Travel Journals


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


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


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