Top 10 Things to See in (and around) Perth

Australia’s most far-flung major city, Perth is a modern metropolis of almost two million, the capital of Western Australia, and is deservedly becoming one of the country’s top spots to visit. Traditionally viewed as a backward outpost of sorts, today Perth boasts all the amenities of any major city, and then some. With an ideal tropical climate and proximity to beaches, forests, islands, wine country, and surfing, there is something here for every type of traveler. Here are some of our favorite spots in and around the greater metropolitan area that are well worth putting on your must-see list (in alphabetical order):

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Big City Transit: Munich

A tribute to German engineering, the Munich city transit system is fast and efficient. Pretty much every place that tourists and short-term visitors will want to see (except for the airport and Dachau) is found in the inner zone (Innenraum), which is marked blue on Munich’s public transit maps. This keeps transport costs down and minimizes the need for transfers and complicated routes.

Tickets are valid across all platforms – U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses. However, they have to be validated (i.e. time stamped) before you board. Machines on the U-Bahn and S-Bahn platforms can take care of this, as can drivers on buses on trams. Failing to validate your ticket puts you at the mercy of the plainclothes inspectors that you probably didn’t even know you were traveling with. They dole out €40 fines with that world-famous brand of German efficiency. Don’t test the system.

There are three types of tickets available for Munich’s public transport system, which are valid on the U-Bahn and S-Bahn as well as on buses and trams:

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Brisbane – Five Top Sights

Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast are the cities that come to mind when people think of Australia. But it would be a shame to forget Brisbane! The seaside city of 2.2 million offers plenty to see and do, a relaxed lifestyle, and an abundance of energy. These have combined to make it one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The city launched its new slogan at the beginning of 2014 — Give me Brisbane any day. After spending any amount of time here, you’ll be sure to agree. If you do decide to visit, make sure to hit up these five spots before heading back home.

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Family travel to the Los Angeles area – What are some of the best places to stay?

Los Angeles needs no introduction. It is the home to Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios, beaches and many other attractions that kids are sure to love. These, plus the fact that they are spread out across a large city, means that the hardest thing about planning a trip to LA with a family is deciding where to stay.

To make the task easier, here’s  a list of some the main areas to stay in Los Angeles. Public transportation is generally not very good here, so this is something to take into account when picking a destination if you don’t plan on renting a car.

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Visiting Taipei’s delicious night markets with kids

Taipei has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best places to eat in the world. Many visitors arrive with an empty stomach and plans to fill it up as quickly as possible — plans that rarely go unfulfilled. But traveling with children presents a challenge: will they enjoy eating strange food in strange places? Thankfully, Taipei’s many food choices present few problems for children. In fact, they may even end up eating more than their parents!

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Five Great Things to do in London for Free

 

London may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but if you’re in the know, a visit to the English capital doesn’t have to be costly at all. There are so many amazing free activities, events and sights in London. You’ll have no problem indulging in the city’s many offerings while sticking to your budget! Even a simple stroll along the South Bank of the Thames rewards you with iconic London sights including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.

We’ve compiled a list of five fantastic things to do in London, and all of them at our favorite price – free!

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#SunsetSnaps Instagram Photo Challenge

Get your cameras up as the sun goes down and share your best sunset snaps with us on Instagram. Each day we’ll feature one of your photos on our Instagram and the three best will receive US$50 credit to use on Agoda.com.Simply tag your best sunset photos with #SunsetSnaps and mention @agoda to enter. Make sure to submit your photo before the contest ends on November 20! Good luck and happy snapping!

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Phuket with kids: what beaches are best?

Like it or not, Phuket is often associated closely with its infamous Patong area, one of the most famous party spots in Asia. But thankfully, there is much more to Phuket than Patong. In fact, there are many beach areas that are perfect for children, where the whole family can relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and warm, blue water.

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Five Great National Parks: France

Whether you’ve come to admire the view, brave the slopes or simply burn off those extra calories from the wine and cheese, the French countryside boasts some spectacular and challenging landscapes. The country hosts a total of ten national parks, though three of these are found offshore in the country’s overseas departments. We’re going to take a look at five particularly captivating parks within the country itself.

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Agoda: Top 10 Things to do in Osaka

Three million residents make up Osaka, Japan’s third largest city and definitely one of its most colorful. Visitors are treated to a bustling landscape of action, bright flashing lights, and surprises around most corners. Famous as an electronics center, Osaka also blends in traditional sites and values, making it one of the country’s more pleasing metropolises to visit. Here are a few spots you’ll want to be sure to include on your trip (in alphabetical order):

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