Sydney
Sydney's secret was revealed to the world at the 2000 Olympic Games. The secret? That Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is one of the most dramatic, sophisticated, diverse, and fun-loving cities in the world. From its world famous Opera House to its pristine beaches, Sydney truly has something to offer everybody.
Sydney is Australia's largest city, with over four million people calling it home. While it covers over seven hundred square miles, it is remarkably easy to get around town. Buses, trains, ferries, taxis, water taxis, and even a monorail are all available to you.
Sydney's cultural highlights include a handful of museums and art galleries. The Australian National Maritime Museum is phenomenal, as is the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Tourists marvel at the world-renowned Sydney Aquarium, and many have undertaken the challenge of climbing the Harbour Bridge.
The city reveals its true magnificence when the sun goes down. The harbor positively sparkles, and the town crackles with energy. There are plenty of fine restaurants to choose from, and the nightlife gives as much as you're willing to take.
Because you are on such a limited time budget, you probably won't have much occasion to leave the downtown and harbor areas, unless you squeeze in a trip to the beach. If this is your first visit to Sydney, then that will probably suffice. But because there is so much to see and do in Sydney, you'll probably end up plotting your next visit before you leave!
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, trailing only Sydney. Over three million people call Melbourne home, and the city's welcoming climate has attracted people from all over the world to this city on the southeast coast of Australia.
Melbourne and Sydney enjoy a healthy rivalry, but even Sydneysiders cannot argue that Melbourne is Australia's shopping king. If you have been saving up for shopping armageddon, this is your chance! Melbourne also boasts of some of the best restaurants, music, and fashion in the country.
Much of Melbourne's boom can be attributed to the gold rushes of the 19th Century. Gold was found in the city's surrounding hills. The Ballarat and Bendigo gold rushes fueled the city's rise to prominence, as people from all over the world came to Melbourne to seek their fortune. In recent years, another wave of immigration has transformed the city into an international hub.
The city can be easily broken up into smaller neighborhoods. You will most likely spend the majority of your time in the City Centre, an area bordered by Latrobe and Flinders Streets to the north and south, and Spring and Spencer Streets to the east and west. Chinatown is nearby, with Carlton to the north, where you'll find the University of Melbourne. The Yarra River runs through Melbourne, affording opportunities to stop for a picnic lunch along the banks.
All in all, you'll find Melbourne to be one of Australia's most dynamic and diverse cities, with more than enough activities to keep you busy during your stay.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, one of the six provinces that make up Australia. Covering an area slightly larger than Texas, 1.4 million people call South Australia home, with most of them concentrated in Adelaide. That means lots of open space. The South Australian Outback is gorgeous, with tiny towns scattered all around the dry, hot land.
Adelaide has retained some small-town charm, even though it is now home to one million people. The River Torrens runs through town, and the city layout is very simple, so tourists can find their way around with no problem at all. The people of Adelaide are fairly cosmopolitan, with the city having welcomed people from all over the world since its foundation. Its German population in particular has added to Adelaide's allure by bringing their world-class winemaking skills with them from Europe. As a result, South Australia produces some of the world's best wines, with vineyards in the Barossa Valley constantly coming home with top honors from international wine competitions.
Adelaide has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in Australia, so you won't be left wanting for variety when it's time for dinner. Visit the central market, pick up some fresh food and take it to the botanical gardens in the center of the city for a picnic lunch. Or take a short field trip to the Barossa Valley, but make sure you have a designated driver for the ride back. However you spend your time in Adelaide, you're sure to enjoy the temperate climate and laid-back atmosphere.
Bali
Bali is a tropical haven, full of fabulous sights, wonderful activities, and extravagant dining facilities. The shopping is superb, and the outdoor markets will dazzle even the most seasoned island veterans. The scenery is remarkable, and the golf is extraordinary. A trip to Bali is a trip to paradise. The region is safe and the locals are friendly, making your stay all the more delightful.
There are a few cultural do's and don'ts that you need to be aware of while touring Bali. The community is very respectful, and their culture and heritage reach back many years. They appreciate tradition, and the citizens do not approve of exposing skin, or acting in a raucous manner. For this reason there are no nude beaches on Bali, and in addition, skimpy bathing suits are frowned upon. Be certain to be fully clothed at all times, unless you are on the actual beach, at which time a modest one-piece swimsuit is most appropriate. Flashing large sums of money, or talking incessantly about monetary principles, are also looked at negatively, and the locals will be much less helpful and responsive if you behave in this manner. In general, the inhabitants of Bali will assist you in any way they can, and they are friendly and extremely polite. Simply obey the above stipulations and your trip to Bali will be an outstanding one.
It is a common misperception that Bali is located in the South Pacific. It is actually snuggled in between the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea. This small island is incredibly romantic, and many American and European couples choose Bali as their destination of choice to celebrate their honeymoon. There are ceremonies, celebrations, and festivals going on all the time in Bali. They are so frequent that it seems as if there is something of major importance occurring every day. From fun in the sun to entertaining nightlife, Bali offers round the clock enjoyment.
Manilla
Manila is a city bursting with life and excitement. The facilities are well-maintained, and the government of the Philippines has made plans to update the amenities to top-notch sites, and give the entire city a face-lift of sorts. So now is the perfect time to visit this sprawling, lively city by the water. The restaurants offer great food and surprisingly good service.
The museums and historical sites in Manila are quite fascinating, and offer insight and knowledge into the history and culture of the area. The Filipino heritage is a unique and interesting one, and you can explore it in depth at a number of destinations. Mount Pinatubo is one of the wonders of the world, an exquisite location that is a must see. A few days may be enough for Manila, but they will definitely be an action-packed and exciting few days. The city is very warm the entire year, and the heat can be stifling during the spring and summer months. You may encounter days of rain, but the parade never stops. A little rain or heat certainly won't stop the Filipino locals from having a raucous party. A little weather will not stop you either, because you are sure to get caught up in the fun and excitement of the city. There is a plethora of water sports available in Manila, and dining or relaxing on the beach is quite enjoyable. You can also attend sailing and whitewater rafting excursions that are outstanding. It may seem that the city is disorganized and difficult to navigate, but that's okay, because the taxi service in Manila is reliable and affordable. Getting around is easy, and this is a good thing, because there certainly is a lot to see and do.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a paradox, both an anachronism and a look towards the future. The Pearl of the Orient has a rich history, replete with multiculturalism and international intrigue. After the Communist takeover, Shanghai hibernated, before beginning to reemerge in the past decade. Since Deng Xiaoping proclaimed Shanghai to be the head of the new Chinese dragon, the city has undergone a complete facelift, with a booming economy that accounts for nearly twenty percent of China's gross national product.
These happy days are reminiscent of Shanghai's past. The city was divided up into small, independent, autonomous concessions, with a British section, a French section, and an American section. While part of Shanghai remained Chinese, many locals chose to interact with the Westerners, and Shanghai became known as the Paris of the East. The Communist Party was born in Shanghai, and after it came to power in 1949, the city closed its doors to the outside world until recently.
Sixteen million people call Shanghai home today. The city is poised to become China's international face of the future, and a construction boom is fueling that feeling. The Pudong New Area is being transformed from farmland into the city's economic center. Shanghai's stock market is found here, along with some of the tallest buildings in the entire world. In just fifteen years, the number of high-rise office buildings has increased tenfold, and that number is still growing. This burgeoning economy has again attracted people from around the world, allowing the old spirit of Shanghai to re-infect people. The city has come full circle.
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