brush up on your Aussie lingo), it’s accessible by a train from Sydney for just $100 AUD.

Getting There: Broken Hill is best reached by taking a train from Sydney or driving on an Outback road trip, but you can also fly there from Adelaide, Sydney, or Melbourne.

brisbane kangaroo point skyline
Image courtesy of Lenny K Photography.

#6 – Brisbane, Queensland

You’d think that Queensland’s capital and Australia’s third largest city wouldn’t warrant a mention – but many visitors to Australia tend to skip over Brisbane on their pilgrimage from the Gold Coast to Cairns.

While Brisbane may not have the cosmopolitan charm of Melbourne or the laundry list of ‘must see’ sights that Sydney can boast, it’s a city not without considerable appeal of its own. 

Whether it’s abseiling off Story Bridge, wandering the kooky hipster streets of West End, ducking across to Moreton Island for a bit of whale watching, catching a Brisbane Broncos game, or hanging out amidst the eateries along the man-made Southbank Beach, Brisbane has something for everybody.

Getting There: Brisbane is serviced by its own international airport, with countless domestic flights also landing every day.

Win Big with Tiger Air!

Want to check out one of these underrated gems for yourself?

Tiger Air is giving you the chance to win a $250 TigerAir gift voucher for use on your next Australian adventure!

How to Win

  1. Share a picture of your favorite underrated Australian spot on Instagram.
  2. Use the #GoLikeALocal hashtag.
  3. Tag @aussieontheroad and @tigerairaustralia.
  4. Tell us why this is your favorite underrated gem.

I’ll choose the most creative entry on March 14th.

Boring T&Cs

A few important notes:

  1. Only people aged 18+ can enter.
  2. I will choose the most creative entry. This is not a random draw.
  3. Entries close at 11:590pm (AEST) on March 13th.
  4. I will contact the winner via Instagram to get their best contact details.
  5. TigerAir will organise the delivery of the prize to the winner.

#5 – Sunshine Coast, Queensland

North of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is a popular tourist destination with locals but seems to be criminally overlooked by international tourists.

With gorgeous beaches, a variety of family-friendly local attractions such as Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, and the immense beauty of the nearby hinterlands, the Sunshine Coast is a perfect stop for a young family or for those looking for a more leisurely pace.

I grew up holidaying in Mooloolaba every spring, so have fond memories of sunrise beach sessions and dragging my parents to the tragically dull Nostalgia Town. Don’t worry, intrepid readers, the park is closed and can’t hurt anybody anymore.

If you’re making the lengthy road trip from Melbourne to Cairns, don’t forget to swing through the relaxed towns of the Sunshine Coast. It’s a breath of fresh air after the crowds on the Gold Coast.

Getting There: Sunshine Coast Airport is not only serviced by a number of domestic carriers from major Australian cities, but also has seasonal international flights to and from New Zealand.

broome sunrise
Image courtesy of Duncan Rawlinson.

#4 – Broome, Western Australia

Perth is rapidly becoming a popular stop for tourists, especially British and South African expats.

Broome is hardly unknown, mind you, as both Cable Beach and nearby Ningaloo Beach are already on the tourism radar, but Broome itself doesn’t get nearly as much play as its laid-back, beachy charm warrants.

While beach towns may be a dime a dozen in Australia, very few can offer the same access to the vast Australian outback. You can be on the beach one day and out in Australia’s red center the next.

Getting There: Broome Airport has regular flights from Darwin and Perth, while it also has flights from larger cities during the holiday season.

newcastle beach
Image courtesy of OzInOH

#3 – Newcastle, NSW

I’ve harped on about Newcastle’s unfulfilled potential before, and I’m not the only blogger who has sung its praises – with the likes of Caroline in the City & Drink Tea Travel also being aware of this beach city’s immense charm.

One of Australia’s oldest cities, Newcastle’s industrial background and reputation for being a little backward have always kept it in Sydney’s shadow, but its world-class beaches, proximity to the famous Hunter Valley wine region, and emerging arts & entertainment scene are fast turning it into a spot worth visiting.

A short train ride from Sydney, “Newie” is where I spent every summer as a kid, and a city I still hold a great deal of affection for.

Getting There: It’s easiest to reach Newcastle by car or train from Sydney, but it is also serviced by an international airport with connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and farther-flung Auckland, New Zealand. 

east point sunset darwin
Image courtesy of Geoff Whalan.

#2 – Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin isn’t exactly a secret these days. More and more people are headed north to visit Australia’s northernmost capital.

It’s where modern Australia meets Australia as it was before Europe swept in, with the nearby Tiwi Islands being a great place to learn more about indigenous culture.

Nature lovers will be drawn to the nearby Litchfield National Park with its amazing landscapes, while families can enjoy its market culture and laid back vibe.

There’s so much to see in “En Tee”, so I’ve saved you some legwork by writing a post about things to do in the Northern Territory.

Getting There: Darwin is accessible with a huge number of domestic and international carriers. Headed to Bali, Malaysia, or the Philippines after your Australian trip? Darwin offers the shortest flights to these destinations.

barossa valley
Image courtesy of Kyle Taylor.

#1 – Adelaide, South Australia

While I’m quick to dismiss Australia’s City of Churches as SADelaide or BADelaide, more and more people are starting to call it by the name locals have for it: RADelaide.

It pains me to admit it, but the more I research the South Australian capital, the more I want to check it out.

Where do I begin? The city’s uncrowded but beautiful beaches? Its proximity to the world-famous Barossa Valley wine region? The presence of the popular Monarto Zoo with its safari-style enclosures? Historic architecture? The fact it has more bars and live music venues per capita than any other Aussie city? Its abundance of parklands?

Adelaide has shrugged off its reputation as a stuffy country town. It’s just a matter of time before everyone else figures it out.

Getting There: Adelaide is serviced by an international airport and has connections to all major Australian cities.

Your Say

What do you think are some of Australia’s underrated gems?

What are some underrated cities in your own country?

Check out TigerAir’s Go Like a Local for more underrated Aussie gems!

Japan, Japan
7 - Fushimi Inari

10 Unmissable Osaka Day Trips

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Osaka: A City Built for Day Trips

Often spoken of in the same breath as Kyoto and Tokyo, Osaka is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason.

Not only is it home to one of Japan’s largest international airports, but it’s also home to a whole range of fascinating attractions ranging from ancient castles to hands-on experiences to theme parks to some of the best food in Japan. Don’t believe me? Just check out Adventures Around Asia’s post on the most unique things to do in Osaka.

Another huge selling point for Osaka is how connected it is to the rest of Japan. From this dynamic city, it is possible to take a number of fascinating day trips to nearby landmarks and cities.

Once you’ve finished exploring Osaka, why not take one (or more) of these fascinating Osaka day trips to extend your exploration?

kumano kodo iseji wedded rocks
Meoto-Iwa’s wedded rocks are one of Ise’s most popular Shinto sites.

#10 – Ise

The starting point for the breathtaking Kumano Kodo Iseji, Ise City is home to one of Japan’s most beloved Shinto shrines in the form of the Ise Grand Shrine.

While Mie Prefecture is part of the greater Kansai region, Ise lies a long way from Osaka. Even so, it is possible to get there in a shade under 2 hours on the JR train. Set out bright and early for your chance to experience the serenity of Ise Grand Shrine in the early hours of the day.

If you’re pressed for time, skip Geku and focus your attention on the beauty of Naiku. When you’re done there, wander along Okage Yokocho to sample delicious street food and do a little souvenir shopping in an old-town themed street.

There’s more to see in Ise than the Geku and Naiku Shrines, of course, with the wedded rocks at Meoto-Iwa being a popular spot for young lovers wanting a little extra luck for their romance.

Lastly, Ise is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are plenty of places to eat in Ise, but I’m especially partial to the delicious Ise udon, which has more noodles and less broth. It’s perfect for a carb-o-holic like me!

Getting There: You can reach Ise from Osaka 2 hours and 20 minutes on the slow JR train (1,700 Yen/$17 USD) or in just under two hours on the express JR train (3,030 Yen/$30 USD).

See: Ise Grand Shrine and Meoto-Iwa.

Extend Your Stay: If you’re keen to tackle the Iseji Kumano Kodo, Ise is the starting point for my two-week Kumano Kodo itinerary.

naoshima art island
Naoshima’s most iconic image. Image courtesy of saltowitz

#9 – Naoshima

You might not know the name, but you’ve probably seen the eye-catching photo of that iconic sculpture sitting out on the pier.

Sometimes known as ‘art island’, Naoshima is an idyllic little beach island that has been overrun with stunning works of art. Thanks largely to the Benesse Corporation, Naoshima is fast becoming one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Naoshima is a bit of a journey from Osaka, as you’ll need to take the JR train to Okayama and then transit on local lines to the ferry. It’s just 45-minutes from Osaka to Okayama.

Once you’ve taken the ferry (for the princely sum of 290 Yen/$2.90 USD), you’ll be able to wander Naoshima at your leisure to soak in its many art installations and its immense natural beauty.

Getting There: Take the JR train from Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama Station and then follow these instructions. It’s around 6,000 yen ($60 USD) on the JR line, or 3,020 Yen ($30 USD) on the slower local trains.

See: Wander the many art installations on the island.

Extend Your Stay: Spend a day or two exploring Okayama.

sakai city day trip osaka
Making your own Japanese sweets is one of many hands-on activities in Sakai City. Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia.

#8 – Sakai City

So close to Osaka that you would be forgiven for thinking that they’re the same city, Sakai City is the place to go for hands-on activities. Less than a half-hour’s travel from Osaka, it’s the perfect place to get a little off the beaten path and try something new.

Adventures Around Asia has already designed a fantastic girls day in Sakai, but there are plenty of man-friendly activities as well.

In the course of a single day in Sakai City, I tried my hand at honing my own sashimi knife, dyed yukata fabric, learned how to make Japanese candy, attended a tea ceremony, and soared high over the city’s ancient burial mounds in a VR experience.

As a relatively new tourism market, you’re going to want to email the Sakai Tourism Board (stcb@sakai-tcb.or.jp) ahead of time to get some assistance in planning things, but it’s well worth the day-trip.

Getting There: It takes roughly 30-minutes to get to Sakai from Osaka or Kansai International Airport.

See: Visit the Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko for a traditional tea ceremony, make Japanese sweets at Machiya Cafe Sacay, and visit the city’s ancient burial mounds.

Extend Your Stay: Splash out on a night at the Agora Sakai Regency and explore the city by bicycle.

19 - Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is especially gorgeous during cherry blossom season. Image courtesy of Reginald Pentinio

#7 – Himeji

While Osaka has an impressive castle of its own in the form of Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle is hands-down the most famous castle in all of Japan.

Japan’s best-preserved feudal castle, Himeji-Jo is sometimes known as White Heron Castle due to its striking all-white exterior and the graceful curve of its eaves. It’s one of Japan’s most beautiful architectural achievements.

Insider tip? You can snap your photos of Himeji Castle without having to pay for admission, although the tour of the interior is informative and you’re obviously helping contribute to the upkeep of the historic site.

At just ninety-minutes on the JR train from Osaka, it’s totally possible to experience both Osaka Castle and Himeji Castle in a single day too!

Getting There: It takes ninety-minutes to reach Himeji from Osaka.

See: Himeji Castle is the obvious attraction in Himeji.

Extend Your Stay: While there might not be enough in Himeji to hold your attention for multiple days, you could pay a visit to the nearby Kokoen Gardens for just 40 Yen more with a combined Himeji Castle/Kokoen ticket.

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The deer of Nara are just one of many attractions in a gorgeous city. Image courtesy of conifer conifer

#6 – Nara

Famous for its friendly population of deer, Nara is a city with far more to offer than just an up close and personal interaction with hungry deer.

Many flock to the city to wander Nara Park and feed the bowing deer, but to me, the real attractions are the many temples and shrines in the city. Todaiji and Horyuji are doubtlessly impressive, but my heart belongs to Shintoism and Kasuga Taisha is every bit as stunning as the shrines that dot the Kumano Kodo.

The city is home to a number of other temples and shrines, but is also a great place to tour Japanese gardens. Yoshikien is especially gorgeous.

Getting There: It takes a shade under an hour to reach Nara from Osaka.

See: Wild deer in Nara Park, Todaiji and Horyuji Temples, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Yoshikien gardens.

Extend Your Stay Stick around for dinner at Sakura Burger, where you can try delicious Japan-US fusion burgers.

day-in-kobe-soraku-en-garden
Kobe is a green, gorgeous city that warrants an extended visit.

#5 – Kobe

Famed for its succulent Kobe beef, I discovered that Kobe is far more than just a place to grab a meal. If you’ve read my One Day in Kobe post, you’ll see there is a wealth of things to do in the port city.

From scenic hikes and the stunning Kobe Herb Gardens to the modern vibe of Meriken Park and the nearby shopping precinct to going on a boozy sake distillery tour, there’s just so much about green, modern Kobe to love.

Getting There: It takes 15-30 minutes to reach Kobe from Osaka.

See: Try Kobe beef, visit the Kobe Herb Gardens, go on a sake distillery tour, and visit Meriken Park.

Extend Your Stay: You can see a full day itinerary for Kobe outlined in my One Day in Kobe post, but this could easily be extended out to two days with a full-day to relax and enjoy the Kobe Herb Gardens.

universal studios japan
Universal Studios Japan is a blast! Image courtesy of Andrea Hale.

#4 – Universal Studios Japan

While it technically lies within Osaka, a day trip to Universal Studios Japan is an adventure unto itself. With multiple ‘worlds’ to explore, an attached shopping/dining precinct, and rides & shows galore, USJ is a fantastic day out for the entire family.

Our visit just so happened to coincide with Christmas festivities, which meant an abundance of Minion madness as part of the park’s ‘Yellow Christmas’, but we also managed to sneak in a little time at the fantastic Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Our day at the park only scratched the surface of what there is to do, as we weren’t able to find time to explore attractions such as the Evangelion VR ride, the terrifying Hollywood Dream roller coaster, or the Jurassic Park ride.

We did, however, ride the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey rides, both of which were a blast!

We also saw two fun parades and the famous The Gift of Angels nightly performance, which is truly gorgeous to behold.

Getting There: It takes around 30-minutes to reach Universal Studios Japan from Osaka city.

See: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, live shows and parades, themed rides, and delicious food.

Extend Your Stay: It’s a big park, so why not book a hotel in the attached City Walk so you can spread your exploration out over two days?

miyajima-hiroshima-day-trip-osaka
The ‘floating’ Torii of Miyajima are one of the most popular attractions near Hiroshima. image courtesy of Michael Day.

#3 – Hiroshima and Miyajima

Famous for all of the wrong reasons, Hiroshima will forever live in infamy as the site of the first use of an atomic bomb against a civilian population.

Rebuilding from the ruins of that war-ending event, Hiroshima now stands as a tribute to the destructive capacity of war and the healing that had to be done after that fateful day.

Visitors to Hiroshima can learn more about the bombing of Hiroshima by visiting sites such as the A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Park, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, but there is more to dynamic Hiroshima than its dark past.

Gorgeous gardens such as Shukkeien, historic sites such as Fukuyama Castle, and the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine are worth the trip in their own right.

The latter is on nearby Miyajima, which might mean you’ll want to spend a night in the area so you’re not rushing to fit both Hiroshima and Miyajima into a single day.

Getting There: It takes 2.5 hours to get from Osaka to Hiroshima, with Miyajima another hour from Hiroshima.

See: Visit memorials to the Hiroshima bombing, tour Shukkien gardens, and pay a visit to Miyajima.

Extend Your Stay: If you want to explore at a more relaxed pace, consider booking a hotel in Hiroshima or Miyajima so you can take your time.

30 - Okunoin
Koyasan is also home to Japan’s largest (and most haunting) graveyard. image courtesy of DocChewbacca

#2 – Koyasan

One of the holiest locations in all of Japan, Koyasan (Mount Koya) is the center of Shingon Buddhism and a hugely popular tourist attraction with those wanting to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture.

As you would expect from a holy site, Koyasan is awash with temples, pilgrimage trails, and opportunities to get in touch with a little inner peace.

For those with a little more time, Koyasan is a fantastic place to overnight at a temple or even launch your own exploration of a longer pilgrimage trail such as the Kumano Kodo.

Getting There: It takes just over ninety-minutes to reach Koyasan from Osaka.

See: Buddhist temples and pilgrimage trails.

Extend Your Stay: Spend a night in a traditional temple to really immerse yourself in Buddhism.

7 - Fushimi Inari
Kyoto might be Japans’s most photogenic cities. Image courtesy of Terence Lim

#1 – Kyoto

I would be loathe to say Kyoto is just a day trip city. There’s enough in gorgeous Kyoto to warrant a full week of its own, but if time is pressing and you’re based in Osaka, it’s certainly possible to get a taste of Kyoto in a day.

The city wears its history on its sleeve, and you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous temples and shrines at every turn. It’s also the home of Japan’s fading geisha culture, so geisha-watching is a pastime of its own.

For mine, the real highlights for a day in Kyoto would be Fushimi Inari shrine (best seen at dawn), the Arashiyama bamboo grove, golden Kinkaku-ji, and the chance to spot geisha in Gion.

You’ll be dealing with crowds every step of the way, however, so keep that in mind when planning your day in Kyoto!

Getting There: Kyoto is an hour from Osaka.

See: Kinkaku-Ji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and spot geisha.

Extend Your Stay: Kyoto deserves more than one day. Consider spending at least three days in Kyoto to really do it justice.

As you can see, Osaka is not only a fantastic place to visit, it’s also a fantastic place to base yourself while you take day trips to nearby cities such as Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji.

It really is the perfect combination: a hub for exploration and an attraction in its own right.

Your Say

What are your favourite day trips from Osaka?

What about things to do in the city itself? How would you recommend a visitor spend their time in Osaka?