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How overcrowding impacts the world’s tourism hotspots

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joe-pavelka-1548337">Joe Pavelka</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/mount-royal-university-966">Mount Royal University</a> Every summer, millions of people jet off on vacations around the world. The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimates that international arrivals, the measure of global travel, <a href="https://www.unwto.org/news/international-tourism-to-reach-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2024">will be two per cent higher than the pre-pandemic total was in 2019</a>. However, as more of us are taking vacations, some of the world’s tourism hotspots are feeling more crowded than ever. And that’s even led to protests in some popular destinations. Residents in <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/a-point-of-no-return-why-europe-has-become-an-epicentre-for-anti-tourism-protests-this-summer-1.6980308">some European</a> cities have marched through popular areas, calling on tourists to “go home.” Some destinations, like Amsterdam, are doing what was previously thought unthinkable and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/2023-worst-destinations-overtourism-avoid-crowds/index.html">actively discouraging visitors</a>. Tourism crowding has become an indelible feature of travel and it warrants some understanding. So, what is overcrowding in tourism? How do we respond to it? And why does it appear to be increasing? <h2>Tourism overcrowding</h2> At its most basic level, overcrowding occurs because a lot of people decide to go to the same place at the same time. There are three basic principles of <a href="https://theconversation.com/overtourism-a-growing-global-problem-100029">tourism overcrowding</a>. Firstly, overcrowding is real and it creates stress and compromises our experience. Secondly, we feel more crowded in the presence of incompatible behaviours. For instance, we are more likely to feel overcrowded on a sidewalk if we have to avoid a skateboarder, a cyclist and a couple of aggressive vendors than we might at a packed music festival where everyone is acting similarly. Thirdly, a place is overcrowded when we think it is. There is no standard measure of overcrowding for the visitor. It is an individually experienced phenomena. We cannot understand tourism crowding without taking into account the context of local residents. We recently learned of <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/08/travel/barcelona-tourism-protests-scli-intl/index.html">locals spraying tourists in Barcelona with water guns</a> as part of a demonstration. Locals do not do that unless they are truly fed up. This brings us to what I call the host-guest covenant, which is the idea that visitors should keep to touristic areas so residents can maintain the sanctity of their neighbourhoods. With the rise of short-term rentals, many visitors are able to go beyond the touristic parts of town. Some visitors might feel that, by sticking to touristic areas, their trip remains superficial and undeserving of the time and money it costs. Short-term rentals can allow them to avoid other tourists and gain a more “authentic” experience. However, <a href="https://upgo.lab.mcgill.ca/publication/strs-housing-bc-2022/Wachsmuth_BC_2022.pdf">it can make things worse for residents</a>, who must contend with more tourists encroaching on their neighbourhoods. <h2>How people cope with overcrowding</h2> Some people detest crowds, while others are drawn to them. There are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400306562">four basic ways people cope with the stress of overcrowding</a>. The first way is to alter travel plans to avoid crowds. It’s the most common coping method and involves avoiding certain places when we know their going to be busy. Another method is rationalization. When people find themselves in tourist crowds, they often rationalize the situation to avoid cognitive dissonance. For instance, visitors to the Louvre Museum might be more willing to tolerate crowds because they expect everyone wants to see the Mona Lisa. It implies people knowingly enter overcrowded tourist spaces. And they do, for several reasons: the attraction, fear of missing out, because crowds offer a sense of safety, and the validation that they’re somewhere important. Rationalization explains why we see thousands of people in the same place at the same time. A third coping method is product shift. It suggests we will intentionally downgrade a product to avoid cognitive dissonance. When someone tells you that Tofino used to be a quaint little surf town and now it’s touristy, they are engaging in product shift. The fourth is direct action, which involves contacting the authorities to rectify a situation. It can be as simple as asking a museum official to quiet down a noisy group or posting a review of Niagara Falls suggesting more information on how to avoid crowds. Coping methods are similar for visitors and the residents of the places they visit, but the latter places more emphasis on displacement. They have a deeper knowledge of the place and ability to navigate crowds effectively. <h2>Social media’s impact</h2> Some argue tourism took a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/social-media-tourism-effect-scn-wellness/index.html">sharp turn for the worse</a> with the advent of social media. Maybe, but the real impact of social media is that it made travel into a more visible status symbol. Prior to social media, returning travellers would print out their photos and share them with family and friends. Today we can share our photos instantly online. In addition, a desire to have the <a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/instagrammable">most “Instagrammable” experiences</a> encourages risk avoidance. In essence, it encourages us to stick to the tried-and-true tours, destinations and attractions, rather than off-the-beaten-path places. This reinforces the basic principle of overcrowding: a lot people deciding to go the same place at the same time. Given all these trends, it is expected that most post-pandemic travel will continue to be trips to “safer” destinations <a href="https://www.unwto.org/news/international-tourism-to-reach-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2024">where tourists feel they are more likely to get their money’s worth</a>. In other words, the Global North travellers going to places in the Global North they feel will be worthwhile experiences. All tourists want to have a good time when on holiday. That often means the wisdom of crowds still holds sway, and no matter how uncomfortable overcrowding might be, thousands of people going the same place at the same time feels less risky than being on your own.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/235319/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joe-pavelka-1548337">Joe Pavelka</a>, Professor, Department of Health and Physical Education, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/mount-royal-university-966">Mount Royal University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-overcrowding-impacts-the-worlds-tourism-hotspots-235319">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Trouble

World's most disappointing tourist hotspots revealed

While many travellers tend to flock to must-see tourists attractions while exploring somewhere new on their holiday, it turns out not everyone is impressed with the hype. A host of scathing online reviews have targeted landmarks such as Stonehenge, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and even Bondi Beach, calling the sites "unimpressive", "boring" and "pointless". According to travellers, there are 15 tourist hotspots that don't live up to the hype, with many leaving the destinations feeling disappointed. Mona Lisa - Paris, France One of the most "disappointing" attractions, according to travellers, is da Vinci's masterpiece the Mona Lisa, which hangs in the Louvre in the French capital city. According to online reviews, nearly four in ten (37.1 per cent) visitors posted negative comments about visiting the work, saying it did not live up to their expectations. One review left on TripAdvisor described the experience as "a bit boring", adding, "The Mona Lisa was very small and not as beautiful as I thought it would be." Several other reviews stated how irritating the experience of actually seeing the artwork was, with one person claiming the Louvre had a "zoo-like atmosphere". The Eiffel Tower - Paris, France Tourists visiting France were double disappointed, after also being let down by the iconic Eiffel Tower, which many described as "not a very special place... it's just an iron building." "It's boring, nothing special about it. You have to wait in a long queue just to go up and take pictures," another person wrote. Others claimed the landmark is nothing but a "tourist trap", claiming it is "seriously underwhelming". Stonehenge - England For many, Stonehenge continues to be a wonder of mystery, as one of the most architecturally sophisticated ancient stone sculptures in the world, but for others, it's just a "big disappointment". One reviewer went so far as to say it was the "biggest disappointment of my life", saying, "I was expecting so much more. Do not waste your time people. The only magical thing about this place is that somehow it has the power to draw people on to look at it." Another person put simply, "It's a pile of rocks. Pointless." The Leaning Tower of Pisa - Italy While many tourists visiting Italy opt to check out the famous leaning tower, others tend to lean away from it, calling it a "tourist trap". One person reviewed the famous landmark, saying, "It's literally just a leaning tower. I wouldn’t make a stop here just to see it. It is overly crowded and hot in the summertime." Others claim they were hassled by countless street sellers, writing, "The whole area is crawling with at times aggressive street hawkers who feel it is OK to keep hassling and trying to sell you tourist crap." Checkpoint Charlie - Berlin, Germany Set up as a reminder of the former border crossing and the partition between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie is often known as a must-see spot. However, others have been left feeling let down by the historic spot. One traveller rated the site just one star, writing, "The only place in Berlin where we encountered street traders who were deeply unpleasant. The museum is overpriced and very tired. The whole area was uninspiring and a complete waste of our time." The Empire State Building - New York City, USA Every year, thousands of people pay to head to the top of the iconic Empire State Building to catch a glimpse of the New York City skyline. However, given the over-crowding of the observation platform and the hefty cost to enter, many have left feeling "underwhelmed" and "ripped-off". One person reviewed the landmark, writing, "Wow! What a waste of $185 for a family of three to struggle to fight our way to finally see a view obscured by a metal crisscross railing. Long lines, rude staff, cheesy "museum", and overpriced. It's as bad as an amusement park." Bondi Beach - Sydney, Australia A trip to Bondi Beach is often at the top of a tourist's travel itinerary when heading Down Under for the first time. But as the beach gains popularity, travellers have been increasingly underwhelmed by the picturesque beach given the over-crowding. One review read, "The beach is all the hype and show but it's like having a bath with your entire family and a dozen strangers. It's packed on any normal day and should be regulated with a fence line and tickets so it's not like cramming sardines into a can." Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Pink denied entry to Sydney hotspot

Global superstar Pink, known for her chart-topping hits and gravity-defying aerial stunts, faced an unexpected hurdle during her recent visit to a Sydney hotspot. Reports have emerged detailing how the 44-year-old singer, with her entourage of eight, was turned away at the door of the Manly Skiff Club on Monday evening, sending waves of disbelief through the entertainment world. Eyewitness Mark Eymes recounted the cringe-worthy encounter to <a href="https://manlyobserver.com.au/surf-and-turf-how-manly-snubbed-both-pnk-and-a-kardashian-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Manly Observer</a>, highlighting Pink's valiant yet futile attempts to gain entry. "I overheard her saying that she had a booking, but when they asked her to provide her ID, she said she didn’t have any on her," Eymes disclosed, echoing the sentiments of many who witnessed the debacle unfold. Despite Pink's earnest explanation that she had already secured her booking with a deposit, the club's staunch adherence to the Registered Clubs Act 1976, mandating the presentation of identification for temporary membership, left the pop icon out in the cold harbour breeze. "Next thing, I saw Pink and her group walking away. They just turfed her out," Eymes recounted, painting a picture of celebrity rejection that would make even the most stoic of us cringe. In a valiant effort to come to Pink's rescue, Eymes, akin to a knight in a polo shirt, attempted to summon the Skiff Club directors and floor manager to rectify the situation. Alas, his efforts were in vain, as Pink and her posse were unceremoniously ushered away, leaving behind a cloud of disappointment and a faint echo of "Get the Party Started". However, amid the chaos and the flustered apologies from the Skiff Club's Secretary Manager, Matt Hazell, Pink maintained her composure, displaying a level of grace and decorum belying her superstar status. Witnesses attested that not once did she resort to diva antics, despite the palpable sting of rejection. "Not once did she throw her weight around. She was really pleasant despite being a little upset that she couldn’t come in," Eymes reported. As Pink continues her Summer Carnival stadium tour, captivating audiences with her electrifying performances and trademark aerial acrobatics, one can't help but wonder if this unfortunate incident will serve as inspiration for her next chart-topping hit. Will we soon find ourselves belting out lyrics about the perils of forgetting one's ID at the club? Only time will tell. Images: Instagram / Manly Skiff Club

Travel Trouble

How do Wi-Fi and hotspots work?

<div class="copy"> If you’re reading this article on your smartphone or laptop, it’s more than likely you’re connected to a wireless router. No need for bulky cables – just pick the wireless signal you want and the World Wide Web is at your fingertips. This is all thanks to the power of Wi-Fi. So how does it actually work? If you wanted to connect to the internet before Wi-Fi (which, by the way, doesn’t stand for wireless fidelity – it doesn’t actually stand for anything) you needed a cable known as an ethernet cable. This cable converts 1s and 0s of binary, the language of computers, into electrical signals which are sent down a wire and converted back into binary by the computer. But in the case of Wi-Fi, those electrical signals are converted by a router to radio waves that carry the electrical signal to the computer, where they’re converted to binary again. Information is sent as lots of small packets that are then stitched together. The process also works in reverse. If you need to send an email, your computer or smartphone shoots radio waves to the router. The radio waves are very similar to those used in mobile phones, walkie-talkies and other devices. So how can radio waves carry the amount of information needed to watch a high-resolution cat video? It’s true: the amount of information transmitted to make a phone call (audio) is far less than to watch an online video (audio and visual). This boils down to the radio wave frequency. Wi-Fi uses either 2.4 gigahertz or 5 gigahertz – far higher than those used by mobile phones at less than 1 gigahertz. A higher frequency means more radio waves – and more data – can be packed into a given space. The trade-off is that the waves can’t travel as far and are heavily influenced by nearby objects, including other Wi-Fi signals. That’s why your Wi-Fi signal gets weaker the more walls you put between your computer and router. You can get around this by linking lots of routers together to boost the signal. This is how the internet hotspots found in places such as cafes, universities and office buildings manage to reach out across multiple levels and large distances. For instance, the University of Twente in the Netherlands has a hotspot covering 1.4 square kilometres. It combines more than 600 individual routers from one massive signal that all students and staff can access at the same time. Image credits: Shutterstock  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=12344&title=How+do+Wi-Fi+and+hotspots+work%3F" alt="" width="1" height="1" />  </div> <div id="contributors"> This article was originally published on cosmosmagazine.com and was written by Jake Port. </div>

Technology

Why living in an Instagram hotspot isn’t picture perfect

<a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/alicccce/media" target="_blank">Alice Johnston</a>, a longtime resident of the London neighbourhood of Notting Hill, which is the setting for the Julia Roberts film of the same name, has found its growing popularity as a tourist hotspot comes with highs and lows. With its pastel-painted row houses, the area has become a popular destination as a background for Instagram pics, and Johnston has seen all kinds of crazy behaviour as visitors snap their photos. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVTfFwCF3mu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVTfFwCF3mu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Callista DeGraw (@callistagoesabroad)</a> </div> </blockquote> Johnston says there are some good stories, like the day she and a friend were walking his French bulldog. A tourist asked if they could “borrow” the dog for a photo and as a thank you for the snap, Johnston’s friend received five pounds. But, Johnston says other moments were less wholesome. “I was once woken up at 6am on Easter Sunday by French teenagers taking pictures outside,” she <a rel="noopener" href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/living-in-instagram-tourist-hotspot-neighbourhood-reality-for-residents/44522c73-395b-4a9f-b9c0-2576b190a9a9" target="_blank">says</a>. “One time I was changing after I got out of the shower and there was an elderly man taking a picture (of my windows) with an iPad.” Although her shutters were closed during that incident, she says she was still rattled by the experience. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVdgciYg57-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVdgciYg57-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Rowena Nathan (@rowenanathan_)</a> </div> </blockquote> With the influx of visitors to one pale-pink house near where she lives, Johnston says the nearby residents have given up trying to keep them away. Instead, they’ve installed a donation box asking visitors for a donation to charity in exchange for a photo. As busy and inconvenient as it can be, Johnston says she tries to be sympathetic to travellers visiting her hometown and recalls how she loved doing the same thing while visiting the Marais in Paris. “I love to travel, so I have to be pretty understanding when people travel to where I live, and I feel lucky that it’s cool enough that people want to come where I live,” she says. Image: homesite_estate_agents

Travel Trouble

Public health alert for NSW tourist hotspot

NSW Health has boosted COVID-19 testing in the area around Jervis Bay after a visitor from Melbourne visited several locations while potentially infectious. The department said in a statement it had been advised by Victoria’s Department of Health that the Melbournian visited Jervis Bay, Goulbourn, Hyams Beach, and Vincentia on Sunday, May 23 and Monday, May 24. The person drove back to Melbourne on Monday, before reporting the onset of symptoms on May 25 and being tested for COVID-19 a week later on Monday, May 31. With Victoria in a “circuit breaker” lockdown as cases and exposure sites continue to grow, NSW Health is urging anyone who visited the venues of concern at the times listed to contact NSW Health, get tested for COVID-19, and isolate until they receive further instructions. The venues include: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cooked Goose Cafe, 76 Cyrus Street, Hyams Beach from 10am-12pm, Sunday May 23</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Coles Vincentia Shopping Village, 21 The Wool Road, Vincentia from 12pm-1pm, Sunday, May 23</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Green Patch campground, Booderee National Park, Village Bay Road, Jervis Bay all day Sunday, May 23 until 9am on Monday, May 24</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shell Coles Express Big Merino, 1/3 Sowerby Street, Goulbourn from 10am-11.30am, Monday, May 23</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Trapper’s Bakery, 4 Sowerby Street, Goulbourn from 10.30am-11.30am, Monday, May 24 </li> </ul> As investigations continue, NSW Health said it may add new venues of concern. Testing will increase in the area, including a drive-through pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic in Huskisson. “Anyone who lives in Jervis Bay, or has visited Jervis Bay since 22 May, is asked to be especially vigilant for the onset of even the mildest of cold-like symptoms, and is urged to come forward for testing immediately if they appear, then isolate until a negative is received,” NSW Health said. “Additionally, anyone who has recently had symptoms should also get tested.” Chief Health Officer Professor Paul Kelly said the case was most likely linked to the current outbreak in Victoria.

News

MCG a potential hotspot as thousands urged to take COVID tests

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Thousands of people are being urged to get tested after a new mystery case emerged in Melbourne. The 30-year-old's infection can't be linked to another case or a high-risk location and may have picked up his infection from either the MCG or stores in the Chadstone Shopping Centre. He attended day two of the Melbourne Test on December 27th, but it's being pointed out that he was not infection when he attended the game. However, the MCG is being investigated as a potential source for the infection. He attended shops in the Chadstone Shopping Centre on December 26th between 6 am and 2pm, which are also being treated as potential acquisition sites for the infection. Stores include: <ul> <li>Culture Kings</li> <li>Huffer</li> <li>JD Sports</li> <li>Jay Jays</li> <li>H&M</li> <li>Uniqlo</li> <li>Myer</li> <li>Superdry</li> <li>Footlocker</li> <li>Dumplings Plus</li> </ul> "Based on the information available from the case, the man in his 30s, was not infectious while at the sites, but there is potential he acquired the virus while there," a DHHS spokesman said. "The man developed symptoms on 30 December and the department was notified of his positive test on 5 January. Given he has not visited any high-risk Victorian exposure sites or travelled to New South Wales, a number of acquisition sources are being investigated. "The man was present at the MCG on 27 December, the second day of the Boxing Day test and is currently isolating." Victoria's coronavirus testing commander Jeroen Weimar said that 8,000 were in Zone 5 at the MCG, where the case was seated and "there'll be many thousands of people who've been through Chadstone". He's urging Victorians potentially affected to get tested and stay away from the busy centre. "I stress to anybody who potentially has a connection with Chadstone or the MCG on those dates and times please go to your nearest testing centres," he said. "Do not go to Chadstone. Chadstone is an extremely busy area. We would like you to get tested where you are now. Please don't feel you need to come back to the venue. Check on availability, waiting times, please come forward to get tested." </div> </div> </div>

News

Meet the downsizers flocking to Sydney’s surprise retirement hotspot

Sue Eaton moved to Sydney’s Thornton Park retirement living project to meet new friends and to feel a sense of belonging and community. And Lorraine and Robert Greig became Thornton Park residents after seeing the size and style of the project’s 48 newly-built apartments. These are just some of the residents who’ve moved into <a href="https://www.thorntonpark.com.au/">Southern Cross Care’s Thornton Park retirement living project at Penrith</a>, in Sydney’s west. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838731/downsizing-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/13f9c51f60b04ca0bf924ba301e5ca73" /> Sue Eaton has enjoyed the resident interaction since moving into Thornton Park Thornton Park is a small-scale independent retirement living project, featuring a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments. The low-rise Thornton Park project is set on a quiet tree-lined street among modern family homes, yet at the same time is on the doorstep of the hustle and bustle of the Penrith CBD. While Thornton Park’s first residents have moved in, <a href="https://www.thorntonpark.com.au/">a limited number of apartments remain available for sale</a>. Meet the neighbours Sue Eaton watched Thornton Park being built, as her children live near the project. “I looked at a few places before I moved to Thornton Park, just to check out my options – but everything else was just like big blocks of units,” Ms Eaton said. “The apartments here are so nice – very spacious. Every time I walk inside I think, ‘I love my home.’ “The main benefit for me has been the interaction. "When we were in the middle of lockdowns due to the pandemic, I’d catch up with one of my neighbours – who’s become a good friend, and we’d take a couple of the older ladies for a walk, since their families couldn’t visit. "When I lived on my own I was much more isolated." Lorraine and Robert Greig had not considered retirement living, before they heard about Thornton Park. “We thought we’d be in our home until the end,” Ms Greig said. “That was until a friend of mine was going to Thornton Park to have a look and asked if we'd like to come with her. “As soon as I walked in and saw the bright, spacious apartments, I said to my husband, ‘I could live here.” <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838730/downsizing-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8811303ad51249afb188f4f8fa452b6b" /> Lounge room of a new apartment at Thornton Park Ms Greig said she and her husband felt comfortable from the moment they moved in. “It wasn’t just the building itself, which is lovely – or the style and the size of our unit, which I love - It’s the social aspect as well,” Ms Greig said. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838729/downsizing-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/65f5a26be0074c82a2b2395c344af16d" /> Lorraine and Robert Greig were impressed with the spacious apartments at Thornton Park “It’s so nice knowing that as part of a community, we’ll always have someone to talk to. “It wasn’t like that at home, where things were much more quiet - the kids were working and we were often on our own. "One of the other things that really puts my mind at ease is that if Rob or I got sick, or our circumstances changed, there’s an aged care facility about two seconds away – it’s brand new and lovely." Penrith a downsizing hotspot Penrith, the suburb in which Thornton Park is located, is something of a surprise and growing downsizing hotspot. Penrith was the seventh most searched suburb in NSW on Downsizing.com.au in 2019-20, up from eighth position the year before. This makes Penrith more popular than other well-known coastal sea change and downsizing locations such as Wollongong, Ballina and Tweed Heads. There are good reasons why this is the case. Penrith is the gateway to the Blue Mountains, giving local residents easy access to a natural wonderland and a series of quaint mountain villages. Penrith is also home to the Nepean River, a regional aquatic playground. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838728/downsizing-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/24c3abbf42844d15b43686d3a6ab9a54" /> Penrith's Nepean River As part of the Great River Walk, almost eight kilometres of walking track have been created along the river, including resting points and lookouts where you can see birds and other wildlife. Penrith also has a growing arts and cultural scene, with the centrepiece being the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. This regional facility has a 660 seat concert hall, 380 seat drama theatre, 100 seat multi-purpose hall and more than 25 purpose-built rooms for music classes. Penrith also has great shopping, a variety of award-winning cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs and many other places to visit including the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Western Sydney University Observatory. Find out more at <a href="https://www.visitpenrith.com.au/">Visit Penrith</a>. About the apartments Thornton Park includes a range of spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments. All apartments have a study nook or full study and include contemporary, open plan living spaces that lead onto generous balconies. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838727/downsizing-5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f486ccd465494980a96a2616148296d9" /> Thornton Park apartment balcony area The apartments feature beautiful wood, stone and textured floor coverings, complemented by high‑end European fixtures and appliances. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838726/downsizing-6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2c04d86a69014305bcefc28d7e53e2ae" /> Kitchen, living and dining area in a Thornton Park apartment Thornton Park’s apartments are also cleverly designed with excellent soundproofing between rooms and apartments. Residents have access to a cafe serving coffee and light meals, along with a hairdressing and beauty salon, library, media room, multi-purpose community centre and a rooftop barbecue terrace and hobby garden. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838725/downsizing-7.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/953a166c248a4553897f87709563b158" /> Library at Thornton Park As an added benefit, Thornton Park provides retirement living residents with on-site concierge services and an hour of domestic assistance per fortnight. Optional home care services are also available. It’s also important to note that Thornton Park’s new independent living retirement village apartments are located alongside a new 100-suite state-of-the-art residential care home. This is particularly convenient when one partner needs to move into full-time care, while the other can continue to live independently in an adjacent retirement village apartment. Find out more Thornton Park is a relaxing retirement oasis that feels a world away, yet is within walking distance of all that a cosmopolitan centre like Penrith has to offer. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838724/downsizing-8.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6a487ed61e6543bf83233a48aca26f4b" /> This aerial photo was taken from the roof of Thornton Park and shows how it is close to everything Penrith has on offer Apartment prices start at $495,000, with a deferred management fee applying. For a limited time, buyers can also take advantage of an early bird offer, made up of a complimentary whitegoods package including a fridge, microwave, washing machine and dryer, valued at $4,300. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thorntonpark.com.au/" target="_blank">Thornton Park.</a>

Downsizing

City of Sydney declared COVID hotspot after multiple outbreaks

Sydney is now officially a coronavirus hotspot according to NSW Health. The Local Government Area encompassed by the City of Sydney stretches from Circular Quay to East Lakes. After a rise in COVID-19 cases, it was added to a list of hotspot LGAs by the health authority on Monday. The move may have been prompted due to multiple outbreaks in Potts Point. 37 cases have been linked to the Thai Rock Restaurant and at least 28 with the Apollo Restaurant, both in Potts Point. Sydney Girls High School in Surry Hills, near Moore Park, also had a student test positive over the weekend. On Monday, New South Wales confirmed seven new cases. The state is “on a knife-edge”, Berejiklian says, in the battle against community transmission. “That is a big concern because ... Melbourne didn’t get worse because of the number of cases they had,” she said on Monday. “They had undetected community transmission which then unknowingly got to a stage where it … formed a number of different clusters and we certainly don’t want that to happen here.”

News

More NSW restaurant hotspots while Vic records new deadliest day

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> NSW recorded 14 new cases on Sunday as Victoria suffered its deadliest day of the pandemic with 10 deaths, including a man in his 40s, and 459 new cases – but senior Berejiklian government ministers are optimistic that NSW will be able to curb community transmission of the disease. NSW Health revealed on Sunday that Georges River Grammer School in Georges Hall would close after a student tested positive for coronavirus. Restaurant Thai Rock has been linked to 67 cases and NSW Health has issued a directive for anyone that visited the restaurant for more than two hours between July 15 and July 15 to self isolate for 14 days and be immediately tested. "But investigations to date have not identified links between cases at the two sites," a statement from NSW Health said. Other restaurants were also impacted, including An Restaurant Bankstown on July 23 from 9-11 am and Tan Viet Noodle House (AKA Crispy Chicken Noodle House) Cabramatta on July 22 from 1-2 pm. Anyone who has visited these restaurants at these times should be monitored for symptoms and immediately isolate and be tested if symptoms appear. But one NSW senior minister told the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/nsw/restaurant-cluster-continues-to-grow-in-nsw-as-victoria-records-deadliest-day-20200726-p55fjg.html" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink">Herald</a> the case numbers were still low and showed contact tracing was "incredibly effective" and the virus was not "getting away from us at the moment". The minister remained anonymous as there is concern from some within cabinet that mixed messages have been aired which were creating "unnecessary panic". "We have little if any community transmission, we know where these cases are from, so while everyone is still nervous, I would say I am quietly optimistic about NSW," one minister said. Another minister spoke anonymously and said that focusing on numbers isn't as important as knowing the source of the virus. "There is no magic number, there never has been. It's about being able to trace where the source came from," the senior minister said. NSW Health says it's treating 99 people, with two in intensive care. One patient is ventilated, while another one is on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). National Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth said the numbers in Victoria were "not doubling on a week by week basis". "We have reached [a] steady state for the moment. This reflects the effect of the initial restrictions. We are only two weeks from the stage three restrictions being brought in. Whilst we are deeply concerned, we are watching the numbers with interest," Dr Coatsworth said. </div> </div> </div>

News

"I want my baby back:" Aussie Mum flies to COVID hotspot to rescue stranded toddler

A Melbourne mother is on a mission to get out of Australia to be reunited with her 20-month-old daughter. While hundreds of Australians await stranded in India pleading to return home, Swetha Maram is going the other way. "I am feeling so happy," Ms Maram explainer to the ABC, while she waited to board her flight. "I want my baby, to hold her in my hands. It's been more than five months now." Ms Maram took her daughter Naomika to India in January so she could spend some time with her grandparents there. She returned to Australia for work and had planned to head back to Bangalore to collect her daughter. However in March, India closed their borders which left her baby girl stranded in another country away from her mother. "We requested the Government to approve any one of my family members to get my baby back to Australia. But they didn't agree to that," she said. While India reopened their borders after reporting a surge of only 1000 cases, they were forced to close again after 20,000 cases reported in just a week. While Ms Maram is allowed to return to India, there will be no way home in the foreseeable future. She says she is leaving behind her husband and son in Australia while she goes to rescue Naomika. "I'm facing a difficult situation of not having my wife with me. I'm a bit worried and scared," her husband Sunil Maram said. "I'm very much concerned about the number of increasing infections in India. I don't know when it's going to come to an end." The flight Ms Maram boarded to Bangalore is not an official repatriation flight and is one of two charter flights that is helping some of the 6,000 Indians who became stranded in Australia when the pandemic restrictions occurred. Arun Sharma, one of the flight organisers, says some of the passengers had been in Australia for a variety of reasons and were caught off guard by India's sudden lockdown. "Tourism, education, meeting their families. Unfortunately they got stuck. Some of them have very emotional stories," Mr Sharma said.

Family & Pets

Coronavirus Victoria: Army goes door-to-door for hotspot testing

Hundreds of troops are descending on Victoria to doorknock COVID-19 hotspots and offer residents free testing. On Thursday morning, Premier Daniel Andrews said residents could expect to see doorknockers “inviting them to come and get a free test, whether they be symptomatic or asymptomatic”. Half of the residents of Broadmeadows and Keilor Downs – suburbs with the highest number of community transmission cases – will be tested over the next three days, <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/coronavirus-victoria-army-to-door-knock-melbourne-hotspot-suburbs-to-offer-free-covid-19-testing/ar-BB15WtKB?li=AAaeSy5">The Guardian</a> reported. The Premier said the “army” of doorknockers will expand in the coming days to other hotspot suburbs of Hume, Casey, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin. “Rather than waiting for an unsustainable number of community transmissions to become known, we are going to go out and literally door-to-door we are bringing the public health and coronavirus response to your doorstep, if you are in these worst-affected suburbs,” Andrews said. The Victorian Government adjusted the number of Australian Defence Force personnel it requested from the Federal Government from more than 1,000 to 150 on Thursday, <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-victoria-australian-defence-force-called-to-assist-with-rising-infection-numbers/e554e198-da66-4d07-ae5a-1ec4e2509964">9News</a> reported. The ADF planned to provide support in testing sites, logistics and transporting laboratory samples and travellers to hotel quarantine. Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds told 3AW Radio on Thursday the troops were “well trained and well prepared to deal with all of the required health measures”. More than 1,000 public health workers have also begun doorknocking the hotspot suburbs to raise awareness about coronavirus and government guidelines to multicultural and linguistically diverse communities. The efforts came as the state recorded the first Australian death in a month.

Caring

Ground zero: Australia’s biggest concern revealed after coronavirus modelling

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text ">The Chief Medical Officer for Australia has released details on the city that is of the greatest concern to health authorities as the country continues to fight off the deadly coronavirus. Brendan Murphy has said the rate of community transmission in Sydney, with a population of over 5 million, is the city that “worries us most of all.” The National Cabinet has joined together and used Sydney to base their tough social-distancing measures on. “In Australia, we don't have a diffuse outbreak across the whole country, we have focal outbreaks,” Prof Murphy said. “The one that worries us most of all is the community transmission in Sydney. I've been saying that for a while. “That's the one we're focusing on, that's why New South Wales Health has been so proactive and forward-leaning in doing a range of broadened testing in a whole lot of suburbs where they're concerned. “And the early indications, as we've said, are positive, but we cannot be complacent. We must not be complacent. We must hold our line. “Our current case rate is very, very low. Every death is a tragedy, but our death rate is one of the lowest in the world so far. “We don't know what it will be as disease progresses, but we are reassured to some extent about that.” NSW’s Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has urged people to get tested if they lived in any of the eight coronavirus hotspots and started showing symptoms. Three of these areas in Sydney – Waverley, Woollahra, Dee Why – are included. “In those areas, we have seen a case, or cases, of local transmission where we haven't been able to find the source,” she said. Dr Chant went on to say authorities “don't have any indication of broad-based outbreaks” in the areas she mentioned, but she wanted to stress “high levels of vigilance” is highly necessary.</div> </div> </div> <div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper"> <div class="post-actions-component"> <div class="upper-row"> <div class="watched-bookmark-container"></div> </div> </div> </div>

News

Booking data shows new hotspot that beats out iconic Aussie favourites

According to new booking data, a city is set to be the hot spot for Aussie and overseas tourists this year. Online travel agency Trip.com has revealed to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/australian-holidays/western-australia/early-booking-data-has-revealed-australias-new-hotspot-for-2020/news-story/7d7e52ada59c75ffcb998beb252e49c4">news.com.au</a> that bookings have already been made for travellers from January 1 to the 31st of December for this year to this one destination. It’s Perth. The West Australian capital has the most hotels pre-booked in 2020 by Australians, which puts it well ahead of usual favourites Sydney, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6zvHzTob96/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6zvHzTob96/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">‘Postcard perfection’ from @troy.a.sullivan taken on a recent #Rottnest adventure. The diversity of coral species, marine life and shipwrecks in the clear waters around #Rottnestisland make it a fascinating spot for #snorkelling 🐟🤿! Popular #beaches and #bays to snorkel include The Basin, Parakeet Bay, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay and Little Armstrong Bay. 📷@troy.a.sullivan #justanotherdayinwa #westernaustralia #thisisWA #rotto #seeperth #indianocean #perthlife #rottnestislandwa #snorkelaustralia #snorkel #summerholidays</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/rottnestislandwa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Rottnest Island</a> (@rottnestislandwa) on Jan 1, 2020 at 11:10pm PST </div> </blockquote> Perth is also the number one spot for international visitors booking hotels in Australia. They’re heading to Perth, then Adelaide and then the Gold Coast, according to the data. One spot in particular is catching the attention of Aussies and overseas travellers alike, as there are some cute and cuddly animals on the island. Rottnest Island, home of the quokka, has tourists heading to Perth in droves. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6g8Y8mIEjR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6g8Y8mIEjR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Rottnest Island (@rottnestislandwa)</a> on Dec 25, 2019 at 4:00pm PST </div> </blockquote> “Perth has really come of age, we have a vast area of either brand new or refurbished hotels and are very competitive on price,” Destination Perth CEO Tracey Cinavas-Prosser said in a statement.

Domestic Travel

10 hotspots in Asia you must visit at least once in your lifetime

Dreaming of an Asia escape? As the largest continent in terms of sheer size and population, as well as being just a short plane trip from Australia, Asia has quickly become one of the top travel destinations for Aussies. In fact, Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals that 6 out of 10 of the most popular travel destinations in 2017 were in Asia. To help you choose from the plethora of exotic destinations, we’ve teamed up with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Wendy Wu Tours</a>, Australia’s leading travel experts to Asia, to narrow the list to 10 Bucket List places you must visit at least once in your lifetime. 1. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/china/beijing/great-wall-of-china/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Great Wall of China</a> – China Walking the ancient Great Wall of China is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the highlight of any tour of China. Hailed as one the greatest manmade wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China stretches from the Gobi Desert in the west to the Bohai Sea in the east, and spans a staggering 8,850km. From the capital Beijing, there are many accessible sections of the wall, the most popular being the best-preserved at Badaling, where guests of all ability levels can walk easily along its length. Visit early, it can get busy, especially during high season. To see the mighty wall further off-the-beaten path, head to Mutianyu and Juyongguan for a less-crowded and quieter experience. Beyond, huge swathes of crumbling Great Wall zigzag across the countryside. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820065/great-wall-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e1093dcd71b2491aa80d16bd824f65a9" /> Wherever you decide to see the Great Wall, one thing that’s certain is that as soon you step foot on the Wall that began life more than 2,000 years ago, you’ll be blown away by its sheer immensity and historical significance. A must on every traveller’s bucket list, make sure you visit this unbelievable feat of mankind at least once in your life. 2. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/cambodia/siem-reap/angkor-wat/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Angkor Wat</a> – Cambodia The largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat was constructed in the 12th century BC for the Khmer Empire using sandstone rock from over 50km away. Discover the fascinating history of one of the largest hydraulic empires where farmlands, canals, villages and temples were connected by an enormous web of canals and irrigation systems. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820060/angkor-wat-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c3b555a54f8a46feb19c646e9d55cab9" /> You’ve likely seen countless images of the awe-inspiring temple, but as anyone who has visited Angkor Wat will attest, you just must see the incredible temple with your own eyes. Sunrise and sunset uncover the magnificent symmetry of the Temple complex, and a guide can uncover the history of this ancient civilisation. Only then will you be able to experience both the grand scale and the unique details and intricacies that make Angkor Wat one of the world’s greatest and most wondrous structures. 3. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/china/xian/terracotta-warriors/?utm_medium=native&utm_source=&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+cpy+terracottawarriors" target="_blank">Terracotta Warriors</a> – China <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820069/terracotta-warriors-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/072c1e854fc04a19abfa4c7690affd7f" /> It’s hard to believe if it weren’t for a Chinese farmer fortuitously digging a well just north of Xian in 1974, the Terracotta Warriors might still be buried. But China’s best kept secret is definitely out – with the huge mausoleum now one of China's most popular sights. Ruling in the 3rd century BC, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered 700,000 workers to build a terracotta army to protect him in his afterlife. There’s thought to be 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which remained buried in pits. But there’s still plenty to marvel at and it’s only with a visit to the necropolis that you can truly appreciate the sheer scale of the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century and admire the thousands of life-sized soldiers, each with their own distinct stance, face and expressions. Full of superstition and mystique, it’s little wonder that the Terracotta Warriors is one of the most sought-after sights in the world. 4. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/india/agra/taj-mahal/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Taj Mahal</a> – India For thousands of years, the enchanting Taj Mahal has lured tourists to India like moths to a flame, making it one of the most visited attractions in Asia. Inspiring poets and artists from across the world, the Taj Mahal has been described as a “teardrop on the cheek of eternity” by poet Rudyard Kipling. And with good reason – it is simply breathtaking to behold and certainly lives up to all the hype. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820067/taj-mahal-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f114f4d78b8449c9affb72b86dd215fe" /> A monument to love, the immense mausoleum of white marble was built in 1631 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. Over 20,000 people worked on the building with specialists being brought in from Europe to produce the impeccable marble screens and decorations. It’s a striking image from a distance (as innumerable tourist photographs have shown) but it’s just as beautiful up close with its intricate carvings, semiprecious stones, and calligraphic verses from the Koran grace. A universally admired masterpiece, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Taj Mahal is a must. You need to see this iconic monument with your own eyes. 5. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/cherry-blossom-tours/?utm_medium=native&utm_source=&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+cpy+cherry%20blossoms" target="_blank">Cherry Blossoms</a> – Japan Cherry blossom season is without a doubt the best time of year to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. From late March to mid-April, Japan’s famed sakura (cherry blossoms) blankets the country in a pastel splendour of pink and white blossoms and transforms both the city and countryside into a sweet-smelling bouquet. Attracting visitors from all around the globe, the cherry blossom is more than just a magnificent spectacle: the country’s national flower is a symbol for renewal and hope, and inextricably tied to Japan’s history, culture and identity. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820101/cherry-blossom-japan.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a4dcb61eb4f84219bc55ecce412b3b2e" /> Once the blossoms are in full bloom, it’s a time for celebration, and families and friends flock outdoors to appreciate the beauty of the fleeting phenomena. This tradition is so special and important that the Japanese even created a word “Hanami”, which translates to “looking at flower”, to mark the event. The blossoms typically bloom for two weeks every season and tours often book out up to 12 months in advance. With 28 cherry blossom departure dates across a range of tour styles, Wendy Wu Tours sends more Australians to see the Sakura than any other tour operator. 6. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/china/chengdu/giant-pandas/?utm_medium=native&utm_source=&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+cpy+giantpandas" target="_blank">Giant Pandas</a> – China They’re one of the most-loved animals in the world, so it’s no surprise travellers trek from all over the world to see the iconic Giant Panda in their homeland, China. Once roaming the country freely, habitat destruction has endangered the species and there’s now less than 2,000 pandas living in the wild. However, there’s hope for these furry black and white bears, with numerous conservation projects in China slowly increasing their numbers – in fact, the Giant Panda was taken off the Endangered Species list in 2016! <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820064/giant-pandas-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/58b9d58fbebd4b3f954f6cb93be8b568" /> The best place to meet China’s famous residents is at recognised research facilities. The most highly renowned facility is the Chengdu Panda Research Base, a frontrunner in conservation efforts. With over 80 pandas in residence, you’ll spend hours watching adorable pandas munching on bamboo, sleeping and playing with their siblings across a vast, world-class landscape of rivers, lakes, bamboo forests and caves. March to May is breeding season and there’s even a chance to see the Giant Pandas “falling in love”. Viewing the Giant Pandas in the flesh is a must-see highlight for anyone visiting China. 7. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/tokyo/mt-fuji/?utm_medium=native&utm_source=&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+cpy+mtfuji" target="_blank">Mt Fuji</a> – Japan With its near-perfect symmetrical conical shape that’s always snow-capped, Mt Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic images and holds a very special place in Japanese history and heritage. At a height of 3,776m, Mt Fuji can be seen from both Tokyo and Yokohama, and in 2013 was recognised for its physical and cultural contribution to Japanese society receiving UNESCO World Heritage status. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820066/mt-fuji-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e166c6db203a4200891ed0676a7ed25e" /> An active volcano (last erupting in 1708) and Japan’s highest mountain, Mt Fuji is surrounded by national parks and beautiful lakes. Its rare natural beauty has been revered since ancient times and the sacred mountain holds a near mythical status in Japanese culture. Alternatively, you can enjoy the mountain up close from the Fuji Five Lake Region, located at the northern foot of the mountain. This region is rich with attractions and things to do and is a popular holiday spot for Japanese locals. Don’t forget to bathe in the world famous hot springs, an invigorating experience like no other! 8. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/china/tours/majestic-yangtze.htm?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Yangtze River</a> – China See China from a whole new perspective by cruising the majestic Yangtze River. At 6,300km, the Yangtze River is Asia’s largest river and has been the lifeline of China for millennia. Flowing east across the entire width of China, the mighty Yangtze River is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820070/yangtze-river-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/22042fe4b0ce4127a39d21f2299f5688" /> The highpoint of any cruise is the journey through the most fabled and famous region – the Three Gorges, a 200km stretch of river, which boasts incredible landscapes of misty mountains, immense gorges and sheer cliffs. From the narrow passes of the Qutang Gorge, to the mountainous vistas of Wu Gorge and the deep trenches of Xiling Gorge, each bend in the river offers a new breathtaking panorama. Witness the energetic determination of modern China via the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest Hydro Electric Power Station. A marvel of modern engineering the Three Gorges dam is said to generate up to 10 per cent of China’s required energy output. All you have to do is relax, admire and appreciate the history, heritage and continuity that defines the great Yangtze River. 9. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/sri-lanka/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=consumer&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Tea Plantations</a> – Sri Lanka Known as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets. Long overlooked by travellers, the island nation’s myriad of appeals has now firmly cemented Sri Lanka as the new must-visit destination. Since 2009 Sri Lanka has progressed at lightspeed with the addition of new infrastructure that makes it easier than ever for travellers to get around. A former British colony, Sri Lanka is known worldwide for its production of Ceylon Tea that was first brought here in the 1880s by the British. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820068/tea-plantation-sl-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6c945bb44d56475595c12c2ed9a86e9d" /> Make sure you plan a visit to a tea estate – the striking sight of never-ending lush green fields of tea bushes will simply awe you. Stroll through the verdant plains surrounding Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as ‘Little England’, where British colonialists selected the cool climate to harvest tea and recreate life back home. Tour a tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya and learn all about Sri Lanka’s 150-year-old tea industry, discover the process of tea making from fermenting to grading, and finally end with a delicious cuppa of freshly-plucked tea. Take a train through the lush, rolling, tea-lined hills, from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya. No stranger to accolades, the famous explorer Marco Polo christened Sri Lanka as the most beautiful island in the world! 10. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/malaysia-borneo/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=consumer&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content+borneo" target="_blank">Orangutans</a> – Borneo Fall in love with the orange-haired, pot-bellied jungle residents of Borneo. We’re talking, of course, about the orangutan (which in Malay means “man of the jungle”). Sadly, these magnificent creatures, which share remarkably similar DNA to humans, are under threat from habitat destruction. Borneo is one of only two places (the other Sumatra in Indonesia) left in the world where orangutans live in the wild. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820061/borneo-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/555f8ccda03840269e16030c6fc67956" /> No trip to Borneo would be complete without an encounter of some kind with the orangutan. Visit a respected rehabilitation centre, like Semmengoh Nature Reserve to get up close and personal with these remarkable animals. For over 20 years the wardens at Semmengoh have trained orphaned and rescued orangutans to survive in the wild. Home to over 28 orangutans, these glorious primates frequently stop by the park’s headquarters to feast on coconuts and bananas. Hour-long feeding sessions between the hours of 9am to 10 am and 3pm to 4pm are an unforgettable experience and one of the only ways to get up close to these colourful characters. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your 2019 trip to Asia now and tick off that bucket list! And if you’re not sure where to start, the easiest way to see all the best sights in Asia is on an escorted tour with Wendy Wu Tours. Check out their <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/early-bird/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Early Bird Sale</a> to save up to $1800pp.

International Travel

Why this Aussie summer hotspot is better to visit in the cooler months

Thousands of Australians head to Port Stephens for their annual summer break every year, and it’s easy to see why. This gorgeous corner of NSW’s pristine Hunter Region has some of the most idyllic scenery in the country, making it the perfect spot to surf, swim or simply sit back on the balcony and enjoy the warm summer breeze. There’s no shortage of reasons to visit Port Stephens in the summer. But if you’ve already been there and are looking to see a different side of this region, we’d recommend waiting a couple of months before booking your next trip. You avoid the crowds In summer, it can sometimes seem like every man and his dog has popped up in Port Stephens, jostling for the same accommodation, restaurant table and patch of sand at the beach. But this is a completely different story in the cooler months. Not only will the rates be better, but you won’t have to wait for a table, or in line at any of the region’s attractions, and it can seem like you have the whole beach to yourself. Still plenty of things to do And despite what the dispersal of tourists throughout the year might suggest, Port Stephens doesn’t simply close during the cooler months. There’s still plenty to see and do, and Port Stephens has a plethora of eateries, bars and cafés that are open all year round. The beaches are still great for walking, and the hikes are easier to manage. Oh, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth a visit to King Street Confectionary at Raymond Terrace is a must. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hOTag9jwkpY" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Whale watching But the jewel in the crown of Port Stephens during the cooler parts of the year is the whale watching. The great whale migration on the east coast of Australia makes Port Stephens the place to be for whale watchers, and with an 98,000-hectare marine park literally on your doorstep you relish your time in this hidden paradise. What are your thoughts? Have you been to Port Stephens?

International Travel

Calls to ban cruise ships from Aussie tourist hotspot

Few forms of travel are as polarising as cruising, and the industry is set to be the centre of another debate as calls to ban cruise ships from an Aussie tourist hotspot intensify. Tasmania is set to play host to 125 cruise ships this year, docking in Burnie and Hobart, with 29 making a stop at Port Arthur and six stopping at Freycinet and Wineglass Bay. This has prompted a petition for the State Government to ban large cruise ships from entering the waters around the national park, which has collected 12,000 signatures. The petition is calling for an exclusion zone to be set up around all Tasmanian national park areas, to protect the biodiversity that is unique to the region. Dr Sue Beeton, professor of tourism at William Angliss Institute, believes this is essential, telling <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/" target="_blank">ABC Radio Hobart</a>, “Cruise shipping, I would say, is one of the most highly divisive aspects of tourism in that these enormous ships are so visible. “There's a growing sense of privilege and expectations to also access more and more remote areas and often in a comfortable way.” Luke Martin from the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania said now is the time for the State Government to figure out what the Apple Isle wants from the industry. “We need to look at how we manage this appropriately,” he said. “There are destinations all over the world that have dealt with this in good ways and bad ways.” Do you agree with the moves to ban cruise ships from this Aussie tourist hotspot?

Cruising

How to be a winner! Australia’s Lotto hotspots revealed

You’ve got to be in it to win it, but it turns out there are some suburbs that are luckier than others when it comes to winning Lotto. There were nearly 300 winners scoring prizes over $1 million in Australia in 2017. NSW had 77 division one winners; Victoria had 67; Queensland had 63; and Western Australia had 49. When it comes to specific suburbs that had the most Lotto winners, Springwood in Queensland came out on top with four winning tickets worth over $27 million. Cabramatta in NSW also had four division one winners worth over $18 million. And Mill Park in Victoria had four winners, scoring just over $9 million. <img width="422" height="317" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/0c230807320fce69f803ea1f8b4a73d5" alt="Division one wins across Australia. Picture: The Lott/Supplied" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> But according to The Lott spokeswoman Elissa Lewis, that doesn’t mean we should all be rushing to those suburbs to buy tickets of our own. “It’s important to remember that lottery games are entertaining games of chance,” Lewis said in a statement. “Every number on your ticket has an equal chance of being drawn, no matter where you buy your ticket.” Do you know anyone who has won the Lotto? We would love to hear from you in the comments.

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