Leh-Absolute Himalayan Paradise

Leh at Night

Introduction:
Lying deep amidst the Himalayan mountain ranges, Leh is a high altitude desert city. At an elevation of roughly 3500 metres above sea level, Leh is one of the few high-altitude desert cities in the world. Leh gets it beauty from its arid landscape and the harsh climate which results in some genuinely amazing scenery. Getting to Leh is not for the faint-hearted however, because it lies at such a high-altitude we advise any potential visitors to acclimatise to the high altitudes of the Himalayas before proceeding to Leh. Failure to do so may result in severe mountain sickness (and possibly even Death).

Things to Do and Places to Visit:
Leh Palace/Shanti Stupa:  When at Leh, one simply must visit the Shanti Stupa and the nearby Leh Palace. The views from both these places are simply astounding and deeply relaxing. Remember to take several layers of warm clothes as it gets very cold.

Shanti Stupa (Winter)

Pangong Lake: Pangong Tso is a lake which extends for roughly 134km between India and China. Its known by locals as the place where the sky shakes hands with the earth. Words cannot do the beauty of this place justice. You must visit this place. Word of caution however, is that since this lake is at nearly 5000 metres above sea level don't spend more than 25 minutes.

Sunrise at Pangong Tso

Places to Eat: Perhaps the only major disadvantage of visiting Leh is that there are no renowned eatries-due to high altitude and severe weather especially during winter when temperatures have been recorded to dip below -20 degrees. However, with that being said Gesmo Restaurant near Leh Palace can provide a yummy meal for relatively cheap prices.

What to Try: If in Leh one should aim to have Momo's. Momo's are dishes native to Tibet and Nepal and seeing the large tibetan influence in Leh, its a dish to definitely try. Momo's are like Dumplings.

Momo

Where to Stay: The Zen Ladakh is unquestionably the place any visitors should stay. Although its a bit expensive its definitely worth it once you factor in the harsh environment.

What to Watch out For:
Weather: Because Leh is at such a high altitude one can never be too careful. Ensure to pack as many warm clothes as you can, they will come in handy. Also try to acclimatise to the surroundings before attempting any road trips or day excursions, because exertion at this altitude will lead to altitude sickness and maybe even death.

Airfare: 
Flight from Sydney to Leh (Via Delhi) for one adult as of 11th October 2017 is roughly $1312.

Overall Opinion: 
Leh, a genuine wonder city- a must visit for all travel enthusiasts. However, lack of luxury accomodation or food eateries may off-put certain visitors, because of these short-comings Leh receives a 3.5/5 star rating. However-if someone isn't worried too much about food or accomodation-this rating is revised to a 5/5 star rating.

(All info sourced from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir/leh)

-Sargunn Sahota

Bali - Island of the Gods

Introduction:

If you want to spend some time surrounded by flora and fauna then Bali is your go to place. Known for it's culture and scenery Bali became the No.1 destination for Aussie tourist in 2017 and for a good reason. During the day you get to experience the historically religious temples, the beaches and by night you get to treat yourself to tropical cuisines in amazing restaurants. But it's really the vibe you'll experience that'll make you want to never leave.

Things to Do and Places to Visit:

Waterbom: Waterbom is a must-go for any Bali traveller who’s also a theme park fan. From extreme water slides like the snake-themed Constrictor to gentle lazy rivers, both the young and old can spend a fun day at this water park.

Waterbom

Ubud Monkey Forest: Ubud Monkey Forest, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions; a natural forest sanctuary that is home to a horde of grey long-tailed macaques. Besides watching playful monkeys in their natural habitat, swinging through canopies, lazing along pathways or feeding on bananas, the site offers cool walks along paved pathways through a leafy nutmeg forest.

Ubud Monkey Forest

Place to Eat:

Blanco par Mandif: Blanco par Mandif serves delicious local Indonesian food but with a twist, by offering a degustation style menu that, until now, you would be more likely to find in a French fine dining establishment. The emphasis at Blanco par Mandif is on local flavours and ingredients, and you can expect the freshest seasonal produce sourced from all over the island.

Blanco par Mandif

Food to Try:

Babi Guling: Also known as Balinese Suckling Pig, It’s one of the Island’s most famous local dish, where a pig is seasoned with local herbs and spices then roasted whole. The tender meat is served on rice with stewed vegetables, pork sausage, fried pork meat and most importantly the crispy skin.

Babi Guling

Things to Look out for:

Street Vendors: When you're a foreign tourist, you tend to have a particular way of dressing in a new country. Street Vendors can easily detect tourist and will try to hustle you for your money, keep your hands away from reach or they'll attempt to slip something on and demand payment.

Street Vendor

The Place to Stay:

Furama Villas and Spa Ubud: Stocked with loads of amenities for you like the spa, steam room, buffet, terrace and free shuttle service that will take you to where you can explore more dining, shopping and local attractions of the culturally rich area.

Furuma Villas and Spa Ubud

Airfare:

Flights from Sydney to Bali are approximately around $600 AUD, with further research you can even find cheaper flight prices at the $450 mark.

Overall Opinion

Bali is a tropical haven, full of fresh air and beautiful scenery to captivate you. You can visit temples and discover your inner self. Or visit the local markets and enjoy a little shopping spree. Maybe even go and have a bit of fun at the water parks. Bali has countless amount of activities to do day and night. Bali has a well deserved 4.5/5 stars

Information sourced from http://www.bali-indonesia.com/

-Lawrence Pan

Sri Lanka - A magic place!

Sri Lanka

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Introduction:

Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food make Sri Lanka irresistible.

Things to Do and Places to Visit:
Uda Walawe National Park: 
Herds of elephants, wild buffalo and all other animals roam free in this Sri Lankan national park as it is one of the nation's best. It's one of the best in the world for elephant watching.

Uda Walawe National Park

Ella:
Ella is a hill-country village with some of the best guesthouses there is to offer. There are many things this village has to offer from tea plantations to temples and waterfalls. Some of the best home cooked food and tea originate from here.





Places to Eat and What to Try:

Ministry of Crab: The name says it all! From everything crab, some of the best foods are offered at this restaurant.

Ministry of Crab, Colombo

Food to Try:

Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry): As you'd expect from an island in the Indian Ocean, seafood plays an important role in Sri Lankan cuisine. Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) is one of the most beloved varieties of the many different fish curries available.

Things to Look out For:

Safety: All regions of Sri Lanka experience outbreaks of the mosquito-borne dengue fever. Over 80,000 suspected cases of dengue fever were reported in the first six months of 2017, a sharp increase from previous years.

The Place to Stay:

Ulagalla, Anuradhapura: It's a beautiful glass house amongst a pristine reserve. Wooden floors and airy windows make it a great place to stay! 

Airfare:

Flight to Sri Lanka from Sydney for one adult as of 10th October is around $1375 with Singapore Airlines.  

Overall Opinion:

Sri Lanka is a wonderful place to stay with lots to offer for all ages! If you're after a relaxing beach holiday or a more cultural experience, it has both options to offer.
Overall rating: 4/5

(all info sourced from:
http://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/asia/south/Pages/sri_lanka.aspx
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/cultureist/5-of-the-best-places-to-s_b_5378616.html
http://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/sri-lanka-must-try-food/index.html
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka
-Ranuli Athauda

New Zealand - An adventurer's dream!

New Zealand

New Zealand

Introduction: 
New Zealand is jam packed with things to do ranging from the fantastic landscapes, adventurous activities and the beautiful food and wine! New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. Capital Wellington, on the North Island, is home to Te Papa Tongarewa, the expansive national museum. Wellington’s dramatic Mt. Victoria, along with the South Island’s Fiordland and Southern Lakes, stood in for mythical Middle Earth in Peter Jackson’s "Lord of the Rings" films.
Things to Do and Places to Visit:
Adventure: You have multiple adventurous things to do ranging from bungee jumping, caving, off-road driving, sky diving, jet boating and zip lining!

Bungee Jumping!

Milford Sound: Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins.

Milford Sounds

Places to Eat and What to Try:

Kazuya: Delicious international, contemporary and vegetarian friendly food with some amazing options to try! Definitely a go-too for some authentic and delicious food! The 7 course digestation is great! 

Food to Try:

Fish & Chips: Not originally invented in New Zealand but an iconic meal that everyone who visits has to try! 

Things to Look out For:

Safety: Exercise normal safety precautions in New Zealand. Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions.
Adventure: If undertaking adventure activities, make your own enquiries about safety standards and weather conditions.

The Place to Stay:

Intercontinental Wellington: A 5 star hotel with posh dining and a pool to suit everyone's needs! 

Airfare:

Flight to Wellington from Sydney for one adult as of 7th October is around with Air New Zealand is $898. 

Overall Opinion:

New Zealand is a wonderful place for people of all ages. It offers potential activities for everyone from the very adventurous to the more relaxed tourists who prefer to try the amazing foods and wines for a relaxing holiday.
Overall rating: 4/5

(all info sourced from: http://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/pacific/Pages/new_zealand.aspx
http://www.tourism.net.nz/attractions-and-activities

-Ranuli Athauda

Copenhagen - A Joy To See

Introduction:

Copenhagen is the Capital of Joy or Denmark as most people know it. Frequently rated as one of the happiest places to visit in the world it is evidently no wonder why. With modernistic lamps lighting up Nordic tables, bridges buzzing with bicycle riders and lovely locals diving into pristine waterways it definitely sparks joy in any traveller's heart.

Activities:

Ballet, Opera & Theatre:

We hope you are interested in either opera, ballet or theatre or possibly all three, as you've come to the right city! With its traditional charm and historical buildings, Copenhagen hosts breathtaking opera, ballet or theatre experiences for everyone to enjoy. Sit back, relax and witness the ballet dancers gracing the stage, sneak a view behind the curtains, or listen to opera in green surroundings, the opportunities are endless and are a must even if you aren't an arts enthusiast.

Royal Theatre, Copenhagen

Places to Eat:

Copenhagen Street Food

Copenhagen's original, highly admired, street food market serves up food from all corners of the world paired with perfect sunsets by the harbour front. In the small food trucks you can delight yourself with delicious food from all over the world - and enjoy it indoors in the large halls or basking in the sun overlooking the city's waterfront.

Must Try Foods:

Smørrebrød:

This dish is usually composed of a piece of buttered rye bread, a dense, dark brown bread. Along with Pålæg, the topping, that among others can refer to commercial or homemade cold cuts, pieces of meat or fish, cheese or spreads.

Things to Watch Out For:

Biking Rules:

Whilst cycling through the streets of Copenhagen it is extremely important to recognise the road rules for bikers. For example there are separate traffic lights for cyclists and car drivers. Be wary of which light to look out for and which rules to follow.

Recommended Accommodation:

Babette Guldsmeden: 

This hotel in Nyhavn & the Royal Quarter is the newest addition to the splendid Guldsmeden hotel group. Babette features the iconic, relaxed Balinese style decor and makes a serious effort to be as sustainable as possible. There is also a superb organic restaurant, Babette's Feast, and a showstopping rooftop spa and serene courtyard.

Airfare:

Prices for flights from Sydney International to Copenhagen International are upwards of approximately $1600.

Overall opinion:

A leader in happiness and for a very good reason, Copenhagen delivers what everyone wishes to experience - Delicious food, divine hospitality, unparalleled experiences and a relaxed atmosphere. This location is for the travellers looking for a break from work and are looking for that escape from a busy city. Copenhagen has some of the most beautiful sights in the world and for that and the other reasons previously mentioned this city of joy receives 3.5/5 stars.

Information Sourced From:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/denmark/copenhagen/hotels/babette-guldsmeden/a/lod/c65d278e-d3bd-4f1c-a1ec-28f500f3fbe9/358838

http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/sightseeing/ballet-opera-theatre

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Tourism-g189541-Copenhagen_Zealand-Vacations.html

-Emerson Brown

Cairo: The Jewel in the Desert

Cairo: The jewel in the desert

Introduction

Cairo is a beautiful desert city situated in the corner of Africa. Rich in history and sightseeing, Cairo will leave you stunned and wanting more.

Things to do

Pyramids of Giza

You'll need half-day to fully absorb the grandeur of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. The main highlight of the pyramids is the largest one, the pyramid of Cheops. You experience a feeling of awe knowing that this massive structure was constructed using prehistoric technology. The sphinx and the solar boat museum also located in the vicinity certainly adds to this awe.

Al-Azhar Mosque

Built in  972 AD, this is one of the oldest universities and one of Egypt's earliest surviving mosques. You get thrown into the past by looking on the outside but once you enter (removing your shoes at the entrance of course),  you are immersed in the prayerful and reverent atmosphere of the mosque.

Places to eat

Koshary About Tarek

The most famous restaurant in Cairo, this restaurant serves only one dish, Koshary. This dish ensures the restaurant is always packed but this dish is well worth the wait. A combination of pasta, lentils, chickpeas, tomato salsa, fried onions, a special garlic dressing called da'a and chili sauce. The restaurant has two floors to cater to its hustle and bustle and the service is quick and welcoming.

Must try foods

Kebab la Kofta

This delicious dish is a combination of succulent and juicy meat cubes grilled over charcoal, typically lamb or veal and seekh kebab. It is usually served with baladi bread and a variety of salads and dips, usually tahni and baba ghanou. For any meat-loving visitor to Cairo, this dish is a must try.

Things to watch out for

The Heat: Cairo is situated in a very hot and dry climate, be sure to always bring sun protection such as hats and be sure to keep your water supplies stocked up.

Hotel: Pyramisa Suites Hotel Cairo

A decent hotel which ensures you don't spend too much of your money, this hotel will ensure that you get the rest you need to explore Cairo at your best the next day. At $118 a night with free breakfast, this hotel is well worth it.

Airfare

As of 5/10/17, the airfare to Cairo from Sydney is $1013, keep on the lookout however as there are cheaper fares to be found in other parts of the year.

Overall opinion

If you love a rich history and culture as well as wondrous sights and can bear the heat, Cairo is the city for you. The people are very much friendly are you will leave this place with many amazing memories. 4.5/5

Information and images sourced from
https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en-gb.html?aid=356933;label=metagha-link-localuniversalAU-hotel-16031_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-30_dow-Saturday_defdate-1_room-0_lang-en_curr-AUD;sid=ba9ee4dce851dc3af88ddad26c2b2aa5;checkin=2017-11-04;checkout=2017-11-05;city=-290692;highlighted_hotels=16031;hlrd=with_av;keep_landing=1;redirected=1;source=hotel&utm_campaign=AU&utm_content=los-1_bw-30_dow-Saturday_lang-en_curr-AUD&utm_medium=localuniversal&utm_source=metagha&utm_term=hotel-16031&
https://www.cheapflights.com.au/search/flights-to-Cairo/from-Sydney/departing-2017-10-05/
https://theculturetrip.com/africa/egypt/articles/the-10-best-restaurants-in-downtown-cairo/
http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/cairo-egy-cai-cai.htm
http://www.alrahalah.com/2012/03/top-10-foods-in-egypt/

-Alex Silvino

Zurich-True Swiss Beauty

Look at that View !!

Introduction:
Zurich is one of the most picturesque cities on this planet with drool-worthy views every square kilometre. Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is a capital for banking and finance. Zurich has a rich history which is evident throughout the stunning architecture and culture. For all travel lovers, Zurich is a must visit place !

Things to Do and Places to Visit:
Interlaken:
Interlaken is a traditional resort town deep in the famous Swiss Alps, its a roughly 120km drive from Zurich however the team here at quick-trek would strongly advice any tourists to pick up the rail pass($56 AUD) and enjoy the scenic beauty amidst world-class trains.

As a day-visit or a multi-day layover, Interlaken will unquestionably be the highlight of your trip because it is just so damn beautiful. Visiting Thun and Brienz Lake when visiting the location is a must. Remember to pack your camera for some simply stunning photographs.

Thunz and Brienz Lakes

Lake Zurich: 
Spending time at Lake Zurich is almost divine, highly recommended for all tourists to experience the lake in all its glory, a cruise along the lake would be the best possible way to spend a day in Zurich. Just remember that prices can be very expensive for cruises, so choose accordingly.

Lake Zurich (Summer)

Place to Eat:
Sternen Grill: For cheap, authentic Swiss food near Lake Zurich look no further than Sternen Grill. Recommended to try the currywurst with their signature baguette. Enjoy a quick meal here overlooking Lake Zurich- its the perfect combination.

Food to Try:
Rosti: Regarded as a national delicacy, Rosti is basically the Swiss version of a hash-brown and is often used as a accompaniment or a side dish like fries or chips. Trying the Rosti is sure to be fun for all, as its light and tasty.

Rosti

Things to Watch out For:
Weather: It can get quite cold in Zurich, especially during the winter with temperatures frequently dipping below 0 degrees. Even the summers aren't particularly warm and pack a slightly chilly breeze. Compared to Australia, Zurich is much colder hence taking your woolens and warm clothes would definitely be a wise decision.

Place to Stay:
Romantik Hotel Europe: This 4 star-hotel is just overlooking Lake Zurich and is only a skip away from major tourist destinations. Stay here for a nice, comfortable stay overlooking the famous lake.

Airfare:
Airfare from Sydney to Zurich for one adult begin at roughly $1600 per person (as of 4th october 2017) and tend to increase as the year progresses. Try to book early to avoid spikes in airfare.

Overall Opinion:
Zurich is a nice city, with lovely architecture and ambience. The fact that its only roughly 100km away from Interlaken and the famous Swiss Alps warrants its 4/5 star rating.

(all info sourced from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/switzerland/zurich)

-Sargunn Sahota