What Is New Zealand Weather Like?

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, to the southeast of Australia, New Zealand is geographically positioned in both the southern and eastern hemispheres. So what is New Zealand weather like? It has four distinct seasons, but overall it can be best described as temperate.

New Zealand comprises two islands, the North Island and South Island, and is completely surrounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Because it is a small country which is generally no more than 200 kms across its width, the climate is very-much influenced by the sea. The country is exposed to the rain and wind-bearing fronts that travel west-to- east from the Tasman Sea, and because of this, New Zealand weather, especially in the North Island, can be quite changeable.

The North Island can experience a brilliantly-fine few days, followed by a wet one. In fact, because the city of Auckland is positioned on an isthmus, the weather can be extremely changeable in this city. In fact people who live in Auckland make the joke that it is the only place in the World where one can experience four seasons in one day! The weather in the eastern parts of the North Island tends to be more settled, with the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay generally enjoying a more warm and temperate climate.

In the South Island the weather is less changeable, with the Southern Alps, running from north to south, acting as a `weather divide'. In other words, the West Coast experiences very high rainfall as the fronts coming in from the Tasman Sea push up against this `weather divide'. The eastern areas, by comparison (Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago), usually enjoy much lower rainfall and generally sunny weather. Canterbury is known for its occasional nor-west winds (`Nor-westers') which can be very hot and dry.

In the winter, the South Island can experience a sudden drop in temperature, especially when a `good old Southerly' hits, with the winds blowing in from the Antarctic. Parts of Southland and Otago can experience some quite heavy snowfalls, much to the delight of skiers, and of course the Southern Alps look majestic after a heavy dusting of snow.

New Zealand temperatures, as a result, can vary quite a bit, with the North Island experiencing temperatures that range from 10 degrees Celsius (30 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter up to 30 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer.

South Island temperatures can also be 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, but can drop to minus 2 degrees Celsius on occasions in the winter, especially in the inland and southern areas. The good thing is that the snow does not tend to stay on the ground for long periods of time, which means that your travel plans are rarely affected. If you are a tourist to New Zealand, go to http://www.metservice.com/national/home for more information on New Zealand's current weather.

My name is Norman Sutton and I am a fourth-generation Kiwi who lives in Auckland, New Zealand. My wife and I are passionate about our country, and we enjoy helping people from all around the globe get to experience the beauty and uniqueness that is New Zealand, whether as a tourist or as a new immigrant. If you would like us to help you discover New Zealand, go to http://www.destinationdownunder.co.nz

Article Source: Norman_A_Sutton

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The Fine Offerings of a Bed And Breakfast

Whether you're a weary traveler or a couple on a vacation, you will find that there is much to love about lodging in a bed and breakfast. Certainly, you can choose hotels, luxury resorts, or even cheap apartelles, but once you experience what this accommodation has to offer, then maybe you might consider a change of heart. This industry is indeed growing - finding you in one may not very impossible these days. And when it happens, what can you expect? Here are some:

A Home Away From Home

In a faraway place, you might actually find yourself craving for the warmth of a home. This is the right place for such moments. You can expect most bed and breakfasts to be private houses made beautiful by history, boasting of different themes what with their amazing rooms, amenable facilities, and everything you practically need - just without a concierge or a bell boy.

Many of these are actually situated on beautiful locations like hilltops, beachfront, lakes, and even in the middle of a body of water. More than a place to lay your head in, fresh, delicious food is what is often on the menu.

For a while, you can leave McDonald's greasy fries behind and enjoy something real, pleasurable, and healthy even when you're not at home.

Privacy

Private houses can amount to nothing if there are 50 families sharing it, anyway. Most bed and breakfasts take pride in the delight of having 7-8 for most. These rooms have a private bathroom as well. Hence, if you get too sick of all the hustle and bustle of the city and its crowds, then this lodging will definitely be a treat for you.

Tranquility

Of course, with nature, sense of privacy, and fewer people, Zen is very easy to find. Maybe you're just staying for one or two nights; but regardless, peaceful moments, anytime, anywhere is definitely priceless. As you look out a scenic vista or even your room's ceiling, you may find yourself realizing things you wouldn't haven't thought of in any other place.

Friendly Hosts

Last but not the least, being accommodated by the owners of the house themselves is very possible. As you retire from your travel, it is indeed a great thing to have meaningful conversations, nice company, and new friends; and you might actually find all these in the ones who let you in. Therefore, if you feel like it is people who make a journey truly worthwhile, then spend a night or two in a hospitable house, and you might get what you're looking for.

Finding the above-mentioned qualifications in a bed and breakfast Anchorage AK can be easy. But there are still some that stand out. Like Northern Bed and Breakfast, they can surely give you everything you need for a satisfying getaway.

Article Source: Eric_M._Casas

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Bangkok - The Different Types of Tours

Bangkok, Thailand, the city with many ups, downs and beautiful scenery, has so much to offer travelers and residents alike. With history that dates back centuries and the present-day revival, Bangkok can only be fully experienced in one way - a visit! Let's take a look at some of the features and tours Bangkok has to offer.

Need to Know Facts

The best time to visit Bangkok is between November and February. This is when the temperatures are comfortable, but the local beaches tend to be crowded. Monsoon season is not in effect, so flooding is not as big of an issue.

Residents speak the native language of Thai but many tourist areas offer English speakers that can help foreigners out. Bus drivers and taxi drivers tend to be less fluent in English, but there usually is someone nearby to help sort out any discrepancies.

Tours

If you are pressed for time, there are many tours that offer the ability to see the city and see it fast! You can catch public tours where you would be touring with groups of people, or there are private tours that you can set up to see the sites with only your party.

Bicycle tours are a great way to see the sites of the city without leaving land. Some of these tours see the neighborhoods of Bangkok while others offer views of the lush tropical forests surrounding the city. Bring comfortable shoes cause you'll be pedaling over many hills and bridges.

For those who would like to venture off the land, boat tours are available, and they come in many different forms. Taking a paddle canoe can get you into the tight spots that large dinner boats cannot travel. Areas that you may see from the water can consist of the popular "Venice of the East," an area that has long been under seen due to the increase in motor vehicle traveling around the city. Temples and trading houses are also popular sites along the river and can lead to hint on how the past was lived from the waterside.

Boat tours are very well known around Thailand. This is attributed to the fact that Thai people consider themselves jôw nám (water lords). If you are a couple in the area, the perfect romantic getaway on the water would be to take a dinner cruise. This allows for you to see the sites and also get a beautiful Thai meal served to you!

If you are old-fashioned, there are many walking tours offered around Bangkok that will suit your needs. Ranging from long to short, walking tours can be completely customizable or you can join a group to get the detailed walking tour.

Any way you look at it, Bangkok offers tours to quench your thirst, whether you are a walker, biker, or a boat rider. Step into the magnificent city that is Bangkok and take the time to learn and explore the culture and history of the ancient city that has marveled people for centuries!

We are a leading travel agency that offers a wide range of tour packages to South-east Asia. Our Bangkok free and easy tour packages are among the most popular travel destinations. Feel free to check them out on our website at www.lokopoko.travel/3-days-2-nights-bangkok-packages

Article Source: Jim_Rossi

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Luxury Honeymoon Destination

A honeymoon is one of the most important vacations of your life and therefore you need to make it special and memorable. You should take it to a place that will allow you to recover quickly from the pressures you were involved in during the wedding and pre-wedding. A luxury honeymoon will be the perfect chance for you to access some of the world's finest resorts that will allow you access services that you will enable you to have the time of your life.

Your honeymoon is just important as your wedding and therefore you will need to do a research about the best places that will suit your interests as well as your spouse's interests. Going to a luxury honeymoon destination will give you the warm and friendly atmosphere that will be perfect for that moment. Nothing will be perfect like spending your time at a place of unparalleled beauty, a place that will allow you to spend quality time and have access to luxury game lodges, intimate hotels and best spa resorts.

Working with experienced travel consultants who have traveled across the world and experienced some of the best luxury honeymoon resorts will help you choose the best luxury honeymoon destination. You will of course have to put your considerations first even when getting advice from travel consultants.

When choosing a luxury honeymoon destination, the things to consider as a couple include romance, privacy, comfort, style and adventure. It should be a place that allows you to have time for yourselves without being interrupted. You should choose a place that allows adults only, since a place where kids are allowed is likely to interfere with your privacy.

When it comes to comfort, a luxury honeymoon destination should be pampered to enable you to have the time of your life. The beds in the rooms should give you maximum comfort, the spas and hot tubs should provide you nothing but the best services, meals should be heavenly and entertainment should be electrifying. A luxury honeymoon destination should have everything you want. For instance, bars, restaurants and beauty centers. This is a time that you would like to savor every moment you have for each other, so you will not want to be moving up and down to get some services since they are not offered at the destination you chose.

A luxury honeymoon destination should also be adventurous. It should expose you to things you like and things you have dreamt of doing. These should range from sports, entertainment and other things you like. For instance, you may have been dreaming of playing golf or swimming with dolphins one day. This should be your chance to be adventurous and do all those things. Make it unforgettable by having fun to the fullest.

A luxury honeymoon destination should also friendly to your pocket. Even though you would want to make that moment unforgettable, remember that you will still need to live after that. So you will need to spend wisely, and a honeymoon travel agency can help you do that really well.

If you are planning to go a honeymoon, check out my website today for ideas on luxury honeymoon destinations and packages.

Article Source: Mike_Whittaker

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Twenty Travel and Holiday Tips

In my line of work, I pick up some great tips about holidays and travelling. Here are some of the tips that I think are most important if you want to make the most of your holiday and avoid both total disasters and minor mishaps.

1. Tell your bank before you go or your card might not work abroad.


2. Make sure your mobile is set up for use abroad; you can't set it up once you're there.


3. If hiring a car, you will need to take both your photo driving licence and your counterpart license.


4. If travelling alone, youth hostels are not only cheap places to stay but great places to meet like-minded people.


5. Make sure your passport is in date before booking your holiday.


6. If staying in one place for the duration of your holiday, research and choose your accommodation carefully, it will make or break your stay.


7. Renting privately owned holiday apartments can be a cheap way to find great self-catering accommodation.


8. If you are unsure about the water quality of your holiday destination, never have ice in drinks because ice cubes are made with tap water.


9. Put all lotions and potions (shampoo, sun cream, etc.) in a plastic bag in your luggage in case they burst during the flight


10. Research your destination to make the most of your time away. It's annoying to hear about an amazing attraction on the way home


11. Learn the language - well, a few words anyway. This will help you more than you think when you're away from home


12. Don't forget your chargers - phone, laptop, tablet.


13. Don't forget your travel plug


14. Always pack something to cover up with. Some religious landmarks won't let you in if you're not covered up so don't miss out!


15. Eat where the locals eat. Head away from tourist hotspots for cheaper restaurants with better food.


16. If you have friends living in exciting locations, visit them! The best guide you will have is a local!


17. Consider travelling around rather than staying put on holiday. It's great fun to travel in a campervan or on a motorbike.


18. Consider organised trips abroad to do charity work. You will do some good and experience the reality of the location.


19. When travelling to countries that could potentially be politically turbulent, always check advice on the foreign office website before you book and again immediately before you travel.


20. Make a note of the phone number for your holiday insurance and keep it somewhere safe in case you need it, along with any other emergency contact numbers.

WinMyHolidayHome run Holiday Auctions and provide Holiday news and destination tips as well as information on how to Win Holidays.

Their Holiday Competitions run to destinations such as Paris in France, Phuket in Thailand and Whistler in Canada.

Article Source: Natalie_Ray

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A New Zealand Campervan Holiday - An Experience To Remember For A Long Time

Outgo Microfiber Quick-Dry Travel Towel - Cobalt Blue - Extra Large: 35'' x 62'' = $29.99 - $29.99 The Outgo travel towel is perfect for extended travel. It dries quickly and fights order and bacterial buildup.

Planning to go for a New Zealand campervan holiday? If you are, then you are really going to enjoy your vacation - as long as you follow some simple rules and guidelines. This is because New Zealand is really a very scenic and nice country.

On top of that, unlike the traditional vacations, your campervan holiday gets you in closer contact with both the scenery and the locals. As such your New Zealand campervan holiday will be a holiday that you will remember for a long long time.

If you go on a New Zealand campervan holiday, you will find that it allows you to spend time where you want, traverse different roads at your fancy - just because you just want to explore and see where they lead to. It also allows you to spend longer time in places you are really enjoy.

Unlike traditional guided tours, there are no hard and fast rules. You either adopt the wake up and decide where to go option with no fixed itinerary to follow or plan a fixed caravan park stay itinerary. In this case you pre book the caravan parks for the nights and go and do whatever you like during the day and only come back in the evening or at night to stay and use the facilities of the caravan park. The other more unrestricted option is to pull up at one of the hundreds of beautiful national parks and stay there for free.

With a rented New Zealand camper you'll be really spoilt for choice when it comes to adventure activities. As the adventure capital of the world, you can do things like horse riding, safaris, 4WD tours, quad bikes, tramping, para-gliding, mountain climbing, bungy jumping, hot-air balloons, whale watching, kayaking and the list goes on...

If you are not looking for adventure but something slower, New Zealand also has plenty to cater for you as well. New Zealand's golf courses are spectacular and numerous. On top of that, its green fees are some of the most reasonable in the world. Open beaches and secluded bays offer safe swimming or sunbathing. If you enjoy walks or cycling, there are plenty of walkways and cycling tracks for you to enjoy.

Oh, don't forget the wining and dining part as well. This is something pleasurable this is not to be missed and one that is a must for you to experience in New Zealand. New Zealand wineries produce award winning red and white wines and many incorporate elegant restaurants or lively cafés on their properties for you to enjoy fine wine and food. With inspirations from countries as varied as Europe, Thailand, Polynesia, Japan and Vietnam, you will find that New Zealand food has a range of flavours that is tasty, refreshing and light.

New Zealand campervan holidays really offer a great value for anyone. Where else can you get a 15 nights on the ground (that is exclusive of airfares) holiday that consists of vehicle, staying in the campervan in campervan parks, staying in hostels, staying in a fully equipped en-suite apartment plus food and petrol for less than USD$1,800?

I saved a lot of money by having both accommodation and vehicle hire in one package. On top of that, I saved money on meals by shopping in supermarkets and cooking them at the campervan parks rather than eating out in restaurants every night. At nice locations along my journey, I just pull over my campervan by a river or lakeside or even by the side of the road and have my lunch, tea or coffee. Oh how wonderful...

If you are looking to rent a campervan in New Zealand, you can get campervans in all shapes and sizes. Some of the bigger ones can accommodate up to a 6 berth or beds in one vehicle! This is a perfect option for especially if you are going as a group or family and you want to travel together. When you to travel as a group with your family or friends, you will find that final per person cost is really low. As a family travelling together, you will definitely have a wonderful bonding experience on this type of campervan holiday as you will be travelling, enjoying and doing things together.

A campervan holiday provides you with many benefits including: freedom, adventure and value for money. It is an experience to share with the family, with friends and with others out there on the road. Put in some in some initial planning and you will definitely enjoy your New Zealand campervan holiday.

Check out this Squidoo lens by clicking on this link --> http://www.squidoo.com/a-fantastic-17-days-campervan-new-zealand-holidays if you are planning to go on a New Zealand campervan holiday. It has very detailed itinerary and plenty of photos, videos as well as money saving tips there.

Article Source: James_Causian

Travel Tips for a Wonderful Trip to the UAE

By the virtue of magnetic cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE has worked its way into the hearts of legions of holiday makers. However, while making plans to book tickets for flights, it is also vital to know the country one is hoping to travel to.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a remarkable place to spend some quality time. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have blossomed as champions of world tourism and have tempted keen holiday makers into booking air tickets on flights that would take them to these lands of gracious lure! Those who are netting flights to the country for the first time, however, must heed certain travel tips for a safe and fulfilling journey into the UAE.

Clothing

Summer clothing is ideal for explorers who are visiting cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For a visit during cooler months (November-January), a jumper or jacket can be carried. Tourists who land here would find the dress code in the UAE is mostly casual. UAE is a Muslim country and people are expected to demonstrate their respect to the local culture by making sure that bikinis, swimsuits and short tops are confined to beach resorts. Women tourists should be more conscious of the way they dress up. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are relatively liberal in terms of attire around beach areas, Sharjah prohibits women from wearing swimsuits on public beaches.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but it is appreciated. Most restaurants in Abu Dhabi and Dubai automatically add service charge to the billing amount. If service charge is not included then 10 percent of total bill is advisable as tip. Tipping taxi drivers is not a very common practise in the UAE.

Personal Safety

Fliers blocking travel tickets aboard UAE flights would be pleased to find that tourist hubs like Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are extremely safe. Cases of theft and petty crimes are rare in the country. Still, it is a good idea to practise normal safeguards to ensure safety for yourself and your belongings.

Social Conventions

Holiday makers in the region must follow local laws. As discussed earlier, women should dress up modestly in public areas.

During the fasting month of Ramadan, special social customs and laws are applicable. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day is prohibited. Explorers who aim to net tickets on flights during the cheap travel month of Ramadan for their holidays in Dubai or Abu Dhabi must mind their conduct in public.

Keen tourists must refrain themselves from photographing people without seeking prior approval from them. It would be best to completely avoid photographing local women.

Hygiene

Tourists booking flight tickets for holidays in the UAE and who have concerns about hygiene and sanitation in the country can put an end to their fears. High standards of cleanliness and food hygiene in the UAE's popular tourist destinations almost ensure trouble-free vacations as far as health is concerned.

Reader's Tip: Wish to avail best deals to Dubai from UK? Book with www.southalltravel.co.uk, they certainly have got the best deals for traveling to Dubai, be it flights to Dubai or hotels.

Article Source: Mark_Rutherford

Touristy Travel Advice for People Who Don't Want to Look Like a Tourist

You know those big, double-decker tour bussed that you see in the movies, or even in some of the bigger cities here in the states... Those... Are...Awesome. A great number of your destinations are probably locations frequented by tourists... Which those bussed... Go to. Here's the deal: Most of these buses offer 24 to 48 hour passes for around $35 US, and within that time, you can hop on the bus at any of the designated spots, ride along, while listening to a guided tour, until you get to one of your destinations. Simply hop off, get it done, go back to the stop and catch the next bus (many of destinations you go to will even have discounted entry rates if you show them your bus pass). And take your time experiencing that place, as most of those tours have bussed that come around every ten to twenty minutes. The guided tour will pick up right where you left off, and off you go to your next destination. It's a tour, and transportation to all of the places you gotta go. Great idea for at least the first day or two in a big city, with lots of places to see.

If available, always try and make sure you get one with a live travel guide, instead of a prerecorded one. Pay attention to where the guide is located on the bus (in good weather, they're almost always on the top level). Sit as near to them as possible, so whenever there's a break in their spiel (stuck in traffic, or they just ran out of things to say), feel free to ask them your own questions.... Now you have your own personal, local, travel advisor.

Be on the lookout for Tics. Not ticks, those little clingy buggers, Tourist Information Centers. They're almost always in the town center, or near tourist attractions. They are easy to spot, as they are almost always identified by a simple icon of the cursive lowercase letter "i". Obviously, it's the peoples' jobs that work there to help tourists such as yourself, with any questions they might have. Directions, closing times, restaurants, etc. They are also good places to pick up a detailed map of the area.

And the last touristy thing I am going to suggest. Take lots of pictures and video. Yes, people may go "ugh... Tourists" but, there's no better way to relive your travels than with photos. I have my travel photos as the screen saver for my computer at home! And I get such joy simply by seeing them scroll by, and reliving each and every memory.

And one little piece of amateur photo advice. Make sure you, or one of your group are actually in the damn things. Ever look at someone's vacation photos, and all they were were just pictures of random mountains and buildings without them in the photos? Boring huh? Might as well be looking at a coffee table book of randomness. And when you take the picture, make sure you have almost a closeup of the person from the waist up, with the greatness of whatever you're seeing in the background. The only thing worse than no people in a travel photo is having to tell people, "You see that tiny little silhouette the size of a pygmy marmoset there? That's me."

And if you want more travel advice for when your at your destination, check out my other travel tips. For the best travel advice, visit Gottagoabroad.com!

Article Source: Daniel_W_Francis

 

Top 10 Things You Cannot Fly Without

More often than not when you're running to catch a flight, something is in the back of your head telling you forgot an important item. As long as it's not your passport then you should be okay, but there are a number of items you can bring on a flight with you to make it a more pleasurable and comfortable experience. There are a few items that I just cannot survive without when taking a long distance flight. I'd advise using some of these with you if you want to have a relaxing flight.

Flight socks. Most airlines will provide you with flight socks if you're on a particularly long haul flight, however there are also airlines that will sell them to you. Save yourself a few bob and invest in a pair of good warm tight socks, these will keep your tootsies warm and will ensure the circulation in your legs is not affected by such a long flight.

Earplugs. A must have for any flight, short or long distance. Many is the time when I have sat on a plane surrounded by snorers and crying babies. Now I know it's not their fault, and I'm sure mothers everywhere will agree with me when they say there's nothing you can do with a crying baby. However a pair of earplugs keeps everyone happy.

Hard or boiled sweets. If like me your ears suffer during takeoff and landing, then taking a tin of hard sweets with you to suck on can turn a nightmare into quite a pleasant experience. Suck on a sweet as the plane is taking off and this will ease the pressure on your eardrums, likewise during descent.

A fully charged phone. There is nothing worse than reaching your destination and realising that the battery in your mobile phone is dead. Fully charge your phone the night before your flight leaves and always bring a charger with you.

A good book. This is my must have item for any flight; a good book will help you to while away the hours on a long distance journey. If you're not a big reader, then perhaps bring a puzzle book instead, it keeps the mind occupied and will tire you out enough to get a bit of a sleep while on board.

MP3 Player and headphones. Listening to your favourite tunes while on board is a great way to relax and unwind and for those who aren't too fond of flying, it will take your mind off your surroundings. Again make sure it's full charged before embarking.

An Eyemask. Essential for getting those well deserved forty winks. Try to invest in a good eyemask that will block out all the light, pop in your earplugs and you will be in the land of nod before you know it!

Comfortable clothes. Comfort is the number one factor when flying, chose your clothes carefully before you leave for the airport. If you're meeting someone special at your destination and want to look your best then you can bring a change of clothes with you in your carry on bag and get changed just before your plane starts to descend.

A small bag I always like to carry a bag that is small enough to fit under the seat in front of me. I then sit beside the window, so that I am not disturbed throughout the flight, nor do I need to disturb anyone else. Having the small bag in front of me means that I don't have to get up and rummage around in the overhead compartments for anything I need.

Moisturiser (For the Men and the Ladies) My skin dries out terribly on flights, especially long-haul ones. This no doubt is due to the recycled air being pumped through the pressurised cabin. To keep myself fresh I like to apply moisturiser regularly throughout, meaning I don't look like I have been surfing on a bad day when I finally get off the plane.

I hope you like my top ten list for things you cannot fly without and that they make your flight a more pleasurable experience.

Matt Beswick loves to write and travel - the perfect combination when blogging on behalf of No.1 Traveller - a UK based company aiming to make travel easier and more enjoyable.

Article Source: Matt_IG_Beswick

 

14 Little Known Mosquito and Sandfly Remedies

1. Windex

Sitting at the drag races in the small town of Tom Price, in the Pilbara, we were being eaten alive by ferocious mozzies, a neighbour told us about Windex, at the time we were keeping Windex in the vehicle all the time for when the red dust turned to mud on the windscreen so we were rapt to find out that it was an excellent way to neutralise the toxin from those insect bites (including March flies). The march flies were particularly vicious, and if you reacted (as I did) you could get a wildly itchy patch some 8cm across. I had never heard of or experienced that before, where I come from march flies leave a bite not much worse than a mozzie. So we were covered in bites, applied the Windex liberally, the toxin was gone, no worries - hardly any bites the next day.
2. Deodorant

This is great in an emergency. I discovered deodorant on a trip to Sumatra, Indonesia; it seems to have some power to neutralise the bites, but mainly it stops the itch by sealing the bite from exposure to the air

3. Vinegar

Aah the wonders of vinegar - not only is it a powerful mould killer, cleaner, neutraliser of jelly fish poison and fabric softener but vinegar is an excellent neutraliser of biting insect toxins. It is great for mozzies, sandflies, March flies- the March fly bites will sting for a second as they actually give you a little cut, but it is worth it if you react badly (my bites last for days).

4. Wine

Yes, good old wine; on my first night in Kuranda near Cairns, on the way to a house sit I was staying at a nice Bali style resort. Sitting at the poolside restaurant I was spiked by a hairy caterpillar; it was tiny, just about 15mm long I flicked it away but immediately came up in big red, extremely itchy welts where ever it had landed on me. I asked the waiter if they had anything to put on it or knew what to do. His eyes went wide and he hurried off to see what he could find, never to return. My instinct was to grab for the vinegar but since I didn't think they would appreciate me breaking into the kitchen I just dipped my finger into the wine, and spread it over the welts. It worked a treat! The marks were gone the next day. Later I heard from the locals that these hairy caterpillars left little spikes in you that itched for weeks, so I counted myself very lucky that I had neutralised the toxin before it got a chance to take hold.

5. Clothing

This shouldn't be little known - not much is going to bite through clothing, though they will go under and around. Your average weight material will protect you from mozzies, but even thin material will protect you from sandflies and less vicious mozzies while having the added bonus of reducing sunburn. I like that light indian cotton such as the kurta shirt for coolness and some protection, particularly at dawn and dusk. I am no scientist but I don't get why you would need to impregnate cloth with insect repellent when the cloth forms a physical barrier anyway, and I notice that the fine print says that you still need to use repellent on exposed bits! If it is hot you want to use insect repellent so that you can expose bits and cool off! On that vein I don't get SPF clothing, unless your shirt is as thin as these kurta's it will shield you from the sun anyway! Aka Slip Slop Slap!

6. Wind - Fan

I don't find it enough by itself but those less allergic than me are convinced that the fan over the bed is enough to keep the sandflies at bay.

7. Baby Oil

When I arrived in the tropics the locals advised us to use baby oil, since we would be living in the open air - our houses don't have glass on the windows, or even fly screens, this is because you need to let as much air flow through as possible, to cool you down and to stop everything from going mouldy in the went season. This does stop the sandflies by creating a physical barrier that they can't bite through, though it only lasts an hour or so as it soaks in or is diluted by sweat, I also found that it was hard not to wipe it off, especially if I already had bites that cried out to be scratched, adding lavender or tea tree oil helped, as a repellent and to sooth the existing bites. Though I did feel pretty yuk covered in oil.

8. Avon Skin-so-soft

If you do a search on the web for sandfly or midge repellents you will come up with Avon Skin-so-soft, I haven't tried it but have read many glowing reviews, stories of use by UK Special Forces. It seems it works on the same principle as baby oil, providing an oily coating to the skin that the sandfly or midge urine does not penetrate. I also read scientific studies that showed that it was less effective than most other products, and a comment on an expat forum commenting that the midges over here were a completely different entity to those that our British counterparts were dealing with.

9. Calamine

Well, when I was a kid it was not 'little known' it was 'the thing to use' everybody had Calamine in the cupboard. It is still amazingly effective stuff, even if a bit embarrassing to go out in public showing off white/pink blobs that yell - Hey! I am new in town! Still if I am staying in, I love the stuff, dab it on thickly to form a seal, this is what gave me the idea for the deodorant in Sumatra. I don't think it neutralises the toxin as well as some of the others though.

10. Tea tree oil

Great for neutralising the toxin, soothing the bites, and gives some protection as a repellent. The thing about sandflies is that you have to have repellent on every inch, they are not deterred by just the smell of it as mozzies are. It is great for mould as well. Locals at Kuranda, the mould capital, say that bleach doesn't kill off the spores but Tea Tree, Vinegar and Clove oil do, they are kinder to fabric too.

11. Lavender

We had a gig house-sitting a lavender farm in Queensland with a horse and 2 chooks. They put us onto lavender oil for bites. We didn't have to worry about sandflies but lavender oil is great for neutralising and soothing mozzie bites. Here in the tropics I did try it with the baby oil and found it gave it a boost as a repellent and soothed my bites as well. Lavender is a hardy plant that you can grow around your home to keep the blighters at bay.

12. Take a shower

This works for sandflies, as the toxin is in the urine they leave on your skin you can wash it off. I find if I feel some bites before I have put repellent on, if I have a shower as soon as I can it reduces the number and severity of the bites.

Since arriving in the tropics and trying so many different products, including the mainstream insecticides we have found what we were looking for!

13. Rainforest rejuvenation

If you have been bitten, this product is amazing at neutralising the toxin and relieving the itch - it is a combination of natural rainforest oils and sea salt made in Kuranda, near Cairns Qld.

14. Mosi-guard - Lemon Eucalyptus

Now this is the most amazing product; when I lived the easy life in southern NSW and Canberra natural insect repellants were my preferred option, they worked fine for me. But once I left the safety of civilised society and took off to explore wild and wonderful horizons, the insects just got desperately persistent they were not to be deterred! At one of our first stops the insects were so persistent that even with commercial tropical strength repellant dabbed on my face and surface spray on my hat they hovered just inches away waiting for any chance.

We found Mosi-Guard on the net, we had trouble finding a retailer, we did find one that had a couple they had forgotten about and bought a couple to try, we were amazed. It was everything the manufacturers website said it was. It was at least as effective than the DEET products at repelling the biting insects, but at the same time it soothed the bites and neutralised the toxins! So unlike the mainstream insect repellents you don't rub it off scratching at your bites, even if you do rub or scratch or sweat it doesn't just sit on the surface of your skin so it isn't such a drama, and it is so nice to use on your skin, it smells lovely and fresh - of lemon eucalyptus, not chemicals and perfumes. So we bought a box of 12.

Our neighbours came to call, they have lived in this area for years, we gave them some MosiGuard to try and were amazed as well, they came back the next day to buy some off us.

The same story with another set of neighbours.

So we decided to start selling it ourselves, we had been looking for products to sell online that are useful to people travelling in remote places as we do.

Insect bite remedies work in 3 different ways.

They stop the insect biting - apply before you are likely to be bitten.

They neutralise the toxin - apply immediately you have been bitten.

They relieve the itch - apply after the bites have developed.

Protect yourself naturally against mosquito and sandfly bites with Mosiguard from http://www.sandfly-mosquito-repellents.com Stop mozzie and sandfly bites itching with Rainforest Rejuvenation here: http://www.sandfly-mosquito-repellents.com

Article Source: Cate_Adams