As of March 2018, the Australian Government introduced a new work visa in replacement of the 457 visa – the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
The Government’s March visa changes have been highly anticipated since its announcement in April last year that they would be replacing the 457 visa in order to address Australia’s skills shortages and to prioritise Australian workers.
Brisbane based migration agents, Results Migration have agreed to take us through the changes.
Read MoreBeing an archipelago made up of more than 7000 islands, the Philippines is becoming one of Asia’s most popular destinations. Most travelers head to the Philippines for the beaches, water sports and island scenery, so it’s good to know in advance the best months weather-wise for those activities.
The Philippines is a tropical country with only two seasons – a dry season and a wet season – but there are climatic variations within those seasons, and it can rain at any time of the year.
The following is a weather guide to the Philippines – a month by month breakdown to help you choose the best time of year to plan your travel.
Read MoreThere are many reasons to include Mykonos in your Greek itinerary. Besides the music, the party atmosphere, the colour of the water and the sky, and the amazing elite villas set atop hills overlooking the Aegean, there is also a food scene that will blow you away.
Lobster, sausages, onion pie, and freshly-caught fish are some of the signature dishes every traveler should try when visiting Mykonos. So, whether you wish for tavernas serving feta cheese and baklava, or eateries whose menu is specifically catered for light eaters, there are many great finds.
Now, if you are wondering where to start this culinary journey of all five senses, here are some recommendations. The following are our favorite restaurants in Mykonos.
Read MoreOnly a short one hour drive from the strip of Las Vegas is a geological wonderland, the Valley of Fire State Park. The beauty of this park captivated my heart with it’s bright red Aztec sandstone formations, and beautiful limestone rock faces.
Covering some 40,000 acres, sandstone outcrops are the main attraction here, along with ancient petrified trees, and petroglyphs which date back 2,500 years. There is something very special about this place that evokes a sense of grounding and peacefulness; this is nature at it’s greatest.
The Valley of Fire is a traveler’s paradise that can accommodate campers, hikers, and drivers, and you’re more than welcome to bring your pup! There are 14 points of interest in the park, however the following were my highlights if you’re wondering where to start.
Read MoreWhen families are looking for an easy island break the immediate destinations which come to mind include the Balearics, the Canaries, and the Greek islands. And while these destinations are firm family favorites, especially for travelers from Europe and the UK, there’s another destination sitting quietly in the middle of the Mediterranean, perfect for your next family break.
The second largest island in the Maltese archipelago, Gozo is is an excellent destination to enjoy together with your children. In comparison with mainland Malta, families will find more varied geology, and a greener and more peaceful island which is rural in a way Malta no longer is.
It’s only 25 minutes on the water from Malta to Gozo, and it’s easy to rent a car, to find your own way to the many incredible beaches, nature, food and culture you can enjoy with your kids.
Read MoreIt goes without saying that Brazil is one of the most fascinating countries in the Americas. Yes, it’s a popular destination for medical tourism, and almost every has heard of Rio de Janeiro, though its landscapes and biodiversity are legendary in scope, and it has all the scenic and cultural variety you would expect from such a vast country.
It’s a truly captivating experience to travel here, and explore attractions which range from “frozen-in-time colonial towns to otherworldly landscapes of red-rock canyons, thundering waterfalls and coral-fringed tropical islands.”
And with ecosystems more diverse than anywhere else on earth, there are countless opportunities to spot iconic species, including toucans, jaguars, anacondas, scarlet macaws, pink river dolphins, and sea turtles.
Granted, obtaining a visa can be a little involved depending on your citizenship, but it’s well worth the effort in making sure your Brazil visa requirements are met for the chance to visit this beautiful country.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever heard of the Silk Road, this refers to an ancient network of Eurasian trade routes that once connected the East to the West. These were routes that emerged across both land and sea, along which silk and many other goods were imported and exported.
For many years, this was the primary source of cultural crossover between Europe and Asia. And while the Silk Road stretched all across Europe and the Middle East, it is the Asian stops of the Silk Road that are most worth the trip today.
This is where the Silk Road originated, when China opened up to trade in the first and second centuries B.C. But while goods were obviously traded, imported, and exported in and out of Asia, it has a much greater cultural significance. The constant movement and mixing of populations also brought about the transmission of knowledge, ideas, cultures and beliefs, which had a profound impact on the history and civilizations of the Eurasian peoples.
For those with an interest in history and cultural heritage, the Silk Road is a great path to follow when travelling in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. Here are 3 must-see destinations you shouldn’t miss.
Read MoreThe global fish market set a record in 2017 for sales, which comes as good news to Boston’s uncertain seafood future. This comes after a questionable cod ban and host of regulations has threatened to wipe out New England’s seafood industry for good.
Fortunately, even if the supply of seafood in New England was upended, the demand in Boston for great seafood could never falter. For Beantown residents, seafood is as much a part of its culture as pizza is to Brooklyn or coffee to Seattle.
While Boston is known for its freshly shucked oysters and gourmet lobster rolls, any type of local fare is guaranteed to be delicious here. Being a harbor town and a connoisseur of seafood, Boston tends to offer some pretty amazing bites.
The following are our six favorite Boston seafood joints, you just have to try!
Read MoreLayovers can be a pain when you’re traveling, especially when you have somewhere important to go. But if you plan your layover strategically, you can often use this to your advantage and see two cities for the price of one!
Barcelona is a popular stopover for flights en-route to Europe, and whether you have a 12 hour layover, or you’re there for 24 hours +, use the following suggestions to seize the day.
Read MoreAn island nation that lies in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is as dense with UNESCO Heritage Sites as it is densely populated; a cultural blend of English, Italian, and Arabic influences, with a rich history and a prehistoric past.
The largest of the country’s three main islands, Malta is the nation’s cultural centre. Exploring the island in its entirety is rather easy as it is quite small, and English is widely spoken. Buses will get you to even the most remote parts of the island, or you can hire your own car to explore on your own schedule.
For such a small island Malta certainly packs a heavy punch; a holiday here allows you to take in prehistoric temples, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, fossil studded cliffs, incredible scuba diving, and a food scene which mixes Sicilian and Middle Eastern flavours with local Maltese ingredients like rabbit and honey.
Not yet convinced you should visit? You will be after reading more about the country’s top cultural treasures and cuisine!
Read MorePeople describe Orange Country as the paradise of Southern California. The hype has been heightened by the fact that most films have been shot there, including the reality show, The Real Housewives of Orange County.
The OC is a place known for its serenity and extensive beauty, and has become a major destination for many tourists from all over the world.
There are so many reasons why you should consider a visit here. Here are the top reasons as to why you should explore Orange County!
Read MoreWe all love an epic road trip, and as far as choosing the perfect destination, California is one of the most diverse states in the world. Byways and highways wind through dramatic scenery and connect some of the biggest cultural hubs in the United States.
But road trips aren’t ever about getting from point A to point B, they’re about the stop offs and itinerary you create inbetween.
Whether you’re simply looking for some time to relax and recharge, or you want to embark on an adventure before you’re stuck behind a wheel for several hours, California has plenty of stop-offs to keep you entertained.
Read MoreNowadays, the internet comfortably allow sports fans to watch their favorite games virtually anywhere in the world, without the need to move around. With live streaming, and VPN’s you don’t even need to be in the same country to be able to catch the game.
But sports and travel do go together, and there’s something truly magic about soaking in the atmosphere of an actual event. Physically being there, in the middle of the action, screaming your favorite athlete’s name.
If you’re a sports fan visiting Melbourne you certainly won’t be bored. Sports has a strong representation in the city, and Victoria is Australia’s most sports-loving state. Melbourne’s sporting calendar is packed with electrifying events, so if you find yourself in town, pick up your tickets and get ready for a religious experience!
Read MoreVisiting a city that is rich in culture and history like Madrid can be costly, but as tourists we want to soak up as much of the culture and vibrancy of the city as we can before we hop back on a plane to our lives back home.
It can be difficult to plan a city break on a budget, but did you know that with a little research you can experience the city of Madrid without spending a single Euro?!
Here we’ll give you a few ideas and tips of how you can fill your Madrid break to the brim with the very best of Spanish culture – for free!
Read MorePalermo has a rich history as being the most conquered city in the world; the regional capital of Sicily has seen close to 15 ruling bodies throughout its history, including: Phoenicians, Arabs, Aragons, Romans and Spaniards (just to name a few).
This diverse cultural experience is what draws so many tourists to this part of Sicily year after year. In Old Town alone, you will find hundreds of historical relics, structures and traditions, all part of a cultural diversity that the city retains.
A good example of this is the bustling street markets that first emerged during Arab rule, thousands of years ago. While these street markets are often in the dilapidated and neglected areas of town, there are four that are very important for anyone traveling to Palermo to see in person.
The following are reasons to explore the historic street markets of Palermo. These are Vucciria, Capo, Borgo Vecchio and Ballaro.
Read MoreThe United Arab Emirates is a country of sheer opulence, and no city embodies this more than Dubai. But Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, offers a much different glimpse into the nation than the fast-paced cosmopolitan of Dubai, despite being just a short distance away.
Abu Dhabi is far more quiet and conservative than Dubai and offers visitors a more authentic glimpse of the regions’s culture. The UAE is much more than the glitz and glam of lavish resorts and manmade islands, and Abu Dhabi offers a better chance to see the real UAE before it became overly commercialised.
Abu Dhabi taxis are a safe, secure, and accessible way to get around the city and are also quite economical. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is not the most pedestrian friendly city, and while this is something they are looking to change, for now it’s best to take a taxi.
The following are 5 of the cultural highlights Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Read MoreIt is a nation of breathtaking scenery, medieval castles, rich culture, and of course, Guinness. This magical island known as Ireland has long been charming visitors, with its residents offering their warmest welcome and all too eager to share why they believe their country is one of the finest.
Ireland is a destination suited to nearly every type of traveller; I assure you its treasures will leave a lasting buzz much stronger than any amount of Jameson could ever inflict. Here, old world charm meets modern day luxuries, making an Irish holiday both magical and carefree.
So whether you’re a solo backpacker seeking a true adventure or simply want to enjoy retired life with the love of your life, pack your bags and head to the Emerald Isle for a holiday you won’t soon forget.
Read MoreTravelling around Europe on a cruise is breathtaking. Having chosen to travel by ship, you can visit and stop at great spots along Mediterranean Sea, and / or float down some of the most famous rivers in the world while enjoying the passing sights of both major cities and delightful, small towns and villages.
Discover medieval castles, cathedrals and palaces during sightseeing stops, and wander through fantastic cities during daily shore excursions; the fabulous thing about taking a European cruise being no flights or stressful transit involved.
However like all travel, the biggest challenge is deciding which cruise you want to do. So to help, here are a couple of your options when choosing a European cruise.
Read MoreMelbourne may be Australia’s second largest city, but just outside the city (and even within) you’ll find incredible natural attractions where you can witness a wide range of wildlife.
Just outside Melbourne’s CBD you’ll find some of Australia’s finest sanctuaries for authentic wildlife encounters, home to both Australian and international species. And within the city, there are an incredible range of attractions, including the zoo, the aquarium, and many nature parks prolific with native wildlife.
Admission fees can start getting quite expensive after you hit a few of these attractions. So we recommend purchasing a Melbourne iVenture Card for up to 40% of the city’s best wildlife experiences (the card also includes a wealth of attractions within the city itself).
Read MoreThe tag of ‘the most romantic spot on the continent of India’ sits well on Udaipur. Formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, it is known as the city of lakes and palaces; a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan set around a series of shimmering lakes and known for its lavish royal residences.
It is a city which exudes romance and luxury; majestic palaces sit against a backdrop of craggy green hills, whitewashed havelis and bathing ghats are clustered around the waters of the lake, and bustling bazaars and tempting food only add to the city’s natural charms.
Old-world charm and hospitality make Udaipur one of India’s top destinations for the discerning traveller. The city is “far from unspoilt or undiscovered, though remains a richly rewarding place to visit”. While many people spend at least a week, it is possible to take in the main attractions of Udaipur in just a couple of days. Here are the best places to visit.
Read MoreAustralia’s second largest city, Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities, and draws visitors from all over the globe with its elegant European feel, convenient and reliable public transportation, wide array of delicious gastronomic offerings, and wealth of exciting attractions.
With year round festivals and events, there is always something happening in Melbourne. Whether you fancy watching sports, enjoying loads of entertainment options, or simply want to relax in beautiful gardens, Melbourne makes for the perfect holiday no matter what your personality is.
Here are some of Melbourne’s top attractions and experiences you must experience.
Read MoreBeing the best man at a wedding is no easy task; not only are you expected to be the groom’s personal aide and advisor, but you must also help with arrangements, keep the ring safe, give a toast, and help tackle any unexpected problems that might disrupt the wedding.
But everyone knows the best man’s most important task is to plan the most amazing, over the top stag party that will put the groom’s bachelor days behind him in a way he won’t soon forget. While delivering the perfect stag party filled with fun, lascivious entertainment for the groom’s last hurrah can be a lot of pressure, choosing the perfect destination can take you most of the way there.
The perfect stag party location will give you a huge variety of different daytime and nighttime options to choose from, whether they are fun bonding activities or mischievous adventures in debauchery that no one but the groom’s best men will ever find out about.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the party destinations across the world that will make for a trip that the groom – or anyone else in the party – will never forget.
Read MoreJapan could easily be considered to be among the world’s most desired destinations. I mean, who hasn’t dreamed of watching the sun set over a tori gate, visit the thousands of shrines in Kyoto, or witness dawn from the top of Mt. Fuji?
And in terms of getting around, the country has one of the safest, cleanest, fastest, most efficient, punctual and convenient public transportation networks in the world. But while you might be tempted by the city subways, bullet trains, or even by catching a flight, we opted for an entirely different way of seeing Japan: by bike.
With considerate drivers, great infrastructure, and a well connected network of roads, Japan is a perfect destination for bicycle touring first-timers. We spent 3 months on our bikes exploring Kyushu, Shikoku, and Southern Honsu, but you still can easily cover a wide cross section of Japan in 7 – 10 days.
Read MoreI first stepped foot on Santorini for my honeymoon. I had promised my wife the most romantic destination on earth, and all research pointed to Santorini; one of the most beautiful islands of Greece, and easily one of the most stunning in the world.
From cobblestone streets to stark white homes with colorful blue domes, straight from the front of a postcard, there is no shortage of things to do and see when you’re on this Greek island.
To kick start your research for putting together a Santorini trip, we have put together an introduction to the island.
Read MoreDo you think Dubai is all about luxury hotels, towering skyscrapers, and extravagant shopping malls?
Yes, the city boasts architectural wonders that cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. ANd it definitely has it’s fair share of incredible luxury hotels.
But while many choose to relax in spas and shop for signature brands, there’s an increasing number of tourists who visit Dubai for the many outdoor activities it offers. Never one to be outdone, plenty of exhilarating adventures await you on land, sea, and in the air!
Read More
I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!
