The Basics Of Surviving Your First Large Group Vacation

The Basics Of Surviving Your First Large Group Vacation

Are you about to go off travelling with a group of friends or co-workers, heck, even strangers? Don’t worry; it’s normal to feel nervous about vacationing with this many people, especially when some decisions are outside your control!

Some of those people in your large group vacation you may know well, some you might not know at all, and ultimately, you can never quite be sure how you’re all going to get on your travels. 

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip and have a blast in the process, for there are many ways to ensure this group vacation goes off without a stressful hitch.

 

Time in Laos

The Basics Of Surviving Your First Large Group Vacation, as I did in Laos.

 

The Basics Of Surviving Your First Large Group Vacation

When you’re about to set off on your large group vacation and explore the world, make sure you keep the tips below in mind if you’re worried about your first group vacation – surviving the adventure is easier than you might think! 

 

Never Assume!

The first thing to stop yourself from doing is assuming everyone is on the same page cause almost every time, and people are not aligned in ideas. Sure, you’d love to walk around a boutique town or hike up that hill, but other members of your party just won’t come along for the adventure! Heck, even you may want to stick to the hotel for some relaxation.

It’s important to take a moment to ask around and see what people are willing to do when it comes to travel. Whether it comes down to food or splitting the bill, the more you know now, the fewer arguments or petty behaviour you’ll have later on, and that’ll save the group trip from becoming a bad memory! 

 

Curate Your Itinerary for Everyone

Everyone who’s going on the big group getaway will want to do something different. Yes, that’s going to be hard to manage! However, it doesn’t have to be impossible when you take suggestions early on and curate the itinerary for everyone attending. If you all get the chance to do something you specifically want to do, you’re going to be happy tagging along with everyone else. 

To make this easier on you, make sure you’ve got a group chat ready to go and send out the question. Then use something like a visual holiday planner to put it all into a schedule and see how it pans out. You’ll be able to see if you have the time to accomplish everything and if anything conflicts, and you’ll also know early on about any disappointments. 

 

Be Honest About Expectations

Finally, make sure you’re honest about what you expect from the trip and your travel partners. Try to talk openly and honestly about what you want out of the vacation and what you’re willing to put up with when discussing alternative ideas. If you’re not willing to split the bill evenly, for example, when someone has only ordered a salad, and someone else has a full steak dinner, let it be known now! 

Set some boundaries ahead of time and encourage others to do the same. This doesn’t have to be an unpleasant conversation if you keep the tone friendly and explain what you’re trying to do here. Even if you don’t know someone all that well, you can still be ‘frank’ with them about how the trip needs to go for the lot of you. 

Surviving your first large group vacation isn’t impossible! Take the time now to prep well before the trip, and you won’t regret jetting off later.

 

Volunteer memories

The lasting Volunteer Memories of my time in Laos.

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Awesome Things to do in Margaret River – Western Australia

Awesome Things to do in Margaret River – Western Australia

There is a reason Margaret River is the tourism euphoria of Western Australia, and it’s not necessary to do with the very luscious wineries that make up the Region. It could have plenty to do with the green, lavished land, superb beaches, and giant forests, making Western Australia’s Southwest town a top spot for tourists.

Regarding things to do in Margaret River, it usually starts with wineries as you head south down the Bussel Highway or Caves Road from Busselton. It is a scenic drive to take in, I guarantee.

At the end of the road trip is a gorgeous town that is so lively, happy and upbeat that you won’t want to leave because you’ll feel like you’re home. In-between is bliss because the activities begin to mount up, making for a good time for all concerned in the mighty South West.

 

Check out hotels in the Region at Booking.com!

 

Margaret River

Awesome Things to do in Margaret River in Western Australia.

 

 

Getting to Margaret River

From Perth to Margaret River is a gorgeous drive through the Southwest Region, bypassing other significant towns and regional cities in Bunbury and Busselton. From Perth, you head South down Kwinana Freeway, which ultimately turns into Forrest Highway, which will take you into Bunbury.

From the City of Bunbury, you take the Bussel Highway and follow a few signs until you reach Margaret River. The trip will take around three hours, but I recommend you stop and take in the sights.

 

 

Finding the suitable Margaret River Accommodation

Hotels, chalets, camping, And Margaret River have many appropriate accommodations to suit all budgets. Whether you are roughing it in a tent or staying in style at the Margaret River Beach Apartments, capacity will do any couple or family. Check out TripAdvisor for more options for you.

A couple recommends a budget stay in the Riverview Tourist Park, which is affordable, clean and close to the Margaret River town. You’ll love the Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat; it is a beauty that has plenty of hikes and mountain bikes for hire. Wharncliffe also has chalets available if camping is not your thing.

 

 

Margaret River Accommodation at Booking.com

Margaret River tourist park

Margaret River Accommodation is amongst lavish scenery.

 

 

Awesome Things to Do in Margaret River – Western Australia

 

You know how to get there and where to stay. Now let’s check out a range of things to do in Margaret River. Get the notebook and pen out, and the list is expansive.

 

Margaret River Wineries

Margaret River Wineries take up a large portion of the South West region, and in this town mainly, they thrive in their numbers. Take a break from driving and go inside for a bit of wine tasting, but be careful not to overdo it. You can’t drive a couple of kilometres down the scenic roads without seeing a winery with rows of grapevines.

The best way to take in the wineries is to take a Margret River tours bus, so you can drink with freedom and perhaps stay the night in town. Day tours can cost around $80 a person for a beautiful day out in the South West. Some special tours are Top Drop tours and Bush Tuckers tours.

 

One of the many wineries in Margaret River

Providore is one of the many wineries to choose from in Margaret River.

 

 

Go exploring in the dark Margaret River Caves.

The caves with littering crystals are a sight to behold. Take a trip deep into the underground and be part of one-million years of Australian history.

The significant caves in and about the Margaret River region include the Ngilgi, Mammoth, Lake and Jewel Caves. They provide tremendous and extreme tours if you are travelling without the kids and want to explore with a bit of thrill.

I have only seen the Ngilgi Cave, and it is simply breathtaking. It is well worth the $22 ticket, more minor for kids and more for adventure tours. Be warned that there are a few steps to go down, so you’ll need to go up eventually. It may not be ideal for those who fear the dark or have anxiety in tight spaces.

 

 

Ngilgi Cave in Western Australia.

Ngilgi Cave in Western Australia.

 

 

Indulge yourself at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.                    

Did someone say chocolate? I was hoping you could give me a gives now because this place needs to be on the list of Margaret River attractions.

Now it’s not the chocolate factory we all love and know with the chocolate river and the Oompa Loompas, but there is lots of chocolate available in wide varieties, but it won’t come cheap. Come for the chocolate, or stop by for a coffee. You will love being crowded by the sweet chocolate. Oh, and the free samples are pretty good.

The Chocolate Factory is located off the Bussel Highway about ten minutes before the town centre, just in case you want to stop in before heading into the town centre of Margaret River.

 

 

things to do in Margaret River

Give me chocolate at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.

 

 

The Sweet Tooth will hit you again at Candy Cow.

Candy Cow is what it says, a shop full of candy and delicious fudge that I still dream of today—a place for the kids in Cowaramup, a little town just north of the Margaret River Town Centre.

It is always a treat at Candy Cow. If you arrive at the right time, the kids can see the candy made by the friendly staff. The kids will love the many ranges of candy available, like sherbets, toffees, lollipops and bubble gum, to name a few.

 

 

Candy Cow

Candy Cow.

 

 

Margaret River Activities include a Healthy Hike.

Hikes are a part of the South West. You can’t take a trip into the Region or any other town without exploring the green forest on foot. Otherwise, you are wasting your time with the fabulous scenery around you. Late winter and early spring are great to explore as the lilies come to life in full colour—a good favourite for the wife.

The hikes in Margaret River vary from extreme to family-friendly, and you can find any good hiking tracks at Trails Western Australia.

 

 

Lilies bloom in springtime

Lilies bloom in springtime. Keep a lookout during your hike.

 

The Hot Surf Spot is Prevelly Beach

Prevelly beach is not just about its surfing. The beach makes Margret River so popular, where world-class surfers become one with the ocean and take on the swelling waves. You can also glimpse the stunning ocean views, even better at sunset, and the picturesque scenery that makes it one of the best beaches in Western Australia but in the country. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy eating with the sounds of the waves crashing, and whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.

 

Prevelly Beach

Prevelly Beach in Western Australia.

 

 

 Wander the Margaret River Town Centre

Suppose you’re done with the wineries, the beaches, and chocolate (I don’t know how); it could be time to get your retail therapy going. The Margaret River town centre is saturated with retail outlets, especially surf shops, to spend your hard-earned cash. And I mean hard-earned money because shopping or food isn’t cheap in this town.

The Margaret River town centre has many restaurants, pubs and cafes provided. So you can get off your feet and enjoy a meal with a wine or beer or have a delicious cappuccino.

Another thing to add to the list is the Farmers Market that is open every Saturday morning, with plenty of fresh fruit available, amongst other things. It also has a delicious crepe stall, so take advantage.

 

 

Margaret River town centre

Margaret River town centre

 

 

 

Other Awesome Things to Do in Margaret River

Margaret River is the Region that keeps on giving. Let’s briefly examine the extra activities and attractions in the mighty tourist towns and surrounding areas.

 

Say cheese at the Margaret River Cheese Factory.

Many cows are noticed on the farms on your drive around, which means lots of cheese factories are in the surrounding area, and the South West is famous for its cheese factories. Stop in and try your favourite local cheeses. But keep your hands off the Camembert. That’s mine.

 

Kayak Time in the River 

Flex that upper body of yours with a kayak in the Margaret River. The same waters will make it fun for the family in the picturesque surroundings, but always handle the water carefully and know what you’re doing.

 

Retail Therapy is alive. 

Look through the magnificent tourist strip of the Margaret River town centre, because there is lots of good stuff for sale and the women will love it—an expensive place to shop, but free to wander. Men can stop in at a local pub if bored.

 

Did someone say brewery? 

The number of breweries doesn’t come with the same amount as wineries, but Breweries are still a large part of Margaret River that serves fresh beer off the tap and delicious food.

 

Look for a bargain at the Farmer’s Market.

The farmers market is just a little bit out of town, which is on every Saturday morning and is suitable for fresh produce, coffee, and delicious crepes.

 

Camp out in the woods.

Rough it under the stars or go luxury camping with electricity at many tourist parks. You will find a suitable spot to pitch a tent, be at one with nature, and tell camp stories to the kids at night.

 

Go on a Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch with a bottle of wine because life won’t get much more relaxing. You don’t need to worry about finding a suitable place to stop for Lunch. There are loads of places to get out the old picnic rug. Prevelly Beach is a favourite of mine.

 

Get out the Rod and reel. 

If fishing is your thing, Margaret River won’t let you down. Whether freshwater or beach fishing, you will find a suitable spot to throw in a line. Just ensure you obtain a licence as the rangers come out and check. Find fishing spots in the Region at this link. 

 

When miniature ball golf is too hard to hit 

Big balls and big clubs are golf for the beginner, and the whole family, and you will have a ball at the Big Ball Golf. And if you still can’t get the grip of it, have a go at supa putt instead.

 

Take a drive, for a scenic adventure awaits.

Whether taking a cruise down Bussell Highway or the scenic route of Caves Road, you’ll love the drive into and around Margaret River. Go to the speed limit and enjoy what’s around you. There is no need to rush when in Margaret River.

 

Enjoy Lunch in style.

Options are aplenty in Margaret River when choosing a place to sit down for a decent meal. Wineries, pubs and classy restaurants are all on offer in the Region. So settle in. Margaret River will be a fun-filled trip. Drink responsibly.

 

Explore the Neighbouring towns. 

The neighbouring towns nearby never run dry with Dunsborough, Busselton, Yallingup, Augusta, and a few of the Southwest Region’s great neighbouring cities. Each village is as beautiful as the next, with many fun-filled family activities—excellent beaches to explore and sightsee.

 

Drive with care in the South West.

When driving on Western Australian roads, let’s leave a friendly but severe reminder. It’s easy to get distracted driving in the Margaret River region. Nature is stunning. Ensure you go carefully by sticking to the speed limit and not overtaking until you reach the overtaking lanes. Significantly drive with care on the bending roads on the scenic Caves road that travels through from Yallingup to Augusta. Pull over and take it all in if you need to look at something you like.

That wraps it up regarding awesome things to do in Margaret River. A region that is full-on fun for family and romantic couples alike. Margaret River Activities are aplenty, the wine flows, and the food is simply delicious. Relaxing is not an option in the Region; it’s compulsory.

Check out more articles at Fair Dinkum Traveller.

 

Margaret River

Margaret River tourism is alive with many things to do.

Check out a few of these Western Australia Travel Books from Amazon

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How to Travel Safe in Australia When exploring the Land Downunder

How to Travel Safe in Australia When exploring the Land Downunder

In the times of new travel, as we adapt to safe travel, here’s a guide to Travel Safe in Australia When exploring the Land Downunder.

If you’re going to travel a long way away, then Australia is the place to go for memories that’ll be forever cherished. Between the blue skies, the hot sun, the tempting ocean, the rugged bush and the seemingly endless outback, there’s something for everyone to experience and appreciate in the land Downunder. 

Whether you plan on braving the Australian summer or you’d prefer to travel at a different time of the year when the weather dips in temperature, a travel safe Australia trip will ensure your stay is memorable for all the right reasons. Here are some tips to help you to stay safe on your adventure.

Travel Safe in Australia

In the times of new travel, as we adapt to safe travel, here’s a guide to Travel Safe in Australia When exploring the Land Downunder.

 

How to Travel Safe in Australia When exploring the Land Downunder

Let’s get into it, a brief guide on How to Travel Safe in Australia When exploring the Land Downunder. And hopefully, your holiday in Oz remains a memorable trip.

 

1. Check the Official Guidelines

Before you travel to any country, you should check the official tourism guidelines for up-to-date information about how you can stay safe. Guidelines have always been a good source of information, but it’s imperative since the COVID-19 pandemic has interfered with travel around the world.

Check out the official health and safety FAQs for tourists in Australia for reliable information about the safety of Australia and what to do to stay COVID-19 safe. You can also find advice about what to do if you get lost or travel with a disability. 

 

2. Plan Your Travels

If you are planning on a backpacking or exploratory adventure, then be sure to plan your travels well. Australia is a big country, and it’s surprisingly easy to get lost. Some areas have spotty mobile phone signals. 

Australia has an “Advanced Mobile Location” system, allowing emergency services to find your location when you call triple zero. Having a plan can be a lifesaver. Another tip is to tell friends and family about your travel plans and arrange to contact them at a specific time. Hopefully, if you don’t get there, someone will know your general location. 

Don’t take the bush lightly. An unplanned journey can at least cause you to get lost for a while and be late for other plans. But it can be perilous, especially in more remote areas of the outback. 

 

3. Travel Insurance

Ideally, your trip will go by without a hitch in your plans. However, things can always go wrong. Incidents that crop up when you’re travelling can be stressful and expensive. This is where travel insurance comes into play.

Travel insurance isn’t the only paperwork that you’ll need when exploring Australia, of course. Once you get to Australia, be sure to visit a travel doctor who can provide accurate information and any other travel medical services that you might need. These doctors also offer these valuable services for people leaving Australia.

 

4. Provisions

Australia is a relatively safe country, but there are precautions that you need to take and provisions that will be helpful. First and foremost is sunscreen. You may have heard of the saying “slip, slop, slap.” Slip-on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat. Your skin will thank you.

You should also keep well hydrated and carry plenty of water around with you, especially during the heat of the summer. If you’re travelling on foot, then don’t forget a good map, decent shoes, and a radio to contact authorities for help if need be. 

Put, if you take care now, you’ll have a stress-free adventure in the land of Oz.

Travel Smart: Travelling to Warmer Climates? Be Sun Smart

 

 

Penguin Island Western Australia

Enjoy the road less travel in Australia.

Three Handy Tips For Staying Comfortable On The Road

Three Handy Tips For Staying Comfortable On The Road

We all love to drive the open roads in an adventure, and here are three top tips for staying comfortable on the road.

Quite a few people often find that they’ll have to be on the road for quite a while. That could be for work, moving state, or multiple other reasons.

Whatever the reason, it mightn’t be the most pleasant of experiences, especially if it’s long-distance. Most of this revolves around comfort.

Many people don’t know how to stay comfortable on the road for hours on end. There are multiple factors involved in this.

Some of these could be obvious, while others aren’t. Researching’ motorcycle accident attorney near me‘ could be one of the better recommended.

It’ll help you relax knowing that you’re covered if things go wrong. Alongside that, you’ll need to keep a few other things in mind.

 

pinnacles desert

Detour a little to stay comfortable on the road.

 

3 Handy Tips To Stay Comfortable On The Road

We all love to drive the open roads in an adventure, and here are three top tips for staying comfortable on the road.

 

Keep Entertained on the road

You’d be surprised by the number of entertainment options you’ll have when you’re on the road. That’s especially true if you’re in a car or R.V.

It’s worth keeping yourself entertained alongside anyone else in the vehicle. Doing so will prevent boredom during the trip.

You can choose from multiple things, including music, guessing games, and more, and if the driver isn’t distracted, you should have plenty of fun ahead.

These experiences will assist in making the road trip seem quicker, and you’ll enjoy yourself much more.

Get Plenty Of Sleep and in Frequent Doses

You’ll likely spend long days on the road. That can be pretty tiresome. You’ll need to make sure that you get enough sleep.

If you don’t, it can negatively impact your driving abilities. It could also make you feel cranky, among other things.

Getting enough sleep at night will be needed for this. Getting breaks during the day will also be recommended, as it’ll avoid tiring you out.

Stay Hydrated with plenty of Fluids

It could be a while before you’re able to stop somewhere to get a drink. You should bring water and water bottles with you on the road.

Nobody wants to be dehydrated when they’re driving, especially if it’ll be a while before you can get a drink. Having a few bottles of water in a cooler can be helpful.

There are some negatives with this, however. The more you drink, the more you’ll need to use the bathroom.

You might want to find a balance with this. Make sure that you’re not dehydrated, but avoid over-hydrating yourself.

 

How To Stay Comfortable On The Road: Wrapping Up

Suppose you don’t know how to stay comfortable when driving for several hours on the open highway; an exciting trip could become a stressful adventure. Therefore, You’ll need to find ways to make it easier for all involved.

Each of the above points could come highly recommended and will assist in making the trip much more comfortable than you’d think.

Having a planned approach for your road adventure is essential. You’ll not only know what to bring with you to stay comfortable, but you can figure out where to relax and when.

The positive impact of prior planning is you’ll have no problem staying comfortable on the road.

 

Jurien Bay

Arriving at Jurien Bay Western Australia.

A Travel Alarm Clock To Never Be Late for those Important Schedules!

A Travel Alarm Clock To Never Be Late for those Important Schedules!

Many of us have become reliant on our mobile phones’ alarm features, but seasoned jet setters know that there is nothing like a traditionalist travel alarm clock.

A travel clock gives a sense of security, knowing that it won’t fail when you hopelessly need the device the most. 

That’s because out-of-country mobile phones can sometimes have issues, and you can’t always depend on the alarm clocks found in your hotel room. 

Besides, not all trips mean you’ll be staying in a hotel room, and heaven helps if you can’t charge your smartphone.

Having your travel alarm clock gives you peace of mind you won’t miss your next flight or wake up in time to catch that incredible sunrise you travelled so far to see.

Let’s go travel shopping!

 

family James Bond Island.

Get your family all organised and ready with a travel alarm clock.

 

A Suitable Travel Alarm Clock So your Never Late for those Important Schedules 

 

 Below are a few handy travel alarm clocks that you might want to check out in the nick of time for your next trip abroad:

Before you read on, if you are to purchase a product from the Amazon Program, I may get a tiny commission in the process, don’t worry; it is at no further expense to you, the consumer. Read more at the disclaimer. 

 

Marathon Travel Clock 

Travel alarm clocks may be a small, niche market, but Marathon reigns supreme as the pick of the lot. 

The Marathon Alarm Clock is known for making portable yet practical, affordable travel alarm clocks, and the Marathon CL030023 Travel Clock is no different.

Travellers love this clock so much because of its portability; you can fold it up and quickly tuck it away into your suitcase. 

When it’s time to use it, unfold it and let it stand next to your bed. It has all the thoughtful features you’d need in a clock. 

It wakes you up with easy-to-set alarms, but it also shows you the date, day, and temperature. 

The Marathon Travel Alarm Clock is around 4×2 inches and highly compact – what’s not to love?

 

You can purchase the Marathon Alarm Clock at Amazon!

Australian Customers Click here!

travel alarm clock

 

 

Peakeep Ultra Small Travel Alarm Clock 

If you’re one of many who still prefer analog travel clocks to be digital, you can’t go wrong with the Peakeep Ultra Small Travel Alarm Clock. 

At a compact size of 2.25×1.25 inches and with a weight of under 2 ounces, this pocket analog alarm clock has become a favourite among travellers.

However, this model has removed that irritating ticking noise, unlike traditional analog clocks. 

Thanks to a second hand that does not tick at all, the travel clock is silent. Plus, you can easily set the alarm by turning the alarm on and off. 

It comes with a snooze button located on the front and an ascending alarm that will ensure you wake up for your flight or scheduled day trip. 

 

You can purchase the Peakeep Travel clock at Amazon!

Australian Customers Click Here!

travel alarm clock

 

 

Alarpro Small Digital Alarm Clock

Despite being a small travel clock, this travel alarm clock is powerful and efficient. 

It’s half an inch in thickness and weighs 3 ounces, so if you’re a light packer, this is the small clock for you.

The Alarpro Small Digital Alarm Clock features a lid that doubles as a stand. 

It comes with a leather case for added protection when you buy a clock. The clock’s digital display includes the day and the week as well. You can assure you’ll wake up to its loud sound though it isn’t obnoxiously loud, and the settings are all simple. 

Overall, this travel alarm clock is ideal for travellers looking for a small, straightforward model that does the job well.

 

Purchase the Alarpro Travel Clock at Amazon!

Australian Customers Click Here!

travel alarm clock

 

The last thing anyone wants to experience during a trip is missing a flight or tour. A reliable travel alarm clock will help you prevent all that.

Let us know which one is your favourite!

 

travel alarm clock

A Travel Alarm Never Be Late for those Important Schedules with a trustworthy alarm device!

 

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