Want to escape to the great outdoors? From rippling riverbeds to rugged ravines Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand boasts of a variety of landscapes– it’s a sight to behold!

If you are anxious to explore Arthur’s Pass National Park, there are several walks to choose from. The Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall is a popular short walk. For those with great endurance, try a longer walk along the Avalanche Peak Track. Known for its hiking and tramping, New Zealand offers a plethora of places to enjoy the dramatic scenery.

The TranzAlpine train is the perfect way to take in New Zealand’s magnificence. RealTravelers Kyle & Dan give us insight on their travels and share some helpful tips!

“The rail journey traveled across the expansive patchwork of Canterbury Plains’ farmland, wound through the spectacular gorges of the Waimakariri River, and climbed the mighty Southern Alps of New Zealand by taking a route through Arthur’s Pass. After passing through the Southern Alps, the train descended into lush native beech forest and stopped in the coastal town of Greymouth for an hour before making its way back east to Christchurch.

All of that amazing scenery was included in the ticket price for the 9-hour day journey; we were fortunate to have received a discount when we booked our tickets, so we only paid $130 (that’s around £50, or $100 USD each) for each ticket, compared to the original ticket price of $198 NZD (that’s around £76, or $152 USD each). It was fortunate that we booked our tickets through the I-Site the day before because we may not have been granted a discount if we would have booked the trip ourselves over the telephone, or if we would have just shown up in Christchurch on the morning of the journey to purchase tickets” (more…)

To plan your trip, visit:

Arthur’s Pass Hotels

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Pack your bags and cruise into Croatia. With pristine blue waters and remarkable landscape, Dubrovnik is the perfect place to make your escape! Learn some history at the Maritime Museum and visit Rector’s Palace, known for its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture. Don’t forget your camera as you walk on top of the city walls! The view is absolutely stunning! Cross over the famous Pile Gate and enter into Old Town, which was once surrounded by a moat. Finally, be sure to enjoy the scenic beaches and sample the delectable gelato!

RealTravel author Tracy writes:

“The next day we sail down to Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, and the most anticipated destination of our trip. Traveling to Dubrovnik by boat is much easier than by car since Bosnia crosses through Croatia dividing the country in half forcing drivers to go through immigration twice on their way to the famous walled city.

We dock in new harbor which is a 10-15 minute cab ride from Old Town. This is the only port where the action literally isn’t just outside our gang plank.

We set out to explore the city right after lunch. We enter through Pile Gate where St. Blaise looks down on all who enter. The first thing we see is Onofrio’s Fountain which is built in 1438 as part of water supply system. The water coming out of the fountain is cold and we stick our wrists under to cool off. Did I mention how hot it is here?” (more…)

RealTraveler Michelle Finkelstein shares a list of places to visit:

“An afternoon walk along the city walls is essential for unparalleled vistas and photo ops. Gaze across the clusters of traditional red rooftops and church spires, watching the women hanging wash high above narrow cobblestone alleys with children playing down below.

Within the city walls, visit Onofrio’s Fountains, one at each of the main gates, Pile and Ploce, erected in 1438 so people entering could wash to prevent bringing the Plague into this noble city.

Meander down Stradun, the main wide street, stopping for a gelato or souvenir shopping” (more…)

To plan your trip, visit:

Dubrovnik Hotels

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