Flying to a foreign land is a rewarding activity each one of us wants to experience. We’d love to see new sights, delve into a different culture, learn a different language, taste different cuisines, and for some, earn foreign currency of a greater value. But before you dream about these fun things, there are a lot of not-so-fun things you have to go through – including your daunting visa application.
One remarkable country to visit is Australia. The country welcomes immigrants with open arms, and this multicultural environment is apparent wherever you go. If you are planning to visit Australia for various reasons an Australian visa is the first thing that you should be working on.
If you just want to travel as a tourist and have no plans to study, work, or live in Australia for a long time, getting a tourist visa is perfect for you. There are several subcategories within the tourist visa, which would depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay.
Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601)
ETA is requested by people who wish to enter and leave the country within a period of 12 months to see relatives, do business, study for no more than three months, or simply explore tourist destinations. With the ETA, you can visit as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay in the country for up to three months for each visit. You just have to be a passport holder from a certain country.
As its name suggests, ETAs are electronic, which means there’s no stamp or label attached to a passport. The airline staff may confirm electronically if a passenger is eligible for boarding a flight to Australia. You can apply through many travel agents in a number of eligible countries worldwide, including European countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
Cost: There’s an AUD20 service charge for this visa.
eVisitor (subclass 651)
The requirements and features of eVisitor are similar to ETA. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. Under certain circumstances. you may also study in Australia for up to three months. Likewise, this type of visa can only be requested by citizens of specific countries.
The main difference is where you apply and how much they cost. With eVisitor, you can apply online for free for at least two weeks before traveling.
Cost: There’s no application cost for this visa
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
A visitor visa allows you to stay in Australia for a tour, family visit, and business purposes. You may stay for up to three, six, or 12 months. Citizens of countries that do not hold an eVisitor-eligible passport will have to apply for a Visitor visa, which is not free and cannot be processed online.
Cost: The base application charge for this ranges from AUD140 to AUD1020.
Transit visa (subclass 771)
A transit visa allows you and your dependent children to transit through Australia for no longer than 72 hours. It is acquired if you need to pass through Australia in order to reach another country or join a ship as a member of the crew. You must only hold either a booking or relevant documentation to access another country or hold a subclass 988 visa and some relevant crew documents.
Cost: There’s no application cost for this visa
Be aware of migration fraud and scams, claiming that you can travel while earning using only your visitor visa. Remember that you can NOT work in Australia holding any of these visas. You have to apply for visas with work rights.
Carmina Natividad is a resident writer for Four Points Immigration, a team of registered migration agents, assisting individuals and employers with their successful Australian visa application. Writing a wide variety of interesting and informative articles about immigration and travel is her cup of tea.
In the Australian state of Victoria, Melbourne is considered as a state capital. It is also the most populous in Victoria and the second-most populous in the country of Australia and Oceania. Melbourne is filled with great sceneries, wonderful and tall buildings and they also offer different kinds of food for the tourists. The people in Melbourne are also hospitable and nice. Melbourne is becoming one of the top places to visit in the world because of all the activities that can be done. Visiting Melbourne, Australia is not really that expensive. You just have to be mindful of your expenses so that you will be able to spend on the things that you really need.
There are a lot must-see unspoiled places in the city of Melbourne
To know more, continue reading:
Queen Victoria Market
photo source: queen victoria market
Queen Victoria Market may be already famous to some and it is even considered as a major landmark in Melbourne but it’s still not as frequent as the markets that can be found in Sydney. If you love shopping in the market then this is the place that you should visit because there are a lot of authentic Australian food and things that you can buy. Treat yourself and put the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere in your itinerary and you will surely not regret it.
Warrook Cattle Farm
(photo source: warrook)
Warrook Cattle Farm is one of the best farms in Melbourne, Australia. It is underrated but throughout the years, it’s starting to become more known to tourists because of word of mouth through social media. If you love animals then Warrook Cattle Farm should be part of your list. This is really a great place because you can spend time with animals! The place is also open 7 days a week.
Peninsula Hot Springs
(photo source: visit victoria)
Peninsula Hot Springs is considered as the very first natural hot spring in Melbourne. This place is around 1.5 away from the city of Melbourne so if you’re planning to have a relaxing time, better visit Peninsula Hot Springs. There are also other great relaxing places outside of Melbourne like Kims that offers romantic getaways in Sydney.
Harbour Town
(photo source: sea pines resort)
Harbour Town Melbourne is a place where you can relax and still have a feel of the city. There are stores, restaurants and different outlets that you will surely enjoy. It’s definitely a mix of everything you need. The place also offers a mix of fashion, housewares, pieces of jewelry, sportswear, general merchandise and many more. The Harbour Town is open from Mondays to Sundays so better put this on your itinerary as well. It will surely be worth it!
Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne Aquarium
Do you love the sea? Do you want to visit a place where you can feel like you are under the sea? If the answer is yes then you should definitely visit the Melbourne Aquarium. Come up close to see the amazing water creatures like turtles, sea snakes, baby sharks and many more. Explore a world unlike any other and visit Melbourne Aquarium!
Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a writer for Kims, one of Australia’s perfect beach retreat places that offers a cluster of deluxe timber bungalows and spa villas on the beach. Mark also gives out guides and tips for people regarding on how they can enjoy their vacation and trips around the world.
Game of Thrones indisputably has some of the most picturesque scenes ever captured in an American television series (or for that matter any tv show across the world).
Many have surely felt like visiting the Seven Kingdoms only for the stunning scenery on several occasions.
So here we discover these precious locations from GoT that you can visit too!
1. Spain: Spain is a place that one cannot overlook while discussing Game of Thrones locations. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Bermeo, Basque Country is a place that features the famous stone bridge. Numerous places in Seville have played a huge role in the filming of the show. Extremadura is also a place that has become a popular tourist spot for all the beautiful reasons. (By the way, don’t forget to check out our collection of Game Of Thrones T-Shirts)
Getting to Spain from India: The best time to travel to Spain is said to be the autumn season. The main airports in Spain are in Barcelona and Madrid, where you can land from the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. To visit nearby places or your favorite GoT location, you can travel by public and private transport systems.
2. Iceland: Want to visit the home of the White Walkers? Iceland is the place that was the abode of the dead. But it will make you feel as alive as ever. Iceland was first featured in Game of Thrones in Season 2 and we cannot get enough of the place ever since.
Getting to Iceland from India: You can travel to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland by frequent flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. North Iceland is a must-visit for the GoT fan in you! By the way, a fun fact here – did you know the mighty Gregor Clegane aka “The Mountain” (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) from Game Of Thrones is also from Reykjavik Iceland?
3. Croatia: These places in mystical Croatia should definitely feature on your GoT itinerary: St. Dominika Street, Bokar Fortress, Lokrum Island, Lovrijenac Fortress, and Diocletian’s Palace. The King’s Landing is the place that earned Croatia the name of the Land of the Iron Throne.
Getting to Croatia from India: Flights operate from India to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia from major Indian cities. You can travel to other places from Zagreb using public or private transport. Enjoy the Mediterranean climate best in summer. If you indeed decide to go to Croatia (especially Zagreb), then I must recommend going to the Upper Town (aka Gornji Grad). I was there on a family trip around last year’s Christmas, and we had an amazing time. The people are super nice and Indians are generally respected and welcomed. Above is an image we took, while we were there.
Through this article, my intention was to give you a little insight into how even we common folks can touch and feel the very places, Game Of Thrones was shot at, and maybe come a slight bit close to the awesome-st show in the history of mankind. So, these were the three dazzling places that will captivate you to no end, whether you are a Game of Thrones fan or not. They say that travel is the best way to discover yourself. So, do not forget to add these stunning places to your bucket list, for who knows, you may find the power of royal connections doing wonders for your soul!
Neha Rajan – A Media Studies professional, working with popular Merchandise Brand – We The Chic. She has a passion for writing on just about anything. Books and her dog Leo are her best companions. She loves the natural world and her affection for animals led her to veganism. A pacifist, lover of mysticism with absolute faith in the Universe, she hopes to conquer her own little world with words, dreams and compassion.
Singapore is just a tiny red dot on the world map. However, this city-state is an ultra-modern country with world-class amenities, making it one of the best holiday destinations. Moreover, it is clean and almost 100% crime-free. While the city is full of skyscrapers and luxurious buildings, Singapore has been able to preserve its cultural essence with places like Little India and Chinatown. Moreover, you do not have to spend your entire holiday inside the concrete jungle. On the other hand, Singapore has some of best zoos, parks and open-air activities that anyone would enjoy. With a variety of places and activities available in Singapore, it is one of the best places to go on a family holiday.
Singapore Zoo
Image credit – Shutterstock
One of the major attractions that interest adults and children alike is the Singapore Zoo. The Singapore Zoo is not the traditional zoo but has open exhibits with moats, hidden barriers and glass separating the animals from the visitors. This rainforest zoo is home to 315 species of animals and has the largest colony of orangutans. Apart from orangutans, you would get to see African lion, white tiger, cheetah, wolverine, polar bear, white rhinoceros, large flying fox, leopard, mountain lion and several other wild animals in this zoo. Moreover, the zoo also hosts some interesting shows like Breakfast with an Orangutan, Elephants at Work and Play, Splash Safari, Animal Friends and Rainforest Fights Back.
Night Safari
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Just adjacent to the Singapore Zoo is the Singapore Night Safari which is the first nocturnal zoo not just in the city-state but also in the entire world. The Night Safari has seven geographical zones which can be explored by tram or by foot using one of the 4 walking trails. The Indian Subcontinent, Himalayan Foothills, Asian Riverine Forest, Burmese Hillside, Nepalese River Valley and equatorial Africa are some of the exhibits you would find here, while the Fishing Cat, Wallaby, Leopard trail, east Lodge Trail are the trails that you can follow if you want to explore the place on foot. The lighting here resembles actual moonlight (slightly brighter) to give the nocturnal animals a setting same as their natural environment. Apart from viewing Asian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, and other such wild animals, you would also get to enjoy some great shows like Thumbuakar Show and Creatures of the Night Show.
River Safari
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Right in between the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari is located the River Safari which is a river-themed zoo as well as an aquarium. The place offers riverboat rides and freshwater attractions that attract thousands of people here every year. During your tour on the River Safari, you get to see 10 different ecosystems including Mississippi, River Nile, Yangtze River, Tundra, and Amazon. The park has around 5000 animals amongst 300 species some of which are West Indian manatees, red pandas, squirrel monkeys, giant otters, Chinese alligators, paddlefish, golden pheasants, Mekong freshwater stingrays, electric eels, etc. While all this interesting, the major highlight of this park is the Amazon River quest which is a boat ride on the Amazon River where you would get to see more than 30 wildlife species including red and black howler monkeys, golden-headed lion tamarins, capybaras, collared peccaries, giant anteaters, jaguars, etc.
Jurong Bird Park
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Jurong Bird Park is an open aviary that is home to more than 5000 birds amongst 380 bird species. The park covers 49 acres of area and is divided into different exhibits as per geography. You would have a great time looking at African Waterfall Aviary, Dinosaur Descendants, Lory Loft, Wings of Asia, Pelican Cove, Penguin Coast and World of Darkness. While visiting these exhibits are fun, you should also not miss the interesting shows that are available here. High Flyers Show is a show where you can enjoy a performance by talented birds, and Kings of the Skies Show give you the opportunity to watch eagles, falcons, hawks and other birds of prey put up a great show. Another interesting show is having lunch with the parrots. The Jurong Bird Park is a great place to visit if you are looking for things to do in Singapore with family, especially for kids.
Gardens by the Bay
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Right in the middle of the sprawling city of Singapore lies a green haven called the Gardens by the Bay. Located right next to the Marina Reservoir, this park has three waterfront gardens, namely Bay East Garden, Bay South Garden and Bay Central Garden. The landscape design of this park is awe-inspiring combing garden artistry and tropical horticulture quite beautifully. There are two conservatories in the park which are Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Another highlight of this park is the Supertree Grove where you would find huge tree-like structures which work as environmental engineers. The best time to visit this park is in the evening when the supertrees glow with lights and music. The park also has a Children’s Garden and other horticultural themed gardens.
Merlion Park
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Your visit to Singapore would not be complete without a visit to Merlion Park which is home to the idol of Singapore’s mascot, the Merlion which has the head of a lion and body of fish. The Merlion Park is a landmark of Singapore and has two statues of the Merlion. The bigger statue is 8.6 meters in height and spouts water from its mouth while the shorter one is 2 meters tall. The park is near the Marina Bay area and hence gives you the opportunity to admire the marvellous skyline of the place. On the other hand, you can take a tour on the Singapore River and explore places like Clarke Quay.
If you are looking for pure fun and entertainment after a lot of sightseeing, Sentosa Island is a place you must definitely visit. The place is a separate island away from mainland Singapore and has a beach, two golf courses, several luxurious hotels, water parks, a Merlion statue and a fort too. With so many attractions and resorts, you can possibly spend your entire holiday in Sentosa. However, you should not miss the attractions in Singapore and hence plan to spend at least a few days on this amazing island. Some of the attractions that you should not miss when in Sentosa Island are Tiger Sky Tower, Butterfly Park and the Insect Kingdom, The Wings of Time, Fort Siloso, Sentosa 4D Adventureland, Madame Tussauds, MegaZip Adventure Park, iFly Singapore, Wave House, Sentosa Nature Discovery and the Skyline Luge & Skyride. Universal Studios Singapore is also one of the major highlights of Sentosa Island.
Singapore Flyer
Image credit – Shutterstock
If you want to see the whole of Singapore and maybe catch a glimpse of the neighbouring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, you must go on a ride of the Singapore Flyer. Consisting of 28 capsules, each with a capacity of holding 28 passengers, the Singapore Flyer is one giant Ferris wheel that would give you a 360o bird’s eye view of the entire city. You can take a look at all the iconic landmarks of the city including Raffles Place, Empress Place, Merlion Park, Singapore River, etc. during your journey on the Ferris wheel. The Singapore Flyer is also available for premium sky ding and champagne flight if you want to make the evening even more special.
Chinatown
Little India and Chinatown
If you want to take a break from the glitz and glamour of Singapore and explore the culture and heritage of the place, Chinatown is the place you must visit. There are temples to visit, museums to explore and plenty of shopping to be done from the various old shops that line the street. Some of the major attractions of the place are Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Red Dot Design Museum, Thian Hock Keng Temple, Hong Lim Park, Singapore City Gallery, Singapore Coin and Notes Museum, etc. You must also save some energy to explore Chinatown Street Market where you can shop and eat to your heart’s content.
Little India
Image credit – Shutterstock
Just across Chinatown is another ethnic district of Singapore called Little India. Little India is where Indian immigrants lived during the period of colonization. Today, this area is one of the most vibrant and bustling parts of the city. This place preserves and reflects the Indian culture beautifully the temples, shops, and restaurants. Little India is a great place for shopping. The Mustafa Centre is a 24 hours mall and sells everything from clothes to electronics. You must also check out Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Tekka Centre, and Jothi Store & Flower Shop when in this part of the city. Apart from this, Little India also has several restaurants that serve delicious North Indian and South Indian delicacies.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
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The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a tropical garden which is 158 years old and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the places to visit in sightseeing. The park has a three-core concept which includes the Tanglin Core, Central Core, and Bukit Timah Core, each of which offers something unique and interesting to see. The garden has added a fourth score to it recently, the Tyersall-Gallop which includes a tour of the rainforest that exists inside the park. Another thing that you should not miss here is the National Orchid Garden which is home to more than 1000 orchids of different colours as well as hybrids. The place is a great place to have a stroll when you want to get away from the crowd and noise of the city.
Marina Bay Sands Sky Park
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The Marina Bay Sands Resort is one of the iconic structures of Singapore. The hotel comprises of three tall buildings and a wooden decked area on top which is the Sky Park. Sky Park has an observation deck which gives you a 360o view of the entire city. Apart from this, the place has a museum, an event space, a retail space where you can shop for the world’s most popular brands, theatres and several cafes and restaurants. However, the highlight of the place is the infinity pool. However, you cannot take a dip in the pool if you are not a guest at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Nevertheless, do not miss the chance to take a look at this amazing pool that gives an amazing view of the city.
Orchard Road
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No holiday can be complete without shopping. If you love shopping, you must head to Orchard Road which is not just Singapore but also Asia’s most famous shopping street. It is a haven for shopping lovers as you would find street shops, speciality stores as well as boutiques at this place. You can buy everything from fast fashion and ethnic wares to designer labels at this place. There are also several eateries, restaurants, and cafes where you can have delicious meals and hang out leisurely. As it is one of the happening places in the city, you should not miss visiting Orchard Road even if shopping is not something you enjoy.
Although a part of Sentosa Island, Universal Studios does need a special mention. This theme park is something you should visit if you love movies and Hollywood. The park has several theme zones which include Hollywood, New York, Far Far Away, Sci-Fi City, The Lost World, Madagascar and Ancient Egypt. Not only can you visit the locations of your favourite movies but can also meet your favourite movie characters. Apart from this, the numerous thrilling rides and roller coasters would definitely hook you to this place.
Clarke Quay
Image credit- Shutterstock
If you want to explore and enjoy Singapore’s nightlife, Clarke Quay is the place you must visit. This historical site is along the Singapore River and has some great restaurants, cafes, pubs, and nightclubs of the city. The place is also great for those who are seeking adventure. The G-MAX Reverse Bungee is a place for those who would like to fly, while the GX-5 Extreme Swing gives you the opportunity for free fall 40 meters in the air. If you want to visit this place with your children, it would be best to do so in the day. However, it is during the night-time that the place lits up with different colours and lights. If you want to have a relaxing evening on Clarke Quay, go for one of the Singapore River Cruises.
The city-state of Singapore offers tons of things to locals, residents, and tourists. It is not just beautiful but has several attractions that would keep you interested and busy throughout your holiday.
Akshay Koranne is a travel blogger who loves to travel across the world and shares the experience through travel blogs and articles. Apart from traveling and blogging, he likes playing Chess and Cricket.
