AW Travel Blog

by Davina Bicker - Adventure World Sales Executive.    Visiting local villages and schools along with a cooking dinner under a huge starry sky were just a few of the highlights of my Acacia African Overland Trip which started in beautiful Zanzibar and finished in Johannesburg. It is a great way to meet new people and really interact with the amazing culture as you cross through each border and experience another country.The pristine beaches of Zanzibar did not dissatisfy with the little dhows sailing past my deckchair to the huge orange sun sunsets.Heading south into Malawi where it is well known to have some of the friendliest people in Africa, which I found true their word - we played with the children at an orphanage and chatted to locals in the villages.

Lake Malawi is a remarkable spot to spend a few days relaxing on the beaches surrounding it. Zambia’s highlight of Victoria Falls – otherwise known as the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ did not disappoint…. especially from the air in a tiny little microlite where the views were breathtaking! As I flew low across the water the wildlife viewing was also spectacular and one of those moments where I had to pinch myself that I was really doing this! As we headed further south, Africa did not disappoint especially Chobe National Park in Botswana which is famous for its elephants and also the mighty Kruger National Park in South Africa. Its not just the main attractions in Africa that made the overland trip so special. It was moments like sitting around the campsite only to see an elephant come up to drink out of the swimming pool, or sitting around the campfire looking up at the millions of stars above which made the long travelling days all the more worth it. For more information on tours or trips just like this click here
 

A cycling holiday gives the most scope for independent exploring, as you can follow any route you choose and go at your own pace. 

Our suggested routes use quiet country lanes, and go by the places we think are most interesting - from cycling in France along rural lanes past pretty chateaux to coastal tracks and delightful hidden coves on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Gozo. There are route options for avoiding hills, and suggestions for detours and off-road explorations so you can discover the hidden delights of cycling in Spain, sample our new cycling in Portugal or stop off at charming cafes as you take in the sights on a cycling holiday in Italy.If you opt for our cycling holidays in the Czech Republic, you’ll stay in fairytale villages, whilst our cycling in Austria and cycling in Switzerland follow fantastically flat, lakeside trails below stunning mountain backdrops. If you prefer to holiday in the UK, Headwater also offers 5-night cycling in Britain - ideal for first-timers or those pushed for time Burgundy’s 6-night Abbeys & Vineyards Cycling holiday is still showing availability. Very gentle cycling, totally unspoilt routes, world-famous food and wine!If you have 8 nights to spare, then the Classic Burgundy Cycling trip is a great choice: interest-packed routes, undemanding cycling, lots of cultural and historic appeal. If you are looking for a slightly longer 10-night holiday, then our Classic Lot Cycling route is packed with pretty little villages, great bastide towns, sleepy faming hamlets - even in high summer you’re unlikely to meet any other tourists! France’s Loire Valley offers the flattest cycling in our programme - perfect if you’ve not been on a bike for years! - as well as outstanding wines, world-famous chateaux and lovely hotels. Our 6-night Loire Gastronomic Cycling holiday or the 8-night Chateaux of the Loire Cycling are the perfect choice.If you fancy the idea of Italy and are tempted by the idea of luxury hotels at the end of your cycling days, then consider Piedmont, a highly sophisticated region brimming with softly rolling hills, sun-drenched hamlets and boundless vineyards, then Gastronomic Barolo Cycling trip is for you. Or perhaps consider Venetia. The cycling here is incredibly gentle and takes you way of the tourist trail, so even in august it won’t feel busy. The Villas & Vineyards Cycling route takes you through cherry orchards, vineyards and picturesque villages where every visitor is a novelty!Heading across into central Europe, the route that follows the Danube from Passau to Vienna is one of the most popular cycle paths in Europe - and is a great choice for a family cycling holiday. Highlights include last years EU capital of culture, Linz, UNESCO-celebrated Krems and mediaeval MelkPerfect too for families and first-timers, the 8-night Swiss Lakes Cycling route explores the unspoilt Swiss Jura region on the French border - in the distance you can even see Mont Blanc on a clear day! Click here for more information  

So your trip is paid for, after weeks or months of planning, and you’re thinking all that’s left is to cram your entire wardrobe and kitchen sink into your suitcase or back pack.

Make sure your passport has enough pages and validity (more then 6 months) to last your entire trip.
A little planning is good.  Accommodation in certain countries can be hard to find in peak season, for example. 

A lot of planning is not always essential.   The best experiences are often spontaneous – detailed itineraries don’t allow that. For example, my rule of thumb is I always have 80% of the trip planned before I leave. Flights, accommodation etc but leave the last 20% up to fate and what comes along the trip. This allows me time to experience the local sites and get immersed in the destination by visiting local hot spots, markets and villages that are off the beaten track.

Here are some helpful tips on packing I wish someone had told me before I set off on my first over sea’s jaunt.
They will help to save you time and even now as a seasoned traveller I find myself going back to the basics…
They will not fail you.

Packing Tips

1) Take more money. Long after you return you will remember the amazing experiences you had, not the cost of them.
2) Take more pairs of underwear… need I say more?
3) Take fewer pairs of shoes. One for comfortable walking, one for good.
4) If it can’t be worn for three days then washed and dried in a bathroom line, don’t bring it.
5) If it requires any amount of ironing – forget about it.
6) If you are not sure if you need it, you don’t.
7) If you’re pretty sure you need it, you don’t.
If you’re absolutely certain you need it, there is a good chance you still don’t.
9) If you can’t think of more the five instances where you would use/wear this… leave it behind.
10) Take photo copies of all your important documentation and keep it in a separate location.Your airline’s baggage allowance is a limit, not a challenge.
Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, hair products.  Pick one or two only. Most accommodation provides these or there are convenience stores on hand near by.
Bug repellant, Band-Aids, Imodium and Panadol – lifesavers.
A good first aid kit is not a silly idea either
Take another memory card & batteries for your camera.  You’ll need it.

The golden rule: If you can’t lift it… Go back to hints 4-9. If you can’t carry your own luggage up a flight of stairs easily by yourself, it’s too heavy.  Some destinations only have stair access and no lifts, and most train stations only have stairs.  

This week we bring you the top 5 things you must do in Vietnam!

Vietnam is a country with a past as rich as the soil in the blazing green deltas. The past reads like a romantic legend, full of heroic struggle and astounding victories whereby this small country retained its culture, absorbing and adapting the strengths of its foes but never losing its traditions or sense of history.

 Experience the culture with a home stay - They always say the best way to explore a country & its culture is through the locals. Of course, a home stay experience isn’t for everyone… but if you’re up for a little bit of an adventure, you’ll soon find that the minor discomforts far out-weigh the benefits of this exceptional experience. You’ll also quickly discover that home stays are actually a two-way cultural exchange as your hosts are very likely to be as interested in your culture as you are in theirs…

 A journey on a Cyclo - Cyclo’s (a type of bike) still roam the streets of Vietnam’s cities and towns. They are especially common in scenic smaller, less busy cities like Hue, where it’s pleasant to cruise slowly along taking in the sights. Though the ride will be slow, hot and sometimes dangerous, it is well worth it as some drivers are very friendly and happy to give you a running commentary on the sights.

 Halong Bay via Junk - Halong Bay & its stunning landscape is a spectacle that shouldn’t be missed in Vietnam. You have probably seen pictures of this unique bay with its thousands of islands and vibrant blue water. An excursion by traditional junk is a must - it is a memorable, eerie experience where you’ll sail past silent, sea-girt caves and the spectacular formations.

 Cu Chi Tunnels - A popular day trip from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is to the Cu Chi tunnels, once used by the Vietcong as a guerrilla warfare base.

 Mekong River - The Mekong Delta is one of the most breathtaking sights in the South Vietnam. The Mekong is one of the longest rivers in Southeast Asia and flows across China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The rich waters of the Mekong feed the fields, where rice, vegetable and fruit are cultivated.

Vietnam’s natural beauty, traditions of old, and the lasting influences of French and Chinese heritage combine to provide an exotic and fascinating travelling experience. For more information on how you can explore this stunning country and absorb these highlights contact Adventure World NZ on 0800 238 368 or Adventure World AU on 1300 295 049.

Stopovers don’t have to be mind-numbing there are ways to make them bearable or even enjoyable. Hanging out in airports is right up there as one of the worst parts of travelling, every minute seems like five when you are sitting out a long stopover.

If you are lucky enough to find yourself stopping over at any of the following airports you will not be bored rigid, that’s for sure.

Gatwick Airport - Free Spray Tanning: Did you know that pale skin is among travellers’ top worries upon heading off on a summer holiday. In response, the airport’s Gatwick Glow initiative offered travellers a free spray tan in specially appointed tanning booths in the airport’s North and South terminals.

Singapore’s Changi Airport - Four story slide: When customers purchase items from the airport they are given slide tokens to experience the thrill. For the faint of heart, there’s also a one-and-a-half-storey version that can be tried for free in the airport’s Basement level.

Paris airports - Free dance lessons: To keep tempers cool & spirits high, the Aeroports de Paris implemented an unconventional plan: free dance lessons for passengers. Classes include Afro Jazz, Disco, Hip Hop & much more. These are available each summer weekend between 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. through to August 17th 2010.

If you don’t want to spend several hours pacing around a departure lounge and waiting for your next flight then why not look into one of Adventure World’s stopover packages, they let travellers explore & enjoy the city in just 3 days!

Essential Abu Dhabi is a 2 night package that samples the delights of this modern city. Priced from NZ$449*pp/AU$389*pp.

Hong Kong Uncovered is a 3 night package that explores this enthralling destination. Priced from NZ$435*pp / AU$310*pp.

Kuala Lumpur Uncovered is a 3 night package that discovers this modern metropolis. Priced from NZ$387*pp / AU$338*pp.

If stopping over in LA or New York then why not try one of Trek America’s NEW mini breaks. They are just the ticket for experiencing North America’s most incredible ‘must see’ highlights.

For more details on any of these stopover adventures contact Adventure World today on NZ: 0800 899 111 or AUS: 1300 295 049 or visit our website!* Includes accommodation & airport transfers. Prices are per person, twin share and valid for travel in low season. Normal terms & conditions apply.

France needs little introduction when it comes to fine food and wine, however some local delicacies are not so well known. That’s why we have listed our five regional favourites, to ensure cuisine loving travellers to the country get a heads up on what’s top of the pots when it comes to food in France.

Alsace, France - Alsace, one of France’s best kept secrets, offers both world famous wines and wonderful gastronomy. Pork-butchery is one of the oldest surviving traditions in the Alsace region with choucroute garni undoubtedly the areas most acclaimed dish. Made from various cuts of meats, salted hams and sausages braised in local Riesling wine, it appears on every menu.

Burgandy, France - Burgundy is renowned for its wine & its snails! The tiny, subtle-flavoured Burgundy snail is considered to be among the finest in the world. Rather than drown it in tonnes of garlic, chefs prefer a more refined approach, opting instead for lightly sautéing in a parsley butter.

Brittany, France - Not many people know that there are no fewer than 13 varieties of oysters in Brittany! If you are a fan, then see if you can taste the difference between the nutty-flavoured Aven Belon oyster, the perfumed Cancale oyster and the beautifully smooth oyster found on the Bay of Quiberon.

Massif Central, France - Some of the best cheeses in France come from the relatively unknown Massif Central. Top cheeses to try include the dry and fruity Cantal and the smooth and mild Saint Nectaire.

Provence, France - With its warm sunny climate and proximity to the coast, Provence produces some of the freshest and tastiest food in France. If you’re looking to try something a little different, look out for the delicate lavender honey which is delicious served with roasted figs or eaten simply with fresh crusty bread.

To experience the tastes of France for yourself, why not take part in a Headwater gastronomic cycling or walking holiday, such as an 8 night Dordogne gastronomic walk or a 6 night Loire cycling tour? Call Adventure World today for more information.

Dust off your walking shoes and get a taste of the great outdoors, with Headwater’s pick of the top ten places in Europe to take a hike. There are some places in the world that are best explored by foot. Leading walking and cycling holiday provider, Headwater, knows this fact all too well, with the company offering over 500 different walking tours throughout Europe. From strolling through beautiful scenery to trekking across snow-capped mountain ranges, here’s Headwater’s pick of the top four European locations to “take a hike”.

Ravello to Positano, Italy - Arguably Crete’s most famous walk, the 16km Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge walk in Europe and is simply breathtaking. As you descend through lush woods - crossing streams and cliffs carpeted with colourful rock lettuce and aubretia - keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles, lammergeiers (bearded vultures) and buzzards circling above you.

Chatel to La Chapelle d’Abondance, France - This high level alpine walk offers unbeatable views of the superb Dents du Midi, awesome Mont Blanc and the many varied peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Not for the faint hearted, this challenging hike follows old smugglers’ trails high up along the Swiss border, then down through flower-filled meadows to the pretty onion-domed church of La Chapelle.

Lake Oeschinensee, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland - Trek above and then alongside one of the most picturesque Alpine lakes in Switzerland - Lake Oeschinensee. Be mesmerised by the majestic beauty of tits shimmering emerald surface, which mirrors the surrounding Blümlisalp mountain’s rugged shape.

Eggishorn and Aletsch Glacier - A long-time favourite with Swiss hikers, take a hike up the Eggishorn Mountain - also known as the “mountain of views” - to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the 22km Aletsch Glacier - the longest in Europe and part of the UNECSO World Heritage Site.

Whether you want to take a leisurely walk or a climb a steep section, with over 1,000 km of mountain paths available there’s a number of routes you can take. For more information on tours just like the ones above click here

I’m finally back home after a wonderful 10 day holiday in Turkey! Three days in Istanbul, checking out the most popular sights including the Aga Sophia/Blue Mosque and the Topkapi palace (where the Sultan used to live). There I was able to see the Staff of Moses and even the arm of John the Baptist.In general, the people are very friendly. Not as in, “I’m only being nice cos I want something”, but helpful in giving directions, and if the don’t know they’ll find someone that does. Another example is in our last days, Monique was carrying an empty bottle of water and this guy from a shop stand just goes ahead and tells him where he can find a trash can, and this other guy from a place where we ate at saw that we were leaving so told us to have a nice life. How funny!