The big wide world and you

The world is a big place, and across the globe there is a plethora of places to visit in the world. Relax on a beach in Mykonos, dance the night away in Ibiza, get up to some mischief in Amsterdam and fall in love in Paris. Travelling around the world is never easier than in your 20’s and Airbnb have scoured the globe to find the perfect places to visit in your 20’s with a bunch of friends. Check out the list here to find out the 20 places to visit in your 20’s. The list includes London, New Orleans, Boyeong, New York, Barcelona and much more.

 

The Great Ocean Road. Source

A definite must on your travel bucket list is a drive along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. The 250 kilometre journey features picturesque views which are best viewed during the Australian summer with a bunch of your friends and an open-top convertible. Check out The Great Road Trip for a guide to travelling along the Great Ocean Road with your friends.

The New York City skyline. Source

Travel opens your eyes to another way of life. It allows you to experience a different culture, a different world, a world which is now in your reach. So grab your passport, grab your best friends, and see all that the world has to offer.

The Great Road Trip

Rochelle Gore. Thursday 30 May 2013

One of the best experiences when visiting Victoria is travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Its picturesque views are best during the Australian summer, and there is no better way to travel then in a convertible with all your friends.

The Great Ocean Road is over 250 kilometres long and features awe-inspiring sights such as the surf of Torquay and Apollo Bay, the pristine forestry of the Otway Ranges and the historic Twelve Apostles. The drive begins an hour outside Melbourne in Torquay and winds its way to Warrnambool, over 3 hours away. Though the road is daunting, with its cliff facing roads and steep drops, the long drive is worth it, simply to see Australia’s beautiful coastline.

 

The beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Source

The Great Ocean Road has possibilities to stop every few kilometres, and it is recommended that you use these available breaks to take as many pictures as you can. Torquay, where the road begins, is famous for Bell’s Beach where the annual Ripcurl Pro is held every Easter weekend. Board shorts and thongs are strongly recommended in this beach town. Anglesea provides the earliest opportunity to stop and overlook the coastline. The AngleseaRiverbank Market is held at various dates between December-March and is the place to purchase souvenirs. There is also an Anglesea Adventure Ride which allows you to experience the scenic bushy surround of Anglesea while also capturing unhindered photos of the views from the Great Ocean Road. 

Just before Lorne is what is known as Devil’s Elbow, a single lane road with a cliff face on one side and a sheer drop into the ocean below on the other. Breathe easier after this part of the road, as it is considered the most difficult part of the drive. Lorne offers a small town filled with peace and quiet. Its fresh seafood comes straight from the ocean onto your plate in its large choice of restaurants.

The Triplet Falls. Source

 

Another short, winding drive leads to the Otway Ranges where you are able to experience the Great Ocean Road at another level. The Otway Fly Tree Top Adventure allows you to tour the tree tops among the Great Otway National Park, and if you’re feeling brave, there is also a zip-line that is worth the stomach-drop.

From the Otway Ranges, it is about an hour’s drive to the Twelve Apostles and Shipwreck Cove. Though you move away from the coastline, there are charming country landscapes on either side of the road. The Twelve Apostles are best viewed at sunset or sunrise to get the best photos and experience the natural wonders at their best. The massive structures rise 45 metres above the Southern Ocean, and though there are eight remaining stacks, the Twelve Apostles are a force to be reckoned with.  The Twelve Apostles are one of the last features along the mighty Great Ocean Road.

The Twelve Apostles. Source

 

The Great Ocean Road is a dangerous road. There is a freeway that runs adjacent to the Great Ocean Road that offers similar scenery without the risk and narrow roads. It is also important to not attempt to drive the Great Ocean Road in one day. There are multiple opportunities to stop and explore your surroundings so to drive the Road in one day may be rushed. As the Great Ocean Road is along the ocean, it has unpredictable weather, meaning it is important to watch the weather before and whilst driving the Great Ocean Road.

Travelling along the Great Ocean road is a journey of a lifetime. It offers unparalleled views and landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles. The fresh, salty air should be experienced at least once in your lifetime, preferably during summer with a close group of friends. The Great Ocean Road is unforgettable and Australia summed up in one road. 

20 places to visit in your 20's

Rochelle Gore. Thursday May 30th, 2013.

 

1. New York City, New York



The New York City Skyline. Source

The city that never sleeps. Times Square and Central Park are musts for any young traveller.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain. Source

Home to La Merce Festival, a week-long party celebrating Catalan culture, Barcelona is a hub of passion. Any trip to Barcelona calls for a fling with a flamenco

3. Sydney, Australia

The Sydney Harbour Bridge. Source

 

With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Sydney is the perfect place to visit when you're young. The view from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge should be experienced at least once in your life.

4. Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia. Source.

 

A trip to Bali is a rite of passage for any 20-something. Purchasing a Bintang singlet, visiting the monkey temple in Uluwata and having a night out in Kuta are all necessary experiences to have in Bali with your friends.

5. San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, Costa Rica. Source.

 

San Jose is a city full of life. Buy some fresh produce from the Central Market then have a picnic with all your friends in La Sabana.

6. Cancun, Mexico

Cancun, Mexico. Source

 

Cancun is the place to party the night away with your friends. Most nightclubs have a single fee for entry and drinks all night. The City nightclub is a must.

7. London, England

The Thames. Source

 

Hop on a red double decker bus and take in all the sights around London. Try to make a guard at Buckingham Palace laugh, take a picture on Abbey Road and visit Kings Cross to truly experience the best London has to offer.

8. Paris, France

Paris at night. Source

 

A trip to Europe is not complete without a visit to the City of Love. Paris offers many attractions outside of the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. A cabernet show at the Moulin Rouge is a must in Paris.

9. Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest. Source

Home to the famous Oktoberfest, Munich is the place to be in late September. 16 days of celebrating beer, what more could a 20-something want in life?

10. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Red Light District. Source

Though there is a list of traditional things to see, Amsterdam is infamous for one thing. The Red Light District. Have a cheeky visit to the District with your friends and experience the fun side to Amsterdam.

11. Berlin, Germany

The Berlin skyline. Source

 

Berlin is home to the Absinth Depot, which has finally become legal after many years. Sometimes known as the 'green fairy', tastings of this disgustingly strong alcohol are available.

12. Las Vegas, America

The Las Vegas strip. Source

Las Vegas is infamous for nights of epic partying with your friends. Drink too much, gamble too much and do something you'll regret with your friends in this crazy city.

13. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro. Source

Visit Rio de Janeiro during Carnival where the country stops for a week and there are festivities day and night. Carnival is huge, drawing nearly 5 million people each year.

14. Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos' coastline. Source

Visit Mykonos' famous nude beaches with your confident friends and drink on their pristine beaches to have a packed holiday filled with parties.

15. Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin coastline. Source

 

Dunedin has some of the best slopes in the world. Take a trip here during June-September for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world.

16. Boryeong, South Korea

The Boryeong Mud Festival. Source

 

Boryeong hosts the annual Mud Festival each summer. The festival attracts millions of people who experience mud pools, mud slides, mud prisons and mud skiing competitions.

17. Ivrea, Italy

The Battle of the Oranges. Source

 

Home to the largest food fight in Italy, the Battle of the Oranges, Ivrae is the city to visit to experience a crazy, out of control food fight.

18. Ibiza, Spain

Cala Bassa beach, Ibiza. Source

Ibiza is the clubbing capital of the world, and a definite must-visit for any 20-something. Dance the night away with your friends in their many clubs.

19. New Orleans, America

Revellers at Mardi Gras. Source

Every year, New Orleans hosts one of the biggest parties in the world, Mardi Gras. Head to the French Quarter in early March to party with millions of other people.

20. Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Full Moon Party. Source

30,000 people descend on Koh Pha Ngan every full moon for an epic all night party. Head to the Full Moon Party at least once in your life to experience a crazy night of partying, dancing and drinking with your friends.

Gay Marriage: Equality for all

Rochelle Gore, Offset Public Relations Manager, Friday 26 April 2013.

Historically, gay men and women have never been treated the same as everyone else. There has been a divide between those who are gay, and those who are not for many years. Though they can pay taxes until their 65, and own a home or two, they are alienated within society when their sexual orientation is made public. Gay men and women are able to meet someone and fall in love, but they are unable to marry this person, and spend the rest of their life as a married couple. This is where the biggest divide is shown. The leaders of this country have decided that their love is not pure enough to allow them to marry in Australia.

The Institution of Marriage?

Many argue that the institution of marriage will be diminished or cheapened if same-sex marriage is allowed in Australia. In a country that has a 50% divorce rate, straight people are doing a great job of that already. And in a country where over 60% of the population is in favour of gay marriage, in the year 2013, gay men and women are still not allowed to marry in Australia.

The first gay marriage was recorded between two in Spain in 1601, and now, nearly 500 years later, many countries still ban gay marriage. In today’s society, there is politicians, musicians, actors and television personalities who are openly gay. Many of these men and women have been in relationships for over 10 years, far exceeding many heterosexual relationships. Being openly gay is no longer considered taboo. The distorted view of it being wrong needs to change, as society changes.

 

Gay marriage rally in San Francisco. Source

Same-sex marriage around the world

The changing society which has seen 18 countries worldwide acknowledge the rights of same-sex couples. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first nation in the world to allow same-sex marriage. This was followed soon after by Belgium (2003), Spain (2005), Canada (2006), Norway (2009), Sweden (2009), Portugal (2010), Iceland (2010), Argentina (2010), Denmark (2012) and France (2013). As of 2010, 250 million people worldwide have entered into a same-sex marriage. 18 countries worldwide, and Australia is not one of them.


Last week a bill was passed in New Zealand to allow the recognition of same-sex marriages. After six months of consideration and over 21,500 public submissions, New Zealand officially recognised the marriage rights of gay men and women. The bill was passed with a convincing 77 to 44, brought about by Labour MP Louisa Wall. After the members voted, the New Zealand parliament and the public gallery broke into applause and song New Zealand has finally recognised the rights of those who are just like us.

Australia and same-sex marriage

The Greens party in Australia have recently announced that they plan to introduce legislation when parliament resumes in May. This legislation would recognise same-sex marriage. As most countries in the world do not recognise same-sex marriage, those who marry in countries such as the Netherlands, Canada, or Spain, must leave their marriage at the customs door. It is the simple line between countries that dictates if they are considered a married couple. Previous bills in Australia calling to recognise same-sex marriage have failed with votes counting 98-42. This shows that though the majority of the public want legal recognition of same-sex marriage, the leaders of this country are not listening.
Despite New Zealand’s recognition of same-sex marriage, the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard states she won’t be moved from her stance against gay marriage. Gillard has said that it is because of her ‘conservative upbringing’ that she is steadfastly against the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Though she is an atheist living in a de facto relationship with a man, Gillard claims to be a traditionalist with a conservative upbringing. Read the full article here.

Gay marriage around the world. Source.

 

It is this conservative upbringing that is supposedly withholding the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia. Countries who have legalised same-sex marriage, including France and New Zealand, have leaders who have either not stated their religious beliefs, or have announced that they are agnostic. Some leaders have always stated that they believe in a higher power. These leaders, such as French President Francois Hollande, have changed their views on gay marriage as society has changed. This change of opinion and legislation shows that it is necessary to not have a stagnant opinion on any matter. It is this stance that the leaders of Australia should take note of.

 

12 years after the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, Australia is still without any recognition of gay marriage. 18 countries worldwide have passed legislation allowing gay marriage, and Australia is not one of them. Those who marry overseas are required to leave their marriage at the customs gate. This is ludicrous and out-dated. With over 60% of the Australian population in favour of same-sex marriage, our current politicians, including Tony Abbott and Prime Minister Julia Gillard, are facing renewed criticism for their stalling attempts to allow same-sex marriage within Australia. As more countries legalise gay marriage, the leaders of this country will have mounting pressure to pass the bill to allow same-sex marriage. Whether it is through this parliament, the one after, or the one after, it is long since due that gay men and women have the same legal marriage rights as everyone else in Australia.