VIETNAM

Modern day Vietnam has so much to offer the traveller, but a highlight is the riverside town of Hoi An which still retains many of its original wooden merchant houses.  Excellent hotels and restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere encourage the visitor to explore by foot or bicycle.  Hoi An is justly famous for its excellent tailors (and shoemakers) and made to measure items in the most beautiful materials can be ready in a few hours, or a day or two at most.  Exploring markets, a trip on the Thu Bon River, enrolling in a cooking class and enjoying the history and beauty of the surrounding countryside will make the visitor wish they could stay longer in this rural paradise of Central Vietnam.  So when you plan your Vietnam itinerary make sure you include a visit to Hoi An as well as including the exciting and cosmopolitan cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Contact Anni for further information. 

NEW ZEALAND'S NORTHLAND

Have you ever felt the thrill of swimming with dolphins, or doing donuts on the beach in a 4x4 Unimog?  What about the feel of sand between your toes as you use them as brakes while speeding headfirst down a sand dune on a boogie board?  All this and much, much more can be experience in the Northland New Zealand which is a leisurely 3 hour drive north of Auckland.  It is a unique region offering exciting, diverse and easily accessible experiences, all set in a superb, natural semi-tropical environment.  The region is wonderfully rich in history and culture, being home to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the site of the signing of the original treaty between Maori and British.
Be sure to allow plenty of time in the spectacular Bay of Islands to enjoy the great restaurants and many activities to choose from.  Carol has recently returned from the Northland region and is happy to share her experiences with you!

NEW ZEALAND'S CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

New Zealand's North Island is the perfect short break destination. Combine Auckland, Taupo, Rotorua and the Coromandel Peninsula and enjoy an easy self-drive itinerary with good accommodation and restaurants plus superb scenery and attractions.  The Hobbit Village at Matamata, the Glow Worm Caves at Waitomo and the fascinating Maori culture and thermal pools of Rotorua are some of the must-see places.  For a complete change of pace, conclude your short break with a visit to the unspoilt beaches and forests of the Coromandel. Anni has just returned from New Zealand and can give you more information on this region.



 

HONG KONG HIGHLIGHTS

From the moment you arrive in Hong Kong's new, easily negotiated airport, you realise you are about to experience the best both the East and the West have to offer!  Hong Kong is known as a shopper's paradise and has several street markets operating both day and night, where bargaining is not only fun, but a true art form
A truly vibrant city, Hong Kong is brimming with exciting options.  A "must do" is a ride on a Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, followed by a tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.  Full day excursions include trips to the former Portuguese colony of Macau or why not go to Guangzhou in China where you can view a panda bear at a Safari Park as well as see a display of Terracotta Warriors and Horses from the Qin Dynasty.
Hong Kong is the perfect place for a stopover en-route to Europe or, with so much to offer in its own right, why not choose it as your next holiday destination?  Carol visited Hong Kong recently and is happy to tailor a trip for you.

PHILIPPINE ESCAPE

A comfortable day time flight with Philippine Airlines to a destination which is exciting and affordable and is an enticing mix of the new and old. Stay in luxurious inexpensive hotels and enjoy the superb shopping and the gentleness of the people before heading south to the Tagatay Nurture Spa for a few days. Elise recently visited the Philippines and found the mix of history, shopping and the relaxation of a spa resort with traditional style Philippino bure accommodation set in beautiful tropical gardens, a perfect short break combination. If you have more time combine Manila with the stunning beaches of Boracay or Cebu.

SENSATIONAL SABAH !

Have you ever wanted a close encounter with an Orang Utan or to watch sea turtles laying their eggs? Then Sabah is for you! Nestled at the northernmost tip of Borneo, Sabah is a land of eco delights where it is summer all year round. For the fit and active, try to conquer the majestic Mount Kinabalu or, for the rest of us, enjoy the facilities at one of the many 5 star resorts located around the Capital, Kota Kinabalu (or KK as the locals refer to it). Be sure to be in KK on a Sunday when the main road turns into a vibrant market place and bargaining is encouraged. Day trips from your Resort to one of the many tiny islands nearby are a must where you can snorkel and dive into some of the world’s best underwater wonderlands. Sabah, ‘The Land Below The Wind” has something for everyone.


M.V. Reef Endeavour off Lizard Island
SAIL THE REEF WITH CAPTAIN COOK

Experience the remote and unique Great Barrier Reef with Captain Cook Cruises' MV Reef Endeavour  which offers comfortable accommodation and superb cuisine. The 4 night northbound cruise departs from Trinity Wharf in Cairns and visits historic Cooktown, Lizard Island and Ribbon Reef No 5  -  on the edge of the Continental Shelf. The Great Barrier Reef is truly a sea of wonders with its extraordinary coral gardens and fascinating marine life. Guests have the opportunity to snorkel, dive or view the magical underwater world from glass bottom boats accompanied by the ship's marine naturalist. Carol recently sailed on the northbound itinerary. The 3 night southbound sailing visits Fitzroy, Dunk, Hinchinbrook Islands and Hedley Reef or the two can be combined for a 7 night cruise.



TALK TURKEY WITH CAROL

Imagine yourself in a 13th Century Caravanserai in Cappadocia on a sultry evening and experience exotic Turkey's Silk Route - camels and donkeys are in the high domed stable while their drivers are enjoying the hospitality of the local Turks in the open quadrangle, with their loads of silk, spices and gold safe from marauders. Or picture yourself on the shores of Anzac Cove and see for yourself the impossible task that lay ahead of our young soldiers or perhaps walk along the marble streets of Ephasus, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.  

Enjoy the friendliness and hospitality of the Turkish people and taste the delights of their food and the richness of their history and culture. Carol recently visited the country with Tempo Holidays.


WINERY TOURS ON TWO WHEELS

Hawkes Bay and the picturesque town of Martinborough on New Zealand's North Island are a gourmet's delight. 'On Yer Bike' Winery Tours offer a fun and healthy way to see and enjoy the scenic grape growing region.

You can ride at your own pace and visit as many, or as few, wineries as you want! Lunch can be arranged at the beautiful Selini Estate or Te Awa Farm. Fantastic food, superb accomodation and world famous wine make this an unforgettable area and a must see for all North Island travellers. Renee recently visited New Zealand with the New Zealand Tourism Board.


AUTUMN IN AUSTRIA

Picturesque snowcapped alpine peaks and the crispest, freshest air! Visit Austria after the crowds have left and enjoy the very warm hospitality, gorgeous inns, delicious regional dishes and superb wine! Austria is a country of forests, rivers, vineyards, villages, castles, monasteries and beautiful cities and is rich with history and culture.

The birthplace of Mozart, the home of Opera and of course the Sound of Music! Austria is everything you want it to be - cruise the Danube, walk, cycle, drive or train through this magical European country. Elise visited Austria with the Austrian Tourist Office and Austrian Airlines.