15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the World

Have you ever heard someone say that they need to take a vacation from their vacation? It happens. Travelling can be stressful, and having to pull out your wallet every time you want something can make it even more stressful. That’s why more and more people have been choosing to take their vacations at all-inclusive resorts. Once you’ve checked into one of these resorts, all of your needs are tended to, and you seldom have to break out your wallet to purchase something. Recently, Trip Advisor ranked the top all-inclusive resorts and the world. Here’s a look at the top 15.

www.tripadvisor.com

1. Royalton Cayo Santa Maria

Located on a small island that’s just off the coast of Cuba called Cayo Santa Maria, this all-inclusive resorts has made a name for itself as one of the finest places to stay in the world. It’s particularly suited to those who are looking to have a romantic tropical getaway, as the resort offers its guest an intimate and beautiful experience. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or sunning on the beach, there’s a lot to enjoy here.

www.applevacations.com

2. Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso

This all-inclusive resort has everything that you might want for a tropical vacation, including a pristine beach with even more pristine waters. But, the real marvel here is the architecture, as the resort itself is beautiful to look at. What’s more is that there is an absolutely massive salt-water pool in the middle of the resort, that guests can swim in or lounge by in their own private cabanas.

www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com

3. Kurumba Maldives

Have you ever wanted to know what its like to vacation on your own private island? Well, that’s exactly the experience you’ll get at this amazing all-inclusive resort. If you choose, you can sit at a table out on the beach and get food and drink delivered right to you, or you can visit one of the resort’s eight restaurants. In between dining and drinking, you can walk around the resort’s grounds, enjoying the sights and sounds of the tropical setting.

www.tripadvisor.com

4. Le Blanc Spa Resort

Cancun, Mexico, is known for its resorts, and the Le Blanc Spa Resort happens to be one the best. The resort can take you and your travel companion on stunning tours of the surrounding area, including visits to ancient Mayan ruins. Of course, you may not want to leave the resort itself, given the world-class bars and restaurants you can frequent, as well as the pools. Oh, and there’s an amazing beach, too.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk

5. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

If Le Blanc Spa Resort thinks that it’s the best in Cancun, then this resort has something to say about it. For travelers who are really looking to unwind while they’re on vacation, this all-inclusive resort offers an absolutely stunning spa. Culinarians will also appreciate the diversity of the restaurants at this resort, as they feature cuisine from a number of different regions around the world.

www.transatholidays.com

6. Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection

Located in Samana, this is another all-inclusive resort that gives guests the experience of enjoying their own private island. The privacy, however, does not mean that the resort is lacking for amenities, as you’ll find plenty of amazing places to dine and to get pampered. If you’re feeling adventurous, you and your companion can go for a romantic cruise around the island’s waters. This all-inclusive resort is perfect for romance.

www.thegrandcollection.com

7. Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel

Many would say that this all-inclusive resort is the finest that you’re likely to find in the Domincan Republic. Iberostar is known the world over for the luxury of their resorts, and this gem is no exception. It features four separate restaurants offering world-class cuisine, amble beach space, and three separate pools. Those who like to golf will also enjoy the resort’s golf course, which was designed by P. B. Dye.

www.simplyluxuryholidays.com

8. Galley Bay Resort

Located on Antigua, this all-inclusive resort boasts an incredible tropical setting that’s sure to impress all who visit it. It’s a perfect place for couples that want to get away from it all, as the resort only has 98 rooms, far less than many of the other resorts on this list. Because of this, couples can enjoy an intimate time with one another as they dine at the resort’s numerous restaurants or enjoy a cocktail beachside.

www.hotels4u.com

9. Rixos Sharm El Sheikh

Located in South Sinai, Egypt, this all-inclusive resort offers something that’s unique from the bevy of tropical resorts in the world. There are private cabanas situated over the main pool where guests can relax, and there are 8 different restaurants they can visit while on their stay. If there are children in your party, they can be dropped off at the Rixy Club, which will give you and your special someone some much-needed adults-only time.

www.travelingpanties.com

10. Excellence Playa Mujeres

Located in Cancun, this all-inclusive resort is perfect for couples that are looking for a romantic tropical getaway, as it is strictly for adults only. The resort oozes contemporary luxury from every inch of the grounds, and offers all of the amenities that you’d expect from a world-class resort in the Mecca of resorts. Those who like to stay active will appreciate the sheer number of activities, which include everything from basketball to tennis, that are available.

www.thegrandcollection.com

11. Iberostar Grand Rose Hall

Iberostar strikes again with this amazing all-inclusive resort that’s located in Jamaica near Montego Bay. Like the Grand Bavaro Hotel, this resort has its own golf course, in addition to a stunning list of other amenities. Of course, in this ideal tropical setting, you’ll want to spend as much time at the beach as possible. Because of this, you’ll be sure to enjoy the number of private cabanas that dot the beach and the pristine waters that wash over the beach itself.

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12. Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun

This all-inclusive resort is another that falls into the adults-only category, making it ideal for romantic getaways. Among the many things that you and a special someone will be able to do here, you can get set up in a private lounge area on the beach, where you can enjoy drinks and a private dinner. Of course, you’ll also want to visit the resort’s stunning spa for a couple’s massage as well. And, that’s all in addition to amazing restaurants, bars and other amenities!

www.cheapcaribbean.com

13. The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real

As one of the newer all-inclusive resorts in the world, this amazing facility, which is located in the Dominican Republic, has a lot to offer. For one, it’s perfect for families, as it boasts its own Kids Zone where the little ones can entertain themselves. This gives adults the opportunity to enjoy many of the other things that resort offers, such as the amazing spa, three separate bars, and a private golf course.

www.hotels4u.com

14. Sultan Gardens Resort

As another all-inclusive resort located in Egypt, you’ll find a lot to get excited about here. For one, the resort has a stunning list of a la carte restaurants that offer a mix of amazing regional cuisines. There are also three pools, including a quiet pool for those looking to get away from the activity that always surrounds the main pool. Of course, with a private beach only a short walk from your room, you may want to spend most of your time there.

www.booking.com

15. Salinas do Maragogi All Inclusive Resort

Located on the eastern shore of Brazil on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this all-inclusive resort has a lot to offer. Guests can enjoy a variety of different water sports that appropriate for children and adults alike, and they can sample fine Brazilian fare at one of the resort’s three restaurants. In addition to all of that, guests will also be able to sun themselves on the resort’s private beach, which offers plenty of places to lie down and relax.

Credit: http://www.traveltips4life.com/15-best-all-inclusive-resorts-in-the-world/15/

17 Creepiest Abandoned Places Worldwide

There’s not much creepier than abandoned places, especially those that were once grand in either size or ambition. There’s something about seeing these one-time monuments to human ingenuity left for dead that is sure to send a shiver down anyone’s spine.

Whether hospitals, factories, or even entire cities, each of these abandoned places once represented the hopes and dreams of the people who built them, occupied them, or even called them home–but now they’re just empty shells, slowly crumbling back into the nothingness from where they came.

Whether contemplating this or simply imagining the fear that might strike you if caught alone after dark in any one of them, we hope you enjoy our list of the 17 creepiest abandoned places worldwide!

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Pripyat, Ukraine

Situated in northern Ukraine across the border from Belarus, this one-time city of nearly 50,000 people now sits completely abandoned. Though the name “Pripyat” might not ring a bell, “Chernobyl” most likely will–it was this nuclear power plant’s famous meltdown that caused the city to be abandoned. Nowadays, the city’s schools, hospitals, shops, gymnasiums, and stadiums sit totally vacant–though radiation levels have dropped considerably and most of the area is now considered safe to visit.

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Hashima Island, Japan

Also known as “Battleship Island” and more recently as “Ghost Island,” this isolated rock some nine miles off the coast of Japan was once inhabited by over 5,000 people. The island was a center for coal mining, but when oil replaced coal in the Japanese economy the massive apartment blocks that comprised its residential section were swiftly abandoned. In 2009, access to the island was officially reopened after 35 years of closure. Now, tourists intrigued by the ruins are able to visit via a number of different tour operators.

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Sanzhi UFO Houses, Taiwan

Originally conceived of as a vacation community aimed towards off-duty U.S. military personnel from around East Asia, the funding for this project soon dried up as a mysterious series of deaths and suicides occurred on the premises–or at least that’s how the story goes. What is known for sure is that the futuristic housing pods remained abandoned for some 30 years before being slated for demolition in 2008. As of 2010, the Sanzhi UFO Houses are gone and the area is being redeveloped as a resort. Let’s see how things work this time…

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Holy Land USA, Connecticut

This odd theme park recreated Biblical scenes from Jerusalem and Bethlehem and also included a “catacombs” that delved over 200 feet down into the earth. It once attracted tens of thousands of visitors each year, whom owner John Greco often welcomed personally as he spoke about the religious views that inspired his construction of the site. However, during the 1980s his health failed him and he passed away. Several renovation attempts have taken place between 1986 and the present day, the most recent in 2013. Only time will tell if Holy Land USA will be returned to its former state or allowed to decay further into abandonment.

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Varosha, Cyprus

Once one of the world’s true luxury resort areas, this Mediterranean beach town now sits entirely abandoned as a result of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Turkey still occupies parts of the island and continues to hold the city of Varosha as a sort of bargaining chip to use with the Cypriot government. However, with each passing year the city becomes less and less of interest to the Cypriot people–most of the buildings, especially the grand seaside high rises, have long since decayed past the point of possible restoration.

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San Juan Parangaricutiro, Mexico

Of what was once an entire Mexican village located in southern Mexico, all that remains today is the church–or the top half of it, at least. The rest was destroyed in a volcanic eruption that took place in 1943. Though the church itself is not so creepy, the knowledge that the homes, shops, and memories of all the people who lived in the town are buried deep under the rock beneath your feet might make you feel somewhat uncomfortable. If you try not to think about it though, this is actually quite a charming site to visit.

thefunambulist.net

Centralia, Pennsylvania

Once a prosperous mining town of nearly 3,000 residents, there are currently seven people left in Centralia. Why you ask? Coal deposits beneath the town have been burning since 1962, prompting the state of Pennsylvania to seize the entire town via eminent domain. Once the final seven residents pass away, Centralia will remain totally abandoned. Though most buildings have been demolished, the streets remain. Visitors can imagine the layout of the town as smoke eerily rises from the ground around them. It has been estimated that the underground fire will burn for at least the next 250 years.

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Lehigh Acres, Florida

This is a more contemporary abandonment story–which, in a way, makes it somehow even creepier. The result of some underhanded real estate deals during the mid-20th century was a vast expanse of streets laid out in a grid and pieces of property sold to out-of-staters who didn’t quite understand what they were getting themselves into. Most lots remained vacant until the real estate boom of the mid-2000s, which bloomed into the housing bubble and financial collapse of 2008. Since then, a large number of homes remain abandoned or simply half-finished throughout this strange suburban landscape.

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Michigan Central Station, Michigan

Detroit has more than its fair share of once-great buildings sitting in states of abandonment, but this one is certainly near the top of the list. This Beaux-Arts Classical style building was once the tallest rail station in the world; it closed down in 1988 when Amtrak service was shut off for good. Since then, the building that once acted as a gateway to America’s greatest industrial boom town has been the subject of countless renovation plans, none of which have come to fruition. With each passing year, the building will only get more expensive to repair.

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Six Flags New Orleans, Louisiana

Opened as Jazzland in the year 2000 and becoming Six Flags New Orleans in 2003, this theme park’s plans for continued growth were thwarted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In the years since, the park has been purchased by the city of New Orleans but redevelopment efforts have yet to begin in full. As such, the park currently sits more or less in the state it was left in after the massive storm. During the past few years, the park has also been used as a set for a number of big-name Hollywood films.

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Danvers State Insane Asylum, Massachusetts

Opened in rural Massachusetts in 1878, this psychiatric facility is often credited as the birthplace of the pre-frontal lobotomy. Danvers was originally designed to house some 500 patients, but soon enough conditions of extreme overcrowding came to exist–over 2,000 patients lived in the facility, including some confined to living in the basement. The campus’s many buildings were also connected by a series of underground tunnels. Fully abandoned in 1992, the main building fell into extreme disrepair before being converted, strangely enough, into upscale apartments.

www.whatthehellnews.com

Poveglia Island, Italy

This tiny island located near Venice in northern Italy is often called the world’s most haunted island. Starting in the 1700s, Poveglia was used as a containment station for the ill–this resulted in “plague pits,” unceremonious mass graves for those who died on the island. It has been estimated that the remains of over 100,000 people rest here underground. Additionally, between the 1920s and the 1960s, the island was home to a massive insane asylum. Rumor states that the doctors here cruelly experimented on their patients… as if the island’s story wasn’t creepy enough already.

artofabandonment.com

St. Nicholas Coal Breaker, Pennsylvania

Once the largest and most productive coal breaking facility in the world, this massive building has sat abandoned since the early 1970s. A more modern facility constructed just a half mile away rendered this older facility obsolete. Nowadays, this one-time roaring center of industry is mostly quiet, save for the occasional brave soul coming to investigate one of the world’s most impressive (and creepiest) abandoned structures.

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Staten Island Boat Graveyard, New York

Did you ever wonder where boats go to die? Well… us neither, but it still was certainly interesting to find out. It turns out that Staten Island is home to New York City’s only commercial marine salvage facility, and while that might make it sound like this place is doing a booming business it mostly appears that it’s a place for boats to sit and rot away their final days in peace. Surrounded by marshlands and very difficult to access by land, it’s possible to clandestinely kayak to the yard and explore–not that we would recommend doing such a thing…

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Katoli World, Taiwan

For such a tiny island, Taiwan certainly has more than its fair share of creepy abandoned places. This second Taiwanese entry on our list was once a popular theme park–one of only two in the country with a full-scale roller coaster, in fact. That said, a massive earthquake in September of 1999 caused catastrophic damage to the park and forced it to be shut down. Nowadays, the remains of Katoli World sit rusting away. As far as we are aware, there exist no plans to renovate or refurbish the site.

marjetaistrefi.wordpress.com

Craco, Italy

Talk about a town that’s been down on its luck–Craco couldn’t seem to catch a break at any point since 540. Between plagues, foreign occupations, and droughts, things here generally spent time going from bad to worse–and in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a good portion of the town’s residents decided to try their luck in North America instead. Those who stuck it out faced more problems: a landslide in 1963, a flood in 1972, and finally an earthquake in 1980 that caused this ancient city to become finally and fully abandoned.

www.therichest.com

Kadykchan, Russia

Closing out our list is another abandoned Soviet city, this time Kadykchan in Russia. Once home to some 12,000 people, a loss of government subsidies after the collapse of the Soviet Union meant that this coal mining town’s operations became increasingly unprofitable. This, coupled with a series of mine-related deaths, caused the Russian government to begin relocating residents in the mid-1990s. This process was officially completed in 2010, but on an “unofficial” basis it’s been reported that there are, believe it or not, still a few people living here who refuse to leave. So who knows whether Kadykchan is technically abandoned or not? But there’s no doubt–the place is creepy.

Credit: http://www.traveltips4life.com/17-creepiest-abandoned-places-worldwide/17/

Vacation Ready: 15 Tips for Moms Traveling with Kids

There are no two ways around it–life changes when you become a mom. That being said, this change can and should be an improvement! Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things that you love to do.

Traveling with kids can be a challenge. It’s certainly more complicated than traveling solo or simply with your partner. But despite this, traveling with kids is not impossible and–when done right–sharing experiences and building memories with your children is more rewarding than solo travel could ever be.

To help begin planning your trip, check out our list of fifteen tips for moms traveling with kids:

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Take advantage of travel time to sleep or nap.

If your kids are young enough to still have a nap time each day, try to book your flights or long, uninterrupted transportation sessions around them so the kids sleep right through the trip. If this doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to travel by night–the kids (and perhaps you) will most likely sleep soundly throughout the journey.

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Feed your infant during take-off and landing.

If you’re traveling with an infant child, make sure to breast- or bottle-feed during take-off and landing whenever you fly. The baby’s sucking motions will effectively combat the change in cabin pressure that would otherwise result in serious pain for your child, helping him or her to feel better and saving you the exasperation of comforting a crying infant for 30+ minutes!

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Pack smart.

There are a few items that you’ll want immediately handy as you travel that won’t necessarily be in your purse or handbag–chief among them, diapers. The last thing you want to do on a plane is have to tear apart your luggage searching for the diapers that foolishly ended up at the bottom of your suitcase. Avoid this situation by making sure those important items–diapers included–are easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.

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Avoid too many sweets.

It may be tempting to use candy and other sweets to keep the kids quiet and complacent while traveling. That being said, this short-term fix can often have the opposite effect in the slightly-longer term–and the last thing you want is the come-down from a sugar high taking place in a gallery, museum, or other quiet place!

top-travel-tips.com

Don’t let the kids pack for themselves.

If you have an infant child this speaks for itself, but even if your child is “old enough” to pack for him or herself it’s probably not the best idea. If you do allow your child to pack his or her own suitcase, make sure you double-check the job–and don’t be surprised if 3/4 of the space is devoted to toys or stuffed animal friends.

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Don’t forget the medicine.

It’s perhaps the most obvious thing, but you’d be surprised how many crisis situations take place because parents forget their children’s medicines. If there’s one thing that you double- and triple-check before leaving your front door, this should be it–your child’s life may depend on it.

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Distractions can help.

Whatever your child’s favorite toy is, if you can pack it, don’t leave it at home. No matter how well-behaved your kid might be, on a long trip you’re going to have moments when he or she simply needs something to do. Though it’s incredibly simple, bringing a favorite toy or game can mean the difference between a tantrum and a satisfied, happy child.

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Involve your kids in the planning process.

If they’re old enough (and especially if they’re pushing into the ever-complicated years of adolescence), involving your children in the planning process can be a life-safer for your trip. If your kids help in planning, they’ll be interested in and excited by what you’re doing–and this can be the difference between a pleasant and a miserable trip.

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Have your kids “document” the trip.

By taking photos, keeping a journal, or in some other creative way, try to ensure that your kids document the trip. This serves at least three important functions: they’ll have something to keep them busy, they’ll be learning or practicing a skill, and they’ll be building memories of the journey for the rest of their lives.

modernmom.com

Make sure your kids know how to find you.

God forbid you get separated from your child during your trip, the most important thing is to have a plan. If your child is not old enough to have a cell phone or other means of electronic communication (and even if they do!), it’s always a good idea to establish a meeting point–if they get separated from you, they’ll head there and wait until you arrive.

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Give your kids a trip allowance–and stick to it.

If your child is old enough to administer his or her own finances, use your trip to teach some important financial lessons. Give your child a trip allowance, and allow it to be spent as he or she pleases. Offer advice–but only if it’s asked for! If your kid runs out of money, tough luck–these are the lessons that make for sound financial decisions further down the line.

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Plan for your kids.

This doesn’t mean that the trip has to be all about them–but remember that your kids should be having fun too. Think about them when you book restaurants, accommodations, and of course activities–and if you expect them to make the occasional sacrifice for you, you should also be ready to do the same for them at least once during your trip.

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Make your trip a learning experience.

Whether you use your trip to teach about geography, history, or language–or simply to understand and appreciate another culture–make sure you use the opportunity to teach your kids something. Traveling is a valuable learning experience for people of any age, but kids are like sponges for information–and this is one of the best ways to expand your child’s mind.

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Pack an emergency bag.

All the things you need for your child–and all the things you might need but hopefully won’t–they should be here. Spanning the basics from sunblock and band-aids to the hopefully-not-necessary-but-important first aid kid essentials, this bag should have everything you need to make sure your child is safe and healthy. Bring it everywhere.

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Take responsibility for your kids.

Choosing to travel with your children comes with a few expectations–primary among them that you act as a responsible adult, and parent, for your kids. This might mean that you have to make some sacrifices–not staying out late dancing, for example–but that’s just the nature of the game. And, at the end of the day, we promise you that it will be worth it.

Credit: http://www.traveltips4life.com/vacation-ready-15-tips-for-moms-traveling-with-kids/15/

17 Pictures That Prove Australia Is the Craziest

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Australia is one of the craziest places on earth–but what else would you expect from a country founded by prisoners on a continent isolated from the rest of the world for some 40 million years!

Don’t believe us? Then check out this headline: Top End man attacked by croc, escaped by wrestling and poking it in the eyes, then drank beer as first aid. Yes, it’s real.

Still need more proof? Here are 17 pictures that prove Australia is the craziest:

ntnews.com.au

Not only are crocodiles present throughout Australia, but they’re also huge. This saltwater croc caught on film is estimated to be about five and a half meters–or some 18 feet–in length. Sure… the dinosaurs went extinct, but with creatures like this still around, the question remains: who needs them? We’re not sure how you feel, but we would certainly respond “not us.”

ntnews.com.au

And what’s more, Australia’s crocodiles aren’t afraid to leave their aquatic habitat. Though the water remains their primary hunting grounds, crocodiles are certainly comfortable enough on land to get out and explore, occasionally clashing with humans in the process. For example, this croc was killed in a Northern Territory town after his presence there was deemed threatening to humans. Threatening? Yeah, I’ll say…

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But crocodiles aren’t the only freaky animals that call Australia home. Another fine example of the country’s creepily gigantic animal life is the grey-headed flying fox, technically a “megabat” but large enough to earn the “fox” name. An average wingspan of over three feet makes this creature a truly frightening sight. Perhaps craziest of all is the fact that these creatures aren’t confined to the wilderness–in fact, here they are filling the daytime sky in Sydney.

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First flying mammals and now flightless birds… Australia is famous as the home of the ostrich, the world’s largest flightless bird, but it is also home to its lesser-known cousin the cassowary–appropriate named, as it’s a good idea to be “wary” around this bird. When provoked, the cassowary is known to attack viciously, and there’s not much more that an unarmed human can do but retreat or try and shield oneself.

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Now, here come the crown jewels of Australia’s craziest and most dangerous animals–its snakes. The creatures are such a normal part of everyday life in the country that you can find signs like this in city parks, warning people not to let pets loose–you know, just in case Fluffy gets eaten alive by a massive, monster-like snake.

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And even when you’re careful not to go to the snakes, sometimes the snakes come to you. This photo of a nearly six meter (20-foot) python was snapped after it fell through the roof of a charity store in Queensland. Somehow, I feel better sleeping at night knowing that a massive legless creature isn’t going to collapse my roof and land on my body at any given moment.

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Even in flight–you’re never safe! This python was found dangling precariously on the wing of a plane headed from Australia to Papua New Guinea in January of 2013. Though it took quite a beating during the hours-long flight, crew and passengers alike were surprised to find that their snake companion had survived the journey upon landing. This may seem like a charming story at first, but I believe it hints at the horrors that these snakes are capable of.

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Thought maybe you could escape the onslaught of frightening animals by heading offshore? Not likely. Australia’s coastlines are famous for their surfing, but it’s best you don’t spend too much timing thinking about what lurks beneath the waves. Check out, for example, this photograph of a surfer about to cross paths with what is almost definitely a great white shark. I’m sure he had no idea. Ah… ignorance is bliss.

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And sharks aren’t the only creatures lurking off Australia’s shores. Besides the aforementioned crocodiles, which do occasionally head out to sea, Australia’s waters are apparently home to this species of giant jellyfish. If it’s any comfort, it’s true that jellyfish of this kind aren’t particularly common–this species was known to exist but only cataloged by science earlier in 2014. That said, floating into one of these as I’m out for a swim doesn’t sound so appealing to me.

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And the list goes on… The reef stonefish, one of the world’s most dangerous fish, exists in abundance off the Australian coast. Perhaps the most dastardly aspect of the stonefish’s hunting strategy is its camouflage–it’s able to blend in almost perfectly with the rocks around it, giving it an advantage against its prey. This, of course, is bad for humans–a step on one of its barbed spikes can cause excruciating pain and a trip to the hospital.

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And finally, the blue-ringed octopus. This admittedly cool-looking creature is known to hide out in the tiny rock crevices of Australian tide pools and is responsible for more than 20 recorded deaths–mostly of young children who didn’t know any better. Perhaps most frightening is that there is no known anti-venom for its powerful poison. Death generally occurs within two hours.

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If you thought Australia’s wildlife was a bit crazy for your tastes, have you checked out its weather? For example, tornadoes are pretty scary, right? And fires? Well they can be pretty worrisome too. But have you ever thought about what might happen if the two joined forces? Maybe not–but if that’s the case, then you’re probably not Australian. This here is a classic Australian fire tornado.

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Finally, here’s a chance to take a look at Australia’s greatest source of craziness–its people. Let’s start small: someone out there in Australia thought that this would be a good look for Miss World Australia, and then a whole bunch of other people must have agreed until it became her actual outfit for the competition. It apparently pays homage to an important WWII group called the Australian Women’s Land Army, but more immediately obvious is how silly it looks.

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But don’t worry–if you didn’t think that last outfit was crazy enough, let’s bump things up a notch and look at the Miss Universe Australia national costume! I wish I had a story about what this one is supposed to represent, but alas, it was not to be. As such, I’ll leave it up to your imagination what in the world is supposed to be going on here.

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Then, of course, there is this picture, which I’m sure covers a few Australian stereotypes–unfortunately, I can’t tell what specifically they are. All I know is that when I look at it, I think two things: the first is “crazy,” and the second is certainly “Australian.” I also hope that the poor dog managed to get out of the way in time.

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Anyone who spent a lot of time on the internet during the early 2000s probably remembers this guy, a then 16-year-old Australian teen named Corey who received his fifteen minutes of fame when a party he threw attracted over 5,000 attendees and led to some $20,000 in damages to local property. His attitude towards reporters after the event is what really sealed the deal though–check it out here.

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And lastly, this picture sums up everything you need to know about how crazy Australia really is. Yes, I know that the image itself specifically says that this doesn’t happen, but you know what? That sounds somewhat defensive to me, and mighty suspicious. Until proven otherwise, I’m going to continue assuming that people do in fact ride kangaroos right past the Sydney Opera House–it’s been working well for me so far.

Credit: http://www.traveltips4life.com/17-pictures-that-prove-australia-is-the-craziest/17/