TRAVEL TUESDAY 570 - TUVALU

“Climate change is the greatest threat to our existence in our short history on this planet. Nobody’s going to buy their way out of its effects.” Mark Ruffalo

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Tuvalu is an independent South Pacific island nation located roughly midway between Hawaii and Australia, widely known as one of the smallest and most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Spanning just 26 square kilometres of total land area across three reef islands and six coral atolls, it is the world's fourth-smallest sovereign state and houses a population of roughly 11,500 people.

Most of the nation sits a mere 2 to 4 metres above sea level, leaving it completely devoid of rivers or lakes. Fresh water is obtained exclusively through rain catchment systems and wells. Because of its low elevation, Tuvalu faces an existential threat from rising sea levels. Estimates suggest that flooding and storm surges could cost the nation upwards of US$34 million annually by 2050. The government has already formulated digital and physical preservation plans, alongside migration pathways, should the islands become entirely uninhabitable.

Tuvalu achieved independence from the United Kingdom on 1 October 1978. It operates as a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, recognising King Charles III as its head of state. In a landmark treaty ratified with Australia, the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union commits Australia to providing security and disaster relief. Crucially, it features a special mobility pathway granting up to 280 permanent resident visas annually for Tuvalu citizens to relocate to Australia as climate refugees.

Tuvalu has one of the smallest economies globally. It relies heavily on international development aid, fishing licences, remittances from seafarers working abroad, and the licensing of its lucrative .tv internet domain extension. The Australian Dollar (AUD) is the official legal tender alongside local Tuvaluan coins. The local population is primarily of Polynesian descent, speaking both Tuvaluan and English.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 569 - LUXEMBOURG

“Luxembourg, a small nation with a big voice, echoing throughout the European landscape.” – Lex Heijnen

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Luxembourg, officially known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a small landlocked country located in Western Europe. It covers a total land area of 2,586 square kilometers and shares borders with Belgium, Germany, and France. As of 2026, the country boasts a growing population of 693,916 residents, nearly half of whom are foreign nationals. Luxembourg is renowned for holding the world's highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (nominal and PPP), making it an international economic and financial powerhouse.

There are several regions in this small country: Éislek (Oesling): The northern third of the nation, characterised by the rugged, rolling hills of the Ardennes mountain range and dense forests. Its highest point is Kneiff, sitting at 560 meters above sea level. Guttland (Bon Pays): The southern two-thirds of the country, featuring fertile agricultural lands, rolling countryside, and the capital, Luxembourg City. Specialist Sub-Regions: The east features the rocky gorges and cliffs of the Mullerthal region (often called "Little Switzerland"), while the southeast is home to the scenic Moselle vineyard valley.

As a founding member of the European Union, Luxembourg City serves as one of the de facto institutional capitals of the EU, hosting major bodies like the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the European Investment Bank. The Head of State is the Grand Duke Henri, who handles formal constitutional rights. The Head of Government is Prime Minister Luc Frieden, who directs executive power through the government. A unicameral parliament known as the Chamber of Deputies, comprised of 60 members elected every five years, handles the legislature. Thus, Luxembourg functions under a unique unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, holding the distinction of being the world's only remaining Grand Duchy.

It is a highly diverse, cosmopolitan, and multilingual society: The nation has three administrative languages. Luxembourgish is the designated national language; French is the legislative language; and German, French, and Luxembourgish are all used collectively for administrative matters. The population features an extensive foreign-born community making up over 47% of the citizenry. The largest minority groups include Portuguese (13.2%) and French (7.2%) nationals. On March 1, 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport nationwide completely free for both residents and tourists.

Vianden Castle (seen here) is one of Europe's largest, most beautifully restored, and most impressive feudal residences from the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Perched majestically on a hilltop overlooking the town of Vianden and the Our River in northern Luxembourg, it has been recognized by CNN as one of the 21 most beautiful castles in the world. Originally built between the 11th and 14th centuries on the foundations of a Roman outpost and Carolingian refuge, the fortress served for centuries as the seat of the powerful Counts of Vianden before passing to the House of Nassau. After being sold off piece by piece and falling into complete ruin in the 19th century, it was transferred to state ownership in 1977 and painstakingly restored to its former glory.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 568 - SKIATHOS, GREECE

“Plutocracy was, is and will be the permanent ruler of the world, the permanent Antichrist. It gives birth to injustice, it nourishes crime, it corrupts bodies and souls.” - Alexandros Papadiamantis

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Skiathos (Greek: Σκιάθος, romanized: Skiáthos) is a small Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea. Skiathos is the westernmost island in the Northern Sporades archipelago, east of the Pelion peninsula in Magnesia on the mainland, and west of the island of Skopelos. The main town is Skiathos (pop. 4,883 in 2011), in the eastern part of the island. Skiathos and its neighbouring island Skopelos were the filming locations of the 2008 film “Mamma Mia!”.

There are over 60 beaches, including the white-pebbled Lalaria Beach, the pine-fringed Koukounaries, and the energetic Banana Beach. Skiathos Town (Hora) is very picturesque and you can stroll through cobbled alleys filled with whitewashed houses, dine at open-air tavernas, and enjoy the buzzing nightlife around the Old Port. One can hike up to the historic Evangelistria Monastery or explore the medieval sea fortress at the Bourtzi Peninsula. Low-flying aircraft land just metres above the sand at the famously short Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport runway - a favourite location for plane spotters!

A 14th-century medieval fortified town is perched dramatically over the northern cliffs. Built to protect locals from pirate raids, you can hike through its atmospheric ruins and enjoy stunning, windy sea views. Tucked high in the pine-covered mountains, the Evangelistria Monastery is peaceful, although active with resident monks. It holds a massive place in Greek history—it’s where the first official Greek flag was woven and blessed in 1807. The monks still produce local wine, olive oil, and honey today.

Alexandros Papadiamantis (Greek: Ἀλέξανδρος Παπαδιαμάντης 4 March 1851 – 3 January 1911) was an influential Greek novelist, short-story writer and poet who was born in Skiathos. The Papadiamantis House Museum is a museum dedicated to the writer. Following his death, his house was transformed into a modern museum with displays related to his life and attracts many visitors.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 567 - SAMOS, GREECE

“Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life.” - Pythagoras 

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Samos is a lush, mountainous Greek island located in the eastern Aegean Sea, just a short distance from the Turkish coast. Samos was home to the famous mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus. You can explore ancient ruins at the Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos, which include the remains of a massive temple to Hera and an ancient underground aqueduct, a marvel of ancient technology and engineering . In ancient times, the island was a rich and powerful maritime centre that rivaled Athens.

Samos Town, also called Vathy (shown here), is the main port with traditional houses, shops, and waterfront dining. Pythagorio is a pretty harbour town built over the ancient city, featuring paved streets, a lively marina, and the statue of Pythagoras. Kokkari is a charming northern fishing village popular with visitors for its relaxed vibe and nearby beaches. Unlike drier Greek islands, Samos features thick pine forests, high mountains, waterfalls (like the Potami Gorge), and scenic hiking trails. The island is famous worldwide for its golden, aromatic sweet Muscat wine, produced here since ancient times. Traditional mountain villages like Manolates offer local food, fresh produce, and handmade crafts.

The Samian economy depends mainly on agriculture and the tourist industry which was growing steadily since the early 1980s and reached a peak at the end of the 1990s. The main agricultural products include grapes, honey, olives, olive oil, citrus fruit, dried figs, almonds and flowers. The Muscat grape is the main crop used for wine production. Samian wine is also exported under several other appellations.

Samos is home to many animal species including the golden jackal, stone marten, wild boar, flamingos and monk seal. It is also one of the most lush and biologically diverse islands in the Aegean Sea, home to over 1,000 to 1,500 plant species and rare endemic varieties. Wild thyme, oregano, rosemary, and sage grow abundantly across hillsides and hiking paths. Samos hosts rare plants like Dactylorhiza pythagorae (an orchid named after Pythagoras) and critically endangered species like Consolida samia (Console of Samos), alongside localized blooms like the Samos Crocus.  Wild olive trees, carob trees, cedar, strawberry trees (arbutus), myrtle, and heather are also abundant. Pine trees cover the slopes of mountains, along with dense groves of oak, chestnut, plane trees, and cypresses.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 566 - DAKAR, SENEGAL

“Music in Africa often contains messages. Music in Senegal, and Africa, is never music for music’s sake or solely for entertainment. It’s always a vehicle for social connections, discussions and ideas.” - Youssou N’Dour

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Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is the westernmost country of mainland West Africa, situated along the Atlantic Ocean coast, with an area of 197,000 square km and a population of 19 million people. It borders Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. Senegal nearly surrounds the Gambia, a country occupying a narrow strip of land along the banks of the Gambia River, which separates Senegal's southern region of Casamance from the rest of the country. It also shares a maritime border with Cape Verde. The capital and largest city of Senegal is Dakar.  French is the official language, while Wolof (Ndakaaru) is widely spoken.

Like other African nations, the country includes a wide mix of ethnic and linguistic communities, with the largest being the Wolof, Fula, and Serer people. Senegalese people are predominantly Muslim. As a developing nation, Senegal is classified as a heavily indebted poor country, with a relatively low ranking on the Human Development Index (169th out of 193). Most of the population lives on the coast and works in agriculture or other food industries; other major industries include mining, tourism, and services.

Dakar is the vibrant capital and largest city of Senegal, located on the westernmost point of the African continent on the Cap-Vert peninsula, with a population of approximately 1.28 million in the department, with around 4.0 million in the broader metropolitan area. Senegal is generally safe for travelers who exercise normal to high caution, though certain regions and urban areas carry specific security and health risks.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 565 - MT ATHOS, GREECE

“True religion is real living; living with all one’s soul, with all one’s goodness and righteousness.” - Albert Einstein

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Mount Athos, known in Greek as Agion Oros (the Holy Mountain), is a mountain and peninsula in northern Greece that operates as a semi-autonomous, self-governing monastic republic. Home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries and approximately 1,400 to 2,000 monks, it has been an uninterrupted centre of Orthodox spirituality since the Byzantine era. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the area is famous for its breathtaking, fortress-like architecture, pristine forests, and its strict, centuries-old traditional rules.

The Avaton (Ban on Women) is a key requirement, by ancient law, dating back over a millennium, where women and children are strictly forbidden from entering the peninsula. This tradition, meant to ensure total celibacy and focus for the monks, requires female travellers to view the coastal monasteries exclusively via offshore boat cruises. The peninsula is home to 20 main monasteries, such as the audaciously built Simonopetra Monastery perched high on a cliff, and Vatopedi Monastery, which still keeps "Byzantine time" where the new day begins at sunset. 

There are no land routes for public entry. All visitors must arrive by ferry, typically departing from the mainland gateway towns of Ouranoupolis or Ierissos. Visiting Mount Athos is treated as a religious pilgrimage rather than a casual holiday. Because the monks protect their quiet, spiritual environment, access is highly regulated. A permit  to visit (Diamonitirion) is required by every male visitor, which must be reserved months in advance through the Mount Athos Pilgrims’ Bureau in Thessaloniki. General visitor entries are capped at 100 Orthodox and a very limited number of non-Orthodox men per day. Regulations restrict group sizes to a maximum of five people, and pilgrims must obtain explicit, pre-approved invitations from specific monasteries to secure overnight accommodation.

Room and board within the monasteries are provided free of charge, but guests must strictly adhere to the monastic schedule. This includes attending early morning services (often starting at 3:00 AM), dressing conservatively (long trousers and long sleeves), keeping silent after dark, and turning off video recording equipment, which is strictly prohibited.

The Moni Grigoriou Monastery is shown above, founded in the 14th century (shortly before 1350) and dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 564 - VANUATU, PACIFIC OCEAN

“I don't think there's much point in bemoaning the state of the world unless there's some way you can think of to improve it. Otherwise, don't bother writing a book; go and find a tropical island and lie in the sun.” - Peter Singer

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Vanuatu is an archipelagic nation in Melanesia, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of roughly 83 volcanic islands forming an irregular Y-shape, situated about 1,750 kilometres east of northern Australia. Known for its incredible cultural diversity, active volcanoes, and pristine marine life, it is a premier destination for adventure and tropical travel.

The capital is Port Vila, located on the island of Efate and it has a population of 56,352 residents (Vanuatu total population is 343,000 people). Languages spoken are Bislama (national pidgin English), English, and French, alongside over 100 indigenous languages. The climate is subtropical, featuring a warm, wet season (November to April) and a cooler, dry season (May to October).

Efate Island: The main gateway and home to the capital, Port Vila. Key sights include the stunning Mele Cascades Waterfall and deep-water lagoons.

Espiritu Santo Island: The largest island, famous for its glowing freshwater "blue holes" (like Nanda Blue Hole), powdery white sand at Champagne Beach, and the world-renowned SS President Coolidge shipwreck dive site.

Tanna Island: Famous for Mount Yasur, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, where visitors can stand right on the rim.

Pentecost Island: World-renowned for the annual Naghol (land diving) ritual held between April and June, which inspired modern bungee jumping.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 563 - TRIPOLI, LIBYA

“As a young boy in Libya, it was hard to escape the conclusion that the women were the most feeling and most functional part of society.” - Hisham Matar

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Libya is a large, oil-rich country located in North Africa along the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Algeria, and Tunisia. As the fourth-largest nation in Africa, the vast majority of its terrain consists of the Sahara Desert, forcing about 90% of its 7.3 million residents to live in fertile cities along the northern coastline, primarily within the capital city of Tripoli.

Libya is historically and culturally divided into three primary regions: Tripolitania (Northwest): Home to the capital, Tripoli, featuring a Mediterranean climate and the Nefusa Mountains. Cyrenaica (East): Centred around Benghazi, known for the fertile Green Mountains (Jebel Akhdar) and major oil infrastructure. Fezzan (Southwest): A vast, hyper-arid desert region dotted with historic trade oases like Sabha.

Because Libya lacks permanent rivers, it relies heavily on the Great Man-Made River, a massive engineering network of underground pipes that pumps fresh water from ancient desert aquifers to coastal cities.

First inhabited by indigenous Berber populations, coastal Libya was later colonised by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, leaving behind prominent archaeological ruins like Leptis Magna. Arab forces introduced Islam in the 7th century. The region was later absorbed into the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century until 1911. Italy violently colonised the area in 1911, formally unifying the provinces under the name “Libya”. 

The nation achieved independence as a monarchy in 1951. In 1969, Muammar Gaddafi seized power in a military coup. He ruled the nation with an authoritarian, highly centralized system for 42 years.

Following the 2011 Arab Spring revolution and the fall of Gaddafi, Libya entered a prolonged period of instability and civil factionalism. The country remains politically fragmented. Power is split between the internationally recognized government in Tripoli (West) and a separate administration backed by the Libyan National Army in Benghazi (East).

Libya boasts the largest proven oil reserves in Africa. The economy is completely tethered to hydrocarbons, which constitute over 90% of government revenue. Financial management is highly volatile, overseen by the Central Bank of Libya which devalued the Libyan Dinar to stabilise the economy amid persistent political gridlock.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 562 - OKINAWA, JAPAN

“To pass on the lessons learned from the tragedy of war to future generations, and pray for everlasting world peace.” - Okinawa Cornerstone of Peace Monument

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Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture. It is a tropical island chain known for clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a distinct Ryukyu cultural heritage. The region spans over 160 islands, featuring warm weather year-round, world-class scuba diving, and a relaxed pace of life. The largest and most populous island is Okinawa Island, which hosts the capital city, Naha, as well as major urban centers such as Okinawa, Uruma, and Urasoe.

Many attractions ensure a perfect holiday for all. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Located in Ocean Expo Park on the main island, famous for its massive main tank housing giant whale sharks. Naha & Kokusai Street: The bustling capital city area packed with local food stalls, street performers, and souvenir shops. Shuri Castle: The historic restored palace of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. Kerama Islands: A short ferry ride from Naha, popular for pristine white sand beaches and snorkeling in the famous Blue Cave. Miyako and Yaeyama Islands (Ishigaki): Remote outer island groups known for ultra-clear tropical beaches and barrier reefs.

The islands boast a unique cuisine distinct from mainland Japanese food, featuring local staples like Okinawa Soba (wheat noodles in a savory broth), Goya Champuru (stir-fried bitter melon), and stewed pork Rafute. Ryukyu was ruled as an independent trading kingdom until the 19th century, and its distinctive music, pottery (Yachimun), and architecture set it apart. The islands are also the birthplace of karate, later popularized on the Japanese mainland and worldwide.

Okinawa was under U.S. administration (1945–1972) after intense battles where many Okinawans lost their lives. Due to post-WWII history, parts of the main island feature a blend of Japanese and American mid-century culture, including scenic seaside strips like Mihama American Village.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 561 - CALIFORNIA DESERT

“A cactus doesn't live in the desert because it likes the desert; it lives there because the desert hasn't killed it yet.” — Hope Jahren

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California's desert region spans the southeastern part of the state and features three main arid zones: the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Desert, and a portion of the Great Basin Desert. 

Death Valley National Park is famous for Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level (the lowest point in North America) and record-high summer temperatures. Joshua Tree National Park is known for giant granite boulders and unique, twisted yucca plants. Mojave National Preserve features volcanic cinder cones, the singing Kelso Dunes, and dense Joshua tree forests. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California's largest state park, offering slot canyons, vast badlands, and spring wildflower blooms.

Silhouettes of blooming desert agave plants (Agave deserti) above, show the tall, slender stalks branching at the top. These plants are also known as the century plant. Their stalks can grow up to seven metres high when the plant produces its once-in-a-lifetime bloom. This type of scenery is highly characteristic of the southern California deserts, particularly Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and parts of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, where these agaves thrive on rocky slopes and washes.

Best time to visit is October through April, when daytime weather is mild. In the Summer, conditions can be extreme, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C, making for extreme and potentially dangerous trips. The Californian deserts are popular for hiking, stargazing, photography, and camping.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 560 - KYLEMORE ABBEY, IRELAND

“When I told the people of Northern Ireland that I was an atheist, a woman in the audience stood up and said, 'Yes, but is it the God of the Catholics or the God of the Protestants in whom you don't believe?” - Quentin Crisp

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Kylemore Abbey (Irish: Mainistir na Coille Móire) is a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. The Abbey was founded for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium in World War 1. Since 2022, it has belonged to the English Benedictine Congregation. Under The Kylemore Trust, it continues its mission as a Benedictine monastery, holding Kylemore and its spiritual mission, natural and built heritage in trust for the Irish nation. Kylemore Abbey also operates as one of Ireland's leading visitor attractions.

Kylemore Castle was built in 1868 as a private home for the family of Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from London whose family was involved in textile manufacturing in Manchester, England. He moved to Ireland when he and his wife Margaret purchased the land around the Abbey, after having travelled there on their honeymoon in the mid-1840s. He became a politician, becoming an MP for County Galway from 1871 to 1885.

The castle was designed by James Franklin Fuller, aided by Samuel Ussher Roberts. The construction of the castle began in 1867, and took the total of one hundred men and four years to complete. The castle covered approximately 3,700 m2 and had over seventy rooms with a principal wall that was up to a metre thick. The facade measures 43 m in width and is made of granite brought from Dalkey quarry by sea to Letterfrack, and of limestone brought from Ballinasloe. There were 33 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 sitting rooms, a ballroom, billiard room, library, study, school room, smoking room, gun room and various offices and domestic staff residences for the butler, cook, housekeeper and other servants.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 559 - ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

“I, like Don Quixote, have fought many a windmill.” - Dan Peña

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Zaandam is a distinct city in North Holland just north of Amsterdam, reachable via a 12-minute train ride. It is globally famous for its controversial, modernized-traditional architecture—most notably the stacked green wooden houses of the iconic Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam—and as the gateway to the historic Zaanse Schans windmills (shown above).

Key attractions to see are: Zaanse Schans - A renowned open-air museum just north of central Zaandam where you can explore functioning historic windmills, traditional cheese-making shops, and the famous green Zaan-style houses. Inntel Hotels Zaandam: The eye-catching architectural marvel in the city centre that stacks nearly 70 individual traditional Zaandam house facades on top of one another.

Czar Peter House (Tsaar Peterhuisje): Built in 1632, this is one of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands and was a temporary residence for Russian Tsar Peter the Great during his 1697 visit.

Zaans Museum & Monet Atelier: Learn about local trade and the chocolate/biscuit industry, or visit the partly blue corner house famously painted by Claude Monet in 1871.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 558 - THE BAHAMAS

“The Bahamas has mangrove nurseries, coral reefs, shallow sea grass beds, and deep oceanic trenches - all perfect ecosystems for sharks. Photographing multiple shark species in exquisite water was the assignment I had dreamed about from the start.” - Brian Skerry

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The Bahamas is an independent archipelagic nation located in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cuba and southeast of the United States. Comprising nearly 700 islands and 2,500 cays, this constitutional monarchy recognizes King Charles III as its head of state and is led politically by Prime Minister Philip Davis. Renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and tropical climate, it stands as a global hub for international tourism and financial services. Only about 30 of the 700 coral islands are actively inhabited. The capital city, Nassau, is situated on New Providence Island and serves as the primary gateway for international flights and cruise liners.

New Providence & Paradise Island are home to downtown Nassau's historical markets and the world-famous Atlantis Bahamas Resort, which features a massive 141-acre marine water park. The Exumas are famous for incredibly clear, shallow sand flats, bonefishing, and the iconic Pig Beach, where visitors can swim alongside wild pigs. Harbour Island is a popular destination situated off Eleuthera, famed worldwide for its unique pink sand beaches. The Grand Bahama Island is the fourth-largest island, home to Freeport and the Lucayan National Park, which protects vast underwater cave systems and scenic boardwalk trails. Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas, boasting the 225km-long Andros Barrier Reef—one of the longest continuous coral reefs in the world.

The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is pegged 1-to-1 with the US Dollar. US currency is widely accepted everywhere, though carrying physical cash is essential for smaller vendors and taxis. There are no standard ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Visitors rely on official taxis (fares should be negotiated upfront), rental cars, or domestic inter-island flights and ferries.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 557 - LORD HOWE ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

“I thought to live on an island was like living on a boat. Islands intrigue me. You can see the perimeters of your world. It's a microcosm.” - Jamie Wyeth

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Located 780 km northeast of Sydney, Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed paradise. It limits tourist numbers to 400 at any one time to preserve its pristine environment. Accessible via a 2-hour flight from Sydney, the island is famous for its beaches, the world’s southernmost coral reef, and hiking trails.

Getting to the island is entirely by air. QantasLink offers daily, year-round flights from Sydney (under 2 hours). Additionally, Eastern Air Services operates flights and charters departing from Port Macquarie, the Gold Coast, and Newcastle. Once you arrive, there are no private cars, and most of the terrain is pedestrian-friendly. The primary mode of transportation is hiring bicycles or walking.

Because the island is relatively small (about 10 km long), everything is easily accessible. The best time to travel there is during the shoulder seasons—September to November and March to May. These months offer the perfect balance of warm, pleasant weather (averaging 20˚C to 22˚C) for hiking, while the ocean remains warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.

Home to more than 130 species of birds, it is a haven for birders. Highlights include seeing red-tailed tropicbirds performing courting rituals near the Malabar cliffs and watching countless shearwaters return at dusk. The trek up the towering Mount Gower is world-famous, offering breathtaking views of the subtropical landscape. You can drop into the Lord Howe Island Museum to learn about the region's unique biodiversity, history, and scientific specimens

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 556 - CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

“In Colombia, everything is an exaggeration – the people, the colours, the festivals, and the stories.” — Jorge Franco

Welcome to the Travel Tuesday meme! Join me every Tuesday and showcase your creativity in photography, painting and drawing, music, poetry, creative writing or a plain old natter about Travel.
There is only one simple rule: Link your own creative work about some aspect of travel and then share it with the rest of us. Please use this meme for your creative endeavours only.
Do not use this meme to advertise your products or services as any links or comments by advertisers will be removed immediately.

Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a vibrant, highly biodiverse nation located in the northwestern corner of South America. Nicknamed the “gateway to South America”, it is the only country on the continent with coastlines along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It has a population of about 52 million people and the capital city is Bogotá, located high in the Andes mountains.

Cartagena, is a vibrant, historic port city on the Caribbean coast, which is highly attractive for tourists. Famous for its UNESCO-listed walled Old Town, it blends stunning colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and colourful balconies with tropical beaches, incredible gastronomy, and a lively Afro-Caribbean cultural scene.

Amongst the many attractions are: 1) The Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) — Wander the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter through the iconic Clock Tower Gate (Puerta del Reloj) to explore historic plazas like Plaza de Bolívar and the Palace of the Inquisition. 2) Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — A massive, strategically built fortress on the Hill of San Lázaro, designed to protect the city from pirates. 3) Getsemaní — Just outside the walled city, this hip, bohemian neighbourhood is famous for its vibrant street art, colorful umbrellas, and trendy, local-heavy bars. 4) Convento de la Popa — Located at the highest point of the city, offering panoramic views of the coast and cityscape.

While the urban beaches in the Bocagrande and Laguito areas are popular, the best pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters require a short boat trip. Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) are a stunning national park located about an hour boat ride away. Perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and relaxing. Playa Blanca is located on the nearby Barú Peninsula, offering a classic Caribbean beach experience with a laid-back vibe.

The image is within the walled city and the landmark in the background is the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría.

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