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Built barely above sea level, some say New Orleans should have never been settled in the first place. Still, there’s a reason why its residents would never dream of living anywhere else! Three hundred years after French colonization, this multicultural melting pot is still going strong and is more flavorful than ever. From colorful cottages, impromptu parades and mouth-watering meals, every street corner in “The Big Easy” is guaranteed to offer a unique surprise.

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Blog > Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures are here!

Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures are here!

For the first time, Urban Adventures will partner with iconic publisher Lonely Planet to launch a new range of exclusive  Lonely Planet Experiences .   

Combining the art of storytelling with local expertise, these experiences are designed from the ground up for independent travellers, with the benefit of unrivalled insights from two of travel’s biggest innovators to get them to the heart of a destination like never before.

A match made in travel heaven?

Lonely Planet and Intrepid Travel go back a long way and the two iconic travel brands share the same travel philosophy. Both believe travel is a force for good when carried out responsibly and that it should be accessible for everyone.   

With two brands t hinking alike, it makes sense to work together to help change the way people see the world. The small group adventures combine Lonely Planet’s talent for inspirational storytelling with Intrepid Travel’s unmatched on-the-ground connections and commitment t o sustainable, grassroots travel.  

We understand that attitudes are shifting when it comes to travel. In a recent survey of over 7,500 members of Lonely Planet’s dedicated community of  travellers  around the world, 92% said they see travel as an ‘opportunit y for positive change’ – both in their own lives, and also for the places and communities they visit. Almost two thirds (65.7%) consider the experience to be a more important factor than the destination, nearly seven in 10 (68%) claim they now care more ab out sustainable travel than they used to and just over a third (35.2%) say they have factored in environmental sustainability when planning their travels.   

Lonely Planet Experiences help address these factors. They are a series of carefully curated, carbo n-neutral tours.  Focussing  on culture, food, adventure and wellness, they will help  travellers  gain a deeper understanding of – and connection to – a destination. The small group tours are geared towards those with an appetite for genuine exploration. Lone ly Planet Experiences will help  travellers  to get off the beaten track and learn more about the local culture, travelling responsibly and benefiting local communities and economies.   

What to expect from a Lonely Planet Experience

On every Lonely Planet Experience , you’ll get a uniquely local insight into everything from street art to street food while exploring with your local guide, with itineraries hand-picked by the world’s leading travel publisher.  Every  Lonely Planet Experience  also comes with  six months’  free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App, which includes over 8,000 destination guides, and unbeatable discounts  in the Lonely Planet store.  

Each Lonely Planet Experience offers a carefully curated, jam-packed itinerary which focuses on culture, food, adventure or wellness. They are led by Lonely-Planet trained local leaders and get  travellers  off the beaten track – and to  the very heart of a destination – through a dedicated series of immersive and authentic experiences and insights on each and every tour.       

Where can I book a Lonely Planet Experience?

Lonely Planet Experiences launches initially with 120 city day tours (powered by  Intrepid’s  Urban Adventures) plus over 100 multi-day trips (powered by Intrepid Travel), in over 65 cities across the world, with plans to further expand the range in 2020.  

The full range of Lonely Planet Experiences  will be available to book from 21 January. These tours will be offered globally in over 65 cities and are available in both group and private settings.  Y ou can find out more about our current tours – and see details as we add to the range at urbanadventures.com/lonely-planet-experiences

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Itineraries

Specialty tours & events, intrepid travel relaunches one-day urban adventures.

by Kelly Magyarics

© Martin Molcan | Dreamstime.com

Destinations

With itineraries taking guests trekking the Himalayas in Bhutan to ones sailing them around the Galapagos Islands to catch a glimpse of the blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas, Intrepid Travel has established itself as one of the world’s premier experiential and sustainable outfitters. Now travelers who have only a short time to explore can still immerse themselves in the culture, cuisine and sites of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Intrepid Urban Adventures , the company’s day tour arm, recently revamped its range of offerings, reintroducing more than 146 one-day tours in cities around the globe. Designed as a “bite-sized” introduction to a destination, these tours fit nicely as a one-day inclusion in a longer trip. They’re also a great way to see a different side of your own backyard during a staycation.

Current cities offering Urban Adventures include Athens, Bangkok, Chicago, Florence, Havana, Mexico City, Nairobi, New Orleans, Paris, Barcelona and Cusco, with tours appealing to foodies, history lovers, active travelers and more. As with all of Intrepid’s experiences, these one-day tours are led by local experts, support local businesses, provide employment opportunities and celebrate local culture.

Since the number of participants is always capped at 12, you’re assured a personalized, immersive day (or evening). Some tours are also accessible, dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated, and many welcome children. Many are available as a private tour, perfect for families or friend groups.

Sample experiences include:

• Bali’s Hidden Rice Terraces Trek Experience : Wander through fields, learn about their biodiversity and importance to the Balinese people, see the irrigation system of a subak agricultural temple not generally visited by tourists, and visit a local food market.
• Mexico City Cantinas, Mariachi & Lucha Libre Night Tour: Don a mask and cheer on your favorite wrestler at a lucha libre freestyle match, sing and dance in a traditional square to the sounds of a traditional Mariachi band, and visit the Tequila and Mezcal Museum to learn about Mexico’s beloved agave spirits.
• İstanbul Conquered Tour : Visit the ancient site of Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine history, the beautiful Blue Mosque and the spine of the ancient Hippodrome (formerly the site of chariot races). You’ll also enjoy a Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, wander the Grand Bazaar and explore Topkapi Palace.

“Intrepid Urban Adventures has always been about showing you a city from a local’s perspective, combining the ‘must-visit’ locations with places only locals know about,”  said Josh Carr, general manager, Intrepid Travel. “That local perspective really sets us apart.”

Originally launched in 2009, Intrepid Urban Adventures is fully owned by Intrepid, the world’s largest B-Corporation certified travel company, with teams around the world dedicated to giving travelers the most authentic experiences.

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Intrepid Urban Adventures - Philadelphia

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Intrepid Urban Adventures - Philadelphia - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Vote for your favorite adventure tour operator!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

These 20 adventure tour operators — nominated by an expert panel — cater to travelers who crave excitement, challenge, and fun in their vacations. Whether you're looking for an individualized journey or group tour, they'll have something for you, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to rafting and kayaking. Which adventure tour operator would you most like to book with? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, May 27 at noon ET. The 10 winning tour operators will be announced on Wednesday, June 5. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

These 20 adventure tour operators — nominated by an expert panel — cater to travelers who crave excitement, challenge, and fun in their vacations. Whether you're looking for an individualized journey or group tour,...   Read More

Best Adventure Tour Operator Nominees

Photo courtesy of Todd Mintz

Adventure Canada

Equipped with a fleet of small-scale cruise liners, Adventure Canada has mastered the art of both Arctic and Antarctic excursions. Across Canada, the Northwest Passage voyage highlights the idyllic beauty of Nunavut, while those hoping to spot polar bears in the wild should spring for a Heart of the Arctic expedition, with both featuring highly educated naturalists and archaeologists aboard the ship.

Photo courtesy of Tyson Mayr

Aurora Expeditions

A pioneer of Antarctic travel in the 20th century, Aurora Expeditions has evolved into a force within the industry that offers trips all across the globe. Polar voyages are particularly popular, with options ranging from the shores of Antarctica to the High Arctic, while other cruise routes include Costa Rica, Scotland, and Iceland.

Photo courtesy of Bindlestiff Tours

Bindlestiff Tours

Bindlestiff Tours specializes in small group adventures with a focus on the American Southwest, Alaska, and western Canada. Guests enjoy fully customized touring vehicles with enlarged viewing windows, free Wi-Fi at most campsites, and the myriad benefits of insider expertise, like the best spots to photograph a sunset or favorite local restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Kirstie Mullikin

Explorer Chick Adventure Co.

From snorkeling around the Galapagos to gorilla trekking in Uganda, Explorer Chick’s curated tours span five separate continents — and each one is crafted specifically by women, for women. Founded in 2014 by Nicki Bruckmann, this adventure company provides ample opportunity to explore gorgeous landscapes and forge new friendships all across the globe.

Photo courtesy of GomezDavid / E+ Getty Images

Frontiers North Adventures

While northern Canada may not be the most easily accessed region, Frontiers North Adventures is perfectly equipped for making your dream excursion come true. In addition to polar bear safaris and beluga whale watching, the company's Northern Lights and Winter Nights excursion offers an opportunity to catch one of the planet's most stunning natural phenomena in real life.

Photo courtesy of G Adventures, Inc.

G Adventures

Launched in 1990, G Adventures has earned acclaim for their wide array of high-end tours and strong commitment to positive social impact. Whether it's hiking in Iceland or biking in Vietnam, each trip is designed to reflect the company's G for Good philosophy, a concept that seeks to benefit all people and communities visited during a trip.

Photo courtesy of HX & Espen Mills

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has earned widespread acclaim for their lavish cruises, with destinations ranging from the frigid depths of Antarctica to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. For wildlife lovers in particular, the company's Galapagos expeditions shine a spotlight on the rich biodiversity of the archipelago, while a Svalbard voyage is perfect for spotting polar bears in their natural habitat.

Photo courtesy of Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

Toronto-based Intrepid is a treasure trove for small-scale sustainable tours, with more than 100 countries available to visit. With itineraries like lemur-spotting in the rural depths of Madagascar and cultural immersions across the Middle East, this storied adventure company is perfect for accessing some of the most remote corners of the globe.

Photo courtesy of Journeys International

Journeys International

Journeys International builds private and group trips to a variety of worldwide destinations, centering each adventure around the individual's or groups' travel goals. Each party is assigned an adventure specialist who makes personalized choices of locations and activities to include in the experience. All journeys are designed to give every person involved a special and unique trip of a lifetime.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lee Hopkins, Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

New Zealand, French Polynesia, and Greenland are just a few of the dazzling destinations frequented by Lindblad Expeditions, a storied tour operator that's been working in tandem with National Geographic since 2004. While warm weather destinations span from Baja California to the Amazon, the company has earned abundant acclaim for their immersive Antarctic expeditions focusing on native wildlife amidst stunning scenery.

Photo courtesy of KenCanning / E+ Getty Images

Maple Leaf Adventures

The spectacular beauty of Canada is on full display with Maple Leaf Adventures, a small-ship cruise operator that's been in the business since 1986. While the bulk of their itineraries focus on showcasing locations across western Canada, gastronomes can also join in on the fun with a curated Craft Beer Cruise or Wines And Islands excursion across British Columbia.

Photo courtesy of Karin Watkins MT Sobek Photo File

MT Sobek has been a leader in the adventure travel industry for more than half a century. Today, travelers can choose from some 200 journeys around the world. Each one is designed to inspire and exhilarate, with interest categories like multi-adventure, family adventure, wildlife and safari, adventure cruising, hiking and trekking, cultural discovery, and rafting and kayaking.

Photo courtesy of Nantahala Outdoor Center

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Beginning as a small-scale rafting tour company back in 1972, Nantahala Outdoor Center has expanded far beyond just the rivers of North Carolina, operating tours from southern Iceland to the Zambezi River. Though their scope has expanded on an international scale, the company still excels at domestic adventure, showcasing the incredible rafting opportunities across the Southern United States.

Photo courtesy of REI Co-op / REI Adventures

Adventure travelers have long turned to REI to outfit their travels; with REI Adventures, they’ll also find more than 100 fully curated experiences across the United States. These active travel itineraries might involve cycling near Zion National Park, hiking through Yellowstone and Grand Teton, kayaking at Point Reyes, or enjoying a weekend of backpacking close to home.

Photo courtesy of Stubborn Mule Travel

Stubborn Mule Travel

A perfect fit for all ages, Stubborn Mule Travel has curated a wide variety of itineraries designed specifically for traveling families. Destinations span across five continents, and as an added bonus, the company also offers unique itinerary stops based off of the interests of each individual guest.

Photo courtesy of 104kelly // Getty Images

Thomson Safaris

Best known as the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has earned worldwide acclaim for its abundant natural beauty — a quality that Thomson Safaris has been highlighting for more than 40 years. While there’s no going wrong with a classic safari, the company also offers food-focused tours and even plane excursions, each one led by a team of expert local guides.

Photo courtesy of Urban Events Global Team

Urban Events Global

Kevin Knight founded Urban Events Global as a travel company for African American adventure seekers looking to explore with like-minded travelers. The company hosts regular camping weekends, as well as group tours to destinations like Ghana, Dubai, Greece, and Jamaica. They can also plan a custom trip itinerary for you.

Photo courtesy of Ren Fuller // Women High On Adventure

WHOA Travel

WHOA Travel works with women guides and business owners to build unique travel experiences. WHOA group adventures are scheduled all over the world, from Kilimanjaro and Peru to Iceland and Bavaria. 

Photo courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “amazing outdoor adventures for all women.” The company leads trips to more than two dozen countries around the globe, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing, and yoga.

Photo courtesy of Beth Peluse / Zephyr Adventures

Zephyr Adventures

Equipped with a roster of trips that span from strenuous mountain hikes to e-biking excursions, Zephyr Adventures offers a diverse range of options for your next getaway. For a glimpse into the beauty of coastal New England, the Acadia National Park Hiking Adventure is a top choice, while those who prefer a more laid-back itinerary can spring for the Czech Republic Breweries and Walking Adventure.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Brandon withrow.

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in...   Read More

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at  www.brandonwithrow.com ,  @bwithrow  on Twitter, and  @bgwithrow  on Instagram.

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer...   Read More

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand , which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe. 

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Meg St-Esprit

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh...   Read More

Meg St-Esprit is a journalist based in Pittsburgh who covers family travel, lifestyle, education, and parenting. With their four kids in tow, she and her husband love to travel anywhere and everywhere — but have a soft spot for camping and outdoor adventures. In fact, her kids are well on their way to achieving their goal of visiting all 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. Meg believes travel doesn’t need to be luxurious or costly to be valuable, and aims to share that with her audience. Meg’s work has appeared in publications such as  The New York Times, Thrillist, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, Yahoo, Good Housekeeping, Romper , and more. Follow Meg on Instagram and Twitter at @megstesprit or check out her work on  https://megstesprit.com/

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com , the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter  and Instagram .

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Intrepid Travelling

Intrepid Travelling Experiences, Reviews and Advice

Eastwards via Train from Poland to Moscow

Getting a travel visa for Russia is fairly straight forward, but will require a visit to their embassy after obtaining an invitation letter (which is fairly straight forward as you can arrange them on the internet). Russia doesn’t seem to be going out of their way to encourage tourist though, maybe it’s a suspicion of foreigners (a possible hangover from the Cold War era) maybe it’s the years of high energy prices resulting in them really not needing us economically, either way, the added difficulty makes for a more intrepid destination.

The greater difficulty I had around this time was obtaining a Chinese entry visa that I would need at the end of my trans-Mongolian railway journey. Basically I couldn’t apply for one as I traveled through Europe as they repeatedly told me I needed to apply in my country of citizenship – New Zealand – so in the end I needed to travel back to London to apply and thankfully they had no problem issuing me one. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried as despite what you read on their official websites or heard from others, you can apply for an entry visa in Mongolia as you pass through there. That certainly would have saved me a lot of hassle.

Once back in Poland I would begin the long train journey east to Beijing over the coming month. A friends very helpful Polish girlfriend, Magda, basically organized my bus and train out of Poland to Russia.  It’s certainly a big help to have a local around at times.  So off I went from Plock to Warsaw and onwards across the Polish countryside on a night train bound for Moscow. We would be disturbed at the border with Belarus as they have to change all the under carriages as the train crosses the border of the EU (Poland) and Belarus because the track widths are different to inhibit any army invading the former USSR. Thankfully I would meet a nice local girl - Angela – while onboard which not only helped the time pass, but also helped a lot with the Belarusian border officials and customs officers; my journey was nowhere as bad or scary as I expected it to be thanks to your translating!

No matter what you call it, Moskva, Mockba or Moscow, I arrived there after the comfortable 18 hour (1,462km) overnight train ride. I happened to arrive on City celebration weekend, so security was high on account of recent Caucus’ issues. Although a high number of police and some special forces would remain all week so it appears that is just how things are.  I would spend five days in Moscow at both a hostel, where I had a strange experience with a naked girl on my arrival, and a local Muscovite family home in an apartment block in the suburbs who I had arranged to stay with through couchsurfing . Couchsurfing allows you to connect, and often stay with, local people to better experience life when visiting new places, rather than doing solely the ‘tourist things’ you experience life as a local, it’s a fantastic way to get beneath the exterior and gain a better understanding of local life. You often make friends for life with your host too, Natalie and I have traveled together several times since and still keep in touch nearly 10 years later!

I would also meet Amelia (who, god bless her) asked if I needed help at the train station to buy tickets as it was all in Russian. I really did need the help as buying the tickets at the station for trains on the trans-Mongolian route can be difficult, but half the price than using an agent if you can manage it! You can’t go to Moscow and not go to the ballet, I went to a mid week performance of Swan Lake with Anna, a Russian girl who asked if I needed help when I was studying my map on a corner after I arrived. I don’t think she figured she would end up showing me around and attending the theatre with me too! Who said the Russians aren’t welcoming of lost looking foreigners!! Oh right, I did…

Enduring thoughts from Moscow

• I’m told there are fewer guys than girls here, and from some of the couples I see here, I believe it.
• More police and security than expected.
• Best metro I have ever seen and used. Trains every 90 to 120 sec without fail.
• A romantic city? Every day I see many people with bunches of flowers

The next destination on my intrepid journey around the world is east via the Trans-Mongolian railway . I’ll stop in Novosibirsk, Irkutsk and Ulan Bator before I reach Beijing in two weeks time.

Auschwitz I & II

Trans-Mongolia Railway

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Is Australia safe? Everything you need to know about Australia’s most notorious hazards

Well-known icons like Steve Irwin and Crocodile Dundee are likely to blame for Australia’s ‘dangerous’ reputation, but fear not – Australia is safe (and super stoked to have you)

Australia ranks in the top 25 most peaceful countries on the 2023 Vision of Humanity Global Peace Index . It has low violent crime rates and very few terrorism – related incidents, is a generally safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers and very rarely has earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions. And while our wildlife has made a name for itself on talk shows, nature documentaries and various urban legends, we can assure you that most of the time, it does actually stay in the wild. We humans tend to scare off animals, so even during outdoor activities, they’re not likely to come too close. But if you need a little reassurance, take my word for it as an Aussie writer, we’re setting the record straight – you’ve likely been misled about the great Down Under.

But first, let’s address the elephant – or better yet, the koala – in the room: our animal amigos.

Animals on land and sea: what you need to know

Spiders, snakes, and sharks, oh my!

The big three critters people ask about are snakes, spiders and sharks. And hey, we get it. They’re not exactly the cutest animals out there. So, it might come as a surprise to hear that they’re actually not as big a threat to your Australia holiday as you may think.

Spiders are actually doing you a favour by keeping the flying insect population down (such a win). They’re generally harmless, nocturnal, mostly stick outside and are labelled as non-aggressive. You’re unlikely to come into contact with the few harmful species we have in Australia as they prefer to hide away.

Hot tip to avoid an eight-legged interaction: if you’ve left shoes or a backpack outside, shake them out before putting them on.

Sure, snakes live in Australia, but so do kangaroos. And just like kangaroos, snakes aren’t usually found in cities and major tourist areas; they prefer to be in their own habitat, typically in the desert or dense bushland. They’re also not very fond of people and are even known to be shy. Our advice? If you see a snake, leave it alone and it’ll do the same.

Take extra precautions when hiking. It’s recommended that you wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Also try to make loud stomping noises when moving to scare them off. It’s a good idea to have guide by your side, especially if bushwalking in an unfamiliar area.

Bushwalks are a uniquely Australian experience, made even more memorable with a First Nations guide who can not only talk about the landscapes but also share the stories of the people who have lived there for thousands of years.

Check out our range of Australia trips featuring guided bushwalks

Once, on a boat trip off the coast of Australia, a passenger asked the captain if there were sharks in the water. Used to this question, he told us to dip our fingers into the ocean and taste the water: “if it’s salty, that means there are sharks.” His message was simple: sharks live in the ocean.

However, we do take action to deter them or warn people about certain areas. Some popular beaches use shark nets or even fence-off areas of water to allow swimmers a stress-free dip. Others will have lifeguards who watch for potential movement and ring an alarm to get people out of the water if a shark is sighted. If you’re concerned about swimming at a beach, opt for a lifeguard-patrolled.

What about crocodiles, jellyfish and stingrays?

So we’ve cleared the air about the big three, but what about the other toothy, stingy and barbey wildlife that call Australia home?

In Australia, crocodiles are only found in the far tropical northern regions (so you won’t find one in Sydney Harbour). They like to hang out by any type of salt water, largely the ocean, rivers, swamps, billabongs (Australian term for natural pools of water) and floodplains. Authorities will monitor popular areas and work to keep them croc-free.

Always check the signs before swimming anywhere, especially in the northern regions of Queensland, the Northern Territory or Western Australia.

Jellyfish and stingrays

The most dangerous jellyfish, the box jellyfish, is found in Australia’s northern waters. Other jellyfish species that can cause painful stinging include bluebottles in the east coast regions of Australia. If you think you’ve been stung, get help from a lifeguard or first-aid professional.

Stingrays sadly have a bad reputation, but they really shouldn’t. These marine animals are not usually aggressive and only use their barbed tail if threatened. Keep an eye out for them before wading into the ocean and avoid contact with the bottom of a reef when diving.

The weather, the sun and the sea

Now that we’ve covered the wildlife, there are still a few things you should know about staying safe in Australia.

Water safety: riptides and ocean swimming

A rip current , or a ‘rip’ to Aussies is the term used to describe the motion of water as it returns to the sea after coming ashore. This water is often fast-flowing and may take you out to sea if you get caught in it.

How to be safe while ocean swimming:

• Read the signs at the entrance to the beach
• Swim between the red and yellow flags In Australia, this means it’s the actively patrolled area of the beach where lifeguards are scheduled to watch over swimmers and look for dangers. Lifeguards will only put up flags if there are no rips present so you can swim safely and freely
• Know what a rip looks like Look for water that has a deeper blue or brown colour with little to no breaking waves
• If you get caught, don’t wear yourself out by trying to swim back Instead, stay calm, float on your back and signal for help
• If you’re a strong swimmer, swim parallel to the shore to get out of the current

Bushfires, flooding and cyclones

The risk of bushfires, also known as forest fires, is greater during the Australian summer months (December to February); however, governments take active precautions to prevent bushfires as well as enforce fire safety. While it’s unlikely a bushfire will impact your trip to Australia, check the alert level in the region you’re visiting before going out into the bush to hike or camp, especially during summer.

The Australian tropical cyclone season typically runs from around November to April and generally impacts only the northernmost parts of Australia. This time of year is also known as the wet season when there are more monsoonal rains, thunderstorms, high humidity and warm to hot temperatures. Many tourist services in the northern regions of the Northern Territory will even close until the dry season (May to October) starts back up again.

Flooding is another natural process in some areas of the Australian ecosystem and can be very beneficial to the environment. Flooding mostly affects the low-lying floodplain regions of Queensland and New South Wales. It’s unlikely your plans will be affected by flooding.

Let the experts lead the way on a small guided tour

Did you know that around 18% of Australia is desert and has some of the highest levels of UV (ultraviolet) radiation in the world? In other words, the sun is really strong in Australia. So, you’ll likely need to be proactive to reduce sunburns and sunstroke when travelling to Australia.

From a young age, Aussies are taught to be sun smart by the phrase: ‘Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.’ It’s short for: slip on protective clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.

Don’t let the sun ruin the fun, here’s how to be sun safe in Australia:

• Use SPF30+ sunscreen (or higher) Apply 20 minutes before going outside. If possible, try to buy reef-safe sunscreen and reapply every two hours after swimming, sweating or towel drying
• Don’t just rely on sunscreen Also ensure you’re covering up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses and staying in the shade where possible

The myths, exaggerations and tall tales

We, as Australians, probably enjoy our label as a country with some of the toughest wildlife a little too much. And while there are people who live and work alongside animals in the wild (think farmers, researchers and park rangers), most of us live a pretty cushy life in suburbia with only a daddy long-leg spider to shoo away every so often.

However, when we travel and are asked about all these deadly and dangerous creatures, there’s no doubt that we enjoy getting reactions from people. We even relish it enough to tell some tall tales about rabid koalas (a.k.a. drop bears) threatening us from the trees.

Have we convinced you yet?

Hopefully, your fears have been quashed and you’re ready to hit the waves at Bondi Beach or gaze up at mighty Uluru . And hey, while you’re in town grab a killer latte in the laneways of Melbourne or say hello to our adorable quokka friends in Western Australia ’s Rottnest Island.

If you’re still in need of a little convincing, why not look over our incredible Australian itineraries, where one of our friendly local leaders will guide you through everything from walks in secluded rocky gorges to award-winning vineyards in South Australia , even snorkelling with tropical fish at the Great Barrier Reef .

What do you say? Ready for a stunner of a tour Down Under?

Samantha Burgess

Melbourne-born coffee lover. Can be found wandering ancient cities, snorkelling coral reefs or combing through gift shops. More commonly on a London tube planning my next adventure.

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