Tag Archives: Australia

The Tragedy That Changed Australia’s Gun Laws

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The United States has had several tragedies occur in which a person takes a gun into a public place, starts shooting, and murders innocent people. What can be done that will prevent this from happening again? The answer can be found in the results Australia got after changing their gun laws. The Port Arthur Massacre happened in 1996. A 28-year-old man named Martin Bryant entered a cafe that was located at the site of a historic penal colony at Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia. Martin Bryant had lunch in the cafe. After that, he pulled a semi-automatic rifle from his bag … Continue reading →

Adventures by Disney: The A’s

I talk so much about the Disney parks around here, especially the domestic ones, that it might appear those are the only Disney vacations available. However, there are many other Disney vacation options out there, and today I’m starting a recurring column on one of the largest: Adventures by Disney. Adventures by Disney consists of a series of guided tours along various locations in the world. You pay a lot more than you probably would just planning a trip on your own, unless you’re going all out, but for your money you receive a one-of-a-kind experience. Adventures by Disney provides … Continue reading →

How We Affect Cultural Landmarks – Part 1

As I age, I realize how older things just naturally deteriorate. Many of the world’s cultural landmarks are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. When things last that long, you may tend to think they will last forever, but there are a few landmarks that are seeing their deterioration accelerated due to pollution and tourism. One such landmark is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 when Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had it build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Her round, white mausoleum is easily recognizable by most of … Continue reading →

Iceberg Headed Towards Australia

We hear a lot about global warming and the affects it may be having on our planet. I read today that an iceberg is headed towards Australia, but this isn’t any ordinary iceberg, if there is such a thing. The massive iceberg, named B17B, is more than twice as big as Manhattan! Officials believe that an iceberg this large has not been spotted in this area since the 19th century. B17B is 54 square miles and broke off an ice shelf about 10 years ago. It had been floating near Antarctica, but now is headed north. Glaciologist Neal Young of … Continue reading →

Swimmer Nick D’Arcy Given a Suspended Sentence for Assault

I missed this story when it was originally published, but 21 year old Australian swimmer Nick D’Arcy just received a suspended sentence for an assault charge. D’Arcy was involved in a brawl on March 31, 2008 with former swimmer Simon Cowley, who had won three gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. That night, D’Arcy was celebrating his place on the Australian Olympic swimming team at a Sydney nightclub. Cowley is said to have slapped the inebriated D’Arcy then a brawl broke out. Cowley may have started it, but he got the worst of it – he ended up with a … Continue reading →

Miracle Subway Romance Ends

If you have ever heard the James Blunt song, “You’re Beautiful,” you probably know the lyrics: I saw an angel. Of that I’m sure. She smiled at me on the subway. She was with another man. But I won’t lose no sleep on that, ‘Cause I’ve got a plan. One guy took those lyrics to heart (well, all except the “with another man” part). Patrick Moberg was on the New York subway when he saw a woman in the crowd that he just couldn’t forget. However, before he could reach her, he lost her in the wave of passengers. Fortunately, … Continue reading →

Saving on Travel Down Under

Have you been watching Matt Lauer’s daily travel adventures on the “Today” show? Tomorrow is Day 4 of “Where in the World is Matt Lauer” and I’m not even going to bother guessing where the morning show co-host is going to be reporting live from. No, I have my eyes set on Matt’s final day abroad. Unless there was an announcement that I missed about him not visiting this country I have no doubt that Lauer will wrap up his world travels in China. After all, NBC is televising the Summer Olympic Games and what better way to plug the … Continue reading →

Go Global for Earth Day

Earth Day is next Tuesday and if you are looking for ways to embrace the environment you might consider traveling to the world’s foremost eco-friendly destinations. Some of the most “green” lodgings on the planet are offering amazing discounts for environmentally aware visitors through the end of the month. Take a look: COSTA RICA For just $110 per night you can stay in one of the world’s premier green destinations. Costa Rica is known as the Switzerland of Central America for the way it preserves its natural wonders and Luna Lodge is the place to stay if you want to … Continue reading →

Travel News for Kids—-How Your Youngster Can Win a Trip to Australia

My 3-year-old loves Dora the Explorer and if she were a bit older she would be a shoe-in for the following travel contest. (Spoken like a true biased mother.) The contest includes a few restrictions, which I will detail below, but here’s what you need to know first: The contest is called the “Hands-On Explorer Challenge” and is sponsored by National Geographic Kids magazine. The grand prize is an 11-day expedition to Australia and will be awarded to 15 kids ages 9-14 (each winner will be allowed to bring a parent or guardian along on the trip) PLUS two teachers. … Continue reading →

Adventures by Disney: Australia

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When you arrive at Cairns International Airport in Queensland you’ll be met by an Adventures by Disney representative who will assist with your luggage and see you to your transfer vehicle. You’ll then be whisked away to the Sea Temple Resort & Spa. Your Adventure Guide will check you in and then you’ll be on your own until dinner. Your welcome dinner will be a family-style dinner served under the stars. On your second day in Australia, you’ll visit Mossman Gorge where you’ll hike through a rainforest park. Lunch will be served at Voyages Silky Oaks Lodge where you can … Continue reading →