Where to Go in Brazil

   If you are contemplating a trip to Brazil, it could be for any number of reasons. For some, it could be to experience and enjoy the hundreds and hundreds of miles of white sandy beaches. For others, it could be to experience the wonders of the Amazon, the wildlife of the Pantanal, the awesome power of Foz de Iguaçu (Iguaçu Falls) or the historical charm of old cities like Ouro Preto. For still others, it could be to experience the music, cuisine and heritage of Brazil's 500 year old culture. It doesn't matter if you are drawn by the allures of Rio de Janeiro or simply want to kick back and enjoy the delights of a freshly made caipirinha and do nothing. Brazil is a big country and there are places, people and things that will be of interest to even the most jaded traveler. Brazil is more than a country, it is a sensation unlike almost anywhere else on the planet.

   To successfully plan any trip requires that you have sufficient information. Many Brazilian travel guides (such as those published by Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Frommer's, Michelin, etc., as well as many online resources) describe areas of interest throughout Brazil and have a lot of specific information and descriptions. These resources can provide invaluable information when planning your trip. Additionally, many cities, states and areas in Brazil have English web sites packed with information and resources. Just do a search on Google, Yahoo or your favorite search engine for a specific state, city or locale.

Helping to Fight Child Sex Crimes Abroad

It is a criminal offence to engage in child sexual exploitation, whether in Australia or in another country. Australian law ensures that Australians who travel overseas to engage in such activities will not escape the tough penalties they would have received if the offences were committed at home.

To combat child sex tourism, Australian laws make it an offence for Australian citizens and residents to engage in sexual activity with children under 16 in foreign countries. The law also prohibits individuals or corporate bodies from benefiting or encouraging the commission of a child sex tourism offence, and criminalises the grooming or procuring of a child for sexual activity overseas. It is also an offence to prepare for or plan a child sex tourism offence (for example, by arranging a trip for the purpose of child sex tourism).

Australian law also makes it an offence for Australians to possess, control, produce, distribute or obtain child pornography or child abuse material while overseas.

Australians who commit child sex offences whilst overseas can be investigated and prosecuted under Australian law. The penalties for these offences include a term of imprisonment of up to 25 years for individuals and fines of up to $825,000 for corporate bodies.

A number of Australians have been successfully prosecuted under these laws.

The laws are contained in Division 272 and 273 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The text of the Act is available here.

If you suspect an Australian of engaging in sexual activity with children, you should contact the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The AFP has a dedicated team to help prevent the occurrence of child sex tourism. The AFP cooperates with other countries’ law enforcement authorities to actively monitor and investigate Australian citizens, permanent residents or companies that are associated with such offences.

To report suspicious behaviour, please complete the Report Child Sex Tourism form on the AFP website or write to:

Child Protection Operations Team 
Australian Federal Police
GPO Box 401
Canberra ACT 2602
Australia

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.

Top 10 travel tips

Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive free email notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.

Take out comprehensive travel insurance and ensure it covers you for the places you plan to visit and the things you plan to do.

Before travelling overseas register your travel plans and contact details online or at the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive so we can contact you in case of an emergency.

Obey the laws of the country you're visiting even if these seem harsh or unfair by Australian standards. Don't expect to be treated differently from the locals just because you're Australian.

Make sure that you have the right visas for the countries you are visiting or transiting and check any other entry or exit requirements.

Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.

Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations and other health precautions. Remember that vaccinations can be an entry requirement for some countries. Also find out about taking medication overseas - certain medicines aren't allowed in some countries.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. Carry extra passport photos in case your passport is lost or stolen and you need to replace it while you're away.

Keep in contact with friends and family back home and give them a copy of your travel itinerary so they know where you are.

Check to see if you're regarded as a national of the country you plan to visit, and whether dual nationality will have any implications for your travel plans.

Statue of Liberty

Location: Ferries leave from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

Here she stands in all her glory. You must walk to the top, and just walk around the nice park and take in the views from the island. Remember in winter to have a hat and gloves as its freezing out there. There is a small tourist shop and a small place to get hot food (Not that its good food). Its is a must if you are in NY.

Mud volcano

Location: From Montería take a bus to Arboletas but get off before there at the volcan de
lodo. It takes about an hour and a half. .after your time there ..walk to the
road & flag down a bus to get back to Montería.....

Its free to get in, take your swimming stuff & get in the huge warm mud pool,
wallow around a little...its weird, you can't swim in it but you don't sink, you
just kind of float there.....the beach is 2 minutes away to wash off all the mud
after the photos..there are little lunch places there that sell beers too....

Riding the UK’s Less-Than-Ordinary Railway Routes

We live in an age of time zone jumping super-speed air travel, where we can zip from one side of the globe to the other in the space of a day at most. But still nothing beats the romance of the trains, yesteryear’s transportation of choice – and all the better if it’s a near extinct route that you’re tracing, or just a particularly scenic section of track. Though the UK’s railway infrastructure was largely dismantled in the 1960s, Britain still has its fair share of less than ordinary journeys.

THE LOOE VALLEY BRANCH LINE

Looe Valley train. Photo credit: roger geach via Wikimedia Commons.

The small fishing town of Looe in England, in southeast Cornwall, is connected to the mainline rail network by a small branch line with just one track. After whizzing down from London, past Plymouth and towards Liskeard, the pace of things quickly slows down as trees brush past the windows, sheep appear outside and the single carriage – two in the peak summer season, if you’re lucky – inches its way towards the sea, a nine mile trip that takes around a half hour.

Even those who consider themselves train buffs are in for a surprise on this line, as it uniquely turns back on itself half way. Following one set of track out from Liskeard, the train then pulls in at probably one of the country’s quietest stations, Coombe Junction Halt – as few as 32 passengers use it each year – and the conductor climbs down from the train to change the points on the track. The driver leaves his cab at one end of the carriage and walks to the other, the conductor climbs back on and the train gets on the move again – headed to Looe, but leaving plenty of passengers thinking they’ve missed their stop and are already on their return trip back to Liskeard.

The journey traces the local river through the valley to its mouth at Looe, and there is plenty to see en route in the way of nature and secluded countryside hamlets whose stations – there are more intermediate stops in all – barely see a few visitors a day. For more than a window view, jump off at any of the stations and take a wander between them, hopping back on the train when you’ve done enough walking. Services run at up to roughly hourly intervals, though there can be significant gaps at times – and all of the stations in between Liskeard and Looe are request stops, so be sure to let the conductor know promptly if you want to get off, and likewise put your hand out to flag down the train at a station!

One or two pubs dot the line if some refreshment is in order, and the wishing well and Magnificent Music Machines museum are worth a look and easily accessible from St Keyne station. Duloe Stone Circle, the smallest in Cornwall, is five miles from Looe – signposted from the road, it can be reached from Sandplace station.

Montreal Travel Tips

There is only one word which really captures the essence of Montreal: multifaceted. This city represents the melding of the Old and New Worlds, with 18th-century structures blending into a 21st-century skyline. Old-fashioned houses are now home to funky fusion restaurants, and the familiar sound of English is juxtaposed against the rolled "r"s of French. Rainbow flags fly alongside cloth emblems from India, Portugal and France, and traditional French pastries are sold alongside the distinctly sweet sesame seed, Montreal-style bagel. Just when you thought you'd seen it all, a short elevator ride exposes you to another city located several stories below ground level.

This versatile city's top attractions include world-class museums and bustling marketplaces. Start your tour along the ancient cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montréal. Here, you can explore historic cathedrals or grab a cappuccino at one of the traditional French cafés along boulevard Saint-Laurent. If history doesn't excite you, head to the bustling downtown area for an afternoon of shopping or to Parc du Mont-Royal for a hike. Just make sure to save some energy for when the sun sets; Montreal -- especially rue St-Denis -- is known for a nightlife scene that continues until the small hours of the morning.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY IN MONTREAL

• Travel during the shoulder seasonsEarly spring and late fall are quieter times for Montreal, meaning that hotels drop their rates.
• Rely on your own two feetThis is a very walkable city, especially if you explore it by neighborhood. If you're growing weary, the public transportation is both convenient and cheap.
• Go sightseeingMany of the most beloved attractions -- including Vieux-Montréal, St. Joseph's Oratory and Parc du Mont-Royal -- do not charge admission.

MONTREAL CULTURE & CUSTOMS

The official currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar, which is roughly equivalent to the U.S. dollar. When it comes to most other cultural factors, including dress, restaurant and tipping etiquette, Montreal does not differ too greatly from major American cities.

MONTREAL DINING

Like the French, Montrealers pride themselves on top-notch cuisine. Although traditional French cuisine still reigns supreme, Montreal's palate has broadened over the past few years to include Portuguese, Thai, Moroccan, Indian, Mexican and numerous other international cuisines. Whether you're looking for some steak-frites or sushi, a little taste of Paris or a little taste of je ne sais quoi, Montreal has it all.

If it's a bit of Old French cuisine that you're craving, head to Vieux-Montréal, where many of the historic buildings now house traditional French bistros and restaurants (restos). If you're looking for a more contemporary take on traditional favorites, try eating along one of the main drags --  boulevard St-Laurent, rue St-Denis or rue Crescent -- which have become major foodie hubs over the past several years. For a more diverse array of restaurants, take a stroll through the Mile End neighborhood just north of Parc du Mont-Royal, which is home to numerous immigrant populations and boasts a wide array of international fares, including Portuguese and Hassidic.

Indonesia

Indonesia ist the largest archipelago and the fourth most populated country in the world. Consisting of five main islands and 30 smaller archipelagos, it has a total of 17.508 islands of which about 6.000 are inhabited. It stretches 5.150 km between the Australian and Asian continental mainlands and divides the Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator. The name Indonesia is composed of two Greek words: "Indos" which means Indian, and "Nesos" meaning islands.

The Capital of Indonesia is Jakarta. For passengers travelling to Indonesia, passports must be valid at least 6 months from date of entry into Indonesia. If valid less than 6 months - passengers will not be permitted to travel.

GETTING AROUND

The only rapid means of long-distance travel within Indonesia is the plane. Prices are low by international standards, with more or less any domestic return flight available for under US$100 even on short notice, and fares for a fraction of that if you plan ahead. The hardest part is often finding what carriers serve what route and making a reservation, as many companies have not yet discovered the joys of the Internet, much less set up online booking engines.

Another popular means of transport in Indonesia is by Boat. Indonesia is all islands and consequently ferries have long been the most popular means of inter island travel. The largest company is PELNI, which visits practically every inhabited island in Indonesia. Schedules are notional, creature comforts sparse and safety records poor. Try to scout out what, if any, safety devices are on board and consider postponing your trip if the weather looks bad.

Rail is also a popular means of transport.  PT Kereta Api runs trains across most of Java and some parts of Sumatra. The network was originally built by the Dutch, and few new lines have been built since the Independence. Double-tracking of the most congested lines have been done, though, and is still ongoing. Maintenance is spotty and derailments and crashes occur occasionally.

There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Indonesia and medical advice should be taken at least three weeks before departing. Malaria is a year round risk except in Jakarta, other large cities and the tourist resorts of Java and Bali. The dengue fever mosquito is found throughout Indonesia and visitors should be aware of a significant increase in reported cases of dengue fever throughout all the country's provinces during the rainy season. Outbreaks of chikungunya fever, also from mosquitoes, have occurred regularly in Indonesia in recent years. Visitors to Java and Sumatra are advised to ensure all polio inoculations are up to date before travel. Outbreaks of bird flu have also occurred.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Beach ResortWhen it comes to Indonesia, there are few activities that aren't available. Every imaginable water sport is conducted here, with locations for diving, snorkeling, surfing and windsurfing scattered around the archipelago. Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua have plentiful jungle trekking options, while climbers should get a grip on the rocks of Java or Bali.

Attractions in Indonesia are amazing and give visitors endless things to do. Some of the best include viewing the volcanic sceneries in Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park on Java. The island is also home to the grungy metropolis of Jakarta and the historic Yogyakarta. Here you can find glitzy nightclubs to traditional puppet theatre. The neighbour island of Bali is an attraction in itself, luring visitors with white sands of Kuta beaches, endless surfing spots and Ubud's cultural attractions.

Sumatra offers visits to traditional towns such as Bukit Lawang and Bukittinggi and stunning landscape. The giant island of Borneo shares its jungle treks with visitors and native orang-utans alike. A lumbering ferry line connects all the island's. attractions and is an adventure itself. The best time is visit is between April and October during the dry season which also makes transport easier.

Gunung Kawi

At the bottom of a lush green valley is one of Bali's oldest, most charming and certainly largest ancient monuments. Gunung Kawi consists of 10 rock-cut candi (shrines), memorials cut out of the rock face in imitation of actual statues. They stand in 7m-high (23ft-high) sheltered niches cut into the sheer cliff face.

Kelimutu

Set in plunging craters at the summit of a volcano, the colored lakes of Kelimutu are undoubtedly the most spectacular sight in Nusa Tenggara. Astonishingly, the lakes periodically change hue - today one may be iridescent turquoise, its neighbor chocolate brown and a third lake dark green.

Lore Lindu National Park

This large and remote national park has barely been touched by tourism. It's a wonderful area for trekking, rich in exotic plant and animal life. The butterflies there can be larger than a human hand. It's also home to several indigenous tribes who wear colorful clothing for their traditional ceremonies.

Climate

Indonesia is a tropical country, and the climate is fairly even all year round. There is no such thing as an autumn or winter, the year being roughly divided into two distinct seasons, 'wet' and 'dry'.

The East Monsoon, from June to September brings dry weather while the West Monsoon, from December to March, brings rain. The transitional period between these two seasons alternates between gorgeous sun-filled days and occasional thunderstorms

ACCOMMODATION

Whether you are looking for a shack on the beach or a 5 star health resort, Indonesia accommodation covers all bases. Depending on the nature of your visit, you have the choice between vacation lodgings depending on your budget: Health Resorts, luxury 5 star hotels, hotels with business services such as broadband connection or budget accommodation to stay during a surf trip, all varieties of accommodation can be found throughout Indonesia's many islands

Thai Lan Travel Tips

Thailand is visited by more tourists than any other country in Asia. With its rich history, unspoiled nature and vivid nightlife it caters to virtually all tourists needs.

THAILAND AT A GLANCE

Thailand, one of the most exotic tourist destination lies in the central heart of Southeast Asia. It is an independent country. Thailand occupies the west portion of Indochinese Peninsula. The neighbouring countries of Thailand include Burma, Laos, Cambodia & Malaysia. According to the visitors, Thailand is the place of Golden Land not because of its metal buried underground, but because of its great mixture of golden & white sandy beaches & the warm hospitality.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THAILAND:

The best months to visit Thailand is November through to February. Cool Season runs from November through to February with temperatures at 32C during the day, to a bearable 16 C at night, although in the North, it could be as low as 12 C. This also doubles up as the dry season.

The hot and dry season is from March to June and April is the hottest month across the country. At this time temperatures in Bangkok average around 34 degrees centigrade, but can often reach 40 degrees centigrade with high humidity levels. If you are travelling around these times the humidity can cause some discomfort.

THE MOST EXOTIC PLACES IN THAILAND:

Bangkok:

"One night is Bangkok" One nights experience in Bangkok can fill hundreds of pages in travel books".

Bangkok is a exotic travel destination and a desirable place to visit, since Thailand and in particular Bangkok offers some of the most amazing travel experiences on this planet.

Bangkok is full of fun & entertainment. I really enjoyed its Buddhist Temples, colorful & glittering shopping malls & open street markets. I was amazed to see how much this country is growing in both size and population.Streets of Bangkok

I must say Bangkok is a combination of culture & history.

It's many temples are a unique part of the capital's heart and soul. A visit here would not be complete without seeing at least two of them. The best time to visit most temples is in the early morning. It's cooler and generally less crowded. The temples are not just tourist attractions but also play an important part in Buddhist traditions.

Shopping in Bangkok is an experience to thrill and delight the most discerning of shoppers - whatever it is you're looking for. From the gleaming chrome and towering size of modern, air-conditioned malls, to the hustle and bustle of its famously buzzing street markets, Bangkok has all kinds of places to explore. With everything from antiquities and the latest pair of trainers to designer jewellery available, Bangkok has an equally exhaustive, and potentially exhausting, variety of things to buy.

Night Life in PattayaPattaya:

Pattaya is a combination of fun, excitement, and adventure with a fabulous range of trendy shops to street markets catering to all tastes. From the very expensive to the incredibly cheap, you can find it all here.

Most of the tourist type shops are located on Beach Road or the parallel Second Road in South and Central Pattaya.

Each & every beach has its own speciallity & characteristics. Pattaya Beach offers hotels, shopping malls, street stalls, many Western restaurants, watersports and other leisure activities, and, of course, world infamous Nightlife.

Age is no barrier in Pattaya. It's an ideal family holiday destination with very reasonable prices. Pattaya has the most versatile nightlife entertainment establishments worldwide. It is not only famous for all kind of shows including the very famous transvestite shows and the incredible A Go Go presentation for men and women alike. But it also offers plenty of "ordinary nightclubs and discos for Young and Old.

If you are in Pattaya, do not miss the wonderful Koh Land Island. Jomtien & Naklua beach is famous for its sports & entertaining activities.

Koh Samui:

Koh Samui is my all-time favorite place as it has so many lovely beaches with a great Coconut feel. You will love to be a part of its cultural & social life for a few days. You can visit the beautiful islands with a boat along with English speaking guides. An entertaining elephant ride can make your trip more adventurous.

Koh Samui is famous for beach life as it has a variety of many exciting beach locations.Including Big Buddha, Mae Nam, Lamai, and Choeng Mon, Bophut. I have found them to be some of the most beautiful beach's in the world.

Kanchanaburi:

Kanchanaburi is a very famous place in Thailand. The jungle, the rugged terrain, and wild rivers combine to make Kanchanaburi the most rewarding tourist destination for nature lovers and sportsmen.

There is a bridge over river Kwai, is a part of an unknown railway. The bridge is about 5 km from the centre of Kanchanaburi (you can wait for one of the three daily passenger trains, all of which call at the River Kwae Bridge station, but it's best to take a cycle rickshaw), and it is now surrounded on the Kan'buri side by a museum, cafes, shops and a couple of steam locomotives on static display. The bridge was built by the prisoners of war.

What I really loved at Kanchanaburi is the Tiger Temple. There you can walk with tigers on a leash. I am sure you will enjoy taking care of tiger cubs. Even you will get an opportunity to feed them a bottle of milk. There aren't many places in the world where you can touch a fully-grown tiger, but the monks at Thailand's Tiger Temple allow you to get up close and personal with their domesticated brood of big cats. You will find the Tiger Temple to be of resonable price and Family orintated.Water falls in Kanchanaburi

Phi Phi:

Fine, white sandy beaches and breathtaking rock formations rising from the vivid turquoise waters that surround the islands will instantly confirm you've arrived in paradise.

It's a perfect place for those who want to lie down on the beach with a glass or two and just relaxe. Phi Phi has the option of so many beachesto visit. All the beaches are full of white sand & coconut trees. Although sometimes the beaches can get very crowded. You cannot close your eyes to its amazing beauty. Loh Dalum, Tonsai, Laem Tong, Loh Bagao-these beaches are the most beautiful beaches in Phi Phi.

I enjoyed the wild nightlife of Phi Phi. You can find the terrific beach fire dancers with live bands. Phi Phi's nightlife has several very positive things going for it. It's compact, entertaining, young and vibrant and - unlike many other tourist destinations in this part of the world - it's not sleazy.

The island's many pubs and bars are centrally located and easy to find. At 2am the music stops but bars generally stay open for as long as they have customers.

Phuket:

Phuket is a the place for visitors. Catering for all ages. Phuket is Thailand's most popular island. This place is multi-ethnic & the dream destination for all.

The main tourist attraction is water sports, colorful beach restaurants & decorated resorts. There are so many attractions to choose from in Phuket that you will find it hard to decide.. According to the travelers, Phuket's colorful & decorated hotels are world's best.

Phuket is Asia's number one & most popular beach destination. With its amazing tropical sunset, You will be lost in nature while watching the combination of warm blue & green sea.

Patong is one of the famous beach resorts in Phuket, Probably the best beach in Phuket, Patong's 3,000 metres of white sand gently curves around a bay fringed with casuarina trees.

If you are looking for nightlife in Phuket then Patong is the number one choice. Patong has lost of bars, disco, karaokes massages and a gogo bars with beautiful thai girls (bar girls).

Although there is a heavy nightlife in Patong, I think it is suitable for families with kids anyway because the nightlife is centralised to just a small part of Patong; Bangla Road and Soi Sunset and if you avoid these streets on evenings and nights you will never noticed it.Phuket Beach

For decades, Thailand has been a budget traveller's paradise, and over the last few years, there's been an increasing surge in luxurious options throughout the country. So be you a budget traveller looking for the cheapest room in town or someone looking for a bit more luxury. There's bound to be something to satisfy your needs. While the majority of the luxury spots are found in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the Thai islands, budget guesthouses and cheap hotels can be found throughout the country from just about every mid-sized Thai town to in the middle of nowhere hidden away spots.