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5 Popular Travel Bucket List Items For Mature Travellers

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There’s a certain sense of serenity that comes with travelling later in life. After all, you don’t have the same pressures as you might have had in your younger years. Instead, now is the time to enjoy things at your own pace, and really take in the scenery rather than feel rushed. There are thousands of destinations across the globe that will allow you to do just that. From ancient architecture to stunning coastlines, there is something to suit everyone. Whatsmore if you think you’ve seen it all before because you’re a little older, you’ll actually find the best is yet to come. 

So, are you ready to broaden your horizons? Here are 5 popular travel bucket list items for mature travellers to inspire your next trip.

Amazon River

An Amazon River cruise is like no other. Stretching through Brazil, Ecuador and Peru, it’s an experience that truly appeals to all five senses. As you make your way along with one of the world’s longest rivers, you’ll encounter an abundance of wildlife and plants that are unique to the Amazon’s ecosystem. For adventure seekers, there’s even the chance to kayak along the river, allowing you to get up close and personal with its inhabitants. Of course, you can also just allow the cruise to do the sightseeing for you, as you’ll wake up to a different section of the world-famous river every morning. Click here to read more about Amazon cruises. 

Kerry, Ireland

Ireland is a country with a rich heritage, that spans far beyond the tourist areas of its capital Dublin. Kerry sits towards the southwest of Ireland and is packed full of lush green landscapes and rugged coastlines. The quaint town of Listowel holds a literary festival every year that brings authors from across the globe into its colourful streets. Another must-see highlight is the Ring of Kerry, which involves a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. For mature travellers who want to explore somewhere close to their doorstep, Kerry should be your first port of all.

California, United States

The United States offers every kind of holiday, as it contains everything from mountainous terrain to golden beaches. Though it is California that arguably offers some of the best experiences for senior travellers. In the north, you have San Francisco and the nearby Napa Valley wine region. Make your way down the coast, and you’ll find the likes of Malibu and Santa Monica. Life in California is all about enjoying the great outdoors, as well as experiencing fresh, delicious food that is like nowhere else in America. 

Split, Croatia

Nestled along the Adriatic Sea is the city of Split in Croatia. It’s an area that is steeped in history, with ancient ruins dating back to the Roman Empire. The city is awash with stunning beaches too, which are equally enjoyed on a coastal walk as they are in person. Split is an ideal destination for those who love to discover and get off the beaten track. All while taking things at a slower, relaxed pace. One of the best ways to explore Split is through a river cruise, as these offer plenty of excursions, as well as the best views of the city.

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is a city that’s primarily known for being a financial hub. However, it’s also been ranked as one of the best places to live in the world. The Limmat River runs through the middle of the city, and on either side, you’ll find an abundance of museums and shops. The architecture is also particularly impressive, with The Fraumünster Church dating back to the 9th century. German is the most commonly used language in Zurich, but as English is widely understood here too, this makes it very accessible to travellers from lots of different nations.

Fantastic Ways To Explore Sydney When Travelling As A Couple

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Sydney is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and there is plenty to see and do when you explore this fantastic destination as a couple. From romantic interludes to spectacular scenery and natural beauty, there are plenty of sights that will take your breath away when you visit this iconic city.

Below are some of the best excursions you can choose as a couple to explore Sydney and ensure that you have a trip that you will remember forever.

Explore Sydney On The Saddle

There has been a significant increase in sightseeing bike tours in Sydney that offers visitors a different perspective of the city. These guided tours are an excellent way to get orientated in the city and can take in iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can go as part of a larger group or pay a little extra and have a personal guide all to yourself, and these tours are suitable for all levels of fitness and ability.

Cruise Around The Harbour

Another excellent way to take in the beauty of Sydney is to see the cityscape from the harbour. There are dinner cruises where you can experience the sunset while enjoying a romantic meal for two or you can also charter a yacht so you can enjoy the experience alone. There are many options open to visitors, but if you do not have experience at sailing, it is best to use the services of an experienced captain. A significant benefit to this is that they will be able to take you to the best spots using their local knowledge.

Floating In The Sky

If you want a truly magical experience when you visit Sydney, you may wish to experience a hot air balloon ride at dawn, and take in the majestic vistas as the sun rises. You will need to travel to the outskirts of Sydney for your balloon ride, and with various companies offering these services, there are plenty of choices available. TripAdvisor also has plenty of excellent recommendations on reputable tour companies offering hot air balloon rides.

A Bird’s Eye View Of The City

Another excellent way to explore Sydney and take in some of the sights that are available from a different perspective is to enjoy a helicopter ride. You can take a tour of scenic Sydney, or go further afield to somewhere like the Blue Mountains, and one thing that you will be guaranteed is spectacular views no matter where you go. There are many helicopter charter companies that you can choose from and make sure you bring along a good camera to capture some of the moments as you enjoy flying around Sydney.

A Picnic On A Deserted Beach

If you are looking to spend some alone time together and want nothing more than having the beach to yourself, you are in luck. There is plenty of choices with so much coastline offering beautiful beaches that all you need to do is hire a car and drive until you find a beautiful spot. Pack yourself a nice picnic and enjoy a day at the beach with your loved one before you head back to your hotel for dinner. However, do be careful if going in the water and check the local conditions first as there may be rip tides and strong currents you cannot see which can be dangerous.

How to Prepare for a Trip of a Lifetime to Iceland

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Located in the North Atlantic, Iceland is a Nordic island country that is home to over 360,000 people. Widely known as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, the country is home to some of Europe’s biggest glaciers. If you’re about to become one of the 2 million tourists that visit Iceland each year, it’s important that you’re well prepared for an unforgettable experience. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few useful tips on how to best prepare for your Iceland adventure.

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Check Weather Conditions

Before you head to Iceland, your first port of call should be to check weather conditions. If your main aim is to see the Northern Lights, it’s advised to visit the country in the winter months. The warmest time of the year to visit Iceland is during the summer months of July and August; however, bear in mind that temperatures tend to be mild, so you will still need to take layers and a jacket.

Check Road Conditions

The Ring Road stretches over 828 miles and runs around the circumference of Iceland. To get the most out of your Icelandic adventure, you can drive around the entire island in only 16 hours. However, with so many amazing landmarks and sights to see along the way, most tourists prefer to take their time. If you’re visiting Iceland in the winter, the Ring Road can be very dangerous due to the snow, extreme winds, and ice, so make sure that you check road conditions before heading out.

Set a Budget

No matter how long you’re in Iceland for, it’s important that you set a budget before you head out the door. The country is known for being incredibly expensive, so you may struggle if you’re planning to travel on a tight budget. There are numerous factors to take into account, such as whether you plan to rent a car, where you will stay, and whether you will be dining out or cooking your own meals. The last thing you want is to run out of money halfway through your trip, so creating a realistic budget from the beginning is key.

Plan Your Itinerary

With so many exciting things to see and do in Iceland, trying to cram everything into your trip can be a challenge. Before you land in Iceland, make sure to map out an itinerary of the things that capture your interest most. Whether it’s a visit to the Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, or the Reykjavik Art Museum, checking opening times, entry fees, and the best time to visit will help ensure you get the most out of your trip.

What to Pack

As previously mentioned, Iceland experiences cold to mild temperatures, so it’s important that you pack accordingly for your trip. Make use of this packing list as it will provide you with all the information you need on what to put in your luggage to make sure you are warm and comfortable for the duration of your adventure.

No matter what time of year you head to Iceland, or the types of attractions and sights that interest you the most, you are bound to have an unforgettable time.

Explore The Inhabited Islands Of Turks And Caicos By Boat

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Source: Unsplash | Jay Cee

You can find Turks and Caicos in the Atlantic Ocean and not in the Caribbean Sea as many people think. Like the Bahamas, it has the same breathtaking beaches, sunny weather, and laid-back feel. This makes Turks and Caicos a great tourist destination worth exploring by boat. The archipelago comprises of 40 islands with only 8 inhabited ones. Sailing across the waters that surround the Providenciales brings about unparalleled excitement.

What To Expect

When sailing on your own in the Turks and Caicos Islands, you should know what is possible and what is not. The numerous cays and beaches of TCI have different boating environments. While small boats do not have access to most of these locations, the Caicos Banks are feasible for sailing, conch collecting, shallow reef fishing, or cruising. When your visit has calm weather, make sure to visit Half Moon Bay.

Sights And Spots that are a Must-Visit 

The Providenciales south coast has a lot of fascinating and interesting places, all with magnificent natural beauty. Take a scenic journey in the West Harbour Bluff coast and see the ocean cliffs, rock inscriptions, and wildlife. For a tranquil sailing, head to Taylor Bay Beach and enjoy the soft white sand and shallow water while being impressed by the luxury vacation villas. On the central south coast, you can find the Turtle Tail that boasts small limestone islands and hidden beaches. Another stop you should not miss is the three-mile coast of Long Bay Beach.

Wind And Waters

The weather in Turks and Caicos has a significant effect on the sailing conditions. A day with low wind speed and calm water is perfect for a boating adventure. On the other hand, a breezy day can be uncomfortable when it causes localized waves. Also, the channels between the cays and the islands typically have strong currents brought on by the changes of tide. You can use GPS data and navigation aids when navigating the difficult Turks and Caicos waters, particularly the Providenciales north coast. It is easy to forget the time when sailing the TCI waters, but remember to leave plenty of time for your return trip.

Boating in Turks and Caicos can be the most memorable time of your vacation. Try a different and popular water activity every day such as parasailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kiteboarding, and diving. You may also encounter parrotfish, trumpetfish, turtles, small sharks, wrasse, and many other sea creatures. If you are dreaming of a vacation that has uncrowded beaches, unhurried seafood meals, friendly locals, stunning scenery, and overall leisurely vibe, Turks and Caicos is a great fit.

Why You Should Book Yourself onto a Greek Island this Summer

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There are many stunning island chains in the world, all with their unique flavor of isolation, wonder and natural beauty. But very few can compare to the sheer idyll offered by the islands off the mainland of Greece, situated in the Aegean Sea – a part of the Mediterranean once crossed by ancient armies and bronze-age traders. Here, you’ll find a mystique rarely available to the budget traveler, and peacefulness that will help you relax in complete luxury for the duration of your stay. Here’s why you should book yourself onto a Greek island this summer.

The Cuisine

Of the European culinary delights you might be familiar with, Greek might sit lower on the list than French, Italian and Spanish fare. However, all this means is that you’ll be in for a mesmeric, taste bud-tingling treat for the duration of your stay on a Greek island. With locally-sourced ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, bulging olives, and fresh catch-of-the-day fish, you’ll wonder how food so healthy can taste so good. You’ll conclude, after your stay, that it must have been the food that gave birth to one of the world’s most enduring ancient civilizations.

Ancient Wonders

Speaking of the ancient world, Greece is one of the most fascinating, with some of the best-preserved relics located precisely on the islands that once made up its empire. Whether or not you’re a fan of ancient culture, you’ll be blown away by some of the incredibly old sites that decorate the islands off the coast of Greece; monuments to a time when this area of the world was one of the busiest with trade from across the ancient world. Visiting these places is a beautiful and memorable part of any trip to a Greek island.

Luxury Villas

If you’ve come to Greece for that castaway desert island feel, you’ve come to the wrong place. You won’t find discomfort or savagery here – only a gleaming selection of attractive villas that decorate the shores of the many islands that pepper the coast. Search through villas in Paros for rent to get just a taste of what you might be able to call home for the duration of your vacation; white-walled, open-plan and deliciously private stays at incredible prices, giving you the perfect base from which to explore your island at your own pace.

Sea Trips

Once you’ve selected an island and a place to stay, you’re by no means restricted to that island. You’re able to travel between Greece’s many islands with surprising ease, which is why many people call a trip to this part of the world an exercise in ‘island-hopping’. Either charter your own boat, or take local ferries, to find new corners of paradise, new world-class eateries, and unique ancient relics to satisfy your craving for adventure on seas that are unfailingly calm, turquoise and tranquil. A trip to a Greek island is simply not complete without a trip to a neighboring island over the dead-flat Mediterranean Sea.

It’s expected that, after reading this article, you’ll already be on your way to booking your stay on one of Greece’s wonderful islands – enjoying a summer of mystery and wonder in 2019.

Top 5 reasons to visit the Lake District in the UK

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If you haven’t yet visited the Lakes, where have you been? Thanks to the abundance of stunning natural scenery, the welcoming nature of the local people, and the overall relaxed vibe, the Lakes is the perfect place for winding down whilst also immersing yourself in proper British culture. In the county of Cumbria, the Lake District is Britain’s largest national park, covering a huge 2,292 sq km. Most famous for its abundance of beautiful crystal watered lakes, the area boasts some of the most beautiful picturesque views, whilst also being rich in historical culture. But if that doesn’t persuade you, here’s 5 reasons why you should visit the Lake District:

Food glorious food

Sampling all that the Cumbrian countryside has to offer is nothing short of a delight. With so many local watering holes and eateries to delve into, Cumbria truly is the place to be if you’re a foodie. Be it classic pub food, or something a little more up market, the Lakes has it all. Indulge in a traditional British afternoon tea, complete with tea by the pot, jam and cream scones and delicate finger sandwiches for the ultimate in British country cuisine.

Photography

If you’re a keen photographer, the Lakes is definitely the place for you! The endless landscapes, stunning wildlife and breath-taking views make it a photography dream, be it amateur or professional. To get the ultimate shot, head down to one of the many fantastic lakeside areas at dawn, to snap the scenery as the sun rises.

Events galore

From beer festivals to bonfires, there’s a traditional event for everyone in the Lakes. Take inspiration from the season by visiting Beatrix Potter at Hill Top and have the opportunity to see the very place the writer, most famous for The Tale of Peter Rabbit, lived. If delving into the culture of the Lakes isn’t your cup of tea, there’s also a huge range of historic public houses ready to serve you craft beers and home-brewed ale.

It’s a little luxury

Visiting the Lakes gives you the opportunity to spend some time relaxing, indulging in a little me time and looking after yourself. Renting a cottage is the best way to see the lakes, not only does it give you the freedom to do whatever you please, but lots of properties come with free standing baths or hot tubs, perfect for that little bit of luxury living. There are a fantastic range of Lake District cottages from Lakelovers, one of which could well be your dream resting place. Ranging from romantic boltholes to picture-postcard luxury and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.

Peace and Quiet

Going to the Lakes gets you out of the hustle and bustle of daily life, as well as being able to see a part of the world previously hidden and gives you the opportunity to steal a moment or two to yourself. Submerging yourself into tranquil surroundings naturally leads to a feeling of calm, and what better way to do that than in the beautiful setting of the Lake District.

3 Best Vacation Adventures in Arizona

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Arizona is home to three national parks and 13 national monuments, according to information from the National Parks Service. If you love the outdoors and experiencing views like you’ve never seen before, Arizona is the perfect vacation destination. However, Arizona doesn’t just offer tourism spots for people who love nature. The state also has thriving cities, cultural landmarks, and museums. There’s something in Arizona for all kinds of visitors to enjoy. If you’re headed to Arizona or thinking about planning a vacation there, we’ve put together a list of three adventures you’ll need to have when you make your trip.

Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is a gorgeous attraction located in Supai, Arizona that features blue-green pools and a stunning waterfall that is sometimes split in half when the Colorado River is flowing strongly. This beautiful natural waterfall used to be part of the area where Havasupai Indians lived. Keep in mind you will need to get a permit and pay a fee before entering this location. Havasu Falls takes a bit of work to reach, but if you’re not into hiking, there are other methods of getting there. You can reach the falls by horseback or even by helicopter. No matter how you get there, the beautiful landscape and the bathing pools upon arrival are worth the wait. This attraction is perfect for outdoorsy types or just those who are looking to have a new nature-filled adventure.

Experience Tempe

Located next to Phoenix, Tempe gives you access to all the city adventures you could want. Tempe is also home to a vibrant, rich nightlife scene that’s the perfect choice if you need a break from the outdoors. There are a variety of clubs and bars here to experience, so you’ll be able to find the Tempe Nightclub that has the right vibe for you. Plus, Tempe is also close to destinations like the Phoenix Zoo and also has many restaurants and shops.

Sedona

Sedona, Arizona is somewhat of an oasis in the desert. This beautiful town is surrounded by red buttes and green pine forests making for a stunning landscape. This town is known for its many New Age stores as well as high-end art galleries. So, if you want a place where you can go on hikes and experience the outdoors while still being close to a unique town, Sedona is perfect. Sedona is also home to the Chapel of the Holy Cross which is a popular tourist destination that you can access easily by vehicle.

These three destinations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring Arizona and creating a unique adventure experience. From hiking to state parks to nightlife, Arizona has a little something for everyone. You can make the trip alone or bring friends or family along with you as this state is full of surprises for people of all ages.

Top 5 Most Amazing Places to Visit in Al Ain

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Al Ain is the oasis city of the UAE, which has everything in it. The city is surrounded by the vast mountain range, Jebel Hafeet, and the desert. This is an ancient city of 3000 BC, which is till date very popular among the tourists around the world. If you are an adventurist by heart, then this oasis amidst the desert will definitely allure you to explore it.

Book the best Al Ain hotels to make your vacation even more lavish and luxurious. What can you see once you are in this desert city? Here are certain famous tourist destinations of this city. Read on to know more-

1. Jebel Hafeet

This rough mountain has grown up from the inland of Al Ain. Take a trip to the summit of the mountain through the desert so that you get a panoramic view of the mountain, surrounded by the desert. That is something mesmerizing and you can’t get the beauty until you experience it. On your way to the summit, you will find breathtaking scenic beauty. The place is heavenly for the photographers.

2. Green Mubazzarah

If your eyes have been tired of visiting the cragginess of the mountain, it’s time to soothe them. Go to this place which is covered by lush greenery. There are several hot springs and water wells. This vast place is amazing for arranging a weekend picnic with your friends or family. You can even arrange a Bar-be-Que party.

3. Al Ain National Museum

The desert city has many things to tell its tourists. To listen to its history and past, you need to visit the museum once. And while you are here, don’t forget to visit the special ethnographic section where you can get the glimpse of the regular life of the people in Al Ain along with the exhibits, like Bedouin jewelry, traditional majlis and so on. Apart from these, you can visit the coin collection, the archeological section with artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages and many other things.

4. Al Ain Zoo

This is the largest animal enclosure of the entire United Arab Emirates. The Zoo was opened in 1969 and from the beginning, it has been one of the famous tourist spots in Al Ain. Along with the members of the cat family, like tiger, lion, leopards, and jaguars, you will also find the endemic mammals, like oryx and the Arabian antelope here. Apart from that, the zoo is also the house of the endangered species, like African and Arabian Gulf animals.

5. Wadi Adventure Park

 

If you want to have the best adventure in Al Ain, visit the park where you get to do kayaking, surfing, white water rafting and so on. This park is the biggest water rafting park in the UAE where you will find the world’s largest artificial surfing waves. The kayaking channels will give you amazing experience while there are three distinguished levels of surfing for the beginners, the intermediates and the experts.

These are the top 5 visiting places in Al Ain. There are many more and each of them are equally amazing. Plan now and go for a trip.

How to make the most of a weekend getaway in Belfast

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There’s no doubt that Belfast has always been appealing from a tourist perspective; after all, it’s only a stone’s throw from the rest of the UK. However, over recent years its popularity has soared, with the rise of budget airlines partially to thank for this.

To suggest that people only visit Belfast due to its accessibility would be doing it a terrible disservice though. There are in fact plenty reasons behind the tourist appeal to Belfast, with its luxury hotels and general atmosphere being just a couple of note. However, for the purposes of highlighting exactly what you can do there, let’s now talk about the best attractions that this city has to offer.

Titanic Belfast

Truth be told, you could visit a number of cities around the world and feast your eyes on a Titanic museum. There’s a major difference when it comes to Belfast though – this is the city in which the boat was actually built.

That’s right, and the most interesting element of this is that it only really opened in the aftermath of the hugely successful movie. It cost £97m to build, is now the largest Titanic museum in the world and back in 2016 it was classed as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Travel Awards.

Crumlin Road Gaol

When you first venture to Crumlin Road Gaol, it might sound bizarre to hear that this was once one of the most advanced prisons of its era. Of course, that was all the way back in 1845 – but back then it cost £60,000 (which is the equivalent to more than £5m in today’s money).

It closed its doors in 1996 but makes a very good attraction for those who like to delve into history. The tour allows you to visit inside, including the Governor’s office and execution cell.

St George’s Market

If markets are your thing, St George’s is right up there with the best. The fact that it has been operating since 1604 should highlight exactly how historic it is, but it’s also the last Victorian covered market that can be visited in the whole of the city.

In 2014, it was classed as the best indoor market in 2014 and with almost 300 stalls available, this really shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

HMS Caroline

As you may have gathered from the Titanic reference earlier, Belfast has some terrific maritime attractions. HMS Caroline is one of these, with this being the final ship that survived the Battle of Jutland.

Of course, since then it has been restored into a full-blown tourist attraction. Those who visit it will get audio and visual displays, and learn how the 300 men who worked aboard the ship really lived.

If history isn’t your thing, you should probably skip this one. Otherwise, add it to your bucket list for Belfast – it’s a sterling ship that always grabs rave reviews from anyone who decides to visit.

Visiting Australia’s Northern Territory for Gap Year Adventures

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Road Trips

Anyone who has bumped into a group of gap year students travelling around Australia will be more than aware of just how much they love to have fun. And as many of these youngsters are on a tight budget, getting temporary work to help fund their travels tends to be one of their goals. Apart from picking fruit and working at a carwash, there are many other solutions for trippers in Australia travelling on a shoestring. By scouring the net for websites with information on planning a road trip around Australia, tourists planning to make their way up to Alice Springs should be able to have a great trip. There are indeed some fantastic sites that provide the traveller with the sort of information that can be used to plan a successful trip around Australia. Of course, young travellers hoping to pick up some work as they make their way up to the Northern Territory in a beat-up campervan will need to look for details on the best ways to secure temporary employment on the route they plan to take.

Fun Jobs

Most people will not disagree with the notion that the best jobs are the ones where we can have a laugh at least once in a while. Fortunately, for gap year students in Australia looking to get some work that has a lot of fun on offer, there are plenty of jobs around Australia suitable for young people who are keen to be entertained at work. As well as working in bars and clubs, youthful travellers could try promotional work where they spend all day chatting to people. Finding Alice Springs accommodation after talking to someone promoting this popular part of the Northern Territory could turn out to be the beginning of a great idea for young travellers that had no real plan on where to go next in Australia. By taking into consideration how we will make it up to Alice Springs from the south of Australia, we may be able to get to our destination in good time. Young visitors to Alice Springs and surrounding areas such as Darwin will usually want to find out about the nightlife in this part of the Northern Territory. Luckily for party animals touring Australia, there are heaps of venues to enjoy boozy nights in Darwin such as the ones listed below:

  1. Throb Night Club
  2. The Lost Arc
  3. Monsoons
  4. Darwin Railway Club
  5. HP Underground Nightclub

Place to Crash

Although lots of youngsters who use a campervan to travel around Australia will choose to get their head down in the vehicle when they cannot cruise the roads anymore, there will always be times when road trip travellers will crave for a bit more comfort. By taking the time to search online, gap year students heading towards Alice Springs will be able to book some suitable accommodation ready for when they finally arrive after a long drive in their trusty campervan. And as there are lots of providers of cosy and reasonably priced places to crash in the Northern Territory of Australia, it will not be long before these intrepid travellers have got the perfect pad for the Alice Springs leg of their journey. Of course, party people staying in Alice Springs should check out Darwin for a night if they want to let their hair down after a day visiting magnificent sights of this Northern Territory region. Impulsive travellers in Australia hoping to combine visiting tourist attractions in the Northern Territory with lots of late nights can easily have their cake and eat it.