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4 Under-the-Radar Places to Visit in New Zealand

By U.S. News & World Report

One of the most rugged and beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand has long been a favorite destination for adventurers. Apart from its unique cultural influences, diverse settings and its population just shy of 5 million, the country offers the chance to explore a mix of cosmopolitan cities and off-the-beaten-path locales. And with no one else around, you’ll have just the breathtaking rolling green hills, craggy mountain peaks, dense forests, rushing waterfalls and secluded beaches to keep you company. Here are four lesser-known places to check out on your next trip.

Lake Tekapo

Though Lake Tekapo on the South Island is a popular stopping point for visitors traveling between Christchurch and Queenstown, most only stay for an hour or so as their bus refuels. But with postcard-worthy views of pale blue waters, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps and lush wildflowers, it’s hard to see why more visitors don’t stay longer. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the view from any vantage point. And don’t leave before sunset. A stay past dark yields unspoiled night skies. Recognized as one of the International Dark Sky Association’s International Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo’s picturesque location allows you to take in unrivaled views as you gaze up to admire the stars and planets speckling the sky.

Napier

Napier is a city that completely transforms depending on the season. Nestled on the rocky shores of Hawke’s Bay along New Zealand’s North Island, this relatively sleepy town comes to life during the renowned Tremains Art Deco Festival, which takes place every February. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1931, the town has kept its art deco vibe, with buildings such as the Daily Telegraph Building reflecting the iconic zig-zag patterns of the 30s. Despite an influx of visitors decked out in dazzling Gatsby-esque costumes, the town remains relatively quiet the rest of the year. Spend your time jogging or walking along the rebuilt, tree-lined waterfront Marine Parade promenade, and revel in the stunning views of the beautiful bay.

Doubtful Sound

Three times the length and 10 times the area of its famous sister sound, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound in Fjordland National Park on the country’s South Island is often overlooked for more popular areas. It’s shocking how few people visit the Doubtful Sound. While this remote, rugged sound may be harder to reach, the unparalleled views upon arrival make every step and hurdle worth it. Gushing waterfalls cascading off mossy green cliffs, jagged fjords sloping around the glacial bay and lush, dense forests can be seen from every view. And due to its relatively isolated location and serene lack of noise, it’s often called “the Sound of Silence.” To explore this area, book a boat tour or a cruise to see every beautiful enclave, mountain and rocky beach up close.

Waihau Bay

Filled with beautiful beaches, scenic coves and a rich Maori culture, the crescent-shaped Waihau Bay on New Zealand’s North Island is the place many Auckland residents go to unplug and unwind. Home to just one general store, a sandy beachside campsite and a small collection of bed-and-breakfasts, this bay is truly untouched by development. Explore the incredible Maori heritage with a cultural walk, surf the waves of the Bay of Plenty, relax on the soft sand, spend an afternoon fishing on the calmer side of the bay or drive along the peaceful Pacific Coast Highway to take in the sights of the water and the lush surrounding mountains.

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4 Under-the-Radar Places to Visit in New Zealand originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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