Leaving Absolutely nothing To Be Preferred In North Carolina - North Carolina Traveling Information

From the Atlantic Coast to the Appalachian Hills, North Carolina has all the bases paid for traveling, whether it's business or enjoyment. Reaching from exterior entertainment to exquisite eating and also from modern industry to historical legends, North Carolina is the place to take a trip whenever of year. Each of the four unique periods has something to offer.

North Carolina was just one of the 13 initial colonies, although its past history begins considerably earlier as the very first English negotiation in the new world. The strange "Lost Nest" on Roanoke Island was developed by the Crown in 1585, comprised mostly of men. By 1587, when an expedition had returned, the whole negotiation was gone. There are lots of concepts about whether they were taken in into among the many local tribes or if they had died as the hands of natives or due to malnourishment; luckily, you could check out the historical site today and also determine yourself what could have been their fate. Roanoke Island likewise takes place to be the birth place of the very first English child born in the New World, Virginia Dare.

Traveling North Carolina from Boundary to Boundary

North Carolina is divided into four distinct regions, getting in altitude as they move west. Subsequently, travelers to the state could appreciate a remarkable mix of Southern heat and Northeastern awesome done in one quest. Heaven Ridge Hills in the Beaming Rock Wild Location is a stunning destination for walkers as well as backpackers within the Appalachian Hills that wind their way through Western North Carolina. There are also a number of ski resorts as well as winter months vacations in this raised component of the state, along with the greatest top eastern of the Mississippi River: Mount Mitchell.

Central North Carolina is a flat region called Piedmont where every one of North Carolina's major cities are located. The Study Triangular, composed of Raleigh (the funding), Durham, and also Chapel Hillside, is where fast paced University life meets cosmopolitan appeal and thriving sector. In addition to Charlotte, this region is North Carolina's social home, hosting many fine arts as well as enjoyment occasions and top quality galleries. An additional vital site is the state capitol in Raleigh, integrateded 1840, which has actually survived the test of war as well as is still standing today.

Panning more eastern, you will certainly enter the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina. See to it that Kitty Hawk, on North Carolina's Outer Banks, is a quit on your journeys. The Wright Brothers made this the native home of contemporary air travel. Travel North Carolina's Outer Banks, just off the mainland, for remarkable seaside activities including angling, boating and also easy summertime sunlight relaxation.

From Sea to Snow, Travel North Carolina Go to Toe

Whenever of year is excellent for intending travel to North Carolina. Air travel to North Carolina is likewise practical for all sort of traveling via the selection of many major city destinations in various locales. The vibrant nature of North Carolina's borders makes sure to satiate the most eclectic of travel needs.

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Ideal Purchases in Your Annual Worldwide Travel Coverage

Let's look at some insurers & strategies that certify as finest acquire annual traveling insurance coverage worldwide. 6 UK traveling insurance coverage carrier that dubs itself the most inexpensive worldwide traveling insurance provides not only annual coverage but intends specific to a single travel, a company journey, backpacking journeys, & plans created with individuals over 65 in mind.

For finest purchases in yearly travel insurance coverage worldwide you require initially only travel as far as your web connection. Annual travel insurance coverage for worldwide travel is the best buy, as compared with single journey coverage, if you're visiting be transforming six journey in a calendar year, or if you're keep is visiting be extensive.

You could acquire the best buys in worldwide travel insurance coverage for a year's well worth of globally protection that consists of the U.S. & Canada along with Europe, or you can prefer to exclude the Usa & Canada. This coverage, while noted as globally travel insurance coverage does omit from protection several risky locations - the nations of Israel, Lebanon, Libya & Algeria. Actually, you would certainly be hard pushed to discover yearly or solitary journey travel insurance coverage for these countries anywhere. Were you to do so you could count on them not being amongst your finest buy.

Let's check out an instance quote & view if it's undoubtedly 6 of the very best buys in yearly travel insurance policy worldwide. These quotes are for UK citizens. Presuming one grownups, the oldest 64, travelling in Europe, the array of price is indeed low - from a per person reduced of $46.43 U.S. bucks to a high of $78.18. These might be a quantity of the best buys in annual travel insurance worldwide. Coverage consists of trip hold-up or cancellation defense, medical care, the price of repatriation back to your house, hospital care, shed or postponed travel luggage, missed trip link or departure, hijacking, mishap, personal obligation, care of injured animal, & even holiday abandonment (which means were your air travel or cruise ship to be delayed 12 hrs or even more you might choose to cancel your plans & be reimbursed for doing so.) These ideal buys in annual around the world traveling insurance policy also supply extra coverage add-ons (for an added rate, of work.).

Finest purchases in travel insurance worldwide are additionally found on the web, with a lot of websites providing an easy comparison.

You can opt to pay an additional charge for additional traveling insurance policy coverage for loss or theft of money you carryover with you, for loss or damages to business equipment such as your laptop, blackberry or cellular phone, & for injury during participation in golf or wintertime sports.

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What Travel Agents Do For Travelers While Visiting Bangalore

Bangalore is capital of Karnataka and it is populous city well this city it known for the pleasant climate. The pleasant weather, board streets, public parks and greenery make Bangalore is truly known Garden City. Also in this city many diversities of food and cuisine are there and it has varied and wide mix of cuisines and restaurant tips. You can take the roadside vendors, north Indian, south Indian, western food and Chinese food and all are most popular in Bangalore. Also, there are many educated and well recognized research institutions are there. As Bangalore is a diverse city so it is popular for both cultural and economic hub. The traveler can enjoy the pathless juggles and pleasure climate well it also has some of the exquisite places and all are being explored nearby placed like Dandeli, Chikmagalur and many more during the visit.

Moreover, travel agents in Bangalore provide the packages for main attractions as well as nearby places like Bannerghata national park, Wonderla, Lal Bagh, Bangalore palace, Iskcon temple and so on. Almost the leading agents are there in the city for your access they can offer the best hotel under all rates. The agents tied up with airlines, top resorts, and transport companies in order to offer customers with complete value for your money. If you need any activity like family vacation, some leisure they include the outdoor activities, sightseeing and this surely makes people happy. Bangalore city contains a number of Movie Theater, scenic parks, complexes, famous memorials, edifices, complexes are there and all are vibrant. The exciting nightlife along with the exotic pub will make a worth for youngsters. Also it attracts hundreds of travelers because this city vacation is really enjoyable one. You can carry a city map or Google map for your reference and it help to locate the railway stations, important roadways, hospitals and major landmarks. By using Google map people can able to locate the nearby cities on different sides like Mandua, Yumkur, Hassan, Kollar. If you wish then take the travel agents for a trip this helps to make your journey as memorable. Now with the help of rapid transportation you can reach the destination very shortly and this really for Tourist.

By hiring online site, you can attain the promotional offers and this helps to save the money. Their rates are simply less from that the profit remains stable. The pleasant and quite city of Bangalore boast the fine weather and this made the way on a global map. This city also cited as Silicon Valley. In fact, Bangalore preferred as entrepreneurial locations in the country and so it covered most of the business for travelers. The exchange of foreign currency is prime need. When you go to Bangalore for business travel then look for the reliable exchange and they provide the myriad service this helps to travel overseas, especially for a business assignment or visiting Bangalore with family members. Always search online for a convenient and reliable money exchange.

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Fiji village life trumps luxury treatme

“FIVE minutes to go … Fiji time? Maybe 10,” our guide Saka told us.

The cracking pace he had set through the rainforest was a shock to us girls, who had so far resembled cocktail-drinking sloths on our tropical holiday.

We had crossed the river no less than nine times on our way to the Biausevu waterfall on mainland Viti Levu’s Coral Coast.

I immediately regretted our choice of footwear as our thongs squelched in the muddy terrain throughout the 30-minute bush bash. Why had we declined to ride horses up to the falls? We had spotted plenty on the side of the track — and even some in the middle of the roads on our bike ride there.

But Saka kept our spirits high with jokes as he pointed out banana, mandarin and avocado trees growing along the trail. He even snapped the stem of a local bani cagi leaf and blew bubbles from the goo inside.

And soon enough our hair was blown back by the gusts of crashing water as we cooled off in our own private watering hole.

But like many adventures, the journey topped the destination. To get to the waterfall you must pass through Biausevu village, a community of 300 people in the middle of a lush rainforest. Here the bell sounds of kava being pounded rings through the trees, as does running water from the surrounding streams.

And children are playing everywhere: some race down hills in wheelbarrows, while others are dragged around in makeshift cars made of halved yellow oil containers, string and a handle bar. We had seen snippets of the real Fiji on our drive down to the Coral Coast — glimpses of village life through the greenery. We saw women selling oranges piled in little towers on the side of the road. Cooking fires burning. Men fishing in the turquoise shallows. Boys playing afternoon footy in open fields.

It was refreshingly different to the sunburnt tourists with bad braids we had encountered thus far.

If my muscles were tight from our “hike”, Sava worked the kinks out good and proper during my traditional Vakacegu massage that afternoon.

Sava was a big Fijian lady with warm hands, coconut breath and a firm touch.

I later found out her “warm hands” was a special herbal poultice of Fijian medicine — coconut-scented — used to reduce tension and muscular pain.

But I was playing it safe and had shied away from the assortment of seaweed wraps, hydrotherapy baths and hot stone massages on offer at the The Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa.

Once I was sufficiently oiled and docile, we were off to dinner at The Warwick’s Wicked Walu, one of five restaurants helmed by award-winning Swiss chef Martin Glutz.

This fine dining seafood restaurant on its own island felt more like a local’s cookout once you got inside.

The burre hut had sand floors and a wood-carved roof interior, and we were greeted with a welcome drink of kava.

The seafood Kwasewa platter for two was fresh and impossible to finish, a highlight being the whole lobster from neighbouring Lautoka.

It is hard to believe that earlier that morning we were sitting on the postcard-white beaches of Tokoriki Island, one of 333 in the Fijian archipelago.

A small spec in the Mamanuca island group, you can arrive here by boat, seaplane or helicopter.

Our beachfront burre at the Sheraton Tokoriki came with a plunge pool filled with hibiscus flowers just four steps from the shoreline.

But we spent most of our time on the other side of the island at the adults only Tokoriki Island Resort, which was unaffected by Australian school holidays.

Here we drank young coconuts (sometimes mixed with rum) and lazed by the picturesque beachside infinity pool.

One day I tried my hand at paddle boarding. The next I was snorkelling along the reef of Castaway Island — where Tom Hanks famously cried out for Wilson — while divers explored the depths beneath me.

And just a 45-minute boat ride away was Cloud 9, a two-level floating bar in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean with its own pizzeria.

We had our hearts set on going, but each day the wind gods had other ideas and eventually it was deemed too dangerous.

Cloud 9 will always be the one that got away, but it is just another reason to go back.

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Five things to do in Ibiza that DON’T involve partying

Think Ibiza is all about partying? Think again… this stunning Spanish Island has so much more to offer.

Here are the top five things to do in Ibiza that don’t include partying.

1. Take a boat ride to Formentera

Ibiza is a great base for exploring Spain’s Balearic Islands and Formentera is the closest and one of the most stunning. You can hire a private boat or catch a ferry from Ibiza Harbour which takes 30 minutes. The calm, turquoise waters will have you mesmerised and never wanting to leave. Juan y Andrea restaurant is the Island’s best and a long lunch is the perfect way to cap off any trip to Formentera. The seafood is all caught locally and, beware vegetarians, just to prove it the waiters will bring your order out alive before they cook it. Definitely get the lobster!
2. Explore the North Eastern side of the Island on horseback

Horse riding is one of the best ways to connect with nature and on Ibiza it’s a great way to experience a different side of the Island. North Ride Ibiza runs a small group based trail ride which can accommodate as many as four people. Local Rumana leads the excursions and she will take you into the beautiful untouched wilderness on the North Eastern side of the Island. It’s a part of Ibiza most people never get to experience and the views are breathtaking. Just a 40 minute drive from the old town this is one activity which will stay with you for a lifetime.

3. Visit a world class day spa

Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena is a world renowned boutique hotel set on the spectacular cliffs of Ibiza’s North coast. It was the first 5 star Hotel on the Island, built back in the 1960s, and has continually evolved to stay ahead of the field. La Posidonia is its Day Spa and it is one of the most amazing experiences you will have on the island. You’ll be encouraged to do the ‘Cascadas Suspendidas’ before your massage or facial and it is an absolute must. It’s a 45 minute hydrotherapy treatment which you’ll enjoy in 8 pools on the side of a 180 meter cliff overlooking the Balearic Sea. Each pool is heated to a different temperature with powerful jets designed to treat a different part of the body. You’ll then move on to whatever treatment you desire feeling on top of the world.
4. Spend the entire day relaxing at a beach club 

There will no doubt be days where you just want to chill out at the beach and take in the Ibizan atmosphere and the Beachouse is perfect. It’s a stunning restaurant and beach club which has a much more relaxed and peaceful approach than others on the main strip. The day beds are gorgeous, the staff are amazing and the food is fabulous. It opened just two years ago and is fast earning a reputation as the place to be if you want to chill out.

5. Take in dinner and a show

Like Las Vegas you really can’t go to Ibiza without experiencing one of the highly produced shows over a gourmet dinner. Heart and Lio are the venues which host the biggest and best shows and you should book well in advanced especially if you are planning to travel in July or August as the Island gets packed. The productions do change every season, but the quality of food and standard of performances are always world class. This summer Heart played host to Cirque de Soleil while diners at Lio were treated to a raunchy cabaret show.

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Come Alive in the Canadian Rockies

There are so many reasons to fall in love with the Canadian Rocky Mountains, but the best reason is because you can adore this destination regardless of your budget.

This is one part of the world where the wilderness speaks to you, no matter how heavy your wallet is. Our Travel Expert Rose Jacobs takes us on a wild and rocky tour of the best!

As I sat perched precariously on the inflatable raft, drifting rapidly down the Bow River in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, it occurred to me I was pretty far from home. It could have been the snow-capped mountains surrounding me at every angle. Perhaps it was the water that glowed azure green like no other water we have at home. Maybe it was the running commentary of our friendly rafting guide, describing the oversized grizzly bear that was sitting on the riverbank just yesterday, or perhaps it was the large hunting knife strapped to his thigh that glinted in the sun as he casually described how one is supposed to survive if one comes face to face with such a bear. Either way, I was captivated… yes, by my guide, but more so by the passion for which he spoke about his beloved country Canada; and rightly so.

If you’re contemplating a trip that thrusts you deep into the most extraordinary wilderness, where the people are strangely like Aussies in their sense of humour, adventure and warmth, and where the standard of hospitality rivals anywhere else in the world, then Canada is your destination.

Now, it’s a broad country. So, let’s narrow things down. I’m going to give you my top four destinations and experiences for you to tick off on your bucket list. Here we go:

1. LAKE LOUISE

Imagine a postcard of the most spectacular chateau, nestled at the base of a fluorescent green lake, facing a breathtaking glacier and you have Lake Louise; although these words don’t come close to describing its beauty.

STAY: Chateau Lake Louise. Nothing else will ever compare.

DO: Regardless of the time of year you visit, you must get out onto the lake. In summer, canoeing is the best. In winter, ice skating is phenomenal. Also, I recommend meeting the local mountie, Pat. And, if you’re a dog lover and you’re missing your pooch, the chateau has their own dog, available for walks.

DINE: This is where I struggled, for all the right reasons! I struggled to choose between the amazing dining options within the chateau and then I struggled to fit through the door! Poppy Brasserie is the family friendly option. Lago is the Italian Restaurant (translates to “lake”) and then there’s Wallister Stubé, the Swisse Fondu Restaurant. I’ve made my point.

2. JASPER

The Jasper National Park is known for its tranquility. I would agree with this 100 per cent if it weren’t for the elks screaming like hormonal teenage boys during their rutting season. To be honest, this was nothing but fascinating, certainly not a negative!

The lakes, the forests, the mountains that you have to crane your neck to see the top of… what’s not to love!

STAY: The Jasper Park Lodge will steal your heart. You’ll feel like a mountie yourself in the traditional lodges, fitted with fire places and balconies. It’s a huge property and you will feel like you’re the only ones there.

DO: Two top tips – a boat cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. No-one knows why it is called that, but I can guarantee it will bring out the inner spirit in you and leave you breathless. Secondly, to bring the air back into your lungs, hit the high road in style and saddle up in a Harley Side Car Tour! The Jasper Park Lodge can arrange everything for you. All you need is a wild side and a camera!

DINE: The main restaurant at Jasper Park Lodge looks out of Beauvert Lake(translates to “beautiful green”, which it most certainly is!). I strongly recommend sitting on the balcony and with a sundowner… the local specialty “Caesar”, which is like a Canadian twist on a Bloody Mary. Sensational!

3. BANFF

You can’t say the word Banff without saying Banff Springs. And you can’t say Banff Springs without immediately picturing hot steamy outdoor spas, set amongst icing-cake like pockets of fresh snow or in the summer, an electric array of colourful flowers and lush green mountains. So, I’m pleased to say, this is what you will indeed find at Banff. It’s a national park, and the rivers are a sight to behold.

STAY: The Fairmont Banff Springs is like a fairytale. It’s originally designed on the theme of a Scottish castle and the history in fact tells that the hotel was accidentally built backwards, facing away from the view! But let me tell you, this has in no way detracted from your ability to soak it in from every angle of the property, including the world-class spas.

DO: The second immediate connotation that ‘springs’ to mind about Banff is the world-renowned golf course. And let me tell you, I have never in my life actually swung a golf club before, but as a complete novice (expert beginner was I believe, the phrase my personal golf instructor gave me!) I had the time of my life! And the view is impossible to beat. Go on, I dare you!

I also seriously recommend the Bow River Float Trip, which was the rafting experience I mentioned earlier. For me, it was my personal highlight of the trip. You have to do it to know why.

DINE: There’s something very, very special about Banff’s dining scene and his name is Joseph William Foster. “JB” is the Head Chef at the Fairmont Banff Springs Restaurant 1888 and he is a man with vision. He is putting a modern twist on the heritage of Canadian dining. Sourcing the best local produce, including Elk, Venison and Boar, your taste buds are bound to find something new. You must have the Buffalo Tartar.

4. VICTORIA

A short flight to British Columbia brings you to the capital city of Victoria. Entirely different to any of the previous ‘wilderness’ themed locations, this is a modern, young, exciting city that sits proudly upon a majestic harbour. And boy does she take advantage of this! The day I landed it was a sultry 30 degrees (A far cry from the snow-capped views of the previous day) and the sun was glistening off the boats, the seaside cafes and bars, the seaplanes. Oh yes, the sea planes!

DO: Book yourself a flight over Vancouver Island and discover the magic of the waterways, the lakes, the mountains and the harbour-side estates. It will blow your mind!

If you’re after something a little more slow-paced then you cannot go past the horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the city and the parks. It is a very special and romantic) way to see a foreign land.

STAY: The Fairmont Empress Hotel is phenomenal. She is a stately old lady, with so many stories to tell. There is no better location in the entire city.

DINE: And this is the main draw-card of The Empress… the Afternoon Tea experience. For a start, the shortest-serving waiter has been with the hotel since 1986. The Empress has served the likes of Harrison Ford, John Wayne, Queen Elizabeth and The Queen Mother and King George VI. In 1999 The Empress became listed as a heritage building. You won’t want to leave… especially when they bring out the pastries and champagne!

If none of this tickles your fancy, then I can only wonder why it is that you are still reading this article. If you’re like me however, you are still wanting to hear more. And this is why I suggest you book yourself a trip as soon as possible. Perhaps leave your hunting knife at home.

Rose Travelled as a guest of Scenic Luxury Tours and Air Canada. All of the above mentioned experiences are available when you book with Scenic.

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8 Hammock Hot Spots for your Summer Holiday

Travel writer Fiona Harper puts the humble hammock to the test, to find the best hammocking holiday hot spots.

Admittedly hammocking is not really a word. But still, it conjures up an enticing image doesn’t it? Strung between two palm trees on a sun-drenched beach cooled by trade winds, hammocks are the stuff of relaxed tropical holiday dreams. Is there a more chilled out way to sink into holiday mode? Add a good book, a comfy pillow and some good old fashioned smartphone-free solitude for some personal ‘me time’.

We put the humble hammock to the test as we kick back in hammocking holiday hot spots you should check out for your summer vacation.

1. Palm Cove, Queensland

Officially a beachside suburb of Cairns, Palm Cove is a well-known haunt of the rich and famous for good reason. The small village shaded by melaleuca trees and coconut palms is gorgeous. Those coconut palms are to blame for Palm Cove becoming one of Queensland’s most photographed beachfronts. They’re also rather conveniently spaced for stringing a hammock between them.

2. Orpheus Island

A national park island within the Palm Island Group, Orpheus Island is also home to the uber plush Orpheus Island Resort. Accessible by helicopter from Cairns or Townsville, Orpheus is a favourite with foodies who like to indulge in tropical island seclusion. Head Chef Arie Prabowo is a major drawcard while Maggie Beer is known to drop in.

The beachfront bespoke resort faces west with a number of mandatory palm trees dividing a grass area around the swimming pool from beach. With hammocks strung considerately between the palms, it’s a favoured spot for sundowners for loved up couples sharing a hammock.

3. Hobart

Credit: woodbridgenn.com.au

Hobart? What’s Hobart doing on a list of idyllic hammocking spots you’re probably wondering? We threw it in as a teaser for those who shun tropical beaches in favour of cool climate relaxation. There are few more soothing places to chill out in a hammock besides the upper reaches of Hobart’s Derwent River.

Woodbridge on the Derwent was a ramshackle old ruin (cc 1825) before the current owners took on the mammoth restoration. The grand Georgian mansion we see today is enjoyed by maximum 16 guests in an enchanting hotel furnished with antiques and artefacts from across the globe. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it’s the kind of place where you’d curl up with a local pinot noir and perhaps a side plate of local cheeses, plump up the cushions and thank your lucky stars you found this sanctuary.

4. Malolo Island Fiji

Fiji is synonymous with chilled out vibes so it comes as no surprise to find Malolo Island Resort in the Yasawa Islands making our list. With an uninterrupted beachfront view of Fiji’s famous sunsets, Malolo Island Resort does beach house style with a hefty dash of Fijian hospitality. Palm trees are strewn between beach house-style rooms and the beach features inviting hammocks.

The resort is popular with families thanks to an innovative kids club that keeps kids entertained from dawn to dusk. With the kids taken care of that leaves plenty of relaxation time for parents. Yes, you guessed it, hammock time is highly sought after by stressed out parents who stretch out with a longed-to-read book in uninterrupted peace and quiet. Can you feel the serenity?

5. Bali

Bali is probably not the first place you’d think of when it comes to chilled out hammock time – it’s far better known for its shopping, nightlife, restaurants and beachfront bars pumping out flamboyant cocktails along with ubiquitous doof doof. However, travel beyond the tourist strip and you’ll come across the tranquillity that attracted travellers to Bali in the first place.

Candi Dasa on the east coast is our tip for slinging a hammock, particularly if you’re also keen on snorkelling or scuba diving in between hammock sessions. You could also try outlying areas of Ubud where private villas have sprung up overlooking lush valleys’ terraced with rice fields. Perfect for some hammock contemplation time.

6. Tahiti

There are few countries that conjure up lazy holiday hammocking dreams like Tahiti does. We’ve been salivating over their sun-drenched lifestyle ever since the mutinous boys from the Bounty tossed aside their Captain in favour of returning to Tahiti and its hedonism. Who can really blame them – Tahiti is every bit as beautiful in the flesh as it is in those dreamy brochures in travel agent windows.

With Papeete the arrival point for most visitors, our advice is to hop straight onto another aircraft or boat and carry on to nearby Moorea Island or anywhere in the Leeward Group (this is where you’ll find gorgeous Bora Bora). Better still board the passenger carrying cargo ship Aranui 3 and string up a hammock in the rigging as you cruise the Marquesas Archipelago.

7. Samoa

Known as the friendly isles, Samoa slips under the radar when it comes to ‘most visited tropical paradise’ lists. Which is kind of the way the locals like it. Don’t get me wrong, happy-go-lucky Samoans are every bit as welcoming as their moniker alludes to. It’s just that Samoans are pretty laid back and they seem content to let the world get on with itself without their interference. After all, they’re well aware that they live in paradise though they seriously don’t mind sharing some hammocking space with the travellers that do venture to their shores. There’s no shortage of coconut palms to string them from that’s for certain.

8. Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Another little island gem not short on coconut palms are the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. One of Australia’s island territories, Cocos are geographically closer to Indonesia than they are to the Australian mainland, ensuring a multi-cultural Cocos Malay flavour.

The archipelago is made up of a string of atolls and fringing reef circling a vast central lagoon. Thanks to consistent trade winds and this shallow lagoon, kite surfers flock to Cocos from across the planet. So too divers, snorkellers, surfers, bird watchers and sailors. Hammockers aren’t left out of the equation. The clue is in the name. Cocos as in coconut trees – there’s a gazillion of them. A former thriving copra industry (operations ceased in 1987) was built upon the abundant coconut palms.  If you can’t find two suitably spaced to string a hammock, well, you’re really not trying.

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5 of the World’s Coolest Cocktail Bars

London-born bartending legend Charlotte Voisey is no stranger to a good bar! Here, she shares her ultimate list of the world’s coolest cocktail bars.

She’s mixed drinks and run bars in cities all over the world – including Barcelona, New York and Buenos Aires – met with the best bartenders and sipped on the best cocktails.

An award-winning mixologist and a regular on American TV, Charlotte now works as the brand ambassador for William Grant & Son, where she gives new life to some of the world’s most iconic gin and whisky brands.

To celebrate her upcoming appearance at this year’s Top Shelf Boutique Drinks Festival at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Hall in August, Charlotte has put together her ultimate list of the world’s coolest cocktail bars.

1. Boadas, Barcelona

Credit: boadascocktails.com/en

The Boadas is nothing short of legendary. This institution dates all the way back to 1933, when it was established by MiguelBoadas, who brought his bartending know-how from the infamousFloridita in La Havana, Cuba. The bar has since remained in the dexterous hands of theBoadas family, withMartia DoloresBoadas still passionately on the go behind the renowned bar.

Despite being tiny in size and curiously triangular in shape, the place has a magical1900s vibe, and how could it not? It’s alleged that it was here that Hemingway used to drink his mojitos when in the Catalan capital. It was at the Boadas that I was taught how to “throw” cocktails, a signature technique of the bar, which is somewhere between shaking and stirring, elegantly designed to aerate a cocktail just enough. Note: the bar boasts an impressive line up of timeless bartenders who also happen to make the best Negroni I’ve ever had!

2. The Artesian at the Langham Hotel, London

Credit: artesian-bar.co.uk

The three-time winner of ‘World’s Best Bar’, The Artesian is quite literally one of the best bar experiences you could possible hope for. The bartenders at this classic bar know no bounds when it comes to creativity and keeping a flawless level of service. They are widely recognised as leading theavant-garde movement in the bar industry and it’s demonstrated through their unique cocktails. Expect to sip on champagne while yourTiki drink, garnished with Jack Sparrow’s sword, is being prepared.

3. Clover Club, New York City

Credit: cloverclubny.com

The ambiance in the Clover Club Bar really can’t be beat, with its genuine neighbourhood feel and top-notch drinks. From the signature Clover Club cocktail made with house-made raspberry syrup to the flavour-packed Willow’s Fizz, every cocktail on the menu is more delicious than the last. This bar has nailed the meaning of true hospitality, and its incredible vintage feel and live jazz music are just the cherry on top.

4. Broken Shaker, Miami

Credit: thefreehand.com

The Broken Shaker is – without a doubt – one of the coolest bars in the country. Not only will you find amind-blowingly delicious cocktail list, but impeccable service style and a stunning outdoor setting that includes a pool, table tennis and other cute and entertaining games. Located in the Freehand Hotel, the bar offersspeciality handcrafted cocktails made with elixirs, syrups and infusions made from garden herbs, spices and fresh-pressed produce and exotic ingredients from around the world.

5. Floreria Atlantico, Buenos Aires

Credit: nytimes.com

If you pick the right flower shop in Buenos Aires you’ll be rewarded with one of the best bar experiences. Floreria Atlantico is a downstairs speakeasy, hidden behind a street level florist.

This lively bar is open until the wee hours of the morning, and proves that a good cocktail culture travels fast. The brilliant cocktail menu is divided up into five sections representing Italy, Spain, England, France and Poland.

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6 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Take Camping

Do you shy away from camping, thinking you won’t be able to enjoy the finer things in life? Here’s a somewhat surprising list of 6 things you can take away, so you can put the joy back into camping!

Gone are the days when camping just involved braving the elements. You can still enjoy the finer things in life with the latest in the market. Coleman Australia fill us in on the latest trends.

1. A hot shower

Camping doesn’t have to always equal cold, bucket showers (or worse going without!). There are portable hot water devices which give you beautiful, steaming hot water in less than five seconds.

Coleman Hot Water on Demand RRP $399.99

2. A memory foam mattress

This one threw us too. Gone are the days when camping meant sleeping on a thin sleeping bag with rocks sticking into your back! Now you can bring a double high queen size inflatable bed and probably have a better night’s sleep than you would in your own bed.

Aerobed Premier with Memory Foam Queen RRP $399.99

3. A doggy tent

Just because you don’t want the family pet sleeping in your tent doesn’t mean they can’t come on your next camping adventure. While dogs might be made for the outdoors, they can still catch up on their sleep protected from the elements with a custom dog tent!

4. A recliner lounge

Think you have to be sitting in front of a TV to enjoy a nice recline? Trust us, it’s much more peaceful in the outdoors. We found a camping chair that lets you put your feet up and has a built in wine glass holder. Where do we sign up?

Foxy Lady Layback Lounger RRP $169.99

5. Sleeping bag for two

Do you and your partner think sharing a tent isn’t getting close enough? We found a sleeping bag built big enough for two so you can get extra cozy during the cool, camping evenings.

Tandem 4in1 Sleeping Bag RRP $119.99

6. A three minute pop-up tent for 10

Remember when you went camping as a kid and it took mum and dad an entire day to set up the campsite? There are now family tents which literally pop up in three minutes – crazy!

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