ISSUE 01. 2017
Best Places to Travel in 2017 A GUIDE TO WHAT WHERE AND HOW TO GET THERE
Digital Trends Shaping the Future of Travel A Year of Adventure SEARCHING FOR NEXT LEVEL INCREDIBLE
SEE THE WORLD, IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT
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HOUSE OF TRAVEL CONTRIBUTORS Editor ANNA SARJEANT Writers ANNA SARJEANT, SAM PEASE & NIALL McCARTHY Designer STEPHANIE CAIN South Pacific SHARMA SMITH North America GABRIELLE BROWN Asia & Touring PAULA WATSON UK & Europe ANNE GRAHAM Long Haul SHELLEY ADKINS Advertising Manager RACHEL MANCINI Printer WEBSTAR TERMS AND CONDITIONS GENERAL CONDITIONS: Prices are correct as at 20 February 2017 – costs may vary due to subsequent tax surcharge increases, currency exchange rates and/ or unforeseen circumstances. Valid for new bookings only as specified or sold out. For travel commenced and completed as specified. Min/max stays apply. Prices are per person share twin in NZ dollars subject to availability at time of booking, based on payment by cash or cheque. Booking deposits and payment requirements may apply. Bedding configurations may vary. Credit card fees will apply. Some closeouts apply. For travel outside the dates specified, ask your local House of Travel consultant. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. Accommodation ratings are based on House of Travel ratings and are a guide only to the overall quality of the property. Flights are additional unless specified otherwise. Ask us about the best available flights to your chosen destination. Further terms and conditions may apply. See www.houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire for more details. GADVENTURES 15% OFF TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Eligible travellers shall receive 15% off per person on guaranteed departures of select G Adventures Limited Edition small group tours. Tour must be booked by 31 March 2017 at 11:59 EST for G Adventures Limited Edition small group tours for travel departing before 31 December 2017. Valid for new bookings only and must quote promo code 17PA015DES11 at time of booking. Bookings must be made by calling G Adventures, through G Adventures’ travel agent booking system, or as otherwise indicated by G Adventures. Cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions or discounts and is subject to availability. Does not apply to National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures, Private Groups, Expedition, Galapagos boats, SPIT, Cuba land trips, AFMS, Independent trips, pre- or post-tour accommodation, insurance, international airfare not specified in the itinerary, upgrades, add-ons, “My Own Room” or “My Own Tent,” transfers, theme packs, or other in-country or on-board services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time without prior notice. Any refunds made with respect to products booked under this promotion shall be issued at the discounted rate. G Adventures reserves the right to cancel any booking due to unauthorized, altered, ineligible, or fraudulent use of discount. G Adventures is not responsible for technical or system errors that may interfere with or otherwise prohibit the use of the promotion. All G Adventures’ tours are subject to G Adventures' full booking conditions, found here: gadventures.com/terms-conditions-policies. Sales Dates: 25 Feb-31 Mar 2017. Travel Dates: 25 Feb-31 Dec 2017. *TRAFALGAR TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Price is per person twin share, subject to availability and seasonal surcharge. Price is based on 14 & 21 April 2017 departures. Prices are correct as of 16 February 2017. Additional costs such as flights, taxes and surcharges may apply. Ask your travel consultant or visit Trafalgar. com for full terms and conditions.
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Contents Feature 4 Digital trends shaping the future of travel 6 HOT consultants: The people behind your holiday
2017 Travel Planner 9 10 12 14 16
Top bloggers to follow in 2017 Travel think tank Best places to travel in 2017 You, me and a different kind of Fiji Hotel hacks for 2017
Why Guided Holidays? 20 A year of adventure 22 The Avalon diary 24 6 photos that will make you want to travel with Trafalgar
Children Talk Holidays 27 How to pack your Trunki 28 Top 10 tips for travelling with your parents 30 Travel street smarts
The Next Big Thing 32 Live like a local in Dublin 35 What’s new, Vanuatu?
F E AT U R E
Digital trends shaping the future of travel Your holidays are about to look a lot different...
Next time you check into the Marriott Hotel in Ghent, Belgium, keep an eye out for Mario. Not that you can miss him, he’s concierge. He’s also the figure marching atop the front desk handing out key cards and recommending local attractions. Good man Mario. Except he’s not. A man that is. He’s a robot. 56cm high and weighing in at 6kg, Mario is a chatty pintsized android built by tech giant, IBM. He can walk, talk, blink and sing. Give him half a chance and he’ll dance too. On hand to detail every hotel feature and amenity, Mario can speak an impressive 19 languages, never gets stressed, fails to get tired, and if needs must, he’ll jump into the dining room and help out with breakfast. He is quite literally the all singing, all dancing face of the future. And the Marriott in Ghent isn’t the only residence to feature a humanoid workforce. Royal Caribbean have installed robot bartenders called B1-O and N1-C, which together spell BIONIC. Fittingly, they both work at the ‘Bionic Bar’ on-board Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the
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Seas. Albeit not as cute as Mario (they resemble something more akin to a Nespresso machine) the duo will fetch you a drink. Punch in your order using smart tablets, or let them run free. N1-C possesses quite the talent for creating cocktails. Then there’s the somewhat gimmicky Henn-na Hotel located in a theme park in Japan’s Nagasaki Prefecture. Here there are female androids wearing buttoned tunics, and rather bizarrely, a talking dinosaur who likes to don a bow tie. Robot porters cart your luggage to guestrooms, keyless doors use facial recognition and the lights are controlled by something pink sitting by your bedside. Need assistance? Type your request into a tablet. Want an extra blanket? There are vending machines full of conveniences. The only thing the world's first robot hotel doesn’t have, is human staff. These are just some examples of what the future of travel looks like. Potentially it’s a robotic one. (But let’s not jump to conclusions, in the 1980s we predicted the hover board and we're still waiting). Nevertheless, as technology continues to accelerate, the manner in which we travel is adapting.
The future’s bright. And easy With digital masters such as Google building driverless cars, future airport transfers won’t require language skills, apt negotiation or a lengthy discussion about the meter being set. And if Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Julie Bishop has anything to do with it, passports will be obsolete by the turn of the decade. Using cloud stored data to save personal information such as biometric data, digital photos and other identification, we could completely eliminate the need to carry a passport. Imagine that. No more cold sweats as you arrive at the terminal frantically patting your pockets and emptying your holdall. Technology today Even today, in the elementary stages of 2017, the majority of us are using smart phones as a lightweight guidebook, over 60% of us track holiday sunshine using weather apps, and most of us rely heavily on Google Maps to get just about anywhere. Even the most lacklustre technophobes hop online to post an epic selfie with a heavenly backdrop. And yet, in an age of such rapid development, even the phone selfie is on the cusp of extinction.
2017. The year of the dronie Late last year the “drone selfie” (or dronie as the cool kids have coined it) caught the world’s attention with The Hover Camera. A creation by Chinese start-up company, Zero Zero Robotics. Looking less like a drone and more like a notebook, it works by being thrown in the air. Controlled by a smart phone, it hovers, takes a few pictures, and floats back into its receiver’s hands, folding gracefully into a compact black book. But that of course, is so very 2016. Next! The latest dronie-making machine is called The AirSelfie. A pocket-sized drone that slides into a customised phone case and charges while it’s parked. Manoeuvred by a virtual joystick (accessed via an app on both Androids and iPhones), it’s similar to The Hover Camera because it will float autonomously, but what really has the tech community excited, is its ability to fit into the palm of your hand. Available from March 2017, The AirSelfie is so small, and so agile, it makes the geriatric selfie stick look like a cumbersome oaf. How is the travel industry reacting? Contrary to what the naysayers suggest, Google cars and robot hotels are unlikely to dispel the need for mankind.
Granted, one or two drones have caused pandemonium for a handful of air traffic controllers (hence why you now need a $5 drone license in the USA) but industry leaders, including the Marriott and Hilton, regard digital inclusion as a collaboration, not an AI invasion. And it helps you, the traveller, too. We now live in a world where you can test drive a hotel prior to booking via virtual reality devices such as Samsung’s Gear VR. A concept that many hotels, including Marriott, are readily embracing. Similarly, you can discover a 3D world from the comfort of your armchair. Ever wondered whether you’re more of a Rome person, or Paris? Pop on your VR headset and find out. Disney’s gone digital And guess who’s most on-board with digital change? Mickey Mouse. And if Mick's a fan - a guy, (or rodent) who has seen at least eight decades of change - shouldn’t we all be? Stay at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and the MyMagic+ wristband system will allow you to consolidate payments, gain hands-free room access, complete hotel check-in and jump on the Magical Express shuttle service.
It can be linked to a credit card for contactless payments (complete with spending limits) and The FastPass+ service allows guests to pre-book up to three Disney attractions every day. Oh and it’s also waterproof. How’s that for interactive? Well done Mickey, the mouse done good. Keep it personal Nobody wants their holiday experience to become impersonal. As travellers, we appreciate the charm found in cultural interaction; a shared joke; a spot of sarcasm. Ultimately, consumers still want (and need) human involvement. But, when an alliance is forged between machine and man, it can actively enhance the visitor experience. The proof lies with Mario. During a recent business trip to the ITB Convention, which the dinky cyborg had to abandon his position on the front desk to attend, all out anarchy ensued. Not because the Marriott staff couldn't cope in his absence, but because scores of guests were left sorely disappointed. Mario is something of a local celebrity. The all singing, all dancing robot brings a smile to everybody's face.
PHOTO - INSERT: Mario. Marriott Hotel in Ghent, Belgium HOUS E OF T R AVE L
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6 HOT consultants: The people behind your holiday Start your 2017 travel plans by talking to a HOT consultant. The best holidays start when ideas and knowledge are shared, so let’s talk travel.
Meet the people shaping your future holiday. For an insight into the workings of a consultant’s mind, we asked six HOT consultants six holiday related questions.
Best travel tip – Pop a copy of your itinerary in your suitcase. If your luggage is misplaced, someone can see your flight and hotel schedule.
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Jim Mallory ORBIT INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT - NELSON
Shane Ogg LEISURE TRAVEL CONSULTANT - HOT PONSONBY
Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017? Japan. Whether you’re a city person or nature lover, yearround there is always something to do. If Japan had a personality, what would it be like? Traditional laced with eccentricity. What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had? Sunrise over Macchu Picchu. It was a magical moment and one of those places that lived up to - and exceeded the hype. Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already. If you’re not grossed out by bones, visit the catacombs in Paris. A very unique experience that relates to the city’s growth. What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday? The beach in California when I was eight. It was the first time I saw the ocean. If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant? In a cold climate I’d install underfloor heating. It’s such a nice feeling to walk barefoot when it’s snowing outside.
Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017? South America, particularly Brazil. If Brazil had a personality, what would it be like? Two words only – SENSUALLY SEDUCTIVE! What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had? Vietnam. From sipping Long Islands beside busy roads to temple prayers for my eight unborn children (that I’m supposed to have in the near future), it blew my mind. Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already. Rabbit Island (kunoshima) is smothered in the cute critters. A short ride from Hiroshima Airport and then a quick ferry, just don’t go if you have allergies! What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday? Taupo. It doesn’t sound flash, but nothing beats the beauty of Aotearoa. If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant? Something very similar to the Hotel Metropole in Venice. With spectacular views (both in landscape and staff), it would exude magnificence.
Happy Aquarian
Melanie Schonewille
TRAVEL CONSULTANT - HOT NELSON
LEISURE MANAGER - HOT WHANGAREI
Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017? South and Central America. If South America had a personality, what would it be like? Down to earth, captivating and adventurous. What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had? South East Asia. Washing and feeding the elephants at Elephant Hills was incredible. We stayed in luxury tents on a beautiful lake and kayaked while looking for gibbons. Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already. On some tours you can have dinner in the Vatican and the Pope’s own chef will prepare your dinner for you. What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday? Travelling through the US with my Dad when I was nine. Theme parks and jet skis on the lake! If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant? Free Wi-Fi and remote (mobile) controlled room functions so you can set the air-conditioning on your way home (Next Hotel Brisbane and Aloft Hotel in Bangkok both offer this feature).
Italy. If Italy had a personality, what would it be like? Sexy, romantic, loud and chaotic. What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had? A little fishing village called Aspra, an hour out of Palermo, Sicily. The most authentic local experience I’ve ever had - not another tourist in sight for the entire four days. Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already. Venice’s corner buildings have arrows pointing to San Marco Square, Rialto Bridge or St Lucia Station. You might go the long way but follow the arrows and you will get there. What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday? My family rented a bach in Hahei. Come nightfall, us kids would head to the estuary armed with torches and homemade spears to catch flounder. If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant? My perfect hotel would be on a beautiful beach, with perfect weather. I don’t need much to be happy, but it must have enough loungers for everybody!
Kirsty Stewart
Amanda Ellis
TRAVEL SPECIALIST - HOT HORNBY Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017? Japan - vibrant food, friendly people, diversity, safe, true cultural experiences. If Japan had a personality, what would it be like? Unique and captivating. What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had? Swimming with sharks on a remote reef off the coast of Belize with no land in sight. Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already. Tip over-enthusiastically the first night of a cruise, then always return to the same bar (and bartender) for a more personalised service. What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday? As a child travelling through Mexico in a green VW Kombi van with my parents and siblings. If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant? Themed floors to suit all tastes: one level contemporary, one level cultural and one level low-cost.
Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017?
TRAVEL CONSULTANT - HOT BARRINGTON Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017? Cambodia. While cruising down the Mekong River you get to see how the locals live in rural areas. If Cambodia had a personality, what would it be like? Hardworking and resilient, with a kind, friendly nature. What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had? Riding a camel through the Sahara Desert at sunset. The night’s sky is so clear you can see the Milky Way. Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already. Prague has an award winning underground bar in the Old Town Square, called Black Angel Bar. What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday? Visiting Australia Zoo - seeing Steve Irwin and chasing him to say hello! If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant? It would be in a tranquil location, themed to the country. Standalone rooms with outdoor spas that overlook the view. It would be all-inclusive and have a pool with a swim up bar.
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2017 Travel Planner Whether you like to find the best advice or the most niche travel ideas, here's the lowdown on planning a perfect 2017 holiday. TOP TRAVEL BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW IN 2017 TRAVEL THINK TANK BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2017 YOU, ME AND A DIFFERENT KIND OF FIJI 17 HOTEL HACKS FOR 2017
PHOTO: psimonmyway.com, ©Kama Btara
Family travel: TRAVEL WITH BENDER
Top bloggers to follow in 2017
Philosophy: "The ultimate guide for family travel." What we like: Travelling since their two children were only two and three years old, Erin and Josh Bender have made the impossible possible. What we love: An endless supply of family travel experiences and first-hand information on family destinations. The Benders have travelled to over 65 countries and their accounts are compelling. Global family travel has never felt so achievable. Our favourite blog: 5 Kid-Friendly Camping Recipes Your Family Will Love.
www.travelwithbender.com
Drink tea & travel / Photo ©O&M St John Photography
Couple’s travel: DRINK TEA & TRAVEL Philosophy: "Fuelled by curiosity, a sense of adventure, and an occasional cup of good tea.” What we like: Oksana and Max are a married, tea drinking duo from Canada. They have been enjoying an envy-inducing nomadic lifestyle since 2015. What we love: These two are living the dream, but on a budget. Their blogs are beautifully honest; detailing how to achieve sustainable living on a feasible amount of money. Their sense of adventure is inspirational, their imagery astounding. Our favourite blog: 9 Tips for Travelling as a Couple.
www.drinkteatravel.com psimonmyway.com / Photo ©Megan Scraper
Solo travel: PS I’M ON THE WAY Philosophy: "I am not travelling. I just choose to be somewhere else, all the time." What we like: The slow, solo traveller, Trisha Velarmino wants to know what it feels like to eat, cook, speak and sleep in other cultures. What we love: Trisha is bold. She’s a diehard Barcelona FC fan, she consumes a considerable amount of burgers and tacos, and she never shies away from the grittier destinations (i.e. the not so Insta-friendly places). You're just as likely to find her
Gay & lesbian travel:
Baby boomer travel:
TRAVELS OF ADAM
BLONDE BRUNETTE TRAVEL
Philosophy: "Your guide to the coolest things to do and see around the world." What we like: Adam travels extensively. He’s also gay. While some might argue this is irrelevant, Adam’s blog highlights the importance of safety, comfort and politics, because they can affect the travels of a gay explorer. With topics that cover LGBTQ travel tips and gay-welcoming events, it’s both hipster cool and informative. What we love: Incredibly in-depth information
Armenia for 5 Days with a $30 USD Daily Budget.
with engaging topics. It's refreshingly frank and will put everyone on the right track for a great trip. Our favourite blog: Meat and Potatoe Dishes from 14 Different Cities around the World.
www.psimonmyway.com
www.travelsofadam.com
in a Tel Aviv nightclub as you are a Parisian café. Our favourite blog: Did You Know? You Can Travel
Philosophy: "Travel for the young at heart." What we like: Two sisters from the USA navigating the globe together. Upfront and to the point, this travelling twosome are members of the mature wanderlust elite. What we love: Documenting stories that are both sassy and helpful, blogs are witty but useful. The queens of common sense, wisdom prevails. Our favourite blog: Unhelpful Travel Advice We Think You Should Ignore.
www.blondebrunettetravel.com YOU CAN AL SO C HEC K OUT HOUSE OF T R AVEL’S OWN HAC K- PAC K ED BLOG AT W WW.HOUSEOFTR AVEL .C O.N Z / G ET- IN SP IR ED. HOUS E OF T R AVE L
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Travel think tank
YO U R L U G G AG E H A S B E E N M I S P L AC E D
L A S T RO O M AT T H I S P R I C E
F L I G H T CA N C E L L E D
C H E A P F L I G H T S TO ' PA R I S '
5 OT H E R S LO O KI N G AT T H I S P RO P E RT Y R I G H T N OW
H OT E L B O O KI N G CA N C E L L E D
At House of Travel we believe the best holidays are created together. That includes you, us, your own research, our experience and yes, even the World Wide Web. If you’re planning a holiday in 2017, here are 6 thinkers to consider before you book. Are internet prices too good to be true? “One Seat Left” anyway). Best hurry. Actually, no. The internet is awash with travel bargains. Hang fire. From super low flight prices to hotel deals that’ll leave Some airports (European ones especially), aren’t you feeling richer than a Wall Street stockbroker. And always located in the cities they are listed online. For they’re all good. And the reason we know they’re so good example, certain carriers bound for Paris, actually fly is because we use them too. into Beauvais Airport; in the commune of Tille and 65km “Drop into any House of Travel branch and what we north-west of the capital. That’s a minimum 90 minute pull up on our screen is exactly what you can search on transfer time. your own. And then some. We have access to all the big Good to know up front, right? Book with your HOT players we know you trust such as Expedia and Viator, consultant to ensure you’re flying into Paris’ main airport: plus other sites which consumers can’t access. With the Charles de Gaulle, or if you can’t resist the bargain they added bonus that we can do all the clicking and confirm- can arrange an easy, comfortable transfer. Sit back and ing for you.” Lauren Keith, HOT Wakatipu. mull it over, because as Lauren explains, “That urgent “One Seat Left” siren is flashing unnecessarily. Let’s just Can I trust budget airlines? say your consultant’s screen probably says otherwise.” Granted, the bargains are unbelievable. Twenty dollars for a one way flight to Paris? Better grab that must-have How long is my transit time? deal before someone else snaps up the sale of the century International airports such as Singapore’s Changi Airport (and if the online pop-ups are to be believed, there’s only welcome thousands of transit passengers every single day.
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Not surprisingly this calls for a myriad of boredom-busting amenities. Swimming pools, water gardens, Jacuzzis, Xbox stations, cinemas. You name it, they’ve fitted it. Alas, like all things in life, not all airports are made equal. “A few years ago, I had an eight hour wait in China’s Guangzhou Airport. I was tired, between two 12 hour flights and I didn’t even have a book. Because of this experience I now inform my clients about Guangzhou’s shortcomings upfront. It’s a very convenient transit airport, but I like to make sure they’re prepared. Usually I try to find them a flight with a maximum two hour wait, or suggest they pay NZ$60 for three hours in the Premium Lounge.” Which is the best hotel for me? Did you know there are approximately 187,000 hotels gracing the planet? And all of them want you in bed. Beautiful hotel images speak a thousand words, but don’t
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The internet doesn’t care if you’re in a pickle.
What if I need assistance while I’m away? Internet search engines are clever little things. Tell them exactly what you want and they’ll spew out a thousand options at an intense speed. Bish, bash, bosh - job's a good'un. And once they’ve regurgitated the optimum results, sucked in your card details and spat out a you just wish they’d speak a thousand more? confirmation email, there’s no such thing as a tip of the Wouldn’t you like to know that a short elevator ride to proverbial hat before they swiftly move onto the next the top floor of Kowloon’s Sheraton will present a hidden three billion consumers. But hang on, what if you have oyster and wine bar? Or if you take two left-turns from a question, or worse, a problem? the Madrid Mercure you’ll find the best bowl of Paella The internet doesn’t do problems, it does results. The in Spain? And while pretty aesthetic images plastered internet doesn’t care if you’re in a pickle: AWOL luggage, across hotel sites make us all giddy, pictures alone can’t a missed flight or a run in with a nifty Spanish pickdivulge the information that really matters. pocket. But at HOT, we provide 24/7 holiday assistance. Our HOT consultants work in travel because, like you, “Due to a change in China’s visa-free transit times, and they love to travel. Decades of adventure means they’ve because Swiss Air staff did not have the updated informacollated all the information that handsome hotel images tion, my clients were told they couldn’t board a flight to can’t. At HOT, our insider knowledge is extensive. Our Shanghai. After phoning HOT’s free after hours’ number, consultants know because they go. a consultant spoke to Swiss Air directly and the issue
was resolved.” Pia Lemin, HOT Lakers. In addition we recommend all our customers to download the HOT travel app. As well as storing itineraries, travel documents and flight details, it also puts you in direct contact with your travel specialist. Should I really tackle this alone? It’s clear that in today’s world, holidays booked independently are incredibly easy. But self-reliance is also presenting an increasing amount of problems. Collaborations between traveller and travel agent permits double the knowledge and half the hiccups. Wouldn’t you rather have more expertise, greater trust and a 24/7 safety net? R E A DY TO C R E AT E S O M E T H I N G I N C R E D I B L E TO G E T H ER? BR IN G YOUR IDEAS IN -STOR E, CAL L U S O N 0 8 0 0 7 1 3 7 1 5 O R V I S I T W W W. H OT.C O. N Z F O R M O R E IDEAS.
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Best places to travel in 2017 Your definitive guide to 2017’s biggest trending destinations. We think these places are going to be SO BIG, half the world will have a magnet bearing their name by December. Catch one while you can. 1. Aarhus, Denmark As the second largest city in Denmark, Aarhus has scored itself the title of Europe's Capital of Culture for 2017. It’s also bagged the European Region of Gastronomy 2017. Bragging rights include ARoS Museum, with its contemporary exhibits and rainbow-coloured skywalk, and The Latin Quarter, featuring 14th century architecture and pretty pockets of coffee shops and cobblestone streets. For X-rated platters of Danish food, including the classic ‘smørrebrød’ (open-faced sandwich) venture to the Vadestedet. Fronting the river, endless cafés spill onto a sun-drenched pavement, all offering light bites and charming outdoor service. For something more flash, look for Aarhus' dazzling harbour and savour the freshest just-caught seafood straight out of Aarhus Bay.
2. Hanoi, Vietnam In Hanoi, you can’t move for good food and screaming motorbikes. Both of which require a certain amount of courage to tackle. Cross the road with the same confidence you pretend to have while eating ‘unknowns’ from a roadside barbecue – it’s all an adventure. Pho is to be consumed on little plastic stools outside family run restaurants, and eaten with fiddle-some chopsticks that will give all the locals a giggle. Circumnavigate a lap of the lake, stopping en route for mango lassi and herby noodles infused with aromatic spices. Start with egg coffee in the morning, in dinky cafés and rundown side streets, and finish at night with a five star meal overlooking a hazy, honking skyline. Hanoi is extreme; in both flavour and experience.
3. North Wales, UK This is where you’ll find Snowdon; Wales’ highest mountain, as well as plenty of rugged coastline, a beautiful island called Anglesey (also the home of Bear Grylls) and the now infamous Bounce Below. An activity centre in Penrhyn Quarry‘s Zip World, Bounce Below is an underground cavern complex housed in a former slate mine. Featuring a series of giant cave-based trampolines, with four huge slides (some reaching heights of 18 metres) and six levels of bouncing fun, it’s just one of many adventure playgrounds sprouting up in North Wales. For additional thrills, check out The Surf Snowdonia Adventure Park with its 'Crash & Splash Lagoon' - a watery assault course not dissimilar to Total Wipeout. There's also winter canoeing along Snowdonia's icy blue lakes and White Water Rafting on the temperamental River Dee.
Anglesey
4. Austin, USA In Austin, even your coffee comes with a side serving of live music. The city is often referred to as the 'Live Music Capital of the World’ and for every corner turned, there’s an impromptu performance, regardless of whether you’re in a tiny café or a heaving bar. A hub of unwavering old-school funk, the entire metropolis is a venue for creatives; musicians, artists and playwrights flock here for the laid-back vibes and cool hippy charm. Aside from good rhythms, inner city attractions include the world’s largest urban bat colony, which people flood to see every night, as they take flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge. And for those who want to step outside of the city, there’s Hamilton Pool. A jade lagoon which dates back thousands of years. Today the inviting water (complete with fairy tale waterfall) attracts a colony of its own: sunbathers and water lovers.
5. Adelaide, South Australia Visually stunning and home to some of the world’s most raved about cuisine. Is it France? Italy? The Mediterranean? Not at all, we’ve headed across the Tasman and found Australia. With a culinary scene so profound even the Parisians are raising an eyebrow, Adelaide and its surrounding regions enjoy an abundance of fresh produce, from gooey cheese to just-shucked shellfish. The wine varietals are also extensive, with the odd (and oddly wonderful) Sparkling Shiraz an SA must-try. Aside from pretty vineyards, the formidable terrain is a startling panorama of torched earth blackened by bush fire. It is a symbol of botanical glory. In South Australia, nature always springs back with a vengeance. The result? Soil the colour of saffron, complemented by green regrowth and the spindly trunks of eucalyptus trees.
Austin
Golden nuggets from our golden consultants THE TIPS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE, FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE “BEEN THERE, DONE THAT.”
1. Aarhus
The Møllestien is arguably the prettiest street in Aarhus with cobbled streets and 18th century houses.
2. Hanoi
Hit the Old Quarter in Hanoi and climb the stairs to Cau Go. This rooftop restaurant boasts elevated lake views.
3. North Wales
The Menai Strait separates the island of Anglesey from mainland Wales. It’s here you’ll find The Straits Restaurant. With home cooked dishes and local produce, don’t miss the slow cooked Welsh lamb.
4. Austin
Austin City Limits and South by Southwest are two massive festivals held in Austin. Music lovers shouldn't miss them.
5. Adelaide
South Australia is best enjoyed from the Murray River. Hire a luxury houseboat with Unforgettable Houseboats and set your own pace.
IF ALL OF THE ABOVE SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA , POP IN-STORE, CALL U S ON 0800 7 13 7 15 OR VIS IT WWW.HOT.C O. NZ . W E ’ L L PU T YOU WHERE YOU WA N T TO B E.
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You, me and a different kind of Fiji Where better to ignite romance than Fiji? The land of sunsets and spas, lazy Sundays and languid beach strolls. But if all of that’s a little obvious, how about one of these alternative date ideas?
Inland adventures When most of us envisage Fiji, we dream of picture-perfect islands with platinum white sand and an ocean dotted with clown fish and coral. Which of course, is all very much available – in abundance. But step away from the beach and you’ll soon find a mountainous interior flushed with lush vegetation and fields of harvest. Cruise your way up the waterways of the Sigatoka River on-board a custom built jet boat as part of the popular Sigatoka River Safari, and en-route to remote Fijian villages, you’ll encounter fishermen and their helpers, children leaping from trees and locals waving enthusiastically as you pass. Once ashore, immerse yourself in the native customs of the real 'kaiviti' (Fijian people). Ceremonies of kava, singing and traditional dancing, followed by an authentic Fijian feast and the thud of the lali – an indigenous drum crafted entirely from wood. Back on the boat, your return journey mixes starling views with 360 degree donut spins. How’s that for a thrill seeking adventure?
Fiji sunset dinner cruise The sun sets everywhere, but perhaps nowhere quite as beautiful as Fiji. A startling palette of burnt orange, yellow and purple, if you’re going to soak up one of the country’s most dramatic vistas, it’s best done from a sultry, catamaran boat. With
PHOTO: Namotu Island, Mamanuca Islands, Nadi, Fiji 1 4 I N S P I R E I S S U E 0 1 . 2017 | HOUS E O F TRAVEL
a cocktail in hand, as part of the renowned ‘Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise’ you and your partner will depart Denarau Marina aboard the twin-deck MV City of Nadi, operated by Captain Cook Cruises. With the threat of a sinking sun hanging loosely as a backdrop, a three course barbecue is served to the musical notes of island ballads, dancing and entertainment. The staff are as warm as the last rays that beat down onto the deck, with hosts that will explain every detail about the stunning Mamanuca Islands, as you gently glide past. Tuck into a feast of local Fijian delicacies, from Ota and Miti (local spinach and coconut milk) to baked bananas in rich coconut cream, before watching the sun disappear and the night’s sky erupt into a blanket of stars. Three hours later, full of Fijian food and spirit, you will return to Denarau – possibly already lulled to sleep by the soft rock of your boat.
Mystery flights Fiji looks great from a beach hammock. Fiji looks great when you are snorkelling. Fiji looks great from both your hotel room and a luxury boat. But nowhere does Fiji look more spectacular than from the air. Imagine soaring above crystal-clear water dotted with tropical sanctuaries the colour of gemstones; miles of pristine coastline nudging at lush rainforest and verdant mountainside. The colours alone
merge from a rich shade of jade all the way through to a bright flash of blue. “Breath taking” doesn’t seem to do any of it justice. Take flight with Pacific Island Air and we’ll let you coin your own adjective to describe Fiji from above. Opt for a helicopter or seaplane and swoop over some of the amazing 300 (plus) isles that make up Fiji and the Mamanuca group of islands. Better still, pick the ‘Mystery Tour’ option. The mystery being, you won’t know where you’re going until you board.
Flavours of Fiji cooking classes Imagine swapping your weekly spaghetti bolognaise for a big bowl of Kokoda. Or a spicy Okra Curry served with Ota Vaka Miti. These classic Fijian dishes are better described as ceviche (Fijian style, with white fish marinated in lime onion, tomato, chilli and coconut milk), an Indian curry and a Fijian varietal of spinach. Partake in a half day cooking class at Flavours of Fiji in Denarau and you’ll walk away with all the know-how to prepare your very own authentic Fijian dishes. Native Fijians are Melanesians, and Indo-Fijians have descendants from India, so your 7-8 course class will cover Fijian feasts, Indian thali and tropical desserts, with plenty of clever cooking tips revealed as you learn. Run by two bubbly friends in a purpose built (and air conditioned) warehouse, you’ll enjoy a three hour introduction into Fijian
cuisine, complete with plenty of entertainment and laughter, and culminating in a delicious sit down dinner finale.
Snorkel with sharks If you and your partner share an affinity for an adrenaline thrill, forgo snorkelling with starfish and head straight for the sharks. Forget cages and aquariums, this one’s about ducking your head beneath the water and coming face to face with a reef shark. Led by expert guides from South Sea Cruises, you’ll embrace the tropical waters of the South Pacific and join these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Picked up from Nadi or Denarau, those with a daring nature can sail to Kuata Island on-board Fiji’s Yasawa Flyer. Having completed a beachfront briefing, you’ll board a second boat and travel to the shark site. With congregations of up to six sharks, including both White Tip Reef Sharks and Black Tip Reef Sharks, it’s a bucket list achievement you’ll be telling the grandchildren about in decades to come. As graceful as they are striking, these beautiful predators will beguile you with their elegance, rather than their ‘menacing’ reputation. Which we should add, they are anything but.
KEEN TO FI R E UP T HE ROMA N C E IN B EAU T I F U L F I J I ? G RE AT D E A L S A RE A LWAYS AVA I L A BL E AT YOU R LOCAL HOUSE OF TR AVEL STOR E. P OP I N, CA L L U S O N 08 00 7 1 3 7 1 5 O R V I S I T W W W. H OT.CO. NZ .
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17 hotel hacks for 2017
5 of the best hotels we’re enjoying right now:
1 6 I N S P I R E I S S U E 0 1 . 2017 | HOUS E O F TRAVEL
THE SURFJACK HOTEL & SWIM CLUB HAWAII
CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS LODGE CANADA
Opening its doors just last year and only a few blocks from Waikiki Beach, Surfjack's retro design and 112 vintage-style rooms evoke bygone beach vibes. Themed around the surf culture of Oahu’s North Shore in the 1960s, it summons laid-back chills and shaka signs.
Taking glamping to a whole new level of luxurious, 20 elegant tents are fully equipped with king size beds, wooden stoves and ensuite bathrooms. Accessed via seaplane, expect gourmet locally caught salmon for dinner, and daily yoga classes, wood fired hot tubs, spa and saunas for your daily entertainment.
1. To score a larger room, request a corner room because they’re usually bigger.
10. If you arrive at your hotel before check-in, you can usually drop your bags off with concierge and request an access card to their gym and other
2. For the quietest room, ask for one midway along the hallway. These are generally further away from elevators and ice dispensers etc.
facilities. Perfect for freshening up after a flight. 11. Early check-ins and late check-outs are not unusual requests and yet many of us feel sheep-
3. Request a top floor room to avoid noise filtering down from above. However, expect to pay more for rooms higher up. Especially if you’re staying at a hotel with club floors.
Make the most of your stay with one (or all) of these nifty hotel hacks.
4. Do a little bit of research about your hotel’s amenities prior to arriving - especially the perks it might offer. From complimentary bike rentals to discount spa prices, it’s worth knowing what the benefits are. 5. Avoid calling front desk for special requests between 9am – 1pm. It’s their busiest time and they won’t be able to help as easily. 6. Take a HDMI cable to attach the TV to your laptop. The next episode of Peaky Blinders is all but a WiFi password away. 7. Pack a power board so you can charge multiple gadgets all at once. Check your voltage first.
ish asking for them. Don’t be. Most hotels will be happy to accommodate. But call ahead - the day before is best. 12. Forget something? This happens all the time and hotels expect it. Don't dash out to the local store for toothpaste, plug adapters or iPhone chargers, they're all behind the front desk. 13. Ask for children’s toys. They might not advertise it, but most hotels stock art supplies and various toys to keep their smaller guests occupied. 14. Avoid paying for WiFi by signing up to the hotel’s loyalty program. Many of the bigger chains offer complimentary internet. 15. Check in advance about daily resort fees. These are particularly common in the USA. They’re a mandatory fee added to your nightly room rate
8. Failing that, charge your phone using the USB slot on the back of the TV.
(to pay for the upkeep of facilities). 16. Got a young tot in tow? Take a baby-proofing kit
9. Invest in a WiFi travel router that will set up a single hotspot for all your devices to share.
which could include a few outlet covers, table-corner covers, tape and rubber bands.
Ask for a newly renovated room. Most large hotels are regularly upgrading so there's no harm in asking for the one with the freshest lick of paint.
CITIZENM TOWER OF LONDON HOTEL LONDON
THE SILO CAPE TOWN
THE FOUR SEASONS SEYCHELLES AT DESROCHES ISLAND
All the flare without the fare, stay in London (and in luxury) for a reasonable price. All the essentials are free, including free movies and free WiFi throughout. The Tower of London is a mere seven minute walk away and there are more Union Jacks than there are bedrooms. And there’s 370 of them!
Opening 1 March 2017, this upmarket hotel is built into a former grain silo and soaks up the views of the V&A Waterfront. It also boasts pillowed glazing. Inserted into the external panels, this gives the appearance of gently inflated windows, and at night will resemble a huge glowing lantern.
Coconuts, reefs, champagne sand and crystal clear water. No wonder the A-list elite flood to Desroches Island. From 2017 The Four Seasons will add 40 beach suites and 11 private residence villas into the mix, complete with world-class diving, snorkelling and water sports.
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Limited Edition Tours
Save
Don’t let adventure get away Book now and get 15% off all Limited Edition tours with House of Travel They’re here, but they’re fleeting. With G Adventures Limited Edition tours, find out what it really means to take on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Marvel at the annual wildebeest migration along Africa’s Serengeti grasslands, join a longboat crew at Cambodia’s Water Festival, soak in the ethereal beauty of Iceland’s Northern Lights or join one of the worlds most colourful festivals at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Whichever of the 35 unique experiences you choose, hurry and book. These won’t last long. Book with House of Travel by March 31, 2017 to save 15% on all Limited Edition departures until December 31, 2017. gadventures.com/limited-edition Terms and Conditions apply see your House of Travel Representative for full details.
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Why Guided Holidays? Considered one of the easiest, most unique ways to travel, guided holidays offer the ultimate in hassle-free getaways. Look what you could be enjoying in 2017. A YEAR OF ADVENTURE THE AVALON DIARY 6 PHOTOS THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO TRAVEL WITH TRAFALGAR
PHOTO: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia H OUS E OF T R AVE L
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A year of adventure In a world where anything seems possible, we all crave to go where few else have tried. The search for an adventure that is next level incredible has begun.
With G Adventures’ Limited Edition tours you get just that. A selection of new and unique "one-off" trips that are truly once-in-a-lifetime experienc-
JULY-AUGUST
/ TANZANIA/KENYA
Serengeti Migration Safari
es. Designed for every type of traveller; the music
9 DAYS, ARUSHA
fans, sporty types, wildlife lovers, foodies and
An annual migration of epic proportions. And
culture vultures, they are vast but limited. Only
memories just as immense.
occurring a few times a year. So what are you waiting for? Here's your ticket to a year full of adventure. Starting now.
MARCH
Considered one of the world's most profound events,
witnessing
the
annual
wildebeest
migration from the Serengeti Park in Tanzania
/ USA
to Kenya's Maasai Mara reserve is undisputedly,
Iconic Mardi Gras New Orleans 6 DAYS, NEW ORLEANS A six day fully guided tour, led by your Chief
an experience of a lifetime. These are sights you may never observe again. A 1200-mile odyssey made by wildebeest, zebra and smaller (yet equally ambitious) creatures, you expect
Experience Officer (tour guide), to celebrate the
to be bowled over by their quest, but you’ll be
USA’s only Mardi Gras.
equally astonished by the terrain. Vast swathes of rain fall over a never-ending horizon and the
Beads, beer and blues music, New Orleans’ Mar-
savanna, barren yet beautiful, is a kingdom
di Gras is a chaotic explosion of celebration, with
ruled solely by animals. From the Ngorongoro
music and mayhem pulsating from every crack in
Crater
the brickwork. With over 1000 revellers and more
G Adventures you’ll explore grasslands and
to
Serengeti
National
Park,
with
than 30 flamboyant floats, joyous chaos abounds.
grazing grounds, remote Maasai villages and
Saloon style bars shake to the throb of rhythm and
boundless safari plains. By daybreak you’ll be
people, with everyone letting off steam before
tracking the Big Five, by lunchtime you’re dining
Lent. Mardi Gras is French for 'Fat Tuesday' and
with a local family. And by the ninth day you’ll
symbolises the last day of indulging before fasting.
have participated in one of nature’s greatest
But with G Adventures you have six full days to
journeys. This one trumps everything.
spoil your taste buds; this is Cajun country, so get
PR I CE : F RO M
acquainted with lively flavours. Lock lips with an infamous beignet at Café du Monde in the French Quarter and descend on the bakeries, open predawn, for a traditional Mardi Gras ‘King Cake’. These gluttonous treats are ring-shaped and frosted. Inside there’s a tiny plastic baby – find it and tradition insists you have to buy next year’s cake. PRI CE: FROM
NZ $
23 39 p p
20 I N S P I R E I S S U E 0 1. 2017 | HOUS E O F TRAVEL
NZ$
6 4 39 p p
SEPTEMBER
/ ITALY
spend Halloween attending a fancy dress party at Hunyad Castle, considered one of Europe’s
Pizzafest In Naples
most haunted buildings. It’s estimated that Vlad
5 DAYS, NAPLES
slaughtered over 10,000 victims in all manner
A tour dedicated entirely to the magnificence
of heinous ways. Venture solo to the toilet if you
of pizza.
dare. P R IC E: FROM
If the thought of cheese, tomato and a buttery crust sends you into a bit of a tizz, you’ll want to join other pizza aficionados at the annual Naples Pizzafest, in Italy of course. A celebration of all
DECEMBER
NZ$
169 1 p p
/ JAPAN
Japan Winter Highlights
things stone baked, it’s five days of pure unadul-
9 DAYS, TOKYO TO KYOTO
terated dough. With G Adventures you’re granted
Nine days from city to village to mountainside.
daily evening access to Pizza Village, the home
Making the most of Japan’s most enchanting
of Pizzafest, for tastings, demonstrations and a
season.
good old yarn with the world's greatest pizzaioli (pizza chefs). While daytimes are filled with trips
With average temperature between 3°C - 7°C,
to Pompeii for historical wonders and Sorrento,
a Japanese winter will nip at your nose and fill
to learn how Limoncello is made on a traditional
your lungs with an icy inhale. But it’s also one
Sorrento lemon farm. If you’re a self-diagnosed
of the most breath taking times of year to see all
pizza addict, with an affection for world-famous
of Japan’s most revered spectacles. And with hot
culture and cuisine, you’re just one G Adventures' trip away from flatbread heaven. P RI CE : F RO M
OCTOBER
NZ$
onsens and steaming ramen noodles, you’ll feel more cosy than cold. Soak up the big metropolises
1 059 p p
of Tokyo and Kyoto with a CEO-led city tour, explore Osaka, and then discover the smaller,
/ ROMANIA
scenic villages of Shirakawa-go, and the natural
Halloween In Transylvania 7 DAYS, BUCHAREST Spend Halloween as a guest of Dracula in his haunted Hunyad Castle.
hot springs built into the riverbed at seninburo onsen. Marvel at geishas and ninjas, traditional samurai towns and authentic Japanese cuisine in the lair of a tiny commune. Add on an optional daytrip to Mt Fuji and you’ll be rewarded with
Spend Halloween with the spirit of Dracula. Not the fang-toothed and garlic fearing fictional character, but the 15th century being on which he was based: Vlad 'The Impaler'. Better known in his (killing) heyday as Dracula, or Draculea,
a volcano dressed in her very best attire; a pale winter's glow, mist hovering like a suspended white blanket and a mountain peak encased in serene, untouchable snow. P R IC E: FROM
NZ$
3527 p p
he had something of a fondness for evil deeds, and a penchant for impaling his enemies. With
This is just a mere handful of the unique adven-
G Adventures you’ll climb the 1400 steps to
tures you can experience with G Adventures, and
the ruins of Dracula's Poenari Castle, visit the
many have multiple departure dates across differ-
turreted and spectacularly creepy Brasov Bran
ent months.
Castle (also known as Dracula's Castle) and
RECEIVE 15% OFF G A DV E NT U RE S L I M I T E D E D I T I O N TOU RS E XCLUSIVELY THROUG H HOUSE OF TR AVEL . SA L E S F RO M 2 5 F E BRUA RY - 31 M ARC H 20 17. RE D E E M A BL E I N-STO RE - O R CAL L US ON 0 8 0 0 7 13 7 15. For travel between 25 February and 31 December 2017. T&Cs apply.
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The Avalon diary By HOT blogger, Anna Sarjeant.
“Last August I embarked on a luxurious French Avalon Waterways river cruise. One week of glorious waterways, fine wine and French dining.” Saturday 30 July: Paris embarkation Avalon's ‘Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches’ is a deluxe seven night cruise which weaves along the Seine, past pretty French villages characterised by famous painters and pockmarked with WWII scars. Today we depart Paris on-board The Tapestry II. A ship that gleams with glass, brass and golden service. For now, I am content to do nothing more than wrap myself up in Egyptian cotton sheets, kill the lights and watch Paris dissolve into the distance from my bed. It’s 10pm and with dinner done, dusk is only just upon us. With floor-toceiling patio doors in every Stateroom, my curtains are ajar and the laps of water serenade me to sleep. Sunday 31 July: Giverny & Monet’s Garden Monet’s Garden. You can imagine how busy this oasis gets in the height of a European summer. So it is with relief that utters of ‘skip the queue’ privileges float down the coach aisle, as we travel from the town of Les Andeleys (where the ship’s now docked) to Giverny. We arrive early, another tactic deployed by Avalon to avoid the hordes, and one that also benefits the eldest lady in our group; a woman enjoying her 88th birthday in the presence of Monet's garden. So inspiring is this botanical enclave, it would influence even the most lack-lustre artists to fold out an easel and paint. As for Avalon guests, we have members as young as 10 and as well-versed as 88, and we are all perfectly catered for. Monday 1st August: Caudebec & The Abbey Road Tour We’ve embraced the ‘Avalonian’ culture to treat all staff like friends and found ourselves Sailor Man Ben. Having absconded to the upper deck the night prior, we came across the bridge, the Captain and his dashing right-hand man. Cordially invited inside we marvel at the ship’s state-of-theart equipment. And let’s be honest, at Benjamin too. Sailors aside, we spend Monday morning soaking up the
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rich tapestry of Jumieges Abbey, a former Benedictine church. Founded in 654, its ruins provide a fascinating insight into France’s past. Tales are brought gloriously to life by our French guide, who regales us with history through our headsets, and we conclude the excursion with a visit to a fully-operational Benedictine monastery. Tuesday 2nd August: Normandy D Day Landing Beaches On a cruise titled ‘Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches’, we all know at least one sobering excursion is in the midst. Today we visit the Normandy D-Day Beaches and the weather is appropriately drizzly; not dissimilar to the conditions 72 years earlier. It presents a harrowing vision into one of WWII’s bloodiest assaults: the storming of Normandy’s beaches. An experience that resonates with all those whose relatives fought
for the Western Allies. A day earlier Avalon invited guest speaker, Nigel Stewart, to deliver an on-board WWII lecture and now we are all moved by the plight of our soldiers - ancestral or otherwise. Later, the American War Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer leaves me with a particularly large lump in my throat. Avalon provide a fresh rose to lay at the foot of a gravestone, but when faced with almost ten thousand of them poignantly adjacent to Omaha Beach – choosing one proves difficult. Wednesday 3rd August: Rouen lit up Last night, on the recommendation of our Cruise Director, Tony, we jumped ship and walked into the centre of Rouen to watch the ‘Cathedrale de Lumiere’. I’m still revelling in its magic today. Free throughout summer, Rouen’s already formidable cathedral is illuminated every night at 11pm by an incredible display of animation. Knights scale the towering
pillars; snakes weave in and out of the windows; children’s doodles adorn the façade and a myriad of rainbow colours cascade like waterfalls from the bell tower. The creativity is astounding, and by midnight, I’m still picking my jaw off the floor. Thursday 4th August: Vincent van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise Standing before Vincent van Gogh’s ivy shroud gravestone, we, the audience, are totally enthralled. The weather is bleak and the ambience pensive; a combination our tour guide is using to brilliant effect. We’re told of Vincent’s blighted childhood, his crippling fear of failure and of course, his tragic death in the town of Auvers-sur-Oise. We then visit Van Gogh’s infamous ‘room number 5’ in the Auberge Ravoux. Unchanged since he bled out in 1890, it’s dark, desolate and notably lonely. My heart breaks for the second time in two days. Time for cake.
Auvers-sur-Oise is one of the quaintest villages we’ve explored, with a bonnie French patisserie to boot. While tucking into a raspberry tart I wonder how, after last night’s seven-course degustation dinner in the bistro lounge, I even have the space to devour another pastry. Alas, down it goes. Friday 5th August: Montmartre’s Moulin Rouge Back in Paris, the ‘Illumination Tour’ treats guests to an evening circuit of the capital. Enjoyed from the comfort of the coach, it’s the perfect way to see Paris without tourists and touts tapping at your elbows. As for today, we’ve climbed the steps of Montmartre in Paris’ most colourful neighbourhood. Home to Sacré-Cœur and The Moulin Rouge. It's easy to lose yourself in the steep streets of a quartier awash with painters, creperies and shabby chic cafés. Some guests are returning this evening for the Moulin Rouge dinner and show, but not me, I’m off to find Sailor Man Ben. I’m going to impress him with
my own rendition of the Can-Can. Saturday 6th August: disembarkation & au revoir I have an uneasy feeling in my stomach and it’s called disappointment. It’s home time. I don’t want to leave my beautiful stateroom, or L’OCCITANE products and floorto-ceiling patio door. What do you mean I have to return home to the view of my neighbour’s dirty weatherboard? I’m now lingering at the coffee machine, pretending to make a latte. It’s 9.10am and I should’ve disembarked ten minutes ago. Never. I’ll die before I have to leave this sanctuary of scenery, service and Sailor Man Ben. A revolutionary I am not. By 9.11am I’m sat on the coach bound for Charles de Gaulle airport. Au revoir Avalon, you’ve been spectacular. T H E AVA LO N D I A RY: AS K U S A B O U T A L L O U R AVALON RIVER CRUISES. COME IN-STORE, CALL U S O N 0 8 0 0 7 13 7 15 OR VISIT WWW.HOT.C O.N Z .
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6 photos that will make you want to travel with Trafalgar What makes Trafalgar different? Having experienced a ten day trip from French Provence to Barcelona, HOT blogger, Anna Sarjeant, details all the highlights of a Trafalgar guided holiday.
1.
3.
SKIP THE QUEUE PRIVILEGES
LOCAL SPECIALISTS
As a guest of Trafalgar you'll often enjoy fast-track admittance to all the well frequented sights. And if you’ve ever been to Europe in the height of summer, you’ll no doubt be singing hallelujah. In Spain, we sauntered up to the front steps of Barcelona's Sagrada Família and skipped the queue like we'd just told them our name was Gaudí, here to finish a project.
In every destination you want to discover the hidden gems; all the best bits that only the locals really know about. With Trafalgar, you get just that. Local specialists revealing the secrets you wouldn’t uncover on your own. From ‘Les Traboules’, hidden passageways that lie behind Lyon’s unassuming doors, to Van Gogh's favourite hangouts in Arles, don’t expect these treasures to find you themselves - hook yourself a Trafalgar Local Specialist.
2.
TRAVEL DIRECTOR INSIGHT In Carcassonne, come nightfall (and on Pascal, our Travel Director’s recommendation) we descended on the Hotel de la Cité for stunning views of the castle bathed in moonlight. With Trafalgar, your Travel Director provides standout moments like these from the get-go. Handpicked and Trafalgar trained, your TD is a constant source of information, as well as a familiar face in a crowd; a language expert; a food guru; an answer to every (seemingly implausible) request. They will make your trip the best it can possibly be.
24 I N S P I R E I S S U E 0 1 . 2017 | HOUS E O F TRAVEL
Trafalgar: In a nutshell: Whatever your travel style, Trafalgar will help you see more of the world. With a focus on unique cultural immersion and local experiences, tours are led by passionate Travel Directors and shaped by 70 years of expertise.
4.
6.
GOOD COMPANY
SENSORY OVERLOADS
There are no strangers by day two. Just friends. From welcome meetings to ice-breakers, you’ll be encouraged to talk. Quick-fire question sheets ensure guests ask one another about their occupations and hobbies, while name tags make it easy to strike up a conversation. Trafalgar also promotes a ‘seat rotation’ policy which creates an opportunity to talk with somebody new each day. You can still sit with your travelling companion, but you’ll also make many more friends along the way.
From spectacular scenery to must-see landmarks and the smell of hot crepes sizzling in sugar and lemon, every day is a pleasure state for the senses. Stop for cheese at food markets heaving with produce, or pick up a crunchy baguette from alfresco cafés fronting the waterfront. Indulge in artwork, get acquainted with long forgotten histories, or simply sit and pen an old fashioned postcard to your family. Trafalgar is all about indulging your dopamine.
5.
BE MY GUEST EXPERIENCES Far removed from tourist hubs, guests are invited to dine with locals, often in their own homes, as part of Trafalgar's Be My Guest dining experiences. In Provence, we headed to La Bastide Rose on the Sorgue River, where Emmanuelle served us a three course Provençal dinner in the heart of his family home. Sat just off the kitchen, we ate with no other guests but ourselves, while our host busied himself with huge pots of poached pears and enormous bottles of Pernod. All the while regaling us with witty anecdotes and tales of French despair.
TRAFALGAR'S HIG HLIG HTS OF F R A N C E A N D BARCE LO NA COV E RS 3 COU NT RI E S A ND 1 5 CI T I E S I N 1 0 DAYS. DESTIN ATION S THAT IN SP IR ED ARTISTS A N D T HEIR MAST ER PIEC ES V I A A ROU T E T H AT CU TS T H ROU G H T H E H E A RT O F F RA NCE A N D N ORTHER N SPAIN . TO BOOK , C OME IN STO RE , CA L L 08 00 7 1 3 7 1 5 O R V I S I T H OT.CO. NZ . P RI CE : F RO M N Z $ 3550 p* p .
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Children Talk Holidays Imagine if your kids planned your holiday. This issue we've given children centre stage. Tykes talk first, parents second. HOW TO PACK YOUR TRUNKI TOP 10 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PARENTS TRAVEL STREET SMARTS
26 I N S P I R E I S S U E 0 1 . 2017 | HOUS E O F TRAVEL
C H I L D R E N TA L K H O L I DAYS
How to pack your Trunki The Trunki, if you weren’t already aware, is a revolutionary children's suitcase that doubles up as a ride-on toy. Knowing that mum’s suggested contents would be sensible and dad’s the complete opposite, we decided to ask brothers, Boston (7) and Ryder (4) what they’d pack in theirs.
Boston / AGE: 7
Ryder / AGE: 4
WOULD LIKE TO GO TO: FIJI
WOULD LIKE TO GO TO: JAPAN
With all the stresses of school, maths and playground politics, Boston would like to relax and unwind in Fiji.
Currently donning a ninja headband, Ryder would mostly like to go to Japan for the Pokémon.
WHAT HE’D PACK:
WHAT HE’D PACK:
• A notebook. Nice. • Pens. Yup. • Food. Sensible. • Milk. Okaaaay. • Water. Such a wise young man. • Chocolate. A very, very wise young man.
• A phone. Obvs. • Lego. Definitely good to have toys to play with. • Chocolate. Interesting. • Milk. Well this is uncanny. • Sultana Bran. The number one holiday essential? • Underpants. Because there’s nothing worse than an inadequate amount of underpants.
FAST FACTS
Upon realising he may not have room for all six items, Boston drops the milk.
★ The Trunki's dimensions are: 46cm x 20.5cm x 31cm ★ 18 litre internal capacity ★ Weighs 1.7kg ★ Suitable for most hand luggage - always check with you airline first ★ There are built-in soft rubber rims to stop fingers getting caught! ★ Stabilisers to prevent accidents.
Chocolate and Sultana Bran aside, here are an additional six items to consider popping in your kid's Trunki: ACTIVITY BOOKS & STORYBOOKS
PENCIL CASE
With pens, crayons and stickers.
Anything that will occupy their time.
TOYS
A favourite teddy or their favourite figurines will help if there are tantrums.
CHANGE OF CLOTHES
WET WIPES & PLASTIC BAGS
SNACKS
For all the mess they’re going to make on the plane. Underpants aside, children do spill things on themselves.
Perhaps something healthier than chocolate. Milk. (!!!)
Images: Disney Moana; Steven Cukrov © 123rf.com / Sun-Maid Raisins; Keith Homan © 123rf.com
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C H I L D R E N TA L K H O L I DAYS
Top 10 tips for travelling with your parents Ever dreamt of running away to see the world? Bestselling author Sam Pease did exactly that. For nearly two years. With her 10 year old son, Jet. Covering over 160,000 kilometres and more than 50 cities, the trip was packed with adventure, education and fun. These are Jet's tips for dealing with your parent on a long trip.
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“When my mum told me that she was going to sell our house and use the money to travel the world I thought it was an awesome idea! We did zillions of amazing things like seeing a space shuttle in Cape Canaveral, touching roof tiles melted by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, and camping with nomads in the Sahara Desert. But some of the little things were just as memorable, like someone thinking I was actually French because I’d gotten better at speaking it. The trip was incredible, but if you’re going away with your parents for a long trip you might need some tips for dealing with them.”
game – where you do walking off-map urban adventures. I call them magical portals because we usually end up in a space–time continuum into a completely new world, miles from where we wanted to be. But then we’d always find an amazing ice-cream shop or a funny sign that my mum would turn into a very rude word. So, I like magical portals. 7. Scary things will happen. But your mum will save you My mum always says this cringe thing, “I’ll protect you like a bear carrying two chainsaws,” but when something scary happened at the National
1. Parents are obsessed with taking photos Parents like to take photos of their kids standing in front of things like ruins, signs and beaches. It can get quite boring but try and be patient with them. Think of the photo-sessions as payment for the amazing adventure you’re having. 2. Parents LOVE old buildings You. Will. See. A. Zillion. Old. Buildings. Some of the palaces and castles were cool like the wooden ones in Japan but the ones in France in Avignon and Carcassonne were huge and crazy! I liked being in the dungeon but my mum said we had to leave because it had bad energy. I tried to tell her that scientifically speaking that’s not a thing, but she said she was beyond science. Facepalm. 3. Behave. You’ll get free stuff Being polite gets you free sweets and chocolates in restaurants, cafés and shops. They say, “Oh you’re so polite” and give you yummy things to eat. If your manners are good you’ll get the food. 4. Be part of the planning When we made our mega-bucket-list my mum included silly things like Tinkerbell’s Alaskan Unicorn Retreat and Madagascan Makeupland — like Disneyland but just for make-up and hair products. She tried for ages to convince me that they were real! I laughed so much I got the hiccups. Ask if you can choose one meal a week. Parents always want you to try new tastes and flavours, which can be fun, but sometimes you just want to find out whether pizza is the same in every country. 5. Museums are not boring The best museums are interactive but if they’re not, make your visit into a game to find the oldest or weirdest thing in there; it’s so much fun! The oldest thing I saw was in China – two million year old man-made beads. We did loads of science activities, which I loved but the best was the National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas. We found a Geiger counter there that tests radioactivity but the only part of my body that made it go off was my bum. Weird. Cool.
Museum in Beijing I was glad I knew it. Security was tougher at the museum than at the airport. I got patted down and scanned, my bag was searched and the museum guards with massive guns took me away from my mum. I didn’t know what they were going to do with me and I was scared. They made me drink from my water bottle three times at one-minute intervals to prove I wasn’t carrying an explosive. My mum was angry and yelled at the guards but they had guns and didn’t speak English so it was difficult for her to do anything about it. Eventually when they confirmed my water bottle wasn’t going to go boom they let my mum come to me. Even though it was scary, the museum was awesome because we saw life-sized ancient terracotta army statues and badly restored 2000 year-old stone panels that had been fixed with giant globs of PVA glue. 8. Playgrounds are free Parents like to pack heaps of plans into each day but make sure you have some do-nothing home-days where you can just relax or play in a park for a bit. Travelling can be tiring but my mum says that’s a #champagneproblem. 9. Parents misunderstand. And worry In Dallas, Texas I asked my mum what a grassy knoll was. She ranted for 20 minutes about JFK’s assassination, the magic bullet theory, Cuban missiles and a bay of pigs (which I thought sounded like a cartoon) but all I wanted to know was what a “knoll” was… It’s a small mound of grass. Sometimes it’s just best to let parents have their moments. My mum worries a lot; especially on flight days. In Japan I started calling my mum the Samurai Worrier (warrior) because she always thinks of the worst-case scenario. She says that she plans for the worst and expects the best but I think she just likes worrying. She disagrees. She says, “I don’t “like” worrying, it’s an uncontrollable side-effect of being a mum.” 10. Parents don’t know what five minutes is My mum always says, “We’re leaving in five minutes!” but it’s never five minutes. I always ask if it’s a short-five or a long-five, which could be 45. The best way to deal with it is to always have something to read with you – that way you can still have fun while she’s chatting with new friends.
6. Tell your parents to get lost I don’t mean actually tell them to get lost; tell them about the getting-lost
Remember; not complaining gets rewarded with more fun, calm parents, later bedtimes and sometimes chocolate!
TH E J ET PROJ ECT IS IN N AT ION W I D E BO O KSTO RE S NOW. O R V I S I T W W W.T H E J E T P ROJ ECT.C OM TO FIN D OUT M OR E.
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Travel street smarts
Top Ten Travel Tips: 1. Keep photos/scans of your passport and other essential documents including accommodation addresses in your phone in a folder marked details so you can access them quickly. Consider downloading the HOT App which also has this feature. 2. Research your destination before you book accommodation. Google street view can tell you a lot about a place. Roller doors with graffiti and poor street lighting mean that it’s probably a rough neighbourhood with cheaper accommodation. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you should compromise your safety. 3. Use your spidey sense to scan the streets discreetly while you’re wandering around. If you see one of the 3 D’s – someone who seems dodgy, drunk or on drugs - either step into a shop until they pass, or cross the road. 4. Ditch the headphones if you’re walking so you can hear what’s happening around you. Be alert. The world needs more alerts. 5. Blend in. If you look like a tourist with a map, a camera, unstylish shorts and a t-shirt - you’ll be more of a target for pickpockets.
Recently my son Jet and I travelled 160,000 kilometres in 600 days, in a global adventure that turned into my third book, The Jet Project.
6. Make sure that someone who’s not travelling with you knows your itinerary, every step of the way. Check in with your go-to regularly. And if you’re travelling to politically unstable countries register your journey with the NZ embassy www. safetravel.govt.nz
We visited half of the world’s most unfriendly cities, according to a survey done through Travel + Leisure magazine. Did we find them unfriendly? No. Did we feel
charged, your alarm won’t work. Start developing your intuition before you start travelling. Listen to how your body reacts to situations. When you think of something or someone are your thoughts positive, or negative and fearful? Feeling intuitive about a situation produces a calm and protective physical response. Feeling fearful will make anxiety kick in, your heart will start to race, you’ll feel a little paranoia and you’ll become lethargic (that’s your organs telling you that something, or someone, is toxic).
safe? Yes. Strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet. Years of being a spirited teenager taught me what I could (and couldn’t) get away with. I was grateful to have learnt street smarts at a young age; it meant we could travel safely. Our trip gave Jet hands-on lessons in judging and gauging situations, skills he’d never have developed in New Zealand at the age of ten. The first humans had a strong sense of intuition. It helped them sense danger and saved them from being the main course. We still have that part of the brain inside us. It’s the bit that makes you move away from someone on a train, or the feeling that stops you from walking down a dodgy street at night. Intuition filters out emotional rubbish in the same way our kidneys filter out waste in our body. It’s like a free built-in bullsh!t detector . . . but if your batteries aren’t
Many times I avoided walking down certain streets because they didn’t feel right. When my intuitive alarm bells ring I try to listen. We checked out of a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) in Kyoto because I felt unsafe. Jet (who doesn’t believe that intuition is a thing) said, ‘You worry a lot. You’re like a samurai worrier.’ The thing I was most scared about while travelling, though, was what would Jet do in the unlikely event that I died suddenly from a heart attack? Grim thoughts yes, but I’d rather plan for the worst and expect the best than have Jet stranded not knowing what to do or even where he was. So I created a first-aid kit — a list of emergency numbers and steps to take if something bad happened to me. My sister Natalie knew where we were at each stage of the trip, so if anything happened, she’d be on a plane instantly to get Jet.
By Sam Pease.
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7. If you’re travelling with children, prep them. Either give them a small notebook with emergency numbers and details of what to do if something unexpected happens, or give them a step-by-step guide in the notes section of their phone. 8. If you’re travelling alone in a taxi, sit behind the driver. On buses sit near the driver. In trains sit near families and avoid carriages with single men, especially if you’re a female travelling alone. Avoid public transport at night where possible. 9. If you have the choice don’t stay on the ground floor. It’s easier to break into low-level rooms so book from the 2nd floor up. 10. Use common sense. Don’t wear expensive jewellery or carry all your cash in one place. Get travel insurance and be careful with alcohol when socialising with new friends and avoid walking alone at night.
Most importantly, remember that the majority of people around the world are good and kind. Despite what you read online, the world really is a beautiful place.
The Next Big Thing Holidays have evolved. From living like locals in cherished destinations, to unique experiences in age old places, step into 2017 and discover something new. LIVE LIKE A LOCAL IN DUBLIN WHAT’S NEW, VANUATU?
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THE NEXT BIG THING
Live like a local in Dublin Discover Dublin like a pro and heed advice from a local. Our Dublin-born blogger, Niall McCarthy, spills the city’s secrets. 32 IN S P IR E IS S U E 0 1 . 20 1 7 | HOUSE OF TR AVEL
“Dublin city, where the streets are narrow but the opportunities are broad, the craic (Irish for fun) is in abundance and the people have a heart of gold. Whether you’re following your Celtic roots or looking for that pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, here are the hidden gems found around the capital. From an Irish perspective of course.” Touch down in Dublin. What’s the first thing any visitor should do? Once rested up, pop out to Dublin’s iconic Grafton Street. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a hub of shops and cafés. Wander aimlessly and meander through the labyrinth of cobbled streets, taking in the sweet sights and sounds. What are the little known treasures only locals know about? Georges Street Arcade is located on the ground floor of one of Dublin’s most historic buildings. Take a walk through the boutiques and afterwards, pop across to the Powerscourt Centre for more curious shops and handmade jewellers. Take a 40 minute walk along the River Liffey. This stroll will take you from one end of the city to the other. And the route will not disappoint. Along the boardwalk you’ll take in such sights as the Ha’penny Bridge, The Spire, Dublin’s IFSC, The High Courts, Custom House, Samuel Beckett Bridge, The Tall Ships and Docklands. What’s the best way to get out and about? If you fancy a cycle, rent a bike from one of the city’s many bike stations. Pedal to the famous Phoenix Park where you might even see wild deer. Here you will also find the spectacular home of the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins at Àras an Uachtaráin, as well as the Papal Cross which was erected in 1979 for Pope John Paul II. Dublin is very bike friendly and a great way to cover a lot of ground. For a picturesque view, cycle to the Grand Canal Dock. Here you can rest that bum up and take in the sights while enjoying a quick bite to eat. Where’s best to go on a warm sunny day? Step outside of the city and head to Howth Head. Located along Dublin’s magnificent coastline, Howth is a picture-perfect location. Catch the train from Dublin’s Tara Street station, then rent a car and drive along the coastline. Here you can hike up the Howth cliff and then savour one of Dublin’s most famous fish and chips at Beshoffs The Market. After perusing the food stalls, lock lips with golden fried fish. Tastes just like NZ, except here it’s mostly Atlantic Cod and Irish Haddock. Afterwards, you can get some amazing pictures of the lighthouse. What about getting up, out and active? If you’re full of energy and love to keep active while on holiday, here are a few calorie burning activities to dig your heels into: • H I K E A RO U N D G L E N DA LO U G H . Located 20 minutes outside of Dublin in beautiful Co. Wicklow, this spectacular 6th century
monastic settlement is flanked by a lake and looks great on the social media feed. • T H E N AT I O N A L AQ UAT I C C E N T R E . Located about 15 minutes from Dublin city centre in Blanchardstown, the Aquatic Centre is one for the kids (and where the adults can also channel their inner child). • C I T Y K AYA K I N G . See the city from a different perspective - by water. City kayaking will bring you down Dublin’s most famous river, the Liffey, and no doubt you’ll earn a good feed after. • Z I P I T F O R E S T A DV E N T U R E S . Becoming more and more popular, this adventure centre promises to be a great day out for all. What is there to do on a sleepy Sunday morning? Shattered on a Sunday morning? Why not wind down with a trip to the National Leprechaun Museum. This unique experience is the only one you’ll find in Dublin. If it’s a dry Sunday morning, Powerscourt Estate is a must. These beautiful grounds were voted number three garden in the world by National Geographic. Located just 20 minutes outside of Dublin, the residence will take your breath away, with waterfalls, perfectly groomed lawns, bespoke shopping and mouth-watering food served at the renowned Avoca café. Where are the best budget restaurants? • T H E E XC H E Q U E R . Traditional wholesome Irish grub. • T H E G R A N D C E N T R A L . Diverse menu with central city views. • T R I B E C A R E S TA U R A N T & W I N E B A R . Voted Dublin’s best chicken wings. And if we’re after a blow-out dining venue? • T H E F I R E R E S TA U R A N T. Simple, signature dishes. Vaulted ceilings and stained glass. • T H E S A D D L E R O O M - T H E S H E L B O U R N E H OT E L . Distinguished steak and seafood, with a lavish oyster bar. • R E S TA U R A N T PAT R I C K G U I L B A U D . Ireland's two star Michelin restaurant. What should visitors drink and where should they drink it? Ireland is world renowned for its stiff spirits and the almighty pint of Guinness, so when in Rome, or in this case Dublin, sample the finest pour the capital has to offer. Visit Bruxelles on 7 Harry Street. This pub omits a mixed vibe of cosmopolitan meets traditional rustic pub. Bruxelles encompasses what a true Irish bar has to offer: music, amazing pub grub and friendly people all under its Victorian style architecture. A fan of Thin Lizzy? Why not snap a selfie with Phil Lynott’s famous sculpture just outside. What are the unmissable tourist spots every visitor should see? It goes without saying, when in Dublin, you’ve got to see the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, the GPO on O’Connell Street and the famous Temple Bar. If you’re a fan of poetry, be sure to check out The Oscar Wilde House at 1 Merrion Square. Any departing last tips? Walk everywhere and surrender yourself to everything this friendly city has to offer. Afraid of getting lost? Don’t be. Irish folk love nothing more than helping bewildered tourists find their bearings.
L I V E L I K E A LO CA L A L L OV E R T H E U K A ND E U RO P E . WE HAVE YEAR- ROUN D A I RFA RE D E A L S. P O P I N-STO RE , CA L L 08 00 7 1 3 7 1 5 O R VISIT WWW.HOT.C O.N Z
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A COUPLE OF DAYS a couple of days relaxing a couple of moonlight strolls a couple of days adventure a couple of happy souls a couple discovering one another
www.discovervanuatu.co.nz
THE NEXT BIG THING
What’s new, Vanuatu? In 2015 Cyclone Pam almost wiped Vanuatu off the map, but if you ask the eternally positive locals, they’ll simply describe it as a mere “tropical low”. Two years on and the islands, like the people, have bounced back rather nicely. So what's new on this incredible comeback island?
Mama’s Market With so much nattering and general commotion, never has the term ‘mother’s meeting’ been so appropriate. Port Vila’s Mama’s Market isn’t new per-se, but every visit is unique. So called because it’s run by ladies selling various products, everything bought comes with a niche back story. From bright baskets to Vanuatu jewellery, ask which island it’s from and how it was made. Also a fantastic place to try local delicacies such as lap-lap (cooked yam roots with coconut cream and meat), fresh fruit and native vegetables.
Beach life Sometimes all you want from a holiday is the exact opposite of new. No fancy new-builds or shiny, span dangled resorts. Vanuatu’s distinct lack of over development allows the beaches to be refreshingly untouched. Half an hour from Port Vila, Eton Beach (in Efate) boasts a shoreline that slopes into the water and provides a natural sand ledge for sunbathing. While Champagne Beach, on the island of Espiritu Santo, is defined by a curved sliver of platinum sand which is as pure today as it was centuries prior.
Active volcanoes Mount Yasur, a volcano on Tanna Island, is far from new. But peering into its magnificently fiery mouth is certainly novel. As one of the planet’s most active volcanoes this hot headed beast offers projectile magma and glowing lava. Not without risk, violent explosions and regular bouts of ground shaking call for the supervision of a local guide. There’s a daily danger rating ranked between 0 and 4; anything above 2 and the area is closed. But don’t be disheartened, level 2 still offers plenty of shudders, shooting debris and a deafening roar.
Flying foxes Potentially new to the New Zealand palate, but certainly no stranger to a Vanuatu taste bud, flying fox is on the menu at French restaurant, L'Houstalet, in Port Vila. Traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and baked in an underground oven, the flying fox here is a little different; stuffed with its own guts. Your French host, Clement Martinez, will explain this is to sweeten the meat because the animal naturally feeds on fruit. It is then marinated in red wine, garlic and herbs. A delicacy in its own right, if you’d prefer something a little tamer, the menu also boasts omelette stuffed lobster and delicious coconut crab.
Off-road buggies Strap in and explore Vanuatu from a different perspective. Self-drive off road buggies are an exciting way to reach the island’s most remote villages and patches of unknown. Led by guides, on two-seater, 250cc buggies, there are various tours to suit your mood; go for a swim, cross the jungle, stop for a snorkel or get acquainted with a muddy bush track. Buggy Fun Rental and Off Road Adventures offer the experience from Port Vila.
VA N UAT U I S J U ST 3 H O U RS, 1 5 M I N U T E S F RO M A U C K L A N D. C H E C K O U T T H E G R E AT D E A L S AVAIL ABL E R IG HT N OW AT YOUR LOCAL HOUSE OF TRAVEL STORE. CALL 0800 7 13 7 15 OR VISIT WWW.HOT.C O.N Z .
3.
UNMISSABLE REVAMPED RESORTS:
Iririki Island Resort & Spa Vanuatu S TAY H E R E TO / H AV E I T A L L : After an extensive multi-million dollar upgrade, new additions include a casino and hilltop spa.
Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu S TAY H E R E TO / F I N D PA R A D I S E : Re-opened in July 2016. Famed for its private beach, two dazzling pools and Thursday night fire shows.
Ramada Resort Port Vila S TAY H E R E TO / L I V E T H E L U X E L I F E : Due to open April 2017, this premier resort nestled into the cliffs of Erakor Lagoon will deliver 100% luxury.
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