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, Florida, Miami, USA

South Beach, Miami

South Florida has to be one of the most humid places I have ever been. It felt like it was hotter than Mexico and Tropical North Queensland put together. It may have been because I was fighting off a horrible cold and had a raging temperature. Maybe. But I am willing to say that it was the tropical weather of Miami all on it's own. 
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, Florida, USA

9 Exciting Florida Day Trips

There are so many different things to do around Florida! Known as The Sunshine State, Florida has nice sunny weather most of the year, and there is always something new to do! We didn't have much time to spend in Florida, only a few days and we were actually sick for half of the time, so I didn't get to load up our days with as many activities and tours as I normally would. But if you're looking for some new ideas for day trips around Florida, how about checking out some of these. You can find more information about most of these tours on Viator. 

Key West Day Trip

There are so many ways to enjoy Key West, the Southern most point of Florida. Take a slow, leisurely day soaking up Key West's laid back-atmosphere, quaint shops and outdoor cafes. Or if you're looking for more adventure get out on the water on a glass-bottom boat ride, snorkelling cruise or para-sailing adventure. Or jump on the Key West Hop On Hop Off Trolley tour, to see more of the beautiful town and learn about it's history. Image found here.

Disneyworld

There are so many things to do in the Disney suburb in Orlando, that you could easily spend a week there! There are six Disneyworld parks including Magic Kindgom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. For an extra special day, try a character dining experience at a Disney restaurant (such as Chef Mickey's Restaurant), where Disney characters entertain and serve you food! Image found here. 

Swim with Manatees at Crystal River 

Take a narrated boat cruise on the Crystal River to snorkel and swim with manatees - the gentle giants of the Florida Everglades. Joined by a team of manatee experts for a narrated boat cruise on the beautiful Crystal River, home to one of the world's largest populations of endangered West Indian manatees. You'll learn how this large, harmless aquatic mammal is under threat due to loss of habitat.

Shipwreck Snorkel & Wild Dolphin Encounter

Spend a beautiful Florida day out in the clear, blue waters off Key West, where you'll spot dolphins playing and swimming alongside the boat, and you can snorkel over shipwrecks and coral reefs. Spending the day on a spacious catamaran, you'll be able to see wild dolphins swimming, feeding, jumping, playing, courting each other, and if you're lucky caring for their babies. Then spend the afternoon snorkelling the remains of a shipwreck, which has been encrusted by a coral reef! Image found here.

Airboat Tour of the Florida Everglades 

The Everglades are a natural region of tropical wetlands throughout the south of Florida. There are so many different ways you can experience the Everglades with everything from kayaks and canoes to swamp buggies available for your adventure, but the best way has to be the airboats! Take an exhilarating airboat ride through the mangrove tunnels and wide-open grasslands, and make sure you keep an eye out for alligators! Image found here. 

Visit The Kennedy Space Centre 

Take a virtual flight to the moon and back at one of Florida's best attractions! Tours from Orlando offer you a full day at the Kennedy Space Centre where you can tour the NASA dacility and the Apollo/Saturn V Centre to see rockets and their launch pads and visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Shuttle Launch Experience. You can even upgrade to have a sit down lunch with an astronaut or get a Space Pass Place to take a tour of the Vehicle Assembly Building and other behind-the-scenes sites. 

Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise 

Cruise the waterways of Fort Lauderdale's New River on a riverboat, and stop at the Jungle Queen Indian Village - a beautiful tropical island environment where you'll see macaws, rare plants and birds and alligators wrestling. One this lush island you have a chance to learn about the history of the Florida Seminole tribe. During the cruise you will also see Bahia Mar, Venetian Isles, New River, Millionaires Row, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Harbour Beach, Little Florida, Large Yacht Storage Basin, Port Everglades and the Intercoastal Waterways.

Universal Studios & Universal's Island of Adventure

Last but definitely not least is Universal Studios Orlando and Universal's Island of Adventure! If you haven't guessed from my previous posts we had an absolute ball at Universal Studios. I would even go so far as to say it was my favourite day in Florida! You must check out Springfield in Universal Studios and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which spans across both parks and includes the Hogwarts Express to travel between the two parks! Can't recommend highly enough!!
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Travel Tips

Do You Need An International Drivers Licence?

So you're going on an exciting road trip while you're abroad. You've booked the car, planned the route and have already decided on care games to pass the time. But is there something you're forgetting? Depending on what country you're visiting, sometimes your current drivers licence isn't enough. Have you ever heard of an International Drivers Licence? It may be critical to your adventures!
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, Florida, Orlando, USA

Top Disney Orlando Resorts For Kids

You have to admit, Disney are the best at themed destinations. They have magically themed everything from hotels and resorts to cruise ships, restaurants and apparel,  and of course the theme parks themselves. In America you can find Disneyland in California and Disneyworld in Orlando. Disneyworld Orlando is almost like a suburb all of it's own, spreading for miles and including their own roads, hotels and lakes. You could easily spend days here getting lost in the wonderful world of Disney. If you're visiting Orlando with little kids here are some of the best themed hotels to excite the kids and complete your Disney experience.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort 
Themes include Cars, the Little Mermaid, the Lion King, Finding Nemo
1850 Century Drive, Bay Lake, Orlando
Includes multiple outdoor pools, movies under the stars, jogging trail, arcade, golf course, babysitting services and playground.
Prices start from $115 per night.

Disney's Pop Century Resort
Themes include the Nature Book, Mr & Mrs Potatoe Head, Lady and the Tramp
1050 Century Drive, Bay Lake, Orlando
Includes themed rooms, a bowling alley, outdoor pool, jogging trails, fast forward arcade, playground and sauna.
Prices start from $102 per night.

Disney's All-Star Music Resort
Themes include everything music
1801 West Buena Vista Drive, Orlando
Includes guitar and piano shaped swimming pools, movies under the stars, jogging trails, games arcades and babysitting services.
Prices start from $92 per night.

Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
Themes include everything sports
1701 West Buena Vista Drive, Orlando
Includes a playground, a football field, arcade, jogging trails, movies under the stars and babysitting services.
Prices start from $92 per night.

Disney's All-Star Movies 
Themes include 101 Dalmatians, Fantasia, Mickey Mouse
1901 West Buena Vista Drive, Orlando
Includes Fantasia Themed Pool, movies under the stars and babysitting services.
Prices start from $92 per night.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo
Themes include the Animal Kingdom 
2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, Orlando
Includes Uzima Pool, Sauna, Samawati Springs Pool and waterslide, Hakuna Mata playground, Pumbaa's Fun and Games Arcade, Jambo House Campfire Activities, Simba's Clubhouse, jogging trails, exotic animals, Sunrise Safari and movies under the stars.
Prices start from $284 per night.

Images from Disneyworld.
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, Florida, Orlando, USA

Top 10 Harry Potter Experiences

There are so many things to do at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You could easily spend your whole day wondering between Diagon Alley and Hogsmede and forget about the rest of Universal Studios! I am a massive Harry Potter fan and I absolutely fell in love with this part of Universal! Sorry to go all nerdy on you during this post, but fellow Harry Potter lovers will totally understand how I felt! To make the most out of your short time in this wonderland you want to try these out:
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, Florida, Orlando, USA

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

For those of you who don't know, I am a huge Harry Potter fan. Huge. I have read all the books, watched all the movies, and when I heard about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios I re-routed our whole USA trip to make sure there was a stop in Orlando. And boy was it worth it. 
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, Florida, Orlando, USA

Greetings From Springfield


Half way across the United States we found Springfield. Yes, the home to the Simpsons family and all of their wonderful cartoon glory. I'm not going to lie, one of my main reasons for visiting Universal Studios and making the trek all the way to Orlando was visiting Springfield. 
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About Me, Inspiration

Top 5 Travel Inspiring Instagram Accounts


Instagram is without a doubt my favourite form of social media. It's so easy to be inspired on Instagram. There are endless accounts of beautiful pictures that can influence all different parts of our personalities. It's probably not a surprise that most of my favourite accounts are travel inspired. I love seeing beautiful images of places all around the world, providing ideas and new dream destinations, and constantly making me re-evaluate my bucket list. Here are my top 5 Instagram accounts that I am obsessed with (in no particular order): 

@australia
The official page of Tourism Australia constantly reminds me why I am so lucky to call Australia home. Offering absolutely stunning pictures of all different aspects of Australia, this account constantly has me amazed at the beauty in my own backyard. Focusing on natural beauty, local animals and hidden destinations, @australia offers a complete look into our beautiful country and everything it has to offer. 
@worldwanderlust
Brooke Saward is the author of the massively popular World of Wanderlust travel blog. After taking a chance and buying a one way ticket to Europe after finishing her university degree at home in Australia he travel blog has absolutely blown up. She now travels the world full time, living out of a suitcase and not spending much more than a week in each destination. Providing on point tips for travellers on her blog, as well as beautiful photos of her travels around the globe, Brooke is really living the good life. 
@willbl
A professional wildlife photographer from the UK, Will Burrard-Lucas focuses on capturing African wildlife at it's best. The inventor of the insane BeetleCam and founder of Camtraptions Ltd, Will is able to capture angles and images of wildlife that you could never imagine. Having lived all around Africa, including in Tanzania and Zambia, Will is passionate about wildlife conservation and creating beautiful images without disturbing the wildlife.

@tashoakley
Natasha Oakley is an Australian currently living in LA and a full time beach bum! As one half of the A Bikini A Day duo, she spends her days taking amazing bikini pictures in beach destinations around the globe. Bringing you a new bikini everyday, Tash constantly promotes positive body image and loving the skin you're in. An Instagram phenomenon with over a million followers, her enviable bikini bod and jetsetting lifestyle is sure to make you jealous!
@tuulavintage
Jessica Stein is the author of fashion and lifestyle blog Tuula Vintage. Collaborating with everyone from fashion brands to international airlines and tourism companies, Jessica travels all around the world and takes some of the most breathtaking images. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Jessica visits beautiful destinations all around the world, spending lots of her time around New York, Bali and Mexico. Endlessly beautiful and inspiring images every single day. 

Who are some of your favourite Instagram accounts? Comment below or check out my Instagram account @amakebelieveworld.
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, Melbourne,

A Madame Brussels Garden Party

As a special treat for our mum on Mother's Day, my sister and I decided to take the family out for a celebration. Instead of buying her another present, we thought Mum would enjoy a different kind of experience for Mother's Day. And we were right! We stumbled across Madame Brussel's Mothers Day Garden Party Event, and thought it would be the perfect surprise for Mum. 
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, Mexico, Playa del Carmen

The Ritual Ceremony of Voladores

There are several places in Mexico where you can see the traditions of The Flying Man. Known as the ritual ceremony of the Voladores (the flyers); it is considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNSECO. What an astounding and historical tradition to witness. Being UNESCO listed is nothing short of an impressive accomplishment! 

The Dance of the Flyers is a ritual that is related to fertility, performed by four flyers and a musician, named The Corporal. Legend has it that many years ago, a severe drought wrought considerable havoc among the peoples in the Señorío de Totonacapan Region (which today comprises parts of the states of Puebla and Veracruz). To remedy this trouble, a wise group of elders instructed some of the young men to locate and cut down the tallest, straightest and most robust tree from the mountain, for the purpose of satisfying the Gods, so that they would grant them rain. 

The custom of Mesoamerican origin expresses respect for nature and the spiritual universe. During the ceremony, four Voladores de Papantla climb a pole while one more flyer remains sitting in the centre of the pole, while playing flute melodies in honour of the sun, the four winds and the cardinal points. After this act of invocation, the dancers launch themselves from the platform (if you can call it that), to which they are tied by long ropes, imitating the flight of birds, and drop down to the ground. 

Check out my video below! We came across the ritual and recorded this video in the main street of Playa del Carmen. We also witnessed the tradition at Xcaret's Mexico Espectacular. These traditions occur all over Mexico, and are really such an incredible tradition. 
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Travel Tips

What To Remember Before Your Trip

It's always important to be prepared before travelling. The last thing anyone wants is to be stuck in a foreign country, possibly with a language barrier, when something goes wrong. Here are a few tips to cover yourself on the off chance it's not all smooth sailing.
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, Mexico, Playa del Carmen

How To Choose An Xcaret Adventure

Xcaret is both an eco-park and a company. There are six different parks that make up part of the Xcaret branded attractions around Cancun and the Yucatán Peninsula. Each park has a different focus and offers it's visitors different attractions and experiences. If you're travelling to the Yucatán soon and can't decide which park you should visit, here's a brief guide to all six of the Xcaret parks to help make your decision easier: 
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, Mexico, Playa del Carmen

The Playa Beach Club Scene

There are so many beach clubs in Playa del Carmen. They literally line the white sand beaches, providing travellers with an awesome location to kick back, relax and soak up that Caribbean sunshine! We were about 10 days into our USA/Mexico adventure and we were just exhausted! We were coming off full days of back to back activities, jet lag, and little to no downtime. So we thought a complete beach day would be the perfect way to get into that Mexican spirit. We spent the day at Zenzi Beach Club, which was the perfect place to unwind and regroup. The atmosphere was so friendly and relaxing, the staff were so lovely, always checking if they could get us anything, and overall we just had a great time!

Beach Clubs are great for everything from relaxing in the sun to dancing during the day! Beach beds line the shores of the ocean where you can order amazing food and drinks from your sun bed and DJ's play during the day, and there is nothing better than dancing in flip flops! Sun bed and umbrella rental is normally free when you order food or drinks, and you can stay for as long as you want! Here are some of the most popular beach clubs in Playa del Carmen: 

Zenzi
Calle 10 Norte y La Playa

Kool Beach Club 
Calle 28 y Zona Federal Maririma 

Mamita's Beach Club
Calle 28 Norte Mza 10 Lote 8 

Coco Maya Beach & Night Club
Calle 12 Norte & Beach Front
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About Me, Collaboration

A Make Believe World X Webjet

As a fairly new blogger, I was beyond excited to receive an e-mail from Webjet asking if I was interested in collaborating with them on a blog post on dream travel destinations! For those of you who have read my blog post on My Travel Bucket List you might already be aware, but the number one spot on my travel bucket list goes to The Serengeti across Kenya and Tanzania! 

Check out the complete post on the Webjet website here: 
https://www.webjet.com.au/travel/tips/travel-bloggers-share-dream-holiday-destinations/
Image provided by Webjet.
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, Mexico, Playa del Carmen

Pez Vela - The Home of Tequila

Pez Vela was probably my favourite dining place in Playa del Carmen. I'm ashamed to admit that this was largely because I got to eat my dinner on a swing, and I am clearly a child at heart. I will be honest, we stopped because of the swinging bar chairs, but we quickly fell in love with everything about Pez Vela. From the international currency that lined the roof of the bar along with international number plates, to their cocktail menu, I loved everything about it! We originally stopped just for a drink and the novelty, but we ended up staying for dinner because we were having such a good time. One of the security guys even made everyone personalised tequila bottles. Very smart, novelty items completely suck in people like me! I'm not sure what exactly that green cocktail is that I'm drinking, I just asked for whatever they thought was best, but it was amazing. Pez Vela is worth the trip just for those green cocktails!

Pez Vela
Quinta Avenida, 
77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
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, , Mexico

The Sacred Cenote Ik'Kil

Ik'Kil Cenote was beyond amazing. It was spectacularly breathtaking and more beautiful in real life than any picture I had ever seen. I feel like there aren't accurate words to describe the unbelievable natural beauty of this place. Climb to the top of the limestone staircase and jump into the refreshing water of the cenote. Floating around the cenote on my back, and looking up to the open sky was one of the most peaceful and reflective moments I have ever had. I really took a moment to take in where I was and how lucky I was to be in this sacred place. 

Cenote Ik'Kil is a deep natural sink hole that is open to the sky, that formed by the collapsing of a cave. The cenote is about 25 metres beneath the surface, with water levels sitting at around 35 metres deep. The vines reach from the opening all the way down to the water, with small waterfalls running into the cenote as well. There are heaps of different water creatures that live in including black catfish that you can feel swimming around your legs! 

Cenote Ik'Kil is scared to the Mayans, who used the cenote for both relaxation and ritual services. The word cenote comes from the Mayan language word for a well. Many cenotes around Mexico were scared Mayan sites, and often young men and women were thrown into them and left to drown as a sacrifice to the God of Rain. Ik'Kil was also a stop on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2010, 2011 and 2012. 

We visited Ik'Kil as part of the Xichén Clásico Tour. I specifically chose this tour due to it's stop at Ik'Kil. I had seen pictures of the cenote online and was desperate to visit it! When I was investigating Mexico I thought it would be the biggest struggle to visit, due to it's location about three hours out of Playa del Carmen. I was so happy when I found this tour that I booked it immediately! Xichén Clásico Tour included the two places in Mexico that I was the most excited to visit and it was one of the best days on our whole USA/Mexico trip. I can't recommend it highly enough, everything about the tour was phenomenal. 

If you're not going with a tour I recommend going as early as you can to avoid the crowds. A lot of tour buses arrive in the afternoon after visiting Chichén Itzá which makes the cenote a lot more crowded. 

Location: 97751 Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, Mexico
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, Mexico, Playa del Carmen

La Tortuga Hotel And Spa Review

For our four days in Playa del Carmen we stayed at La Tortuga Hotel and Spa, located on 10th Avenue between 12th and 14th Street North. Hotel la Tortuga is one of the few intimate boutique style hotels in Playa del Carmen. The adults only resort is small and intimate and absolutely perfect for romance and relaxation. Although to be honest, there was not much relaxing going on with so many exciting things to see around the Riviera Maya. The hotel is completely secluded and feels like a beautifully private tropical paradise, with a pool winding around the centre of the resorts. 
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, Mexico

Chichén Itzá and the Mayan Ruins

Chichén Itzá is one of those places that I never really believed I would get to until we were actually there. It seemed like something out of an ancient legend. The ruins of a Mayan City, about three hours away from Playa del Carmen and Cancun and surrounded by sacred cenotes. I honestly thought that maybe when we got to Mexico it would be too difficult and we might not make it. I am so glad that we did. 
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, Mexico, Playa del Carmen

Exploring The Grounds of Xcaret

After our morning adventure - swimming in underground rivers and finding the white sand beaches of Xcaret we wanted to explore the rest of the park. You could easily walk around Xcaret for hours and always see something new. There are dozens of jungle trails to explore, different animals to see, and different restaurants to experience. You could go to Xcaret five times and have a completely different experience every time. 
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, Mexico, Playa del Carmen

The Underground Rivers of Xcaret

Without a doubt Xcaret is one of my favourite places on Earth. It is a natural wonderland with an endless amount of things to, and I have never been anywhere like it in my life. I don't even know where to start, I just want to fall back into these crystal clear waters and soak up the beauty of Mexico.
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