Posts by : Izy Berry

Calgary, located in the Canadian province of Alberta, is a picturesque city known for its high quality of life. It has beautiful scenery from its rivers to its foothills and prairies. Many begin their ascent up the Canadian Rockies from this beautiful city. So whether you have visited Calgary before or you are a frequent visitor, ask yourself these questions. Why only visit? Why not live in Calgary instead? Here are some reasons why you should make that move and begin enjoying a higher quality of life.

Squeaky Clean

Calgary is considered to be one of the world’s cleanest cities, both literally and in practice. The region prides itself on having good quality sustainable drinking water, hardly any air pollution, and clean sewage systems. That is because the city is strict in keeping things clean with their hefty fines for littering. For instance, smokers who drop their cigarette butts on the ground will receive a fine of up to $1,000. That amount is enough to deter even the avid of smokers from throwing away their butts on the sidewalk.

Reliable Transportation 

If you are like me and prefer to take mass transit most of the time, then Calgary and its suburbs is the place for you. Calgary’s transit authority, Calgary Transit, has a network of buses and trains with a fleet size of over 1,200 active vehicles. They have over 160 bus routes and 46 train stations to serve you anywhere throughout the area. Their light rail, CTrain, is 100% powered by renewable wind-generated electricity and is the only light rail train (LRT) system to do so in North America.

An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Dream 

As briefly mentioned, Calgary has rivers, foothills, prairies, and is close to the Canadian Rockies. With that said, this city has more than enough outdoor activities for outdoor lovers, no matter the season. During spring and summer seasons, you can bike or walk along one of Calgary’s famous rivers, the Bow River. The Bow River originates from the Canadian Rockies and makes its way through Calgary’s downtown. If you prefer to be on the water, then you can float your way down the Bow River or go surfing. Surfing? Yes, you read it correctly. You can surf or watch surfers do their thing under the 10th Street Bridge on the Bow River. Calgary is also known for the Calgary Stampede, a rodeo event, held annually in the summer. In the fall, the city and its suburbs transform into beautiful autumn colors. Hike through scenic routes or take a step back in time and head over to Heritage Park. You can enjoy Heritage Park in any season; however, fall would be the best time to go both for pictures and weather. There are also plenty of things to do during winter. You can go ice skating, sledding (tobogganing), skiing, and ice fishing, just to mention a few winter activities. You can also enjoy the Canadian Rockies, whatever the season.

Neighborhoods

So, you are convinced and are ready to move to Calgary. The city will be jam-packed, and you may find it challenging to find a home there. Consider looking for Auburn Bay homes for sale. Auburn Bay is a relatively new residential neighborhood in the suburbs of the city. It is located in the southeast quadrant of Calgary. Calgary Transit also services the area, so transportation is a given. This close-knit and diverse neighborhood has two schools, a mall, and several recreational facilities that include a dog park.

These are only to mention just a few reasons why you should make that move to Calgary. So, what are you waiting for? Get to it. Start looking for a forever home so you can move to this beautiful city and suburb. You and your family will have access to endless outdoor activities without leaving the comforts of the modern world behind — a win-win situation for all.

There’s something special about a beach town. It’s hard not to fall in love with places where the best feature is a natural wonder with a stunning view. Beach towns are places where tourists mingle with locals in appreciation of the water while balancing daily living with a healthy splash of spectacle as befitting a strong service industry.

And they are all different. Some are shiny jewels where even the individual grains of sand or the sparkles coming off the water feel deliberately placed. Others are diamonds in the rough that are made special by their uniqueness. The towns that embrace what makes them special are the ones that are most worth your time and attention.

Many are packed with events and things to do. Thankfully, there is more than one blog that offers fun things to do in and around the beach

Take in the spectacle

Beach towns are magnets for the spectacular. In a place like Atlantic City, you have the immersive gaming environment of the Borgata for example. 

In a place like Panama City Beach in Florida, you might find yourself checking out the deeply weird oddities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.

Many beach towns have large annual events such as concert festivals or other large events that can draw people by the thousands. They appeal because they blend together as many interests as possible into a heady mixture that’s hard to resist.

Appreciate the natural beauty

It’s hard to write about beach towns without taking a moment to appreciate the beaches themselves. Depending on the town, that appeal is different. 

In Panama City Beach, for example, the warm gulf waters and dual sandbar structure, combined with sugary, white sandy beaches call for splashing about and enjoying the clear waters.

In Coney Island, packed beaches often provide a communal, historic cultural experience. In Atlantic City, the view might be better than the feel of the water for some. Gaming is also a big part of the cultural communal experience in Atlantic City as well. 

But between the Borgata, Atlantic City shares the views and the calming sounds that echo in the memories of beachgoers all year long.

Tap into the simple joys

Every community has a different flavor. At Coney Island, be sure to try iconic Nathan’s hot dogs, ride a rollercoaster and maybe even take in a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game.

In Atlantic City, walk the legendary boardwalk and then try your hand at the tables.

Carnival games, slot machines, comfort foods all tap into those deeply rooted, often neglected pleasure centers of the brain.

Match the place you visit with your interests. Do you want to feel glamorous? Do you want to try your luck at the tables? Do you want to visit a place where you might get dirt under your fingernails? With no shortage of beach towns, there is no shortage of options. Deciding which one to check out is part of the fun.

Indulge yourself and get the most out of your experience. 

If you’re like most people, the holiday season can be more than a little overwhelming. After all, you’re likely juggling shopping for gifts, decorating, cooking, hosting, and visiting friends and family.

That’s why a travel calendar is such a good idea if you’ll be way throughout December. I’m a big fan of creating schedules and itineraries when traveling because they help relieve some of the biggest causes of stress when you’re on the go. When you know exactly where you need to be and at what time, you’ll have peace of mind since you’ll know you’re not likely to miss any flights and can create the rest of your schedule accordingly.

How you create your travel calendar is up to you- whether you like an incredibly detailed hour-to-hour schedule or just a brief overview is totally your personal preference. But either way, the first step is to find a travel calendar you like so you can then fill it in.

Next, I like to gather all of my information in one place. That means going through my email to find any flight and accommodation information, along with any activities you may want to do. During the holiday season, it’s even more important to have this information close by, since so many other people are on the road and in the airports- often causing delays.

While you can definitely create an itinerary on a piece of paper, a digital travel template is likely your best option. That’s because you can then share it with other members of your family, and access it from anywhere.

Now the fun begins. Begin filling in your travel calendar with any information you’ll need to know. This includes flight times, check-in times, check-out times, and the time you absolutely need to leave the house by in order to make it to the airport. Whenever possible, include things like your reservation name, check-in reminders for flights, and small details that will make your life easier.

If you’ll be flying, you’ll need to include flight numbers and times, along with the amount you paid for your ticket and any confirmation numbers so you can easily rebook if your flight is delayed or canceled. If you’re heading overseas, don’t forget to make a note of your travel insurance policy number and the phone number for your insurance company just in case.

Once you have your travel calendar ready, make sure you store it online in the Cloud so you can access it anytime. Print out a copy for your records, and you’ll be ready for an exciting month of travel.

RV trips are a great way to explore the unexplored, especially if you want to really get to know a new country or even continent like North America. RVs give you the ability to have a home away from home, feel safe at night and get a great night’s sleep you simply couldn’t achieve if you were camping. That doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to improve it:

Rent a Great RV

RVs come in many shapes, sizes, and levels of luxury. If you are used to the finer things in life then opting for an old, outdated RV is not a choice, especially when there are so many great options available from Cruise America. Even their smallest compact RV still offers a spacious double bed so that couples can explore the back country in the comfort of their own home.

Pack More Mindfully

You only have so much space on a road trip. Even with a large RV, you don’t want to fill it to the brim, as this will just make everything cluttered and difficult to keep clean. Instead pack capsule wardrobes, limit your beauty routines, and be realistic about the equipment you can and should pack. If it is affordable to rent at your destination, then you are better off renting it then bringing it with you the entire way.

Prepare for Emergencies

To prepare for emergencies on your RV road trip and stay safe while driving you will want to:

• Have roadside assistance
• A satellite phone
• GPS
• Extra Water
• Extra Gas
• A Flare
• A Fire Starter
• First Aid Kit

Check Out RV Campsites in Advance

Though you should be able to find a campsite on the day, and rent a spot for the night, this won’t always be the case. Summer season in particular is very popular, meaning that there might not be space available for you. That is why it is always important to check out RV campsites in advance and ask them how full they usually expect to be.

Budget Accordingly

You will want to have enough money to pay for gas the entire way and back. Money for food. Money for going out, and if you don’t bring your own equipment, money for rentals on the day. This can all be budgeted in advance if you do a few equations of simple math (distance you intend to travel and the cost of gas in each state). You will want to budget with the maximum prices in mind, and then add an emergency budget on top of that.

Over estimating how much your trip is going to cost will keep you comfortable and safe as you travel.

Be Spontaneous with Your Trip

You can plan out your trip and plan out your rest spots, but don’t try to plan out everything you are going to do to the mark. There will be interests along the way that will capture your attention, and you will want to be able to have a spontaneous adventure without losing out on something else.

Give yourself space so that you can stop your RV at a lookout point and have an unexpected picnic. Give yourself the time so that if there is an unexpected county fair you can make a pit stop in. These are the sorts of activities that will make your trip so memorable.

Moving house can be one of the most stressful experiences around. That’s why it’s so important to be organized. Unfortunately, procrastination can be highly tempting. Here are a few ways you can reduce the stress and make sure your move goes smoothly:

Choose the right moving company

If you’re planning to move countries, you need to choose an option for global shipping. If you’re moving all of your belongings to a new country, you need to be able to trust the company you choose. Make sure you check reviews and testimonials and ask for a quote to ensure you know about any extra fees or charges.

Move during the week

If you’re hiring movers, make sure you choose a mid-month and mid-week move-in date. This will help you save money since demand will be lower, and you’ll also be likely to have less stress if you can be all moved in by the weekend.

Declutter in advance

If you want to make sure your move goes smoothly, the best thing you can do is start organizing well in advance. Lighten your workload and stress by beginning your decluttering well before you start packing. That means choosing what you’ll keep, toss, donate, and sell.

Make it small steps

The last thing you want to do is bite off more than you can chew when it’s time to start packing. Instead, break it down into small steps. Otherwise, procrastination will cause overwhelm, and you’ll be exhausted by the time moving day comes around.

Set a timer each day and tackle one room at a time. Spend an hour packing items up, decluttering, and packing sets together.

Color-code your boxes

Don’t waste money on fancy labels. Use highlighters or colored post-it notes to color code your boxes when it’s time to move. For example, keep them all the same for things you’d like to donate, a different one for the stuff that’s getting sold etc. It’s also a good idea to label your boxes based on the room they’ll be going into when you arrive.

Pack smart

Use small boxes for heavy items to make it easier to move. Make sure you use straws or towels to keep necklaces from tangling. Lay them flat on towels and roll them up. Use plastic pill cases for earrings and rings, and take them with you.

Are you moving soon? What are your top tips?

South Africa has an abundance of world-renowned attractions that can be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Thankfully, the staff at many of these fantastic places have thought about all of their potential visitors and taken measures to improve accessibility. It doesn’t always take much, but when implemented successfully, the addition of ramps, chairlifts, disabled bathrooms, and other accessible features will make the world of difference to some visitors! If you’re looking for some inspiration for your upcoming trip, read on to discover City of Leeds Stairlift Supplier’s pick of South Africa’s top five accessible landmarks…

Table Mountain — Cape Town

Table Mountain national park has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible flora and fauna. Containing the richest, yet smallest, floral kingdom on earth, the natural landscape surrounding the peak is simply breath-taking! Seeing the sprawling bay of Cape Town from this incredible vantage point is number one on most tourists’ South African bucket list — it is an incredible place to enjoy sunrise, sunset, or a bright, beautiful day. The Mountain is topped by a three-kilometre plateau, from which you can see the neighbouring mountains: Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak.

Accessibility

The panoramic views from the top may be breath-taking, but the long journey up the mountain can be a real challenge. Luckily, a wheelchair accessible cable car has been constructed so that no one has to miss out.

From the moment you reach the car park you are in good hands. Disabled parking spaces (with a valid parking disk) are provided, and assistants will be on hand to point you in the right direction or guide you to the start of the cable car. The cable cars are each equipped with doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, as well as low windows so that the views can be easily enjoyed all the way up.

When you reach the peak, you will be greeted by a wheelchair friendly walkway to the viewpoints. Both the Agama and Dassie walkways are paved and therefor easy to access for wheelchair users. There is also a café equipped with ramps and wide aisles, as well as disabled toilet facilities.

Opening times

1 May – 31 August 2019

First car up: 08:30

Last car up: 17:00

Last car down: 18:00

Company Gardens — Cape Town

Located in the centre of Cape Town, the Company Gardens are surrounded by interesting and historical landmarks. If you spend a day here, you will be able to visit the South African National gallery, the Planetarium, Iziko South African Museum, and the Houses of Parliament. The gardens are also a beautiful place to have a picnic or an explore in the sun. They were named after the Dutch East India Company, who established the gardens in 1652.

Accessibility

The Company Gardens are easily accessible. They are located in the city centre and near plenty of public transport routes. Paved paths cover their length, so there is no need to worry about rough terrain and wheelchair accessibility!

Opening times

Daily: 07:00–17:00

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

Situated roughly forty-five-kilometres south of Cape Town, Boulders Beach is the best place to see the endangered species of African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). Seeing this little colony is sure to be a highlight of your trip — the penguins are friendly and very cute! Many visit Boulders Beach as part of a full tour day stretching all the way down to the Cape of Good Hope, but it is also accessible separately via public transport.

Accessibility

Although the swimming area isn’t accessible for those with  disabilities, you can get close to the penguins and get a great view from the surrounding walkways. The wooden paths run right next to the beach, and the penguins will come and say a close-up hello next to the netting that separates them from the path.

Furthermore, there is a large disabled washroom available, equipped with handlebars and an adult changing table.

Opening times

April – September 08:00–17:00

December – January 07:00–19:30

February – March 08:00–18:30

October – November 08:00–18:30

The Origins Centre Museum — Johannesburg

A visit to the Origins Centre Museum in Johannesburg is sure to be interesting and enlightening. This museum, which part of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, explores the history of humankind. Here you can view a large collection of historical artefacts that can be traced back to the earliest emergence of humankind! The museum showcases ancient tools, rock art collection, archaeological materials, and much more!

Accessibility

The museum, as well as the wider university campus, is wheelchair accessible featuring ramps where needed. Every area of the museum has been considered, and there are many ramps and stairlifts throughout the building, ensuring guests can access every artefact.

Guide dogs are welcome, and accessible, gender neutral toilets are situated in the Forecourt and on the mezzanine level.

Opening times

Daily 10:00–17:00

Mandela House — Johannesburg

Widely regarded as a national hero, Nelson Mandela is celebrated in South Africa. Many tourists and locals alike flock to see the house he was raised in. The Mandela family lived in this Johannesburg house between 1946 and the 1990s, after which it was donated to the Soweto Heritage Trust in 1997. The house was officially recognised as a national monument in February 1999. As this was the house Nelson Mandela returned to in 1990 after his imprisonment, it holds incredible historical significance.

Accessibility

The house is quite small and can only hold a maximum of 20 people at a time. This makes it slightly more difficult to access for disabled visitors, as they might endure a short wait before entering the building. The house itself, however, is wheelchair friendly with accessible bathrooms.

Opening times

Daily 09:00–17:00

There are many incredible places to visit during your time in South Africa, and luckily your holiday doesn’t have to be restricted by poor accessibility standards. The above landmarks have improved in accessibility so everyone can enjoy the wonders of this country!

England is a hugely diverse country with plenty of exciting attractions and activities for visitors – from the stunning British countryside, to famous landmarks in the capital such as Big Ben and the Tower of London. To help you plan an unforgettable trip, here are some of the best things to do while visiting England:

Enjoy the beautiful British countryside

England offers miles of stunning countryside, which includes rolling farmlands, elegant gardens, spectacular mountain ranges, stunning wild moors and beautiful glacier lakes. England is also home to 15 national parks that all offer incredible natural scenery and plenty of exciting outdoor activities such as sailing, hiking, and cycling. One of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors is by going on Walking Holidays – you can easily experience the best of the British countryside by renting a cottage or home and using it as a base to explore the surrounding nature and walking trails.

Visit the lively capital

London is one of the most popular cities in the world and has over 30 million visitors every year. It is home to a huge number of famous landmarks and popular attractions. This includes Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and the Tower of London. London is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there are in fact a number of free attractions in the capital such as the British Museum and the National Gallery. Visitors can also enjoy an impressive selection of food and drink options when they visit London. The capital offers everything from Michelin star fine dining to food stalls serving exotic dishes from around the world.

Try traditional British food

England offers a hugely diverse range of food choices, and you can easily find everything from Indian and Chinese, to Mexican and South American dishes. However, you shouldn’t miss the chance to try some delicious local dishes while you’re visiting England. Traditional British dishes tend to be hearty and flavourful with popular options including – pie and mash, fish and chips, Sunday roast, shepherd’s pie and of course, the full English breakfast. One of the best ways to try traditional dishes is by visiting a local British pub. Many pubs serve up a range of tasty homemade dishes and local drinks. This will also give you the chance to experience the famous British pub culture!

Indulge in afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is an indulgent British tradition that has been enjoyed throughout the country since the beginning of the 19th century. Afternoon tea traditionally consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, a variety of small cakes, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a pot of classic British tea or coffee. Many afternoon tea experiences are held within beautiful surroundings such as stately homes, stunning gardens, or elegant high-end hotels. Nothing quite says ‘Britain’ like enjoying a luxurious afternoon tea – so don’t pass up the chance to experience this indulgent tradition on a trip to England.

Cordless vacuum cleaners are nothing new, but the latest iterations are cleaning up the market. With sleek frames and impressive power claims, it’s easy to understand why people have fallen in love with these cordless wonders. But can they replace the humble corded unit? Flashy advertising says “yes,” but the real answer doesn’t seem to be so clear cut. Let us dive in and found out whether these units are for you.

No cords.

The main advantage of a cordless unit is in the name. The elimination of chords has given these units an edge when it comes to portability and reachability. Without clumsy cords, these units can be carried around your house with relative ease, and can even be taken outside and used in the car, shed caravan, etc.

Small handheld vacuums have existed for a decade or more now, but these ‘dust busters’ have been underpowered and not suitable for long and rigorous cleaning sessions. Revolutions in battery technology have enabled new cordless vacuum cleaners to suck dust harder and for longer. This bump in power has made some units, especially Dysons range of cordless vacuums a real alternative to corded units.

Lung capacity.

The benefits of going cordless are apparent, but what about the drawbacks? While the top of the line Dyson Vacuum cleaner promises to be as powerful as a mains powered unit, it pays to be realistic. A mains powered cleaner will have considerable amounts more juice than a battery-powered machine. Battery-powered units claim to have more efficient motors, which may well be the case, but no battery will compete with mains power for consistent electricity. Most cordless units will have a battery life of around 30 minutes before needing to be charged.

The other main drawback of a cordless unit is its dust capacity. A push for bagless vacuums has cast the vacuum bag in a negative e light, but in my mind, a large capacity vacuum bag is as useful as it easy to replace. A bagless cordless vacuum cleaner will have a tiny dust storage capacity compared to a basic an entry-level corded unit. Cordless units require more regular maintenance to a chorded unit.

Those with allergies may also want to weigh up the convenience of a cordless vacuum against its ability to handle and capture dust. Because a cordless vacuum has a smaller dust capacity, you will be cleaning and emptying the unit more often, which increases your contact with dust. On average a cordless vacuum will pick up around %41 percent of dust held in carpet, as opposed to a corded unit that will capture around %70.

The benefits of a cordless vacuum can be enticing, with promises of hassle-free cleaning and the ability to quickly change rooms without the trip hazards created by cords. Some units, especially Dysons offerings, are powerful and efficient, allowing you to quickly and easily clean your whole home without replacing a bag or switching power points.

So, should you be switching to a cordless vacuum? Well, that all depends on your needs. For those with small apartments, a cordless vacuum could easily replace a noisy corded unit. The limited battery life and dust capacity should not be an issue for short cleaning sessions. For those will larger homes and thick carpet, a cordless unit will struggle. Corded vacuums may seem old hat, but a combination of raw power and large capacity will keep these machines relevant and useful for many years to come.

As I write this, A sparkling frost grips defiantly to the blades of grass in my front lawn. Winter is still very much here, but soon things will start to warm back up. My outdoor lounge setting hasn’t seen much use lately, winter has emphatically kept me inside and in front of the heater, but I haven’t forgotten the furnace-like heat of an Aussie summer.

At the start of this year, Australia occupied all 15 slots on the El Dorado Weather site’s top 15 hottest places on earth. Yikes. Places like Yulara in the Northern Territory topped out at a ferocious 49 degrees Celsius and our cities were melted by long stretches of 40-degree plus days.

Summer in Australia is hot.

Summer in Australia is also when the nation comes alive.

Backyard barbeques, beach days and long humid nights spent shooting the moon. Summertime spent outdoors is an Australian tradition. Because of the extreme heat, some caution should be taken when enjoying this beautiful sunburnt country. Preparing your outdoor area should be approached with the same mindset. Creating a comfortable outdoor space that can be enjoyed safely all summer long is easy.

Shady

The harsh UV rays unique to the Australian sun can burn human skin in minutes and can even cause immune deficiencies. It is very important that your outdoor area has blocks of shade to cut out these harmful rays. Strategically planted trees are best as they provide dappled shade as well as a habitat for native animals. Screening plants like hedges and shrubs can also aid in shading your area.

Outdoor umbrellas are a popular choice in Australian backyards and for good reason, they provide the essential service of keeping us shaded whilst looking great and are usually very durable. Look for an umbrella that is rated for the wind strength in your area as some can be snapped or blown away in strong winds.

The right material

When choosing furniture, keep in mind the ferocity of the Australian sun. Direct sunlight can cause materials to fade quickly and, in some cases, even melt them. Natural materials such as Teak wood are naturally oily and very durable and will stand in the sun for decades with no issues.

Whether it’s your beautiful new outdoor lounge or that old outdoor umbrella, most pieces of furniture designated for outdoor use will have been built with UV resistant materials. Synthetic fibres and plastics are coated with a UV resistant film that should stand the test of time (and heat!)

Bring your own BBQ

In the sweltering heat of summer, it can be unpleasant and impractical to cook meals inside. The heat of a stovetop or oven can ruin any chance your house had to cool down and remain at a liveable temperature. Luckily, we Australians are smart, and another great Aussie tradition was born… the Summer BBQ.

Preparing and sharing meals on a hot summer’s day can be a magical way to unwind, cool down and socialize with friends and family. It also keeps your home cooler and free of insects. Pay attention to where you place your BBQ as you don’t want to be grilling meat right next to your guests. Wearing a novelty apron is optional.

Bug defence.

With the heat comes waves of newly hatching flying insects. I personally love Christmas Beetles; their clumsy flight paths bring them into regular contact with my face which I find cute and hilarious. Understandably though, some people don’t share my love affair for these shiny flying goofballs.

Christmas Beetles are at the bottom of the “offensive insect” scale. At the top sits the bane of many a sleepless Australian, the Mosquito.

There are many ways of dealing with flying insects, most of which involve chemicals. Citronella candles and coils are a very popular choice and work very well for small outdoor areas. Citronella torches also work a treat but need to be monitored closely. Flaming oils and 40-degree days can be a dangerous mix.

If you have positioned your plants to provide shade, why not add some natural bug repellents like marigolds or mint?

Cooling solutions

As the sun sits in the middle of the sky it might be tempting to scurry indoors and blast the AC. Perhaps this is a sensible thing to do if the temperature exceeds 40 degrees. For your outdoor area, there are some clever cooling solutions available that may just keep you cool and comfortable outside.

The humble propeller fan does a good job of moving air around, adding a few well places units can be a cheap and easy way of keeping your area cooler. If you want to step it up a notch, a misting fan can provide some much-needed relief.

Misting fans spray a fine mist as the fan circulates air. This mist mixes with warm air molecules causing both to evaporate. A misting fan works better in hot dry environments and can provide a similar effect to an air conditioner. Depending on where you are, you may get more or less of an effect from a misting fan, these machines do not work as well in already humid environments.

Slip slop slap.

Ok, your outdoor area is shaded from the sun and a cool breeze wafts over you as you sink into your outdoor lounge. Are you forgetting something? A cold beer perhaps? Hmm or maybe you are forgetting that skin cancer is a top killer of Australians every year. If you are venturing outside on an Australian summers day, please don’t forget to use personal sun protection.

As winter reaches its final crescendo, we can start looking forward to summertime. If you are blessed with an outdoor area you owe it to yourself to create a livable space in which to enjoy everything Australia has to offer. Some preparation now can transform your cold back porch into a breezy entertainment space ready to reflect the solar rays and provide a summer sanctuary for you and your friends.

Beach vacations are fun, relaxing and inject life and colour back into our lives – quite literally. Beach destinations are usually beautiful and exotic, and look a lot like paradise with combinations of lush greenery and turquoise waters, which is why it’s the best place to kick back and relax.

If you’re looking to be surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty this coming summer, we have the ultimate destination list for you – but not without honing in on the places with the bluest waters .. because who can say no to swimming in oceans clearer than a swimming pool or diving in paradise?

Thanda Island, Tanzania

You’ve probably never heard of Thanda Island because it’s one of the most exclusive islands in the world. With only a few rooms in the main manor house, it’s a luxury private island resort, offering guests the chance to book out the entire island all to themselves. Yes, you could be living the dream in the middle of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa’s Tanzania, surrounded by crystal clear waters filled with exotic marine life; white sands, plush palm trees and vegetation, and amenities to die for. We’re talking yoga on the beach, sailing trips, swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, tennis – you name it, Thanda Island’s got it.

Menorca, Spain

Travelers love to visit Spain because it’s beautiful, its history is intriguing and the strong culture, fascinating – but also because it has some of the greatest beaches in Europe. Places like Barcelona, Ibiza and Marbella are favourites for beach holidays, but one Spanish island that’s incredibly underrated, and in my opinion, the most exquisite of them all, is Menorca. Menorca is a quaint island near to Majorca, which has been slow to develop in comparison to the tourist hotspots mentioned. It really feels like a sleepy island, laid-back and non-pretentious. But the best part of it, is the beaches, with waters so blue you’ll think you’re in the Bahamas. And to make it even better – they’re never overcrowded, in fact, on some beaches, you may even be the only person there.

Sabah, Borneo
A state of East Malaysia, Sabah is known for its world-class diving, with rich marine life and stunning visibility. You may find it hard to leave the waters alone, constantly amazed by the bright colours and exotic life lurking below the shoreline. But there’s a rich amount of biodiversity on land too, making Sabah the perfect destination for those who want a good dose of sea activities, as well as ample national parks and incredible wildlife such as orangutans.

Sardinia, Italy

If you’re looking for a more ‘vibey’ summer destination, with a fair number of holidaymakers and locals bringing the energy, then Sardinia is for you. It’s a tourist hotspot because travelers have quickly found out about the breathtaking blue water, exotic cliffs that plunge into the ocean, the energetic Olde Town, and of course the amazing Italian food. Sardinia is known for some of the bluest waters in all of Europe, and it’s usually still and calm even in the deep sea due its location in the Mediterranean. It’s an absolute treat for a young couple, or a group of friends who are looking for the perfect combination of sun, sea and plenty of partying.

 Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is, of course, the ultimate party island, and one that has attracted the young and the restless for years and years. But what you may not know, is that there are sides to Ibiza that are laid-back, ideal for travelers looking to catch a break in the sun, rather than rave their holiday away. On the east of the island are some gorgeous turquoise beaches such as Cala Benirras and Cala Bonita. Just across from Ibiza is another European favourite, Formentera, an exquisite little island surrounded by incredible waters and filled with trendy, beachy restaurants and boho-style accommodation. Formentera can be reached by small boat and takes around 30 minutes from Ibiza. What’s great about visiting Ibiza, is that you get the best of both worlds – whatever you’re feeling for, whether it be ultimate relaxation, or an awesome night out, its available to you, complete with draw-dropping natural beauty.

 Capri, Italy

Capri is one of the most stylish, sophisticated beach destinations in the world. If visitors are not eating incredible pasta and sipping on award winning wines, they’re enjoying the turquoise waters from a superyacht, or shopping up a storm in the town. This may be right up your alley, in which case Capri is the perfect place for you. But, while there’s plenty of grandeur all around, which makes for an interesting experience, there’s also a relaxed side to Capri, ideal for budget travelers. The beaches are incredible, and what’s better than spending all day there, or meandering through the town, looking for the best pasta on the island.