Travel and Lifestyle

THE DELTIN, DAMAN – Chef Vijesh Modi, Sr. Sous Chef, Deltin, Daman, shares the perfect recipe for RAGI WAFFLES.

Everyone who lives in or has visited Ottawa knows that it can be pretty expensive to do anything remotely fun there. But the good news is that like pretty much anything, there’s always a way around it if you’re willing to look.

In fact, there are plenty of cheap or free activities to do in Ottawa that won’t leave you with an empty wallet.

Even if you’re travelling on a tight budget, these activities will guarantee a fun-filled trip for you and your partner or group of friends.

Not being able to enjoy travel as much because of your monthly expenses, student loans or having to save up can be fairly annoying. So, here are some of the best things to enjoy on a budget in Ottawa.

Outdoor Movies

Head to Centretown Outdoor Film Festival to spend your time enjoying a wide variety of different films. If you enjoy individual, indie and unusual movies, then it’s a great place to be – and the best part is that it’s completely free to attend. The festival runs for six weeks every summer.

Yoga on Parliament Hill

Lululemon hosts yoga on Parliament Hill every summer, starting at the beginning of May. If the weather permits, the yoga classes are held every Wednesday, offering an incredible, relaxing workout that you can do by yourself or with others in the great outdoors. Admission is free, so whether you are a seasoned yogi or trying it out for the first time, it’s the perfect way to get some exercise in and meet new people. Just try and get there early, as it fills up quite quickly.

Canoe or Kayak on Dow’s Lake

Canoeing or kayaking along Dow’s Lake is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in the spring or summer, and the best part is that it only costs $8 per person. And if you or a member of your group isn’t strong with coordination, it can also turn into a very hilarious, comical scene that’s certainly lots of fun as well.

Visit the Byward Market

If you enjoy looking at handcrafted goods and want to support some local businesses in Ottawa rather than spending your tight budget on the big-name brands, then a trip to Byward Market is definitely recommended. It’s the perfect location for finding unique items, with several vendors offering flowers, jewellery, and much more. You’ll also find plenty of free entertainment available every day, and the priceless, lively atmosphere won’t be one that you’re forgetting in a hurry.

Tour the Parliament Buildings

This iconic, historic building is completely free to visit, and it’s encouraged that every Ottawa resident goes to explore it at some point. You can go by yourself and explore the outside grounds completely free of charge, or delve deeper into the architecture and history with a guided tour. Either way, you’re sure to learn a great deal.

Visit Andrew Hayden Park for a Picnic

During the summer time, Ottawa has several amazing locations that are perfect for a low-cost picnic. Andrew Hayden Park is the perfect location for enjoying a picnic and a drink whilst watching the sunset. The water also makes for an ideal walk, and if you stop by the lighthouse you can enjoy some amazing views completely free of charge.

Enjoy Free Museum Admissions

There are several great museums in Ottawa that are great to visit with plenty of collections and exhibitions on offer inside. You can spend hours looking at stunning art, historical artefacts, science exhibits and much more completely free of charge. The Canadian Museum of Nature is a firm favourite, with free admission each Thursday from 5-8pm. Or, if you enjoy art, then check out the National Gallery of Canada, which is also free to the public from 5-8pm each Thursday. The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum is free every day for an hour between 4-5pm, or history buffs can get their fix at the Canadian Museum of History for free each Thursday from 4-8pm.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Ottawa’s beaches might not be world class, but you can still have a fantastic time at the beach when you are visiting with family or friends. You can spend some time playing volleyball, pig out on cheap ice cream from local cafés and ice cream stands, and if you’re feeling brave, you can go for a dip in the water.

Party at the Glow Fair

If you’re planning on visiting Ottawa in June, then you definitely have to take the time to attend the coolest block party there is. At the Glow Fair, you’ll find yoga in the streets, a DJ, two main stages, and everybody standing out in glow in the dark outfits and neon body paint. The best part – admission to this yearly festival is completely free of charge.

Explore Multicultural Ottawa

Throughout the year in Ottawa, there are several festivals and events celebrating a wide range of ethnicities and cultures. You can learn more about the history of a certain culture, explore the traditional cuisine, and generally have a great time celebrating multicultural Canada. Everybody is welcome, regardless of where you are from. The Lebanese and Ukrainian Festivals are held at the end of July. If you’re visiting in August, you can check out the Festival of India, the Greek Festival, or SouthAsianFest. The Turkish Festival is held at the beginning of September.

Learn to Dance

Learning to dance doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive when you are visiting Ottawa. Throughout July and August, you can have some fun and learn something new with free salsa lessons at City Hall. The lessons are held every Wednesday evening and you can go along with a friend or go by yourself and make new friends while you’re there.

Visit Lansdowne Farmer’s Market

Show your support to local farmers at the Lansdowne Farmer’s Market, offering a wide range of fresh products including fresh flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables and much more. For those who want an indulgent summer day out with friends without overdoing it when it comes to calories, you must try their awesome healthy popsicles that are the perfect guilt-free way to stay cool on a warm day.

Getting There:

Finally, with all these savings, don’t blow your money on getting to Ottawa. You can find more information here if you are looking for cheap flights to Ottawa. Going direct with an airline like Porter can be an easier way to get lower prices instead of using comparison sites, and you should book in advance if you can to take advantage of lower demand. And, take the time to compare prices for different flight times and days. The more flexible you can be when visiting Ottawa, the better; weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends for flights simply due to the fact that less people are looking for a trip to Ottawa during the week, so it could be worth looking at flights that wouldn’t normally be your first choice to travel on. Alternatively, if you don’t mind a longer journey, you can get buses across the Canadian border at affordable prices.

What are your favourite cheap things to do in Ottawa? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Having a hobby is a healthy and loving habit.

Your days at work can often become exhausting and monotonous, and your mind and body require something more entertaining and relieving.

Hobbies enable such physical and mental state. Not only that, but they can also affect and contribute to your work success by healing your mind and helping you reach higher levels of productivity and creativity.

Therefore, let’s take a look at some of the most important reasons why every man should have a hobby.

Reducing the stress

It is highly recommended to have at least a couple of hours each day for enjoyable activities to minimize the stress of everyday work and obligations. Hobbies are great stress reducers, whether they require physical activity or not.

They will provide you with a sense of relief, and you’ll successfully reset and rejuvenate your mind (and body).

Creating such a habit is essential because otherwise, you will be facing accumulated levels of stress each day, which is often very tough to deal with.

Meet new people

Connecting with people with the same affinities as yours is always a pleasure.

Of course, it is still better if it is possible to meet people in person, mostly if they live in the same city or region as you. However, online connections with people with the same passion is also an excellent way to socialize. Not only will you be able to discuss different aspects of your hobby with them, but you might build such a strong connection that you will, potentially, be invited to visit their country.

Possibilities are infinite!

Experience new things and enjoyments

Depending on which hobby you choose, you will, in many cases, face new and exciting situations from time to time. However, if your hobby doesn’t provide it, and you are hungry for fresh excitements, create a new one!

For instance, you can buy a high-quality bicycle and go for the longest ride of your life. Or you can choose the best full face snorkel mask if you opt for diving.

Possibilities are various, just follow your passion and do not hesitate to try whatever your heart desires. Unless it is too dangerous.

Reaching new creativity levels

Creativity is a vital part of any activity, whether it is a part of the job or a hobby. However, it’s not that easy to reach maximum levels of creativity at work, especially if you fall into the monotonous everyday routine.

But, that is exactly where having a hobby helps a lot. While you do your favorite activity, your mind is more likely to strive for higher creativity levels and that newborn creativity can often transfer to your work.

You will end up having new, fresh ideas, and that is the only direction which breaks boring, monotonous, and not particularly productive routine.

Improving self-confidence

And the last, and probably the most important reason why having a hobby is so crucial for people: enhancing and growing confidence is essential in any field. But first, how do we build it? Most of the time, we improve our self-esteem when we do something perfectly.

In other words, when we are the masters of the particular activity. And, each of us has the biggest chance to become a master exactly in our most favorite activity –  our hobby.

To become very good (or best) at something, you have to love it and enjoy every part of it. This is precisely why it is essential to have a hobby. You will eventually become good at it, which will be followed by growing self-esteem and enormous satisfaction.

Triple hooray for the season that’s just around the corner!

It looks like we have been in a Game of Throne season as this winter was indeed coming and going several times.

However, the good days are just ahead of us, and spring will be here in no time. In order to fully celebrate the coming of this spectacular season, it would be good to spend as much time as we can outside with the people we love and the most unique, interesting and relaxing activities that we can find.

No idea what to do outside? Don’t worry as we will give you several ideas that you will definitely love.

Ride a bike

The first thing that you can do once spring comes is to take your bike out of your apartment and on the streets. The first day of the spring is a great date for this activity – simply take someone you like with you or go solo and see your neighborhood in a completely new light. If the weather’s nice, you can also make a stop, have a cup of coffee and simply breathe in that spring air. Healthy and relaxing!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Clean Your Bike In Two Minutes With Express Bike Works

Go on a picnic…

Once spring comes, it will be quite hard to gather your family around a dinner table.

This is why it would be an excellent idea to organize a picnic in the local park or a nearby forest – pack your meal and take it outside, and don’t forget to take a bunch of photographs that will help you remember this moment forever. Yes, it might be just a regular picnic, but the first picnic of the year should definitely count for something, right?

…or BBQ the winter away

A great way to bid winter farewell is with the help of the spring air and the smell of barbecue. Organizing a barbecue party in your garden or somewhere outside is definitely one of the most interesting outdoor activities you can think of. You might need good equipment, though, so it’s still not late to order some of the best Napoleon grills and have everything you need once spring comes. Get meat, buy beer or make a cocktail party and celebrate the beginning of the new season.

Play Frisbee

How long has it been since you went to your park and played Frisbee with your best friend? This is an activity that will take you back to your childhood while you’re still going to be overwhelmed that finally, you’re playing something outside after the long winter. If this game feels like an easy task, you can play Frisbee golf, another popular game. Bring your dog along and include him in the game as well!

Go camping

Yes, it’s that time of the year again when you can grab your tent, pack a bag and camp somewhere. Sleeping under the stars is always quite an interesting activity, so it doesn’t really matter if you’re camping somewhere far away or in your backyard. After all, it’s a great way to welcome spring in your home.

Plant a garden

Doing household chores is never interesting, but there’s that one that could be quite amazing in springtime. Yes, the first week of April could be booked for you planting a completely new garden! This is the ideal time to do this, so ask for help from some of your best friends and make an event out of it – you can stock up on beer or wine while planting the flowers and plants you want.

Go running

Perhaps you’re not a gym rat nor do you like to jog or run every day, but so what? We all love healthy habits, and more often than not we try to incorporate them into our lives. The beginning of spring could be a great time to do this – and you could celebrate it by hitting the most beautiful running trail that you know. Not only will you be immersing yourself in a healthy activity but perhaps this activity will stay on you as a part of a routine!

Go horseback riding

Even though this is not the most popular spring activity out there (although it does have its own fans), horseback riding could be a very unique and original way to welcome this year’s spring! Find a good place where you could go horseback riding and try this activity out – if you haven’t been horseback riding before, now is your chance!

Oh, there are so many different activities that we could try during spring. But there are plenty of days for that – simply make a new adventure every day and this spring will be the most memorable spring ever!

Are you tired of wasting another summer in the city? Do you wish to see the world and try new and exciting things this year?

Here are the five best summer activities for adventurous men that will definitely boost your adrenaline.

Go camping

Are you sick of your TV, annoying smartphone pings and constant e-mails? Gear up your motorcycle and have a wonderful summer adventure in nature. If you get the shivers after hearing the word ‘glamping’, grab only a few necessities, find a secluded spot and get ready to survive a few days. Camping is a great way to rest your brain and give your body a good test of endurance. Plus, trekking your supplies over the rugged terrain will give you a better workout than your gym, so you won’t miss a session! For all you extreme freaks, you can join a wilderness survival challenge and try to survive obstacles they put in front of you.

Try kayaking

Spending your summer somewhere near the water is the best thing you can do to find refreshment. Even if chilling near the water is relaxing, it’s not exactly something that will create memories you will be glad to share with your kids. So, for something more extreme, head to Croatia and explore the coastline and battle waves in your little kayak. If this sounds too chill for you, Victoria Falls has some extreme and unforgiving Class V rapids you can hit on your rafting trip. Still not sold? Try mountain biking through the forest to your rafting destination!

Climb some rocks

Do you think you can easily conquer some rocks? Well, think again! Rock climbing is a full-body workout that challenges both your body and mind, but it’s also super fun and a great way to meet other adventurous people. For the full experience, pick a location near water, so you can plunge down once you manage to reach the top. If this seems too tame, try canyoning—it’s one of the best summer activities for friends that will definitely satisfy your thirst for adventure!

Meet the underwater world

If you love the beach, but think sipping cocktails out of a coconut is not very exciting, you can head to Australia and meet its more than exciting underwater world. And you don’t need any previous knowledge or experience in diving—all you need is a mask and a snorkel and you’re ready to hit the water. If you love to have some more freedom in the water and dive a bit deeper than your average snorkeler, you can find a full face snorkel mask in Australia that offers best comfort and visibility as you explore. Some diving and snorkeling spots almost require these new mask designs, so these will definitely come in handy. If you need something even more exciting, you can go swimming with sharks in Port Lincoln if you think you can handle the danger.

Hit the sand

If surfing is life, why not switch things up and try a new surfing medium—sand! Surfing the sand dunes is the fastest and most fun way to get around the desert. This summer alternative to snowboarding and water surfing is quickly gaining in popularity and becoming a real sport, but don’t worry if you can’t imitate the pros and stay upright. The fall is soft and you can always sit on the board and swoosh down on your behind sled-style! Dubai is your best destination for sand surfing, but Australia also has great spots like Pinnacles Desert.

Any of these activities sound interesting to your adventurous mind? If yes, book a trip now and have the best summer vacation that will allow you to break your boring routines and get your heart pumping!

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved one exploring a new area, eating delicious food and seeing beautiful sights. By the time February 14^th comes around, you are always ready for a quick vacation and there’s no one you would rather spend it then you a valentine, of course.

So, here is a list of the best Valentine’s Day destinations, perfect for a romantic trip with your better half:

1. A date at a fancy Aussie restaurant

If you don’t have enough in your budget to splurge on a luxurious vacation, a great Valentine’s Day date idea would be to book a dinner at a fancy restaurant for you and your loved one. Nothing really beats spending quality time together while enjoying tasty meals and sipping on a glass of your favorite champagne. If you live near Sydney, take your loved one to a Milton NSW restaurant and share the most intimate and luxurious experience this Valentine’s Day.

2. A romantic trip to Paris

Being labelled ‘the most romantic city in the world’, there’s no wonder Paris offers a plethora of romantic activities, especially when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Whether you choose to go on a walk in some of the city’s most beautiful areas, visit entertaining cabarets and opulent opera houses or go on a romantic nighttime dinner cruise down the Seine while admiring the beauty of the City of Light, there’s truly no lack of options in Paris. But whichever choice you go for, there’s no denying you’ll be in the epicentre of love in Paris on Valentine’s Day.

3. An intimate journey to Venice

Venice is one of the most romantic cities you could visit and it’s also a perfect place for a proposal – its fascinating history suspended over time, the beautiful panoramas and special themed events make Venice the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway.

From candlelit dinners in one of Venice’s opulent restaurants to sipping a glass of wine while watching the sunset down into the lagoon, Venice truly offers some of the most heavenly experiences. But one of the most romantic things you can do in Venice is to go on a picturesque gondola ride through the beautiful canals, accompanied by a romantic serenade. Following the centuries-old tradition, kiss your loved one while the gondola is gliding under the Bridge of Sighs and, as legend has it, your love will be everlasting.

4. An idyllic weekend in Hawaii

It’s no wonder that Hawaii is a popular destination for many couples on their honeymoon – these beautiful islands ooze romance from every corner. From a private candlelit dinner by the beach near a deluxe resort to a relaxing couples massage with a beachside view, you can find countless romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Hawaii. If you are married, you may even want to opt for an intimate vow renewal on the beach, while the ukulele plays in the distance and the sun sets behind you. After all, one of the definitions of aloha means love, so why not spend this romantic holiday on one of the most idyllic islands in the world?

5. A relaxing visit to Mexico

Mexico is one of the best Valentine’s Day destinations for any couple seeking unparalleled luxury. Being ferried by a vintage-inspired boat along a crystal clear lagoon in the Caribbean Sea to your luxurious villa in Riviera Maya surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches is a romantic experience one can only dream of.

Love-struck couples looking for a gourmet-oriented trip might even opt for a spectacular visit to the Puerto Vallarta, a beautiful bay located on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

From here, you could take a water taxi to Playa de las Animas, a secluded beach in the southern part of the bay, and feast on fresh seafood from the beachside palapas with your loved one.

Whether you are taking a mini vacation in the early days of your relationship or you want to celebrate the wonderful 50 years spent together, these destinations are perfect for pampering yourself and basking in the romance of Valentine’s Day.

Travelling solo doesn’t have to be a dull experience, quite the contrary! Since you’re your own best travel partner, as you’re effectively avoiding nagging travel companions, complaints, and compromises, you can begin to save up for your 2019 journey of a lifetime. Whether you want to focus on relaxation, adventure, wine-tasting, foodie corners, or some good old nightlife, these destinations will not disappoint.

That said, let’s go over five unique, bachelor-perfect hotspots that should be on your must-visit map: these will give you a rough idea of what to expect in these cities and how you can make the most of your trip.

1. NYC, New York

The sleepless, most vibrant metropolis of the world is bound to be on the list, so if you’ve never set your foot on NYC soil, this is your perfect opportunity. New York truly has it all, from a cocktail menu to dazzle the most refined of palates through museums to die for all the way to jazz clubs and bars that will keep you up until the sun comes up.

You can choose from classy gallery openings, relaxed eateries, and fill your time with Central Park contemplations and still have an entire NYC world to explore after you’re done. The multicultural scene makes it all the more vibrant, and it surely doesn’t lack in gorgeous women flocking from all over the globe.

2. Hanoi, Vietnam

This exotic, somewhat underestimated destination is slowly getting more attention from the pool of single travelers, and for a number of great reasons. For one, you’ll find various cool tours in Vietnam to choose from that cover this particular city precisely for its diversity, both cultural and palatable – as it’s a wonderful opportunity to taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine while you head to walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi.

You’ll be surprised to find many high-end restaurants and nightclubs, as well as the English skills of the local folk. They are used to getting many visitors in the city, but also make sure to head out to some of their natural gems and you’ll gain a new appreciation not just of the cultural variety the world has to offer but also of the hidden beauty of its nature.

3. Berlin, Germany

Perhaps the wildest city in Europe, or one that is definitely aiming for the said title, Berlin is definitely earning quite a reputation for partying. It might not boast the same romantic flair as Paris or the sophistication of London, but Berlin definitely has so much to offer to someone eager for a history lesson, a memorable night out and immeasurable amounts of insane fun.

No matter if you travel to meet with your local friends or you go out alone, you’ll likely end up in a crowd of people very soon, as they already have a melting pot of tourists rushing to explore their fast-developing capital. While you’re there, head out to the less famous cities of Munich and Dresden, for example, to get a different feel of the country with the same allure and opportunity to meet and mingle.

4. Barcelona, Spain

If you can wait for your 2019 solo trip to start, then, by all means, make sure you designate your summer vacation time for heading straight to Spain. Among a slew of stunning cities, coastal and otherwise, to choose from, Barcelona still remains the crown jewel for singles. Why? Because passionate football matches, paella, sandy beaches and an overall relaxed atmosphere all make it the perfect pick for someone looking to relax and have some fun.

Hit the Barcelona bar scene knowing you’ll enjoy every moment of it, but you can also fill your days with exploring the rich cultural heritage of this incredible place – you will definitely not be disappointed.

5. Melbourne, Australia

Last, but not least relevant is one of the world’s most beloved, livable cities – Melbourne! It may not be the capital of Australia, but it certainly behaves like it in terms of its beach life, foodie scene and its ever-so laid-back lifestyle. Brace yourself for a number of pricey experiences, and make sure you can afford the best of them because both the restaurants and the clubs will be worth your while.

Luckily for those who’d like to meet locals and mingle, there are many free options to choose from, just make sure you’re informed for the time of your travels so that you can use the chance to visit as many of those free events as possible.

If love commitments are not up your alley for the time being, you’ll have no trouble committing to one of these enchanting cities for a visit filled with adventure and exploration. Make sure to do more research before you book your flight, and you’ll certainly come back richer with another invaluable experience!

Christmas is just around the corner and if you are looking for some Christmas cheer there is no better place to get it than to plan a trip to see Santa Claus. Booking.com has the inside scoop on the best places for you to meet Santa Claus and his helpers to have a magical Christmas this year.

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland

The Santa Claus Village in Finland takes the Santa spirit to another level.  Here you can meet Santa, in his office, bake gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Claus; watch Santa’s elves at work in their workshop; and spot Rudolf among Santa’s herd of friendly reindeer. There’s also ice sculptures, decked out Christmas decor, and an exhibition on Christmas traditions around the world.

Where to stay: Santa Claus Holiday Village – Santa Claus Holiday Village is located at the heart of Santa Claus Village in the Arctic Circle, 10 km north of Rovaniemi. Planning your Christmas vacation here, gives the added bonus of getting a free airport pick & drop, along with private cabins, saunas, terrace, a well-stocked kitchen and well-equipped bathroom. Live out the Christmas experience with reindeer/husky rides, arranged by the hotel staff. This hotel is a particular favourite for couples.

Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska

Legend has it that Santa Claus’ hometown is at the North Pole and back in the 1950s a team of entrepreneurial Alaskans renamed their town the ‘North Pole’ in his honor. True to the holiday spirit, the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, is full of Christmas themed knick-knacks, the world’s largest Santa – a 42 foot statute, and even real reindeer. Children can get their postcards stamped with a North Pole postmark and even take a spin in Santa’s sleigh.

Where to stay:  Hotel North Pole – Within 5 minutes from Santa Claus house, this hotel is also centric to Christmas in Ice, an ice park; North Pole Shopping Plaza, Fort Wainwright, and the Fairbanks International Airport. Aside from complimentary breakfast and access to laundry facilities, you also get the chance to experience the Northern Lights, with optional wake-up calls from hotel staff.

Tregaarden’s Christmas house, Drøbak, Norway

While the Fins believe that Santa lives in Finland, the Norwegians believe that Santa resides in Drobak, Norway.  The Christmas House in Drobak celebrates Christmas year round and sells Christmas decor.  There’s also a tiny open-air market in the market square surrounded by wooden houses on tiny streets to celebrate this festive season.

Where to stay: Don’t just experience Christmas; go back in time with Hotel Refsnes God, situated on Jeløy island. This property is an 18^th century mansion, filled with Scandinavian art and surrounded by an expansive garden, suitable for golfing. Søndre Jeløya Nature Reserve is a 15 minutes’ walk from the hotel.

Santa World Tomteland, Mora, Sweden

People of the Mora district in Sweden believe that Santa (known as Jultomten) lives deep in the woods in the Gesunda mountains. There is a theme park, Santa World specially created in where you can meet the jolly man. The 27acre park set in the woods features Santa’s house, trolls and elves, Santa’s post office, moose, reindeer and lots more.

Where to stay: Mora Hotell & Spa is the perfect to relax and unwind. Pamper yourself with the exclusive spa facilities this hotel has to offer, along with rooms that give you the best views in and around Mora, such as Lake Siljan, the Tinghus Park or Mora Church.

Christmas Village, Montreux, Switzerland

Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa Claus at the Montreux Christmas Village in Switzerland. Located in the heart of the Rochers-de-Naye mountain at an elevation of 2041 metres, Santa Claus’s house is reachable only via the Santa Claus train, a small cogwheel train that takes you up the mountain into a mysterious hall that leads you to Santa Claus’s office. Meet Santa’s faithful reindeer, stroll around the twinkling Christmas market, make your own traditional wax candles and stock up on delicious spiced gingerbread.

Where to stay: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is located on the shores of Lake Geneva with magnificent views of the lake and the Alps. Built in 1906, the Fairmont hotel offers a traditional and elegant atmosphere combined with the latest technology, and a breakfast buffet where you can have the most important meal of the day surrounded with the aesthetics of the Alps and Lake Geneva.

Without any doubt, the Land Down Under is one of the most coveted destinations for people from all walks of life – entrepreneurs, digital nomads, families, fitness freaks, soul-searchers. You name them, people are yearning to see and experience this diverse ecosystem of natural wealth as well as the cities brimming with culture and innovation. However, no matter where you come from, the trip can be a rather expensive one.

Here are a few ways you can take your trip to Australia and save a few bucks, but actually enjoy an even more up-close and personal experience than you would as a regular tourist.

Volunteer to preserve their nature

The sultry weather paired with the sunny disposition of Australia’s people makes it a perfect environment to expand your volunteering experience. This is especially attractive for people who love spending time in nature, as you can find a cause that’s close to your heart and work for several months (or even longer) in a region that will dazzle you.

For example, you can live in or around Sydney and work in a koala sanctuary, or help with preserving the Great Barrier Reef. There are numerous available conservation programs to choose from, and most of them include free accommodation and food in exchange for your volunteer work.

Study in their iconic metropolises

For those who are constantly looking for ways to advance their education, Australia’s cities boast some of the most prestigious universities. Their programs are quite diverse, and their students come from every corner of the world, making it a perfect melting pot for student exchange programs, or even tackling an entire degree in Australia.

The perks are innumerable, from getting a chance to find incredible student accommodation in Melbourne and other fantastic cities such as Brisbane and Sydney, all the way to getting various discounts as a residing student. Cheaper public transportation, more affordable foodie spots, and world-renowned study programs make for a true Aussie adventure for international travellers!

Your work and travel options

You’ll find that the Australian market is truly brimming with opportunities for the eager traveller to find work. However, you need to obtain a work visa before you can be considered a viable candidate, and then you can proceed to find a job – the hospitality industry is booming, while the rural areas are great for farming and fruit-picking seasonal jobs that can give you months of work paired with exploration.

As a perfect example, Margaret River in Western Australia has a wide array of vineyards where you can apply for a grape-picking job. Then again, if you’d prefer an even more off-the-beaten-track destination, look for fruit picking options in Tasmania, they are particularly fruitful during the summer months.

Digital nomads front and center

If your job is flexible or you have your own business to run, then the less traditional touristy method of exploration is not at all a bad option, if you can support yourself while there. In fact, the climate in Australia is perfect for working on the go, as they have a wide range of shared workspaces in cities, while you can always find a café with a strong internet connection and work from your chair overlooking the beach.

The key here is to be able to stay consistent with your workflow and not spend more than you can earn. That is why you should create a budget, determine your key spending areas such as accommodation, plane tickets and food, and then look for various free events and other affordable experiences around. Sydney, as well as other metropolises, are always filled with such opportunities, making them every frugal traveller’s dream come true!

Work outside the box

Other paid alternatives that are becoming more popular by the minute include unconventional jobs such as house sitting or pet sitting for a longer period of time while your host is away. Keep in mind that Australia is very far away from the rest of the world, so native Aussies tend to have rather lengthy travel itineraries once they do decide to take a vacation. This makes it a win-win both for the international visitor looking for a more personal, local experience, as well as the locals who want to take some time to see the world.

On a similar note, Aussies are famous for their love for animals, and they do invest heavily in caring for their pets. So, don’t be surprised if you can find pet-sitting jobs as well that last for several months. This is a great opportunity to live like a local and truly immerse yourself in the local lifestyle!

No matter the type of job you do, moving to an international metropolis in pursuit of new knowledge and experience can do wonders for your career. However, before you actually venture out into the world, do some research and try to determine which metropolis would be the best pick.

If you love learning new things and want to experience a completely different culture, Hong Kong should be at the very top of your list. Here’s why:

The accommodation

Finding the accommodation in such a big city is easy. The only thing you need determine is whether you want to live in or outside the city center. Of course, living in the city center will cost you anywhere from $1500 for a single bedroom apartment to $3500 for a 3-bedroom apartment. If you feel like you’re not familiar enough with the real estate market to take care of this on your own, you can always hire an agent to help you out.

The transport

Now, since Hong Kong is a very crowded city and traffic jams are as common as an old shoe, owning a car won’t make a lot of sense. Instead, you should consider using either various forms of public transport or buying a bike. However, do keep in mind the size of the city; while a bike is a great form of transportation when it comes to short distances, you should still consider obtaining a monthly public transportation pass which will cost you a bit under $50.

The education

Hong Kong has three types of schools: Private, Government and Subsidized. Private schools are, of course, the priciest option, followed by the Subsidized. Government schools are free and completely funded by the government and they teach both Chinese and English languages, but the school determines the use of each language. Additionally, there are a lot of excellent learning centers, such as the well-known Monkey Tree ESL, where you can seek further education or perfect your skills in a friendly and relaxed environment. Besides, teaching English as a second language in a foreign country will look exquisite in your portfolio.

The food

The Hong Kong cuisine is known worldwide for its unconventional and even bizarre food variety. An interesting thing is that, wherever you turn, you can easily find a food stand with a lot of delicacies favoured by the locals and there’s an opulence of mid-ranged restaurants that offer a three-course meal for around $40. On the other hand, if you like to cook and prefer homemade meals, know that there are also many local markets with fresh ingredients. It’s calculated that you’ll need to set aside from $40-80 per month per person if you decide to prepare your own food.

Job opportunities

While some experts advise on finding a secure job before you actually move to Hong Kong, do know that you absolutely don’t have to. It’s possible to enter the country with only a visitor visa and find a job once you get there. However, this may be somewhat more difficult, as the employers are usually the ones who help you get settled. Either way, do know that you’ll be surrounded with creative, hard-working individuals which will only motivate you further to achieve your personal goal.

The expat community

Finally, it’s important to mention that you won’t be alone once you move to Hong Kong. The Hong Kong expat community is very strong, and they offer advice, help and support to anyone in need. This is excellent as you can be sure that there are people who went through it all, ready and willing to help you out.

Therefore, if you’re thinking about moving to a foreign country in pursuit of new knowledge and experience, aim at big metropolitan cities such as Hong Kong. Here, you’ll be surrounded with colorful and vibrant new culture, and people who are doing their best and trying to make it big, just like you are.