Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2018 - November 2018 i International Traveller

I’m writing this letter while sitting at LAX waiting for a flight out of Los Angeles having flown in this morning; I have been here for a grand total of 16.5 hours. Knowing that I was doing such a tight turnaround on two very long flights, I was paying a lot of attention to the tips, tricks and hacks that we have pulled together for this year’s annual 100 issue before I left – I figured I could use all the help I could get! And I had a lot of faith in what I was being told, given we had asked some of the best travel experts out there: people who make their livings dashing off here, there and everywhere, whether they are the president of an international cruise…

FREIgeist Göttingen, Germany LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC UNIVERSITY TOWN OF GÖTTINGEN, IN GERMANY’S LOWER SAXONY, HOTEL FREIGEIST IS A RELENTLESSLY MODERN NEW BUILD (AND A MEMBER OF DESIGN HOTELS) FEATURING 118 ROOMS. THE DÉCOR CONTINUES THE THEME, WITH WOOD AND COPPER FITTINGS THROUGHOUT CONTRASTED AGAINST A PALETTE OF GREY BRICKS, NEUTRALS AND SHOTS OF BLUE, AND BASQUIAT-INSPIRED ARTWORK. THE WHOLE THING HAS A NORDIC VIBE (ENHANCED BY THE ON-SITE SAUNA), BUT IN INTUU, ITS SIGNATURE RESTAURANT, IT’S JAPANESE/SOUTH AMERICAN FUSION ALL THE WAY. DESIGNHOTELS.COM PULLMAN LUANG PRABANG, LAOS This new five-star resort is located 10 minutes away by car from Luang Prabang’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. Its 16 hectares encompass 123 modern guest rooms with large terraces, a two-bedroom villa and a healthy scattering of infinity pools and streams.…

Sydney-born John Russell painted The garden, Longpré-les-Corps-Saints, right, in 1887, soon after arriving in Paris where he mixed with progressive young artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, formed a friendship with Van Gogh and became engaged with the work of the impressionists. A year earlier, he’d travelled to the rugged French island of Belle-Île-en-Mer off the coast of Brittany where he met Monet, who would prove to be a strong influence. A decade later, Russell would himself inspire here; teaching contemporary colour theory to Matisse. Art Gallery NSW’s exhibition John Russell: Australia’s French impressionist (until 11 November) charts this remarkable trajectory. artgallery.nsw.gov.au…

With its intoxicating blend of ancient and modern; of stunning natural beauty and awe-inspiring man-made monuments; and experiences ranging from the exhilarating to the serenely sublime, Japan offers travellers the perfect ‘choose your own adventure’ kind of holiday. The only challenge? Figuring out how to make the most of your time in this inimitable country. DAY 1: TOKYO TO NAGANO – HIT THE SLOPES AT TOGAKUSHI SKI AREA One of the Japanese railway system’s newest routes, the Hokuriku Arch Pass provides seven consecutive days of travel between Tokyo and Osaka, taking in the cities of both Nagano and Kanazawa (plus other must-sees, such as Kyoto). The ride from Tokyo to Nagano is approximately an hour and a half; from here, it’s an hour’s bus ride to the Togakushi ski area,…

I’m admiring the view from my hotel room window at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian. Clinging to the craggy outcrop of an extinct volcano are the imposing fortress and mottled sandstone buildings of Edinburgh Castle. The Caledonian proudly boasts more rooms with views of the 12th-century icon than any other hotel in town, and I’m happily taking advantage of this fact. The Caledonian, or the ‘Caley’ as it’s affectionately known by locals, with its grey slate roof and red sandstone façade, is another favourite Edinburgh landmark. Built between 1899 and 1903 above the old Edinburgh Princes Street station, the Caledonian was one of the original great British railway hotels that thrived in an era when travelling by steam train was popular. Eventually motorways overtook railways, forcing many railway…

The old joke that you don’t travel to Ireland for the weather is entirely true. Ireland is not the kind of place that a ‘sun-worshipping, cocktails-by-the-pool-from-11am-till-late’ wife like mine would naturally seek out. So to convince her to spend a valuable week of her European travel time on the Atlantic Ocean’s eastern break wall required a compelling itinerary. Hence my ‘Great Castle and Manor Hotel Stays of Ireland’ itinerary, featuring a series of properties that stretch from the approachable and affordable to those of the more wallet-busting once-in-a-lifetime variety. But no matter how stately or opulent, they all reveal the heart and history of Ireland and its people. BALLYFIN, COUNTY LAOIS 105 kilometres; a 90-minute drive south-west of Dublin Talk about a sense of arrival: two butlers wait on the…

ABOUT US Established in 1994, Beyond Travel have over 24 years of expertise helping Australian travellers experience the best that Russia has to offer. Renowned leaders in travel to this fascinating country, in 2019 we are pleased to present the largest range of Russian river cruises available, with a dedicated Cruise Russia website and brochure. Choose from deluxe boutique ships, first-class cruises and great value options with over 75 departures! Of these, Volga Dream offers the highest levels of service and accommodation available on Russia’s rivers. For bookings, Click & Cruise: CRUISE-RUSSIA.COM.AU or call 1300 363 554 for a free brochure and details. THE FACTS Beyond Travel is celebrating 25 years of experience in 2019. • Australian owned and operated and a member of the Council of Australian Tour Operators…

THERE’S A WORLD of exploration to be had cruising the high seas, and once you’ve settled into your cabin the old clich é that ‘you only have to unpack once!’ rings gloriously true. You’re not lugging around heavy backpacks, or wrestling luggage into overhead compartments to see the best of the world. Plus most cruise ships allow 32 kilos, so you can bring along your creature comforts and buy souvenirs along the way! Depending on your itinerary, you could be waking up every day in a new destination. Sure, sometimes you could only spend half a day in a port, but you also get to experience multiple destinations in a shorter amount of time – ideal if you have limited holiday leave. And the organised tours and activities keep things…

ABOUT US Holland America Line was born to voyage. For 145 years, we’ve been introducing guests to new places and new cultures, and we’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of travel. We’ve seen how it opens minds, builds connections and fosters an appreciation of our shared humanity. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable experience, because travel is more than an itinerary, it has the power to change us and our world, journey by journey. CAREFULLY CRAFTED JOURNEYS Balance. Depth. Authenticity. These are the elements we bring to more than 500 itineraries, stopping in 100 countries, the world over. Cruises include both popular and less-travelled ports in Alaska, Europe, South America and Antarctica, to Cuba and the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Our Explorations Central (EXC) program…

ALASKA Cruising Alaska’s INSIDE PASSAGE on board an expedition ship is an altogether different experience than you’ll find on a mega-liner. You’ll be moored in quieter bays, have up-close-and-personal encounters with wildlife such as HUMPBACKS and BROWN BEARS, you’ll hike through forest, kayak along scenic coastlines, and witness some of the most breathtaking glacial landscapes on the planet. THE ARCTIC Exploring this far north seems like mission impossible, but there are a number of cruises exploring icy Arctic waters. See NORWAY’s exquisite fjords on the way up to spot reindeer at its northernmost town; cruise around the Land of Fire and Ice, ICELAND, home to volcanic landscapes, geysers and hot springs; and venture to wild GREENLAND, with its spectacular scenery and remote communities. THE AMAZON The Amazon flows for 6400…

21 THE PLEASURES OF A PERFECT ROMAN AFTERNOON Stay at the Hotel Abruzzi: it’s been there forever and I can remember it from when I lived in Rome for two years as a child. Just 20 metres from the Pantheon in the Piazza della Rotonda, it represents incredible value for its location and rooms. Head to the square and take a seat at any of the cafes for people-watching and an apéritif (it has to be a Campari and blood orange), and to marvel at one of history’s great engineering feats, the dome of the Pantheon. Then stroll south towards the Po river and the Jewish quarter. Take a selfie with the oh-so-cute Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain) en route to any number of the restaurants on Via del Portico…

IT’S ONE OF life’s great ironies that if you need a holiday, the last thing you have the time to do is plan a holiday. Finding a good deal can really take you down the internet rabbit hole, so a time-poor traveller without the hours to surf for a bargain package deal runs the risk of facing a very rich rack-rate trip. Not so if you’re using Expedia to book online, with its brand new Expedia Add-On Advantage now delivering a foolproof, time-efficient way to access amazing travel deals, every time – even if you can’t pay for your entire trip at once. All you need to do is book a flight, car or holiday package on the website, then discounts on hundreds of thousands of participating hotels around the…

YOU KNOW the amazing frisson you get every time you explore a new destination? That passion is ready to be rekindled, even in your very own backyard. Inspiring Journeys’ range of holidays, from five to 22 days of boutique touring, explores some of the most breathtaking locations in Australia and New Zealand. In a small group of up to 20 travellers and in the company of an expert Journey Director, you have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavours of each destination. All journeys include authentic, engaging and off-the-beaten-track experiences to create meaningful memories. Meals capture the essence of a destination, while accommodation is distinctive and soulful. Hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, and Inspiring Journeys shares an unparalleled wealth of expertise to take…

FOR OVER 20 YEARS, G Adventures have been the small-group adventure travel experts. More than a vacation, we offer the chance to get to know your world better by putting yourself on a first-name basis with the people, places, and things that make it worth exploring. We find that the world opens up a little more for a small group than it does for a solo traveller or a big-bus tour: small groups offer security, access, camaraderie, and more affinity with your destination than you’ll get by travelling any other way. And they’re perfect for getting off the beaten track. So whichever corner of the world you’re heading to – G Adventures can take you everywhere from the Polar regions to South America, Africa, the Middle East and beyond in…

Tucked into a cosy, dimly lit corner of a hotel lobby, I have literally just met the gentleman sitting in front of me but already I am holding his hand and staring intently into his wise eyes. Before you imagine the scene as a Mills & Boon-style assignation, you should probably know that the man in front of me is Professor Zhang Mao Ji, a world-renowned practitioner of Chinese medicine and he has just asked me about my bathroom habits. In any other hotel, undergoing a consultation like this before checking into your room could be considered rather unusual. But I am sitting in the lobby of the newly minted Six Senses Duxton in Singapore; the hotel brand has built a reputation on its impeccable wellness credentials, lacing a focus…

RISING FROM THE ASHES A year after the devastating Northern California wildfires that burned through some 99,148 hectares and destroyed thousands of homes around Sonoma and Napa Counties, the food and wine meccas are getting back on their feet. Given the area around Sonoma is largely credited with inventing the whole farm-to-table movement, it makes sense that it’s establishments like SingleThread and Farmhouse Inn that are luring food lovers and wine connoisseurs back to the area. Husband and wife team Kyle and Katina Connaughton epitomise the groundswell of positivity in Sonoma right now: at their SingleThread farm (singlethreadfarms.com), Katina tends to a greenhouse, loamy fields, chicken coops, an heirloom fruit orchard, olive trees, beehives, and cattle paddock all surrounded by cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, and chardonnay vines, while 11 kilometres down…

Finland punches way above its weight and size when it comes to producing iconic designers and design brands. Known as some of the happiest people on Earth, with a love of living life at full tilt, often in the great outdoors (in spite of their long, harsh winters), the Finns strive to surround themselves with impeccable design on a daily basis, as anyone who has visited its gloriously compact capital of Helsinki knows. At the heart of the Nordic aesthetic that pervades is a love of impeccable, clean lines, an appreciation of subtle, natural materials and a delight in pure, vibrant colour and pattern. Here, our top five Finnish design icons you need to know. ARTEK: In 1935 Helsinki, designer and architect Alvar Aalto along with his wife Aino Aalto…

There’s a spot in the Pacific Ocean that holds a special significance to anyone with a deep appreciation for the natural world. If Charles Darwin hadn’t observed the unique wildlife of the Galápagos, namely its famous finches, and made deductions that helped him formulate his great theory of evolution by natural selection, we’d still be ambling around saying how incredible it is that all life was created 6000 years ago by an omnipotent being. Besides making a scientific pilgrimage to the islands, you should go to see their otherworldly landscapes and abundant endemic wildlife. To get there, catch a flight from the Ecuadorian capital Quito to Baltra Airport just off Santa Cruz; stay at Red Mangrove Eco Lodge in Puerto Ayora, for example, and organise a tour through the lodge,…

You can’t help but like Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo. On-track, he’s a fearless competitor, the sport’s best natural overtaker, while off it, he’s the straight-talking bloke next door with the winning smile and laughs for all. And this year Ricciardo’s been in top form, taking masterclass wins in China and then Monaco, again proving he’s the real deal, an F1 World Champion-in-waiting, to anyone yet to believe in Perth’s finest. “Yeah, I think some of those people are finally seeing the light,” he says, laughing. “And it’s been a really good start to the season.” The F1 season is jam-packed from March to November, with pre-season testing before that, and endless commitments for sponsors and fans throughout. All of which makes his time away from the sport, one…

DAY ONE 8AM: The Parthenon stands sentry over the city of Athens as it has done for 2500 years, but its founders might be shocked by the concrete jungle that has developed a few hundred metres below it over millennia. Sprawling apartment blocks; tiny domed churches; ancient ruins; archaeological digs and box-shaped cars sit side by side to form the 21st-century city. Nothing is spared from graffiti but plunge past the grunge into its alleyways and you may never want to come out. Start the day with breakfast at the ATHER restaurant overlooking MONASTIRAKI SQUARE . Get into the Greek spirit with freshly squeezed orange juice and Greek-style scrambled eggs with tomato and feta. Watch the macho power plays between groups of youths and young police officers trying to move…

The flagstone floor of the American Colony Hotel Jerusalem has been worn smooth by more than a century of footsteps. Built during Ottoman rule by the Pasha of Jerusalem to accommodate his four wives, the house was bought towards the turn of the 19th century by a colony of American Christians. Horatio Spafford and his wife Anna began the colony, just outside the walls of the Old City, following the tragic shipwreck and drowning of four of their daughters, which Anna survived. The Americans were later joined by a group of Christians from Sweden and the colony went on to welcome people of all faiths through the building’s lovely arched doors. It was turned into a hotel in 1902 and many famous people, including T.E. Lawrence, Graham Greene and Bob…

1. THE ULTIMATE INSTAGRAM MOMENT – The pursuit of the ultimate Instagram shot while on holiday has become something of a frenzied pastime; but Fiji delivers the goods every evening. Due to its location close to the equator, sunsets in Fiji are often awe-inspiringly beautiful. For a good view, the southern coast of main island Viti Levu, between the towns of Sigatoka and Navua, is known as the Sunset Strip. 2. GIVE AND TAKE – Many resorts in Fiji offer their guests the chance to visit villages on tours; visitors find out about how locals live and have a chance to donate to the village by buying the souvenirs they sell. There are also a number of resorts working with local charities such as Rise Beyond the Reef, which teaches…

MANY OF TODAY’S great cities were established riverside – Paris on the Seine, Cairo on the Nile and Bangkok on the Chao Phraya, to name a few. With so much life happening along these waterways, cruising along rivers can be a rich, life-changing experience. Depending on your destination, you may pass ancient castles, rolling farmland and vineyards, charming towns, and locals swimming, fishing, working or washing their clothes. It’s a never-ending montage of culture, architecture, and life right from your stateroom window. Most sailing is done at night, meaning more time for sightseeing and less time on board during the day. Plus the ships normally dock right in town, making the option of exploring on your own a cinch; exploring a destination by river is a lot like land touring…

THE PACIFIC Tropical, relaxing, friendly and fun, the Pacific is an ever-popular ocean to cruise, particularly for Australians with cruises departing from the East Coast and New Zealand. It’s a top choice for people who love the sun, the great outdoors, snorkelling and diving, and chilling out. Ports include the famous South Pacific islands of FIJI, NEW CALEDONIA, SAMOA and TAHITI, as well as NEW ZEALAND, HAWAI‘I, and more. THE ATLANTIC (& MEDITERRANEAN) From the East Coast of the USA and CANADA , to the CARIBBEAN and BAHAMAS, from MEXICO, BRAZIL and ARGENTINA to SOUTH AFRICA, MOROCCO, SPAIN and the U K , this ocean is home to such a unique mix of destinations. And pass through the Strait of Gibraltar and you hit the wonders of the MEDITERRANEAN. But…

“Holland America Line takes you to the planet’s most stunning destinations – the glacier-laced coast of Alaska or Norway’s fjords – real once-in-a-lifetime journeys.” Dan Down, deputy editor, International Traveller magazine. ALASKA CRUISE PLUS YUKON TERRITORY 11 DAYS / FROM $3094 PER PERSON For the ultimate holiday to the Great Land, combine an ALASKA cruise with DENALI NATIONAL PARK and the wild frontier of the YUKON TERRITORY. Ride on the McKinley Explorer glass-domed railcars; pan for gold; and cruise the Yukon River on a sternwheeler. The Y4C: 11-Day Yukon & Double Denali land and sea journey aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam from VANCOUVER to ANCHORAGE includes professional Journey Hosts; a full day of scenic cruising inGLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK; transportation throughout your journey, including McKinley Explorer luxury domed railcars between…

ABOUT US With 125 years of experience sailing to some of the world’s most pristine locations, Hurtigruten have been helping travellers experience the polar extremes of the planet for generations. Taking guests beyond what a traditional cruise line can offer, Hurtigruten’s voyages are an opportunity for learning and personal growth that will see you ‘connect with your inner explorer’ on both daily services along the Norwegian coast exclusively stopping at all 34 ports, and Explorer voyages to the High Arctic, Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen, and more. Hurtigruten, together with Bentours, allows passengers to explore Norway’s western and northern coast between Bergen and Kirkenes, regarded as the world’s most beautiful sea voyage. Hurtigruten’s unique heritage of exploration, combined with highly skilled crews and a diverse fleet consisting of nimble, intimately scaled…

EACH TRAVELLER’S IDEA of their holiday destination bucket list can differ wildly from the next person’s. It all depends, of course, on what you want to discover. Some places in the world, however, are so unequivocally awe-inspiring, so indisputably incredible, that it’s impossible not to immediately fall in love with them and feel inspired to share stories about the experiences gained and memories created. Globus know that classic destinations are regarded that way for a reason. In creating their tours they have mastered the art of putting together deeper, more rewarding travel experiences by taking care of all the smaller details so that guests can focus on enjoying themselves. Whether your idea of fun is to marvel at the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, discover the hidden gems of ancient worlds,…

AS AN EXTENSION of the classic European holiday, travellers have been flocking to Scandinavia for years. Boasting pristine natural landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and an intriguing culture and heritage, it’s no mystery as to why this is the case. Winter in these regions offers travellers the opportunity to marvel at the enchanting Northern Lights, while summer can be spent kayaking under the radiant midnight sun. Scandinavia is a true classic holiday destination, full to the brim with bucket-list experiences. Read on for Bentours’ tips to make the most of this breathtaking part of the world. CRUISE WITH THE LOCALS The best way to experience Scandinavia’s natural beauty is to cruise along the coast onboard the local means of transportation – a Hurtigruten voyage. Sailing 365 days a year you can experience…

51 DINING ON BOARD Cruise ships often feature specialty restaurants that can be very popular. If your cruise allows you to, get in early and pre-book your dining options before you embark, otherwise make bookings as soon as you get on board. Stuart Allison, senior vice president Asia Pacific commercial & operations, Princess Cruises 52 SEEK YOUR OWN This might be controversial, but… don’t research. We used to spend weeks trawling online blogs before our trips to find The Best Food in X City and travel hours just to get to the most famous spot, but all too often we’d arrive to long queues and disappointing food, when the tiny local restaurant just next door to our hotel was just as good, if not better, more charming and certainly cheaper.…

71 THE ROCKIES IN SHOULDER SEASON Consider travelling in the shoulder seasons of where you want to go. Not only are prices generally lower, but locations are quieter, staff have more time to dedicate to guests and there are often unexpected benefits like different wildlife or weather. Travelling through the Canadian Rockies in early May means that you catch the bears waking up, the days are long and sunny, and you get the mountain towns practically to yourself ! Fiona Watson, managing director, sales, Asia Pacific, Rocky Mountaineer 72 PARTICULARLY LOCAL IN CUBA A wise man (me) once wrote, live as and eat what the locals do. To save a fistful of pesos in Cuba, bunk down at a casa particular, grand-value genuine home-stays that predate Airbnb but can now…

91 DIVE INTO THE IZU PENINSULA An easy hour out of Tokyo is the Izu Peninsula, a heartbreakingly beautiful area brimming with hot springs within sight of Mount Fuji. It’s all about the water here: craft beer made with Fuji’s hundred-year-old snow melt, dining on eel raised in the pure waters, and Shuzenji Onsen village, where you can sit and gossip with the locals, dangling your feet in the hot spring right in the centre of town, eating soft-serve ice-cream topped with fresh wasabi (delicious!). The fancy new Izu Marriott Hotel Shuzenji nearby has a steaming private hot spring on every balcony which is worth every penny for the stay. Jac Taylor, travel, food and lifestyle media specialist 92 TAKE THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED You should stand in the face…

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEWLY REBORN HOTEL LUTETIA, PARIS 1. It was first opened in 1910 by the famous Le Bon Marché department store, an icon of the Left Bank, for use by its important clients; it’s the area’s only historic grand hotel. 2. The hotel combined aspects of Art Nouveau and the emerging Art Deco style; sculptor Paul Belmondo, the father of legendary French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, was commissioned to decorate the façade of the building. 3. James Joyce wrote Ulysses at the hotel, with Ernest Hemingway acting as occasional editor; Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse also took up residence here, and Josephine Baker was a regular. 4. In 1944, the hotel became a centre for displaced peoples and families hoping to be reunited with loved ones;…

WAKE UP TO THE SOUND OF THE SEA Every one of the 250 beautiful rooms – including over-water villas – at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay boast water views, so you can wake up to those mystical blues every morning of your stay. EAT YOURSELF A FEAST There are five restaurants at the resort. Try traditional Fijian cuisine at Goji Kitchen & Bar; dive into local seafood at Fish Bar; drink cocktails and Mediterranean eats at Lagoon House & Bar and Lagoon Lounge; or keep things casual at Fiji Baking Company, where you can feast on pastries, drink your daily coffee, or just stop in for a sandwich. GO FOR A DIP The crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific are right there, but the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay…

EUROPE The rivers of Europe allow passengers to experience multiple countries, cultures, cuisines and history in one enjoyable, unpack-once, sit-back-and-relax trip. The three most popular rivers to cruise are the RHINE , DANUBE and SEINE . The 1233-kilometre Rhine flows through six countries, originating in the SWISS ALPS, running along the border with LICHTENSTEIN. It serves as the border between FRANCE and GERMANY then splits at the border with THE NETHERLANDS. The Danube is even greater at 2860 kilometres, running through AUSTRIA , SLOVAKIA , HUNGARY, CROATIA , SERBIA , ROMANIA , BULGARIA , MOLDOVA and UKRAINE. While the Seine, although much smaller, can claim PARIS as a feather in its cap. AFRICA THE NILE is the world’s longest river at 6853 kilometres, and flows through nine countries from UGANDA…

CLASSIC EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE 14 NIGHTS / FROM $4179 PER PERSON Enjoy a 14-night Classic European River Cruise from $4179 per person when you quote promo code INT500RCA at the time of booking. Spend 14 nights aboard the Deluxe Monarch Empress, First Class Monarch Governess, or Monarch Duchess and journey through the heart of Europe from HUNGARY, through AUSTRIA and GERMANY, finishing in THE NETHERLANDS where you’ll tour the canals of AMSTERDAM. Along the way you’ll see magnificent panoramic views of BUDAPEST from atop Fisherman’s Bastion, visit romantic VIENNA with its legendary opulence and elegance, and walk in BAMBERG’s medieval centre with its 11th-century Romanesque cathedral. The cruise includes 41 meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners with unlimited wine and beer with dinners. Plus you’ll receive river port charges…

EXPEDITION CRUISING is all about exploration, adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With smaller ships designed to reach more remote corners of the globe, it’s a more intimate experience and itineraries are usually specialised to particular interests, often with expert speakers and guides (marine biologists, naturalists, anthropologists, nature photographers and the like) who also conduct immersive classes and workshops on board. This particular style of cruising can be a little more demanding; in far-flung corners of the globe you’ll encounter extreme climates and you’ll need to hop in smaller Zodiacs (inflatable boats) to get up close to wildlife and access less accessible sites, but you’ll also have the opportunity to trek and kayak in remarkable destinations. The itineraries can also change on a whim, depending on sea conditions and the weather, but…

11 SEEK SOLITUDE IN SPAIN The best, least crowded beaches in Spain lie on the Costa Brava, north of Barcelona in Catalonia, with hardly a high-rise in sight. On scorching days, head to Tamariu, in the province of Girona, to fling yourself into the crystal sea from a springboard embedded into the rock. Heaven. Sophie McComas, director of Buffet, a creative content studio specialising in food, drink and travel. 12 JOURNEY ALONG THE RIVIERA MAYA “The Riviera Maya along the south-east coast of Mexico is one of my favourite spots on the planet,” says Jennifer Vandekreeke, vice president of Carnival Cruise Line in Australia. “It’s the perfect combination of authentic cuisine and culture, beachy goodness and water adventure. From Cozumel to Tulum, you’ll find delicious spiced pulled pork and authentic…

BEFORE TOP PACKING HACKS TO HELP YOU MASTER THE ART OF A PERFECTLY PACKED SUITCASE BY TRAVEL BLOGGER AND PHOTOGRAPHER EDWINA HART INVEST IN A GOOD SUITCASE Nothing will make the task of packing easier than finding a suitcase with all the right features. Pick something: • Lightweight, as a case weighing a few extra kilos might mean that you won’t be able to pack your favourite shoes or even result in an expensive ‘oversized baggage’ fine. • With wheels. It’s so effortless to zip around without having to locate an airport trolley. • That has a protective casing made from polycarbonate, a must as there is nothing worse than finding your toiletries have exploded all over your clothes and electronics. • With useful zip compartments to separate items and…

61 A WEEKEND IN SA Despite all our travels to beautiful places, we still vote the beaches of our home in South Australia our all-time favourites. Nothing beats a weekend home on the Fleurieu Peninsula: wine tasting in McLaren Vale with fish and chips for dinner on Sellicks Beach. Food and travel writer Eloise Basuki and photographer Leigh Griffiths, Strangertalk. co 62 GO CROSS-COUNTRY For me, the ultimate travel experience I’ve had is the Indian Pacific. This is an epic four-day/three-night train journey that links Perth on the west coast to Sydney in the east. While you sit back, relax and watch the spectacular and contrasting landscapes and towns that shape the Australian outback go past the window, you will also enjoy some of the best…

81 SEE THE ‘STANS’ “Travellers are looking for new, less-explored, brag-worthy destinations,” says Emma Prineas, acting head of marketing at Wendy Wu Tours, and the ‘Stans’ of Central Asia – which stretch from the Caspian Sea in the west to China in the east and Russia in the north – fit the bill. Visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan [Ark Fortress, Bukhara, pictured] allows travellers the opportunity to “cover five distinctive destinations in as little as three weeks,” says Prineas. “The all-encompassing landscapes that include vast deserts, rolling grasslands, verdant valleys and snow-capped mountains form a stunning setting to the five ex-Soviet republics. Travellers have the chance to camp by a giant burning gas pit in the middle of the desert, wander through ornately tiled mosques, stay in yurt…

THE FAMILY FRIENDLY HOLIDAY: fun for everyone Centara proves that you don’t need to forgo luxury when little ones are in tow. CENTARA GRAND MIRAGE BEACH RESORT PATTAYA is made for fun with its star attraction The Lost World waterpark featuring pools, a ‘lazy river’ to float down, rope bridges, 12 waterslides and more. Parents can zone out at the pool, huge spa with 24 treatment rooms, yoga and a shopping arcade. The elegant CENTARA GRAND BEACH RESORT PHUKET located on Karon Beach is also an aquatic wonderland with four pools, waterslides, a lazy river, and adults’ only pool, plus an award-winning spa perched right on a cliff affording amazing views, and a kids’ club that caters from tots to teens. While CENTARA CEYSANDS RESORT AND SPA SRI LANKA’s unique…

A DAY IN WYNWOOD  Unpick Miami’s arts district with this walking guide to the city’s most enticing neighbourhood . 1 PANTHER COFFEE Start the day at this specialty coffee roaster and pick up a fresh one to get your day in Wynwood off to a flying start; its muralled exterior and hipster-infused interior sets the tone for the day. Pick up one of its branded keep cups while you’re at it. 2 WYNWOOD WALLS Local and international graffiti artists have been using the walls of this former industrial district as a canvas since 1979. Come on the second Saturday of the month and the Wynwood Art Walk turns the area into an arts festival and late night street party. 3 COYO TACO Stop for a delicious Mexican street food-inspired lunch…