Inspire magazine march

ISSUE 01. 2017 

Best Places to 

Travel in 2017 

A GUIDE TO WHAT WHERE AND 

HOW TO GET THERE 

Digital Trends 

Shaping the Future 

of Travel 

A Year of Adventure 

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HOUSE OF TRAVEL CONTRIBUTORS 

Editor ANNA SARJEANT 

Writers ANNA SARJEANT, SAM PEASE & NIALL McCARTHY 

Designer STEPHANIE CAIN 

South Pacific SHARMA SMITH 

North America GABRIELLE BROWN 

Asia & Touring PAULA WATSON 

UK & Europe ANNE GRAHAM 

Long Haul SHELLEY ADKINS 

Advertising Manager RACHEL MANCINI 

Printer WEBSTAR 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

GENERAL CONDITIONS: Prices are correct as at 20 February 2017 – costs may 

vary due to subsequent tax surcharge increases, currency exchange rates and/ 

or unforeseen circumstances. Valid for new bookings only as specified or sold 

out. For travel commenced and completed as specified. Min/max stays apply. 

Prices are per person share twin in NZ dollars subject to availability at time of 

booking, based on payment by cash or cheque. Booking deposits and payment 

requirements may apply. Bedding configurations may vary. Credit card fees 

will apply. Some closeouts apply. For travel outside the dates specified, ask 

your local House of Travel consultant. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. 

Accommodation ratings are based on House of Travel ratings and are a guide 

only to the overall quality of the property. Flights are additional unless specified 

otherwise. Ask us about the best available flights to your chosen destination. 

Further terms and conditions may apply. See www.houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire for 

more details. 

GADVENTURES 15% OFF TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Eligible travellers shall 

receive 15% off per person on guaranteed departures of select G Adventures 

Limited Edition small group tours. Tour must be booked by 31 March 2017 at 

11:59 EST for G Adventures Limited Edition small group tours for travel departing 

before 31 December 2017. Valid for new bookings only and must quote promo 

code 17PA015DES11 at time of booking. Bookings must be made by calling G 

Adventures, through G Adventures’ travel agent booking system, or as otherwise 

indicated by G Adventures. Cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions 

or discounts and is subject to availability. Does not apply to National Geographic 

Journeys with G Adventures, Private Groups, Expedition, Galapagos boats, SPIT, 

Cuba land trips, AFMS, Independent trips, pre- or post-tour accommodation, 

insurance, international airfare not specified in the itinerary, upgrades, add-ons, 

“My Own Room” or “My Own Tent,” transfers, theme packs, or other in-country 

or on-board services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer 

from sale at any time without prior notice. Any refunds made with respect to 

products booked under this promotion shall be issued at the discounted rate. 

G Adventures reserves the right to cancel any booking due to unauthorized, 

altered, ineligible, or fraudulent use of discount. G Adventures is not responsible 

for technical or system errors that may interfere with or otherwise prohibit the 

use of the promotion. All G Adventures’ tours are subject to G Adventures' full 

booking conditions, found here: gadventures.com/terms-conditions-policies. 

Sales Dates: 25 Feb-31 Mar 2017. Travel Dates: 25 Feb-31 Dec 2017. 

*TRAFALGAR TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Price is per person twin share, subject 

to availability and seasonal surcharge. Price is based on 14 & 21 April 2017 

departures. Prices are correct as of 16 February 2017. Additional costs such as 

flights, taxes and surcharges may apply. Ask your travel consultant or visit Trafalgar. 

com for full terms and conditions. 

Contents 

Feature 

4 Digital trends shaping the future of travel 

6 HOT consultants: The people behind your holiday 

2017 Travel Planner 

9 Top bloggers to follow in 2017 

10 Travel think tank 

12 Best places to travel in 2017 

14 You, me and a different kind of Fiji 

16 Hotel hacks for 2017 

Why Guided Holidays? 

20 A year of adventure 

22 The Avalon diary 

24 6 photos that will make you want to travel with Trafalgar 

Children Talk Holidays 

27 How to pack your Trunki 

28 Top 10 tips for travelling with your parents 

30 Travel street smarts 

The Next Big Thing 

32 Live like a local in Dublin 

35 What’s new, Vanuatu? 

3 INSPIRE ISSUE 01. 2017 | HOUSE OF TRAVEL

FEATURE 

Digital trends shaping 

the future of travel 

Your holidays are about to look a lot different... 

Next time you check into the Marriott 

Hotel in Ghent, Belgium, keep an 

eye out for Mario. Not that you 

can miss him, he’s concierge. 

He’s also the figure marching 

atop the front desk handing 

out key cards and recommending 

local attractions. Good man 

Mario. Except he’s not. A man that is. 

He’s a robot. 

56cm high and weighing in at 6kg, Mario is a chatty pintsized 

android built by tech giant, IBM. He can walk, talk, 

blink and sing. Give him half a chance and he’ll dance 

too. On hand to detail every hotel feature and amenity, 

Mario can speak an impressive 19 languages, never gets 

stressed, fails to get tired, and if needs must, he’ll jump 

into the dining room and help out with breakfast. He is 

quite literally the all singing, all dancing face of the future. 

And the Marriott in Ghent isn’t the only residence to 

feature a humanoid workforce. Royal Caribbean have 

installed robot bartenders called B1-O and N1-C, which 

together spell BIONIC. Fittingly, they both work at the 

‘Bionic Bar’ on-board Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the 

Seas. Albeit not as cute as Mario (they resemble something 

more akin to a Nespresso machine) the duo will 

fetch you a drink. Punch in your order using smart tablets, 

or let them run free. N1-C possesses quite the talent for 

creating cocktails. 

Then there’s the somewhat gimmicky Henn-na Hotel 

located in a theme park in Japan’s Nagasaki Prefecture. 

Here there are female androids wearing buttoned tunics, 

and rather bizarrely, a talking dinosaur who likes to don 

a bow tie. Robot porters cart your luggage to guestrooms, 

keyless doors use facial recognition and the lights are 

controlled by something pink sitting by your bedside. 

Need assistance? Type your request into a tablet. Want 

an extra blanket? There are vending machines full of 

conveniences. The only thing the world's first robot hotel 

doesn’t have, is human staff. 

These are just some examples of what the future of 

travel looks like. Potentially it’s a robotic one. (But let’s 

not jump to conclusions, in the 1980s we predicted the 

hover board and we're still waiting). Nevertheless, as technology 

continues to accelerate, the manner in which we 

travel is adapting. 

The future’s bright. And easy 

With digital masters such as Google building driverless 

cars, future airport transfers won’t require language skills, 

apt negotiation or a lengthy discussion about the meter 

being set. And if Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Julie 

Bishop has anything to do with it, passports will be obsolete 

by the turn of the decade. Using cloud stored data to 

save personal information such as biometric data, digital 

photos and other identification, we could completely 

eliminate the need to carry a passport. Imagine that. No 

more cold sweats as you arrive at the terminal frantically 

patting your pockets and emptying your holdall. 

Technology today 

Even today, in the elementary stages of 2017, the majority 

of us are using smart phones as a lightweight guidebook, 

over 60% of us track holiday sunshine using weather 

apps, and most of us rely heavily on Google Maps to get 

just about anywhere. Even the most lacklustre technophobes 

hop online to post an epic selfie with a heavenly 

backdrop. And yet, in an age of such rapid development, 

even the phone selfie is on the cusp of extinction. 


2017. The year of the dronie 

Late last year the “drone selfie” (or dronie as the cool kids 

have coined it) caught the world’s attention with The Hover 

Camera. A creation by Chinese start-up company, Zero Zero 

Robotics. Looking less like a drone and more like a notebook, 

it works by being thrown in the air. Controlled by a smart 

phone, it hovers, takes a few pictures, and floats back into 

its receiver’s hands, folding gracefully into a compact black 

book. But that of course, is so very 2016. Next! 

The latest dronie-making machine is called The AirSelfie. 

A pocket-sized drone that slides into a customised phone 

case and charges while it’s parked. Manoeuvred by a 

virtual joystick (accessed via an app on both Androids 

and iPhones), it’s similar to The Hover Camera because 

it will float autonomously, but what really has the tech 

community excited, is its ability to fit into the palm of 

your hand. Available from March 2017, The AirSelfie is 

so small, and so agile, it makes the geriatric selfie stick 

look like a cumbersome oaf. 

How is the travel industry reacting? 

Contrary to what the naysayers suggest, Google cars and 

robot hotels are unlikely to dispel the need for mankind. 

Granted, one or two drones have caused pandemonium 

for a handful of air traffic controllers (hence why you now 

need a $5 drone license in the USA) but industry leaders, 

including the Marriott and Hilton, regard digital inclusion 

as a collaboration, not an AI invasion. And it helps 

you, the traveller, too. We now live in a world where you 

can test drive a hotel prior to booking via virtual reality 

devices such as Samsung’s Gear VR. A concept that 

many hotels, including Marriott, are readily embracing. 

Similarly, you can discover a 3D world from the comfort 

of your armchair. Ever wondered whether you’re more 

of a Rome person, or Paris? Pop on your VR headset and 

find out. 

Disney’s gone digital 

And guess who’s most on-board with digital change? 

Mickey Mouse. And if Mick's a fan - a guy, (or rodent) 

who has seen at least eight decades of change - shouldn’t 

we all be? 

Stay at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and the 

MyMagic+ wristband system will allow you to consolidate 

payments, gain hands-free room access, complete hotel 

check-in and jump on the Magical Express shuttle service. 

It can be linked to a credit card for contactless payments 

(complete with spending limits) and The FastPass+ service 

allows guests to pre-book up to three Disney attractions 

every day. Oh and it’s also waterproof. How’s that for 

interactive? Well done Mickey, the mouse done good. 

Keep it personal 

Nobody wants their holiday experience to become impersonal. 

As travellers, we appreciate the charm found in 

cultural interaction; a shared joke; a spot of sarcasm. 

Ultimately, consumers still want (and need) human 

involvement. But, when an alliance is forged between 

machine and man, it can actively enhance the visitor 

experience. 

The proof lies with Mario. 

During a recent business trip to the ITB Convention, 

which the dinky cyborg had to abandon his position on 

the front desk to attend, all out anarchy ensued. Not 

because the Marriott staff couldn't cope in his absence, 

but because scores of guests were left sorely disappointed. 

Mario is something of a local celebrity. The all singing, all 

dancing robot brings a smile to everybody's face. 

PHOTO - INSERT: Mario. Marriott Hotel in Ghent, Belgium 

HOUSE OF TRAVEL | INSPIRE ISSUE 01. 2017 5

FEATURE 

6 HOT 

consultants: 

The people 

behind your 

holiday 

Start your 2017 travel plans by 

talking to a HOT consultant. 

The best holidays start when 

ideas and knowledge are shared, 

so let’s talk travel. 

Meet the people shaping 

your future holiday. For an 

insight into the workings of a 

consultant’s mind, we asked 

six HOT consultants six 

holiday related questions. 

Best travel tip – Pop a copy of your itinerary 

in your suitcase. If your luggage is misplaced, 

someone can see your flight and hotel schedule. 


Jim Mallory 

ORBIT INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT - NELSON 

Which destination is your top place to visit in 2017? 

Japan. Whether you’re a city person or nature lover, yearround 

there is always something to do. 

If Japan had a personality, what would it be like? 

Traditional laced with eccentricity. 

What is the best travel experience you’ve ever had? 

Sunrise over Macchu Picchu. It was a magical moment 

and one of those places that lived up to - and exceeded 

the hype. 

Tell us something you bet we didn’t know already. 

If you’re not grossed out by bones, visit the catacombs in Paris. A very unique 

experience that relates to the city’s growth. 

What's your favourite childhood memory from a family holiday? 

The beach in California when I was eight. It was the first time I saw the ocean. 

If you built your own hotel, how would you make it brilliant? 

In a cold climate I’d install underfloor heating. It’s such a nice feeling to 

walk barefoot when it’s snowing outside. 

Shane Ogg 

LEISURE TRAVEL CONSULTANT - HOT PONSONBY 


South America, particularly Brazil. 

If Brazil had a personality, what would it be like? 

Two words only – SENSUALLY SEDUCTIVE! 


Vietnam. From sipping Long Islands beside busy roads 

to temple prayers for my eight unborn children (that I’m 

supposed to have in the near future), it blew my mind. 


Rabbit Island (kunoshima) is smothered in the cute critters. A 

short ride from Hiroshima Airport and then a quick ferry, just don’t 

go if you have allergies! 


Taupo. It doesn’t sound flash, but nothing beats the beauty of Aotearoa. 


Something very similar to the Hotel Metropole in Venice. With spectacular 

views (both in landscape and staff), it would exude magnificence. 

Happy Aquarian 

TRAVEL CONSULTANT - HOT NELSON 


South and Central America. 

If South America had a personality, what would it 

be like? Down to earth, captivating and adventurous. 


South East Asia. Washing and feeding the elephants at 

Elephant Hills was incredible. We stayed in luxury tents 

on a beautiful lake and kayaked while looking for gibbons. 


On some tours you can have dinner in the Vatican and the 

Pope’s own chef will prepare your dinner for you. 


Travelling through the US with my Dad when I was nine. Theme parks and 

jet skis on the lake! 


Free Wi-Fi and remote (mobile) controlled room functions so you can set 

the air-conditioning on your way home (Next Hotel Brisbane and Aloft Hotel 

in Bangkok both offer this feature). 

Melanie Schonewille 

LEISURE MANAGER - HOT WHANGAREI 


Italy. 

If Italy had a personality, what would it be like? 

Sexy, romantic, loud and chaotic. 


A little fishing village called Aspra, an hour out of Palermo, 

Sicily. The most authentic local experience I’ve ever 

had - not another tourist in sight for the entire four days. 


Venice’s corner buildings have arrows pointing to San Marco 

Square, Rialto Bridge or St Lucia Station. You might go the long way but 

follow the arrows and you will get there. 


My family rented a bach in Hahei. Come nightfall, us kids would head to 

the estuary armed with torches and homemade spears to catch flounder. 


My perfect hotel would be on a beautiful beach, with perfect weather. I don’t 

need much to be happy, but it must have enough loungers for everybody! 

Kirsty Stewart 

TRAVEL SPECIALIST - HOT HORNBY 


Japan - vibrant food, friendly people, diversity, safe, true 

cultural experiences. 

If Japan had a personality, what would it be like? 

Unique and captivating. 


Swimming with sharks on a remote reef off the coast 

of Belize with no land in sight. 


Tip over-enthusiastically the first night of a cruise, then always 

return to the same bar (and bartender) for a more personalised service. 


As a child travelling through Mexico in a green VW Kombi van with my 

parents and siblings. 


Themed floors to suit all tastes: one level contemporary, one level cultural 

and one level low-cost. 

Amanda Ellis 

TRAVEL CONSULTANT - HOT BARRINGTON 


Cambodia. While cruising down the Mekong River you 

get to see how the locals live in rural areas. 

If Cambodia had a personality, what would it be like? 

Hardworking and resilient, with a kind, friendly nature. 


Riding a camel through the Sahara Desert at sunset. 

The night’s sky is so clear you can see the Milky Way. 


Prague has an award winning underground bar in the Old 

Town Square, called Black Angel Bar. 


Visiting Australia Zoo - seeing Steve Irwin and chasing him to say hello! 


It would be in a tranquil location, themed to the country. Standalone rooms 

with outdoor spas that overlook the view. It would be all-inclusive and have 

a pool with a swim up bar. 


2017 Travel Planner 

Whether you like to find the best advice or the most niche travel ideas, 

here's the lowdown on planning a perfect 2017 holiday. 

TOP TRAVEL BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW IN 2017 

TRAVEL THINK TANK 

BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2017 

YOU, ME AND A DIFFERENT KIND OF FIJI 

17 HOTEL HACKS FOR 2017 

PHOTO: psimonmyway.com, ©Kama Btara

Family travel: 

TRAVEL WITH BENDER 

Top 

bloggers to 

follow in 2017 

Philosophy: "The ultimate guide for family travel." 

What we like: Travelling since their two children 

were only two and three years old, Erin and Josh 

Bender have made the impossible possible. 

What we love: An endless supply of family travel 

experiences and first-hand information on family 

destinations. The Benders have travelled to over 

65 countries and their accounts are compelling. 

Global family travel has never felt so achievable. 

Our favourite blog: 5 Kid-Friendly Camping 

Recipes Your Family Will Love. 

www.travelwithbender.com 

Drink tea & travel / Photo ©O&M St John Photography 

Couple’s travel: 

DRINK TEA & TRAVEL 

Philosophy: "Fuelled by curiosity, a sense of 

adventure, and an occasional cup of good tea.” 

What we like: Oksana and Max are a married, 

tea drinking duo from Canada. They have been 

enjoying an envy-inducing nomadic lifestyle 

since 2015. 

What we love: These two are living the dream, 

but on a budget. Their blogs are beautifully 

honest; detailing how to achieve sustainable 

living on a feasible amount of money. Their 

sense of adventure is inspirational, their 

imagery astounding. 

Our favourite blog: 9 Tips for Travelling as 

a Couple. 

psimonmyway.com / Photo ©Megan Scraper 

www.drinkteatravel.com 

Solo travel: 

PS I’M ON THE WAY 

Gay & lesbian travel: 

TRAVELS OF ADAM 

Baby boomer travel: 

BLONDE BRUNETTE TRAVEL 

Philosophy: "I am not travelling. I just choose to be 

somewhere else, all the time." 

What we like: The slow, solo traveller, Trisha 

Velarmino wants to know what it feels like to eat, 

cook, speak and sleep in other cultures. 

What we love: Trisha is bold. She’s a diehard 

Barcelona FC fan, she consumes a considerable 

amount of burgers and tacos, and she never shies 

away from the grittier destinations (i.e. the not so 

Insta-friendly places). You're just as likely to find her 

in a Tel Aviv nightclub as you are a Parisian café. 

Our favourite blog: Did You Know? You Can Travel 

Armenia for 5 Days with a $30 USD Daily Budget. 

www.psimonmyway.com 

Philosophy: "Your guide to the coolest things to 

do and see around the world." 

What we like: Adam travels extensively. He’s also 

gay. While some might argue this is irrelevant, 

Adam’s blog highlights the importance of safety, 

comfort and politics, because they can affect the 

travels of a gay explorer. With topics that cover 

LGBTQ travel tips and gay-welcoming events, it’s 

both hipster cool and informative. 

What we love: Incredibly in-depth information 

with engaging topics. It's refreshingly frank and 

will put everyone on the right track for a great trip. 

Our favourite blog: Meat and Potatoe Dishes from 

14 Different Cities around the World. 

www.travelsofadam.com 

Philosophy: "Travel for the young at heart." 

What we like: Two sisters from the USA navigating 

the globe together. Upfront and to the point, this 

travelling twosome are members of the mature 

wanderlust elite. 

What we love: Documenting stories that are both 

sassy and helpful, blogs are witty but useful. The 

queens of common sense, wisdom prevails. 

Our favourite blog: Unhelpful Travel Advice We 

Think You Should Ignore. 

www.blondebrunettetravel.com 

YOU CAN ALSO CHECK OUT HOUSE OF 

TRAVEL’S OWN HACK-PACKED BLOG AT 

WWW.HOUSEOFTRAVEL.CO.NZ/GET-INSPIRED. 


2017 TRAVEL PLANNER 

Travel think tank 

YOUR LUGGAGE HAS BEEN MISPLACED LAST ROOM AT THIS PRICE FLIGHT CANCELLED 

CHEAP FLIGHTS TO 'PARIS' 

5 OTHERS LOOKING AT 

THIS PROPERTY RIGHT NOW 

HOTEL BOOKING CANCELLED 

At House of Travel we believe the best holidays are created together. 

That includes you, us, your own research, our experience and yes, even the World Wide Web. 

If you’re planning a holiday in 2017, here are 6 thinkers to consider before you book. 

Are internet prices too good to be true? 

Actually, no. The internet is awash with travel bargains. 

From super low flight prices to hotel deals that’ll leave 

you feeling richer than a Wall Street stockbroker. And 

they’re all good. And the reason we know they’re so good 

is because we use them too. 

“Drop into any House of Travel branch and what we 

pull up on our screen is exactly what you can search on 

your own. And then some. We have access to all the big 

players we know you trust such as Expedia and Viator, 

plus other sites which consumers can’t access. With the 

added bonus that we can do all the clicking and confirming 

for you.” Lauren Keith, HOT Wakatipu. 

Can I trust budget airlines? 

Granted, the bargains are unbelievable. Twenty dollars 

for a one way flight to Paris? Better grab that must-have 

deal before someone else snaps up the sale of the century 

(and if the online pop-ups are to be believed, there’s only 

“One Seat Left” anyway). Best hurry. 

Hang fire. 

Some airports (European ones especially), aren’t 

always located in the cities they are listed online. For 

example, certain carriers bound for Paris, actually fly 

into Beauvais Airport; in the commune of Tille and 65km 

north-west of the capital. That’s a minimum 90 minute 

transfer time. 

Good to know up front, right? Book with your HOT 

consultant to ensure you’re flying into Paris’ main airport: 

Charles de Gaulle, or if you can’t resist the bargain they 

can arrange an easy, comfortable transfer. Sit back and 

mull it over, because as Lauren explains, “That urgent 

“One Seat Left” siren is flashing unnecessarily. Let’s just 

say your consultant’s screen probably says otherwise.” 

How long is my transit time? 

International airports such as Singapore’s Changi Airport 

welcome thousands of transit passengers every single day. 

Not surprisingly this calls for a myriad of boredom-busting 

amenities. Swimming pools, water gardens, Jacuzzis, 

Xbox stations, cinemas. You name it, they’ve fitted it. 

Alas, like all things in life, not all airports are 

made equal. 

“A few years ago, I had an eight hour wait in China’s 

Guangzhou Airport. I was tired, between two 12 hour 

flights and I didn’t even have a book. Because of this 

experience I now inform my clients about Guangzhou’s 

shortcomings upfront. It’s a very convenient transit 

airport, but I like to make sure they’re prepared. Usually 

I try to find them a flight with a maximum two hour wait, 

or suggest they pay NZ$60 for three hours in the Premium 

Lounge.” 

Which is the best hotel for me? 

Did you know there are approximately 187,000 hotels 

gracing the planet? And all of them want you in bed. 

Beautiful hotel images speak a thousand words, but don’t 


PICKPOCKETED DELAYED A SHORT 8 HOUR LAY-OVER 

LAST BOOKED 10 MINS AGO MISSED CONNECTING FLIGHT LAST FLIGHT DEPARTED 

❝ 

The internet 

doesn’t care if 

you’re in a pickle. 

you just wish they’d speak a thousand more? 

Wouldn’t you like to know that a short elevator ride to 

the top floor of Kowloon’s Sheraton will present a hidden 

oyster and wine bar? Or if you take two left-turns from 

the Madrid Mercure you’ll find the best bowl of Paella 

in Spain? And while pretty aesthetic images plastered 

across hotel sites make us all giddy, pictures alone can’t 

divulge the information that really matters. 

Our HOT consultants work in travel because, like you, 

they love to travel. Decades of adventure means they’ve 

collated all the information that handsome hotel images 

can’t. At HOT, our insider knowledge is extensive. Our 

consultants know because they go. 

What if I need assistance while I’m away? 

Internet search engines are clever little things. Tell them 

exactly what you want and they’ll spew out a thousand 

options at an intense speed. Bish, bash, bosh - job's a 

good'un. And once they’ve regurgitated the optimum 

results, sucked in your card details and spat out a 

confirmation email, there’s no such thing as a tip of the 

proverbial hat before they swiftly move onto the next 

three billion consumers. But hang on, what if you have 

a question, or worse, a problem? 

The internet doesn’t do problems, it does results. The 

internet doesn’t care if you’re in a pickle: AWOL luggage, 

a missed flight or a run in with a nifty Spanish pickpocket. 

But at HOT, we provide 24/7 holiday assistance. 

“Due to a change in China’s visa-free transit times, and 

because Swiss Air staff did not have the updated information, 

my clients were told they couldn’t board a flight to 

Shanghai. After phoning HOT’s free after hours’ number, 

a consultant spoke to Swiss Air directly and the issue 

was resolved.” Pia Lemin, HOT Lakers. In addition we 

recommend all our customers to download the HOT travel 

app. As well as storing itineraries, travel documents and 

flight details, it also puts you in direct contact with your 

travel specialist. 

Should I really tackle this alone? 

It’s clear that in today’s world, holidays booked independently 

are incredibly easy. But self-reliance is 

also presenting an increasing amount of problems. 

Collaborations between traveller and travel agent permits 

double the knowledge and half the hiccups. Wouldn’t 

you rather have more expertise, greater trust and a 24/7 

safety net? 

READY TO CREATE SOMETHING INCREDIBLE 

TOGETHER? BRING YOUR IDEAS IN-STORE, CALL 

US ON 0800 713 715 OR VISIT WWW.HOT.CO.NZ 

FOR MORE IDEAS. 



Best places to 

travel in 2017 

Your definitive guide to 2017’s biggest trending 

destinations. We think these places are going 

to be SO BIG, half the world will have a magnet 

bearing their name by December. Catch one 

while you can. 

1. Aarhus, Denmark 

As the second largest city in Denmark, Aarhus has scored itself the title of 

Europe's Capital of Culture for 2017. It’s also bagged the European Region of 

Gastronomy 2017. Bragging rights include ARoS Museum, with its contemporary 

exhibits and rainbow-coloured skywalk, and The Latin Quarter, featuring 

14th century architecture and pretty pockets of coffee shops and cobblestone 

streets. For X-rated platters of Danish food, including the classic ‘smørrebrød’ 

(open-faced sandwich) venture to the Vadestedet. Fronting the river, endless 

cafés spill onto a sun-drenched pavement, all offering light bites and charming 

outdoor service. For something more flash, look for Aarhus' dazzling harbour 

and savour the freshest just-caught seafood straight out of Aarhus Bay. 

2. Hanoi, Vietnam 

In Hanoi, you can’t move for good food and screaming motorbikes. Both of 

which require a certain amount of courage to tackle. Cross the road with the 

same confidence you pretend to have while eating ‘unknowns’ from a roadside 

barbecue – it’s all an adventure. Pho is to be consumed on little plastic 

stools outside family run restaurants, and eaten with fiddle-some chopsticks 

that will give all the locals a giggle. Circumnavigate a lap of the lake, stopping 

en route for mango lassi and herby noodles infused with aromatic spices. Start 

with egg coffee in the morning, in dinky cafés and rundown side streets, and 

finish at night with a five star meal overlooking a hazy, honking skyline. Hanoi 

is extreme; in both flavour and experience.

3. North Wales, UK 

This is where you’ll find Snowdon; Wales’ highest mountain, as well as plenty 

of rugged coastline, a beautiful island called Anglesey (also the home of Bear 

Grylls) and the now infamous Bounce Below. An activity centre in Penrhyn 

Quarry‘s Zip World, Bounce Below is an underground cavern complex housed 

in a former slate mine. Featuring a series of giant cave-based trampolines, with 

four huge slides (some reaching heights of 18 metres) and six levels of bouncing 

fun, it’s just one of many adventure playgrounds sprouting up in North Wales. 

For additional thrills, check out The Surf Snowdonia Adventure Park with its 

'Crash & Splash Lagoon' - a watery assault course not dissimilar to Total Wipeout. 

There's also winter canoeing along Snowdonia's icy blue lakes and White Water 

Rafting on the temperamental River Dee. 

4. Austin, USA 

In Austin, even your coffee comes with a side serving of live music. The city is 

often referred to as the 'Live Music Capital of the World’ and for every corner 

turned, there’s an impromptu performance, regardless of whether you’re in 

a tiny café or a heaving bar. A hub of unwavering old-school funk, the entire 

metropolis is a venue for creatives; musicians, artists and playwrights flock here 

for the laid-back vibes and cool hippy charm. Aside from good rhythms, inner 

city attractions include the world’s largest urban bat colony, which people flood 

to see every night, as they take flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge. And for 

those who want to step outside of the city, there’s Hamilton Pool. A jade lagoon 

which dates back thousands of years. Today the inviting water (complete with 

fairy tale waterfall) attracts a colony of its own: sunbathers and water lovers. 

5. Adelaide, South Australia 

Visually stunning and home to some of the world’s most raved about cuisine. Is 

it France? Italy? The Mediterranean? Not at all, we’ve headed across the Tasman 

and found Australia. With a culinary scene so profound even the Parisians are 

raising an eyebrow, Adelaide and its surrounding regions enjoy an abundance 

of fresh produce, from gooey cheese to just-shucked shellfish. The wine varietals 

are also extensive, with the odd (and oddly wonderful) Sparkling Shiraz 

an SA must-try. Aside from pretty vineyards, the formidable terrain is a startling 

panorama of torched earth blackened by bush fire. It is a symbol of botanical 

glory. In South Australia, nature always springs back with a vengeance. The 

result? Soil the colour of saffron, complemented by green regrowth and the 

spindly trunks of eucalyptus trees. 

Anglesey 

Austin 

Golden nuggets 

from our golden 

consultants 

THE TIPS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE, 

FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE “BEEN THERE, 

DONE THAT.” 

1. Aarhus 

The Møllestien is arguably the prettiest 

street in Aarhus with cobbled streets and 

18th century houses. 

2. Hanoi 

Hit the Old Quarter in Hanoi and climb the 

stairs to Cau Go. This rooftop restaurant 

boasts elevated lake views. 

3. North Wales 

The Menai Strait separates the island of 

Anglesey from mainland Wales. It’s here 

you’ll find The Straits Restaurant. With 

home cooked dishes and local produce, 

don’t miss the slow cooked Welsh lamb. 

4. Austin 

Austin City Limits and South by Southwest 

are two massive festivals held in Austin. 

Music lovers shouldn't miss them. 

5. Adelaide 

South Australia is best enjoyed from the 

Murray River. Hire a luxury houseboat with 

Unforgettable Houseboats and set your 

own pace. 

IF ALL OF THE ABOVE SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA, POP IN-STORE, 

CALL US ON 0800 713 715 OR VISIT WWW.HOT.CO.NZ. WE’LL PUT 

YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO BE. 



You, me and a 

different kind of Fiji 

Where better to ignite romance than Fiji? The land of sunsets and spas, 

lazy Sundays and languid beach strolls. But if all of that’s a little obvious, 

how about one of these alternative date ideas? 

Inland adventures 

When most of us envisage Fiji, we dream of picture-perfect islands with platinum 

white sand and an ocean dotted with clown fish and coral. Which of course, is all very 

much available – in abundance. But step away from the beach and you’ll soon find a 

mountainous interior flushed with lush vegetation and fields of harvest. Cruise your 

way up the waterways of the Sigatoka River on-board a custom built jet boat as part 

of the popular Sigatoka River Safari, and en-route to remote Fijian villages, you’ll 

encounter fishermen and their helpers, children leaping from trees and locals waving 

enthusiastically as you pass. Once ashore, immerse yourself in the native customs 

of the real 'kaiviti' (Fijian people). Ceremonies of kava, singing and traditional dancing, 

followed by an authentic Fijian feast and the thud of the lali – an indigenous 

drum crafted entirely from wood. Back on the boat, your return journey mixes starling 

views with 360 degree donut spins. How’s that for a thrill seeking adventure? 

Fiji sunset dinner cruise 

The sun sets everywhere, but perhaps nowhere quite as beautiful as Fiji. A startling 

palette of burnt orange, yellow and purple, if you’re going to soak up one of the 

country’s most dramatic vistas, it’s best done from a sultry, catamaran boat. With 

a cocktail in hand, as part of the renowned ‘Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise’ you and your 

partner will depart Denarau Marina aboard the twin-deck MV City of Nadi, operated 

by Captain Cook Cruises. With the threat of a sinking sun hanging loosely as a 

backdrop, a three course barbecue is served to the musical notes of island ballads, 

dancing and entertainment. The staff are as warm as the last rays that beat down 

onto the deck, with hosts that will explain every detail about the stunning Mamanuca 

Islands, as you gently glide past. Tuck into a feast of local Fijian delicacies, from Ota 

and Miti (local spinach and coconut milk) to baked bananas in rich coconut cream, 

before watching the sun disappear and the night’s sky erupt into a blanket of stars. 

Three hours later, full of Fijian food and spirit, you will return to Denarau – possibly 

already lulled to sleep by the soft rock of your boat. 

Mystery flights 

Fiji looks great from a beach hammock. Fiji looks great when you are snorkelling. 

Fiji looks great from both your hotel room and a luxury boat. But nowhere does 

Fiji look more spectacular than from the air. Imagine soaring above crystal-clear 

water dotted with tropical sanctuaries the colour of gemstones; miles of pristine 

coastline nudging at lush rainforest and verdant mountainside. The colours alone 

PHOTO: Namotu Island, Mamanuca Islands, Nadi, Fiji 


merge from a rich shade of jade all the way through to a bright flash of blue. “Breath 

taking” doesn’t seem to do any of it justice. Take flight with Pacific Island Air and 

we’ll let you coin your own adjective to describe Fiji from above. Opt for a helicopter 

or seaplane and swoop over some of the amazing 300 (plus) isles that make up 

Fiji and the Mamanuca group of islands. Better still, pick the ‘Mystery Tour’ option. 

The mystery being, you won’t know where you’re going until you board. 

Flavours of Fiji cooking classes 

Imagine swapping your weekly spaghetti bolognaise for a big bowl of Kokoda. Or 

a spicy Okra Curry served with Ota Vaka Miti. These classic Fijian dishes are better 

described as ceviche (Fijian style, with white fish marinated in lime onion, tomato, 

chilli and coconut milk), an Indian curry and a Fijian varietal of spinach. Partake 

in a half day cooking class at Flavours of Fiji in Denarau and you’ll walk away with 

all the know-how to prepare your very own authentic Fijian dishes. Native Fijians 

are Melanesians, and Indo-Fijians have descendants from India, so your 7-8 course 

class will cover Fijian feasts, Indian thali and tropical desserts, with plenty of clever 

cooking tips revealed as you learn. Run by two bubbly friends in a purpose built 

(and air conditioned) warehouse, you’ll enjoy a three hour introduction into Fijian 

cuisine, complete with plenty of entertainment and laughter, and culminating in a 

delicious sit down dinner finale. 

Snorkel with sharks 

If you and your partner share an affinity for an adrenaline thrill, forgo snorkelling 

with starfish and head straight for the sharks. Forget cages and aquariums, this 

one’s about ducking your head beneath the water and coming face to face with a 

reef shark. Led by expert guides from South Sea Cruises, you’ll embrace the tropical 

waters of the South Pacific and join these magnificent creatures in their natural 

environment. Picked up from Nadi or Denarau, those with a daring nature can sail 

to Kuata Island on-board Fiji’s Yasawa Flyer. Having completed a beachfront briefing, 

you’ll board a second boat and travel to the shark site. With congregations of 

up to six sharks, including both White Tip Reef Sharks and Black Tip Reef Sharks, 

it’s a bucket list achievement you’ll be telling the grandchildren about in decades 

to come. As graceful as they are striking, these beautiful predators will beguile you 

with their elegance, rather than their ‘menacing’ reputation. Which we should add, 

they are anything but. 

KEEN TO FIRE UP THE ROMANCE IN BEAUTIFUL FIJI? GREAT DEALS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL HOUSE OF TRAVEL STORE. 

POP IN, CALL US ON 0800 713 715 OR VISIT WWW.HOT.CO.NZ. 



17 hotel hacks for 2017 

5 of the best hotels 

we’re enjoying 

right now: 

THE SURFJACK HOTEL & SWIM CLUB 

HAWAII 

Opening its doors just last year and only a few blocks 

from Waikiki Beach, Surfjack's retro design and 

112 vintage-style rooms evoke bygone beach vibes. 

Themed around the surf culture of Oahu’s North 

Shore in the 1960s, it summons laid-back chills and 

shaka signs. 

CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS LODGE 

CANADA 

Taking glamping to a whole new level of luxurious, 20 

elegant tents are fully equipped with king size beds, 

wooden stoves and ensuite bathrooms. Accessed via 

seaplane, expect gourmet locally caught salmon for 

dinner, and daily yoga classes, wood fired hot tubs, 

spa and saunas for your daily entertainment. 


Make the most 

of your stay 

with one (or all) 

of these nifty 

hotel hacks. 

1. To score a larger room, request a corner room 

because they’re usually bigger. 

2. For the quietest room, ask for one midway along 

the hallway. These are generally further away from 

elevators and ice dispensers etc. 

3. Request a top floor room to avoid noise filtering 

down from above. However, expect to pay more 

for rooms higher up. Especially if you’re staying at 

a hotel with club floors. 

4. Do a little bit of research about your hotel’s amenities 

prior to arriving - especially the perks it might 

offer. From complimentary bike rentals to discount 

spa prices, it’s worth knowing what the benefits are. 

5. Avoid calling front desk for special requests 

between 9am – 1pm. It’s their busiest time and they 

won’t be able to help as easily. 

6. Take a HDMI cable to attach the TV to your laptop. 

The next episode of Peaky Blinders is all but a WiFi 

password away. 

7. Pack a power board so you can charge multiple 

gadgets all at once. Check your voltage first. 

8. Failing that, charge your phone using the USB slot 

on the back of the TV. 

9. Invest in a WiFi travel router that will set up a 

single hotspot for all your devices to share. 

10. If you arrive at your hotel before check-in, 

you can usually drop your bags off with concierge 

and request an access card to their gym and other 

facilities. Perfect for freshening up after a flight. 

11. Early check-ins and late check-outs are not 

unusual requests and yet many of us feel sheepish 

asking for them. Don’t be. Most hotels will be 

happy to accommodate. But call ahead - the day 

before is best. 

12. Forget something? This happens all the time and 

hotels expect it. Don't dash out to the local store 

for toothpaste, plug adapters or iPhone chargers, 

they're all behind the front desk. 

13. Ask for children’s toys. They might not advertise 

it, but most hotels stock art supplies and various 

toys to keep their smaller guests occupied. 

14. Avoid paying for WiFi by signing up to the hotel’s 

loyalty program. Many of the bigger chains offer 

complimentary internet. 

15. Check in advance about daily resort fees. These 

are particularly common in the USA. They’re a 

mandatory fee added to your nightly room rate 

(to pay for the upkeep of facilities). 

16. Got a young tot in tow? Take a baby-proofing kit 

which could include a few outlet covers, table-corner 

covers, tape and rubber bands. 

Ask for a newly renovated room. Most large hotels 

are regularly upgrading so there's no harm in asking 

for the one with the freshest lick of paint. 

CITIZENM TOWER OF LONDON HOTEL 

LONDON 

All the flare without the fare, stay in London (and in 

luxury) for a reasonable price. All the essentials are 

free, including free movies and free WiFi throughout. 

The Tower of London is a mere seven minute walk 

away and there are more Union Jacks than there are 

bedrooms. And there’s 370 of them! 

THE SILO 

CAPE TOWN 

Opening 1 March 2017, this upmarket hotel is built 

into a former grain silo and soaks up the views of 

the V&A Waterfront. It also boasts pillowed glazing. 

Inserted into the external panels, this gives the 

appearance of gently inflated windows, and at night 

will resemble a huge glowing lantern. 

THE FOUR SEASONS SEYCHELLES 

AT DESROCHES ISLAND 

Coconuts, reefs, champagne sand and crystal clear 

water. No wonder the A-list elite flood to Desroches 

Island. From 2017 The Four Seasons will add 40 

beach suites and 11 private residence villas into the 

mix, complete with world-class diving, snorkelling 

and water sports. 


Limited Edition 

Tours 

Don’t let adventure get away 

Book now and get 15% off all Limited Edition 

tours with House of Travel 

Save 

15% 

on Limited Edition tours 

until March 31 

They’re here, but they’re fleeting. With G Adventures Limited Edition tours, find out what it 

really means to take on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Marvel at the annual wildebeest 

migration along Africa’s Serengeti grasslands, join a longboat crew at Cambodia’s Water 

Festival, soak in the ethereal beauty of Iceland’s Northern Lights or join one of the worlds 

most colourful festivals at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Whichever of the 35 unique 

experiences you choose, hurry and book. These won’t last long. 

Book with House of Travel by March 31, 2017 to save 15% on all Limited Edition departures 

until December 31, 2017. 

gadventures.com/limited-edition 

Terms and Conditions apply see your House of Travel Representative for full details.

Why Guided Holidays? 

Considered one of the easiest, most unique ways to travel, 

guided holidays offer the ultimate in hassle-free getaways. 

Look what you could be enjoying in 2017. 

A YEAR OF ADVENTURE 

THE AVALON DIARY 

6 PHOTOS THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO TRAVEL WITH TRAFALGAR 

PHOTO: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia 


WHY GUIDED HOLIDAYS? 

A year of adventure 

In a world where anything seems possible, we all crave to go 

where few else have tried. The search for an adventure that is next 

level incredible has begun. 

With G Adventures’ Limited Edition tours you get 

just that. A selection of new and unique "one-off" 

trips that are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Designed for every type of traveller; the music 

fans, sporty types, wildlife lovers, foodies and 

culture vultures, they are vast but limited. Only 

occurring a few times a year. 

So what are you waiting for? Here's your ticket 

to a year full of adventure. Starting now. 

MARCH / USA 

Iconic Mardi Gras New Orleans 

6 DAYS, NEW ORLEANS 

A six day fully guided tour, led by your Chief 

Experience Officer (tour guide), to celebrate the 

USA’s only Mardi Gras. 

Beads, beer and blues music, New Orleans’ Mardi 

Gras is a chaotic explosion of celebration, with 

music and mayhem pulsating from every crack in 

the brickwork. With over 1000 revellers and more 

than 30 flamboyant floats, joyous chaos abounds. 

Saloon style bars shake to the throb of rhythm and 

people, with everyone letting off steam before 

Lent. Mardi Gras is French for 'Fat Tuesday' and 

symbolises the last day of indulging before fasting. 

But with G Adventures you have six full days to 

spoil your taste buds; this is Cajun country, so get 

acquainted with lively flavours. Lock lips with an 

infamous beignet at Café du Monde in the French 

Quarter and descend on the bakeries, open predawn, 

for a traditional Mardi Gras ‘King Cake’. 

These gluttonous treats are ring-shaped and frosted. 

Inside there’s a tiny plastic baby – find it and 

tradition insists you have to buy next year’s cake. 

JULY-AUGUST / TANZANIA/KENYA 

Serengeti Migration Safari 

9 DAYS, ARUSHA 

An annual migration of epic proportions. And 

memories just as immense. 

Considered one of the world's most profound 

events, witnessing the annual wildebeest 

migration from the Serengeti Park in Tanzania 

to Kenya's Maasai Mara reserve is undisputedly, 

an experience of a lifetime. These are sights 

you may never observe again. A 1200-mile 

odyssey made by wildebeest, zebra and smaller 

(yet equally ambitious) creatures, you expect 

to be bowled over by their quest, but you’ll be 

equally astonished by the terrain. Vast swathes 

of rain fall over a never-ending horizon and the 

savanna, barren yet beautiful, is a kingdom 

ruled solely by animals. From the Ngorongoro 

Crater to Serengeti National Park, with 

G Adventures you’ll explore grasslands and 

grazing grounds, remote Maasai villages and 

boundless safari plains. By daybreak you’ll be 

tracking the Big Five, by lunchtime you’re dining 

with a local family. And by the ninth day you’ll 

have participated in one of nature’s greatest 

journeys. This one trumps everything. 

PRICE: FROM NZ$ 6439p p 



SEPTEMBER / ITALY 

Pizzafest In Naples 

5 DAYS, NAPLES 

A tour dedicated entirely to the magnificence 

of pizza. 

If the thought of cheese, tomato and a buttery 

crust sends you into a bit of a tizz, you’ll want to 

join other pizza aficionados at the annual Naples 

Pizzafest, in Italy of course. A celebration of all 

things stone baked, it’s five days of pure unadulterated 

dough. With G Adventures you’re granted 

daily evening access to Pizza Village, the home 

of Pizzafest, for tastings, demonstrations and a 

good old yarn with the world's greatest pizzaioli 

(pizza chefs). While daytimes are filled with trips 

to Pompeii for historical wonders and Sorrento, 

to learn how Limoncello is made on a traditional 

Sorrento lemon farm. If you’re a self-diagnosed 

pizza addict, with an affection for world-famous 

culture and cuisine, you’re just one G Adventures' 

trip away from flatbread heaven. 


OCTOBER / ROMANIA 

Halloween In Transylvania 

7 DAYS, BUCHAREST 

Spend Halloween as a guest of Dracula in his 

haunted Hunyad Castle. 

Spend Halloween with the spirit of Dracula. Not 

the fang-toothed and garlic fearing fictional 

character, but the 15th century being on which 

he was based: Vlad 'The Impaler'. Better known 

in his (killing) heyday as Dracula, or Draculea, 

he had something of a fondness for evil deeds, 

and a penchant for impaling his enemies. With 

G Adventures you’ll climb the 1400 steps to 

the ruins of Dracula's Poenari Castle, visit the 

turreted and spectacularly creepy Brasov Bran 

Castle (also known as Dracula's Castle) and 

spend Halloween attending a fancy dress party 

at Hunyad Castle, considered one of Europe’s 

most haunted buildings. It’s estimated that Vlad 

slaughtered over 10,000 victims in all manner 

of heinous ways. Venture solo to the toilet if you 

dare. 


DECEMBER / JAPAN 

Japan Winter Highlights 

9 DAYS, TOKYO TO KYOTO 

Nine days from city to village to mountainside. 

Making the most of Japan’s most enchanting 

season. 

With average temperature between 3°C - 7°C, 

a Japanese winter will nip at your nose and fill 

your lungs with an icy inhale. But it’s also one 

of the most breath taking times of year to see all 

of Japan’s most revered spectacles. And with hot 

onsens and steaming ramen noodles, you’ll feel 

more cosy than cold. Soak up the big metropolises 

of Tokyo and Kyoto with a CEO-led city tour, 

explore Osaka, and then discover the smaller, 

scenic villages of Shirakawa-go, and the natural 

hot springs built into the riverbed at seninburo 

onsen. Marvel at geishas and ninjas, traditional 

samurai towns and authentic Japanese cuisine in 

the lair of a tiny commune. Add on an optional 

daytrip to Mt Fuji and you’ll be rewarded with 

a volcano dressed in her very best attire; a pale 

winter's glow, mist hovering like a suspended 

white blanket and a mountain peak encased in 

serene, untouchable snow. 


This is just a mere handful of the unique adventures 

you can experience with G Adventures, and 

many have multiple departure dates across different 

months. 

RECEIVE 15% OFF 

G ADVENTURES LIMITED EDITION TOURS EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH HOUSE OF TRAVEL. 

SALES FROM 25 FEBRUARY - 31 MARCH 2017. 

REDEEMABLE IN-STORE - OR CALL US ON 0800 713 715. 

For travel between 25 February and 31 December 2017. T&Cs apply. 



The Avalon 

diary 

By HOT blogger, Anna Sarjeant. 

“Last August I 

embarked on a 

luxurious French 

Avalon Waterways 

river cruise. One 

week of glorious 

waterways, fine wine 

and French dining.” 

Saturday 30 July: Paris embarkation 

Avalon's ‘Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches’ is a deluxe 

seven night cruise which weaves along the Seine, past pretty 

French villages characterised by famous painters and pockmarked 

with WWII scars. Today we depart Paris on-board 

The Tapestry II. A ship that gleams with glass, brass and 

golden service. 

For now, I am content to do nothing more than wrap 

myself up in Egyptian cotton sheets, kill the lights and watch 

Paris dissolve into the distance from my bed. It’s 10pm and 

with dinner done, dusk is only just upon us. With floor-toceiling 

patio doors in every Stateroom, my curtains are ajar 

and the laps of water serenade me to sleep. 

Sunday 31 July: Giverny & Monet’s Garden 

Monet’s Garden. You can imagine how busy this oasis gets 

in the height of a European summer. So it is with relief that 

utters of ‘skip the queue’ privileges float down the coach 

aisle, as we travel from the town of Les Andeleys (where 

the ship’s now docked) to Giverny. We arrive early, another 

tactic deployed by Avalon to avoid the hordes, and one that 

also benefits the eldest lady in our group; a woman enjoying 

her 88th birthday in the presence of Monet's garden. So 

inspiring is this botanical enclave, it would influence even 

the most lack-lustre artists to fold out an easel and paint. 

As for Avalon guests, we have members as young as 10 and 

as well-versed as 88, and we are all perfectly catered for. 

Monday 1st August: Caudebec & The Abbey Road Tour 

We’ve embraced the ‘Avalonian’ culture to treat all staff 

like friends and found ourselves Sailor Man Ben. Having 

absconded to the upper deck the night prior, we came across 

the bridge, the Captain and his dashing right-hand man. 

Cordially invited inside we marvel at the ship’s state-of-theart 

equipment. And let’s be honest, at Benjamin too. 

Sailors aside, we spend Monday morning soaking up the 

rich tapestry of Jumieges Abbey, a former Benedictine 

church. Founded in 654, its ruins provide a fascinating 

insight into France’s past. Tales are brought gloriously 

to life by our French guide, who regales us with history 

through our headsets, and we conclude the excursion 

with a visit to a fully-operational Benedictine 

monastery. 

Tuesday 2nd August: 

Normandy D Day Landing Beaches 

On a cruise titled ‘Paris to Normandy’s Landing 

Beaches’, we all know at least one sobering excursion 

is in the midst. 

Today we visit the Normandy D-Day Beaches and 

the weather is appropriately drizzly; not dissimilar to 

the conditions 72 years earlier. It presents a harrowing 

vision into one of WWII’s bloodiest assaults: the 

storming of Normandy’s beaches. An experience 

that resonates with all those whose relatives fought 

for the Western Allies. A day earlier Avalon invited 

guest speaker, Nigel Stewart, to deliver an on-board 

WWII lecture and now we are all moved by the plight 

of our soldiers - ancestral or otherwise. Later, the 

American War Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer leaves 

me with a particularly large lump in my throat. Avalon 

provide a fresh rose to lay at the foot of a gravestone, 

but when faced with almost ten thousand of them - 

poignantly adjacent to Omaha Beach – choosing one 

proves difficult. 

Wednesday 3rd August: Rouen lit up 

Last night, on the recommendation of our Cruise 

Director, Tony, we jumped ship and walked into the 

centre of Rouen to watch the ‘Cathedrale de Lumiere’. 

I’m still revelling in its magic today. Free throughout 

summer, Rouen’s already formidable cathedral 

is illuminated every night at 11pm by an incredible 

display of animation. Knights scale the towering 


pillars; snakes weave in and out of the windows; children’s 

doodles adorn the façade and a myriad of rainbow 

colours cascade like waterfalls from the bell tower. The 

creativity is astounding, and by midnight, I’m still picking 

my jaw off the floor. 

Thursday 4th August: 

Vincent van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise 

Standing before Vincent van Gogh’s ivy shroud gravestone, 

we, the audience, are totally enthralled. The 

weather is bleak and the ambience pensive; a combination 

our tour guide is using to brilliant effect. We’re 

told of Vincent’s blighted childhood, his crippling fear 

of failure and of course, his tragic death in the town 

of Auvers-sur-Oise. We then visit Van Gogh’s infamous 

‘room number 5’ in the Auberge Ravoux. Unchanged 

since he bled out in 1890, it’s dark, desolate and notably 

lonely. My heart breaks for the second time in two 

days. Time for cake. 

Auvers-sur-Oise is one of the quaintest villages we’ve 

explored, with a bonnie French patisserie to boot. While 

tucking into a raspberry tart I wonder how, after last 

night’s seven-course degustation dinner in the bistro 

lounge, I even have the space to devour another pastry. 

Alas, down it goes. 

Friday 5th August: Montmartre’s Moulin Rouge 

Back in Paris, the ‘Illumination Tour’ treats guests to an 

evening circuit of the capital. Enjoyed from the comfort 

of the coach, it’s the perfect way to see Paris without 

tourists and touts tapping at your elbows. As for today, 

we’ve climbed the steps of Montmartre in Paris’ most 

colourful neighbourhood. Home to Sacré-Cœur and 

The Moulin Rouge. It's easy to lose yourself in the steep 

streets of a quartier awash with painters, creperies and 

shabby chic cafés. Some guests are returning this evening 

for the Moulin Rouge dinner and show, but not me, I’m 

off to find Sailor Man Ben. I’m going to impress him with 

my own rendition of the Can-Can. 

Saturday 6th August: disembarkation & au revoir 

I have an uneasy feeling in my stomach and it’s called 

disappointment. It’s home time. I don’t want to leave my 

beautiful stateroom, or L’OCCITANE products and floorto-ceiling 

patio door. What do you mean I have to return 

home to the view of my neighbour’s dirty weatherboard? 

I’m now lingering at the coffee machine, pretending to 

make a latte. It’s 9.10am and I should’ve disembarked 

ten minutes ago. Never. I’ll die before I have to leave 

this sanctuary of scenery, service and Sailor Man Ben. 

A revolutionary I am not. By 9.11am I’m sat on 

the coach bound for Charles de Gaulle airport. 

Au revoir Avalon, you’ve been spectacular. 

THE AVALON DIARY: ASK US ABOUT ALL OUR 

AVALON RIVER CRUISES. COME IN-STORE, CALL 

US ON 0800 713 715 OR VISIT WWW.HOT.CO.NZ. 



6 photos that will make 

you want to travel with Trafalgar 

What makes Trafalgar different? Having experienced a ten day trip from French Provence to Barcelona, 

HOT blogger, Anna Sarjeant, details all the highlights of a Trafalgar guided holiday. 

1. 

3. 

SKIP THE QUEUE 

PRIVILEGES 

As a guest of Trafalgar you'll often enjoy fast-track 

admittance to all the well frequented sights. And 

if you’ve ever been to Europe in the height of 

summer, you’ll no doubt be singing hallelujah. 

In Spain, we sauntered up to the front steps 

of Barcelona's Sagrada Família and skipped the 

queue like we'd just told them our name was 

Gaudí, here to finish a project. 

2. 

TRAVEL DIRECTOR 

INSIGHT 

In Carcassonne, come nightfall (and on Pascal, our 

Travel Director’s recommendation) we descended 

on the Hotel de la Cité for stunning views of the 

castle bathed in moonlight. With Trafalgar, your 

Travel Director provides standout moments like 

these from the get-go. Handpicked and Trafalgar 

trained, your TD is a constant source of information, 

as well as a familiar face in a crowd; a 

language expert; a food guru; an answer to every 

(seemingly implausible) request. They will make 

your trip the best it can possibly be. 

LOCAL 

SPECIALISTS 

In every destination you want to discover the 

hidden gems; all the best bits that only the locals 

really know about. With Trafalgar, you get just 

that. Local specialists revealing the secrets 

you wouldn’t uncover on your own. From ‘Les 

Traboules’, hidden passageways that lie behind 

Lyon’s unassuming doors, to Van Gogh's favourite 

hangouts in Arles, don’t expect these treasures 

to find you themselves - hook yourself a Trafalgar 

Local Specialist. 


Trafalgar: 

In a nutshell: 

Whatever your travel style, Trafalgar will help you see 

more of the world. With a focus on unique cultural immersion 

and local experiences, tours are led by passionate 

Travel Directors and shaped by 70 years of expertise. 

4. 

6. 

GOOD 

COMPANY 

There are no strangers by day two. Just friends. 

From welcome meetings to ice-breakers, you’ll 

be encouraged to talk. Quick-fire question sheets 

ensure guests ask one another about their occupations 

and hobbies, while name tags make it easy to 

strike up a conversation. Trafalgar also promotes 

a ‘seat rotation’ policy which creates an opportunity 

to talk with somebody new each day. You 

can still sit with your travelling companion, but 

you’ll also make many more friends along the way. 

5. 

BE MY GUEST 

EXPERIENCES 

Far removed from tourist hubs, guests are invited 

to dine with locals, often in their own homes, as 

part of Trafalgar's Be My Guest dining experiences. 

In Provence, we headed to La Bastide Rose 

on the Sorgue River, where Emmanuelle served 

us a three course Provençal dinner in the heart 

of his family home. Sat just off the kitchen, we 

ate with no other guests but ourselves, while our 

host busied himself with huge pots of poached 

pears and enormous bottles of Pernod. All the 

while regaling us with witty anecdotes and tales 

of French despair. 

SENSORY 

OVERLOADS 

From spectacular scenery to must-see landmarks 

and the smell of hot crepes sizzling in sugar and 

lemon, every day is a pleasure state for the senses. 

Stop for cheese at food markets heaving with 

produce, or pick up a crunchy baguette from 

alfresco cafés fronting the waterfront. Indulge 

in artwork, get acquainted with long forgotten 

histories, or simply sit and pen an old fashioned 

postcard to your family. Trafalgar is all about 

indulging your dopamine. 

TRAFALGAR'S HIGHLIGHTS OF FRANCE AND BARCELONA COVERS 3 COUNTRIES AND 15 CITIES IN 10 DAYS. DESTINATIONS THAT INSPIRED ARTISTS 

AND THEIR MASTERPIECES VIA A ROUTE THAT CUTS THROUGH THE HEART OF FRANCE AND NORTHERN SPAIN. 

TO BOOK, COME IN STORE, CALL 0800 713 715 OR VISIT HOT.CO.NZ. PRICE: FROM NZ$ 3550 * p p. 


Children Talk Holidays 

Imagine if your kids planned your holiday. 

This issue we've given children centre stage. 

Tykes talk first, parents second. 

HOW TO PACK YOUR TRUNKI 

TOP 10 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PARENTS 

TRAVEL STREET SMARTS 


CHILDREN TALK HOLIDAYS 

How to 

pack your Trunki 

The Trunki, if you weren’t already aware, is a revolutionary 

children's suitcase that doubles up as a ride-on toy. Knowing 

that mum’s suggested contents would be sensible and dad’s 

the complete opposite, we decided to ask brothers, Boston (7) 

and Ryder (4) what they’d pack in theirs. 

Boston / AGE: 7 

WOULD LIKE TO GO TO: FIJI 

With all the stresses of school, maths 

and playground politics, Boston would 

like to relax and unwind in Fiji. 

WHAT HE’D PACK: 

• A notebook. Nice. 

• Pens. Yup. 

• Food. Sensible. 

• Milk. Okaaaay. 

• Water. Such a wise young man. 

• Chocolate. A very, very wise 

young man. 

Upon realising he may not have room 

for all six items, Boston drops the milk. 

Ryder / AGE: 4 

WOULD LIKE TO GO TO: JAPAN 

Currently donning a ninja headband, 

Ryder would mostly like to go to 

Japan for the Pokémon. 

WHAT HE’D PACK: 

• A phone. Obvs. 

• Lego. Definitely good to have toys to 

play with. 

• Chocolate. Interesting. 

• Milk. Well this is uncanny. 

• Sultana Bran. The number one 

holiday essential? 

• Underpants. Because there’s 

nothing worse than an inadequate 

amount of underpants. 

FAST FACTS 

★ The Trunki's dimensions are: 46cm x 20.5cm x 31cm 

★ 18 litre internal capacity 

★ Weighs 1.7kg 

★ Suitable for most hand luggage - always check with you airline first 

★ There are built-in soft rubber rims to stop fingers getting caught! 

★ Stabilisers to prevent accidents. 

Chocolate and Sultana Bran aside, here are an additional six items to consider popping in your kid's Trunki: 

ACTIVITY BOOKS 

& STORYBOOKS 

PENCIL CASE 

TOYS 

CHANGE OF 

CLOTHES 

SNACKS 

WET WIPES & 

PLASTIC BAGS 

Anything that will 

occupy their time. 

With pens, 

crayons and 

stickers. 

A favourite 

teddy or their 

favourite figurines will 

help if there are tantrums. 

Underpants aside, 

children do spill things 

on themselves. 

Perhaps something 

healthier than chocolate. 

For all the mess 

they’re going to 

make on the plane. 

Milk. (!!!) 

Images: Disney Moana; Steven Cukrov © 123rf.com / Sun-Maid Raisins; Keith Homan © 123rf.com HOUSE OF TRAVEL | INSPIRE ISSUE 01. 2017 27

CHILDREN TALK HOLIDAYS 

Top 10 tips for travelling 

with your parents 

Ever dreamt of running away to see the world? Bestselling author Sam Pease did 

exactly that. For nearly two years. With her 10 year old son, Jet. Covering over 160,000 

kilometres and more than 50 cities, the trip was packed with adventure, education 

and fun. These are Jet's tips for dealing with your parent on a long trip. 


“When my mum told me that she was going to sell our house and use the 

money to travel the world I thought it was an awesome idea! We did zillions 

of amazing things like seeing a space shuttle in Cape Canaveral, touching roof 

tiles melted by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, and camping with nomads 

in the Sahara Desert. But some of the little things were just as memorable, 

like someone thinking I was actually French because I’d gotten better 

at speaking it. The trip was incredible, but if you’re going away with your 

parents for a long trip you might need some tips for dealing with them.” 

1. Parents are obsessed with taking photos 

Parents like to take photos of their kids standing in front of things like 

ruins, signs and beaches. It can get quite boring but try and be patient 

with them. Think of the photo-sessions as payment for the amazing adventure 

you’re having. 

2. Parents LOVE old buildings 

You. Will. See. A. Zillion. Old. Buildings. Some of the palaces and castles 

were cool like the wooden ones in Japan but the ones in France in Avignon 

and Carcassonne were huge and crazy! I liked being in the dungeon but 

my mum said we had to leave because it had bad energy. I tried to tell her 

that scientifically speaking that’s not a thing, but she said she was beyond 

science. Facepalm. 

3. Behave. You’ll get free stuff 

Being polite gets you free sweets and chocolates in restaurants, cafés and 

shops. They say, “Oh you’re so polite” and give you yummy things to eat. 

If your manners are good you’ll get the food. 

4. Be part of the planning 

When we made our mega-bucket-list my mum included silly things like 

Tinkerbell’s Alaskan Unicorn Retreat and Madagascan Makeupland — like 

Disneyland but just for make-up and hair products. She tried for ages to 

convince me that they were real! I laughed so much I got the hiccups. 

Ask if you can choose one meal a week. Parents always want you to try 

new tastes and flavours, which can be fun, but sometimes you just want to 

find out whether pizza is the same in every country. 

5. Museums are not boring 

The best museums are interactive but if they’re not, make your visit into a 

game to find the oldest or weirdest thing in there; it’s so much fun! The oldest 

thing I saw was in China – two million year old man-made beads. We did 

loads of science activities, which I loved but the best was the National Atomic 

Testing Museum in Las Vegas. We found a Geiger counter there that tests 

radioactivity but the only part of my body that made it go off was my bum. 

Weird. Cool. 

6. Tell your parents to get lost 

I don’t mean actually tell them to get lost; tell them about the getting-lost 

game – where you do walking off-map urban adventures. I call them magical 

portals because we usually end up in a space–time continuum into a 

completely new world, miles from where we wanted to be. But then we’d 

always find an amazing ice-cream shop or a funny sign that my mum would 

turn into a very rude word. So, I like magical portals. 

7. Scary things will happen. But your mum will save you 

My mum always says this cringe thing, “I’ll protect you like a bear carrying 

two chainsaws,” but when something scary happened at the National 

Museum in Beijing I was glad I knew it. 

Security was tougher at the museum than at the airport. I got patted 

down and scanned, my bag was searched and the museum guards with 

massive guns took me away from my mum. I didn’t know what they were 

going to do with me and I was scared. They made me drink from my water 

bottle three times at one-minute intervals to prove I wasn’t carrying an 

explosive. My mum was angry and yelled at the guards but they had guns 

and didn’t speak English so it was difficult for her to do anything about it. 

Eventually when they confirmed my water bottle wasn’t going to go boom 

they let my mum come to me. Even though it was scary, the museum was 

awesome because we saw life-sized ancient terracotta army statues and 

badly restored 2000 year-old stone panels that had been fixed with giant 

globs of PVA glue. 

8. Playgrounds are free 

Parents like to pack heaps of plans into each day but make sure you have 

some do-nothing home-days where you can just relax or play in a park for a 

bit. Travelling can be tiring but my mum says that’s a #champagneproblem. 

9. Parents misunderstand. And worry 

In Dallas, Texas I asked my mum what a grassy knoll was. She ranted for 20 

minutes about JFK’s assassination, the magic bullet theory, Cuban missiles 

and a bay of pigs (which I thought sounded like a cartoon) but all I wanted 

to know was what a “knoll” was… It’s a small mound of grass. Sometimes 

it’s just best to let parents have their moments. 

My mum worries a lot; especially on flight days. In Japan I started calling 

my mum the Samurai Worrier (warrior) because she always thinks of 

the worst-case scenario. She says that she plans for the worst and expects 

the best but I think she just likes worrying. She disagrees. She says, “I don’t 

“like” worrying, it’s an uncontrollable side-effect of being a mum.” 

10. Parents don’t know what five minutes is 

My mum always says, “We’re leaving in five minutes!” but it’s never five 

minutes. I always ask if it’s a short-five or a long-five, which could be 45. 

The best way to deal with it is to always have something to read with you 

– that way you can still have fun while she’s chatting with new friends. 

Remember; not complaining gets rewarded with more fun, calm parents, 

later bedtimes and sometimes chocolate! 

THE JET PROJECT IS IN NATIONWIDE BOOKSTORES NOW. OR VISIT WWW.THEJETPROJECT.COM TO FIND OUT MORE. 


Travel street smarts 

Top Ten Travel Tips: 

1. Keep photos/scans of your passport and other 

essential documents including accommodation 

addresses in your phone in a folder marked details 

so you can access them quickly. Consider downloading 

the HOT App which also has this feature. 

2. Research your destination before you book 

accommodation. Google street view can tell you 

a lot about a place. Roller doors with graffiti and 

poor street lighting mean that it’s probably a 

rough neighbourhood with cheaper accommodation. 

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t 

mean you should compromise your safety. 

3. Use your spidey sense to scan the streets 

discreetly while you’re wandering around. If you 

see one of the 3 D’s – someone who seems dodgy, 

drunk or on drugs - either step into a shop until 

they pass, or cross the road. 

4. Ditch the headphones if you’re walking so you 

can hear what’s happening around you. Be alert. 

The world needs more alerts. 

5. Blend in. If you look like a tourist with a map, 

a camera, unstylish shorts and a t-shirt - you’ll be 

more of a target for pickpockets. 

Recently my son Jet and I travelled 

160,000 kilometres in 600 days, in 

a global adventure that turned into 

my third book, The Jet Project. 

By Sam Pease. 

We visited half of the world’s most unfriendly cities, 

according to a survey done through Travel + Leisure 

magazine. Did we find them unfriendly? No. Did we feel 

safe? Yes. Strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet. 

Years of being a spirited teenager taught me what I 

could (and couldn’t) get away with. I was grateful to have 

learnt street smarts at a young age; it meant we could 

travel safely. Our trip gave Jet hands-on lessons in judging 

and gauging situations, skills he’d never have developed 

in New Zealand at the age of ten. 

The first humans had a strong sense of intuition. It 

helped them sense danger and saved them from being the 

main course. We still have that part of the brain inside us. 

It’s the bit that makes you move away from someone on 

a train, or the feeling that stops you from walking down 

a dodgy street at night. 

Intuition filters out emotional rubbish in the same way 

our kidneys filter out waste in our body. It’s like a free 

built-in bullsh!t detector . . . but if your batteries aren’t 

30 INSPIRE ISSUE 01. 2017 | HOUSE OF TRAVEL 

charged, your alarm won’t work. 

Start developing your intuition before you start travelling. 

Listen to how your body reacts to situations. When 

you think of something or someone are your thoughts 

positive, or negative and fearful? Feeling intuitive about 

a situation produces a calm and protective physical 

response. Feeling fearful will make anxiety kick in, your 

heart will start to race, you’ll feel a little paranoia and 

you’ll become lethargic (that’s your organs telling you 

that something, or someone, is toxic). 

Many times I avoided walking down certain streets 

because they didn’t feel right. When my intuitive alarm 

bells ring I try to listen. We checked out of a ryokan (a 

traditional Japanese inn) in Kyoto because I felt unsafe. 

Jet (who doesn’t believe that intuition is a thing) said, ‘You 

worry a lot. You’re like a samurai worrier.’ 

The thing I was most scared about while travelling, 

though, was what would Jet do in the unlikely event that I 

died suddenly from a heart attack? Grim thoughts yes, but 

I’d rather plan for the worst and expect the best than have 

Jet stranded not knowing what to do or even where he was. 

So I created a first-aid kit — a list of emergency numbers 

and steps to take if something bad happened to me. My 

sister Natalie knew where we were at each stage of the 

trip, so if anything happened, she’d be on a plane instantly 

to get Jet. 

6. Make sure that someone who’s not travelling 

with you knows your itinerary, every step of the 

way. Check in with your go-to regularly. And if 

you’re travelling to politically unstable countries 

register your journey with the NZ embassy www. 

safetravel.govt.nz 

7. If you’re travelling with children, prep them. 

Either give them a small notebook with emergency 

numbers and details of what to do if something 

unexpected happens, or give them a step-by-step 

guide in the notes section of their phone. 

8. If you’re travelling alone in a taxi, sit behind 

the driver. On buses sit near the driver. In trains 

sit near families and avoid carriages with single 

men, especially if you’re a female travelling alone. 

Avoid public transport at night where possible. 

9. If you have the choice don’t stay on the ground 

floor. It’s easier to break into low-level rooms so 

book from the 2nd floor up. 

10. Use common sense. Don’t wear expensive 

jewellery or carry all your cash in one place. Get 

travel insurance and be careful with alcohol when 

socialising with new friends and avoid walking 

alone at night. 

Most importantly, remember that the majority 

of people around the world are good and kind. 

Despite what you read online, the world really 

is a beautiful place.

The Next Big Thing 

Holidays have evolved. From living like locals in cherished 

destinations, to unique experiences in age old places, 

step into 2017 and discover something new. 

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL IN DUBLIN 

WHAT’S NEW, VANUATU? 


THE NEXT BIG THING 

Live like a 

local in Dublin 

Discover Dublin like a pro and heed advice 

from a local. Our Dublin-born blogger, 

Niall McCarthy, spills the city’s secrets. 


“Dublin city, where the streets are narrow 

but the opportunities are broad, the 

craic (Irish for fun) is in abundance 

and the people have a heart of gold. 

Whether you’re following your Celtic 

roots or looking for that pot of gold 

at the end of a rainbow, here are the 

hidden gems found around the capital. 

From an Irish perspective of course.” 

Touch down in Dublin. 

What’s the first thing any visitor should do? 

Once rested up, pop out to Dublin’s iconic Grafton Street. Located 

in the heart of the city, it’s a hub of shops and cafés. Wander 

aimlessly and meander through the labyrinth of cobbled streets, 

taking in the sweet sights and sounds. 

What are the little known treasures only locals know about? 

Georges Street Arcade is located on the ground floor of one of 

Dublin’s most historic buildings. Take a walk through the boutiques 

and afterwards, pop across to the Powerscourt Centre for more 

curious shops and handmade jewellers. 

Take a 40 minute walk along the River Liffey. This stroll will 

take you from one end of the city to the other. And the route will 

not disappoint. Along the boardwalk you’ll take in such sights 

as the Ha’penny Bridge, The Spire, Dublin’s IFSC, The High 

Courts, Custom House, Samuel Beckett Bridge, The Tall Ships 

and Docklands. 

monastic settlement is flanked by a lake and looks great on the 

social media feed. 

• THE NATIONAL AQUATIC CENTRE. Located about 15 minutes 

from Dublin city centre in Blanchardstown, the Aquatic Centre 

is one for the kids (and where the adults can also channel their 

inner child). 

• CITY KAYAKING. See the city from a different perspective - by 

water. City kayaking will bring you down Dublin’s most famous 

river, the Liffey, and no doubt you’ll earn a good feed after. 

• ZIPIT FOREST ADVENTURES. Becoming more and more popular, 

this adventure centre promises to be a great day out for all. 

What is there to do on a sleepy Sunday morning? 

Shattered on a Sunday morning? Why not wind down with a trip 

to the National Leprechaun Museum. This unique experience is 

the only one you’ll find in Dublin. 

If it’s a dry Sunday morning, Powerscourt Estate is a must. 

These beautiful grounds were voted number three garden in the 

world by National Geographic. Located just 20 minutes outside of 

Dublin, the residence will take your breath away, with waterfalls, 

perfectly groomed lawns, bespoke shopping and mouth-watering 

food served at the renowned Avoca café. 

Where are the best budget restaurants? 

• THE EXCHEQUER. Traditional wholesome Irish grub. 

• THE GRAND CENTRAL. Diverse menu with central city views. 

• TRIBECA RESTAURANT & WINE BAR. Voted Dublin’s best 

chicken wings. 

What’s the best way to get out and about? 

If you fancy a cycle, rent a bike from one of the city’s many bike 

stations. Pedal to the famous Phoenix Park where you might even 

see wild deer. Here you will also find the spectacular home of the 

Irish President, Michael D. Higgins at Àras an Uachtaráin, as well 

as the Papal Cross which was erected in 1979 for Pope John Paul II. 

Dublin is very bike friendly and a great way to cover a lot of 

ground. For a picturesque view, cycle to the Grand Canal Dock. 

Here you can rest that bum up and take in the sights while enjoying 

a quick bite to eat. 

Where’s best to go on a warm sunny day? 

Step outside of the city and head to Howth Head. Located along 

Dublin’s magnificent coastline, Howth is a picture-perfect location. 

Catch the train from Dublin’s Tara Street station, then rent a car 

and drive along the coastline. Here you can hike up the Howth 

cliff and then savour one of Dublin’s most famous fish and chips 

at Beshoffs The Market. After perusing the food stalls, lock lips 

with golden fried fish. Tastes just like NZ, except here it’s mostly 

Atlantic Cod and Irish Haddock. Afterwards, you can get some 

amazing pictures of the lighthouse. 

What about getting up, out and active? 

If you’re full of energy and love to keep active while on holiday, 

here are a few calorie burning activities to dig your heels into: 

• HIKE AROUND GLENDALOUGH. Located 20 minutes outside 

of Dublin in beautiful Co. Wicklow, this spectacular 6th century 

And if we’re after a blow-out dining venue? 

• THE FIRE RESTAURANT. Simple, signature dishes. Vaulted 

ceilings and stained glass. 

• THE SADDLE ROOM - THE SHELBOURNE HOTEL. 

Distinguished steak and seafood, with a lavish oyster bar. 

• RESTAURANT PATRICK GUILBAUD. Ireland's two star 

Michelin restaurant. 

What should visitors drink and where should they drink it? 

Ireland is world renowned for its stiff spirits and the almighty 

pint of Guinness, so when in Rome, or in this case Dublin, sample 

the finest pour the capital has to offer. Visit Bruxelles on 7 Harry 

Street. This pub omits a mixed vibe of cosmopolitan meets traditional 

rustic pub. Bruxelles encompasses what a true Irish bar has 

to offer: music, amazing pub grub and friendly people all under its 

Victorian style architecture. A fan of Thin Lizzy? Why not snap a 

selfie with Phil Lynott’s famous sculpture just outside. 

What are the unmissable tourist spots every visitor should see? 

It goes without saying, when in Dublin, you’ve got to see the 

Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, the GPO on O’Connell 

Street and the famous Temple Bar. If you’re a fan of poetry, be 

sure to check out The Oscar Wilde House at 1 Merrion Square. 

Any departing last tips? 

Walk everywhere and surrender yourself to everything this friendly 

city has to offer. Afraid of getting lost? Don’t be. Irish folk love 

nothing more than helping bewildered tourists find their bearings. 

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL ALL OVER THE UK AND EUROPE. WE HAVE YEAR-ROUND 

AIRFARE DEALS. POP IN-STORE, CALL 0800 713 715 OR VISIT WWW.HOT.CO.NZ 


A COUPLE 

OF DAYS 

a couple of days relaxing 

a couple of moonlight strolls 

a couple of days adventure 

a couple of happy souls 

a couple discovering 

one another 

www.discovervanuatu.co.nz

THE NEXT BIG THING 

What’s new, 

Vanuatu? 

In 2015 Cyclone Pam 

almost wiped Vanuatu 

off the map, but if 

you ask the eternally 

positive locals, they’ll 

simply describe it as a 

mere “tropical low”. 

Two years on and the 

islands, like the people, 

have bounced back 

rather nicely. So what's 

new on this incredible 

comeback island? 

Active volcanoes 

Mount Yasur, a volcano on Tanna Island, 

is far from new. But peering into its 

magnificently fiery mouth is certainly 

novel. As one of the planet’s most active 

volcanoes this hot headed beast offers 

projectile magma and glowing lava. Not 

without risk, violent explosions and 

regular bouts of ground shaking call for 

the supervision of a local guide. There’s 

a daily danger rating ranked between 0 

and 4; anything above 2 and the area is 

closed. But don’t be disheartened, level 

2 still offers plenty of shudders, shooting 

debris and a deafening roar. 

Flying foxes 

Potentially new to the New Zealand 

palate, but certainly no stranger to a 

Vanuatu taste bud, flying fox is on the 

menu at French restaurant, L'Houstalet, 

in Port Vila. Traditionally wrapped in 

banana leaves and baked in an underground oven, the flying fox here is a little different; 

stuffed with its own guts. Your French host, Clement Martinez, will explain this is 

to sweeten the meat because the animal naturally feeds on fruit. It is then marinated 

in red wine, garlic and herbs. A delicacy in its own right, if you’d prefer something a 

little tamer, the menu also boasts omelette stuffed lobster and delicious coconut crab. 

Off-road buggies 

Strap in and explore Vanuatu from a different perspective. Self-drive off road buggies 

are an exciting way to reach the island’s most remote villages and patches of unknown. 

Led by guides, on two-seater, 250cc buggies, there are various tours to suit your mood; 

go for a swim, cross the jungle, stop for a snorkel or get acquainted with a muddy bush 

track. Buggy Fun Rental and Off Road Adventures offer the experience from Port Vila. 

Mama’s Market 

With so much nattering and general commotion, never has the term ‘mother’s meeting’ 

been so appropriate. Port Vila’s Mama’s Market isn’t new per-se, but every visit is 

unique. So called because it’s run by ladies selling various products, everything bought 

comes with a niche back story. From bright baskets to Vanuatu jewellery, ask which 

island it’s from and how it was made. Also a fantastic place to try local delicacies such 

3. 

UNMISSABLE 

REVAMPED RESORTS: 

Iririki Island Resort & Spa Vanuatu 

STAY HERE TO / HAVE IT ALL: After an extensive multi-million dollar 

upgrade, new additions include a casino and hilltop spa. 

Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu 

STAY HERE TO / FIND PARADISE: Re-opened in July 2016. Famed for 

its private beach, two dazzling pools and Thursday night fire shows. 

Ramada Resort Port Vila 

STAY HERE TO / LIVE THE LUXE LIFE: Due to open April 2017, this 

premier resort nestled into the cliffs of Erakor Lagoon will deliver 100% 

luxury. 

as lap-lap (cooked yam roots with coconut 

cream and meat), fresh fruit and 

native vegetables. 

Beach life 

Sometimes all you want from a holiday 

is the exact opposite of new. No fancy 

new-builds or shiny, span dangled 

resorts. Vanuatu’s distinct lack of over 

development allows the beaches to be 

refreshingly untouched. Half an hour 

from Port Vila, Eton Beach (in Efate) 

boasts a shoreline that slopes into the 

water and provides a natural sand ledge 

for sunbathing. While Champagne 

Beach, on the island of Espiritu Santo, 

is defined by a curved sliver of platinum 

sand which is as pure today as it 

was centuries prior. 

VANUATU IS JUST 3 HOURS, 15 

MINUTES FROM AUCKLAND. 

CHECK OUT THE GREAT DEALS 

AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW AT YOUR 

LOCAL HOUSE OF TRAVEL STORE. 

CALL 0800 713 715 OR VISIT 

WWW.HOT.CO.NZ.

Inspire magazine march

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