World TravellerGuide to travelling the world

Australia’s Sydney is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities with a little something to offer anyone and everyone in the way of attractions and accommodation. The cheapest time to travel to Sydney is during their hot summer, which runs from November through February.

For those travelling on a budget, checking out “serviced apartments” is a must. Many of these have more than one bedroom and kitchens that are fully equipped. Sydney also has modest places that cater to backpackers in the form of inexpensive hostels and apartment hotels, so an internet surf pre-holiday can go a long way to cutting costs.

Sydney has so much to offer that visitors are spoilt for choice, but among the loveliest attractions are its gorgeous beaches. Bondi is often touted as Australia’s best known beach. Given that it’s most easily accessed from the centre of Sydney, Bondi tends to be the first beach on the average tourist’s itinerary.

Manly is another tempting beach accessible by ferry boat from the city. A myriad of visitors have made it the most popular beach on the north side of Sydney’s harbour. Not only is there a nice swimming beach and cycling and rollerblading opportunities, but also lots of restaurants and shops.

A somewhat more energetic yet calm manner in which to experience the aquatic scenery is by kayak. A number of outfitters provide kayak tours around the harbour and the various little islands and inlets. Paddlers sometimes find themselves sharing the waters with whales during the right season.

Another vantage point from which to spot whales is Cape Solander located in Botany Bay National Park. In 1770, the first meeting between the Europeans aboard Captain Cook’s ship, <i>Endeavour</i>, and the Aboriginal people occurred here.

The more adventurous visitors can try their hands at the Bridgeclimb, an exciting trek to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from which panoramic views are sure to reward those making the effort. Professional guides take small groups up during the day, at twilight and even at night.

Visitors interested in viewing Australia’s wildlife can do so at the Featherdale Wildlife Park. Those who wish to can get up close and personal with native animals. Being able to cuddle a koala is an experience that will last a lifetime and provoke envy in those back home.

Considered by some to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the famous Sydney Opera House, with its amazing architectural, features hosts plays, jazz orchestras, and operas. Tours are available, including backstage.

A great family activity awaits visitors at Oceanworld Manly. The 4 million litre Oceanarium provides clear views of professionals hand-feeding turtles, shoals of fish, huge stingrays and menacing sharks. This post was written by Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert at leading flights deals website Cheapflights.co.uk where you can find great prices on flights to Sydney.

Photo Credits: Ales@ | Saruken | -yury- | xiquinhosilva

For many people, travelling around is part of their every day life. Business meetings take place on a world wide scale today and many of us have to travel far afield to meet clients and talk business. For other people it can be family that draws them to travel regularly, but whatever the reason, if you’ve been travelling a lot and have more to do, sometimes it can be a blessing to just slow down and put your feet up for a night. This can be especially true if you’re crossing time zones a lot as your body clock can get very confused by things.

One excellent way of giving yourself a proper break, is to stop for a night at Heathrow airport hotel before you fly off again. Doing this means that instead of sleeping poorly on another flight, you get to treat yourself to a relaxing evening with a good meal, a glass of wine, and maybe even a sauna before you settle to sleep in a comfortable bed for the night.

There are a number of hotels to choose from, and many of them offer fantastic deals on not just rooms, but meals and relaxation as well.

The Radisson Edwardian Hotel at Heathrow offers 5 star accommodation and is winner of numerous best airport hotel awards. It is just minutes from the terminals, and offers superb accommodation, excellent leisure facilities including spa, and fabulous dining.

The Arora International has 360 rooms all offering luxurious accommodation, and is just opposite the airport. They have a health club and spa, as well as Smith’s bar & kitchen restaurant where they offer food from around the world.

At the Heathrow Sheraton Skyline, you’ll get great 4 star accommodation, two restaurants, a café, sports bar, indoor pool and gym as well as sound proofed air conditioned bedroom.

The Thistle hotel is another 4 star hotel which has some fabulous views of the northern runway. All the bedrooms are en-suite, air conditioned and fully sound proofed, and guests can access the Spring Health club across the road for a small charge – facilities here include gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The hotel has an excellent modern restaurant, informal lounge and bar, as well as business centre with conference and meeting facilities for up to 700 delegates.

There are of course many other hotels to choose from as well, and between them they offer a wide range of budget choices and comfort levels. Whichever one you choose, your body will thank you for a rest between flights. For more information about hotels and Heathrow airport parking visit Holidayextras.co.uk and if you would like to know more about the sort of service that is offered at Heathrow please have a look at this video: