We recently had the pleasure to host several overseas relatives, who came to Australia to celebrate our daughters wedding. Coming so far they stayed for a full month and we actually learnt a lot about the travel industry by hosting our wonderful friends.
Perhaps the worst thing that could happen when you have visitors is for them to get bored. You need to find out about your area and plan to show them the sights. This is easy if they are only staying for a few days, but when they are staying for a longer period, solid planning on your behalf is crucial to them leaving with a smile on their faces.
We can be regarded as lucky. Living in the tropics of North Queensland there are many beaches and areas within a short drive that most would call paradise. Our visitors were from England and Finland, so the sun and the sea were magnets that drew them into a wonderland.
While we did take a few journeys up the highway to Airlie Beach and a cruise through the Whitsundays to Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach, being tour guide in our own local city of Mackay made us realize what a fabulous part of the world we live in. We actually tired them out with all the activities we planned and they left Australia excited by the experiences, yet sad that it had come to a close.
One thing they really wanted to see were kangaroos and it just happens that just a half hours drive from us, there is a magical place by the name of Cape Hillsborough, where each morning kangaroos come out of the forest and walk on the beach. Most are tame enough to pat and it really is a sight that one could never forget. Our visitors said that this was a special highlight for them and a memory that would last forever.
BBQ’s at the beach, walks through rainforest, swimming in crystal clear waters, strolls through the botanical gardens, sunbathing on golden beaches were just a few of the activities we planned to keep our visitors occupied. Your city may not have beaches to show your visitors, but most cities have parks, museums or other areas that would interest people who have never been there. You may take them for granted, but visitors see them with fresh eyes and appreciate new experiences.
Ask your self why you live where you do and you will probably see all the opportunities to keep your guests occupied. Perhaps all you need to do is start enjoying your own city again. So why not plan to revisit some of your cities major attractions yourself. Go on Sunday picnics to quiet parks, the beach, the river or perhaps a lake. Take a stroll through the main street of town and look at the different buildings.
You might be surprised at the beauty that is waiting for you in your own backyard.
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