Family times in Fiji by Discover Travel
When planning my first family holiday, with a six month old baby, his Poppa and friend, there were a few criteria I was looking for right from the start. It had to be within a reasonable travelling distance, ideally with a direct flight from Christchurch and with little or no… Learn more
Food Festivals in Europe by Juliet Davis
Every year around the world local delicacies and cuisines are celebrated! Heading to Europe? Then join in one of these which represent just a small taste of what is on offer… Every May, for the past 21 years the village of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (the starting point for our leisurely walking holiday… Learn more
Magnificent Machu Picchu by Discover Travel
Like many who have watched Ian’s South America presentations I have always been fascinated by Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. I finally got there in April – sadly not on foot – insufficient time and a questionable fitness level kyboshed that idea from the start. However, arriving… Learn more
The Ionian Islands by Discover Travel
What an undiscovered secret tucked away on the West Coast of Greece. The Ionian Islands of Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada and Kefalonia are very Venetian, not surprising since they were ruled by the Venetians from the 15th Century until the French and then the British took control of them in the… Learn more
My favourite towns and cities in Western Norway by Juliet Davis
Bergen: Easily my favourite city in Norway and I think I could say everybody’s favourite! Bergen is visually stunning, small enough to be able to walk everywhere and full of history. The only downside being that it rains, to a greater or lesser degree, on 300 days a year making… Learn more
Cruising the Galapagos Islands by Ian Collier
In October 2012, I visited one of the world’s outstanding wildlife sanctuaries, cruising for 4 nights aboard the luxury 48 passenger yacht La Pinta in the Central and Northern Galapagos Islands. Wow, what an extraordinary experience! I’ve been fortunate to witness wildlife in Africa, the Antarctic and Arctic and I’d… Learn more
Cruising the Norwegian Fjords with Hurtigruten by Juliet Davis
The Hurtigruten itineraries are often described as “the world’s most beautiful voyages,” as they provide access to some of the most stunning scenery and the unique cultures of Norway, many of them above the Arctic Circle. Originally a communications and travel link between the villages on Norway’s western coast, Hurtigruten… Learn more
Small Ship Expedition Cruising by Juliet Davis
Expedition cruising is about getting off the beaten track, out of the way of other ships and other visitors. You may not be far from civilisation but you will often be out of sight of it. This will often be via a fleet of on board Zodiac landing craft which… Learn more
Amazon Lodge Stay by Discover Travel
Stay at an Amazon Lodge In April this year I visited the Ecuadorian Amazon for a 3 night stay in a lodge. Getting there was a bit of an adventure and it started with a 40 minute flight from Quito to Coca that gave great views of the Andes as… Learn more
Snorkeling with turtles in the Galapagos! by Discover Travel
Being a huge fan of wildlife viewing, the Galapagos has been high on my wish list for many years. I finally got there this April and have to say it is a truly amazing experience, second only to being on safari in Africa. The snorkelling experiences were utterly outstanding! I… Learn more
Paraty by Ian Collier
Three and a half hours south of Rio is the historical gem of Paraty, an ideal respite from the craziness of Rio! The coastal drive is long and winding, but it’s well worth the journey as the town enjoys a great spot with steep jungle-covered mountains at its back and… Learn more
Siena and the Palio by Peter Dunne
Siena is just amazing and I can’t believe I haven’t visited here before, very silly considering this is probably about my 20th visit to Italy. I have longed to come here since watching the famous horse race, the Palios, on TV as a school kid. Learning today about the 17… Learn more