Articles – Page 51 – Aussie on the Road

How to Survive an Airport Layover

March 2, 2015 6 Comments

The airport layover inspires different reactions depending on who you talk to and where their layover happens to be. Me? Unless I’m touching down in the dog’s abortion that is Guangzhou’s Baiyun Airport, I’m usually pretty excited for the opportunity to stretch my legs, spray on some deodorant, and eat something that doesn’t come shrouded in tin foil.

This week, as I’m off in Dubai risking life and limb in the pursuit of a story, Jess from Tripelio has a few handy suggestions to make a layover bearable even if you aren’t in the layover heaven that is Dubai or Singapore’s Changi Airport.

How to Survive an Airport Layover

Let’s face it, sitting in an airport during a layover is not the most fun part about traveling – but it can be! These tips and tricks will help you have fun and get through that nasty layover and have a few more stories for when you arrive to your destination.

Relax, relax, relax!

This is probably a no brainer, but there are plenty of relaxation methods that people don’t know are available in airports. Most airports have a VIP lounge for you to relax in. There are typically better bathrooms here as well as comfier seating areas. Some places even have beds and showers. If you have an extended layover, then take a nap in one of these fine lounges across the world.

Typically, if you travel a lot, you can pay an annual fee for the amenities these lounges offer. But if you’re on the go and don’t travel by plane often, you can also pay a one time daily fee for most lounges. After you grab something to eat or drink, why not go watch some Netflix and take a nap? If your destination is outside of the US, you may need to unblock it, as there are geographical restrictions. Lounges are like hotels attached to airports – how fun!

Go sightseeing

If your layover is a few hours long, why not take a cab to a nearby restaurant and taste a bit of the local cuisine and culture of the temporary destination you’re in? Instead of staying inside, you can explore the city and be able to tell people you went to a certain place! You may not have time to go see a whole museum, but you do probably have an empty stomach and a craving for a small adventure!

If you can’t get a cab, download an app like Lyft or Uber to catch a cheaper ride from a local resident. You may be able to learn a thing or two from them and where you can get the best food from before your next flight!

Maybe you’re in Amsterdam and have a super long layover that exceeds 6 hours. Check out Amsterdam’s 3-hour Transit City tours and get a glimpse of where you are before you leave.

Burn some calories

Since you have the VIP lounges at you fingertips, you’re able to get in a workout and a shower before your nap. Thanks to these lounges, many things can be made possible for you during long layovers. Airports are quite large due to the many ports and millions of people who fly ever year. There are also many areas that are wide open and away from tons of people.

Whether you’re power walking a few miles around the airport or you’re doing crunches, sit-ups or push-ups, you’re able to get in your daily workout during your vacation travel time. As most fitness people say, “no excuses!” You have a broad area to work with, so it should be pretty easy to keep on track with your workout schedule. You can use the more empty waiting areas to work out and most people won’t notice you, depending on the time of day.

Play games

This seems weird, but there are an array of different types of games you can play whether they’re on your phone or with other people. If you want to play people watching games there are a ton to choose from!

Mad lib

Have you and a friend look at someone having a conversation and try to guess what silly things they could be saying!

Where’s Waldo?

Make a list of ridiculous clothing items and try to find people wearing them! It could be a never-ending hunt as you make your way through the airport.

Phone games

I love playing games on my phone and I’m a fan of many genres. Top picks for airport layovers are: Trivia Crack, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, Shade spotter and more! Don’t forget to log your travels in the form of pictures on Instagram!

Conclusion

As you can see, waiting around on a layover really isn’t so boring. Utilize all the time you have on your hands to create the most fun possible. Whether you want to keep it relaxed or have a bit more of an adventurous time, these are all possible! All you have to do is plan your layover – it can be just as much fun as your destination.

Aussie on the Road’s Favourites

In addition to Jess’ tips, I thought I’d throw a few out there as well. I’m no stranger to the long layover, but for the most part I’ve managed to enjoy them.

Except when in Guangzhou. Such a fucking toilet.

Be Productive

I find I’m at my most inspired and my most productive when I’m not around a PC. No problem! If my iPad or iPhone battery isn’t too low, I like to whip out my favourite device (this all sounds very phallic) and tap out a few blog ideas, plot out my novel, or even indulge in a little bit of airport poetry.

If you’re not as tech reliant as I am, it pays to pack a notebook and pen into your carry on. If you’ve got a few hours to kill, you might as well use them on something more productive than navel gazing.

Eat, Drink, and Leech WiFi

I’m going to take a moment here to boast about the fact I’ve lost 12kgs and dropped two jean sizes since I got home last August, but that doesn’t mean I don’t occasionally indulge my inner fat-boy and pig out.

Any airport worth its salt is going to have a few decent restaurant options on offer, and I like to scout out something new and make up for the (usually) horrible airline food I’ve just endured. A couple of beers can be a great nerve settler too.

The biggest reason I dine at the airport, though? Most restaurants have WiFi that you’re entitled to use with a purchase. I bounced between three restaurants in Bangkok Airport, going on a bit of a world food tour while also checking my Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Make a Friend

People in the airport can be a bit crabby at times, but I’ve met and engaged with some really fascinating people in my travels all the same. Once you’re through customs and away from the frantic duty free shopping, it’s easy to spot a similarly bored individual and strike up a conversation.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’ve made any fast friends in the departure lounge, but I’ve met some interesting characters and even managed to get my flirt on a time or two. It’s a fun way to pass the time.

Your Say

What are your tips for surviving a lengthy layover?

Featured image by weisserstier

Hawaii

Traditional Hawaiian Food and Where to Find It

February 20, 2015 No Comment

Visiting Hawaii has been something of a travel daydream for me for quite some time now. It’s one of the top five US states I’d most like to visit (that I haven’t already), and I even wrote about my debate between Hawaii or Alaska a while ago.

A glimpse at my constantly shifting waistline should give some indication of how much I love food, and enjoying good food with family and friends is part of the Hawaiian tradition and culture. Often the best way to experience a travel destination is to talk to the locals and explore the recommended places to eat.

Like in any country, the quest to find authentic local food often leads you down winding alleys and into places that don’t look particularly appealing. My favourite dumpling place in China was in a foul-smelling alley affectionately known as ‘bird flu alley’, but damned if they weren’t amazing dumplings. Likewise, you can find some of the best Hawaiian food at some of the most ordinary-seeming restaurants.

Of course, knowing what Hawaiian food is will help you on your culinary adventure. Watch the video below as an introduction to Poi, Kalua Pig, Poke, lau lau, and lomi lomi — all dishes that are guaranteed to make your mouth water.

Once you’re up to speed on Hawaiian delicacies, you can be more excited than ever about that Honolulu hotel reservation you made on gogobot.com. Once you’ve unpacked and got yourself situation, you can seek out one or more of the following restaurants to delight your palate.

Ono Hawaiian Foods

Ono Hawaiian Foods is known for Kalua Pig, an authentic pork dish cooked in an underground oven for hours. Once done the pork has a smoky taste and resembles American pulled pork, without the BBQ sauce. This dish is succulent and full of flavour.

The restaurant is small and often has people waiting in line, but Ono is worth the wait. Don’t let the run down decor and chipped dishes fool you, the staff is friendly and helpful and the food to die for!

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Helena’s, located just outside down town Honolulu, is a quaint place serving local flavours. A must try speciality food, labelled as a comfort food, is the pikikaula ribs. Rubbed with special seasonings, marinated for hours, and smoked to perfection, the ribs are crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.

Yama’s Fish Market

Yami’s Fish Market will delight your tastebuds with lau lau — served with either pork or chicken — and lomi lomi, a cold salmon dish with diced tomatoes and onions.

Another dish you might want to try is the Hawaiian coconut pudding, which is sweet potato haupia, a colorful dessert with a sweet and buttery crust, purple mashed sweet potatoes, and a topping of coconut and macadamia nuts.

Lani’s Loco Moco and Plate Lunch

Lani’s, a bright yellow food truck, serves some of the best Prime Rib Loco Moco on the island. Coupled with a delectable mac salad, it is known as the greatest in comfort foods. The salad is slightly tangy and sweet and is the ideal complement for the tasty, fall apart ribs. Give this truck a try.

Honolulu Farmers Market

A farmers market may seem like an unusual backdrop for traditional foods of Hawaii, but here it is easy to come by fresh, authentic fare. There are plenty of local dishes to try here, and a day of tastings will fill your belly with some of the most flavorful dishes of the islands. The poke — cubed raw tuna, seasoned with pink sea salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed, and chili pepper — melts in your mouth.

Your journey for authentic Hawaiian foods, whether traditional or non-traditional, should without a doubt take you to Honolulu. Bring your taste buds and your appetite, and enjoy!

Your Say

Have you ever been to Hawaii? What are your favourite Hawaiian dishes and the places to find them?

Content written by Miles Young

Chicago, New York, United States

Six Gourmet Restaurants in the US

February 18, 2015 1 Comment

Maybe it’s the fact I’m now on a student budget and the culinary high points of my week tend to involve microwave pasta and/or cheese, but I’m finding I have more of a hankering than ever for the so-called finer things in life.

While it’s true I’ve spent a great deal of time travelling in the US in the past, my fine dining experiences were limited by a relatively restrictive budget. With the exception of a decadent Greek meal at The White House Grill in Post Falls and a romantic clifftop meal somewhere along Route 1, my US trips so far have been mostly junk food or home cooking.

During some idle time (which I have precious little of while I’m reading chapter after chapter about business law and management), I got Googling and came up with six decadent restaurants across six states that I’d sorely like to have.

What did I eat for dinner last night, you ask? Why, home brand ravioli in a microwave sauce!

I assure you, my tastes run considerably finer than that might indicate. Read on and you’ll see!

1. Detroit, Michigan – Slows Bar BQ

Delicious, delicious BBQ. Photo by a_b_normal123

One of my absolute favourite guilty pleasure meals is a big, BBQ sauce drenched rack of ribs. It’s far from ideal first date food, but if I’m dining with mates or feel confident I’ve got the girl locked down – ribs are my go to treat.

Slows Bar BQ, in Detroit has been described as “consistently delicious, consistently well-crafted homage to barbecue from all regions.”

They offer barbecue styles from all over, including Texas Style Beef Brisket and Carolina Style Pulled Pork. Their sides are every bit as delectable as their BBQ. I’m itching to try the sweet potato mash or Mom’s green beans.

2. Portsmouth, New Hampshire – Black Trumpet

black trumpet portsmouth — My mouth is literally watering. Photo by Ralph and Jenny.

The Black Trumpet is a family-owned bistro in the historic heart of Portsmouth. They offer fresh-grown, farm-style meals using ingredients from local providers. The green salad with a ricotta-stuffed fig and apricot dressing looks particularly divine, while the Partridge Farm chicken leg with chickpea-fried olives, and broccoli rabe is an entree you’ll return for.

They also serve fresh-baked bread as you sit down with farm-fresh butter blended with honey, all from the owner’s farm. You’ve got to love a place that promotes sustainable dining.

3. Chicago, Illinois – Girl and the Goat

Girl and Goat in Chicago. Photo by star5112.

I ate pretty well in Chicago despite it being the final stop on what had been a pricey trip across the United States. Thank God for tax returns!

Not only did I nearly kill myself with a sizable slice from Pizzeria Uno, but the wedding fare was as sumptuous as you’d expect from an affair at classy manor house.

Still, when I got to Chicago I wish I’d checke out the Chicago travel guide on Gogobot. I might have known to go to dinner at Girl and the Goat.

Chef Stephanie Izard is on top of her game at this West Loop restaurant. Where else can you get the mouth-watering, titular roasted goat? Or the uniquely constructed (and imaginatively named) dish called pig face?

The dishes have a restraint and balance that deliver a surprising punch of flavor. Even the deliberately simple kohlrabi salad is full of unexpected zest. Girl and the Goat is very popular, so make your reservations far in advance.

4. Minneapolis, Minnesota – Brasa Premium Rotisserie Restaurant

Can you tell my diet has been exceptionally low in meat lately? Photo by jlastras.

For meat lovers, the Brasa Premium Rotisserie is their favourite restaurant in the country because it’s all about the slow cooked meat.

They serve home-cooked meals based on Creole-inspired recipes using local and organic ingredients. Each dish is infused with American and Caribbean cooking traditions. I would kill (well, maybe just maim) to try the slow roasted pork, green sauce, corn bread, and guacamole, joining those other meat lovers who find the Brasa their favorite place to eat and a holy place in the church of meat.

5. New Orléans, Louisiana – Borgne

Something a little different. Photo by jspatchwork

Taking a break from red meat, let’s take a jaunt down to New Orleans where, at The Borgne you’ll find authentic Louisiana coastal cuisine. While eating authentic gumbo down in Louisiana is on my bucket list, I fear I’d be spoiled for choice at The Borgne.

I mean, I could try the empanadas, duck poppers, stuffed artichoke, garlic bread soup, or black drum – all expertly prepared by Chef Brian Landry, a native of New Orléans. Just looking at the above gets my toes curling and puts me on the verge of mouthgasm.

6. New York, New York – Restaurant Marc Forgione

A little seafood to round us out. Photo by tomer.gabel

My 24 hours in New York didn’t feature a whole lot of fine dining. The highlight would have to have been a gourmet pizza before catching Sleep No More, but just looking at the above makes my memories of said pizza turn to bitter ash in my mouth. I mean, look at it!

This TriBeCa neighborhood restaurant is a favorite with New Yorkers. The food has been described as “what happens when rockstar style meets rockstar caliber talent with a very well-traveled and observant chef.”

Plates not to be missed include all the red meat dishes, desserts that feature banana Jameson, and the (pictured) chilli lobster.

Your Say

People go out to eat for the flavour, the environment, and the originality of their favourite restaurants.

What are your favourite restaurants, be that in the United States or wherever you call home?

Featured photo by Luke Chan.

Australia, Travel Writing

5 Reasons I’m Loving Life in Coffs Harbour

February 17, 2015 3 Comments

A few years ago, I transplanted myself from the hustle and bustle of Sydney to the even hustlier and bustlier (I know they aren’t words) world of Nanjing, China. At the time I had no idea that China would be my home for the next 30 months.

This time around, I know I’ve committed to calling Coffs Harbour home for the next three years. After three weeks of beach days, orientation week drinking, and entirely too much Cards Against Humanity – I’ve come up with a few reasons why I’m happy to be calling Coffs Harbour home for the foreseeable future.

#5 – Close to Home

While it’s true that in the past I’ve given reasons why I hate living in Australia, one of the biggest drawbacks to being abroad semi-permanently has been missing out on so many important moments with my family and my friends.

While in China I missed the birth of my niece and the deaths of my last two grandparents. I missed engagement parties, important birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmases as well. When a 12-20 hour flight separates you from those you love, those moments become an unfortunate sacrifice you have to make.

Being home for Christmas was a real thrill for me, and one I hope to repeat this year.

I do miss my cosmopolitan life abroad, but I’m glad to be within a relatively short three hour bus ride of my family home in the mountains. It means I’ll be home for the birth of my niece or nephew this September, it means I get to catch up with my siblings more often than once a year, and it means being home for those important moments that I’ve missed so sorely while being on the road.

I’m also quite close to friends in Sydney, Brisbane, and Newcastle – as well as located close enough to an airport that visits to places like Melbourne aren’t beyond the realms of possibility. I’m hoping this year sees me being a much better brother, son, uncle, and friend.

#4 – Studying (Again)

I sometimes think that going straight from high school to university is hopelessly wasted on 18 year olds entirely too unprepared for the experiences they’re about to have. I don’t mean that as a slight against 18 year olds or their intelligence. I just mean that you’re thrust from the relative ease of high school and parents looking after your every whim to suddenly having near complete control over things.

In between the parties and the spending all of your grocery money on ice cream and video games, you sometimes get a little lost when it comes to the actual academia.

I look back at my first Bachelor’s degree and I remember precious little about it. I did a whole lot of growing socially and emotionally (although the lion’s share of that was done in South Korea, if I’m being honest) – but so many of the academic opportunity I was presented with were wasted. I did the majority of my essays on the night before they were due, I didn’t bother attending a lecture in my second two years, and my priorities seemed to start at ‘girls’, ‘parties’, and ‘sleeping in’, with studying a very distant seventh or eighth.

I loved my time studying theatre, but if I’m being brutally honest – I was never that interested in the subject. I enjoyed acting and I got good marks in the course, but it wasn’t a passion.

Travel is my passion, and studying Tourism Management will hopefully lend me a better understanding of the industry and open some doors for me farther down the line.

Classes don’t start for me until this Wednesday, but I’m already balls deep in readings and notes for two of my classes. Experience, a genuine interest in the subject, and a somewhat deeper well of self discipline ought to make this a much more pleasant study experience with (I hope) less 5am rushes to get essays written.

#3 – Keeping Busy

When I decided to come back to university, I really wanted to live on campus. Not only is it dreadfully convenient being a five minute walk from my classes (something I’m sure I’ll avail myself of when it comes to my 8am business law lectures), but it means having access to a social calendar that I don’t need to populate myself.

While my photos and my background running pub crawls might paint me as an extrovert, I’m actually very introverted. Without a little external motivation, there’s every chance I’ll waste away my free time on video games, books, and marathoning TV shows.

In the three weeks I’ve lived on campus here at Carina College I’ve played laser tag & mini golf, indulged in cruisy beach days, road tripped to the grandly named Promised Lands, gone shopping at markets, eaten out, enrolled in casual sports clubs, and done a bunch of other fun stuff. It’s a variety of social opportunities I didn’t really have in China, and I’m hoping to take full advantage of it this year.

An impromptu water fight breaks out after water balloon volleyball. Photo by Paige Higgins.

Riding the waterslide and doing some deep thinking at the O-Week Coastal Carnival. Photo by Paige Higgins.

#2 – Friends

It’s certainly been an experience adapting to being the ‘old head’ in a group of 17-21 year olds, but I’ve found myself a pretty rad group of friends here. Blue (my adopted son), Buh, Wild Twerkey, Skit, Scout, Norm, Ains, Socrates, Emulee, and the various other comers and goers have made things anything but dull.

Our near daily games of pool or Cards Against Humanity are liberally interspersed with video nights, trips to Maccas, or just lazing about talking shit.

I won’t lie: there’s been a whole lot of drinking and bad dancing as well.

Getting my clown on for an Alphabet Party during O-Week.

It’s a pretty cool gang of people, and it’s been a trip down memory lane to witness all of the drama, heart-break, and teeth-gnashing that comes with being young and feeling everything so keenly. It’s reminded me what a melodramatic kid I was when I went through my first year of university, and it’s an experience that is entirely surreal.

Most recently, the always dreadful Valentine’s Day was salvaged by said group of loveable misfits. Between getting a Valentine from one of the gang (henceforth known as The most amazing chick in this galaxy) and spending the afternoon having a delicious brunch in Sawtell with the whole mob, it made the sting of my desperate loneliness a tad more bearable.

Getting so drunk I couldn’t feel feelings any more certainly helped as well.

#1 – The Beach(es)

I live for the beach, and I am so glad to finally have a home that is achingly close to it.

Coffs Harbour may not boast the beaches that the Sunshine Coast or Newcastle have, but the beaches here are nothing to be sneezed at. Jetty Beach is a perfect place to lie out, swim, or throw yourself off of the jetty, and options like Boambee Creek give a nice change of pace from white sand and breakers.

Chilling in the current as it pulls you out towards the ocean at Boambee Creek is pretty amazing.

I can definitely foresee this year being one of finally achieving a tan and, if the last three weeks is anything to go by, burning away hangovers on a baking hot beach every Sunday morning.

Bliss!

———-

Life is pretty good at the moment. I’m enjoying my studies, I finally have a social life after a few months of relatively isolation in Ben Lomond, and I’ve got some exciting potential trips on the horizon that ought to keep the travel bug satisfied.

Keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks for a long overdue and shiny new design as well. I can’t wait to share it with you!

United States

The Best Things to do in Orlando

February 16, 2015 No Comment

My visit to the Sunshine State came over the 4th of July holiday and saw Nomadic American and I hit South Beach in Miami, beautiful Sanibel Island, and quaint Sarasota before we parted ways – her to return to work and myself to achieve a few lifelong dreams by visiting Disney World and seeing a pro wrestling pay-per-view live.

Orlando is famed the world around as a vacation spot for family trips, retreats for couples, or gatherings of friends alike. The city offers a bit of everything, and there are attractions for all ages, ranging from exciting amusement parks to beautiful beaches.

Even if you aren’t one for “tourist traps” such as theme parks, I found that Orlando was a whole lot of fun. It’s all well and good to put your nose up and sniff with disdain at such noise and colour, but my time in Orlando rekindled a bit of my childhood sense of wonder that had been dulled by my time in often dreary China. For affordable lodging options in Orlando, check out gogobot.

Walt Disney World

A visit to Walt Disney — Image via Jeff Christiansen

You’d be hard pressed to find a child who didn’t grow up with the movies and music of Disney playing some part in their formative years. Whether you were raised on a diet of Snow White & Bambi, The Lion King & The Little Mermaid, or more recent Pixar offerings – a visit to Disney World is an opportunity to rediscover some of your inner child.

Walt Disney World (of which I only got to experience Magic Kingdom) is actually four unique parks: The Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. It’s almost certainly not possible to do a single park justice in just the one day, so someday I’ll need to go back and catch up on all I missed. These four parks are in addition to shopping areas such as Downtown Disney and the two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Hanging out with my boy Goofy when I visited the Magic Kingdom in 2012.

The traditional rides and more iconic areas of Walt Disney World are in the Magic Kingdom, so you can take a scary ride through the Haunted Mansion or say hello to Mickey Mouse and other favorites.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the second largest theme park on earth and the largest of the Disney parks, and straddles the line between zoo and theme park. Whether you’re keen to see some of Africa or Asia’s most famous animals roaming or want to ride rides such as Expedition Everest or DINOSAUR, there’s plenty to occupy adventurers both young and old. In the future, an Avatar themed portion of the park will only further add to its allure.

Hollywood Studios is born of the now defunct MGM studios, and much of that former park can be seen in this tinseltown themed portion of the park. Rides such as the famous Tower of Terror as well as live performance keep visitors entertained. In nearby Epcot, is more a world showcase than it is a theme park proper, allowing visitors to ‘tour’ countries such as Japan, the UK, and China.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a little over an hour away from the downtown area of Orlando, Florida. Home to one of the biggest NASCAR races of the year, Daytona Beach is more than just a race location.

Once more of a destination for students on spring break or those looking to party, the city has made an effort to tone this down; and it is now a great destination for families as well. The beaches have plenty of parking, and with the beautiful weather throughout most of the year, it is a great spot to visit.

Motorheads can get their rev on by visiting the famous speedway or even participating in the Richard Petty Driving Experience, but those looking for more sedate pleasures might enjoy visiting sites such as the historic Ponce de Leon Lighthouse or the various museums and historic homes in the area.

Kids can be entertained along the boardwalk at a variety of exciting stops as well, so there really is something for all walks of life on this world famous beach.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

I came in at the wrong age to really get into Harry Potter fever. I was a tad too old to get into the books when they started hitting the shelves, and only really developed an appreciation for the series as its films matured.

That being said, visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is very much on my radar. I’m a sucker for the pageantry of a well designed theme park, and I reckon I’d get a real kick out of exploring the world of the popular books/movies.

Thankfully, Muggles are welcome at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where guests can enjoy a walk through Hogwarts, sip on pumpkin juice or Butterbeer, or shop for a wand at Ollivander’s.

Much as I felt enchanted by the fact I could shake hands with Goofy or dine with Ariel at the Disney Parks, Harry Potter fans of all ages will doubtless enjoy the excitement of spending a day in the life of Harry, Hermione, and even Draco. There are rides throughout the park, including two thrilling rollercoasters. The park recently underwent some renovations, which added several more rides and restaurants that serve some of Harry’s favorite meals.

Having read A Dangerous Business’ 10 things you must do at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I’m all the more keen to go.

SeaWorld

Depending on how much credence you give Blackfish (and I’d recommend you check it out, one way or the other), you might baulk at paying a visit to SeaWorld. I’m not here to judge or guilt you either way.

The fact is, SeaWorld is a famous park and it’s the kind of place kids are going to love. The park features exciting aquatic life shows and rides for guests, but there is also a separate water park with exciting slides that help you and your family keep cool on a hot day. This is a great attraction to visit if your vacation is during the summer months, since it gets warm and humid in Orlando throughout June, July, and August.

With all of that variety, nobody is forcing you to go watch the live animal performance aspects of the park. There’s certainly enough going on that you can entertain the kids (or the big kid in you) without feeling guilty for watching a killer whale or dolphin show.

Medieval Times

Whether you want to get a little more Game of Thrones (sans the incest) in your life or you’re hoping to recreate the famous scene from the criminally underrated The Cable Guy, you’ll be pleased to know that Medieval Times is a thing and it’s close to Orlando.

How close? Kissimmee is located just over 22 miles from downtown Orlando. Medieval Times offers both dinner and a thrilling show. The entertainment portion includes tales of love, courage, and devotion, with knights travelling across the stage on horses and engaging in sword fights. You can also dine on four courses of delicious food such as tasty meats, soups, side dishes, breads, and pastries. There are also vegetarian options available.

It may be the shameless D&D nerd in me, but I kind of dig the idea of chowing down on a sizeable turkey leg while watching dudes in armour wail on one another.

See a Wrestling Show

One of the highlights of my very awesome US trip was checking out a TNA pay-per-view live. I was lucky enough to be crammed in at ringside to see my favourite wrestler at the time win his first world title, and it was a whole lot of fun.

Whether or not you’re a fan of the pomp and circumstance that is professional wrestling, it’s something I’d suggest anybody who enjoys a bit of theatre experience. The storylines may be low brow and the acting often terrible, but there’s plenty to be admired in the physical aspect of a pro wrestling show.

While TNA have since taken their show on the road, I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the NXT shows that take place at Orlando’s Full Sail University. I’d definitely see an NXT show if my travels took me back to Florida.

——————

Your Say

What are your favourite spots in and around Orlando when you travel?

I’ve highlighted some of the more well known above, so I’d love your more off-the-beaten-track suggestions!

Featured image courtesy of Jason Mrachina

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Chris

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