Luxury Villas In 2023: What You Need To Know

BY  Mashum Feb 26, 2019

The cost-of-living caps the fantastic landscape and culture that Australia has to offer and explore.  For many tourists and Australians, it is much cheaper to travel abroad and explore other countries. However, traveling around Australia is incredible and can cost you minimal amounts if you are aware of the budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia.  So, before you plan a trip to Australia, learn the art of sticking to a budget. Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas in Australia The cost of traveling should never be a constraint if you want to explore the beautiful land of Australia. Let’s head straight to the most practical and budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. 1. Stay In Hostels This tip is more relevant to Australia even though it applies to all parts of the world. Most hotels in Australia are costly, mainly if you are operating on a budget. If you wish to have a less luxurious sleep, you will save a lot of money.  2. Camp You can even try camping if you want to be more adventurous. It will help you save a lot of money. The cheapest way to explore Australia is by getting around and camping at different campsites.  There are several free camping spots around Australia, although there will be areas where you will need to pay for your campsite. Even then, the fees may be as little as $5 per person. You will get access to showers and toilets, which aren’t always available on the open road. 3. Prepare Your Meals Even if you decide to eat in a fast-food joint in Australia, it will not give you much change from $10. Besides, you can bring havoc to your body by substituting main meals with fries and burgers.  Make sure that you are getting food that will support healthy living. You can achieve this objective by preparing your food. It is much cheaper than relying on ready-made food.  Most parks in Australia provide public BBQ facilities free of charge. All you need to do is buy some veggies or meat from the local supermarket and get some grilling.  If grilling every day is not your thing, make good use of the available kitchens in the hostels. Use them to prepare your meals. You will realize a significant difference in your bank account.  4. Purchase Your Booze Bottle-O Bottle-O refers to the liquor shop or bottle shop. This store sells alcohol at a lower price than the ordinary bars. You will get affordable liquor deals in this place. Most budget drinkers like to go for the Goon, which is a cheap boxed wine.  5. Use A Private Vehicle to Commute  In Australia, you must get around by car if you want to explore the country. You can do it either by purchasing a vehicle temporarily or hiring a car for your travels. However, these two options can be slightly expensive.  You can use comparison sites such as Car Rental Buddy or Car Hire Choice to find and compare vehicles. Alternatively, you can opt for campervan hire from Camper Champ. You will not fail to get a cheap deal when it comes to commuting in Australia. 6. Travel On Greyhound Bus Most backpackers like to use this option as their preferred means of transport. It is among the cheapest modes of transportation in Australia.  You can get a travel pass for approximately $500. It will allow you to hop off and on as many times as you would like. It is an excellent way to view the fantastic scenery of Australia. The good news is that you will not spend so much on these journeys.  7. Participate In Homestays or Couch Surfing Accommodation in Australia is expensive, even for backpackers. So, if you want to explore Australia cheaply, take advantage of staying at homestays or even Couch-surfing in people’s homes. It will help you get free accommodation in exchange for cultural learning and community interaction. 8. Purchase A Campervan This option is best if you are traveling as a group. It will help you to spit the gas among yourselves. Driving via Australia is exciting, but you can still make your trip more enjoyable.  One way is to purchase a campervan in Cairns and then drive down to Melbourne or the other way around. Even though driving is more expensive than flying, you will stop anywhere you wish. Besides, if you have a big campervan, you can still use it for accommodation.  9. Have Fun by Participating in Active Hobbies Australians (particularly in the north) are known for their outdoor lifestyle. Therefore, you can join them and have a lot of fun outdoors. You will not spend lots of money when you pursue your hobby.  You can try scuba diving, snorkeling, skiing, bungy jumping, and a lot more, thanks to its vivid landscape and coexistence of various geologies. 10. Spend Most of Your Time with Nature Australia has so much when it comes to natural beauty, and this offers a free experience. You can get into the botanical gardens in Melbourne for free. Also, you will not pay anything to visit the beach.  You can also hike via the Royal National Park or Sydney’s Blue Mountains. You will not spend even a single cent when interacting with nature.  11. Hiking  There are several scenic walking trails in Australia that you can explore. Do you want to hike along the Australian coastline and admire the beaches? Or do you want to hike up mountains to get a view of the Australian landscape? You will be able to find an abundance of exciting hiking trails for your adventure. You will get excellent hiking opportunities at no cost in Australia.  12. Check out the Galleries and Museums Unlike the rest of the world, the galleries and museums of Australia are free to get in. Therefore, if you are tired of the outdoor experience and want to get a feel for the culture, museums are your best bet.  The best place to start is the National Gallery of Victoria. You can also try out the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Both locations will give you fantastic opportunities to tour Australia at budget-friendly rates.  13. Cycling In some cities, there are cycling initiatives that you can take advantage of while visiting Australia. In Brisbane, it is possible to cycle for up to half an hour for free using their city hire bike scheme. There are several cycling trails that you can also explore around the city. 14. Swimming At the Beach  Australia boasts thousands of kilometers of coastline where you can go swimming and enjoy yourself at the beach. Whether you decide to stop in a major city like the Gold Coast or head to a quieter town such as Airlie Beach, there will be an option for you. 15. Fishing  If you can get yourself some fishing rods, you can go fishing at a local creek, dam, river, or beach. 16. Barbecues One thing that is unanimous with all Australians is their love for an excellent outdoor grill. Having a barbecue meal with your travel group is also one of the most budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. You can head to the supermarket and buy a loaf of bread and sausages for a tonner. You will enjoy a barbecue in the company of friends. Conclusion  These are just a few of the budget-friendly travel ideas in Australia. You don’t have to break the bank to have a good time. There are plenty of things to see and do in Australia. You must be open to the different experiences the region has to offer. From Kangaroo Island to the Barossa Valley, Australia has scenic beauty that you can soak in without burning a hole in your pocket. So, make a budget and stick to it to have a happy and hearty journey! Read Also : Travel Tips to Help You Out In Asia 4 Tips for First-time Travelers to Bali

BY  Sibashree May 17, 2025

Japan will have already exceeded the 10 million visitor mark by April 2025. The number is 10.54 million, specifically, as the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) data states.  JNTO had also stated earlier that 2024 was the year of the highest tourist footfall, with the number shooting up to 36.8 million.  Now, Tokyo, as the cultural, economic, and commercial epicentre of Japan, is, of course, experiencing the most tourism boom.  However, around 1300 km apart, Hokkaido also contributes to the country's tourism growth.  So, this time, we decided to make a Tokyo to Hokkaido journey, and our Tour and Travel blog has all the details as always! What Is The Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance? The distance between Tokyo and Hokkaido is 1,281.5 km. Traveling this distance by car takes around 20 hours.  However, taking a flight or a bullet train is the best option for traveling between these two destinations.  What Is A Good Month To Visit Hokkaido? Hokkaido is a year-round travel destination. However, the best times to visit are March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). Mild weather conditions and moderate rainfall make these months ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the nearby attractions.  Further, Spring or Sakura is the cherry blossom season in Hokkaido and all parts of Japan. Similarly, Koyo, or the autumn foliage in yellow, orange, and red, makes Hokkaido look like a painting.  Again, the summer season in Hokkaido is pleasant and cooler than Japan's main island, and it is ideal for hiking and exploring the scenic flower fields. Also, in winter, Hokkaido has a lot of visitors for skiing and snowboarding.  Nevertheless, the table below provides a detailed idea of the weather conditions of Hokkaido by month.  MonthAverage Temperature (Degree Celsius)Rainfall (Inches)Hours of SunJanuary-958February-849March-3410April5212May121.915June181.715July20316August22514September165.812October94.811November34.610December-54.99 How Do I Go From Tokyo To Hokkaido? There are four ways to travel from Hokkaido to Tokyo. You can take a flight, Shinkansen bullet train, ferry or car.  Take A Tokyo To Hokkaido Flight Duration: 1.2-1.5 Hours Cost: 5500 Japanese Yen (One Way) Route: Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Sapporo Chitose Airport Best for: Quick Traveling If you want to reach Hokkaido from Tokyo in the blink of an eye, you can take a flight to Sapporo from Narita or Haneda Airport. These two airports are close to Tokyo Station.  Traveling In Tokyo To Hokkaido Bullet Train Duration: 7-7.5 Hours Cost: 26990 - 35860 Japanese Yen (for Adults) Route: Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Sapporo Station Best for: Exploring the Scenic View and Food Scene Taking the Tokyo to Hokkaido train is the way to cover the distance. The Shinkansen bullet train journey is long and expensive.  However, it is the best way to explore the attractions on the route.  Further, the train journey is divided into two stages.  Bullet train or Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Limited express train from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo The first stage of the journey takes around 4-4.5 hours, and the second stage of the journey will take close to 3.5 hours.  Moreover, if you have plans to explore various parts of Japan by train, you can buy a JR or Japan Rail Pass for 50000 Japanese Yen. It remains valid for 7 days.  Ferry Ride From Tokyo To Hokkaido Duration: 20-22 Hours Cost: 26990 - 12000 Japanese Yen Route: Tokyo to Oarai Port to Tomakomai Port to Sapporo Best for: Patrons of Slow Traveling Evening Ferry Timing: Departure - 7:45 PM, Arrival - 1:45 PM Next Day Night Ferry Timing: Departure - 1:45 AM, Arrival: 7:35 PM Next Day The journey from Tokyo to Hokkaido is divided into three stages.  First, you have to travel to Oarai Port from Tokyo Station after a train journey of 1 hour and 45 minutes.  Then, you will have to take the Sunflower Ferry from Oarai Port to Tomakomai Port. Finally, you will need to take a train ride or ride a car to reach Sapporo from Tomakomai Port. Road Trip From Tokyo To Hokkaido Duration: 20-23 Hours Cost: 15000 Japanese Yen for Tolls, 15000-26000 Japanese Yen for Ferries, and Car Rental Route: Tokyo, Aomori City, Hakodate, Sapporo Best for: Travelers Willing to Explore the Tohoku Region and other Areas A car trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido is a lifetime experience. However, the journey also consists of various stages. Driving from Tokyo to Aomori City Ferry Ride from Aomori to Hakodate or Tomakomai Driving to Sapporo Tokyo To Hokkaido Journey: Places To Visit There are multiple places to visit during the Tokyo to Hokkaido journey. Let me briefly introduce these stopovers to you.  • Otaru Otaru basks in its unique charm as a port city. You will see historical canals and old warehouses here.  It also has many sushi bars if you want to try the best of Japanese flavors.  • Sapporo Sapporo has a palpable urban energy as the capital of the Hokkaido region. However, it is also the gateway to the Northeastern mountains.  • Hakodate It is a coastal city located at Hokkaido’s southwestern tip. It is often referred to as the gateway between Hokkaido and Honshu.  • Tohoku Region The Tohoku Region has historical attractions like Sendai. The Aomori prefecture is a cultural hub of the region.  However, for me, Kakunodate is the most fascinating place here. It is well-preserved, and this feudal town is home to Samurai residences.  • Shiretoko National Park Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its colorful wildlife and pristine ambiance.  • Daisetsuzan National Park It is the largest national park in Hokkaido. With its diverse landscape and trails, it is a favorite of hikers.  Lake Toya, Nikko, Furano and Biei, and Lake Akan are other popular places to visit on the Tokyo to Hokkaido journey. Tokyo To Hokkaido: Where To Eat?  If you love ramen and soup curries, the Tokyo to Hokkaido journey will be the ultimate gastronomic delight. You cannot miss the seafood, grilled lamb, or Jingisukan.  Further, Aomori and Sendai will be your stopovers on the route. These cities in the Tohoku region are known for their regional delicacies such as Kiritanpo Hot Pot, Hachinohe Senbei Soup, and Kitakata Ramen.  See why we all prefer bullet train rides over flights! 😋😋😋😋😋😋 Further, once you reach Sapporo in Hokkaido, your choices will be as vivid as they can get.  Sapporo DelicaciesWhy So Special?Sapporo RamenThick noodlesRich brothDiverse in toppingsJingisukanSignature-style grilled lambTastes amazing with beerSoup CurryA flavor bomb with a fusion of Indian and Japanese flavors. Fresh SeafoodSushiNemuro Hanamaru and other crab delicaciesSteak or YakinikuSignature Hokkaido-style grilled beefSweetsYogurts ParfaitMango Parfait Is Hokkaido Worth Visiting? Yes, Hokkaido is a place worth visiting. It is a melting pot of unique cultures, outdoor activities, and natural wonders. Also, Hokkaido has some real surprises for Murakami fans, and I will spill the beans if you are not already aware! First, have a look at the table below for a sneak peek into why Hokkaido is so popular among tourists. Reasons Why You Must Visit HokkaidoThe HighlightsCultural and Historical Experiences• Hakodate Historical Town• Onsen culture or hot spring experiences in Noboribetsu• Exploring the indigenous Ainu Culture at Lake AkanGastronomic delight• Fresh seafood at the Sapporo fish market• Trying Sapporo ramen, soup, and dairy products**• Exploring Ramen Alley or Ganso Ramen Yokocho in the Susukino nightlife area(It is the birthplace of miso ramen.)Exploring Wildlife• A visit to the Shiretoko National Park• Spotting bears, deer, and foxesDiverse Landscapes• Mountains such as Asahi-dake, Mount Rausu, etc. • Forest areas such as Mt. Daisetsu and the Hidaka Mountains• Hokkaido is home to 22% of the entire forest land in Japan. • Beaches in Hokkaido, such as Otsu Beach, Shimamui Beach and Aso Beach Ishikari• Volcanic areas such as the Akan Volcanic Complex, Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and Daisetsuzan Volcanic GroupWinter Sports• Skiing• SnowboardingSummer Outdoor Activities• Biking• Hiking• Cycling ** Hokkaido is world-famous for its milk and dairy products. Hokkaido milk is creamy, rich, and full-bodied. It has been a favorite among chefs and connoisseurs since the 19th century after the western farming technique became popular in Japan.** Why Is Hokkaido A Murakami Lover’s Dream Destination? Have you heard of the Matsuyama Farm, located in the remote north of Hokkaido? It is an annual meeting ground for Murakami lovers from all corners of the world.  Further, Hokkaido is THE LOCATION of the Oscar-winning film Drive My Car. It was based on Haruki Murakami's stories.  Also, be it the Men Without Women story collection or the surreal novel A Wild Sheep Chase, Hokkaido has been an important element in Murakami’s work.  Moreover, prominent places mentioned in Murakami’s work are: Keio Plaza Hotel in Sapporo (the inspiration behind the Dolphin Hotel in Dance Dance Dance) Nakatonbetsu (the hometown of the young chauffeur in Drive My Car) Bifuka (the inspiration behind the town of Junitaki in A Wild Sheep Chase.  Also, Lake Shikotsu, despite not being directly related to the work of Murakami, is a place you cannot miss in Hokkaido. Is 3 Days Enough In Hokkaido? The second-largest island in Japan, Hokkaido, cannot be explored in three days. However, here, we have tried making a compressed itinerary if you are staying here for three days.  On the first day, you can tour Sapporo and visit places such as the Sapporo TV Tower, Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, and Moerenuma Park.  Further, on day 2, you can explore the history of Hokkaido by visiting coastal cities such as Otaru (known for its historic canals) and Otoyama Sake Brewery Museum. Also, don’t forget to try the seafood here. On day 3, you can enjoy the best of Hokkaido’s natural wonders such as Nopporo Forest Park, Lake Shikotsu, and Mount Tarumae.  Mount Tarumae is an active volcano and a popular hiking spot. On the other hand, Lake Shikotsu is the second-deepest lake in Japan.  Are you tired of exploring all the outdoor attractions in Hokkaido? Relax at hot springs such as Jozankei, Noboritbetsu, and Asahidake and enjoy the ultimate Japanese experience.  Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Tokyo to Hokkaido distance. How Long Is The Bullet Train From Tokyo To Hokkaido? The Hayabusa Shinkansen is the fastest bullet train running from Tokyo to Hokkaido. This journey from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto takes around 3 hours and 57 minutes. You can book a reserved seat at 26990 Japanese Yen or a Green Seat for 35860 Japanese Yen (for adults). Is It Better To Fly Or Train From Tokyo To Sapporo? If you want to travel quickly, you must take a Tokyo to Sapporo flight, which will take around 1 hour and 35 minutes. New Chitose Airport near Sapporo serves as the key entry point. On the other hand, if you want a more scenic experience, you can take a two-stage train journey.Bullet train or Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-HokutoLimited express train from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to SapporoThe total journey will take around 7.5 hours. How Long Is A Flight From Tokyo to Hokkaido? The flight from Tokyo to Sapporo in Hokkaido takes from 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. It is one of the busiest air routes in the world, and hence, you will get many flight options. 

BY  sagnika Apr 27, 2024

Let me share an overview of the eight best places or cities where you can live in Australia. Of course, I have my preferences based on certain criteria, ensuring that I live a good life with safety and positivity. Considering the distance from my workplace, transportation, and connectivity to the marketplace and shops are immensely important. If I plan my future in a place, I will choose one that has nature surrounding it and a cultural aspect of the local community. Read the article to explore eight places that are considered some of the best places to live in Australia. I will help you understand these cities better and how they can offer you some of the best opportunities related to your lifestyle and personal and professional life. 8 Best Places To Live In Australia For You If You Have A Family! Australia has some of the best cities for you to work and live in! Let me create a list of eight places that offer several opportunities for you to create a beautiful lifestyle, either as an individual or as a family person. In these cities, you can grow professionally because they offer some of the finest places to work and live. This includes top employers, the best organizations, a balanced cost of living, and more. Wondering about the best time to visit Australia? Keep reading! There are also other services, such as hospitality, customer service, and agriculture, which you can access if you plan to live in one of these cities in Australia. Whenever you plan to move to one of these cities, you get the best opportunities and enjoy your life to the hilt! 1. Melbourne Did you know Melbourne is considered the top city in Australia to live in? When you compare its affordability with Sydney, another popular city in NSW, you will see that it is much more affordable than Sydney. Over the past four decades, there is an apparent average price difference between the two cities of 1.36 times! According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sydney is 22% more expensive than regarding in terms of accommodation. One of the major reasons for this is the price of housing. Housing in Melbourne is much more affordable, along with stability, education, infrastructure, and healthcare. Melbourne's cultural scene is where you can visit museums, popular music, galleries, festivals, and other places. You can see different places that bring you closer to nature. In 2023, Melbourne was called the "most livable city in Australia"; hence, when you start living there, you will experience a life full of colours! Apart from that how can we forget about the beaches in Melbourne? 2. Sydney Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales and one of the most popular cities in Australia. Furthermore, Sydney is the second-best place to live in Australia. With its coastal location, it offers some of the best visuals! Now, your question: Why do I say that? Some reports also tag Sydney as the fourth best place to live worldwide. Some of Sydney's significant aspects make it quite amazing, such as excellent weather, social infrastructure, and employment opportunities. The beaches in Sydney are another reason you get to live there! There are more employment opportunities in Sydney than in Melbourne in IT, tech jobs, design, technologies, and science. Sydney's culture and food are quite good, which is alluring if you are planning to live in Australia. 3. Adelaide In my list, Adelaide is the third best city to live in Australia, especially because it is so affordable. There are many green spaces, which you can access whenever you want. When it comes to accommodation, Adelaide is the most affordable! According to Propertyupdate.com.au, you can rent houses in Adelaide at a median price of $393! If you live closer to one of the bustling markets of Adelaide, you can experience some of the best food and culture in the city. Let me also highlight that Adelaide has a family-friendly atmosphere and a relaxed lifestyle. If you want to live life ambitiously yet do not prefer the regular hustle-bustle of cities, this is the place for you. 4. Brisbane The fourth city I have included in this list is Brisbane, which is well known for its educational services and healthcare opportunities. I am here to highlight the opportunities that you will receive once you move to Brisbane. The average cost of living for a single individual in Brisbane ranges between $400 and $750 weekly. Of course, your choices, living quarters, and expenses factor into this rate, so you need to do careful budgeting if you plan to live here. At times, certain factors make it easy for people to misunderstand or misinterpret Brisbane's nature. Frequent crime and an increasing negative perception of people make it difficult for people to understand Brisbane's genuineness as a city. 5. Perth Perth is a student-friendly city on the western coast of Australia. If you plan to pursue an academic career soon, you can plan on living in Perth. The city offers diverse options for gastronomic, recreational, and cultural activities. Two of the top Australian institutions are in Perth: Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia. The universities and educational institutes in Perth are quite supportive, encouraging students to achieve more and have a social life. If you compare all these places in Australia and their cost of living, Perth is the cheapest, with a total of AUD$2200 monthly! Perth has a diverse job market in construction, information technology, tourism, and healthcare. Several tourist attractions are located in West Perth, such as the Scitech Discovery Center, Cottlesloe Beach, the Pinnacles, and Kings Park. The climate is pleasant, and there is a beautiful burgeoning arts scene, so if you are an artist, this is the perfect place for you! 7. Canberra Canberra, the capital of Australia, is known for its cosmopolitan environment. If you plan to relocate to Canberra for work purposes, you are making the best choice. This place is one of the safest cities in Australia and is filled with international visitors. The city offers you information technology and consulting services and employment opportunities that you can apply for! These are the most popular employment opportunities. Let's remember the educational institutes such as Canberra University and Australian National University that welcome international students. The city's top attractions are the Black Mountain Tower, a man-made lake in the city centre, and the Captain James Cook Memorial. You will also lose yourself in the diverse food options in restaurants such as Water's Edge Restaurant, Table Canberra, Les Bistronomes, Olive at Hawker, and others. 8. Gold Coast Located in the north of Brisbane, Gold Coast is one of the most popular areas of Australia for greatest surfing! There are about four universities in the city, and 30,000 university students live there to pursue their education and grow professionally. There are interesting job opportunities available, along with several chances of you becoming a business owner by opening a cafe or a small business based on your qualifications and interests. Let me also mention some of the cutest amusement parks—maybe that is why it is known as the "theme park capital of Australia!" I suggest you visit Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sling Shot Gold Coast, and others. Food and culture are a winning combination; thus, you can get the best of both worlds when you start living on the Gold Coast! 8. Newcastle If you love living in a place with a strong community sense, Newcastle is the place for you! It is on the New South Wales Coastline, offering career opportunities and an affordable lifestyle. If you prepare for better educational opportunities, you can get admission to the University of Newcastle. If you have friends and family in Sydney, it will take two hours to reach Newcastle! Apart from being the seventh largest city in Australia, Newcastle provides a luxurious coastal life. You should also check out the restaurants in Australia as they give you a slice of life! If you hate congestion and the busy lifestyle of big cities, you can enjoy an easygoing lifestyle in Newcastle. Finishing Off... To sum it up, Australia as a nation is one of the most economically stable countries in the world. Yes, there are shortcomings, but I have made a list of cities that you can consider if you plan to relocate. Be it for job opportunities or personal reasons, you can consider these places. Why is it important for you to go through these places in detail before you plan to relocate? You learn about the little things that might not seem important at first but can matter a lot when you start living there permanently. Comment on which place you think is perfect for relocating in the list and name the reason! Learn More About: 6 Tips For A Luxurious Trip To Australia Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia 10 Things You Have To Do When You Visit Australia Top Restaurants In Maitland Australia That Give You Culinary Delights