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Santorini is a Greek island made of dreams and technically speaking volcanic rock. It is a top honeymoon/wedding destination and to be quite honest; I can’t blame anyone for having their special day on the island. Santorini is incredibly picturesque. But for those of us who are not planning on a wedding or honeymoon anytime soon, Santorini is also a great European destination that allows you to take in spectacular sunsets, soak up the rays on their many beaches, ride a donkey (if you dare), eat amazing Mediterranean food and get sick off the Greek version of moonshine, ouzo. This Greek island is small enough that you can get from one side to the other but large enough to keep you from feeling cramped. I’ve visited Santorini 4 times, twice by myself and twice with friends, and I could probably visit 40 more without ever getting bored. I’ve come up with what I feel is the perfect way to spend a day in Santorini if you are looking to visit the island, but you are doing island hopping of other Greek islands or if it’s merely a layover. I’ve got you covered.
As I mentioned before, Santorini is a small enough island that you can get from one side of the island to the other in an hour via car, but my favorite mode of island transportation is an ATV. I grew up riding ATVs because my stepdad thought it was a great idea to teach a four-year-old how to drive not only ATVs but dirt bikes as well. I know, I’m lucky to be alive, BUT his crazy idea ended up working for me later in life when I found myself at a rental car places in Fira, Santorini trying to decide if I wanted a car or an ATV. I went for the ATV and was happy that I did. Finding parking on the island can be difficult, and when you see the number of motorbikes and ATVs around the island, it makes you want to join in on the fun. After signing the standard rental paperwork, I was on my way.
The itinerary that I planned was to see the three different types of beaches on the island in one day. Santorini has a red sand beach, white sand beach, and a black sand beach. After checking out the map, I realized that the white beach is the further from Fira where I was staying so I decided to head there first. I also noticed that there is a lighthouse near that side of the island, so I decided to head to the south end of the island early and explore and then make my way back while making stops to the red beach and black beach.
I arrived at the lighthouse within 40 minutes and began to look around. Once I arrived, I noticed that there isn’t much to see besides the lighthouse building and a cliff below it that makes for some lovely photos. If you’ve never seen a lighthouse before then definitely check it out but if you’ve seen a lighthouse, then you can probably skip it and head straight to the beach. I hopped back on the ATV and headed straight for white beach. It was easily accessible, and there were people renting lounge chairs. I found a sweet spot on the beach and was able to catch some rays for about an hour before I decided that it was time to head to the red beach and check it out.
The red sand beach doesn’t seem like much when you first arrive at the parking lot. There are a few small food vendors and some artists selling jewelry near the parking lot and when you look around the “beach” looks underwhelming until you realize that the actual red sand beach is a small hike away. I would suggest bringing tennis shoes along because the walk can be a little rough, especially for someone in flip flops (thongs) like I was. Once you begin your hike you start to notice the landscape change and the dirt becomes red, hint the name. As you come to the final, descend to the beach to see a huge cliff that looks like it has been carved out. The beach is directly in front of the cliff, and the view is simply amazing. I had never seen a red beach before, and since it was my first time, I was beyond impressed. I decided that I would take some time to swim and lay on the beach while I was there. The atmosphere is pleasant, and there isn’t anyone trying to bother you while you are on the beach relaxing. I spent a few hours on the red sand beach, relaxing, swimming, and just taking it all on. After a while, I started to get hungry and decided it was probably best to go ahead and head to the black beach Perissa to check it out and grab a bite to eat. I hopped back onto the ATV, and about 20 minutes later, I arrived at Perissa.
Perissa has a very resort-type feel to it in the fact that there are lounge chairs everywhere and there are plenty of restaurants lined up one after another. I decided to grab a quick bite to eat that I could take with me on the beach. I later found out that you can order food on the beach if you decide to rent a lounge chair. Renting a chair isn’t overpriced seeing how it was 5 euros the last time I was there, but since I was by myself, I decided to just lay my towel down in an area that I liked.
Now it was time to take a dip in this famous black beach. One thing that I didn’t realize was that the sand was going to be extremely hot because it’s black and it holds in heat, so obviously it was going to be extremely hot. Guess who forgot that tiny bit? I did, of course. As soon as I felt the hot sand burning the bottoms of my feet, I ran directly for the water. The water was cold and refreshing, and I was happy about it, considering that my feet felt like I ran across hot coals for an hour. After spending some time cooling down in the water, I decided that I had enough of the beach for the day. I wanted to check out another side of the island before heading to the very northern tip of the city Oia for sunset. I then made the mad dash back to my towel to gather my things and head out to my next destination and also where I was staying, Fira.
The Fira Port is known for three things; it is where you can catch the boat to go to the active volcano of Nea Kameni, take the cable car to get to the port, and last, but not least, donkey rides. That’s right; you understood correctly — donkey rides.
Since it was my first time in Santorini and I had no clue about donkey rides, I decided that I would take the cable car down and ride a donkey up the mountain. Today, I can 100% say that I would never do this option again. One reason is that I’m pretty sure someone gave my donkey a Redbull as it decided to shoot up the mountain at an insanely fast pace. I was holding on for dear life as I thought I was going to fall off at any given moment. It was the scariest animal ride of my life and one of the reasons why I am glad that I will never do it again.
The other and MOST crucial reason being that after educating myself and finding out that the donkeys in Santorini suffer from spinal injuries and sores caused by the saddles, I can say that I will never do it again. I love animals, and I would never want to harm one just because I was too lazy to walk up steep steps or because I didn’t want to ride in a cable car. I understand that there are people who cannot climb the steps and that it is more convenient for them to take a donkey, but if you are physically able to choose another option, please do so. While I don’t suggest riding a donkey, I do suggest petting one if you have the chance. They are adorable, and if you enjoy photography, you can get some beautiful shots of them walking up the hill.
One I was finished being an irresponsible twenty-something-year-old, I decided to head to Oia. Oia is at the top of the island. It is the location of the sunsets that are posted all over the internet, and it is the first thing that pops up when you google search Santorini. Every evening hundreds, upon hundreds of people (tourists), head to Oia to take in one of the best island sunsets that you can experience. I suggest googling the time of the sunset for that day and getting there several hours before. Finding a place to park on that side of the island before sunset is incredibly tricky, and having an ATV comes in handy. There are plenty of places to stand to watch the sunset but just as the parking lots get full quickly, so do the public areas to stand. Get there early and enjoy a walk around Oia since there are heaps of lovely shops that sell anything from paintings to jewlery to clothing. There are also lots of cute hotels and resorts on the walk to the end where the sunset occurs. A lot of the more expensive hotels are on this side of the island, and you can see how some rooms have private pools that light up at night. If you’re like me and you can’t afford that life, but you like to plan ahead for when you will be able to, take a while to write down some of the names of the places you wish to stay in for future trips. I mean, a girl can dream, right?
After you fantasize about spending a week in one of the plush hotels with your model boy toy, (I can’t be the only one who does this.) make sure to find a spot to stand to watch the sunset and get ALL of the pictures possible to send back home to mom and dad, just kidding. Take as many photos as possible because one, it’s a gorgeous sunset and two, social media. If you do decide to put the camera down and take a look around, you will notice that everyone around is either taking videos or pictures with their phones, gopros, or cameras. The sunset in Santorini is truly a spectacle, and although it doesn’t last long, it capture’s the audience. Once the sun actually sets, the crowd begins to cheer and clap, and then they start to make the mad dash to leave Oía. If you are impatient and hate slow walkers, I suggest staying behind a while longer and getting a nice glass of wine or a cold beer to pass the time. A lot of the shops stay open so if you didn’t have an opportunity to check them out before, now is a good time to do so. I had to get the ATV back to Fira in 28 minutes after the sunset, so I was one of the crazy people who made the mad dash to her ATV. Note to self and reader: Ask to return the ATV at 10:00 p.m. if you are staying in Fira. I luckily got it back in time but not without driving incredibly fast through dangerous curves. Sorry, mom!
At this point, most people would call it a night and head home or get back on their cruise ship, but since I was staying in Fira and it is very lively at night, I decided to grab a gyro to go and walk around the city while I enjoyed some people watching before headed back to my hotel. I could have easily gone out seeing how Fira is where the nightlife scene is in Santorini. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to check out if you want to explore the late-night scene. I suggest Two Brothers Bar if you are staying on the island and looking for a wild night out. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you. Seeing how I had a pretty packed day and was tired from soaking up so much sun, I skipped the bars for that night.
This was how I spent an entire day on the island and got to know the major tourist spots. There are plenty of other things to do while on the island such as checking out one of the wineries, taking a tour to the active volcano and hot springs, or visiting the prehistoric ruins at Akrotiri. If you are short on time or you are like me and try to see as much as possible in a day, then this itinerary is perfect for you. It can also give you an idea of what to do while the island and how to spread it out over your stay. Santorini is a gorgeous island and for those who have always wanted to go but they aren’t sure, I recommend that you take the trip!
Here are a few photos from my last visit to Santorini where I rented an ATV, again, and explored the island some more.
My second favorite European city is Rome, and to be honest, I constantly battle back and forth between Barcelona and Rome for my choice. Rome is a city that is designed for all age groups to enjoy. If you enjoy history like me, then you know that this is a historical buff’s version of Heaven on Earth. If you are not into history, but you want a city that is walkable and has beautiful views, then look no further. There are a ton of monuments, sites, and restaurants to visit while in Rome, and this list could be endless, but I have narrowed it down to my top 5.
1.The Colosseum
I would be lying if I said that the Colosseum isn’t number one. It’s one of the seven wonders of the world and a clear choice for the number one spot. If you want to beat the crowds, then I suggest getting there early in the morning and purchasing your tickets online ahead of time. If you choose to wait until you get there because you don’t want to be on a set schedule, then be prepared to wait in a long queue for hours. It is a famous culture/historical monument so the line wrapping around it is expected and I promise that it is worth the wait! What makes the Colosseum so unique besides being a wonder of the world? It is an amphitheater where Roman gladiators fought to the death in front of thousands of spectators. It is the historical version of MMA but far more blood, violence, and even animals. If blood, guts, and glory aren’t your thing, then you might enjoy knowing that it was also used as a theatre. The Colosseum hasn’t only been a battleground but over the year’s different emperors and rulers of Rome have used it as a cemetery, workshop and housing quarters. The Colosseum is rich in history, and visiting it makes you admire the engineering that went into such an enormous monument. If all of the reasons mentioned above on why you should visit bore you, then may I add that it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Also, it makes for great instagrammable photos.I would be lying if I said that the Colosseum isn’t number one. It’s one of the seven wonders of the world and a clear choice for the number one spot. If you want to beat the crowds, then I suggest getting there early in the morning and purchasing your tickets online ahead of time.
Purchase your Colosseum tickets below. I recommend getting the package that includes the Forum and Palatine Hill. Don’t forget to buy them before your trip! It will save you hours of wait time and you will thank me later.
Vatican City technically isn’t in Rome because it is a country of its own. And no, I’m not joking. The Vatican is a country of its own. The Pope and everyone who resides in Vatican City has an official Vatican passport. Vatican City is an enclave of Rome, and it is easily accessible. The last time I was in Rome, where I stayed was an easy ten-minute walk from Vatican City. Some people may be hesitant to visit Vatican City because they aren’t Catholic or religious. The truth is that many visitors don’t go for religious reasons, they go for the art. The Vatican is a living, breathing, art museum. Many of the world’s best paintings, sculptures, and books find a residence in the Vatican. It is no secret that the Catholic Church has been an art hoarder for thousands of years. One of the world’s most famous fresco paintings is inside the Sistine Chapel; Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam. You don’t have to be religious or even know much about art to enjoy the beauty of Michaelangelo’s paintings. You aren’t allowed to take photos inside of the Sistine Chapel, and there are guards around the entire room looking for anyone trying to sneak a selfie while inside. Instead of trying to get a sneaky photo, I suggest taking a moment to take in the art and awe in its beauty.
It is considered to be one of the most famous fountains in the world, and it has been featured in many films. It is just as magnificent in person as it is in photos. The fountain draws a big crowd daily. The best times to visit are early in the morning around 6:00-7:00 a.m. or late in the evening around 9:00 p.m. I suggest seeing it both during the day and at night. Rome is a city that is just as gorgeous at night as it is during the day, and the Fontana di Trevi is no exception. A favorite memory of mine at Fontana di Trevi is when my sister, a friend and I enjoyed a bottle of wine one night while sitting on the steps surrounding it. Don’t forget to toss a coin over your shoulder and into the fountain. Legend has it that if you toss a coin into Fontana di Trevi, then you will return to Rome one day. Besides being used to make wishes come true, the coins are collected at the end of each day and are used for charity to help the needy in Rome. Not only are you making a wish, but you are also helping someone else at the same time.
There are no tickets required to visit the Fontana di Trevi and it is free to see since it is in an open public space.
4. Foro Romano (Roman Forum)
A quick walk from the Colosseo will bring you to my next choice, the Roman Forum. It is an archeological site that consists of ruins and fragments of Roman history. It was a marketplace and the epicenter of many of Rome’s government buildings. The most famous Roman, Julius Caeser, was cremated there. It may not look like much in photos, but there are thousands of years’ worth of history right below your feet. When buying your Coliseum ticket, you can include the Roman Forum entrance as well, which makes it a more convenient option.
The famous staircase that leads from Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) to Trinità dei Monti, the French church at the top. The stairs were commissioned by the French to connect the church to the Spanish Square. Today they are used as a gathering place for hundreds of Romans and tourists each day. At the bottom of the steps, you can find the fountain Fontana Della Barcaccia (Fountain of the longboat) which is another stunning fountain amongst many in Rome. I suggest hanging out on the steps and soaking in the busy world around you. You can do tons of people watching, or you can just admire the beauty. There are tons of small shops around the piazza below so if you are in the mood for gelato (who isn’t?) or want to check out some local artists, then take a stroll around.
There are no tickets required to visit the Spanish Steps and it is free to see since it is in an open public space.
The Spanish Steps in the background.
As I mentioned before, Rome is a stunning city. It is just as beautiful at night as it is during the day. It’s easily accessible, and most sites are within walking distance from each other. I suggest walking Rome because it allows you to really immerse yourself in the culture and you never know what you may see on the streets of Rome. Anywhere you go to eat; you will not be disappointed. Pasta, pizza, bread, and gelato. All the carbs! Do I need to say more? I didn’t think so. Another awesome thing about the city is that all of the water from the fountains is drinkable and if you like to travel, you know that’s a plus. Take a reusable bottle around the city, and you won’t have to pay a single euro for water. Just don’t take any water from the Fontana di Trevi unless you want to spend your night getting to know the Roman jails. 😉 I have also included a few more photos of Rome down below for some more inspiration.
One of the questions that I always get is, “How do you plan everything, and what websites do you use?” Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure around Asia, there are websites and tools specially created to take some of the pain out of planning. Below I’ve listed my current favorite websites and apps that have helped me not only save money, but keeps me from losing my mind while I try to plan out longer trips.
1. Kayak
Kayak is my go-to website for flights. There are other websites out there that are sometimes cheaper, but Kayak is consistent. The site is easy to maneuver even for the less technologically savvy. It’s so easy that even grandma and grandpa can find their flights with it. There are also other features on Kayak besides flights such as hotels, cars, cruises, and package deals. I only use it for flights, but I know plenty of people who have used it for the others mentioned.
Once we decided that the Airbnb wasn’t going to work for us, I opened the Booking.com app on my phone and found a place and booked it within 5 minutes. It is that simple. The website and app are user-friendly, and it is essential in an “I’m standing in the middle of the world’s largest slum” moment.
https://www.booking.com/
3. Airbnb
I tend only to use Airbnb when I am traveling in a group. It’s not that Airbnb isn’t good for solo travelers, but I feel as though I get more bang for my buck on Airbnb when I’m traveling with at least four people. If you have never heard of Airbnb, it is a website that people rent out their apartments, houses or extra rooms to anyone who is looking to stay in another city or country but still wants the “at home” feel while they are away. Those traveling on a budget love the fact that they have a full kitchen to cook and reduce expenses. It’s also nice because of ample space, cleanliness and the option of never having to see the owners unless you need to. I always look at Airbnb and compare their choices with Booking because there are some hidden gems on Airbnb. I found a Treehouse in Puerto Rico that has the beach and chill vibes that I want. Some people swear by Airbnb others swear by Booking. Just like everything else with travel, it’s what works best for you. Take a look at both and decide what suits your needs the best.
https://www.airbnb.com/
4. Hostelworld
Hostelworld is a great place for young backpackers who are yearning to see the world, but they don’t have the same budget as Beyonce. (Let’s be honest, the majority of us don’t.) Hostelworld is what helped me travel Europe while I was in college and still be able to afford to eat while I was traveling from one destination to another. The website is one of the most go-to sites for young backpackers, and I still use it when I’m going somewhere by myself even though I’m no longer in my twenties. (Shh!) Hostels are typically shared dormitories that allow you to meet other travelers, have a place to sleep, and most of the time, a kitchen to cook a meal. Hostels have various sleeping options that range from private rooms to a mixed room with six bunk beds. Hostels also have the single-sex option so for female travelers like myself, and it makes you feel a bit safer knowing that you will only be sharing the room and bathroom with other females. I always suggest hostels to younger travelers and especially those who are traveling alone because it is a great way to meet new people, find out the best sites to see, the things that aren’t worth your time and the top food and bars in the area. If you are an introvert and enjoy your alone time, then I suggest going with a private room or a smaller dormitory so that you get that peace and chill time. Extroverts, like me, this is your time to shine. Go to the common areas and strike up conversations and see where the rest of the night takes you. Some of my best memories are from meeting new people at the hostel and then spending the rest of the day with them.
https://www.hostelworld.com/
5. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is an app that allows you to search for specific dates and destinations and sends you an alert when the price for the flights drop or if they project that the price will increase. The majority of seasoned travelers that I know use it and trust it. It is user-friendly and helps save you money and time. It is no secret that flights tend to be cheaper on certain days of the week, but who has an entire Tuesday to sit at their computer and hit refresh? Not most. I appreciate Skyscanner because it does the leg work for me. If the light that I am eyeing is about to go up in price, then I get an alert, and it allows me to lock it in before it does. It’s a helpful tool for any kind of traveler.
https://www.skyscanner.com/
6. Vueling
Vueling is a budget airline that has cheap flights all around Europe. Most travelers will tell you to use the rail (train) to travel across Europe, but what I have found is that the rail is more expensive than flying.* I have found flights as cheap as $75 while using Vueling. Seeing that it is a budget airline, there are limits on luggage, and there are fees if you go over the weight allowance so make sure that you can pay for more weight before your flight or pack light because there is nothing worse than paying for extra weight. It will burn through your savings, so avoid making a huge mistake. You will thank me later, I promise! For my fellow travelers from the U.S., everything around the rest of the world is measured in kilos, so 7 kilos are roughly 15 pounds. (1 kilo=2.2 pounds. Memorize this formula because it will save you more than you can imagine.)
https://www.vueling.com/
7. Scott’s Cheap Flights
Scott’s Cheap Flights is an app that sends price alerts straight to your email. The great thing about Scott’s is that they give you a heads up on price drops to destinations all around the world, so it takes the hassle out of searching for great deals. The only disadvantage that I have found to Scott’s Cheap Flights is that not everyone has a flexible schedule or budget that allows them to book a holiday on such short notice. Once you receive the alert, you have a limited amount of time to book the deal before the flights go back up. I still recommend Scott’s Cheap Flights because you get killer deals and it doesn’t cost anything to sign up. They have a premium option that I do not have, but it may be worth looking into for those who are continually looking for great deals.
https://app.scottscheapflights.com
8. Gate1Travel
I’m not above admitting that I have booked through a travel agency. Gate1 Travel takes the hassle out of planning. One of the things that people tell me is their worst nightmare and keeps them from traveling abroad is the planning that goes into everything. I typically do plan my own travel, but there are times where I want a getaway that I have to put no effort into it. What can I say? I’m human. I can admit that planning everything can be exhausting and that’s when I’ve used Gate1 Travel. They have packages for destinations all over the world. The great thing is that they have everything lined up from the moment you arrive until the moment that you leave. The downside to this is that you are on a schedule and sometimes you just want to do your own thing. Gate1 allows downtime for those who wish to explore on their own, which is what I enjoy about it. I don’t suggest booking trips like this often, but if someone I know is looking for a site that will take the headache out of the planning, then this is the one that I always provide.
https://www.gate1travel.com
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a beginner, all of these sites and apps are helpful. I have at least three opened in my browser at any given time. I know beginner travelers have a difficult time navigating through the immense amount of sites that offer great deals and trust me, there are a lot, but I find all of these sites and apps to be the most trustworthy. I’m not sponsored nor am I partners with any of them, but I have used all of them and can vouch for their usefulness. Now that I have given you the tools that you need to plan your next adventure, the next question is, where next?
Going on an adventure to the Land Down Under? The following places are “must-see” in my opinion. Each destination is in a different part of Eastern Australia and Southern Australia. I haven’t made it to Northern or Western Australia yet, but trust me they are on my list. Here are the places that I have been and would recommend to anyone traveling to Australia for the first time. Also, be on the lookout for the places on my bucket list to check out next time I’m in Australia. You might beat me to them!
1. Check out The Sydney Opera House.
Located in Sydney Australia and featured on every New Year’s televised program around the world, the Sydney Opera House is an obvious number one. Have you ever been to Australia if you don’t get a selfie in front of the Sydney Opera House? The answer is no. All jokes aside, the Sydney Opera House is open and free to enter. It’s just as gorgeous on the inside as it is stunning on the outside. They offer tours, but if you are like me and trying to save as much as possible while traveling, then you can walk around yourself. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to catch a show while I was in Sydney, but the locals said it has fantastic acoustics. I also recommend checking out one of the restaurants in the harbor to have a nice dinner to enjoy the views of the Opera House at night just aware that they tend to be pricey so if you are budget conscious, you can skip the meal and opt for just a drink and enjoy the view.
https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/
A view of the Sydney Opera House from the other side of the Harbor.
2. Scuba dive/snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef.
If you are looking for a tropical climate, laid back atmosphere and views for days then head to Cairns! Cairns is the closest city to the Great Barrier Reef, and it’s the best place to be if you want to see it up close and personal. My first-time scuba diving experience was in Cairns, and it is what made me fall in love with scuba diving. I booked my experience through Pro Dive Cairns who made the day beyond memorable. If you would prefer to stay at the surface, then they also provide snorkel excursions as well. Scuba diving is expensive and not in everyone’s budget, but if you do make it to Cairns, you should try to at least snorkel. Also, please use the reef-safe sunblock while you are there. The reef has is damaged, and over the years, the use of regular sunscreen has increased the damage further. No one wants to harm marine life more than it already is, and you really won’t want to after you experience how beautiful it is for yourself.
https://prodivecairns.com/
Shameless selfie on the Great Barrier Reef.
3. Interact with koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, located in Brisbane, is a huge attraction. When I asked for things to do while I was hanging out with locals, they all agreed that Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was a must. I feel like this choice is self-explanatory because who doesn’t want to hold a cute, cuddly koala? For those of you who may not understand the appeal behind holding a koala, let me say that they smell like eucalyptus and are super fuzzy. Also, did I mention that they are adorable? Plus, you can post your photos on Instagram and Facebook and brag to all of your friends back home that you made a new friend.
https://koala.net/
A bond that will last a lifetime and will also make you want to research how to bring a koala home.
4. Get your sip on in Barossa Valley.
Barossa Valley, located in Adelaide in Southern Australia, is known for one of my favorite things. WINE. While I was there, I was fortunate enough to tour a winery named Jacob’s Creek, which is a gorgeous vineyard. Not only is the vineyard stunning, but the facility is very posh as well. Anyone who has even been to a vineyard knows the real reason why they go isn’t for the tour or to walk amongst the vines; it’s to taste the final product. I purchased a wine flight, and I was able to choose which wines I wanted to taste, and the best part was that their staff is highly educated and trained on all of their wines and will make sure that you find a wine that is perfect for you. Jacob’s Creeks wines are very reasonably priced, and you can purchase a bottle of any of the wines that you sampled to take back home with you or to have over dinner another day. I recommend getting there early so you can tour the vineyards and have enough time to purchase a bottle of wine and enjoy the view in their patio area.
https://www.jacobscreek.com/en-au/visit-us
The vineyard at Jacob’s Creek in Barossa Valley.
5. The best tour you can book in Australia, Uncle Brian’s Cape Tribulation Day Tour.
Another Cairns adventure awaits. It is rare to find a tour company that makes your entire visit enjoyable because let’s be honest, sitting on a bus waiting to arrive at your destination tends to be boring. The guides at Uncle Brian’s are anything but boring. My tour guide was Brad, and he is hands down one of the funniest guides that I’ve ever had. From the moment he picked everyone up to the moment that he dropped everyone off he was entertaining and knowledgeable. The Cape Tribulation tour takes you to Port Douglass and the Daintree Rainforest. Port Douglass provides scenic views of the Great Barrier Reef and a chance to take a dip while the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Mother Nature lovers this is your moment to enjoy both the beaches and rainforest. There is also a boat ride that will allow you to see crocodiles and channel your inner Steve Irwin as you yell out “Crikey, mate!” You know you will want to. This tour is more geared to the younger generation of travelers, so if you have an issue with inappropriate commentary from young backpackers; it is probably best not to book this tour.
While on the tour they take you to this beautiful lookout of the Daintree Rainforest
Australia is a vast continent, and there are plenty of places to see. My best travel tip is to narrow down your points of interest by choosing what you want the trip to be for you. Relaxing, adventurous, fun, chill, the way you choose to spend your time is up to you, but it’s always good to have a focus or intent for your upcoming journey.
