We all knew a Sydney or two in high school, and girls with this name were usually real heartbreakers. However, this story is not about a girl and it is definitely not a heart-breaking one. This is a compilation of experiences and great memories that I had during my stay in Sydney, Australia. During those couple of days this incredible city won my heart and I know that I will try to go there as many times as I can.

Divine climate and shiny happy people 

The first thing that strikes you as you arrive at the Sydney Airport and get off your plane is the sun. I have been to many countries but the Australian sun is different from anything I have seen and felt so far. The Australian climate is definitely among the most enjoyable ones in the whole world. Of course, I am not talking about the arid climate that prevails in the inland, but the cozy and mild conditions in New South Wales, where Sydney is situated. The climate in this part of Australia is the most similar to the Californian and the Mediterranean climate and it goes without saying how beneficial it is for our health and mind.

As you get bathed by the silky touch of Sydney sunrays, the next thing that you notice are people, who seem so happy and relaxed that you wish at once to stay there for a long period of time. It is probably partly due to the climate, but most probably because of the great economic and social system of Australia. It is not wonder that Australia is one of the best countries to live by the quality of living criteria.

Wonderful sights and affordable accommodation

As you travel from the airport to the city centre, you stay breathless due to the beauty and cleanness of the whole city. As you get to the center, you will see the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which are a part of every itinerary for foreigners. However, I would like to recommend visiting other interesting sights in the city centre, such as Macquarie Street, which is a host to many interesting attractions such as the Parliament House and the Old Mint. In addition to this sight-adorned street, every first-time Sydney visitor has to see Circular Quay, which is the central point of the Sydney Harbour and a real tourist hub with restaurants, a promenade and street musicians.

When it comes to accommodation, if you have a substantial budget for this trip, you can choose from a wide range of center-based hotels. However, if you would like to save some money on accommodation and have more assets for museums and other sights, you could try a boutique hotel Sydney accommodation facility in Randwick. This is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Sydney and from here you can easily get to Bondi or Coogee and many other beaches and parts of the city by bus.

Follow in the Olympic footsteps

Thanks to the Summer Olympic Games that were held in Sydney in 2000, today you can go and see a vast array of attractions left behind the games. Some of them still have their primary role for which they were built, while some others have a different purpose now.

The Olympic tour should begin at the AZN Stadium, where the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympics took place. This monumental edifice is still an arena of numerous sports battles which attracts both local sport enthusiasts and tourists.

On your tour de Sydney Olympics sights, you should not miss the Sydney Aquatic Center, where all the swimming and water polo events of the Sydney Olympics took place. Also, there are numerous memorabilia from famous Australian swimmers. For further sights and interesting venues, have a look at the Sydney Olympic Park website.

The already fabulous impression of this marvelous city would be even more fantastic if I had a pleasure of meeting a Sydney-named Aussie girl to show me the Sydney foreigners rarely get to know. For the time being and the first stay in Sydney, I am still swept by the charm and good vibrations that Sydney, its sights and beaches and shiny happy people send to tourists from the whole world. There are still many attractions that I am yet to visit on my future travels to this gem of Australian coast.

Argos Hotel – A hidden gem

Back during 1996 I found myself travelling to Turkey, alone. I was away for a period of 3 weeks. After arriving in Istanbul, I headed south through Ankara and down to the coast. I spent a few days longer than I wished to in Antalya after getting caught up in a bus strike and I couldn’t get out. Well, that’s a whole other story – full of adventure!

During my meanderings through the streets and laneways of Antalya, I came across the hidden, boutique Argos Hotel. The afternoon sun was getting hot and I longed for a little bit of comfort – I had been staying at a cheaper pension. I decided to be cheeky and ask if I could, for a small fee, spend the afternoon by their pool and promised I’d buy a couple of drinks.

They kindly allowed this and after settling on a poolside lounge I settled in for the most gorgeous afternoon. There were few others around probably opting for local tours. So it’s nearly 20 years since I’ve been there and I wondered if it was still operating. A little Google search quickly confirmed it is!

A scanned business card I kept

I had the pool almost all to myself!

A typical door – Antalya, Turkey

Argos Hotel, Antalya

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Before you pull out the credit card to pay for your vacation, put down luggage and find yourself the perfect European apartment. Not sure where to travel? No problem! Determine the European vacation destination that’s going to give you just what you’re looking for by using the following information as a guide! You are now free to roam about the country.

With the whole world to choose from, deciding where to go on your only summer holiday can feel impossible – how do you decide between Morocco, Majorca, Malmö or Miami? This is especially true if you have a strict budget, but don’t fancy heading to Lanzarote.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up three of the best value holiday spots for summer and autumn 2013, focusing on destinations that offer sunshine and sand without high costs and crowds. There are plenty of cheap holiday deals to these fabulous destinations, whether you’re looking for a last minute getaway or a well-planned autumn sunshine jaunt… so have a look online, and start planning!

Montenegro

When you’re trying to stick to a strict financial plan, it’s best to avoid the most well-known places. Montenegro was almost totally unknown as a holiday spot until recently, and 2013 is looking to be its breakout year – so go before the prices jump next year.

Just south of Croatia on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro boasts fantastic weather during the summer months, with highs of around 30°C. With a mix of rock, pebble and sand beaches spread over 73km of coastline, you’ll be hard pressed not to find something to your liking. The beach at Kotor, towards the north of the country, is a beautifully secluded spot that plays host to the deepest fjord in the Mediterranean. There are two small islands a short way from the bay, Sveti Djordje and Gospa od Skrpijela, that are well worth seeing – if you want a break from the beach, hire a boat and head out to explore. Fly into Tivat airport and take a taxi to Kotor for around €7, and accommodation near the beach costs between €7 and €15 per night per person. Now that the secret is getting out, prices won’t stay so reasonable for long.

Croatia

North of Montenegro, Split, Croatia is also home to some daydream-worthy beaches. Split is slightly bigger and cheaper than the capital Dubrovnik, with loads to explore besides the incredible Adriatic coastline. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Roman ruins in the city centre; the Bronze Gate is also a must-see, with exhibitions and craft stalls at this stunning heritage site. There are a number of museums, and restaurants serving delicious Croatian specialities with fairly reasonable price tags. The fish here is a particular treat.

The Azores

If you want to get as far away as possible without blowing your budget on flights, head to Santa Maria Island in the Atlantic. Located in the Azores, about 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago is an absolute haven for both adventure types and those looking to get away from it all. With a population of just 6,000 people, Santa Maria is also known as the Island of the Sun, thanks to its dry climate and yellow wildflowers. Formosa Beach is intensely sunny, with bright white sands and crystalline waters, and there are a number of nature reserves around the island with hiking trails. Incredible Giant’s Causeway-style rock formations (complete with a waterfall) and red earth are great outings, and a powerful reminder of the island’s volcanic past.