Unique Things To Do In Tulsa: Into The Land Of Art Deco Architecture

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 : 4 Tips for First-time Travelers to Bali

BY  Sibashree Feb 16, 2026

Split is a port city on the beautiful Adriatic Sea. It has delightful beaches in Croatia and a vibrant nightlife. However, it is the ancient heart of the city that attracts me the most.  It’s great that I reached Split in November and spent weeks getting to know the Dalmatian region and the city’s history.  The Mediterranean climate of Split is blissful, and that’s what makes it a year-round attraction. However, it is one of the best family vacation spots if you are planning something for the summer.  Also, if you are a history buff like me, you can plan an off-season trip and avoid the crowd.  As I chose November for my Split Croatia trip, I got the chance to soak up the never-ending stories.  Did you know that Split was the place where Emperor Diocletian retired from his throne? He was the only Roman emperor who voluntarily retired from his throne. Also, Split was the place where Julius Nepos, another Roman Emperor, was killed by his soldiers in 480 AD. Thus, Split saw the final nail in the coffin of the Western Roman Empire.  Nikola Tesla, the legendary inventor, studied in Split.  Split has been used as the backdrop of many Hollywood movies and TV series, including the magnanimous Game of Thrones. Split is the actual place where Daenerys kept her three dragons.  So, overall, Split has history, intrigue, natural abundance, and a happening nightlife. Here is more about the best things to do in Split Croatia, in 2026, and exploring the old and new Dalmatian regions.  How Many Days Are Enough To Explore Split?  If you only want to explore the city of Split, a budget of 2-4 days will be enough for you. However, Split opens your path to the vast Dalmatian coast area.  So, if you are planning to also explore the Dalmatian area, it will take at least 3-4 days more.  Then, spend a day or two getting to know about the local culture, food, and history. Overall, 6-7 days is a reasonable duration to spend in Split, Croatia.  Also, Split Croatia is just a ferry ride away from Dubrovnik. There are many exciting things to do in Dubrovnik.  Also, Dubrovnik is the Croatian gateway to the beautiful Kotor, Montenegro. If you want to explore all of it together, you will need at least 10-15 days. Having said that, let’s get into the discussion on the things to do in Split Croatia.  What Are The Best Things To Do In Split Croatia?  Do you want to get lost in the Old Town, or do you want to just eat, drink, and party? Split is the place that caters to all types of travelers.  However, if you want to try the best things do in Split Croatia as the locals do, here is your ultimate checklist.  1. Exploring The Dalmatian Coast And Even Beyond  Dubrovnik, Split, Sibenik, and Zadar. These are the four major cities that make the Dalmatian Coast what it is.  There are many smaller towns in between. However, these are the most populous and accessible. Split, again, has the highest population among them. Also, I used Split as the base for my journey on the Dalmatian Coast. The city airport has modern amenities, and it gets many connecting flights to other Dalmatian cities. So, this is the best way to enjoy a day, cherishing the Adriatic region. However, you can also choose Zagreb, the inland capital of Croatia, as your base, and then take a bus to Split and the Dalmatian coast.  2. Visiting Diocletian’s Palace  Diocletian, an enlightened Roman emperor, ruled from 284 to 305 AD. The seat of his voluntary retirement or abdication was his palace in Split.  Diocletian’s Palace is an intriguing combination of a military fortress, an imperial accommodation, a fortified town, and gardens.  You can still listen to the cry of the while marble palace for the retired emperor.  A DIY tour of the palace is free. However, you can also be a part of a small group tour and have an in-depth idea about the past of the palace and Split.  Also, if you want, you can plan a stay at the Diocletian’s Palace. However, there is always a large queue of tourists who want to stay here. So, book in advance.  Moreover, here are the most noteworthy spots I visited in the Diocletian’s Palace Complex.  • The Cybele Temple Or The Cathedral Treasury Split I came across the Cybele Temple or the Cathedral Treasury as I just entered the complex. This complex also functions as a museum.  Inside the museum, I saw some really intriguing Catholic relics and artifacts from the Roman era. So, the museum at the entrance sets the perfect mood for the things you can expect throughout the tour of the palace.  It is also the time when you will choose the tours you want to take. The amount you pay will depend on the number of tours you take.  • Saint Dominus Bell Tower Now, this part is a little difficult as I had to climb almost 200 steep steps to reach the top of the bell tower. The narrow passageways once again reminded me why I needed to take my fitness sessions more seriously.  Finally, after climbing upward through a tight space, the tower culminates in an “open-air metal staircase.”  The view from here is amazing.  • Saint Dominus Cathedral The Saint Dominus Cathedral is just below the cathedral. It is the second-oldest among the Catholic cathedrals that are still being used.  Furthermore, the Catholic iconography and the soaring dome inside really humbled me. The building may not be massive, but it has an impressive architecture.  • The Temple Of Jupiter I love Greco-Roman architecture and always look for historical things to do whenever I visit a new destination. So, I had to stop by the Temple of Jupiter.  Dedicated to the Greek God, Jupiter, the temple also tells the tales of human resilience. It was destroyed three times and then reconstructed.  The final version was built during 81-96, in the time of Emperor Domitian.  Furthermore, the granite sphinx outside the temple is headless and this is a 3000-year-old statue, which was beheaded in the 4th century by the enraged local Christians. After the temple visit, I took the Pusti Me Da Prodjem or the Let Me Pass alley. 3. Exploring The Old Town  The Diocletian’s Palace is in a fortified town. The alleys here still exude the old-world charm.  The only modern elements are the internet cafes, stray cats, and ice cream shops here. I especially loved walking the alleyways at night with the moonlight bathing the streets.  The activity was simple, but the sense of adventure and romance I had was matchless. It was the perfect TheLowDownUnder Travel vibe.  4. Walking The Riva The harbor and the Riva are just outside the Old Town and temple walls. This section is very wakable, and it is the place to explore the shops, local restaurants, and cafes.  You can call it the living room of the city, and it is the most prominent place in Split. Moreover, you can have all types of seafood and cuisine at the restaurants here.  I loved the English-only menus and authentic Croatian cuisine here. You can also try the seafood, fresh burgers, and pizzas.  Moreover, I loved watching people here and how they got involved in animated conversations after a dose of cigarettes, booze, or just good food.  Overall, with music playing in the background, Riva is all about camaraderie, great energy, and sharing vibes.  5. Eating, Drinking, And Partying In Split  Do you love authentic Croatian food? Try the top-rated restaurants in Split, such as Duje, DeListes or Konoba Matejusta.  Furthermore, I loved the cuttlefish risotto at DeListes and black truffle carbonara. The best thing about these restaurants is that the menus change regularly because the dishes are made using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients only.  Also, they always do not accept reservations, and you may have to pay only in cash.  Moreover, I came across many excellent bars in the Old Town. O’Hara’s Irish Pub was a discovery there, and a local lady advised me to pay a visit to Trogir.  Also, Marvlvs Libray Jazz Bar, Charlie’s Bar, and Crew Bar are some of the places to enjoy the party vibe of Croatia.  6. Visiting A Museum With such a rich culture, Split has no dearth of options when it comes to museums. I visited the following museums here.  • Mestrovic Gallery This museum celebrates Mestrovic, the famous Croatian artist and sculptor. It is a place to learn about his life and work.  • Split Ethnographic Museum It is a wonderful display of the Croatian home objects and clothing.  • Game Of Thrones Museum  This museum has the most authentic costumes and props used in the iconic TV series. Also, some parts of the TV series were shot here. 7. Getting Aerobic At Marjan Park The Marjan Park, with its network of forested trails, extends into the ocean. It was an experience to climb the Telegrin Peak, the highest point of the park.  From the peak, I loved the views in the surroundings. If you don’t want to walk, you can also take a bike to reach the peak.  In fact, you walk for four hours and still do not see every corner of the park. So, getting the rental immediately after reaching the park is the best thing you can do.  Moreover, I don’t want you to repeat the mistake I made. So, you must bring your swimsuit here as you will find the Kasjuni Beach, Plaza Jezinak, and Kupaliste Bene here. 8. A Day Trip In The Dalmatia Historic Region Split is more alluring for the quintessential Croatian experience because of its accessibility and central location.  Furthermore, you can start exploring the historic region of Dalmatia from Split. So, take a short bus ride and explore the following regions.  • Trogir I took the Flix bus and reached Trogir to soak in its medieval vibe. Time stands still here, and it feels like a journey to the fairyland.  • Kills Fortress Visiting the Kills Fortress feels nothing short of an investigation project. In Game of Thrones, it was the Meeren.  The views from the fortress are breathtaking.  • Solin And Salona  You can experience Solin, which is a modern city, and it surrounds Salona. Salona is the place where Emperor Diocletian was born.  Furthermore, it is an ancient Roman City, probably even older than Pompeii. It has a large cemetery, a large bathhouse, and a massive amphitheater.  Other places you can visit during the day trip are the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park, or the Blue Cave. Even Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a part of your Split Croatia itinerary.  9. Hopping A Ferry Croatia has more than a thousand islands. Some of them are unpopulated. However, you can explore the other islands by ferry.  I used the ferryhopper.com app to plan my ferry route and schedule the ride. I took a ticket for a visit to Hvar.  You can even take a ferry ride to Mediterranean islands such as Korkula and Vis.  However, when planning a ferry ride, you have to check the weather conditions first. Adriatic is unpredictable.  10. Making Good Memories In Split Croatia Split Croatia harbors most of the historical wonders and flows here. So, I listened to endless stories and learned many lessons here.  Furthermore, the Mediterranean climate here is very seductive, and in every nook of Split, there is a sense of discovery.  People are warm, the beaches are gorgeous, and the food is great.  So, plan a visit to this city of Roman history and culture soon! 

BY  Sibashree Mar 11, 2026

I traveled extensively across Jaffna, the Tamil heartland of Sri Lanka. The Delft Island, a boat ride away, offered the most historically and culturally enriching experience during my entire Jaffna trip. Yes, the day trip to Delft Island was a bit rushed, as you have to catch the 8 AM boat from Kurikadduwan Jetty. Otherwise, your entire day will be ruined. However, after traveling 30 kms off the coast of Jaffna, Delft Island unfolded its mystery before my eyes. Overall, it is a limestone and coral island that has all the drama. At the same time, there is something very authentic about this island. Local history and culture exude through every corner. That is what won me over as a follower of the TravelDownUnder principles. Here is more in this travel guide. I will begin with where Delft Island is located and the modes of travel to and around Delft Island. Then, I will talk about its history, significance, and things to see. Where Is Delft Island? Delft Island is in the Palk Strait, and it separates Southern India from Sri Lanka. It is a small island with a maximum width of 6 km and a length of 8 km. With such a tiny landscape, it is surprising to find out how much the island has to offer to the visitors.  How To Visit Delft Island From Jaffna? As I have mentioned, if you include a visit to Delft Island in your Jaffna travel itinerary, you have to be very particular about your timings. You have to reach Kurikadduwan Harbour at least by 7:30 AM to catch the ferry at 8 AM. To reach the harbour, you will have to take bus 776 from the Jaffna Bus Station, or you can take a tuk-tuk.  The bus ticket costs LKR 90, and the tuk-tuk ride costs LKR 2000. Furthermore, the return ferry from Delft Island starts at 2:30 PM. Once you reach the Kurikadduwan Jetty, you will get the bus to Jaffna. The return bus was very crowded, and you must not expect the best infrastructure during the jetty ride. Still, the hassle is worth it. How To Move Around Delft Island? Once you arrive on Delft Island, you can take a tuk-tuk ride to explore the main attractions. Many tuk-tuk drivers wait for the tourists aligned with the arrival time of the ferries. You can book a tuk-tuk ride for 4-5 hours, and the cost will be around LKR 2000-2500. Why Visit Delft Island, Jaffna? The history of Delft Island goes back to the time of the Chola Dynasty. Since then, the island has gone through various reigns, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and finally the British colonial periods. As you walk through the roads graced by palm trees and the sea breeze touches your cheeks, you will find how history speaks here, through the ruins, dirt roads, coral walls, and quaint villages. You suddenly start missing your home, especially the afternoons of summer vacations, when time was simpler. There is a rustic charm here that you cannot miss. The locals here are very hospitable. However, the only thing I missed was that there were no restaurants. So, if you are planning a food tour in Jaffna, Delft Island can be a disappointment. Still, here are more reasons to visit this beautiful coral island. Delft Island: A True Hidden Gem And In Close Encounter With Nature After Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the best travel destination in the world in 2019, Colombo and Kandy became overcrowded. That’s a big turn-off for backpackers like me. So, it’s important to find a break in the north of the country and visit Jaffna temples and other attractions, where you can experience the spirituality, understand the local people, and most importantly, experience the story of human resilience. This is because this part of the country is still rebuilding after the civil war ended in 2009. Delft Island. Jaffna takes these humane aspects and the rawness of Northern Sri Lanka to a new level. In this age of 5G, Delft Island still has 3G connections. Also, the rise in sea levels still impacts the crops, ancient sites, homes, and the entire livelihood of the island. So, when I started exploring the island, I had to walk through the ankle-deep water in the fields. I had no problems in cherishing the experience as everything reminded me of my home.  Stories That Make Delf Island Fascinating Ancient Tamil legends and forgotten colonial ambitions have intertwined in the landscape and livelihood of Delf Island. Moreover, you have to listen to the inside stories here if you enjoy a good mix of history and local folklore. 1. The Growing Stone  There is a limestone outcrop on the island that keeps growing physically. Now, scientifically, it is the calcite and coral deposits that are to be blamed for the growth. However, for local devotees and the followers of Lord Mahadeva like me, it is a Swayambhu Lingam. This self-manifested form of Lord Shiva resembles Nakathampiran, or a multi-headed cobra. I made some offerings there, following the local customs, and had my moments. 2. The Giant’s Footprint Nobody Remembers The indentation close to the Sarapiddi area grabbed my attention. It was around 40 inches in length. There is a local belief that this is the left footprint of Lord Hanuman. Some even say that it is the footprint of Lord Shiva. Nevertheless, a similar indentation, resembling the right foot of the same identity, can be found on the Neduntheevu island. 3. The Wild Ponies And Their Secret Lives The Portuguese and the Dutch brought the wild ponies here. These feral ponies are the descendants of the European mares and Arabian stallions. They grew in numbers and were celebrated during the time of Lieutenant Nolan. He conducted a huge horse-breeding program. By the end of the British Era, most of these ponies were abandoned, and today they are a protected species of the island. So, you cannot take them outside the island. 4. The King Vedi Arasan Vedi Arasan, or the King of Firecrackers, was a celebrated Mukkuvar king here. He was the helm of the pearl trade in the Palk Strait. Furthermore, local stories suggest that the Dutch Fort was built on the foundation of the king’s ancient palace. 5. The Pigeon Cote Or The Dove Cote  The Pigeon Cote or the Dove Cote near the ruins of the Dutch Hospital is a witness to the colonial past of the island. It is 2 meters in length, and it shows how pigeons used to function as the physical internet connection. They were trained, and they used to fly between the Jaffna Mainland and the Delft Island. Though the pigeons were used to carry military dispatches, they were also used for the dissemination of personal letters. 6. The Massive Baobab Tree  The Baobab Tree is a telltale of how Arab traders enjoyed supremacy in this region. The hollow in the trunk of this ancient tree is large enough to accommodate two people.  Furthermore, prisoners were often kept inside the big hollow during transition.  What Are The Things To See In Delft Island, Jaffna? Delft Island may be small in size. However, its diverse cultural and historical attractions will keep you busy. However, these are the attractions you must not miss. The Portuguese And Dutch Fort  This fort is one of the most prominent attractions on Delft Island. It is a free place to visit. The Portuguese built this fort, and then the Dutch occupied it. Moreover, this fort has a coral and limestone structure. So, it stands out because of its unique architecture. The Baobab Tree  The Arab merchants brought the giant baobab tree in the 16th century. You suddenly feel that you are in Africa. The Old Dutch Hospital And Pigeon Nest  The Dutch built this hospital, and in the early 1900s, it became an administrative center. You can still see an inscription of the British Emblem on the Courts. Furthermore, the Pigeon cote or pigeon nest near the hospital shows how pigeons used to function as messengers between Jaffna Mainland and Delft Island. Where To Eat And Drink On The Delft Island? You can eat at the Delft Hotel near the jetty. You can eat parathas, rice, wade, and dosai. Also, you will find many local vendors selling snacks. However, you will not find a hotel on Delft Island. So, carry adequate snacks and water when traveling to Delft Island.