Craig Elliott

Australia has its seasons in reverse to the majority of the world. When it is winter in Europe and America, it is summer in Australia, and vice versa. While it may be difficult to imagine Australians sunbathing on the beach and swimming and surfing in the ocean in December, that is generally how they spend their Christmas holiday.

The vast majority of travellers who visit New Zealand come away with a memorable experience, and the vacationers who partake in water rafting are no exception. New Zealand is hailed as one of the most pristine and picturesque counties in the Pacific region, and this is clearly evident to those who go rafting through the country's truly awe-inspireing rivers and byways.

For many, a trip to the “Land down Under” is the trip of a lifetime. Australia really does offer something for everyone, exciting cities, spectacular scenery, friendly people and some of the most unique wildlife found anywhere in the world. Part of the excitement of a big trip is in the planning and if you are visiting this huge and fascinating country, there are several things you should not overlook.

Australians are known worldwide as a passionate people with a zest for life and living. They are famous for many outdoor activities both on water and on land. Australians are renowned as a cultured people as well, which makes sense considering the diversity of nations which surround the continent, such as New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand. It should be no surprise that a list of the best restaurants in and around their most populated city, Sydney, would be impressive.

There are many individuals who think that the continent of Australia was largely unsettled before its "discovery" by European colonists. Contrary to this belief, the Australian continent was populated by the Aborigines peoples as well as Torres Straight Islanders before these explorers arrived. The Australian continent was made up of many different cultures and languages, and still is.

It can be a challenge to come up with a list of the top five attractions in a country that's as big and diverse as Australia. If you have visited the "Land Down Under" before, you may have your own suggestions. Although, if you have not yet visited Australia, the following places will give you a good start, they include man-made and natural wonders, dramatic scenery, beautiful beaches and Aborigine culture.

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the best places to go for entertainment on the west coast of the United States. Sporting a wide variety of Las Vegas hotels and casinos, nightclubs, restaurants and other attractions, you will be able to find something for everyone in your family. There are many, many attractions to see when you visit Las Vegas so you need to plan your time according to the things that you want to enjoy the most.

Much of New Zealand's cuisine, similar to the people themselves, tends to be straightforward and unpretentious. The country's economy is largely based on agriculture, so not surprisingly the cuisine is based on fresh produce from the sea and the land. It isn't all basic, the wave of immigrants from China, Korea and other parts of Asia have meant an explosion in ethnic cuisine.

Apart from being considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand also has the distinction of being one of the youngest. It was the last major land mass to be discovered by Europeans, and today, this fascinating and unspoiled country offers many reminders of its Maori and Colonial history.