Ever dreamed of going on a safari? Did you know you could combine it with some time in a white sanded paradise? Read on to find out how to spend a perfect ten days in Tanzania.
Ten Days in Tanzania
Active volcanoes and lazy beach days: Vanuatu, Pacific Islands
Vanuatu is made up of over 80 islands, dotted across 1,300km of the South Pacific Ocean between Australia and Fiji. The diversity of the scenery is truly remarkable, which means whatever your idea of a perfect island adventure is chances are you can do it here. Hike up an erupting volcano and ash board back down? Check. Snorkel through stunning blue holes and caves? Check. Scuba dive in shipwrecks? Check. Relax on white sandy beaches next to crystal clear water? Absolutely check. Click to read about the top things to do and the best places to stay in Vanuatu.
The highlight of the Capricorn Coast: Yeppoon, QLD
Blessed with long beaches, a tropical climate and a bay filled with beautiful islands, Yeppoon is the principal town along the Capricorn Coast. Many Rockhampton dwellers travel north east to escape the still heat which can make the city uncomfortably hot in summer, and are greeted by a gentle sea breeze and cooler temperatures. Don't make the mistake that many do and visit Yeppoon solely to sail out to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Keppel Islands. The town itself has developed a real character and is worth a few days of your time. Click to find out about where to stay, where to eat, and stunning sunset cruises.
The affordable way to see the Great Barrier Reef: 1770/Agnes Water/Lady Musgrave Island, QLD
Around 480km north of Brisbane, sitting on the tip of a peninsula, lies the only place in the world to have a number for its name. 1770, so called to commemorate the year Captain James Cook first set foot on Queensland, is a tiny town with a population of just 76. The scenery here is stunning, and at the very edge of the coast you can see water on three sides of you. Agnes Water, with its amenities, beaches, and gargantuan population in comparison (it's still less than 3,000), lies just a few kilometres south. Click to read about one of the best air bnbs I have ever been too, swimming with turtles at Lady Musgrave Island, and one of the most affordable ways to see the Great Barrier Reef.
Sailing to white sands: Whitsundays via Airlie Beach, QLD
The Whitsundays really do live up to the hype. The scenery is breathtaking, whether it's the hilly islands, the incredible aqua marine colour of the water, or the famous Whitehaven Beach with some of the purest sand you'll find on the planet. Is it worth paying the extra to live aboard a sail boat rather than take a day trip? Which is the best company to use? How long should you stay in Airlie Beach? Read on to find out.
An Italian paradise: Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari is the capital of the Italian island of Sardinia. Filled with stunning architecture (including the 13th century Cathedral and the hilltop Castello) and situated on a breathtaking coastline, it is a great choice for a beautiful and peaceful Italian get away. Thanks to the fact that RyanAir and EasyJet both now fly direct to Cagliari Elmas Airport from a range of European cities including London, it can be a very affordable one too. We went on an absolutely amazing (and affordable!) private sailing trip in Sardinia - read the full post for details.
Not just for backpackers: Bali, Indonesia
Bali, home to over four million people, is the main arrival point for those coming to Indonesia. This beautiful island is much larger than I thought before I went (nearly 6,000 square kms), and has everything from postcard beaches on the coastline to volcanic mountains in the forests. It can be a place to party (particularly in the capital, Denpasar, where you will certainly meet an Aussie or two) or to relax, with yoga and meditation retreats available to match any budget.
No roads, no cars, no stress: Gili Air, Indonesia
We spent an absolutely wonderful few days on Gili Air - white sands, crystal clear waters, shade provided by palm trees, and one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see. We can't wait to go back! Gili Air is one of the three very small Gili Islands located off the north west coast of Lombok, Indonesia. The other two islands are Gili Trawangan, where you'll find younger backpackers and all night parties, and Gili Meno, which is incredibly peaceful and underdeveloped. We felt that Gili Air sounded like a good mix of both - more amenities and bars than Meno, but a more relaxing vibe than Trawangan. The breakfast at the resort where we stayed was the best I have ever had anywhere in the world - read on to find out how you can enjoy it too.
talbaht’s travels 