Done the East Coast? Why Western Australia Comes Next
Once you've done Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and Queensland, Western Australia is often what comes next. Bigger, further away, harder to “slot in”. But that’s exactly why it works so well as a next chapter. WA isn’t about squeezing more in. It’s about going deeper, slowing down, [...]
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 [...]
