Ireland comes to life in summer promising sparkling surf, one-of-a-kind camping trips, fantastic festivals, and some very merry locals SWEET SUMMERTIME IN IRELAND IRELAND is a year-round destination with each season offering travellers unique experiences from Dingle to Londonderry. But it turns out the island of Ireland is particularly pleasant when the weather warms upContinue reading “VISIT – IRELAND”
Category Archives: Destinations
VISIT – SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI PORT REPORT SHANGHAI has been welcoming maritime visitors since it was just a hamlet in the Yangtze River Delta. In the decades after the city became a treaty port in 1842, foreigners flooded The Bund to colonise this commercially attractive corner of China. When the current regimen ascended in 1949, international trade was clipped,Continue reading “VISIT – SHANGHAI”
VISIT – BUENOS AIRES
WHERE Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina and one of South America’s most vibrant cities. WHEN I visited for three days in December 2016, breaking the journey from Australia to Ushuaia to interrupt the long trip either side of my voyage to Antarctica. WHAT It is my second call on Buenos Aires but, because I’mContinue reading “VISIT – BUENOS AIRES”
Brissy’s hotel boom …
QUEENSLAND’S River City is booming with more hot new accommodation offerings than you can count on all fingers. From glamping tents and riverside wharf residences, to moody five-star digs and a 1920s-era bank turned 220-room hotel, each new gem is embellishing the Brisbane skyline with their own quirk and character. Here are the latest BrisbaneContinue reading “Brissy’s hotel boom …”
HOTELS – TREELINE URBAN RESORT
NEW RESORT FOR SIEM REAP SIEM Reap and serene places to stay go together like Angkor Wat and Apsaras, and now there’s another peaceful property to add to the list. Treeline Urban Resort, which sits on the bank of the modest river that runs through the heart of the Cambodian tourist settlement, officially opened onContinue reading “HOTELS – TREELINE URBAN RESORT”
VISIT – WINTERTIME SWITZERLAND
Don’t ski? Don’t worry … Switzerland, the pioneer of winter tourism, has all sorts of winter activities for non-skiers. SWISS WINTER FUL FOR ALL SWITZERLAND Tourism shares seven experiences travellers should consider during a visit during the colder months. CHRISTMAS MARKETS From Zurich — home to Europe’s largest indoor Christmas market — to Basel where fairy-tale dollars are usedContinue reading “VISIT – WINTERTIME SWITZERLAND”
Island time for InterCon …
PHU Quoc is emerging as Vietnam’s next holiday hotspot with the island’s newest place to stay, the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, welcoming its first guests on June 28. The resort is a 15-minute drive from Phu Quoc’s international airport, and only 20 minutes from the “cultural attractions” of Duong Dong town, and guests enjoyContinue reading “Island time for InterCon …”
New look for Caravelle …
→ The Caravelle Saigon is already one of Vietnam’s great historic hotels with a room renovation set to start a new chapter … TODAY marks the start of a new chapter for the Caravelle Saigon with the historic hotel launching a renovation program that will see guest rooms receive an elegant upgrade. “For those ofContinue reading “New look for Caravelle …”
Galway getaway …
→ Looking for bohemian cool and traditional culture on the edge of the Wild Atlantic Way? Try Galway, one of Ireland’s most enjoyable destinations … THE team at Tourism Ireland has come up with a list of very cool reasons to visit Galway. Taste the local flavours GALWAY’S food scene includes incredible cafés, bistros, andContinue reading “Galway getaway …”
Saigon afternoon storm …
Where … Room 101, Villa Song Saigon When … Sunday, July 29, 2018 at 3.09pm What … I love the afternoon thunderstorms that sometimes sweep across Saigon at this time of the year. Puffy white clouds begin to bloom and bellow after lunch, reaching high into the sky, and while most harmlessly collapse some turnContinue reading “Saigon afternoon storm …”
Answering hire car questions …
→ Know before you go – car hire, insurance, logistics and best practice … AUSTRALIANS love a hire car. Last year the average domestic holiday drive was a little over four days, while travellers on an international jaunt wanted wheels for a week, with the numbers collected by online agent Wotif showing demand for hireContinue reading “Answering hire car questions …”
Tan Son Nhat …
Where … On the runway at Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat Airport When … Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 1.16pm What … The “departure” runway at Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat Airport – with one typically for arriving and the other for leaving – which is the city’s international and domestic hub about 15km from District 1.Continue reading “Tan Son Nhat …”
Milford Sound cruising …
→ Experience luxury cruise operator Fiordland Discovery’s new Milford Sound overnight winter cruise … FIORDLAND Discovery’s new Milford Sound overnight cruise is offering travellers a reason to get out on the water this winter. The boutique cruise operator – which offers unrivalled access to Milford Sound and Fiordland on the vessel Fiordland Jewel – launchedContinue reading “Milford Sound cruising …”
STAY – TOKYO’S QUIRKIEST HOTELS
CAPITAL OF QUIRK JAPAN is one destination guaranteed to hand travellers a healthy dose of culture shock with many of the capital city’s hotels charismatically categorised as quirky. So if you fancy being welcomed by a robot, sleeping in an airplane’s first-class suite but never leaving the ground, having a dinosaur check you in andContinue reading “STAY – TOKYO’S QUIRKIEST HOTELS”
South African sunset …
THE view from a window in my comfy picture-perfect cottage at Bushmans Kloof reveals that after a red-sky at night it was a red sky this morning. The days start early here with guests waking up at dawn to join a drive into the heart of the Cederberg Mountains, surrounding the isolated lodge, to enjoyContinue reading “South African sunset …”
Sabi Sabi lions …
Where … Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa When … Friday, June 20, 2018 at 6.52pm What … … a pride of young lions on the prowl. Night falls on Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve and our tracker Heavyness and field guide IP find a pride of lions wandering along a track in searchContinue reading “Sabi Sabi lions …”
Hotel Vic on HK harbour …
An elegant new hotel in Hong Kong is making the most of its location by the harbour in trendy North Point HONG Kong Island’s fashionable North Point district is home to the new Hotel VIC with the 671-room property opening for business on July 16. The twin-tower complex boasts views of the harbour and cityContinue reading “Hotel Vic on HK harbour …”
British Embassy Villa …
Where … The British Embassy Villa on the edge of Lake Chuzenji in Japan’s Okunikko When … Thursday, July 12, 2018 and 9.33am What … This is the British Embassy Villa which was built in 1892 – and recently renovated – by the UK’s chief diplomat at the time. Lake Chuzenji served as Tokyo’s hillContinue reading “British Embassy Villa …”
Kita-In Temple …
Where … Kawagoe’s Kita-In Temple When … Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 11.43am What … Japanese garden love at Kawagoe’s Kita -In Temple. A few centuries ago, after another one of Kawagoe’s big fires, half the city was turned to ashes and the emperor at the time decided to cheer the locals up by givingContinue reading “Kita-In Temple …”
Novotel Citygate Hong Kong …
Where … Novotel Citygate Hong Kong When … Tuesday, May 1, 2018 What … There’s a choice of hotels near Hong Kong International Airport for travellers looking to pause between planes, but my favourite is the Novotel Citygate Hong Kong which is a five-minute ride on the complimentary shuttle from the arrivals area. TheContinue reading “Novotel Citygate Hong Kong …”
China’s Yangtze River …
Where … China’s Yangtze River When … The afternoon of Monday, April 23, 2018. What … I’m enjoying a four-night cruise along China’s famous Yangtze River from Yichang to Chongqing with Wendy Wu Tours and today, the second full day of the voyage, sees my ship the Victoria Katarina navigating two of the waterway’s three […]
Top Zhangjiajie stay …
→ Pullman Zhangjiajie the place to stay in China’s popular wilderness area … Where … Pullman Zhangjiajie When … April 2018 What … There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of a spot in central China called Zhangjiajie. But if you’re a movie lover, and I told you this is the place that served asContinue reading “Top Zhangjiajie stay …”
England’s royal quirks …
→ Royal traditions make for rich holiday experiences when Aussie travellers are exploring the UK … BEING a royal has abundant perks with the aristocracy living in castles, wearing expensive threads, and donning priceless pieces of jewellery. But there are also many intricacies employed by the British monarchy – some traditions cemented by time andContinue reading “England’s royal quirks …”
Portland adds Porter …
→ The heart of Portland is home to The Porter, and the address wears the Curio Collection by Hilton name … DOWNTOWN Portland is the place to find Oregon’s newest place to stay with The Porter the 50th address to open under the innovative Curio Collection by Hilton brand which celebrates “one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts”. “Inspired byContinue reading “Portland adds Porter …”
No-plastic hotel for BKK …
THE Akaryn Hotel Group is promising to become free of single-use plastic by 2020 with the brand’s newest address, the akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok, set to lead the charge when it opens in May. The 50-room address is promising “reimagined urban accommodation in the heart of the city” and will be the first new hotel inContinue reading “No-plastic hotel for BKK …”
Alice Springs refresh …
CROWNE Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters has completed a refurbishment of its 139 guest rooms to modernise the accommodations and celebrate the best of the outback Australian landscape Each suite has been updated with tiles, carpet, furniture, cabinetry, fittings and artwork while bathrooms have been revamped and now feature modern décor, a spacious walk-in shower, andContinue reading “Alice Springs refresh …”
Canberra in 2018 …
CANBERRA is going from strength to strength as a holiday spot, and it’s Aussies who are falling for its new-found charm. Since the national capital threw off the boring tag earlier this decade — about the time new places to stay such as Ovolo Nishi (formerly Hotel Hotel), QT Canberra, East Hotel, Adina Apartment HotelContinue reading “Canberra in 2018 …”
Byron Bay YHA update …
THE Byron Bay YHA on Australia’s east coast has just reopened with a new focus on design, works by renowned local artists, and an extension that doubles capacity at this luxe flash-packer address. The new reception area features an artwork by local artist Robert Moore – his paintings are used by Aussie clothing brand MamboContinue reading “Byron Bay YHA update …”
Tips for visiting Vic …
WHEN it comes to travel, nothing beats a personal recommendation from someone who has already made the trip. Here, seven Victorians share their favourite part of the state. The Grampians Robin Wickens – executive chef, Royal Mail Hotel More people that pass through the Grampians need to make time for walking in the national parkContinue reading “Tips for visiting Vic …”
QF unveils Perth lounge …
QANTAS has unveiled the new Perth transit lounge a day before the first direct flight to London departs the West Australian capital. The airline is working to improving the health and comfort of those completing the 18-hour flight between Australia and England with customers entitled to access the lounge set to benefit from stretching classes,Continue reading “QF unveils Perth lounge …”
Far Near Or Here 