Inspiring Vacations November/December 2023

HOLIDAY AT HOME Wild swimming

ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER Québec, Canada

TOUR SPOTLIGHT Wadi Rum

FIVE OF THE BEST Christmas markets

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ZÜRICH UNPLUGGED Our 10 favourite things to do

TRAVEL WITH THE DESTINATION EXPERTS VALUE-FOR-MONEY HOLIDAY PACKAGES & UNFORGETTABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

SAFETY & WELLBEING Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic, ensuring all customers can travel safely and confidently.

TRUSTED IN TRAVEL All our staff are passionate about travelling — we love what we do and we’re eager to get you out into the world. Trusted in travel since 2017, we are renowned for thoughtfully curated holiday packages, a userfriendly booking process and outstanding customer service.

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FROM THE CEO

WELCOME Welcome to the November/December issue of Inspiring Vacations magazine.

It’s hard to believe we’re saying farewell to 2023—what a year it’s been! The team at Inspiring Vacations has accomplished so much this year, from the Digital team who make our website as seamless as possible for customers to use, to the Product team who create our tours and make them the incredible bucket list experiences they are—I could not be prouder.

This issue—our last for the year—we visit some amazing destinations, both at home and abroad. As we bid farewell to 2023, we’re saying hello to summer in the southern hemisphere—and down here, this means spending time in the great outdoors. Turn to page 14 to read all about the best rugged swimming spots in Australia and New Zealand, hand picked by Lonely Planet experts in the newly released book, The Joy of Wild Swimming.

Planning a visit to Europe soon? Our cover story is all about the vibrant city of Zürich. Switzerland is one of our most popular destinations among customers and staff.

Scott, Inspiring Vacations’ email marketing coordinator, visited Switzerland in the summer and shares his advice (and photos) on page 22.

In time for the silly season, we visit our favourite Christmas markets—did yours make the cut? It’s so hard to pick just five!

We love seeing your on-tour photos. Turn to page 3

07

COVER: ZÜRICH FROM THE AIR (MARTIN RÜTSCHI/ZÜRICH TOURISM)

09

14

22

for instructions on how to share your photos. If you’d like to participate in a returned customer Q&A or share any feedback, please get in touch by emailing magazine@ inspiringvacations.com And finally if you’re one of the thousands of customers who has attended one of our events, entered our competitions, recommended Inspiring Vacations to family and friends, and of course, trusted us with your travel dreams and booked a tour (or three), I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We love what we do, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year.

Where will you go?

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, happy and travelfilled November and December,

Paul Ryan CEO RIGHT: Inspiring Vacations crowned Australia's Leading Tour Operator 2023 at the World Travel Awards

CONTENTS 01 03 05 07 09 11 14 22 29 31

WELCOME A note from our CEO

WHAT’S ON November/December events IN THE KNOW Travel news from around the world TOUR SPOTLIGHT Wadi Rum, Jordan FIVE OF THE BEST Europe’s Christmas markets CUSTOMER TRAVELS Vic & Susan travel to South America HOLIDAY AT HOME Wild swimming spots

INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE Editor Vanessa Mulquiney Art Director SIXTWO Creative Contributors Scott Forth, Alexis Ong Marketing & Advertising magazine@inspiringvacations.com Contact For editorial and advertising enquiries, please email magazine@inspiringvacations.com or phone 1300 88 66 88 (AU)

When you see this symbol on our pages, press play and you’ll be redirected to our beautiful destination videos.

GLOBETROTTER 10 Zürich experiences Q&A Archeologist, Gillian de Boer ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER A visit to Québec, Canada

Inspiring Vacations Magazine is published bimonthly by Inspiring Vacations (ABN 22 623 610 711), Level 2, 420 St Kilda Rd Melbourne VIC 3004. © 2023. All rights reserved. Articles express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of Inspiring Vacations.

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We'd been to Plaza de Espana the previous afternoon during our free time in Seville and we were impressed by the colour of the buildings in late afternoon light. Next morning as part of our group city tour we stopped there early, the crowds weren't too big and in the still morning light the canal gave beautiful reflections everywhere we looked. @CarlK

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WHAT’S ON

No matter where you are in the world, there’s plenty of events­—both online and offline—to enjoy Niagara Falls, Canada NOVEMBER 1 2023 – FEBRUARY 19 2024, WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Canada’s largest illumination festival celebrates its 40th birthday this year.

There will be more than 50 largerthan-life displays and dozens of trees wrapped in lights along the Niagara Parkway, including wildlife displays, the two-storey tall Zimmerman Fountain, a gingerbread house, 60ft light tunnel, castle and more.

India & Sri Lanka NOVEMBER 12, DIWALI

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India's Festival of Lights (also celebrated across Sri Lanka) is about peace, reunions, religious rites, and special meals with family. Colourful lights and noisy fireworks used to frighten away evil spirits feature, as well as decorated homes and ghee lanterns everywhere.

Antarctica DECEMBER 1, ANTARCTICA DAY

Celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 by more than 50 nations, Antarctica “forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes in the interests of all mankind” is the foundation upon which decades of scientific achievements and advancements rest.

Japan DECEMBER 8, BODHI DAY

Rajasthan, India NOVEMBER 20–28, PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR

Every November the lunar cycle decides when the lakeside town of Pushkar reinvents itself with one of the biggest camel festivals in the world.

Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism is celebrated today; the word ‘bodhi’ means awakening or enlightenment. Siddhartha abandoned his life of luxury and resolved to sit underneath a Bodhi tree and meditate until he found enlightenment.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands 30 NOVEMBER 2023 – 21 JANUARY 2024, AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL

With the drop of temperatures and the shorter, darker days, the Amsterdam Light Festival is a great way to still get out and about and enjoy the city.

Light displays created by national and international artists can be viewed by walking along the city’s canals (don’t forget to pick up a festival map) or take to the water and view it all by boat.

Edinburgh, Scotland DECEMBER 31, HOGMANAY

Hogmanay is the Scottish name for the last day of the year, its origins date back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Vikings. The Scottish observe many traditions including a torchlight procession down the famed Royal Mile, a Hogmanay street party on Princes Street and more.

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UNFORGETTABLE JAPAN MAGICAL, VALUE-PACKED 16 DAY JOURNEY WITH THE JAPAN EXPERTS TOKYO • MT FUJI • KAWAGUCHIKO • TAKAYAMA • KANAZAWA • KYOTO • HIROSHIMA • OSAKA

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$1,099* PER PERSON

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DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS UNBEATABLE PRICE – BOOK NOW 16 DAY UNFORGETTABLE JAPAN From buzzing Tokyo to ancient Kyoto, experience Japan’s must-see sights and rich, authentic experiences. See Kenrokuen Garden, Mount Fuji, the deer of Nara, Takayama old town and UNESCO sites Shirakawa-gõ Village and White Heron Castle.

• 14 nights in well-located hotels • 1 night in a traditional Ryokan • Enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner • Ride the iconic Japanese bullet train • Fully escorted by expert, English-speaking guide

1

Rail Cruise Coach No. nights

JAPAN Kanazawa 1 Takayama 2 Mt Fuji 1

Hiroshima 2 Miyajima Island

3 Osaka

3 Kyoto

3 Tokyo

Hakone (Mt Fuji)

Our whole holiday experience was great.

We had no problems, we had fabulous guides full of interesting facts and information.

Our accommodation was amazing.

I highly recommend Inspiring Vacations.

TRAVEL FROM MAR 2024 TO NOV 2025

22 DAY GRAND JAPAN

14 DAY BEST OF JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA

A magnificent journey that takes in Japan’s many delights, including icons like feudal relic Himeji Castle and Takayama Old Town. Explore northern Japan including Hakodate, Sapporo and a scenic cruise around Matsushima Bay. • 20 nights in 3 to 4-star, centrally-located hotels • 1 night in a traditional Ryokan • Ride the iconic bullet trainCruise the Nile for 3 nights

Experience the best of two beautiful countries, including Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari and Golden Pavilion, Seokguram Grotto, marvel at sacred Mount Fuji and discover the dazzling cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul.

• 12 nights in central 3 and 4-star accommodation • Fully escorted by expert, English-speaking tour guides • Explore the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Tomb of King Muryeong

DEPARTS MAR 2024 TO NOV 2024

22 days per person twin share from

$5,999*

AUD

7-DAY COOLING OFF PERIOD

ADD AIRFARES FROM $1,099 PER PERSON

DEPARTS MAR 2024 TO NOV 2024

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*Offers available for a limited time or unless sold out. Check your country store for local pricing and full terms and conditions.

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TRAVEL NEWS

IN THE KNOW What to do, see and where to play

Changi to go passport-free in 2024 Travellers to Singapore’s Changi Airport won’t need to show their passports to leave the country with the implementation of biometrics throughout the immigration and boarding process. Consistently topping the best airport in the world lists, Changi plans to introduce end-to-end biometrics for everything from immigration to bag drop and boarding from early 2024. Changi isn’t the only airport to implement these changes; the European Union is working to replace passport stamping with the collection of biometric data like face and fingerprint scans.

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Estonia’s green initiatives pay off Estonia, a certified Green Destination, has moved up five places in this years’ Sustainable Travel Index 2023 according to Euromonitor International. Thanks to its approach to sustainable living and nature conservation, the UNESCO medieval old town of Tallinn has also been named the European Green Capital 2023. The new urban redevelopments outside the city walls have paid off; exploring on foot, e-scooter, or eco-friendly trams and buses has never been easier or greener.

Australia’s favourite city named Melbourne has been named Australia’s favourite domestic destination for 2023 according to booking platform, Agoda. Sydney followed, with Adelaide coming in at number four while the Gold Coast slipped to number five on the list. The top five destinations for international Aussie travellers this year are all in Asia; Bali nabbing the top spot, followed by Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.

New high-speed train services connecting European cities The Good Night Train service by Dutch-Belgian rail company, European Sleeper, launched recently and connects Berlin to Brussels via Amsterdam in a little over 10 hours. And if you want a weekend getaway in Berlin from London without flying, it’s never been easier. The service has aligned its schedule with the Eurostar to enable passengers from London to easily transfer in Brussels. And in 2024, Italy's Trenitalia plans to add an overnight service from Paris to Madrid which will extend to Milan.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 5

5 STAR CHINA & HONG KONG IN-DEPTH 18 DAY DISCOVERY OF THIS REOPENED GEM SHANGHAI • BEIJING • GREAT WALL • XI’AN • YICHANG • YANGTZE CRUISE • CHENGDU • HONG KONG

ADD RETURN AIRFARES FROM

$999* PER PERSON

18 days per person twin share from just

$4,999*

AUD

$99 DEPOSIT OPTION AVAILABLE FALL IN LOVE WITH CHINA ON THIS PREMIUM SMALL GROUP TOUR OF 20 18 DAY 5 STAR CHINA & HONG KONG PREMIUM SMALL GROUP Immerse yourself in the drama of China. You’ll visit Beijing’s Forbidden City, set foot on the Great Wall, marvel at the army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi’an and get up close to Chengdu’s intriguing pandas.

• 13 nights in central 4 & 5-star accommodation • 4-night Gold class Yangtze River cruise • Internal flights, high-speed rail tickets and comfortable, dedicated transport throughout • Expert English-speaking guides in mainland China • Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 5 dinners TRAVEL FROM MAR 2024 TO SEP 2024

1 Gubei

Water Town

Beijing 3

The 18 Day trip provides a great snapshot of China at an incredible price.

The package includes a variety of well chosen sightseeing opportunities, historical landmarks and attractions.

Xi’an 2

Chengdu 2

4

2 Shanghai

Yichang

Chongqing

CHINA 3

Hong Kong

1

Rail Cruise Coach Flight No. nights

*Offers available for a limited time or unless sold out. Check your country store for local pricing and full terms and conditions.

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SPOTLIGHT | JORDAN

Wadi Rum From its arresting red sand dunes to its stunning sunsets, Jordan’s gem is an expansive delight

WORDS BY EMMA CAL LEY

Jordan’s 'Roman Valley' and also known as the 'Valley of the Moon,' Wadi Rum spans almost 500 sq km of desert.

Wadi Rum is an inland protected area and something of a time capsule: the ancient Nabataean civilisation first appeared in Jordan in the 6th century BC and is preserved in the form of rock drawings and inscriptions, alongside the traditional ways observed by the nomadic Bedouin tribes who still call Wadi Rum home.

Upon arrival you can browse the local shops in Wadi Rum village, get acclimated at its visitors centre and familiarise yourself with another key historic attraction located nearby.

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom is a towering rock formation named after Wadi Rum’s most famous Western inhabitant, T. E. Lawrence. There are numerous other sandstone

INSPIRED TO VISIT JORDAN? Check out our tours here

mountains to admire, such as Jebel Umm Ashreen and Jebel Rum on the site’s west flank or Jebel Umm Al Ishrin on its east. Wadi Rum also boasts several striking natural rock bridges: some are only a few metres off the ground, but for those unencumbered by a fear of heights there’s the Burdah rock bridge: 35 metres high and a favourite with desert hikers.

In addition to scaling the heights, Wadi Rum also features several valleys. The 5 km-long Barrah is among the most popular routes, while the Khazali canyon may only be 100 metres long but is home to an abundance of history and nature, such as ancient rock drawings and inscriptions, alongside man-made pools that fill during the winter months.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 7

ITALY & DELUXE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE 17 DAY EXCURSION THROUGH ITALY PLUS STUNNING MSC CRUISE

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EUROPE JOURNEYS AT UNBEATABLE VALUE – BOOK NOW & SAVE 17 DAY ITALY & DELUXE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Visit Rome and the jewels of Italy’s north before embarking on your MSC cruise through the Greek islands via picturesque Montenegro.

• 7 nights in quality accommodation • 7 nights on an MSC Mediterranean Cruise • Incredible sightseeing in Rome, Florence and Venice with entrance to the Colosseum, St Mark’s and Venice’s Murano Glass factory • 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners

Milan

2

3

1

Venice

Cruise Coach No. nights

We are so impressed with the service of Inspiring Vacations, this being our first travel experience with them. We will definitely be booking future travel with them.

1 Florence 2 Kotor

Rome 2

ITALY

7

GREECE Mykonos Santorini

TRAVEL FROM MAR 2024 TO OCT 2024

22 DAY THE GREAT EUROPEAN TOUR

22 DAY PRAGUE TO VENICE & DELUXE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE

Explore cities like Paris, Rome and Amsterdam, visit renowned landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum, and experience the diverse cultures, scenic landscapes and delicious cuisines of multiple European countries.

• 18 nights quality 3 and 4 star accommodation • Stunning sightseeing, including entrance fees • Dedicated transport, fully-escorted

by English-speaking guides

Immerse yourself in Prague, Europe’s largest medieval city before touring through Austria, Germany and Switzerland followed by Rome, Florence and Venice to board your Greek Island MSC Cruise.

• Entry for incredible sightseeing in Prague, Rome, Florence and Venice • Prague river cruise; cable car ride to the Grindelwald First summit • 12 nights quality accommodation; 7 nights on an MSC Cruise

DEPARTS FEB 2024 TO MAR 2025

22 days per person twin share from

$6,299*

AUD

7-DAY COOLING OFF PERIOD

RETURN INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES INCLUDED

DEPARTS MAR 2024 TO OCT 2024

RETURN INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES INCLUDED

*Offers available for a limited time or unless sold out. Check your country store for local pricing and full terms and conditions.

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1300 88 66 88 0800 475 025

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1 888 356 2021 79 8277 1398

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22 days per person twin share from

* AUD AUD $6,999 AUD

7-DAY COOLING OFF PERIOD

FIVE OF THE BEST | CHRISTMAS MARKETS

FIVE OF THE BEST

Christmas Markets in Europe 1. PIAZZA NAVONA, ROME, ITALY DEC 8, 2023 – JAN 6, 2024 There isn’t a long, historic tradition of Christmas markets in Italy to rival the likes of those in Germany and Austria but the annual festa at Rome’s Piazza Navona nowadays is making up for lost time. Wander through the architectural beauty of Bernini’s Quattro Fiumi and taste test your way through the stalls offering sweets, roasted chestnuts and more. There are also plenty of arts and crafts, and intricate nativity scenes (this is one Christmas tradition Italy is famous for) live performers and rides for the kids.

WORDS BY VANESSA MULQUINEY. PHOTOS: MONICA TONIOLO/FACEBOOK ; PWR EVENTS; INT. STUT TGART-TOURIST.DE; RENEE VASOS/FACEBOOK

2. WINTER WONDERLAND, LONDON, ENGLAND NOV 17, 2023 – JAN 1, 2024 Follow the lights and music to London’s iconic Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland to soak in the yuletide atmosphere, British style. There’s more than 100 wooden cabins touting beautiful handmade crafts and jewellery, plus the best of London’s street food, cosy fire pit bars, mythical ice kingdoms, hot chocolate and everyone's favourite winter tipple, mulled wine.

3. BASEL, SWITZERLAND

4. MARKTPLATZ, STUTTGART, GERMANY

NOV 23, 2023 – DEC 23, 2023 Winner of the Best European Christmas Market last year, Basel’s Christmas Market had to be included on our list. Within Switzerland, it’s known as the “biggest and most beautiful" and is split into two different sections: Barfuserplat for handmade wooden toys, nativity scenes and jewellery, and Munsterplatz which is mostly for little ones with a fairytale forest filled with activities including bauble making and gingerbread decorating. Foodies aren’t forgotten: enjoy Basel läckerli (spiced honey INSPIRED and nut biscuit), to hot punch, TO VISIT EUROPE? fondue, and raclette.

Check out our tours here

NOV 29, 2023 – DEC 23, 2023 With roots dating back to 1692 making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, the southern town of Stuttgart is the epitome of Christmas.

Think: narrow cobbled streets that wind their way through beautiful baroque buildings, and the Old Castle and an imposing brightly lit church both look over the square where this sprawling market is held each year.

The market offers nearly 300 wooden stalls, over 60 choirs, an antique market, and an outdoor ice rink.

5. NERVIÓN CHRISTMAS MARKET, SEVILLE, SPAIN DEC 14, 2023 – JAN 5, 2024 Operating for over a decade, Seville’s Nervión Christmas Market is considered one of the best in the city. Set up in front of the Nervión Shopping Mall along Avenida Luis de Morales, over 50 vendors feature in beautifully decorated wooden chalets reminiscent of traditional Christmas markets you’d find in Germany and Austria. The market is famous for nativity scenes and regional crafts like intricate ceramics and handwoven Andalusian textiles, plus regional food aplenty: turrón (sweet, nutty nougat) and polvorón (Spanish shortbread) and roasted chestnuts.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 9

ULTIMATE SRI LANKA 15 DAY ALL-ENCOMPASSING TOUR AROUND THIS STUNNING ISLAND COLOMBO • GALLE • YALA NATIONAL PARK • NUWARA ELIYA • KANDY • SIGIRIYA • CHILAW

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15 days per person twin share from just

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*

AUD

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SAVE A FURTHER $440* PER PERSON BY PAYING IN FULL 15 DAY ULTIMATE SRI LANKA PREMIUM SMALL GROUP TOUR Visit Yala National Park, Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress, a tea plantation, unwind at a coastal resort, tour Kandy by tuk-tuk, embark on a private jeep safari and take a scenic boat ride on Madu River.

• Small group, max 16 travellers • 13 nights in deluxe, 5-star hotels • Iconic train trip between Nuwara Eliya and Kandy • Fully escorted by expert, English-speaking guide, • Dedicated, comfortable private transport TRAVEL FROM JAN 2024 TO DEC 2025

SRI LANKA Sigiriya 3

DEPARTS JAN 2024 TO DEC 2025

Chilaw 2 Kandy 2 Colombo

2

1

Nuwara Eliya 1

Yala National Park

19 days per person twin share from

$4,999*

AUD

15 DAY PRIVATE 5 STAR SRI LANKA Immerse yourself in a deluxe Sri Lanka experience. Discover Yala National Park, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and adventure on a private jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.

• Private touring, with the comfort and personalised services of your own driver guide • 13 nights 5-star accommodation including 2 nights at the incredible Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya • Breakfast and dinner daily DEPARTS JAN 2024 TO DEC 2025

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*Offers available for a limited time or unless sold out. Check your country store for local pricing and full terms and conditions.

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I just got back from our wonderful trip to Sri Lanka.

The local tour company looked after us exceptionally well and we had two excellent guides.

Can’t praise them enough.

Galle 2

7-DAY COOLING OFF PERIOD

RETURN INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES INCLUDED

Rail Coach No. nights

Lion Rock Minneriya National Park

19 DAY ULTIMATE SRI LANKA & THE HISTORICAL NORTH PREMIUM SMALL GROUP TOUR Every comfort considered! Relax in the historic city of Trincomalee, see the magnificent ruins of Anuradhapura and the northern city of Jaffna’s beautiful temples.

• Small group, fully escorted • 18 nights in mostly 5-star hotels, including 2 nights at the iconic Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya • Breakfast & dinner daily, 5 lunches • Ride the famed train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy

1

www.inspiringvacations.com bookme@inspiringvacations.com

15 days per person twin share from

* AUD $4,899

AUD

7-DAY COOLING OFF PERIOD

RETURNED TRAVELLERS | SOUTH AMERICA

INSPIRED TO VISIT SOUTH AMERICA? Check out our tours here

A visit to South America Susan reflects on her tour to South America, with her husband Vic What prompted you to book your tour?

We have always wanted to visit Machu Picchu and we were looking at value for money tours that were available. At the time, this tour included a great flight deal and the offer was too good to pass up and we booked it straight away. This tour suited us for destinations, price, length, and itinerary.

Did your expectations meet reality?

I honestly didn’t really know what to expect! I had read about these places, and I had seen photos, but to be there in person and to see and experience the things we were able to, was amazing. Having the opportunity to finally make it to South America after COVID and be fortunate to see the things we did, was magical.

Any surprises?

Only how amazing these places are! Photos and reading about them don’t do these places justice. As you walk up to the lookout point of Machu Picchu and see that postcard view, it takes your breath away. We have done a few similar tours, so we knew the ins and outs of how they operate.

What were the highlights of this tour?

Where do I start? All our guides were amazing - they were all approachable, full of knowledge, and passionate about their countries and culture. During our tour we had some last-minute flight cancellations. The tour guides and Inspiring Vacations were both amazing; we were kept up to date with the alternate plans and we were always kept safe and informed.

Did you do any optional tours?

The tango/dinner show on the first night in Buenos Aires was amazing. Great food, great dancing, and great atmosphere.

Don’t risk missing out—if it’s on your bucket list, book it. Good value for money. Grand Adventura at Iguazu Falls, this is not to be missed. The archaeological site in Sacred Valley was also a good optional tour. It was a good warm up for Machu Picchu the following day. One suggestion I would make to others would be if the optional tours are things you really want to do, make sure you pre-book them as they’re subject to availability only.

What do you say to those pondering whether or not to book?

If South America is on your bucket list and you love the idea of someone else doing all the work and preparation for you, don’t think twice—book it. This tour ticked off so many South American highlights including Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio De Janeiro, Machu Picchu, the Amazon Jungle, and Lake Titicaca, all in one amazing trip.

Anything else you would like to add?

Our tour had 18 people (with max 20) which was great; we find that smaller tour groups give everyone a better and more personal holiday experience.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 11

MURRAY RIVER, BAROSSA VALLEY & KANGAROO ISLAND 8 DAY PACKAGE WITH MAJESTIC CRUISING EXPERIENCE ALONG THE MIGHTY MURRAY

1

Blanchetown

Coach Cruise No. nights Barossa Valley

3

Swan Reach

Burk Salter Boutique Winery 4

Sunnydale Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve

Adelaide

Mannum

Caurnamont Younghusband

Cape Jervis Kangaroo Island

YOUR 8 DAY SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DEAL INCLUDES: • 4 nights aboard PS Murray Princess from the historic river port of Mannum to Blanchetown, with daily port stops • 3 nights in quality, 4-star accommodation • Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 4 dinners including memorable dining experiences on board Murray River cruise • In-depth, fully guided day tours of the Barossa Valley and Kangaroo Island

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS TOUR Discover South Australia’s finest on a delightful journey blending natural beauty, rich culture and premium travel experiences. Admire stunning landscapes and wildlife as you take to the Murray River on a four-night paddlewheeler cruise. Stop at charming towns, take a bushwalk with the Captain and visit a boutique winery, woodshed and wildlife shelter. You’ll even tour Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve.

TRAVEL FROM JAN 2024 TO MAR 2025 *Offers available for a limited time or unless sold out. Check your country store for local pricing and full terms and conditions.

CALL US ANY TIME ON

1300 88 66 88 0800 475 025

BOOK ONLINE AT

1 888 356 2021 79 8277 1398

www.inspiringvacations.com bookme@inspiringvacations.com

Back on land, discover Australia’s richest and bestknown winemaking region, the Barossa.

To round out this adventure of relaxation and rejuvenation, a day tour to Kangaroo Island reveals rugged coastlines, serene beaches and abundant wildlife, including a guided walk on the beach among a colony of rare and wild Australian sea lions.

Unforgettable.

8 days per person twin share from

$3,499*

AUD

7-DAY COOLING OFF PERIOD

The Inspiring Vacations team were so knowledgeable and helpful guiding me through the process.

The price is also excellent for the trip as I had done many comparisons.

ZÜRICH

UNPLUGGED Chocolate, watches, art and more – the ‘Little Big City’ has so much to offer visitors. Here, 10 best things to do when visiting this Swiss gem

WORDS BY VANESSA MULQUINEY 14 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

GLOBETROTTER | SWITZERLAND

INSPIRED TO VISIT SWITZERLAND? Check out our tours here

1. FOR ART The largest art museum in Switzerland, Zürich’s Kunsthaus boasts a collection from the 13th century to the present. There are rooms dedicated to Swiss artist and sculptor, Alberto Giacometti, while Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, are housed on the top floor. The permanent collection can be viewed for free on Wednesdays.

2. FOR SHOPPING Known as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Bahnhofstrasse is worth a visit for the window shopping (and people-watching) alone. You’ll find luxury brand stores closer to the Lake, and at the other end, more wallet-friendly high street brands. When you need to rest your feet, grab an outdoor marble-topped table at the iconic Café Sprüngli and continue the peoplewatching. Serving coffee since 1883, Sprüngli is best known for its opulent hot chocolate and pastries and in December, its spectacular Christmas lights.

3. FOR VIEWS Sipping on a cocktail or wine at the Jules Verne Panorama Bar with 360-degree views of the city may seem a little touristy, but once you see the views across the rooftops of Zürich, Lake Zürich, and to the Alps, you won’t regret it. Jules Verne is located below the Urania Sternwarte Observatory which opened in 1907 and is one of the Old Town’s most beautiful buildings. To stargaze in real time, check out the Observatory’s tours and events.

MAIN: Zürich, Grossmünster; TOP RIGHT: Stadtführung cycling PHOTO: SCHWEIZ TOURISMUS; PATRICK ARMBRUSTER

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 15

4. ZÜRICH BY TRAM

6. FOR SWIMMING

Enjoy views of the Old Town and the Limmat on a pleasant tram ride on the number 4 or number 15 (tram 10 takes you to the airport). Super fans should head to the tram museum to view original models from 1897 onwards. Fun, seasonal trams like the fondue tram (winter, from November to February), the sushi tram (summer, from August until late September), and the wine tram (summer, from May to late June) all run through the Old Town and the city’s hot spots.

Talk about bragging rights – not all capital cities have a river that is clean and clear, let alone swimmable but this is Switzerland, and the water quality of Lake Zürich is impeccable so take advantage. There are a couple of swimming areas, but the most centrally located are Frauenbad am Stadthausquai (women only), and Schanzengraben for men. By night, these spots double as bars in the summer months.

5. RENT A BIKE Exploring from two wheels in a city like Zürich is really something special – there’s a cycling route (in fact 386 of them) for everyone. Our picks include Rhine to the Linth Canal (a comfortable route), Rapperswil to the spa town of Baden (a medium route), and more strenuous routes such as the 60km Ibergeregg to Sattelegg and ending in Linth.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Christmas tram; Inside Lindt; Botanischer Garten; Zürich view; Shopping at Bahnhofstrasse; Badi, Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen; Badi, Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen; Stadtführung cycling 16 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

GLOBETROTTER | SWITZERLAND

7. FOR GARDENS

PHOTOS: LINDT FACEBOOK; ELISABETH REAL /ZÜRICH TOURISM; MAT T IAS N UT T/ZÜRIC H TO U R I SM; MARTIN RÜTSCHI/ZÜRICH TOURISM; SIGGI BUCHER/ZÜ RICH TO U RISM; PAT RIC K ARMBRU ST E R

Enjoy an early morning stroll before breakfast?

The Botanischer Garten (botanical gardens) is the perfect spot to start the day. You’ll be greeted by three futuristic glass domes and over 7,000 different types of plant species. There’s a calendar of events (including educational tours) so check the website ahead of your visit.

8. FOR WATCHES Switzerland is known for its quality watch making and there’s nowhere better to head than Beyer Watches & Jewels on Bahnhofstrasse, the oldest watch shop in the world, to learn more. Founded in 1760, the basement of the store now houses a watch museum. You’ll find details about each timepiece (the oldest dating back 3,400 years) as well as pendulum clocks, beautifully crafted pocket watches and more.

9. FOR CHOCOLATE You can’t leave Switzerland without going on a chocolate tour, and one of the most in-depth and attractive (unlimited chocolate tastings!) is at Lindt. You’ll travel to Ghana and learn all about the cultivation of cocoa and in the production plant, witness master chocolatiers transform beans into cocoa liquor, then into liquid chocolate, and finally the Lindt bars and pralines we know and love.

You can either visit on a guided or audio tour, and booking ahead is a must.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 17

10. FOR SPAS Like watches and chocolate, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a thermal spa in Zürich, but for a spa with killer views, you can’t go past Hürlimannbad & Spa. Housed in a former brewery, relax in huge wooden water-filled tubs or head for the Irish-Roman spa with steam baths and shallow pools. For Turkish-style hammam, Hammam Basar + Salon offers massages, facials and more, plus there’s a delicious organic, vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free menu to enjoy.

Planning a Swiss getaway?

Don’t miss these events!

EXPOVINA WINE FAIR NOVEMBER 2–16

Held on-board 12 Lake Zürich boats, wine enthusiasts look forward to this event all year.

INTERNATIONALE KURZFILMTAGE WINTERTHUR NOVEMBER 7–12

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Bahnhof, Bahnhofstrasse; Samichlaus Schwimmen; Views from Hürlimannbad; Hürlimannbad & Spa

The international festival celebrating short films attracts thousands of fans to Winterthur every year.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS Is there anything better than the enchanting atmosphere of a Christmas market? The markets in Zürich will transport you back to childhood!

SAMICHLAUS SCHWIMMEN DECEMBER 3

Not for the fainthearted, Zürich’s Limmat river is the scene of this winter fundraiser where hundreds swim from one bank to the other, dressed in swimming costumes and Santa hats.

18 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

PHOTOS: AGI SIMOES/ZÜRICH TOURISM ; ZÜRICH TOURISM ; HÜ RLIMA NNBA D S PA FACEBOOK

NOVEMBER 23–DECEMBER 24

STAFF ON TOUR | SWITZERLAND

A visit to Switzerland

Inspiring Vacations’ Email Marketing Coordinator, Scott, visited Switzerland in June. Here, he shares his travel tips What is your best Switzerland travel tip?

Prepare for every type of weather. Although Switzerland is a small country, the diversity of altitude does mean you could be applying sunscreen one day and wearing a couple of layers of clothing the next. In places like Zürich and Lucerne it was entering the start of summer with our arrival in early June, which meant short sleeves were fine, whereas in places like St. Moritz and the Jungfrau, you may need a decent jumper and maybe a jacket. Thankfully most days were hot and pleasant, and the landscape remained stunning no matter the weather.

What do you wish you’d have known before your first visit?

Expect higher than average prices, especially when eating out. Thankfully I found this pretty manageable and it all depends on your budget. If you’re more relaxed about this LOVE TRAIN TRAVEL? you’ll have a fantastic time trying all the amazing local CHECK OUT OUR food coupled with excellent service. If you’re a little more VIDEO HERE budget conscious like myself, you can always try to fill PR E S S PL AY up on the buffet breakfasts in the morning and have an earlier dinner. Things like cheese were surprisingly more affordable than home, so a nice picnic in the park is one way you could eat amazing food without breaking the bank.

What is your one must-see sight or must-do experience?

Visiting the Jungfrau is an absolute must during any trip through Switzerland. Even just the journey up is incredible. The cable car that takes you from Grindelwald to the train (which takes you to the peak is absolutely breathtaking), with an incredible view of the north face of the Eiger, which is a famous mountaineering route known to be especially challenging, and you’ll see exactly why.

Once you reach the top you can then look down on the amazing snowy mountainous landscape.

Best way to spend a free afternoon in Zürich?

I would definitely recommend taking a boat ride around Lake Zürich. Our tour included a 24 hour Zürich card, which meant that transport by boat was included.

Although it is technically just another form of public transport, the route goes in an anticlockwise direction around the lake before arriving back in Zürich.

If you’re visiting the Lindt Chocolate Factory, there’s a boat station not too far, meaning you can take the scenic route home via boat back into town rather than getting on the same train you came in on.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 19

SOUTH AMERICA IN STYLE

BEST VALUE TOURS TO THIS INCREDIBLE CONTINENT FOR EVERY TASTE AND BUDGET

Our whole holiday experience was great. We had no problems, we had fabulous guides full of interesting facts and information.

Our accommodation was amazing.

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the joy of

WILD SWIMMING In this extract from Lonely Planet’s new book, we visit the rugged watering holes of Australia and New Zealand, just in time for summer

22 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

HOLIDAY AT HOME | SWIM SPOTS

LAKE WILLIAMS, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

REPRODUCTION WITH PERMISS ION FROM LONELY PL A NET. PHOTOS: SHA NNON KIRK /S HUT TERSTOCK; CATHERINE SUTHERL AND/LONELY PL ANET; NIC DUNCA N / WWW.N IC DU N CAN .CO M

Solitude, wide skies, fringing forest When to visit—December and January

FLOAT CENTRESTAGE IN A GRANITE AMPHITHEATRE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA Lake Williams absorbs all the attention you give it. On first sight, its stillness is contagious, inviting a slow, contemplative walk to the shoreline. As the shady access track gives way to an open expanse of lake, with eucalyptus residue lingering in the humidity, the air smells and even tastes different, somehow.

Stillness doesn’t mean silence, though: listen attentively and you’ll hear faint sounds of ripples from waterbirds on the lake’s surface; the calling of raptors overhead, and songbirds in the bush; the breeze coming and going across land and water and rock.

The feel of smooth granite and the soft silty shoreline is a blessing to bare feet and has been for generations— the traditional Aboriginal Australian owners of the area are the Minang people and pieces of their ancient stone tools have been found at nearby Lights Beach.

It’s easy to imagine this place being used as the perfect spot to camp, hunt and gather long before colonisation—it wasn’t until the 1830s that William Bay and the lake were named after the British Arctic explorer William Edward Parry.

SWIMMING IN SILK

Those first tentative footsteps into the lake are bracing.

Its water—chill in winter, cool even in summer—is filtered through the soil of paddocks and the roots of karri, marri, sheoak and peppermint trees. Depending on seasonal rainfall, it flows or trickles or seeps into the lake like caramel-coloured silk. Softened by the vegetable tannins it gathers on the way, it feels great on the skin.

There’s zero visibility in the water, which makes it mysterious, slightly disconcerting. Feeling your way through the shallows, towards the centre, is a tactile experience. You’ll feel the squishy silt underfoot, unless you wear rubber sandals, and there’s an occasional underwater branch or boulder to navigate. As the water deepens and you become weightless, it’s as if the lake is bottomless. If vertigo sets in, roll over and float, outstretched, eyes wide open, taking in the natural palette of blue sky, green bush and rustcoloured granite.

ON THE LOOKOUT

Back on dry land, lolling on that granite, look up, down and around. In pools and puddles, especially in spring, frogs and tadpoles are everywhere. A scratchy sound of reptilian claws reveals the presence of King’s skinks— lizards that can grow as long as a person’s forearm— emerging to sunbathe on the rock.

The translucent wings of dragonflies dip down on the water. Square, grassy pellets of poo in gullies on the rock, and along the tree line, indicate that western grey kangaroos come here to drink at dawn and dusk. It’s rare to be absolutely alone in the bush.

GET THERE

MAIN: Jervis Bay (with Bowen Island) is a popular spot for whale watching; THIS PAGE: Watering hole in the Australian Outback; Lake Williams lies just off the Bibbulmun Track

There is no public transport to Lake Williams. Drive to Lights Beach, 13km from the town of Denmark. From the car park, walk or cycle the 1.5km track to Lake Williams. Hikers on the Bibbulmun Track will also pass by the lake.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 23

MOUTOHORĀ, BAY OF PLENTY, NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

DIG YOUR OWN HOT TUB IN THE SAND IN NEW ZEALAND From the moment you set foot on Moutohorā (Whale Island) in the Bay of Plenty region, you’ll wonder if you’ve travelled back to another place in time. The island reverberates with the sound of birds calling out across the native forest canopy—an unfortunate rarity through much of the country today. Tūī fill the air with their distinctive clicks and pops, and bellbirds chime out to one another from the treetops. Fur seals dive off rocks and into the cool waves below, while on the rocky edges, pōhutukawa trees bloom bright red, signalling that summer is here. Rare species are the island’s main attraction, but Moutohorā is also where you’ll find one of the country’s most unique wild swims: here, you can dig your own personal oceanside hot tub in the sand.

In the 1960s, conservation of Moutohorā began in earnest, first with the replanting of native trees, followed by the painstaking eradication of invasive mammals. Today, it’s a predator-free sanctuary that gives a chance to thrive to various threatened species such as tīeke (North Island saddlebacks), kākāriki (redcrowned parakeets) and tuatara, an ancient reptile that coexisted with dinosaurs.

On the island’s northern shores, you can watch the colony of grey-faced petrels dive-bomb headfirst towards their cliffside burrows, while the plumes of nearby Whakaari/White Island (an active marine volcano) rise in the distance. It’s a reminder of the region’s volatile volcanic underbelly—which is also to thank for Moutohorā’s geothermally heated waters.

A GEOTHERMAL WONDER

Moutohorā is far from the only place in New Zealand (Aotearoa) that you can experience a hot water beach, Once a complex volcano system, Moutohorā is now but it’s one of the most exclusive. Due to the island’s a sheltered enclave for native species—but it hasn’t conservation status, only 24 tourists per day are always been this way. Over the last 200 years, the tiny permitted to land on its shores as part of a guided tour. island off the coast of Whakatāne has been the site After birdwatching, you’ll be led past the scalding of a whaling station, a sulphur mine and a rock pools that were once used by Māori to cook tītī quarry. The land wasn’t just stripped of its natural (muttonbirds). Steam rises off the white and resources—it was also devastated by the yellow rocks, while the smell of sulphur INSPIRED introduction of goats, rats, cats, and rabbits. permeates the air. Upon arrival at Onepū Bay/ TO VISIT Sulphur Bay, you’ll see the gentle crest of NEW ZEALAND? Check out our white sand, underneath which hot springs tours here bubble to the surface at low tide.

Then, all it takes is a shovel and some determination. You’ll be rewarded for your hard work with your own personal spa in the sand, where you can lie back and watch the waves lap at the shore. The water will be much hotter than you expect, but there’s no need to worry—a cooling dip in the ocean is only a few feet away.

PEST-FREE PARADISE

GET THERE

Located about 9km off the coast, the island of Moutohorā is a 15-minute boat ride from Whakatāne in the Bay of Plenty region. Because of its conservation status, visits to the island are heavily regulated, and there are only a handful of tour operators permitted to land on its shores.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: New Zealand’s iconic Cathedral Cove; A common brushtail possum, one of many native marsupials found in Booderee; The clear waters off Murrays Beach in Booderee; The bronze Lady of the Rock statue with Moutohorā (Whale Island) across the bay 24 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

PHOTOS: MAT THEW MICAH WRIGHT/GET TY IMAGES; ELIZABETH CARON/SHUT TERSTOCK ; BENNY MARTY/SHUT TERSTOCK; BRIAN SCANTLEBURY/SHUT TERSTOCK

Geothermal power, birdwatching, seclusion When to visit—year-round at low tide

HOLIDAY AT HOME | SWIM SPOTS

SWIM IN CRYSTALLINE SEAS

The walk to the beach, through a forest of blackbutt trees, has been filled with the beautiful cacophony of foraging crimson rosellas, rainbow lorikeets and Australian king parrots—but as you cross the eucalyptshaded wooden bridge to the crescent-shaped beach, it fades. All you’ll hear is the sea gently lapping onto shore, and the sound of frolicking kids. The smell of the salty breeze and sizzling barbecues vie for olfactory attention. From here, take in all of Jervis Bay, the cliffs of Point Perpendicular and Bowen Island.

Like a comforting embrace, the bay protects the beach from the ocean swell. Sink your feet into the blindingly white, soft sand and immerse yourself in the sun-warmed aquamarine waters. The East Australian Current, carrying warm water from the Coral Sea, mixes with cooler water from Bass Strait, delivering sparkling clarity. Swimming here is a deeply restorative experience. It feels like you’ve stumbled into one of Australia’s last great wildernesses; it’s incredible to think it’s within such easy reach of urbanity.

GREEN PATCH BEACH, JERVIS BAY, AUSTRALIA

Native species, First Nations culture, bushwalks When to visit—February and March

WADE AT A WILDLIFE RICH, INDIGENOUSOWNED PARK IN NEW SOUTH WALES There aren’t too many spots where you can swim in the presence of wildlife that you won’t encounter anywhere else in the world. At Green Patch Beach, tucked within Aboriginal-owned Booderee National Park, you can do just that. Before you even wet your feet, you may come face-toface with kangaroos, wallabies, parrots and rosellas, which roam free in the bushland.

RARE FLORA AND FAUNA

FIRST NATIONS KNOW-HOW

What really makes Green Patch special is the fact that Booderee lies in the hands of its traditional owners.

The park was conferred onto the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council in 1995, who co-manage it with Parks Australia. The Yuin People, who have resided here for millennia, named it Booderee—‘bay of plenty’ in the Dhurga language.

INSPIRED TO VISIT AUSTRALIA? Check out our tours here

A vast range of habitats, from southern mahogany forests to seagrass meadows, is responsible for Booderee’s biodiversity. It’s home to more than 460 different native plants, 200+ bird species and at least 30 native mammals. Avian aficionados should keep their eyes peeled for the hardto-spot eastern bristlebird, threatened nationwide but thriving here thanks to efforts to reintroduce some of the country’s most at-risk endemic species. One of the rarest is the long-nosed potoroo. While it’s doubtful you’ll spot this shy nocturnal relative of the kangaroo, you can improve your chances of seeing animals active only at night—pitch up at Green Patch’s campsite and you can sleep for real among these curious creatures.

Today, Elders continue to pass on knowledge in nature’s classroom, maintaining their spiritual bond with the land and water. As you bathe in these glorious waters, take a moment to pay your respects to the First Australians, the saltwater people of past, current and future generations.

GET THERE

Green Patch is around three hours’ drive south of Sydney. Shuttle services operate between Sydney and Jervis Bay, from where taxis are available. Trains run between Sydney and Bomaderry. From there, buses depart for Huskisson and Vincentia, an easy cab ride away.

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 25

LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

PLUNGE INTO A CRATER LAKE OVERLOOKING SNOWCAPPED MOUNTAINS ON THE NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND Lake Taupo is so large, the locals call it an inland ocean (Taupō Moana in Māori). It’s likely that you’ll be overwhelmed by its scale when you first set eyes on it, and you’ll need a few moments to take stock. Beyond its broad expanse, you’ll see the snowcapped peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, blending together in a muddle of blues.

A DIP FOR EVERY MOOD

At 616 sq km, the lake is big enough that it takes on a different character at different spots around its perimeter. At the stretch of beach near Taupo town centre, families frolic. Just a little further south at Waipahihi, there’s a hot water beach—you’ll feel geothermal heat rising through the pumice sand as you sink your feet into it. Then there’s Acacia Bay, where you can head out to the pontoon and dive, bomb and leap into the clear azure water. And, for strong swimmers, it’s an adventure to strike out to the giant Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, chiselled into the cliff face by artist Matahi Brightwell in the 1970s. Whichever you choose, a dip here is revitalising for the body and the spirit. Once submerged, the epic scale of those volcanic mountains and the sheer vastness of the lake make one’s worries disappear, and the world becomes magnificent again.

FROM LAKE TO OCEAN

There’s variety on the surface, too. On a calm day Lake Taupo is fairly tranquil. Fishing boats bob offshore, its occupants chasing the lake’s famous wild trout. Waves gently lap the sand, until a passing motorboat sets them tumbling onto the lake shore with a rhythmic urgency.

Come on a windy day and you’ll not recognise it. Waves whip into a frenzy, and the breeze sends sailing boats dashing across the rolling water. Entering the lake now feels more like stepping into the sea. As the waves slap your face, you’ll truly understand why the locals named it an inland ocean

GET THERE

From Rotorua city, it’s a 1.5-hour bus ride to Taupo town, or an hour by car. If you have wheels, you can get to remote spots more easily. Otherwise, the town is right on the lakefront—just head down to the water and get swimming.

VOLCANIC CREATIONS

There are more wonders if you look down. The water is so transparent there’s visibility up to 69ft (21m). Around Taupo’s headlands—between the shifting reflection of the sun off the water—you can see the greywacke sandstone disappearing into the lake depths. The caldera holding Lake Taupo is the result of a giant volcanic eruption 27000 years ago, and the water is low in nutrients that would otherwise support plants and algae. That’s why it’s so clear to the eye. The water temperatures are less consistent. A cool 10°C (50°F) in winter, the top strata warm up over the summer and,

by February, it can feel like swimming in a heated pool, with temperatures up to 20°C (68°F).

TOP: A warm summer’s day drifting on Lake Wakatipu at Glenorchy; BOTTOM: One of the steaming geothermal pools of Taupo’s Spa Thermal Park 26 INSPIRING VACATIONS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Edited extract from Lonely Planet's The Joy of Wild Swimming, now available to purchase from shop.lonelyplanet.com

PHOTOS: PHOTO.ECCLES/SHUT TERSTOCK; JAN J ERMAN /SH UT T ERSTO C K

Cold water, geothermal sands, mountain views When to visit—December to February

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Cool Nordic cities, the Lofoten Islands and the magic Finnish Lapland – go husky sledding, stay in a glass igloo gazing up at the stars, visit Santa Claus’ Village in Rovaniemi, cross the Arctic Circle and carve through frozen seas on an icebreaker cruise.

• Small group tour – up to 24 people • Expert, English-speaking guide • 15 nights in 4-star hotels • Overnight Santa Claus Express

• 17 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels • Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa • Fully escorted by expert, Englishspeaking guides • Comfortable private transportation DEPARTS MAR 2024 TO DEC 2025

18 days per person twin share from

$4,355*

AUD

7-DAY COOLING OFF PERIOD

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DEPARTS JAN 2024 TO MAR 2025

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*Offers available for a limited time or unless sold out. Check your country store for local pricing and full terms and conditions.

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17 days per person twin share from

* AUD AUD $8,284 AUD

$99 DEPOSIT OPTION AVAILABLE

INTERVIEW

Q &A

NAME GILLIAN DE BOER OCCUPATION ARCHAEOLOGIST

Gillian De Boer, postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia, studied Classics and Archaeology with a focus on Imperial Roman History for both her bachelor and masters degrees. In the past, she’s worked at archaeological digs in Rome, and the Sangro Valley in Abruzzo. Here, we chat to her about her work and must-visit sights.

INTERVIEW BY A LEXIS ONG

What are some of your favourite sites to visit?

My favourite is Baths of Caracalla [ancient Roman public baths] because they are just so impressive. It gives you an idea of how advanced the imperial Romans were when it came to engineering. For example, saunas were heated by ingenious central heating systems called hypocausts. There were libraries, shops, shrines, sporting areas and facilities for other leisure activities, too. And the Pantheon is just amazing.

I particularly enjoy it at night, when it’s lit up and quiet—it's so mysterious and atmospheric. Today it remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, almost 2,000 years after it was rebuilt. I also suggest going for a wander around the Forum Boarium, the ancient meat market.

Are there still active archaeological digs in Rome?

All the time! La Sapienza University is still doing work in the Roman Forum where they are investigating down to virgin soil (soil untouched by civilisation). You can probably see archaeologists from all over the world working in large tourist sites and other parts of the city, if they’re not looking for something new, then they’re maintaining or restoring a site.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Read the complete interview here

INSPIRED TO VISIT ITALY? Check out our tours here

What are some items one might expect to find at a modern archaeological dig in Rome?

Literally anything! When I was on site in the Roman Forum in 2010, colleagues found a number of votive vases containing skeletal remains of a human foetus—likely stillbirths that were offered to the gods. In the Sangro Valley in 2013 we found Imperial period coins, flagstones, roof tiles, hundreds of pottery shards, and I even dug up an ancient horse skeleton that was burnt in a rubbish dump. There’s so much that we still don’t know about the ancient world that you can only imagine what the earth is hiding from us.

What are your off-the-beaten-path recommendations for historic sightseeing?

Ostia Antica! It’s absolutely my favourite site in Rome. It’s really an inspiring place to spend the day. It's the ancient port town of Rome where all trade passed through and it sits at the mouth of the Tiber River. The site itself is like a rough and tumble Pompeii, no one seems to know about it and you’ll have free range of the place. It's the perfect example of middle class Imperial Roman life, from smart urban planning, to daily life on-the-go (a thermopolis was a fast food joint, like McDonald's today).

INSPIRINGVACATIONS.COM 29

INSPIRING CANADA & ALASKA

13 DAY DISCOVERY OF THE ROCKIES, WITH INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE CALGARY • BANFF NATIONAL PARK • CANMORE • VERNON • VANCOUVER • INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE

13 days per person twin share from

$2,999*

AUD

TYPICALLY $5,847

BOOK NOW TO SECURE THESE UNMISSABLE SAVINGS 13 DAY INSPIRING CANADA & ALASKA WITH INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE

Discover the rugged beauty of Banff National Park’s snow-capped peaks, explore Vancouver and Calgary, see iconic Lake Louise and cruise the remote Inside Passage to pristine, wild Alaska.

• 5 nights in quality accommodation • 7-night Alaska cruise aboard Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas, gratuities included • Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 7 dinners • Escorted through Canada by an expert tour leader TRAVEL FROM APR 2024 TO SEP 2025

Skagway Sitka

Juneau Tracy Arm Fjord

1

Cruise Coach No. nights

CANADA

7

Banff National Park

Vernon 1 Canmore 2 1

Excellent trip. The tour guide was great, very informative, friendly and we saw everything we wanted but some extras.

Everything was well organised. Would recommend this tour to everyone who has Canada/Alaska on their bucket list.

1 Calgary

Vancouver

23 DAY COMPLETE CANADA & ALASKA WITH ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

19 DAY CANADA & ALASKA DISCOVERY

Traverse the breadth of Canada, visiting the unmissable sights of Ontario and Quebec, including Niagara Falls, followed by epic journeys on Rocky Mountaineer and an Inside Passage cruise to Alaska.

• 2 day journey on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service • 15 nights in 3-star accommodation • 7 nights cruising the Inside Passage and Alaska with Royal Caribbean • Internal flight: Toronto to Calgary

Into the wild! Explore beyond your Holland America cruise with a two-night stay on the edge of Denali National Park, venturing deep into the park to spot Alaska’s Big Five.

• 9 nights in central, 3-star hotels • 7 nights cruising the Inside Passage and Alaska with Holland America • 2 nights at the remote McKinley Chalet Resort • Traverse Alaska in the domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer

DEPARTS JUN 2024 TO AUG 2024

SAVE A FURTHER $1,100PP* CALL US OR SEE ONLINE

23 days per person twin share from

$10,999*

AUD

TYPICALLY $14,531

DEPARTS MAY 2024 TO AUG 2024

SAVE A FURTHER $500PP* CALL US OR SEE ONLINE

*Offers available for a limited time or unless sold out. Check your country store for local pricing and full terms and conditions.

CALL US ANY TIME ON

1300 88 66 88 0800 475 025

BOOK ONLINE AT

1 888 356 2021 79 8277 1398

www.inspiringvacations.com bookme@inspiringvacations.com

19 days per person twin share from

* AUD AUD $4,999 AUD

TYPICALLY $8,958

ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER

LAST PAGE

A visit to Québec, Canada

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PHOTO: QUÉBEC , CANADA 2020. © INSPIRING VACATIONS

PR E S S PL AY

Québec’s distinct character makes Canada an even better country, and vice versa: being in Canada makes Québec a better place too Philippe Couillard Neurosurgeon and former premier of Québec

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VIETNAM TOURS AT UNBELIEVABLE VALUE 2025 DEPARTURES NOW ON SALE FROM $1,599 PER PERSON

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