Sydney is home to beautiful bays, quaint parks, and scenic sights that would make any person feel at least a little bit more romantic. With the summer season heating up in Australia, so is the possibility for romance blooming in the air.

From the Opera House to the funky Newtown, there are an endless variety of places and things you can do to wow your date. Regardless of whether it’s a new flame or a life partner, here are six sexy date ideas that are dressed to impress.

The Quintessential Sydney Date: The Circular Quay/Rocks Experience

Nothing says Sydney quite like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so why not take your date on a journey through the iconic city sights? You’ll be sure to dazzle and impress with views of the Opera House and delectable food and drink designed to match your exquisite experience. Begin at the Shangri-La Hotel and ride up to level 36 – here you’ll find Blu Bar on 36, home of great cocktails and a view of the city from high above. After this, pop down for dinner at one of the many restaurants in Circular Quay before taking a wander around the harbour to The Rocks. Have a drink at The Argyle or stop by the Guylian Café for an after-dinner treat – you’ll be sure to woo anyone that you’re with.

Blue Mountains Day Trip

You won’t feel blue up here, despite the name. With picturesque scenery, bushlands galore, and waterfalls hidden along the trails, you’ll struggle to worry about anything while you’re in this slice of paradise. Take a walk around the trails, ride the gondola with the bushland in the backdrop, and bask in the beauty of nature – plus, if you want to stay the night, you can always look on Accommodation.com for a picturesque place to relax and have some much needed couple time.

Laser tag, blackjack and Cockle Bay

Touted as one of Sydney’s favourite locations, nothing beats a day or night in Darling Harbour. Start with a meal at Hurricanes or Crinitis, then wander into Harbourside Shopping Centre for a spot of bowling and laser tag. At night, dine at the Meat and Wine Co – make sure to stop by on a Saturday around 9pm for a free fireworks display as well – and then try your luck at the blackjack or roulette tables in Cherry Bar at The Star.

For those who like picnics…

Sydney is packed to the brim with picnic locations that boast picturesque views of oceans, flora, and fauna, so why not pack a picnic and enjoy the day? Visit McMahon’s Point, Blues Point, or Lavender Bay for a bite to eat by the water. For those who would like to venture out further, the Auburn Botanical Gardens are ideal – however, you can also catch a ferry to Cockatoo Island and enjoy a secluded lunch in one of Sydney’s most historic islands.

Drinking, drinking, and cocktails…and drinking

One of the best ways to ease those first date jitters is to have a drink (or two, or three) – responsibly, of course! With an eclectic range of bars, Sydney’s nightlife is one of the finest you’ll find in the world. Stop by at Opera Bar for views unlike any other, or embrace several of the bars in the CBD like Stitch Bar, The Ivy, or The Loft.

A little bit alternative

For those who are trying to go for a first impression of alternative, quirky charm, then Newtown is your best bet. Home to Melbourne-esque bars like Corridor and more Thai restaurants than in Thailand (not really, but there are plenty), you’ll be sure to impress your date with this funky vibe.

Author bio: Janet Hollow is a Melbourne writer who wishes she lived in Sydney. She always visits the Harbour City – lately, she’s taken to using Accommodation.com to find her hotels.

Image source: Neale Cousland, LingHK, Ashley Whitworth

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Australia, and more specifically the Gold Coast, is accredited as the world’s popular surfing destination of choice. Its 37000 km sun-drenched coastline sports beaches, reefs and point breaks that pose a challenge to adept board-riders. However, there too are innumerable easy-rolling swells suitable for beginners. Besides, there are surf schools around these spots for interested learn-to surfers, that should take the least skilled of surfers and help them to differentiate between the benefits of alternative configurations of surfboard fins.

The Best Surf Spots in Gold Coast Australia – Snapper Rocks

Snapper Rocks, the world celebrated surfing spot on the Gold coast, is a sand bottom point break with immensely awesome conditions for board-riders. Snapper is located at Rainbow Bay and is home to the renowned ‘Super Bank’ which stands as the longest, most consistent and hollow wave in the whole wide world. If you’re lucky to land one good clean wave, it’s sure to carry you through two kilometers’ scintillating ride to Kirra. It’s in Snapper that you will find the best barrels on the Gold Coast. This explains while international surfing events like the Quicksilver and Roxy Pro are hosted here. This spot is best suitable when the swells are inclined towards the south-east.

The Best Surf Spots in Gold Coast Australia – Duranbah

Duranbah, also known as D-bah, is argued to be Australia’s most consistent break. It is found on the Queensland-NSW border at the foot of Point Danger Headland. The long rides and throaty barrels enable board-riders to access the lefthanders off the headland. The mouth of the Tweed River protects it on the southern side giving surfers great right-handers in instances of a south-easterly swell. It is the most appropriate spot in north-east conditions because the headland protects the beach from north-east winds. It’s here that you will find Queensland’s top surfers honing their skills.

The Best Surf Spots in Gold Coast Australia – Kirra

Kirra, north of the Superbank, thou a previously great spot, is not the most favorable to surfers anymore, ironically as a result of the Superbank. Large sand deposits from Tweed River have stifled the famous break, making it break well only in huge south-easterly swells. Under the right conditions, surfers still adore it for its Kirra magic.

The Best Surf Spots in Gold Coast Australia – Burleigh

Burleigh is a very popular surfing beach on the Gold Coast. It is protected from the south-easterly winds by the Burleigh Headland. In instances of a south-easterly swell, this beach provides extremely good surfing conditions and gives surfers a chance to score a Burleigh barrel which undoubtedly, is quite thrilling.

The Best Surf Spots in Gold Coast Australia – South Stradbroke

South Stradbroke, also known as TOS (The Other Side) or Straddie is a man-made break which resulted from the Southport Seaway in the 1980s. It is located on the island’s southern tip, immediately after the seaway’s northern wall. You could catch a boat, ferry or jet ski to get there or make a 300m paddle. Apart from its location and accessibility, Straddie offers some of the most awesome beachbreaks in Australia. Under the right conditions, preferably in north-westerly winds, it sports deep and powerful barrels which give surfers an unforgettable experience.

The Best Surf Spots in Gold Coast Australia – Noosa

Noosa, the photogenic long-board break is where all roads lead to when the swell is relaxing out. The swells advance and wrap around the Noosa Headland, resulting in elongated walls of water that break into the bay. When the conditions are right, this break can produce a good 200 meter ride. However, since this is where everyone goes when everywhere else is closing out, it can be really crowded. It is suitable for beginners on smaller days.

If you want to check out some pretty amazing, affordable surfboard configurations, check out FCS.

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Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and the fifth largest city in Australia. Not the most typical destination for tourists considering holidays to Australia, Adelaide is rich in culture and an excellent base for trips into the nearby wine regions, surf lessons on the Fleurieu Peninsula, hikes through the wildnerness of Kangaroo Island and native bushland in the Mt. Lofty Ranges. It’s home to world-renowned events, wines, cuisine, shopping and great people, so let’s go.

1. Botanic Gardens/ Botanic Bar/ Moonlight Cinema – The Botanic gardens of Adelaide are composed of three connected gardens which house plant life from around the globe. The gardens are an oasis and hub of the city center. Next to the gardens are the Botanic Bar, definitely one of the best places to grab a drink in Adelaide with it’s relaxed atmosphere situated in a historic building crawling with vines. The moonlight Cinema is an open air cinema screening latest releases, cult and classic movies on the lawns of the Park and shouldn’t be missed!

2. The Barossa Valley – with approximately 50 wineries in the region is the most famous wine region in South Australia. Surrounded by rolling countryside, quaint country gardens, take a scenic drive and indulge in one or several of the many wine-tasting tours at local cellars. Some famous brans include the Barossa Valley Estate Black Pepper Shiraz, Yalumba and Jacob’s Creek.

3. Adelaide Hills – Barely thirty minutes from the city center lie the Adelaide Hills, stretching from the Barossa Valley in the north, to Kuitpo Forest in the south. The countryside is gorgeous; dotted with quaint villages, cool-climate wineries and world class restaraunts. The famous big blue Australian skies stretch overhead with stunning views of the countryside below you. This area is great for driving and also for exploring by bicycle.

4. The Murray River – South Australia’s famous river offers an excellent day trip from Adelaide, take in sandstone cliffs, giant redgums and expansive wetlands. You can enjoy water skiing and canoeing or relax on a river boat cruise or better yet on a house boat! An alternative is to walk along the banks and take in the spectacular scenery.

5. Adelaide Central Market – The hub of gastronomic culture in Adelaide is sure to impress with eighty stalls under one roof offering fresh produce from local farmers and artisans.

6. Port Willunga – Another day trip from Adelaide, Port Willunga is a coastal village on the Fleurieu Peninsula, home to seaside restaraunts and ancient shipwrecks, most famously the remains of the Star of Greece, a three mast, iron cargo ship wrecked in 1888. Enjoy seafood fresh from the ocean; local squid and garfish being the most typical cuisine of the area. Go diving and snorkelling, exploring shipwrecks and marine life – look out for the famous Leafy Seadragon! More than anything, enjoy the laidback lifestyle of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

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I am Mindy Krenshaw, 24 years old, and throughout my life, I was always interested in the Australian culture. I have never been on an airplane in my entire life before going to Australia, so it was quite exciting. Living in small town in Boston always made me want to get out as soon as possible. I, just like every other college graduate wanted to explore the world. Australia was the first place I wanted to visit, but since I had no experience on traveling, I didn’t have travel insurance. Many people have warned me in the past how important it was to this coverage, but due to my tight budget, I decided to take the risk and enjoy my vacation with the coverage.

Traveling In Australia Without Travel Insurance – Panic Attacks

On my flight going to Australia, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. During the turbulence, I had a panic attack, as since I have never been on an airplane, I wasn’t aware on how my body could suffer from various panic attacks. Foruntately, there was a doctor on board that assisted me during my flight, and was then able to rest in a motel near the airport.

Traveling In Australia Without Travel Insurance – Unhygienic Food

Near the motel I bought some food at this tiny dirty Australian restaurant. I was really excited and ordered the traditional lamb and had a pavlova for dessert. I went to my motel room after my lunch, and was ecstatic to meet local Aussies. An hour after the meal, my stomach started to toss and turn, and I felt like someone was punching my intestines. I went out of my motel room and asked the janitor in the hallway for assistance. He instantly asked me where I ate and when I told him, he asked if it was my first time dining at that restaurant. I was honest and told him that it was the first time, and he said I think you had an allergic reaction to the food. He also told me that the restaurant I dined at is filled with germs, making not the most hygienic place to eat at.

Traveling In Australia Without Travel Insurance – Life Savings? Goodbye!

I instantly took a cab and went to the hospital, I wanted to seek a doctors assistance, but I was afraid of how much I had to pay, as I only had $3,000 dollars with me (my life savings). I had a check up, and the doctor gave me this medicine that would fix my really bad stomach ache. The medical costs was a bit of $1,500, so I knew at that moment that I wouldn’t be able to do the things I wanted in Australia. After a couple days in the motel resting my stomach, I decided to fly back to Boston.

My entire vacation was a complete disaster, and I swore to myself that the next time I would go on an airplane, I would have travel insurance. I learned more about this coverage and found out that if I had this coverage sooner, my insurance carrier would have paid for all my medical costs. I definitely have learned a great lesson from visiting Australia.

If you’re headed to Australia and need some Travel Insurance, check out InsureandGo

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Travelling to Australia is expensive; airfares alone could strain your budget. The length of flight encourages a lot of the visitors to extend their stay for more than a week. You could be wondering how you can manage to pay for a two week or longer vacation in the beautiful Land of Down Under. Accommodation is basically the second highest expense after airfare on your budget, so it is important that you book in cost efficient hotels in Australia. Normally the perfect time to visit Australia is during summer which is between December and February. However during this season accommodation cost is higher than during the fall as well as spring. This article is dedicated to inform you on several cost efficient hotels in Australia.

Cost Efficient Hotels in Australia - Cambridge Hotel Sydney

This is one of the cost efficient hotels in Sydney that offers cheap accommodation including business packages, romantic bed & breakfast and luxurious honeymoon suites. It is fast and secure to book for your accommodation up to 4 months in advance. Cambridge Hotel is expediently situated at 212 Riley Street offering clients easy access to most spectacular sites in Sydney. The central business district, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst as well as other amenities such as entertainment, sports, restaurant, shopping malls or nightlife are only moments away from this boutique hotel. You can choose to unwind at the comfort of your suite fitted with modern finishing’s. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the city from your balcony. If you are looking for quality budget accommodation Sydney-style, then the peaceful and relaxed Cambridge Hotel is the place to be. Whether you are in Sydney for work or play this boutique hotel offers everything you need during your stay. Relax in your suite and enjoy 24 hour room service as well as baby sitting service. Other amenities include bar and restaurant, pool and spa, laundry, business centre, conference, mini bars, Broadband, secured parking and tour desk. Shuttle service to and from the airport is provided. This cost efficient hotel offers you different categories of rooms to choose from including premium, deluxe, and spa rooms.

Cost Efficient Hotels in Australia - Citadines Melbourne Apartment Hotel

If you are an independent traveler looking for what Melbourne has in offer for you Citadine offers cost efficient accommodation. This budget hotel is located close to the SX1, SX2 buildings, Collins Street and Parliament House. This hotel gives flexible services and configured spaces customizing your stay to your budget and lifestyle needs. In Citadine you will not only enjoy the convenience but also the privacy of your apartment. Whether you are in Melbourne for business or holiday this cost efficient hotel offers you all you need. Enjoy multi-cultural cuisines either at the hotel or at different restaurants just moments away. The facilities include lounge, 24 hour reception, bar & restaurant, swimming, fitness facilities, Sauna, banquet, business centre pool and spa. Service provided includes laundry, parking, room service, Airport transfers and tour assistance. This apartment hotel is rated 4.5 stars by the AAA Tourism Ltd.

Cost Efficient Hotels in Australia - Aarons Hotel Sydney

This hotel is located on Ultimo Road in the central business district offering cost efficient accommodation in the city. This hotel offers quality hospitality in the heart of Sydney at very affordable rates. Enjoy facilities such as bar &restaurant, swimming pools, banquet, fitness center and sauna. If you want to customize your stay to fit your budget consider this budget hotel for your accommodation.

The bottom line is the are several cost efficient hotels in Australia to choose from while planning your visit to the land of Down Under.

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If you are looking to simply get out and live in a new environment, then you most likely have thought about finding a country that you can enjoy and not have to spend a fortune. Trying to find the best cheap countries to live in for a year might seem like a difficult task but there are a few places that you truly need to consider. Going on a new adventure might be very scary at first, but it is all about learning more about the current economy in that particular country and making sure that you have some enjoyable things to do. Here are three of the most affordable countries out there that you can consider moving to for at least a year.

Affordable Extended Stays in Australia

This is by far one of the most overlooked countries in the world in terms of affordable, extended stays. Australia is a beautiful country  One-year housing is amazingly cheap in Australia – perhaps not in Sydney, but in the suburbs of Melbourne. (If you want house and land packages, Mernda is the place to go, and not so far away there are plenty of houses for sale in craigieburn.) It is, on the whole, a very relaxing country in a beautiful country that has a nightlife you will never get sick of.

Affordable Extended Stays in Philippines

In South East Asia, there is no other country that is rising as fast as the Philippines. Living in a condominium located near a very nice area is very affordable and you will be in a very safe place. Most people tend to be scared of the Philippines but this is certainly not a problem. It is a safe and very accommodating country that will surprise you as the days go by. People from all over the world are now moving to the Philippines to find a good paying job that will lead to more opportunities. Once you are able to take a few days off, you should really consider going to the white sand beaches for a relaxing time.

Affordable Extended Stays in Mexico

Mexico is a country that has drawn a lot of people from North America to simply go south and  enjoy the budding economy. The nice thing about Mexico is that it is very close to America and so it happens to be a go-to destination for companies that want to one day expand to bigger countries like the United States and Canada. One of the nicest things about Mexico is that you are just a few hours away from great cities like San Diego and Los Angeles.

These are only a few of the countries that you should consider when looking to move and these are the ones that need your attention. However, either of these countries is a great choice and you will not regret moving there. Though all three are among the most affordable and enjoyable, Australia will be the country that easily stands out as the country of choice. If you are looking for the best country to move to for a year, then Australia is your place to go to.

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