For over 42,000 years there has been one continent that stands out from the rest for its geographical beauty. The smallest continent in the world is home to the mighty nation of Australia.

It is a land filled with forests, deserts and the Great Barrier Reef home to thousands of different species of fish and coral. Australia has a long history dating back thousands of years and one that is sure to intrigue any would-be visitor.

With over 21.3 million residents this island is one of the largest in the world. For years before the colonization of Australia people only knew the great land as the “unknown land in the South” but since its discovery a new culture and demographic has opened up for the rest of the world to enjoy. This article will cover some of those interesting facts that may leave you intrigued enough to want to visit this great country and continent.

Who first discovered Australia?

The earliest settlers of Australia were the indigenous people that arrived via a land bridge over 48,000 years ago. Many early maps and histories suggest of a land in the South that was unknown but it was not until 1606 that Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon mapped this large continent.

In 1770 New South Wales was claimed for Great Britain and on January 26th, 1788 the British Crown Colony of Port Jackson was officially established by Captain Arthur Phillip. The Western part of Australia was claimed by Great Britain in 1829.

Who rules over Australia?

For many years it was the British that fully ruled over the land of Australia. It was not until 1986 that Australians became free to rule over themselves in the Australia Act. Before this time many of the legislative decisions were handled by the Queen and Parliament. The three branches of government worked together with British officials and Australian officials to govern the land fairly and with proper representation.

What is the Australia Act?

The Australia Act of 1986 was a revolutionary act that allowed the inhabitants of Australia full power over their judiciary and legislative branches from the United Kingdom. No longer would the individual states have someone put into office by people a thousand miles away.

It was essentially giving Australia even more rights under its own nationhood. The independent states of Australia benefited greatly under this act unlike its predecessor the Statute of Westminster 1931 which gave more power to the Australian people as a whole but lacked giving the individual states more power away from the British throne.

What is the environment and geography like of Australia?

Australia is a very diverse land mass. While the majority is made up of arid, dry land called the outback, there are also many different ecosystems to be found. There are tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, the coastline and let’s not forget the Great Barrier Reef. Australia is home to the largest naturally occurring reef system in the world.

It spans over 1,200 miles. There are also temperate land areas where a majority of Australia’s crops are grown. An interesting fact about Australia’s geography is that the ocean currents greatly affect the weather and the climate of the continent, often producing cyclones.

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Have you ever dreamed of visiting historic and romantic places across Europe? If so you are definitively not alone, it is most people’s dream to be able to travel across the world, even if you are not able to do so right away you still yearn to meet new people and just see what’s out there. Traveling can be a very positive experience which can reinvigorate your body and mind, big business owners and companies know this and this is precisely the reason why they run contests which reward employees and business partners with trips.

It is normal for a person to be way more productive at work if they have had a wonderful experience in remote places which inspire them. The fact is that no matter how great your job is, if you keep the same routine day in and out you will sooner or later get bored, if this happens your performance goes down and the entire business suffers, not to mention your budget and mental health.

Planning trips or vacations is the most positive course of action anyone can take after a year or several months worth of work, specially if you are an American who wants to explore countries across Europe.

European countries have a lot of history behind them and there are so many places worth visiting that you can be sure you won’t be able to cover even if your trip lasted a whole year. Some people plan these trips by taking a cruise which may have tours around the cities it stops at. The experience of taking a cruise vacation can be quite nice but if you have an adventurous spirit then you may consider another option, you can take a road trip across European counties! Yes, you have seen and heard about the many European road trip movies which turn out to be a complete adventure, after all they do make movies based on that!

Driving across Europe is a unique experience, there are so many countries close to each other which have different traditions, language and culture which adds value to the entire trip. Driving through Andorra and stopping by the ski resorts is something you won’t forget, neither it is the experience of being in St Peter Square in Vatican City. Driving through UK and Ireland can be a fantastic experience as well, these counties are home of many Castles and peculiar constructions, each telling a unique story. Yes, driving across Europe is something you must experience at least once during your lifetime.

A great tool you can use are sites which provide multinational car hire services across the countries you are planning to visit, after all it would be quite a bother to rent a different car in each country you drive by, not to mention the amount of money you’ll end up spending. Car hire is all about convenience, especially during long trips. Pay close attention to the countries they cover and the selection of vehicles available, after all you want to make this experience as memorable as possible so don’t take your family or friends to a European road trip on a small and uncomfortable sedan, unless you are only taking your other half!

HireCars.co.uk provides expert European car hire solutions which are very convenient if you are planning on driving across many attractive European cities, visit us today!

There are numerous reasons to lease a car in Europe. First off, when you lease, you get a brand new car! There’s no wondering if the car will be in good shape, drive smoothly or have a funny odor. A lease guarantees your car will be clean and fresh right out of the factory. The cars are brought to the city you are renting in by truck or by train. The cars are pushed off the truck or train, so that when you start it up for the first time, it has zero miles on it. With a lease, you get the specific model of car that you want. There is no wondering what the rental office will have available when you arrive.

Another great aspect of the lease is the fact that the car has a fully comprehensive insurance with no deductible. This includes liability, collision and theft protection. In Europe, driving can be more congested due to the various one way roads, confusing roundabouts, and aggressive driving behaviors of locals. Fender benders do occasionally occur. With a lease, as long as the accident isn’t caused by negligence and there is a valid police report to accompany damage, your car is covered.

Your leased vehicle is exempt from European value-added-taxes, road taxes, extra driver fees, and airport charges. These can add up quickly with long term rentals, with the lease you only pay the tolls on the roads that you drive on. You also don’t have to worry about driving too much, as all leases have unlimited mileage. If anything does go wrong, the car is covered by 24 hour roadside assistance, as a precaution. Peugeot offers twenty-eight locations in France to pick up your lease. The cars can also be delivered to most major cities in Europe however there are delivery fees which vary by location. Basically, once you pay for the cost of the lease (and delivery fee), there are no hidden charges.

Leasing is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking for a long term tour of Europe.

Leased vehicles may travel into the following countries freely: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Great Britain, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Turkey. That’s a lot of Europe, and really puts the journey and adventure in your hands.

There is lots of available information regarding the Peugeot leasing options, so look into it for your next vacation!

Hans Ericsson

For 715 years, given by 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lasted under a unparalleled co-principality, found by French and Spanish leaders (derived from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of province retained, however the government metamorphosed into a parliamentary republic. Long detached and impoverished, mountainous Andorra accomplished considerable successfulness since World War II through its tourer industry. Numbers of immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.

The single official language is Catalan, the language of the close Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia, by using which Andorra shares several cultural traits, though Spanish, Portuguese and French are likewise usually spoken. The predominant religion is Catholicism. Andorra’s long story has provided it with a rich mythology and an abundance of country tales, with roots originating as far as Andalusia in the south and the Netherlands in the north.

Andorran culture is Catalan in heart, since the inborn population of Andorra is Catalan. Even so, it has given a significant and well identifiable contribution to the conglomerate of Catalan culture.

Two writers famed in Catalonia & the domain, Michele Gazier and Ramon Villero, each came from Andorra.

Andorra is home to folk dances like the contrapas and marratxa, which one survive in Sant Julia de Loria especially. Andorran folk music has similarities to all of its neighbors, however is especially Catalan in character, specially in the presence of dances such as the sardana. More Andorran folk dances admit contrapas in Andorra la Vella and Saint Anne’s dancing in Escaldes-Engordany.

Travel-world-tips Guide

Holidays are a time to unwind, relax and forget the stresses and strains of everyday life. But, for many it is not until several days into their break that they can actually achieve that relaxed status. That’s because many holiday flights leave in the early hours and getting the airport on time means disturbing your regular sleep to rise early in order to make sure you catch your flight.

If that’s not bad enough, then comes the really stressful bit when you arrive at the airport’s car park and realise just how much it is going to cost! If you going for longer than a couple of days then you should forget short stay parking, especially at the country’s largest airport Heathrow. It is incredibly expensive, perhaps prohibitively so! Short stay rates at Terminal 4 are now running at £55.80 per 24 hour period, plus a fee of £1.50 for the privilege of entering the car park meaning that a short stay of four days would cost a staggering £224.70 at drive up rates. Prices at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are slightly cheaper, but only just!

Of course, pre-booking and opting to stay in long stay parking rather than short stay is a much cheaper way to park at the airport. The fees are cheaper, but then you will be farther from the terminal and bus services are not as frequent as most of us would wish, especially during the early hours of the morning.

And although pre-booking seems extremely convenient, it can also bring its own problems. It can be frustrating trying to find a car park attendant to validate your ticket to exit the car park when you arrive early in the morning, and in extreme cases that can add half an hour to your journey home.

However, there is an ideal solution to car parking frustration and one that is used by many. Thankfully most airport hotels offer the incentive of free parking for periods of up to 14 days, if you book at least one night’s accommodation at the hotel. Although that may sound like another expensive item to pay for on top of your holiday cost, in the majority of cases it could turn out to be equivalent or even cheaper than it will cost to park your car at the airport. And it’s not just hotels around Heathrow that offer this type of facility; you will find similar deals at hotels close to most major and regional UK airports. Certainly worth bearing in mind next time your holiday comes with an early morning flight.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.

If you are looking for an adventure, unlike anything you have experienced before, Belize is just the right place for your vacation. Discover a network of fast flowing rivers and cascading waterfalls, spectacular limestone caves, lush rainforests, world class fishing, diving, and snorkeling, mysterious Maya Ruins, and miles of beautiful white sand beaches. There is so much that makes Belize a paradise for travel lovers.

The following are just a few examples and possibilities for an adventurous vacation in Belize.

ATM Tour (Actun Tunichil Muknal)

Would you like to explore an ancient cave untouched for 1000 years? This popular site, popular among vacationers is as close as you will come. Near the Cayo District an ancient cave once used for Mayan ceremonies was discovered and left untouched, with human remains, and over 200 artifacts. Getting to the cave is just as exciting as you travel on foot for a 45 minute trek through the pristine jungle.. You will experience the natural beauty of Belize first hand with its abundance of exotic wildlife. ATM is a must for your Belize vacation.

World famous Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is a precious natural wonder and the second longest reef in the world. Home to one of the most important ecosystems in the world, the reef has 70 coral species and 500 species of fish. It is a natural wonder, yet at your doorstep while visiting one of the many fabulous Belize vacation destinations. The reef provides excellent world class diving, snorkeling, and fishing opportunities. No Belize vacation is complete without visiting the Barrier Reef.

Tales of Mayan Legacy

One of the most important parts of Belize’s history is the Mayan legacy of outstanding palaces and temples. These historical monuments stand proudly and attract vacationers in huge numbers.

The magnificent ruins of the ancient civilization are delight for everyone, not only history enthusiasts. While on your Belize vacation don’t forget to visit the famous archaeological sites like Caracol, Cerros, Lamanai, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Altun Ha, Cahal Pech, El Pilar, Nim Li Punit and Xunantunich.

Southern Belize with Unlimited Options

A favorite vacation destination, this beautiful, pristine area of Belize in the Toledo District embraces the sea, and possesses a lush jungle with many rivers and Mayan villages. Hike any of a number of trails leading to waterfalls and ancient caves.

And when it comes to fishing, there are unlimited options to round off your vacation. Port Honduras Marine Reserve, Punta Ycacos Lagoon, Monkey River, and Punta Negra Lake all offer first class fishing experiences. This is a good choice for a Belize vacation.

Sun Kissed Belize Beaches

The beautiful tropical beaches nestled by the Caribbean Sea are the best in the world. A relaxing vacation under the warm Belize sun with plenty of relaxing on any of the beautiful beaches is all you need to charge your batteries..

Choose from any of the island destinations, such as Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, or on the mainland the Placencia Peninsula or Hopkins. Miles of absolutely beautiful serene, white sand beaches await your arrival on your vacation to Belize.

Scuba Diving

Due to unlimited scuba diving options in Belize, it has become one of the favorite dive destinations for scuba divers vacationing in Belize. It is simply up to you whether it is the coral reef or a shipwreck that you would like to experience during your vacation in Belize. However, the best diving spots include the world-known Outer Atolls - Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Island and Glover’s Reef.

With so many interesting things to do during your Belize vacation, you’ll surely have the time of your life and will want to come back again and again. To make your Belize vacation, a memorable one, plan your holiday beforehand by consulting a reputed travel agency. A fantastic Belize Vacation Package can go a long way to enhance your enjoyment.

December to April is the peak tourist season in Belize. If you plan to visit around then, plan in advance and you can get some attractive vacation specials.

Getting to Belize which is in Central America is very easy. Major airlines such as American, Continental, Delta, US Air, and Taca Airlines run daily flights lasting about two hours from several U.S. cities to Belize International Airport.

Edward Wilson is a well-known travel journalist. He has written articles extensively on belize vacation rentals and places in Belize which have been published on various magazines and websites.

The Notre Dame, the Louvre…fortunately, these are not all the Paris sights, but unfortunately the tourists often don’t have enough time to study all the attractions of the French capital. To be in Paris without a guide can be a big luck because it allows to have a closer look at the capital, especially if you’re, as the Frenchmen say, “artiste”.

Artists, writers, poets and other creative personalities will certainly be impressed by the visit to the small bookstore at 37 Rue de la Bucherie. Its history is very interesting if not unique.
In 1921 Sylvia Beach, the daughter of an American priest, came to Paris and opened a small store under the signboard “Shakespeare and Co”. Here appeared the books of such American writers as Hemingway and Fitzgerald, who were unfamiliar to the European reader. In 1920s Bernard Shaw, Paul Valery, Andre Gide and James Joyce used to visit the store quite often.

By the way, that was Sylvia Beach, who agreed to print the “Ulysses” by James Joyce, which was prohibited by the censorship and rejected by the English readers. Her courage was rewarded: soon after the publication the book was a great success. Ernest secretly transported one copy of the book to the USA in the trouser leg.

In 1941, during the Nazi occupation, American writers living in France were either recruited or deported to the USA. The store of Sylvia Beach went on working. Not for a long time, though.
One morning a German officer appeared in the store. He wanted to buy “Finnegans Wake” by James Joyce. As the copy of the book was the last one in the shop, Sylvia refused to sell it. The German left the store promising to close it. In the twinkling of an eye, Sylvia gathered her friends, took the books away and painted over the signboard. Several hours later came the Nazis sent by the officer. They were greatly surprised when they found no bookstore there! “Shakespeare and Co” together with its owner simply disappeared in the air!
But this is not the end of the story.

In 1951 another bibliophile, George Whiteman, American by origin, opened a small store at 37 Rue de la Bucherie and called it “Mistral”. The conception of the bookstore was changed: he created conditions that allowed the young writers to work and live at the shop. He put beds and the young talents, who were hard up, could create right in the store.

He bought books at flea markets and had a wonderful collection. After the death of the French writer Simona de Bovuar, Whiteman bought her huge collection of rare books.

In 1964, with Sylvia Beach’s permission, he renamed the shop into “Shakespeare and Co”, thus underlining the continuity of tradition to help the young unrecognized artists. His shops became the main place for meetings of the artistic intelligentsia of 1960s.

The writers and artists still have a right to stay there for some time on condition that they work at the shop for one hour and read one book a day.

The doors of “Shakespeare and Co” are open from 12 am to 12 pm. The store is really worth visiting, especially if you’re a poet, artist or a writer. And if you suddenly get inspiration and decide to work at “Shakespeare and Co” - you can always count on a sofa and a typewriter!

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