Armchair Travel

This much-delayed re-worked classic finally has a release date for February 2022. Directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, as Agatha Christie’s shrewd but unfailingly polite French detective, Hercule Poirot, the film is set on a glamorous river steamer exploring Egypt’s River Nile. The lavish period tale sees an idyllic honeymoon shattered by violent deaths, as obsessive love and its murderous consequences play out against a backdrop of romantic desert landscapes and ancient tombs and temples. The film also stars Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Film Fazal, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Gal Gadot and Sophie Okonedo.

Following on from his first autobiography, Step by Step, TV presenter Simon Reeve shares more adventures in a love letter to the power of travel. Covering a plethora of beautiful and dangerous places, the author also shares what his experiences in travel and life have taught him, sharing his struggles with fertility and mental health and the joys of fatherhood and dogs. His message is to battle fear and negativity and embrace life, risk, opportunities and our glorious world.

An Aussie thriller, the ultimate travel guide for 2022, reflections on life and travel from a TV globetrotter & a classic tale in a timeless setting

This annual tome ranks the planet’s must-visit countries, cities and regions and it’s no different for 2022. In this instance though, Lonely Planet has drawn on the knowledge of its global community of experts to curate a collection of experiences that will inspire readers to reconnect with the world with a new appreciation for what a privilege and responsibility travel is. The book also reveals how travellers can have a positive impact when they holiday, with practical advice and tips on making sustainable travel choices, supporting local communities and celebrating inclusivity wherever you are.

This three-part drama first airs on New Year’s Day and stars Jamie Dornan as a British man in a bit of a pickle abroad. It throws viewers straight into the action in the vivid Australian outback, where he’s being chased by a vast tanker truck that is trying to run him off the road. An epic cat and mouse chase leaves the man waking up in hospital, alive but with no idea who he is. Will he be able to unlock the secrets of his identify before his pursuers find him and kill him?

This thriller will have you planning an Aussie road trip.

The 15 islands of the Cooks lie between New Zealand and Hawaii in the sparkling South Pacific. Rarotonga is the main island, home to the international airport, but even the biggest island is just 20 miles in circumference so nothing is more than 20 minutes away. Public transport is simple too, there are two buses an hour, one going clockwise and one anticlockwise, and there’s no need for bus stops – just flag the driver down when you see them coming!

The Cook Islands have miles of uninterrupted public beaches where you can lay your towel wherever you want and take a dip in the invitingly warm sea. Beaches range from the lively Muri on Rarotonga, home to many cafes, bars and restaurants, to Aitutaki’s Honeymoon Island, known for its pure white coral sandbar that juts out into the sea like a catwalk from the palmcovered islet.

Cook Islanders are rightly proud of their Polynesian heritage and want to share it with visitors. Make sure you book in for an authentic island night, where you’ll be treated to a traditional Umu (underground oven) feast and dazzling displays of traditional dance with colourful costumes.

AITUTAKI

Book the Cooks

HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME Between July and September you can spot migrating hump back whales from the beach.

PARTY TIME The cultural festival of Te Maeva Nui showcases local music, dance, arts, crafts and food in Rarotonga from the end of July to the start of August.

FLOWER FEST Te Mire Tiare is a flower show, held in November in Rarotonga, featuring parades with flower-covered floats.

PADDLE POWER Also in November in Rarotonga, Vaka Eiva is a series of exciting canoe races.

Work up a sweat There’s plenty to keep active types happy in the Cook Islands. On the water you can explore on a sailing boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. But don’t forget to head inland too, you’ll find pristine volcanic interiors with verdant rainforest and waterfalls. Head off on a self-guided hike or tour with a local to learn about local medicinal plants and fauna. You can also jump in a jeep or on a quad bike if you have a need for speed! Blue lagoon

Aitutaki is home to one of the most idyllic lagoons in the world, just a 45-minute flight from Rarotonga. Discover what paradise really looks like as you swim in turquoise water ringed by tiny desert islands called motus, where you can laze in the shade of a palm. Under the sea snorkellers and divers have crystal clear views of a vibrant world home to vivid giant clams, swooping turtles, reams of multi-coloured fish and the quicksilver flash of giant trevally.

With almost 100 restaurants and bars on Rarotonga you’ll be sure to eat well – freshly-caught seafood is a speciality – and at prices that you’ll find surprisingly good value. To see what the locals eat, a visit to Rarotonga’s Punanganui Market on Saturday morning is a must. It’s also a great place to bag a bargain, take colourful pictures and meet up with all the new friends you’ve made during your stay.