The Maldives isn’t what you expect. It’s better.
I went to the Maldives thinking I had a pretty good idea of what it would be like. Overwater villas. Unreal blue water. Honeymoon energy. Beautiful, yes - but perhaps a little predictable. What I didn’t expect was how different it felt once I was actually there. Not louder. [...]
Why Europe in December Feels Different
Think You’ve Done Europe? Wait Until You’ve Seen It in December. I grew up in Scotland, where a white Christmas wasn’t something you dreamed about - it just happened.Snowflakes, scarves & sledging… pure magic. Sadly, there aren’t any river cruises in Scotland (unless you count the odd whisky boat [...]
Why Botswana Stole My Heart
There are some places that stay with you - not because of what you did, but because of how they made you feel.For me, that place was Botswana. It was part of our African honeymoon - three countries, each completely different - but this was the one that felt [...]
The Four Faces of Cruising: Champagne Decks to Arctic Adventures
Not all cruises are created equal. One minute you’re sipping champagne by the pool, the next you’re zipping through polar waters in a Zodiac, dodging chunks of ice and waving at penguins. Cruising today is more diverse than ever — and whether you crave culture, adventure, indulgence, or a [...]
Think You Know Vanuatu? Let’s Bust Some Myths
…and how to do it better, with a little help from me… I first visited Vanuatu over a decade ago.I stayed at a lovely little beach resort just outside Port Vila, swam in warm waters, sipped cocktails at sunset, and shopped for souvenirs in town. And I thought I’d [...]
Mekong Moments, Temple Tales & Tuk Tuk Feasts
Vietnam & Cambodia with Heart, Style, and a Few Honest Truths Some places don’t just tick boxes - they linger. Vietnam and Cambodia are two of those places. Neighbours, yes - but certainly not twins. One is full of chaos and colour, with food you’ll crave for weeks. The [...]
Planning a Winter Getaway with the Grandkids? Try these hot spots
When you’re juggling toddlers, teens, and the in-laws, planning a winter break can feel like a full-time job July school holidays are one of the busiest times for Kiwi travellers - and for good reason. A Fiji family holiday (or maybe Rarotonga, Bali, or Club Med?) is the perfect [...]
Slow, Scenic, and Seriously Stylish: My Favourite Rail Journeys
Planes are fast. Trains are fabulous. Luxury rail journeys are the ultimate in luxury travel — and here are a few I’m dreaming of myself Luxury rail journeys hit different. Maybe it’s the slow pace, the cinematic views, or the fact you can sip wine while gliding through postcard-perfect [...]
