Labeled one of the most beautiful places on Earth by legions of travellers, New Zealand is indeed a geologically unique paradise for all nature enthusiasts sharing a sincere love and appreciation for breathtaking scenery. We’ll embark on our traveler’s case study of New Zealand’s most outstanding locations right after we highlight some important travel tips you should bear in mind when exploring this wonderful nation.

Cities in New Zealand

First of all, the cities in New Zealand are not intended to be the world’s capitals of fashion and glam. It’s the beauty of its geography that pushes New Zealand towards the head of the list when thinking about great places to see, photograph and perform outdoors activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, swimming or diving and many others. New Zealand is best described as a mosaic of geographical backgrounds, encompassing mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, beaches and rainforests, all within one country! It may have a temperate climate, but New Zealand is a place where tourists can literally have their breath taken away by the natural landscape.

Whether you are particularly concerned by the threat from natural disasters or not, mind the fact that earthquakes are not strictly uncommon in New Zealand. In fact, the country is located in a seismic area bang on the boundary between two tectonic plates. The last major earthquake occurred on September 4th 2010, causing significant casualties in Christchurch and its proximities. The earthquake rose up to a scale of 7.1, leading to significant damages and many injuries. Visitors should stay tuned into local news and contact their travel providers before heading out for sightseeing.

Pack sun-screen!

Another concern related to New Zealand in particular is that the layer of ozone located over the country is dangerously thinner than other places, thus increasing the risk of getting sunburn in the summer months. When planning your luggage, sunscreen needs to be top of the list!

If you suffer from asthma, make sure you travel with a companion and keep necessary medications with you at all times. Research has shown that a common trigger for attacks is exposure to new environments to which you are unaccustomed!

Familiarize yourself with local laws before hiring a vehicle

If you’re planning on using a vehicle while staying in New Zealand, keep in mind that their driving regulations are somewhat different than other countries so all drivers are advised to read New Zealand’s official Road Code. Car insurance is not legally required but travelers should consider acquiring private accident insurance since New Zealand law has eliminated the right of motor accident victims to sue a third party.

The rate of deaths on the road per capita is approximately twice that of the United Kingdom.

Staying Safe

On the subject of insurance, you will need to seek out appropriate medical and travel insurance before heading to New Zealand. When searching through the various types of travel insurance, make sure the one you choose covers adventure activities like bungee-jumping, water rafting etc in case you are determined to receive some adrenaline shots while you’re out there! Either way, don’t forget to check for policy regulations and exclusions so you won’t have any nasty surprises in the event of injuries and accidents.

Historical Background

When it comes to its historical background, tourists are intrigued to know that New Zealand is the last great habitable land mass to be populated by people! British settlers along with other Europeans and Americans did not settle until around 200 years ago. New Zealand’s indigenous population is the Maori, which is a tribe descending from Polynesian ancestors.

Spectacular Landscape

And now for the spectacular geographical assets of New Zealand! We will name a few of the most outstanding places on New Zealand’s mountainous islands whose beauty became known worldwide with the filming of the multiple-award winning trilogy, Lord of the Rings.

Due to its isolated southeastern location and relatively recent human habitation, New Zealand is home to fantastic species of plants and animals, some of which are unique and protected by environmental laws and regulations. Examples of such species are the famous flightless birds, including the kiwi bird and weka.

Fiordland National Park

One of the most beautiful places worth visiting is Fiordland National Park on the South Island – not only the largest national park in New Zealand but one of the biggest in the world! A significant part of the movie Lord of the Rings has been filmed here, due to its amazing scenery consisting of gigantic mountains, deep fiords, steep, noisy waterfalls and lush rainforests.

Abel Tasman National Park

Another place worth seeing is the Abel Tasman National Park which is famous for having some of the most stunning beaches in New Zealand. If you’re a kayaking fan, you’ll fall in love with this place too!

For a place that has it all, bet on Queenstown, an adventure hub that allows you to materialize all your extreme sport dreams, whether we’re talking about bungee jumping, jet boating, parapanting or skiing. Queenstown is also full of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants where you can have a taste of the local flavors and enjoy yourself while admiring the beautiful scenery.

Don’t miss these either

Another extraordinary place in New Zealand is Rotorua, well known for its volcanic activity. Also make sure you see the Bay of Islands (home of NZ’s lovely maritime park), Mount Cook National Park, Westland National Park, Coromandel Peninsula and Kaikoura (an abundant fauna habitat where whales can be spotted all year round).

If you’re thinking of New Zealand as your next travel destination, don’t forget to include a good quality backpack in your travel equipment to make sure you are able to carry all essential items for sightseeing and hiking. Choose one made out of a strong and durable material with sufficient space for your belongings!

About Australia

Population: 22,900,000
Capital City: Canberra
National Language(s): English
Currency: Australian Dollar
Calling Code: +61

Australia is a sprawling country covering nearly 3,000,000 sq miles. Situated in the Southern Hemisphere Australia is classified in the region of Oceania which encompasses dozens of small islands distributed across the tropical Pacific Ocean. Depending on the definition, Oceania is sometimes considered to extend north and west to include the Southeast Asian nations of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

To the southeast lies New Zealand – a country whose culture and history is inextricably entwined with that of Australia itself, whilst due east is a series of individual territories including the Solomon Islands, Fiji and New Caledonia surrounded by the vast, blue Pacific!

The major city of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast sits over 11,500km of sheer blue from Los Angeles on the opposite side of the ocean. Northern Australia’s latitude is shared with nations in the hemisphere including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Brazil and Chile, all of which have land sitting on the 20th parallel south!

Australia’s modern history dates back to 1606 when Dutch ships sighted the mainland at the area now known as Cape York Peninsula in the northernmost tip of the country. The Dutch travelled the northern and western coastlines and referred to the land as ‘New Holland’ though never made settlement. The British explorer and navigator James Cook sailed the east coast much later in 1770 where ultimately the Crown Colony of New South Wales would be formed by Great Britain.

The first fleet of ships embarked in May 1787 with approximately half those on board British convicts. By 1828 Britain had also claimed Western Australia whilst the European population grew. In 1901 the Commonwealth of Australia was born and further autonomy was gained in 1942 when a range of constitutional ties with the UK were ended. Today the country is highly prosperous and ranks highly for measures including quality of life, healthcare, education and freedom.

It is also worth note that before European settlement the indigenous peoples (Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders) had inhabited the land for an estimated 45,000 years! These natives are believed to have migrated from the Southeast Asian countries.

Culture

Australia’s culture is highly westernized but at the same time retains unique and distinctive characteristics. The country’s history, environment and aboriginal roots have all played a role in shaping today’s national identity.

Most Australians are descended from European settlers and immigration through the 20th century was particularly rapid with total population increasing five fold over that timeframe. The indigenous Australian population today is believed to represent around 2.3% of the total.

Around two thirds of Australians identify themselves as Christians, whilst non-Christian religions account for just 6% of the population.

Dating back to the first European settlement, Australia’s art has been strongly entwined with the country’s beautiful and vivid landscape. Early practitioners included Albert Namatjira and Arthur Boyd.

Australia has an active tradition of music, ballet and theatre and many of its performing arts companies receive public funding supported by the government. There is a symphony orchestra in each major city, the iconic national opera house, and the company Opera Australia brought to prominence by Dame Joan Sutherland. Popular genres in the country include classical, jazz, and pop.

Australian literature has also been influenced by themes such as the landscape and the nation’s colonial past. In 1973, Patrick White won the Nobel Prize for Literature, and to this day remains the only Australian to have collected the award.

Sport is heavily enshrined in the Australian culture, and the country fields many highly successful international teams and athletes. Particular strengths include cricket, hockey, rugby (union and league), cycling and swimming. Aussie rules football and soccer are also popular.

Safety and Special Considerations

A common sense approach should be applied to safety through precautions such as keeping personal belongings in a safe place. Also, take care when withdrawing cash and walking in popular tourist spots to avoid opportunistic burglary.

Parts of Australia are exceptionally remote so if travelling the outback you should do so with an experienced local guide and be sure to inform the authorities, hostel and friends of your plans.

There are dozens of dangerous animal species in Australia including sharks, crocodiles, snakes and spiders. See the government’s Wet Tropics website for the pertinent information.

Australia operates a no tolerance policy on the possession of drugs.

Tropical cyclones do occur, typically between November and April in northern and western regions. Monitoring local weather reports is sensible.

Entry Requirements

US and EU citizens must obtain a visa before entering Australia. It is advisable to obtain an eVisitor visa direct through the Department of Immigration & Citizenship.

Alternatively, a visa can be obtained through the Electronic Travel Authority.

Must See

Australia’s natural, unspoiled beauty and warm climate make it a magnet for tourists, particularly those from other English speaking countries. The Great Barrier Reef is one compelling draw – and little wonder, this is the biggest series of reefs anywhere in the world. Covering some 130,000 sq miles, off the northeast coast of Australia, a remarkable structure of 3,000 individual reefs is composed of billions of living organisms! The description sounds almost unbelievable but the reef is arguably the world’s greatest ecological wonder.

The reef is home to dozens of diverse yet beautiful species including various kinds of whales, dolphins and turtles. A staggering 1,500 confirmed varieties of fish live on the reef, whilst over 200 species of bird visit and nest. Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef is something everyone should do in a lifetime!

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most striking, vast and beautiful pieces of design and architecture in modern history. Observing it from the outside alone is a treat but it shouldn’t be forgotten that it also stages the highest calibre of the performing arts! Drop in to enjoy an opera, theatre production or ballet and saviour one of the finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the planet.

Other noteworthy feats of architecture in Sydney include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower and the ANZ Stadium.

If you’re looking to delve deep into Australia’s Aboriginal roots you simply must take a tour of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Central Australia. Revered by the native tribes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a striking example of Australia’s natural beauty. Access costs 25 AUD, for which you’ll receive a 3 day pass to soak up the surrounding nature and history. Whilst in this region be sure to check out Kings Canyon too!

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Royal Exhibition Building

Credit: Brian

About Albania

Population: 3,164,000
Capital City: Tirana
Official Language(s): Albanian
Currency: Albanian Lek
Calling Code: +355

Albania is a Balkan country located in South Eastern Europe. A former Communist state since 1992 it has moved towards its current democratic political system and free market economy. Albania’s beautiful shoreline merges the boundaries of both the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. With a land area of around 11,000 sq miles, the country neighbours Montenegro to the north, Kosovo to the northeast, Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south. Just across the Adriatic Sea lies Italy – only 150km apart, it is possible to take a ferry from Brindisi, Italy to Vlore in a journey taking approximately 4.5 hours across the Strait of Otranto.

Today, Albania is an emerging democratic country with membership of NATO and the United Nations. In 2009 the country made formal its candidacy for European Union membership and in November of that year the European Commission began to assess Albania’s preparation for negotiations to take place.

Known inhabitation of the land that makes up today’s Albania dates back millennia to the Illyrian people. Ancient relics of the country’s long history exist today, including the remains of Butrint, an ancient Greek settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Albania.

Albania gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912 after centuries of Turkish control. After the Second World War Albania was politically aligned with the Soviet Union and became a strict Communist state lasting right up until the 1990s.

Climate

Coastal Albania has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The climate inland is affected by the more mountainous terrain and is therefore typically cooler in the winter. The average temperature difference between North and South is as much as 5 degrees Celsius across the year.

Culture

A large majority of the population is ethnically Albanian. Small minorities include pockets of Greeks, Serbs and Bulgarians. There is very little data regarding the religion of Albanians and respective estimates suggest differing percentages of Muslims, Christians and atheists. However, the country is generally regarded to be predominantly Muslim.

Irrespective of their religious affiliation, Albanians are often considered to place a high importance on hospitality, generosity and loyalty. Folk music is especially popular within the country and often follows themes of patriotism and history.

The Albanian language is classified as Indo-European.

Safety and Special Considerations

The political climate in the wider Balkans region remains tense but the area is largely peaceful. The disputed territory of Kosovo is primarily Albanian but the border in the northeast should be avoided due to poor roads and infrastructure. Unexploded mines likely still exist in this region.

The rest of the country is generally safe public security is good. Organised crime and violence are a problem in some parts of Tirana and so caution should be exercised at all times. Overall, however, security is excellent in the capital city and Albanians are hospitable to visitors.

Albania’s roads (particularly in rural regions) are in a bad state of repair and large quantities of motorists have an aggressive style of driving. Care should be taken at all times to drive safely and avoid hostility.

Entry Requirements

Those from America and the EU do not require a visa to enter Albania. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days in any given 180 day period you must apply for a Residency Permit at a police station.

A passport with a minimum of six months validity is required for entry and exit.

Must See

• Saranda in the south has beautiful clear waters and white, sandy beaches.
• Durres on the Adriatic coastline has lovely architecture and beaches.
• Tirana is a large, bustling, westernized city. It is home to many cultural and architectural sights, as well as great restaurants and clubs.
• The city of Kruje is worth a visit if only to look around the Skanderbeg Museum and castle.
• If you enjoy climbing and mountainous regions, Korca is the place for you.

 

Church in Pogradec, Albania

Credit: Michael Sujka

About Canada

Population: 34,600,000
Capital City: Ottawa
Official Language(s): English & French
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Calling Code: +1

The country of Canada is located in the north of the North American continent, and covers a vast area of land. A former British colony, this country of some 32 million inhabitants is a huge and fascinating place to visit.

Background Information and Culture in Canada

Despite sharing a border with arguably the most influential and richest country in the world, Canada still maintains a unique culture and identity. With British, first nations, French and now many Asian immigrants all adding to the melting pot, Canada is one of the world’s true multi-cultural societies. Indeed, multiculturalism is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Canada is vast in both size and culture, from the French speaking areas of Quebec to the First Nations areas, to the bustling cities of Toronto and Vancouver.

Being so close to the United States, there is of course a great influence through business and the media, but conversely, Canadian entertainers, artists and products are also popular south of their border. Canadians are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, and this is an important part of “being Canadian”.

Sports in Canada are, as with many countries around the world, an important part of the national psyche. Winter sports are the most popular, with hockey being the number one spectator sport. In 2010, Canada hosted the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler – The perfect hosts!

Must See Highlights in Canada

Some of the must see highlights of Canada include -

The Rockies

A Hockey game

Friendly people

Credit: Rob Pearce

The Mediterranean is synonymous around the world for quality of life, sunshine and beautiful beach. Couple that with prestigious history, gorgeous sea-front architecture and blue waters and you have Greece – a land steeped in appeal.

A poem and analysis from correspondent, Alan Peterson, from South East Europe.