Gadling

Nakation Nation: Nudist Resorts And Beaches Solve Airline Baggage Fee Woes

Laurel Miller — Sun, 20 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Business, North America, Oceania, United States, Australia, Camping, Budget Travel, Women's Travel, Travel Security

And from the, "OMFG" department comes this information, via press release: The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) "encourages wholesome family nude recreation ["Nakations"] in appropriate settings such as designated nude beaches and AANR-member resorts, or around the home. Experts have attested that children raised in a social nudist environment grow up with a stronger sense of self-esteem, free of many of the body image issues that trouble the average textile youth."

I'm most disturbed by the terms, "textile youth" and "Nakation." I'm not going to touch those with a ten-foot...never mind. Why I'm so skeeved out by the naked family vacay thing is a bit more convoluted. I like to think that I'm pretty open-minded, and it's true we've become a nation of body dysmorphic, eating-disordered freaks...when we're not morbidly obese, that is.

I have no problem going topless on European beaches, and have often bemoaned the puritanical leanings of Americans when it comes to censorship with regard to nudity on television and in magazines. I just feel that it's potential fodder for a therapist's couch when children and their parents frolic about sans textiles after the toddler stage has passed; I also believe that public nudity past toddler-hood is something that should only be done by consenting adults.

I've been to a nude beach twice. Maybe it's because I didn't holiday in the buff with my family (my eyes, my eyes!) as a child, but I can tell you two things my nude sunbathing didn't accomplish: providing me with a stronger sense of self-esteem, and freeing me of the body image issues that have troubled me ever since I was an average, deprived textiled youth.

Continue reading Nakation Nation: Nudist Resorts And Beaches Solve Airline Baggage Fee Woes

Nakation Nation: Nudist Resorts And Beaches Solve Airline Baggage Fee Woes originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 20 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Museum Month: JEATH War Museum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Laurel Miller — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Learning, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Japan, Thailand, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Budget Travel

History has never been my favorite subject, but once I began traveling in earnest, I discovered something. If I visited a destination, I usually became obsessed with its history or indigenous peoples. Unfortunately, I didn't discover this in time to save the downward trajectory of my GPA when I was a student, but it's made me sound infinitely more worldly in daily life.

I found the JEATH War Museum in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, purely by accident. Anything historical pertaining to war is a subject I normally avoid - I'm a girl like that - with the exception of the "Platoon" soundtrack. Thus, the most I knew about "The Bridge on the River Kwai," which is located in Kanchanaburi, is how to whistle the tune. The town and bridge are actually located at the confluence of the Rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, at the headwaters of the Maeklong (Mekong).

I ended up there because I had a few days to kill prior to flying home, and it's less than a two-hour bus ride west of Bangkok. Kanchanaburi sounded peaceful, and is a popular getaway for backpackers and Thai urbanites. The main activities are dining in the many "floating restaurants" on the river, taking cooking classes, hiking in beautiful Erawan National Park and sightseeing (more on that after the jump).

I ended up meeting two fun Australian girls at my riverfront guesthouse, and we proceeded to spend the next three days together. On our first afternoon, I asked them how they'd ended up in Kanchanaburi, and they told me they were there to visit the JEATH War Museum and pay tribute. I looked at them blankly.

"The what?" I asked. They looked at me with pity, thinking, like millions of Aussies before them, that the American educational system is an abysmal failure (no argument there).

"The Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand, Holland War Museum," one of the girls said patiently. "Y'know, it's dedicated to the thousands of Allied POWs who died while constructing the Bridge and Death Railway from 1942 to 1943."

Cue crickets chirping.

Continue reading Museum Month: JEATH War Museum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Museum Month: JEATH War Museum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation

Justin Delaney — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, France, Greece, United States, Australia, Palau, Ecuador, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Nightlife, Caribbean, Luxury Travel

Summer is the time of island vacations. It is time to put as much distance between you and the real world as possible. It is time to stand outside of your everyday life and to see how it all looks from a paradise perspective. Here is a collection of islands for escape - places to recharge, gain perspective and explore. From an island in the land of the gods to a tropical Amsterdam at the edge of an ocean trench, each of these ten destinations provides something extraordinary.

Gallery: 10 Islands To Visit Next

Continue reading 10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation

10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photo of the Day: Bicheno Rocks

Chris Owen — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Australia, Photo of the Day

This Photo of the Day comes from Gadling Flickr pool member BaboMike who captured the image using a Canon EOS 40D and is titled Bicheno Rocks.

Bicheno is located on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia, 185 km north-east of Hobart on the Tasman Highway and is primarily a fishing port and a beach resort.

BaboMike describes this fun image as, "Besides the famous blowhole, experimenting with long exposures. I just love the silky look of the ocean."

Play around and if you get lucky, upload your best shots to the Gadling Group Pool on Flickr. Several times a week we choose our favorite images from the pool as Photos of the Day.

Tip for getting featured: In your Flickr account, check "Privacy and Permissions," and check "yes" on "Allow others to share your stuff." Adding information about your image does not hurt your chances either.

Photo of the Day: Bicheno Rocks originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holistic Healing Practices From Around The World

Jessica Festa — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Food and Drink, Stories, Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, Morocco, Singapore, Turkey, Ukraine, Belize, Mexico, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Middle East, Central America

Nowadays, it seems like there's a pill or shot to cure every illness. But do we really know how safe these unnatural remedies are? Throughout my travels and by talking with locals from other cultures, I've learned there are many natural treatments that are also effective in promoting good health. For those who've ever wondered about the holistic secrets of other cultures, here are some answers.

Turkey

In Turkey, the trick to staying healthy is mesir paste. The concoction was invented in Manisa during the Ottoman Empire, when the wife of Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim and mother of Suleyman the Magnificent became very ill. No doctor was able to find a cure, until one created a unique spice blend that seemed to bring the woman back to life. The mixture is a blend of 41 different spices that form a thick paste, and is used as a general cure-all and tonic. Some of the paste's ingredients include black pepper, cinnamon, licorice root (shown above), coconut and orange peel. The country is so proud of their natural remedy, they celebrate a Mesir Festival in Manisa each year.

Continue reading Holistic Healing Practices From Around The World

Holistic Healing Practices From Around The World originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photo Of The Day: Gold Coast Surfers

Alex Robertson Textor — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, Photo of the Day

In the hands of Flickr user verargulla, these Gold Coast surfers seem to exist in a silver-gold haze - a dreamy netherworld of mist, skyscrapers and cooperative waves. It's enough to make the idea of surfing attractive even to those who've never successfully ridden a wave.

Upload your best images of surfers, skyscrapers and dislocated fantasies to the Gadling Group Pool on Flickr. We select our favorites from the pool to be Photos of the Day.

Photo Of The Day: Gold Coast Surfers originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 Best Cities Around The World To Experience Graffiti Art

Jessica Festa — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Photos, Stories, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, South Africa, Malaysia, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, Brazil, Budget Travel

"Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don't come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they're having a piss." - Banksy, "Banging Your Head Against A Brick Wall"

While often thought of as vandalism, there are many cities around the globe with beautiful works of graffiti that add an aesthetic property to a destination. In fact, many of the cities on this list feature legal graffiti walls, and works commissioned by the city to help enhance and beautify the region. Moreover, a lot of street art helps to tell the story of a culture, express political views and enlighten viewers on important topics.

Want to know where to experience the best graffiti art around the world? Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Best Cities Around The World To Experience Graffiti Art

10 Best Cities Around The World To Experience Graffiti Art originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to cross a river in Australia

Chris Owen — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Australia, Transportation

Many think twice when approaching high water in their vehicle. Owners manuals commonly do not include instructions on how deal with these perilous situations. When rivers run high, hikers know that crossing a river is among the riskier things you can do on the trail. Bikers won't even try it but adventure travelers equipped with a kayak might give it a go.

Here we see what looks to be a Toyota Land cruiser making its way across deep waters, seemingly oblivious to any danger. We're betting they had a snorkel device of some sort for the exhaust and maybe weights in the back. One thing they surely had on board: a lot of guts.

YouTube video uploaded by surfsta06

How to cross a river in Australia originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visit the Great Barrier Reef at a substantial discount

Kraig Becker — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Oceania, Australia, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury Travel

Yesterday we told you about a new travel survey from LivingSocial that revealed that Americans consider themselves the worst travelers in the world. That same survey also asked respondents to rank their top international travel destinations with Australia's Great Barrier Reef coming out on top. To celebrate this distinction, and to help make some of those travel dreams come true, Hamilton Island is now offering a discount of nearly 40% for future visitors.

The Hamilton Island & Sydney package includes everything you'll need to enjoy an Australian vacation. The itinerary features round-trip flights on Virgin Australia from Los Angeles, ground transportation to and from the airport and five nights stay in both Sydney and on Hamilton Island itself. It also includes snorkeling excursions on the Great Barrier Reef; a visit to the world famous Whitehaven Beach; access to windsurfing, catamarans and paddle skis; and much more. The package is priced at $3646, which represents a 38% savings, and must be taken between April 1st and September 15th of this year.

Having visited the GBR myself a few years back I can attest to how beautiful a destination it truly is. The Whitsunday Islands, of which Hamilton Island is a part, is amongst the most stunning places I've ever been and I completely understand why it was named as the top "dream destination" on the LivingSocial survey. Other places that earned a place on that list include the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Grand Canyon in Arizona and the Great Wall of China. No word yet if any of those places are offering discounts on travel as well.

Visit the Great Barrier Reef at a substantial discount originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spiderwebs blanket Australian tourist stopover

Libby Zay — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Australia, News

Unless looking to relive a scene from Steven Spielberg's "Arachnaphobia" (1990), travelers should be wary of a visit to Wagga Wagga, Australia anytime soon. One of several towns affected by the recent floods in southeast Australia, Wagga Wagga is experiencing a curious phenomenon: thousands upon thousands of spiders looking for higher (and drier) ground are working together to weave massive webs across sticks and bushes. In some cases, the webs have grow so large they cover entire fields.

The strange spiderweb blankets were first reported by the BBC. According to the news outlet, approximately 9,000 people in Wagga Wagga been forced to evacuate due to flooding. Wagga Wagga is a popular stopover for people heading between Adelaide, Sydney or Melbourne. What would you do if you were on the road and survived a flood but were then greeted by thousands of hairy-legged spiders? Just the thought gives us the creepy crawlies.

Continue reading Spiderwebs blanket Australian tourist stopover

Spiderwebs blanket Australian tourist stopover originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vagabond Tales: Snorkeling with irukandji, one of the deadliest animals on Earth

Kyle Ellison — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Learning, Scuba Diving, Stories, Oceania, Australia, Ecotourism

"This guy over here has been tagged three times mate."

The dive instructor on our Whitsunday Islands cruise peels off his neoprene gloves and shows us a slight scar located just above the knuckle of his right thumb.

"Luckily every time they got me it was in the hand or the foot", he claims. "If they'd gotten me on the bloody torso I'd be a gonner."

As someone who has worked on charter boats for a number of years, I know that telling tall tales to tourists just comes with the job. True story or not, I know that the threat is real nonetheless. A dreamy island chain set at the southern tip of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands from November through April are home to one of the world's deadliest creatures: the irukandji jellyfish.

Similar to a box jellyfish, the tiny irukandji measure only 2.5 centimeters across and have tentacles that pack more venom than the combined amount of 100 cobras. Although actual irukandji fatalities are rare, one Australian teen actually reported he wishes he were dead during a recent irukandji attack.

For this very reason many towns and resorts on the Queensland coast have massive salt water swimming lagoons or fresh pools which serve as refreshing watering holes (and nighttime love hideouts for inebriated backpackers) during the annual irukandji season.

Yet, for some reason, I decided it was still a good idea to go snorkeling. In the ocean. In the Whitsunday Islands. In the peak of irukandji season.

A bit sketchy? Yes. But is it really that dangerous? Not really. Although the safest way to keep from being stung by a massively poisonous jellyfish is to abstain from the ocean completely, for those still harboring fantasies of gliding above a giant purple clam or catching a rare sighting of a giant Napoleon wrasse, the easiest thing thing to do is to simply don a stinger suit.

Wait. A stinger suit? What's a stinger suit?

Continue reading Vagabond Tales: Snorkeling with irukandji, one of the deadliest animals on Earth

Vagabond Tales: Snorkeling with irukandji, one of the deadliest animals on Earth originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gorgeous time lapse of Australia's "Southern Lights"

Jeremy Kressmann — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, Video

It's been a lifelong dream of mine to see the Northern Lights, that glorious display of eerie green "smoke" that appears to float above the nighttime sky of some of the furthest northern reaches of our globe. But now I have another sight to add to that list: the Southern Lights. Also know as "Aurora Australis", it's the southern hemisphere equivalent of the auroras that occur up north, captured in stunning time-lapse fashion near Melbourne, Australia by photographer Alex Cherney. Give the video above a click and watch as the Milky Way gracefully dances across the southern sky, punctuated by the mesmerizing warm pulses of pink, yellow and orange.

Gorgeous time lapse of Australia's "Southern Lights" originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Underwater bollywood dancing on the Great Barrier Reef

Jessica Festa — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Scuba Diving, Oceania, Australia, Video, Ecotourism

While it isn't hard to find countless videos on the web showing you the beauty and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, it isn't that often that you find the location being the set of a choreographed, underwater dance number. The video is actually a contest entry for the Tourism Tropical North Queensland's bollywood dance competition submitted by Seawalker, an underwater diving company that allows you to walk on the ocean floor. Despite having gravity working against them, the Seawalker team actually does an impressive job at mastering the dance moves, and are clearly having a great time doing it.

Karl of Seawalker commented post-production, "It's a very unusual experience trying to dance underwater in a helmet, as all you hear is bubbles, no music, and yourself counting out the moves in a 4/4 count just hoping that everyone around you are in time. Thus, [it took] about 15 takes to get it right."

Check out their finished product above.

Underwater bollywood dancing on the Great Barrier Reef originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How hikers in the Tarkine Rainforest can help save the endangered Tasmanian devil

Jessica Festa — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Oceania, Australia, Ecotourism

Visitors to the Tarkine Rainforest in Tasmania, Australia, can now help save the endangered Tasmanian devil. Scientists have set up 45 motion-sensitive cameras along the trails and are asking hikers to help them to collect data and track local populations of the marsupials.

Right on the Tarkine Devil Project's mission, it states they would like to "actively engage the broader community with the research. We will offer a direct hands on experience with the science via Tarkine Trails infrastructure, walks and custom built experiences".

While for a long time there was speculation about whether Tasmanian devils even lived in the Tarkine, there is now proof. What's really amazing about the discovery is that the Tarkine population seems to be void of the common facial tumor disease that causes most Tasmanian devils to starve to death, presenting a unique opportunity for researchers to learn more about the disease and to breed healthy devils.

If you'd like to sponsor a camera, click here for more information. To learn more about the project itself click here or check out the video above, which is part information, part guided tour as you get to experience the beautiful scenery of the Tarkine Rainforest in Australia.

How hikers in the Tarkine Rainforest can help save the endangered Tasmanian devil originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Advanced technology brings mandatory full-body scans to Australia

Chris Owen — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Australia, Airports, Travel Security

Using advanced technology that makes passengers appear as stick figures, mandatory full-body scans are being rolled out at all of Australia's major airports. Successful trials at Sydney and Melbourne airports last year signal the end of a loophole in legislation that had allowed passengers to request a pat-down instead of having to pass through a metal detector.

"I think the public understands that we live in a world where there are threats to our security and experience shows they want the peace of mind that comes with knowing government is doing all it can," said Transport Minister Anthony Albanese in the Australian.

The new scanners, part of a $28 million overhaul, tested successfully year on more than 23,000 passengers in trials from August 2-19 in Sydney and September 5-30 in Melbourne.

The Australian government is touting the technology as the most advanced available, with the equipment able to detect metallic and non-metallic items beneath clothing with few radio waves emitted.

Continue reading Advanced technology brings mandatory full-body scans to Australia

Advanced technology brings mandatory full-body scans to Australia originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australia rail travel a bargain for backpackers

Chris Owen — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Australia, Transportation, Budget Travel

Queensland Rail Travel (QR) provides Urban and Interurban rail and bus services throughout South East Queensland in Australia. Looking to deliver a greater number of international tourists to the state's regional tourism hotspots, QR is offering special savings for overseas backpackers who want to travel between multiple locations

"Backpackers travel to several different locations up the east coast and this new offer gives them the flexibility of being able to move from point-to-point in a quick and convenient way," Queensland Rail Travel general manager, Max Kruse said.

International visitors who have a valid hostel or backpacker card can save up to 40 per cent off the normal rail travel fare for point-to-point journeys on Queensland Rail Travel's long distance services.

"Queensland Rail Travel's network provides the gateway to all the tourism hotspots including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Cairns," said Kruse.

Continue reading Australia rail travel a bargain for backpackers

Australia rail travel a bargain for backpackers originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 luxury hostels from around the world

Jessica Festa — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Food and Drink, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, South Africa, Cambodia, Thailand, Italy, Spain, United States, Australia, Argentina, Colombia, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Luxury Travel

While many people think of hostels as run down hotels with cramped rooms and few amenities, there are many properties that can actually make you feel as if you're staying at a resort. For those who want comfort on a budget, here are 10 excellent luxury hostels from around the world.

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort Cairns
Cairns, Australia

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort in Cairns is without a doubt one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. And if you're looking for something a little more luxurious than your average youth hostel, this is an excellent choice. Rooms offered include 4,6,8,10-bed dorms, 4 & 6-bed deluxe dorms, 6-bed all female dorms, and private rooms. The accommodation has a resort-type feel, with balconies, a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall and palm trees, a makeshift beach with volleyball nets, and even gym access. They also have swanky nightclub that often hosts theme parties and hot DJ's.

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10 luxury hostels from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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4 off-the-radar destinations in South Australia

Jessica Festa — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Oceania, Australia, Ecotourism, Budget Travel

While many people who travel to South Australia visit the popular regions of Adelaide and the nearby Barossa Valley, there are many off-the-radar destinations that are also worth exploring. Whether you love wine tasting, unique restaurants, adventure travel, craft beer, architecture, art, or culture, there is something for everyone to experience through these lesser-traversed regions down south.

Hahndorf

Located about 30 minutes north of Adelaide, Hahndorf offers scenic hillside views as well as a strong German influence through the city's timber-framed buildings, German restaurants, and German-inspired art galleries. The old-world charm brings you back in time while trendy boutiques and restaurants help to keep the city modern. For wine-enthusiasts, the wineries and cellars of Hahndorf give a great opportunity to sample the region's cold-climate varieties, which are my personal favorite because of their intense flavors. Make sure to stop at Harris Smokehouse, a fourth-generation family-owned restaurant that serves high-quality smoked fish specialties, like smoked kingfish, hot smoked barramundi, and smoked oysters from Coffin Bay. I would also recommend visiting The White House, an 1858 cottage that features everything from rustic and ethical cuisine like coddled free-range eggs with spinach and pork fennel sausages with asparagus and mushrooms, an impressive wine cellar, live music, and a Secret Garden Cinema on Friday nights in the summer and fall. As a nature and outdoors lover, I also love the country-fresh treats of Beerenberg Farm like chutneys, jams, honeys, oils, and other sauces (try the molasses!), as well as getting to pick your own strawberries.

Continue reading 4 off-the-radar destinations in South Australia

4 off-the-radar destinations in South Australia originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is Melbourne...Wow! (confusing video edition)

Jeremy Kressmann — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, Video

Ever wanted to visit Melbourne? Well dear traveler, today's your (un)lucky day! We're going to take you on a video tour of Australia's second largest city like you've never seen it before - down streets lined with "fanciful emporiums!" Inside a place where restaurants serve meals chock full of "extrinsic flavors!" and past public spaces adorned with the work of "young genius." Wait...huh?

If you're feeling confused (or even a little deceived) not to worry. We are too. Apparently the above production, crafted by the geniuses at Powervision (Asia Pacific), is a tourist DVD intended to wow visitors with Melbourne's show-stopping beauty, mouth-watering cuisine and buzzing nightlife. We're not so sure it's working. Then again, who wouldn't jump at the chance to visit the "Big Spine"? Give it a watch and decide for yourself.

This is Melbourne...Wow! (confusing video edition) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video of the day: singing and piano playing dog in Australia

Elizabeth Seward — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, Video, News

Is this video of a singing and piano playing dog in Australia travel-related? Kind of. How? Well, I think this dog is a bit of a travel attraction. This musical dog appears to be taking the stage in a public place which gives me hope that myself as well as fellow travelers have a shot as seeing this awesome dog in person one day. This dog is a spectacle, but he's talented! Thanks to Tim Ferriss' recent Facebook status, I started my day off with hysterical laughter. His status read:

"Having a stressful day? Here's :30 of relief: "Meanwhile, in Australia".

Have you ever had a journey enhanced by a particularly special animal? Tell us about it in the comments if so!

Continue reading Video of the day: singing and piano playing dog in Australia

Video of the day: singing and piano playing dog in Australia originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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