Australia or New Zealand: Which Should You Visit?

Australia and New Zealand are both fantastic countries located in Oceania. Time permitting, it’s a great idea to visit both nations on the same trip due to their close proxmity. But for many people, time and budgetary constraints may force a choice. Both countries are well suited for a vacation so the Australia or New Zealand debate comes down to your interests and preferences. Upon careful comparison, one is likely better suited over the other for your vacation.

In a nutshell, Australia wins for lovers of city getaways as both Sydney and Melbourne are bigger than New Zealand’s largest city of Auckland. New Zealand wins for landscapes, with higher mountains compared to Australia. Australia wins for wildlife, with more diversity compared to New Zealand (but that also has pros and cons since New Zealand does not have poisons snakes). New Zealand wins for culture in my opinion, because Maori culture is more incorporated into New Zealand than aboriginal culture is located into Australia.

Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO Site

The gorgeous Wachau Valley of Austria is nestled along the Danube River between the towns of Melk and Krems. It welcomes visitors with hilltop vineyards, scenic Austrian villages and storied castles. Quaint towns offer an idyllic setting for a relaxing and romantic getaway. Highlights include Melk Abbey, a striking example of Baroque architecture, run by the Benedictine Monks. Another is sweeping vistas from atop Dürnstein Castle.

Passengers aboard Emerald Cruises' Emerald Destiny ship watching as we sail into Into Durnstein, Austria along the Danube River.

What to Expect when Port Tasting in Porto, Portugal

Porto is a beautiful town in the North of Portugal and is the second largest town in the nation. Portugal’s second city is most famous for, of course, its ports. The grapes to produce these fortified wines grow well in the Douro Valley, thanks to its idyllic climate. This making port tasting in Porto the perfect destination to explore the depths of sweet fortified wines!