Learn English in Australia While Exploring the Outback

Fiona "Long arm" — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:10:20 +0000

Photo from Flickr by bluedeviation

Australia has the unique distinction of being a country-continent and having its unique set of flora and fauna, not to be found anywhere else in the world. Backpacking the outback is a wonderful way to commune with nature and when you plan to do so, towardeurope.org is a website that gives wonderful tips and advice specifically on backpacking that come in handy on your trip. While we focus on travel in Europe, the tips are applicable anywhere in the world, for example Australia too. Australia offers a great deal: surfing, backpacking the outback, exploring forests and rocky trails.

If you need to brush up on your English language skills, try mixing your backpacking experience with a little bit of learning through the famous ESL Language Study Abroad programmes. They have partner language schools across Australia, in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin, Hobart, Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, Cairns and Port Douglas to name the major locations. Learn English in Australia while exploring the outback. An ideal way to learn English in Australia may not be at the ESL partner school but in a teacher’s home that can just as well serve as a base for your explorations. While teachers give you intensive tuition in the mornings, tailored to your professional or business needs, you have the rest of the day to do a whole lot of exploring, living life the Australian way and learning to speak with the unique Australian accent.

Juniors, on the other hand, may love being with other youngsters of the same age group in shared accommodation as part of junior English courses in Australia. Noosa in Queensland is a terrific destination for teens and juniors, offering all facilities under one roof, an easy learning method and plenty of leisure time activities tailored to suit their age groups and preferences. Noosa has courses specifically developed for juniors and has the unique advantage of having forests on one side and sandy beaches on the other. Youngsters between 13 and 17 years of age will love exploring both. In addition to 19 air conditioned modern classroom the partner school here has a language lab, library, internet and relaxation areas with snacks and beverages. Designed to suit youngsters, the junior course offers everything in the price including meals, accommodation and transport, freeing youngsters to undergo junior English courses in Australia and have the time of their lives.

Adults have still more choices. They can choose to learn English in Australia Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, or in any other scenic locations each with its attractions but with a uniform, world class method of teaching and facilities. It is easy to enroll online and start a wonderful experience.

Learn English in Australia While Exploring the Outback was originally published on

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There are lots of tried and tested ways to make money while travelling – teaching English, professional blogging, working at festivals, etc. While the Age of Austerity is not a reason to stay at home, what can you do when your plans fall through on a rainy day and you find your umbrella is bust?

Across Europe and North America pharmaceutical companies are creating drugs to combat and hopefully cure the illnesses and conditions that damage our health and lessen our enjoyment of life. Before they can bring these medicines to market, the pharmaceutical companies must test their creations for safety and effectiveness. To do this they need what are called “Healthy Volunteers”.

If you don’t know much about how clinical trials work, you might be having scenes from V for Vendetta flashing through your mind. It’s a great film, but very far from what a clinical trial is all about.

Healthy Volunteers are people aged between 18 and 80, with a ‘normal’ Body Mass Index, who don’t smoke, or drink excessively – which is a matter of perspective, of course – and who have a couple of weeks to spend lying in a comfortable state-of-the-art hospital ward and swallow a tablet, or receive an injection at the same time every day. For all this, Volunteers receive up to £2000 compensation and can take part in up to three other medical trials per year. That’s up to £8000 for sitting around doing very little.

“Is it safe?” I hear you ask. There are risks to ingesting a drug that is still being tested, but before you give your written consent to taking part, you’ll be informed of what the drug is intended to do and what the expected side-effects are. Also, Clinical trials are run in accordance with EU legislation and drug companies are accountable to independent bodies. When you attend the pre-trial consent talk, you should see certificates for insurance and approval from both the Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Committee (MHRC) clearly displayed. If they aren’t visible, or available when asked for, chances are the company running the trial isn’t a reputable one.

When you sign your consent form, understand that you’re not waiving your rights altogether. If you want to leave at any time, you can.

If you are among the hand-full of people who may have an unexpected side-effect to the drug, remember that you’re in a hospital, already receiving very close monitoring. If anything goes wrong, you’ll receive help straight away.

The biggest known side-effect of medical testing for money is the boredom volunteers feel while sitting about for two weeks. If you decide to sign up, pack your favorite entertainment.

So, when can this be a useful money-maker for backpackers and those on the road? When jobs fall through, or the place you’re in is having an economic crisis, which, as I write, covers most of Europe and North America. If you need some cash quickly. If you’re tired of festivals. If you want to do nothing and get paid.

Medical testing for money, although fairly safe, isn’t for everyone, but it is a useful money-maker to keep in your back pocket for rainy days. This website GSK trials will enable you to review current paid clinical trials and to join a volunteer panel if you wish.

On Your Travels: A Little-Known Money-Making Secret was originally published on

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Living in London should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham Palace… the big tourists sites are all well and good, bu it’s only when you’re living in a flatshare in London that you’ll find out what the city’s really all about. Find yourself an overpriced box room, grab a few Brits, a couple of Aussies and someone of dubious Eastern European descent and you’ve got yourself an authentic London living experience.

English people can be pretty particular about things being a certain way. The key to successful and harmonious living is not to be the perfect housemate – it’s to appear to be perfect. Here are 10 tips for guaranteed apartment harmony.

1) Instigate going to the pub on Sundays. Get involved in the great British tradition.

2) Never drink the last of the milk in the fridge. Ever.

3) If you ever want to do something a bit inconsiderate at home, just say “Sorry, would you mind if I do X?” English people are incapable of saying no to any politely-worded request, no matter how ridiculous or insane it might be.

4) Don’t complain about the price of everything compared to home (wherever you’re from, it’s likely that London is at least twice the price). British people don’t appreciate complaining, even if you’re completely right.

5) Drinking cider with ice is for sunny days only. Drink it at home and you’ll be considered a bit strange.

6) Make the occasional disrespectful comment about other nations according to their location in the city e.g. “I couldn’t move for Aussies on the tube at Shepherd’s Bush the other day.”

7) Taking an overfilled rubbish bag downstairs, into the street and into the wheeliebin earns more points than all the bathroom and kitchen cleaning put together. Small but significant.

8) Biscuits are the key to an Englishman’s heart. Anything with chocolate on top. Try “Fancy a brew?” and then slip the biscuits casually on the table, as if you hadn’t even realised their significance.

9) Don’t be leave notes expressing your displeasure at something.

10) Never drink half pints in a pub. A surefire way to have people taking one pace backwards from you.

The most important thing about living in London for a short time is to get out there and enjoy it. Yes it’s expensive, but eat out, go to gigs, walk in the parks… live it and love it.

10 ways to be the perfect London housemate was originally published on

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Tuscany has long been a popular holiday destination, famous for its quaint hillside towns and rolling vineyards. During the summer time the area comes alive with hundreds of traditional festivals and events, so be sure to take a break away from your Tuscany villa and go along to at least one of my top five summer festivals.

1. St John’s Day in Florence

If you are spending your holiday in a luxury villa in Florence, be sure to step away from the pool for a day and join in the celebration. Taking place on the 24^th of June (and the days surrounding it) the St. Johns Day festivities have long been a tradition of the area. Celebrating the patron saint of the city, the day begins with a fairly somber parade, but it is after this that the celebrations really kick in. There is a traditional ‘football’ match, held in the Piazza Santa Croce, undertaken in costume and with very few visible rules. Anything goes and there are often scuffles between the players in what is a very competitive match, making for an electric atmosphere. The day is really made by the spectacular firework display in the evening, where people crowd onto the banks of the Arno and watch the brilliant display fall from the sky. Magical

2. Montepulciano Barrel Rolling Festival (Bravio Delle Botti)

Held on the last Sunday of August this is an event which really fills the town. With teams representing the eight neighborhoods of Montepulciano the day kicks off with a procession of flag waving and drumming, followed by the famous and chaotic race. Eight teams, charging behind huge wine barrels down the tiny winding streets of the town.

3. Ascoli Piceno’s Traditional Jousting Festival

I am cheating slightly with this one as the city actually lies in the neighboring region of Marche, however it is so unusual it deserved a mention. Taking place on the 1st Sunday of August the day begins with a Renascence themed parade followed by a traditional jousting competition (quintana), where 6 ‘knights’ compete to win the title. Truly a sight to behold.

4. The Palio Horse Race in Siena

Held in the Piazza del Campo in Siena on the 2^nd of July and 15^th of August, this is one of the most famous festivals in Italy. Following a parade, representatives of 10 districts of the town partake in the race that consists of three lightning quick crickets of the square. The atmosphere is hard to beat as the town is packed with locals and tourists alike.

5. Tuscan Sun Festival

Held in Cortona from the 30^th of July to the 7^th of August this is a festival celebrating the arts. With nightly classical music concerts, a wealth of art exhibitions and hundreds of chances to sample the fine food and wine of the region, it is a festival not to be missed.

Top 5 Summer Festivals of Tuscany was originally published on

photo from Flickr by: Matteo.Mazzoni

Traveling in Europe is always fascinating – there are so many places to go that are steeped in history, as well as innovative new destinations that are fast paced and fast growing in popularity. Encountering different languages need not instill fear – English is spoken in lots of European countries and the words for welcome and hello are usually pretty easy to work out in every country. There are a few things it is useful to know and to plan for before the adventure begins.

Before You Go

The first thing to be sure of is – does your temperament fit with being a solo traveler? The prospect of a long journey and an unknown destination can be exhilarating if an individual has a good, positive mental attitude and is prepared for the range of experiences that may be encountered. This applies to men as well as women – there are more single travelers than ever before who enjoy European trips and, whilst personal safety is always something to plan for, it is not the insurmountable obstacle that some well-meaning friends or relatives may use to dissuade keen solo adventurers. Just use common sense and leave the valuable and expensive jewels at home.

Being prepared means learning more about where to go and what can be seen. Some travelers take a course in a foreign language or use recorded material to improve pronunciation or learn the basics. In the same way, a good time to look at a map of Europe is before the departure date. Get a feel for distances between cities, the availability of local transport – where can you access passes for trams, trains and buses, and where you should look for the cheapest car hire so you can travel across country. It can be a good idea to plot a route, but not necessarily be tied to a strict timetable, to make allowances for meeting new people, altering plans or simply having a change of heart along the way.

First Steps

Assuming there is a preferred route, and packing takes sensible account of what clothes to bring depending on the terrain, make sure to check entry requirements – passports and visas – and to have access to extra currency easily, just in case of any problems. For clothing, remember to check local customs as, for example, shorts are not acceptable in every location and women’s heads may have to be covered, particularly when visiting some religious buildings.

For the first night, do make an effort to book accommodation in advance that is of a reasonable standard – getting to Europe may involve a bit of jetlag and arriving after a long journey in a strange place with no pre-booked accommodation can be a tiring problem to solve. Do this even when on a budget holiday, as savings can always be made along the way – there are hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, hostels and couch surfing opportunities all across the continent.

Enjoy!

Above all, enjoy the freedom that comes from going it alone. Take the opportunity to meet new friends, see inspiring and magical places, and come home an enlightened and seasoned solo traveler.

Traveling Across Europe On Your Own: Travel Tips was originally published on

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London is a great destination for families and young travellers as it has a vast array of sights and entertainment. From St Paul’s Cathedral to Ripleys Believe it or Not! Museum, there is so much to see and do that visitors instantly get hooked on this ancient yet bustling city on the River Thames. For those who want to save money on sightseeing, sign up to London’s voucher sites, which offer discount codes to some of the best attractions.

Check out Ripley’s Believe it or Not! in London’s colourful West End. Founded by American cartoonist and anthropologist, Robert Ripley, the museum showcases bizarre events, items, facts and ideas that are so strange visitors might struggle to believe them. London’s Ripley’s is home to 700 artifacts that span 5 floors, among which Marilyn Monroe’s huge make-up collection is a particular attraction. Seven fossilized dinosaur eggs dating back 75 million years, a Mini-Cooper encrusted with one-million Swarovski crystals and a mirror maze are some of the other impressive exhibits on show.

Another main attraction is Buckingham Palace, the main residence of the Windsor family. Walk through the stately, tree-lined grounds up to the palace and gaze upon the Victoria Memorial situated outside the front gates, which was erected in 1911, and which has a magnificent gold winged figure standing on its apex. Then head on to the perimeter of the palace, which is guarded by primly dressed Royal Guards wearing tall, bearskin hats and smart, red uniforms. These although often mistaken for them are in fact not Beefeaters.

Beefeaters, who are retired servicemen, can be found guarding the Tower of London. Wonder through the halls of the Tower and feel its intimidating presence, then call in to see the Crown Jewels in all their resplendent glory before you leave.

Visitors to London are often impressed at the size and scale of London, which draws in visitors from nationalities from all over the world. This wonderful mix of cultures is one of the elements that helps to make this city so great. Described as a cultural capital of the world, it’s a prime destination for travellers who flock to its numerous museums, art galleries, theatres, stadiums, restaurants and entertainment districts to relish the multinational flavour of the city.

The Flavour of London was originally published on

Photo from Flickr by KBoneva

London, The big smoke and one of the most famous cities in the world, this place has a lot to live up to. This vast city with 4 airports close by with cheap London Flights has a lot to offer and as the London 2012 Olympics are just around the corner things might be a little bit more tricky to get around this amazing city so here are some of the best ways to get about and go see the things you wanna see.

London Black Cabs

Its impossible to go to London and not get inside one of these famous black cabs, these are probably as famous as New Yorks yellow cabs. The drivers know everywhere there is to know in London, after taking a 5 year course to learn their A to Z road map and then pass their exams they then can be a qualified “London cabby”. So these are probably one of the safest ways to travel about London.

Cycling

Cyclists are everywhere in London so you won’t feel out of place on a bike. Bicycles can be rented from little cycle stations all over the city where you can take one from one part of the city and cycle to another part and drop it off, its that simple. Pretty much every main road in London has a cycle lane to keep cyclists out of the road but you still must be careful as nearly everyone in London seems to be in a rush and people do tend to drive in the bus and cycle lanes.

London Underground

The subway as most people may know it as, is more than likely the easiest and the most fastest way to get around London. Even though most of it is overground you can get from anywhere in London to anywhere in London with maybe 1 or 2 train changes along the way. The Oyster card is an easy way to pay for their services as all it is is a prepay top up card you just put money on and away you go, no more queuing at stations waiting to buy a ticket, you can just waltz on through by swiping your card. As you walk down the stairs to the underground stations its easy to see where you want to go and how to get there by the maps on the walls all over place.

Getting from A to B in London was originally published on

Photo from Flickr by Javier Corbo

Marrakech is a city quite unlike any other. With an atmosphere shaped by its architecture and design and with a culture that jumps up and slaps you in the face, this is a city that you can’t help but get lost in. As it continues to grow in popularity flights to Marrakech can be picked up cheaply and it is close enough to the UK to make the trip just for a long weekend. It will be well worth your while.

The main selling point of this city is its old centre (the medina). It houses one of the most wonderful open squares in the world the Djemaa el-Fna, literally crammed with stalls of all varieties and street performers so weird and wonderful you can lose days just observing it all.

This is not a city that will allow you to stand still for long and you will soon find yourself sucked into the labyrinth of market (souqs) filled alleyways. Pulled this way and that as if in a river swelled by a flood, you have to just go with it, fighting against the current is futile and you will just tire yourself out.

While wondering the streets to look at the wonderful architecture and stalls is by far the best way to spend your time in Marrakech there is plenty else to do. Be sure to visit the Koutoubia Mosque and gardens, which are famed the world over. The minaret is one of the most striking of its kind and it carves an impressive silhouette against the sky as it keeps a watchful eye over the bustling city below.

If you fancy a break the Jardin Majorelle and Museum of Islamic Art provide a perfect utopia away from the crowds. Filled with the sounds of trickling water and the rustle of leaves these beautiful gardens will take your breath away. Filled with water features, cacti, palms and a variety of dainty flowers and ornaments the Jardin Majorelle provides the visitor with a few hours of escapism. The museum holds a wonderful collection of Moroccan art, demonstrating the wide variety of cultural influences within the country.

If you are staying for a while and fancy leaving the city life behind, take a tour into the Atlas Mountains. With hikes aimed at all levels of fitness and expertise the scenery on offer is breathtaking and well worth the trip.

Marrakesh is a city that needs to be visited, felt, smelt and embraced in order for it to be believed!

Marvelous Marrakech was originally published on

Photo from Flickr by Wootang01

If you would love a break from the daily grind but something holds you back, just think there are hundreds of last minute bargains to amazing destinations to be had. For the non-believers here are 6 reasons you should take the chance and book that holiday you so deserve.

1. You can do it on the cheap

I know times are hard and $600 upfront seems like an awful lot, but if you take a step back to think about it you will discover that you would spend that amount in a few weeks anyway. After the weekly supermarket shop, a few weekend nights spent out drinking and maybe a brief shopping trip, the amount you spend really adds up. Yes maybe you will have to cut back on your pub trips for a few weeks on your return, or not buy that new pair of shoes but does it really matter? You will have had a fantastic break.

2. Getting out the office

Nothing feels better than the last day at work before a holiday, walking out the door with a smug smile on your face leaving all your depressed colleagues behind.

3. It’s cold

No denying it, English weather is rubbish, summer or winter, its cold rainy and crap. We moan about it all the time but it is for very valid reasons.

4. See some smiling faces

People are grumpy back home; the commute to work is full of frowning faces and the sound of sighs. It’s brilliant to get away and see some smiling new faces.

5. No skipping the good things

On holidays rules are off, that means you don’t have to worry about cutting back on the amount you eat, about sticking carefully to that diet or quitting smoking. You are on holiday to enjoy yourself so you are free to do just that.

6. Time to yourself

It’s the same old story, the weekend arrives and instead of being able to relax, read that book you have been meaning to finish or go to a gallery you have a list of errands to run. The weekly food shop, the laundry the cleaning, sometime it seems endless. On holiday however all you need to do is wake up, eat a leisurely breakfast and lie by the pool all day. What more could you want?

If you have been inspired you to jump on a plane and get away, you can get a great deal on a last minute holiday at Teletext Holidays, If you do go, please remember to return.

6 Reasons Why You Should Take a Holiday was originally published on

photo from Flickr by: jespel

Getting to Europe is one thing, but getting around it is quite another. The great thing about Europe is that once you’re there, you’re able to say goodbye to long haul flights for the duration of your trip, thanks to its relatively diminutive stature. That said, the number of cultures, celebrations and fun packed into the countries of Europe means it punches way above its weight when it comes to exciting holiday destinations. So get ready to find the travel style that will most suit your European adventure.

Transport for luxury travelers (on a budget

There was a time when flights were always the luxury option, but now you can pick them up on a budget too. Internal flights can sometimes offer particularly good deals, and if you’re sure to always compare prices, you could find that flights to Portugal from somewhere like France are cheaper than taking a bus or train. Also, if you fly smart, and open your eyes to the possibility of flying to some of the smaller, lesser known airports, meaning finding cheap flights to Spain, Italy, Great Britain or any other European destination you’ve been dreaming about could be easier to find than ever.

Transport for backpackers

If you’re backpacking your way through Europe there are few better ways to get around than by buying yourself an InterRail Pass. These passes function as multi-country train tickets, meaning you can buy one pass to last you for the whole of your journey and never have to worry about not having the right currency to pick up a train ticket. The Global Pass is by far the most popular, as it works in 30 different countries and gives you plenty of flexibility, but you can buy passes that are only valid in specific countries if you prefer.

Transport for thrill seekers

When you’re traveling with plans to seek out all of Europe’s biggest adventures and you’ve got the snowboard, climbing gear or kitesurfing gear with you to prove it, renting a car might be your best bet for getting around. There are companies like Eurocar who let you pick up a car in one country and drop it off in another, meaning you don’t need to worry about crossing borders or having to loop back to the beginning of your journey at the end. Best of all, when you rent some wheels you can stash all of your gear in the boot, minimizing any potential travel-hassle.

James writes for cheap flights specialists, Skyscanner.net. For more information about Skyscanner check out the Skyscanner page on Linkedin.

How to get around Europe was originally published on

Toward Europe - Travel guide