Five destinations that are perfect for last-minute travel

One essential step when travelling abroad is securing a visa, and the process can be quite long and strenuous. However, there are a few countries that provide visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. These countries also happen to be the most beautiful and exciting places on earth.

Sri Lanka
Our neighbour, Sri Lanka, is an enchanting destination with scenic locations scattered across the island nation. Explore charismatic Colombo on a city tour or explore its charming past at the colonial city of Galle and ancient capital, Anuradhapura. Wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Yala national park and the Pinnawala elephant orphanage.

Thailand
Already one of the most popular holiday spots in the world, visa on arrival in Thailand just gives another strong reason to make it your next holiday destination. Shop and bargain to your heart’s content in Bangkok. Experience the spiritual tranquility of Buddhist temples. If trekking’s on your plan, elephants would love to keep you company at the Chiang Dao elephant camp. And it would be criminal to not mention the island paradises of Phuket and Krabi. These picture-perfect locations attract tourists like magnets.


Indonesia
There’s something for everyone here. While the temples in Bali will introduce you to the Far East’s fascinating vision of the epic Ramayana, your hankering for adventure can be satisfied by sports like scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling. 

Samoa
A paradise that is safe, sweet and accessible for its visitors, there’s a lot to choose from when in Samoa. You can check out the beaches and nightlife in Apia. Or head to Manono Island to try your hand at adventure sports. 

St. Lucia
Home to volcanic beaches, coral reefs, fishing villages and untouched rainforests, St. Lucia gives numerous reasons that can make it your ideal Caribbean vacation destination. While the northern part of the island offers modern comforts amid a beautiful bay, the south is a gorgeous region of old plantations, hidden beaches and the impossibly photogenic Pitons Mountains. 

And last but not the least - Ecuador! Travellers holding Indian passports don't need a visa to enter the country. And the currency is USD. So convenient. 

A guide to diving in the Egyptian Red Sea

The Red Sea is one of the world’s best known diving destinations and considered to be one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. One of the earliest divers of the Egyptian Red Sea was Jacques Costeau in 1951 who’s early adventures are recounted in his book, The Silent World. 

Costeau was an explorer, photographer, filmmaker and researcher who studied the sea and marine life. He dived The Brothers Island which feature rare black coral, two wrecks and very often sightings of hammerhead sharks. Today, there are hundreds of dive sites in the Egyptian Red Sea that tourists travel to from all over the world because of its exceptional visibility, warm water and an incredible diversity of sea life. 

Take a look at the top ten must-see dive sites of Egypt:  

Ras Mohamed National Park : Shark reef
The park is situated approximately 12km from the famous tourist resort of Sharm el Sheikh.  The most prized spots in this fantastic location include Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef which offer divers the chance to see every single species of fish in the Red Sea in one location.  

Straits of Tiran: Jackson Reef (Sharm elsheikh)
Thanks to its strong currents and abundance of nutrients, the coral here is magnificent and attracts a wide range of larger fish including hammerhead, gray and guitar sharks.  

Thistlegorm (Sharm el Sheikh)
Many consider this to be the most popular wreck dive in the world.  SS Thistlegorm sank in 1941 after being attacked on its way from Glasgow to Alexandria.  The ships contents which included motorbikes, trucks and armored cars sit on the bottom of the ocean alongside the wreck itself, complete with the hole from German bomb.  Divers can use torches to look inside the wreck and may even be lucky enough to spot a rare crocodile fish.  

Brother Island  (only safari boats) Quseir
Divers will need to join a live-aboard to experience these spectacular islands and follow in the footsteps of Jacques Costeau. Both Big Brother and Little Brother have a truly splendid display of coral and the crystal clear waters make these islands a paradise for underwater photography enthusiasts.  The highlight are two shipwrecks, the Aida and the Numidia which are truly a sight to behold and one you’ll never forget.  

Elphinstone (Marsa Alam)
One of the best known diving sites in Egypt, this drift dive offers divers the chance to swim together with hammerhead and oceanic white tip reef sharks whilst admiring the vast array of corals.  For the lucky ones, sometimes tiger sharks and dolphins can also be spotted here making for a once in a lifetime experience.

Abu Dabbab (Marsa Alam)
For sea turtle enthusiasts this is the place for you.  At Abu Dabbab you are more likely to see a Sea Turtle and the lesser known, Dugong than at any of the other dive sites. There are two Dugongs living in Abu Dabbab who receive special protection as they are in danger of extinction.  


Deadalus (only safari boats) Marsa Alam
With its series more than four distinct dive sites, find this site by looking for the lighthouse that live aboard guests can visit. This is a deep dive which attracts hammerhead and thresher sharks and a unique pinnacle covered in pristine coral. 

Dolphins house Marsa Alam
Just off the coast of Marsa Alam, a pod of spinner dolphin live on this offshore reef.  Visitors can dive or even snorkel with these incredibly inquisitive creatives.  Whilst there are no guarantees of seeing them, those lucky enough will want to return again and again.  

Carnatic Wreck
One of the oldest wrecks in the Red Sea which is known by many as the ‘wreck of wine’ as it carried hundreds of crates of wine. Some of the wine bottles are still intact at the bottom of the ocean.  

Gifun Isl. Hurghada
With its steep drop offs and chance to see sea life including barracuda and tuna this collection of dive sites is a sight to behold.  Look closely in the caverns to spot the huge array of species and make sure to have the camera ready.  

Blue Hole (Dahab)
One of the most famous diving locations on the shores of the red sea, also known as a hot spot for free diving due to the sea depth in the area and the lack of current. It’s also known for its mesmerizing underwater marine life and coral reef, making it a diver’s paradise.

Things I loved about Canada (and the Canadians)

In my too-short-a-visit to Canada, a few things stood out more than the others and endeared me in a way I never thought the country would. But there you have it. It was never really on my bucket list of places I must visit (at least not in the top 10), but like so many unexpected joys that one often experiences when visiting a new place, I did too when i was in Canada.

What worked for me, i think, is also the absence of winter. I'm always the first one to feel the cold but since i was there in October - when the colours are still changing and winter has not arrived - I could enjoy the sights. There aren't too many sounds in Canada. It's a quite country, specially if you're coming from India.

Do keep in mind though that my perspective mirrors only the two cities of Canada that i visited and they're not the biggest ones there: Ottawa and Montreal. 

The changing colours during Fall
It's pretty as hell, the fall season. The blasts of colours that you see can mesmerise you - like an HD TV ad. And the maple leaves sure are easy on the eyes. 

The people
In general, they are very friendly and charming with their self-deprecating humour. Canadians are also super helpful, very polite and will take their time to greet you and even reply to your "How are you?" with enthusiasm. Its refreshing (and a little getting used to) after a dull "What's up?"

Sunny days
Yep, after days of low temperatures and drizzles, the occasional sun really brightens up your day (no pun intended). 

Boots and layers
The only things that can make Canada's cold bearable is being able to wear layers and stylish boots! Having lived in Bombay all my life, the words 'layered clothing' is restricted to the undergarment and a top. A stole is pushing it. And boots are those ugly things some people wear during the rains here. Shopping tip: If you need winter clothing, its best to buy it from Canada. Here, you will find loads of variety, styles and cuts. And who would know winter better than Canada!

Empty roads and footpaths
This is a no-brainer, really. Don't we love it when there are no people bumping into you, even when you're standing still on the side? Ottawa, Canada's capital, is smaller (and more quaint) than the other cities like Vancouver or Toronto and even Montreal. So there's hardly any traffic or people on the streets. But even the other cities have spacious streets when compared with Indian roads.

Their healthy lifestyle
Canadians will do anything to get their trainers on. Even on a "warm" day when i needed two layers instead of three, i saw many people in shorts running/cycling. Many cycle to work. In Ottawa when the Rideau Canal freezes over, they skate to work and when it unfreezes, many try to paddle to their offices. Also, unlike their American cousins, they prefer walking everywhere.

Their love for the environment
Canadians are very conscious about their environment and have very high levels of civic sense. So much so that smoking is by and large discouraged. In fact, in Ottawa it is positively looked down upon. Many public places like the bus stops will have warning signs for smokers disallowing them from smoking in the vicinity.

Their love and respect for their country
Canadians are very proud of their country and are not shy about it. You can see "Canada" with the maple leaf everywhere you go. 



     

Why you should visit Australia's Phillip Island

Unique wildlife 
Phillip Island is home to some of Australia’s most unique and special wildlife. In fact, we have the largest colonies of Little Penguins and Australian Fur Seals in the whole of Australia right here on the island. Seal Rocks is home to approximately 35,000 fur seals and can be seen through the telescopes at the Nobbies Visitor Centre, or up close on a fantastic EcoBoat tour.

The Penguin Parade has many different viewing options to see the world’s smallest penguin, including the new Penguins Plus and Underground experiences which offer the closest possible viewing of penguins in Australia. You can see koalas up close from the elevated boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre, and you may even see some wallabies and echidna there as well.

Pristine natural environment
It's only 90 minutes from Melbourne, yet Phillip Island feels like a world away. Beautiful blue skies and crisp clean air, pristine sandy beaches and spectacular rugged cliffs, native woodlands and life-giving wetlands all come together to make up this natural escape from city life.

You can explore many of Phillip Island’s hidden secrets and natural environments on one of the many easy walking trails. A quick ten minute stroll will take you over the dunes to a spectacular sandy beach and the beautiful rock formations of Forrest Caves. For those wanting a little longer in this pristine natural environment, perhaps a walk to the Cape Woolamai Beacon which offers unforgettable views of the whole island. These and many other unspoiled locations are all waiting to be explored.

Phillip Island and the surrounding regions also provides some of the most fertile land in Victoria and as a result, many gourmet producers have established their operations here, giving visitors the opportunity to sample some epicurean delights and unique experiences.

Gourmet local produce 
On the way to Phillip Island, why not stop in at Bassine Specialty Cheeses for some handmade artisan farmhouse cheeses including feta, brie, haloumi and ricotta, with all milk sourced from their own herd of 180 Holstein cows.

Dining Out
The Cape Kitchen waterfront restaurant is one of the island’s newest eateries, and offers guests an indulgent menu, sourced from the bountiful harvest of local fresh produce. The location provides sensational views over the scenic and untamed south coast.

Wineries
The island’s climate is perfect for cool climate wines, so the Purple Hen Vineyard and Phillip Island Winery each grow a variety of grapes suitable to the region. The Purple Hen’s cellar door is open every day of the year while the Phillip Island Winery opens its doors to the public during the warmer months.

Breweries
Taking its name from the colour of beer, Rusty Water Brewery and Bar is home to a selection of small batch, hand-crafted ales like Koala Pale Ale, Chicory Stout and Shipwreck IPA. There is no better place to be on a cool winter’s day than sitting in front of the log fire with a tasting paddle of their fine creations.    

Uniquely Australian food
Imagine fishing for rainbow trout at a picturesque tree-lined lake, and then having the chef transform your catch into a magnificent meal. At Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm you can catch your own lunch and wander the 1.2km Bush Tucker trail, showcasing 27 different species of native foods.   

Farm experiences
Bimbadeen is a 340 acre farm in the heart of Phillip Island offering experiences like farm tours and paddock to plate barbecues. You can even enjoy a farm retreat and stay in their secluded eco-friendly, self-contained accommodation with peaceful rural views and participate in as much or as little of farm life as you would like.

Download this app if you're going to Singapore

Tourists who book flights to the Lion City on Singapore Airlines and SilkAir from October to December 2016, either on their website or mobile app, will gain exclusive access to the ‘Singapore 241 Passport’ smartphone app. This app is packed with value-for-money 2-for-1 deals and offers worth up to S$1,000 (Rs 48,000) across 24 participating outlets in Singapore, including popular restaurants and spas. 

The ‘Singapore 241 Passport’ application is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones.

Did you know that eligible visitors from India transiting on flights through Singapore can also use the Visa-Free Transit Facility to explore Singapore’s many tourism offerings for 96 hours without a visa.

Just keep walking. In Wales.

The air is crisp and the colours are sharp, making autumn the perfect time to enjoy a walk. A Welsh government-sponsored body called Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has chosen its top 10 autumn walks that offer every kind of spectacular display that this time of the year has to offer. From the golds, reds and browns of the turning leaves still on the trees to the rusts and yellows of grasslands and the purples and reds of bogs and moorlands. 

Autumn is a great time to walk and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot in peaceful woodlands. Look out for unusual fungi and late flowering plants in sand dunes and mosses and lichens along riverside paths.
 

Cors Caron Walk, Cors Caron National Nature Reserve, Mid Wales

Among the top 10 is the Elidir Trail in Pont Melin-fach near Ystradfellte in the Brecon Beacons National Park. In the heart of Waterfall Country, the falls can be spectacular after heavy rain. Along the trail, according to folkore, is the entrance to the fairy kingdom.  But even it you don’t spot a fairy, you’ll see plenty of mosses, ferns and lichens along the way!

Trees from around the world line the Forest Garden Discovery Trail in Coed y Brenin Forest Park near Dolgellau. Finding the name labels and fascinating fact signs can be a great game for younger walkers and a great place to visit during half term.
 

Pont Annell Walk, Caio Forest, South West Wales

The vast wetland at Cors Caron National Nature Reserve near Tregaron is a dramatic sight at any time of year but its colours really come into their own in the autumn. It is a fantastic place for wildlife, too and on warmer days you may see dragonflies and damselflies darting over the water or even a lizard or an adder basking on the boardwalk in the last of the year’s sunshine.

The top 10 autumn walks include several shorter walks suitable for families with young children. Every route is waymarked and takes you through either a woodland or a National Nature Reserve that is managed by Natural Resources Wales. Some of these sites also have visitor centres and cafes.

Tajikistan offers e-visas for Indians

If you're one to travel to places not many think of visiting, this one's for you. It has now become easier to travel to Tajikistan. It has introduced electronic visa for Indians which can be issued as quickly as three days. 

Tajik Air in India has launched its second scheduled flight recently to make it a bi-weekly flights to Dushanbe, its capital city. Once there, you can indulge in adventure sports, immerse yourself in its history, and explore wildlife in Tajikistan. 

Not just travel

Too much of a good thing can also get monotonous. Therefore, I have decided that I will branch out to write not just about travel, but also on fashion and health - two other things that hold my interest.

However, Im not inclined to change the name of my blog. People already identify with it and it will make bad internet sense. What would i change it to, anyway? Trendinghazy?!

Chasing greener pastures - New Zealand farm stays

Step outside the cities and away from beaches, and New Zealand’s productive green pastoral landscapes, punctuated with cute farm animals and agricultural activity are a big part of what any visitor to this country will see. 

If you've never set foot on a farm before, there are opportunities to stay on a farm – hosted by a farming family who will introduce you to their way of life and some of their animal residents. Throughout New Zealand you’ll find a great range of ‘farmstay’ accommodation on different types of farms and with options for all budgets from low-cost to luxury. 

While farming is a year-round activity with each season bringing its own highlights, there’s no denying the special attraction of new arrivals. For that, you might want to schedule a visit sometime between late winter and the months of spring (August to November) when cuteness is rampant down on the farm.  

Romance on the farm at Kamahi Cottage, Waitomo
Kamahi Cottage – New Zealand’s only five-star boutique farmstay – is a romantic, just made-for-two rural escape amidst rolling Waikato farmland. The cottage is on a part of the farm that hosts Evan and Liz Cowan thought was too special to keep just for themselves. The self-contained heritage cottage has an upstairs queen bedroom, with downstairs spacious living, kitchenette and bathroom. Guests arrive to freshly picked flowers, homemade baking and fruit schnapps distilled from the farm’s orchard fruit. The farm has several walking tracks to explore and there is a hectare of pristinely landscaped gardens to admire the new season blooms.

Travel tip: Kamahi Cottage is between the rural Waikato towns of Waitomo and Otorohanga - an hour by road from Hamilton Airport. Just 15 minutes down the road, there’s the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park where you can watch New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird having lunch; at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 30 minutes away, take a guided tour or try some thrilling black water rafting – a must-do caving experience.

Counting sheep on Rangitikei Farmstay, Marton
Tucked away in central North Island hills, Rangitikei Farmstay offers a glimpse of life on a 630-hectare hill country sheep and beef farm. Furry, fluffy and fleecy animals are the main attraction– meet working dogs, watch farmers muster sheep, or even try shearing one yourself.  When the frost melts away and the temperatures rise from late August, lambs are born and bring new life to the farm. Unique features to explore include the natural dam, waterfall and glow worms found within the farm’s gates. After an exhilarating day on the farm, rest your head at night in the comfortable farm cottage or bunkroom.

Travel tip: Rangitikei Farmstay is 2.5 hours by road from Wellington, deep in the Rangitikei district. The volcanic Central Plateau is within two hours’ drive, with some of New Zealand’s most popular ski fields and a great New Zealand day walk– the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Spray Point Station - Off the Mapp, Marlborough 
Spray Point Station is a 100-year-old farm settled across 2,200 hectares of beautiful varied landscape in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley. From this South Island vantage point, on a crisp and clear spring day you can see the last of the winter snow on the far-away mountains of the central North Island. At Off the Mapp - the farm’s lodging – you’ll feel away from it all. With four accommodation options, the property offers a retreat for all types of guests. Cob Quarters, a lovingly restored drovers’ cottage, is country bliss. Unwind in front of the fire or count the stars from the private gas-fired outdoor baths. Spray Point Station offers hiking, mountain biking, heli-touring, 4WD farm tours and bird watching – more than enough reasons to immerse yourself in the countryside.

Travel tip: Spray Point Station is located in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine growing region and is just an hour by road from Blenheim airport. Being so close to some on New Zealand’s top wineries, we recommend sampling the internationally renowned Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Alternatively take the 1.5 hour drive to Picton for a cruise into the Marlborough Sounds. 

Silverstream Alpaca Farmstay, Christchurch 
For a quirky rural home away from home, Canterbury’s Silverstream Alpaca Farmstay offers comfortable accommodation plus the company of the four-legged South American ex-pats roaming the surrounding paddocks. The family farm has more than 200 alpacas in all colours, and with the complimentary farm tour you can get up close and personal to these charming woolly creatures. During the birthing season, guests will see baby alpaca in the paddocks and may even see a live birth. The property has two self-contained cottages that sleep up to five guests each, within thoughtfully landscaped gardens that create a tranquil retreat.  

Travel tip: Silverstream Alpaca Farmstay is a 20-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport, the gateway to the South Island. To keep your intrepid side in-check, activities nearby include fishing on the Waimakariri River and horse riding at Waimak River Horse Treks. Christchurch city is 30 minutes by road from Silverstream and offers a wealth of art, culture and history to explore.  

Flockhill Station, Canterbury 
Flockhill Station, on the scenic Great Alpine Highway, is an otherworldly place to break the journey. This dramatic landscape of jagged rock formations and deep canyons, which formed the backdrop for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, is a fantasy in itself. A 14,000 hectare high country sheep farm, Flockhill Station is a secluded retreat perfect for getting off the grid. Two types of accommodation – cottages and shepherds quarters – cater to independent travellers and groups. Explore the station on horse or mountain bike, and try the fishing. If your visit coincides with the winter snow season, you might like to explore one of the local ski fields or simply take in the view of the snowy peaks surrounding the property.

Travel tip: Flockhill Station is 90 minutes by road from Christchurch on Arthur’s Pass Highway. The drive is half the experience with constantly changing scenery. The iconic Southern Alps tower above as you drive over hills, cross rivers and pass ski fields and lakes. If venturing through to the South Island’s rugged West Coast, Flockhill Station is worth the stop along the way. 

Nokomai Station, Southland 
High country sheep and cattle farm Nokomai Station sits squarely across the South Island’s alpine vein. Originally named Glenfalloch – meaning hidden valley – in 1857, Nokomai is one of New Zealand’s largest farming properties. For the visitor, it offers fishing, hiking, mountain biking and farm tours exploring all four corners of the lush green property. There are four warm and inviting farm cottages where guests can either eat independently or join the hosts for a cosy meal in the original farm house. Top it off on a scenic flight of the dramatic surrounding Southern Lakes region with Nokomai helicopters.  

If you don’t have time to stay down on the farm, some of New Zealand’s main tourism resorts also offer farming experiences. From the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, take a day time excursion and cruise across to Walter Peak Station on the iconic steamship TSS Earnslaw or hop on the Spirit of Queenstown to visit Mt Nicholas High Country Farm. Only 10 minutes’ drive from cultural hotspot Rotorua is The Agrodome – a unique New Zealand farming experience that offers short action-filled farm shows and guided farm tours. 

Guest post: The curious case of Queensland

Queensland has such a dizzying variety of experiences that there is no one way to describe it. From wildlife to marine life, night life to culture, beaches to rainforests, this Australian State has it all. And, last but in no way the least, it is home to the Great Barrier Reef; the largest World Heritage site, and the only one that can be seen from outer space. Here are some of my favourite moments in the State.

Cuddle a koala

I know, I know… I speak about all these brilliant contrasts, and then I start with a marsupial! But the warm feeling that rushes through when you get to cuddle one of these fur balls is hard to describe - even though their claws dig in while they hang on to you for dear life! At the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, about an hour’s drive from Gold Coast’s Surfers Paradise, you can cuddle a Koala, pet the kangaroos, feed the emus, and even zip line over the open areas!

A change of scenery

In stark contrast to the popular beaches of Gold Coast, is a rainforest region tucked away a small distance from the coastal city in Mount Tambourine. A 4-wheel drive vehicle picks you up from the hotel, and drives you out to the rainforest, and you find yourself on a half day tour through nature that has stood the test of time, and whose significance to the Australian Aboriginals opens your eyes to their culture.

Soar High

Ever woken up at 2am while on holiday? Can’t imagine you’d want to. I sure didn’t! But then I was taken for a ride that made sleep unimportant! A car ambles into your hotel’s driveway at 3am, drives you out to an airfield where the pilot fires up the hot air machine(or whatever the technical term for it is), and helps you into a big basket, and then takes you off on the ride of a lifetime! As the Hot Air Balloon rises, so does the sun, giving you one of the most spectacular sunrise views you will ever see. If that wasn’t splendid enough, peak over the side of the basket, and you may just be treated to the sight of kangaroos peering curiously up at the balloon, or hopping about, content in their natural habitat.

Dive in! 

I thought it only fitting to follow a tale of air and sun with one of the sea. Cairns in Queensland’s Tropical North is home to The Great Barrier Reef, and the starting port for the Reef Cruises. There are various ways to experience the Reef, each more exhilarating than the last. Take a scenic heli flight over the Reef, snorkel through the magnificent marine life, dive into the deep blue sea, or get up close to the various fish in the waters during a seabed walker experience.

Didgeri-must-do!

Less than 30 minutes from Cairns is the Kuranda rainforest village, home to a great rainforest experience, as well as a host of Aboriginal activities. Take a skyrail cable car and soar over rainforest thickets to get to the other side for a day full of activities. On the way, hop off and get a glimpse of a magnificent waterfall and take a guided walk through the rainforest on the way. Once on the other side, hop into an army duck and take a tour of the rainforest through land and water, while the guide points out the curious plants and creatures that call the rainforest their home. Then meet the aboriginals who try and teach you their way of life, from spear and boomerang throwing lessons to Didgeridoo demonstrations. Judging from my tries at these activities, I am not entering their fold any time soon! 

At the end of the day, board the Kuranda scenic rail, a heritage train that trudges at a leisurely pace through the rainforest on the way back to Cairns, and leaves you wanting more of the scenery.

Not just child’s play

I cannot wrap up a piece about Queensland without talking about Gold Coast’s theme parks. The unofficial theme park capital of the country keeps the child in you alive like no other. You can have Superman push you out of harm’s way on a roller coaster in Warner Brothers Movie World or get propelled backwards at a dizzying speed on the Tower of Terror in DreamWorld. Water parks, petting zoos, photo opportunities – you can enjoy it all! Even cuddle a Koala! (yes, I did it twice!) Enjoy a day on the rides, and spend your evening at the Australian Outback Spectacular, a re-enactment of the cowboy culture in the Australian Outback, right from the large cowboy hat handed out at the entrance, to the horseback stunts the show has aplenty.

In the city

Cairns city is a quiet beachside town that lazes around all evening before retiring early. But there is one impressive bit I can’t not talk about. The promenade, all lit up at night, has lovely picnic tables laid out, with electric barbeque pits set up, all free to use! So, while in Cairns, a picnic in the evening should definitely feature in your plans.

Gold Coast, in stark contrast, stays up late, parties hard, and has long stretches of beachside roads peppered with bars you cannot just walk past! Another delightful sight at then promenades are the cycle rickshaw drivers, all dressed as superheroes (you can’t make this stuff up) ready to ferry kids around!

If you happen to be there on a day that the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market is set up, a stroll through these stalls is a must do to pick up the attractive trinkets and accessories that make for the perfect gifts for friends and family. After all, loved ones deserve more than bags from the airport souvenir shops, don’t you agree?

Maansi Sharma got fed up of all the free food and booze so she decided to leave journalism behind and earn more money to fuel her gadget obsession. If you enjoy LOTR/Harry Potter or similar trivia or have some technology-related query, you can contact her at ms.maansi@gmail.com.

Read her earlier post Simply Sydney here.

Contemporary Māori fashion is fabulous

Contemporary Māori fashion is about to make a grand entrance in a spectacular show set in an active geothermal landscape in Rotorua. 

Te Puia - New Zealand’s premier cultural and geothermal attraction, and the national centre for Māori arts and crafts – is set to host an inaugural fashion event featuring some of New Zealand’s top and upcoming indigenous designers.

Henare Jewellery is based in Rotorua and creates exquisite head pieces along with other adornments

The evening of contemporary Māori culture on 24 September, Tiki Ahua – Ka Mura: Set Alight – promises a spectacular show featuring fashion, design, music and dance extravaganza amidst the steam and swirling mist of Te Whakarewarewa Valley, an active volcanic field in Rotorua. 

The show will feature works by 22 Māori designers from throughout New Zealand, showcasing day, street, evening and avant-garde designs, jewellery and adornment including tā moko (Māori tattoo).

Henare Jewellery is based in Rotorua and creates exquisite head pieces along with other adornments

Local designers from Rotorua and across New Zealand will showcase their ranges on the runway, alongside other inspiring brands. An exciting part of this event is not only the incredible contemporary fashion, but also pulling through traditional Māori arts such as tā moko, pounamu and bone carving, which are then thrust into a pretty glitzy high fashion environment.

This event is more than a fashion show – it is the coming together of the indigenous culture and the stories of exceptionally gifted designers, fused with the buzz and high fashion spectacle of a New York or Paris runway. There is a five-year vision for the event to grow from a one-night spectacle, to a week-long festival.

Te Puia - New Zealand’s premier cultural and geothermal attraction will host Tiki Ahua which features some of New Zealand’s top and upcoming indigenous designers, like Mereana Ngatai

Concept behind Tiki Āhua – Kā Mura: Set Alight
Tiki Ahua draws inspiration from the unique history and environment of the local Te Arawa tribe, and their values and traditions of manaakitanga (hospitality), kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and whanaungatanga (kinship). 
The theme, Kā Mura | Set Alight, is inspired by the history of the subterranean goddesses of fire, Te Pūpū and Te Hoata, who created the geothermal imprint from the east coast of the North Island to the mountains of the Central Plateau. Kā describes the act of setting alight, while mura is a flame. Together, they describe the fostering of life and creation.

Te Puia Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotorua
Te Puia - the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute based in Rotorua - was created in 1963 by the New Zealand Government to maintain and preserve Māori art forms, such as weaving, carving and cultural performance. Since then, the cultural institution’s carving and weaving schools have nurtured generations of budding Māori artists, as well as providing a space to showcase and sell authentic Māori art. At the same time, Te Puia - which sits at the entrance to Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley and overlooking the famed Pohutu geyser - has developed into one of New Zealand’s leading Māori cultural tourist attractions.

Adventures in Vietnam

If adventure is in your blood, then Vietnam is a good option, especially given the choice of adventure available. If water sports are your thing, then experience the wilder side of Vietnam by kayaking beneath towering cliffs in Halong Bay. Explore thousands of vertical islands that create a maze of calm waterways, paddle through the hidden sea caves to discover hidden lagoons, swim in the warm waters or simply relax on the beautiful white beaches.

If you lean more towards activities like cycling or trekking, then you can have a lovely time cycling along the vibrant, green paddy fields in the Mekong Delta or Sapa or trekking Mt. Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam. 

Besides these activities, a true-blue adventure fan can also explore the central highlands or the far north on bike. From Dalat in the Central Highlands, you can arrange a ride with motorcycle guides who can take you up the Ho Chi Minh Trail and as far as Danang and Hoi An. 

Of course, all this activity tends to make one hungry, and Vietnam is the perfect destination for a gastronomic adventure. Chop, slice and eat your way through Vietnam, experiencing one of the freshest and most fragrant cuisines on the planet. From pho in Hanoi, banh khoai in Hue, banh xeo in Hoi An and banh canh in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s cuisine has attained a legendary status, and rightly so. Drink in cafes and beer halls that sprawl out over city streets, buy fruit from wicker baskets draped over a vendor’s shoulders and sit at market stalls as aromatic noodle soups are whipped up in front of you. Definitely a chance to experience all of Vietnam’s iconic sights, while you spend time cooking with some of the country’s top food experts and get a taste of some amazing cuisines.

“Vietnam is a country that offers unique and unforgettable lessons in culture”, says Nidhi Batra, Little Nirvana Explorers’ co-founder. “It gives you a chance to interact with some amazing locals and pristine, natural beauty in a unique way. It’s also the most versatile destination as it has everything from beautiful beaches to adventurous water sports and innumerable unique sightseeing options, that you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.”

Gypsy Travel Festival in January 2017

Mumbai will play host to a new travel festival this January called 'The Gypsy Travel Festival'. Scheduled to take place in January 2017 at High Street Phoenix, this new exhibition will bring travel companies, brands and organizations on one platform to reach out to travellers.

Founded by two enthusiastic individuals - Sumit Lulla and Nelson Noronha are avid travellers themselves. According to them, there is a clear disconnect between the traveler and the destination due to the convoluted flow of information that gets lost between different intermediaries. This disconnect affects the perception of the potential traveler in terms of accessibility, desirability and the notability value of a destination.

Gypsy Travel Media will work with the industry to generate good quality leads and trigger impulse purchases which will be available at the festival. Travel companies across various sectors can network, engage and position their products and services to the customers directly creating a value proposition for restless, young and eager to travel demographics (25-50 years).

This Section A+ and A urban demographic not just has the inclination but also the resources to spend on rich travel experiences. To lure this exact clientele in, GTF will have on offer Virtual Reality Tours, global gourmet cuisines, introduction to new travel experiences and inspirations.

About the Founders

Sumit has been a trade fair consultant for 7 years. He has worked on some of the most noteworthy trade shows across various industries. His affair with travel started 3 years ago and till date he has visited the length and breadth of India and 7 other countries.

A former events manager for the Sydney Olympic park, Australia. Presently the resident food expert for a Sydney based restaurant chain Coco Cubano. Nelson brings in 12+ years of Australian travel and hospitality experience to Gypsy.

Epiphanic experiences

Every experience arouses some sort of epiphany. This seems to be one of the strongest premises for travel as well and explains why more and more people are looking for an ‘experience’ when they travel. Because anything less doesn’t seem to be worth their time, money and effort – and often in that order.

More and more travellers are choosing their destination and activities based on the kind of experience it will provide them. For what is travel if devoid of any meaningful experience? This phenomenon should, in turn, spur operators to embark on their own little journey. ‘What can I offer my client – discerning as they are – that will tempt them to stay with me?’ Fortunately for them, every destination has innumerable products that check all the boxes; they only need to be explored.

There is good news for operators in India. Travel search site Skyscanner revealed that in 2015 Indian travellers were the most experimental in the APAC region based on the traffic on its website, when it came to choosing destinations. The trend continues in 2016 with Indians seeking adventures off the beaten track. It also said that this year, searches to destinations such as Bhutan, Russia (possibly due to the weakening ruble) and the Middle East (not Dubai or Abu Dhabi but Iran and Jordan) went up by 75 per cent. 
  
So what is this ‘experiential’ travel that is furiously trending among travel cliques? It is an intersection of places and ideas, which is where the most fascinating aspects of life unfold. It leads to experiences that often give travelers some level of happiness, satisfaction and even spiritual fulfillment – even if it’s short-lived. 

Ten must-do classic Kiwi experiences

From sub-tropical Cape Reinga in the far north to the southern fishing port of Bluff where the wild Southern Ocean rolls in, NewZealand’s North and South islands offer a diverse expanse of landscapes.

On the North Island, the north-south journey travels from towering sub-tropical rain forests and endless picturesque beaches to Auckland’s populous cityscape, then southwards through rolling green pastures, across lakes, rivers and epic volcanic marvels, into the rural towns of heartland New Zealand and on to a capital city that’s renowned for arts, culture and coffee.

From coastal paradise to mountains and the southern ocean, New Zealand’s South Island unveils one majestic landscape after another. Beginning in the coastal paradise that is Nelson Tasman and the Marlborough Sounds and ending in Southland, the vast southern regions unfold as the real Middle-earth of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. In NewZealand, every day is a different journey.

Film tourism:  Hobbiton / Wellington / Nelson / Canterbury / Queenstown

It's no secret that New Zealand is the home of Middle-earth and its stunning landscapes are at centre stage for movie lovers world-wide. 

Filmed entirely in New Zealand, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies film locations can be discovered in many parts. The most famous, and most visited, is Hobbiton – the village home of the hobbits – near Matamata, in the Hamilton Waikato region of the North Island. The Hobbiton film set occupies a sizeable slice of a New Zealand farm, and is one of the largest outdoor film sets in the world. Visitors to Hobbiton experience a two-hour fully-guided tour of the village hearing about the books and behind-the-scenes stories of film-making. 

Maori Culture:  Rotorua

Rotorua has been visited by tourists since the early 19th century making it New Zealand’s oldest tourism destination – renowned for Māori cultural experiences and spectacular geothermal attractions.

Māori culture and history infuse Rotorua life. The town of Rotorua, on the shores of Lake Rotorua, is home to the Te Arawa iwi - one of New Zealand’s larger Māori tribes. A third of Rotorua's population is Māori. Te Puia, an important Māori culture centre, has visitor experiences covering traditional art forms, carving and weaving, story-telling, and authentic cultural performances.

Food & Wine

New Zealand has some of the best quality food and wine in the world.

Marlborough, on the top of the South Island, is the country’s biggest wine region and world renowned for its sauvignon blanc. In the lower South Island, the Central Otago region is known for its incredible pinot noir. The North Island’s Hawke’s Bay region produces beautiful syrah while nearby Martinborough has a reputation for fine reds. Waiheke Island, in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, was named on Lonely Planet’s top regions to visit in 2016. The island is a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland city and produces some of New Zealand’s best wine. 

Throughout New Zealand fresh seafood, artisan products and incredible farmer’s markets are always nearby. Whether it is manuka honey or oysters, the food in New Zealand is an incredible experience in itself and goes exceptionally well with the aforementioned wine.

Cycling:  Hawke’s Bay / Queenstown / Alps to Ocean

Nga Haerenga or The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a network of fantastic, well maintained trails catering to beginner and expert cyclists. 

Cycling is a popular New Zealand sport, and there are many destinations that offer visitors a chance to get to know the real New Zealand - fresh air, wildlife and songbirds, tasty regional fare and friendly locals.

From the challenging Alps 2 Ocean trail (the longest of the trails) to the leisurely Tasman Great Taste’s Trail there is something for everyone. Serious mountain bikers aren’t forgotten with the Old Ghost Road track on the South Island’s West Coast waiting to test the most competent of riders. 

Multi-day tracks offer a variety of basic and luxury accommodation, cafés and food stops. 

Recreational sports: Golf, fishing, sailing

New Zealand is a hub for many popular recreational activities and offers some world class experiences and facilities.

Golf courses can be seen everywhere in New Zealand, and in fact only one other country has more courses per capita. World-class courses like Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay), Kauri Cliffs (Northland) and Jack’s Point (Queenstown) to name a few, provide unique, unforgettable golf in stunning environments. 

New Zealand’s lakes and rivers are great spots to land your first trout and the coastal waters are a fisherman’s playground. Blue cod await in the South Island, while the Northland region is a popular game-fishing destination. 

Auckland is known as the ‘city of sails’ and the sheltered waters of the Waitemata Harbour make it an ideal location for sailing. Visit one of the many islands around Auckland including Waiheke. Four hours’ drive north of Auckland is the Bay of Islands, a beautiful sub- tropical destination with more than 140 islands waiting to be discovered.

Walking / hiking 

Much like the New Zealand Great Rides, there is an equally spectacular Great Walks network. 

Energetic hikers can discover glacier-carved valleys and traverse mountain passes, while more sedate day-walkers can explore golden beaches, bush walks and other sites of scenic, historic and cultural interest.

Nine walks currently make up the Great Walks network and they can be found all over the country. Popular tracks include Milford Track, The Kepler, The Routeburn and the Tongariro Northern Circuit. In addition to the multi day walks there are popular day walks such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Pouakai Crossing both located in the central North Island.

Nature and eco-tourism

Recognised for its cleanexperie, green environment, New Zealand is a rich combination of beautiful landscapes; from vast mountain chains to grand volcanoes, sweeping coasts and deep fiords, lush rainforests, grassy plains, rich thermal areas and expansive beaches. 

The wilderness of Stewart Island, the country’s third largest island, offers one of the best chances to spot New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, in its natural habitat. With 400 full-time residents, Stewart Island is sparsely populated in human terms but add in an estimated 20,000 Stewart Island brown kiwi - just one of the many native bird species living on the island - and birds outnumber humans many times over.

Walking on a West Coast glacier is a New Zealand must-do for visitors. The Franz Josef is a glacier located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The glacier is 12 kilometres long and, together with Fox Glacier which lies 20 kilometres to the south, it is unique as it descends from the mountains to just 240 metres above sea level. The area surrounding the two glaciers is a designated World Heritage Site.

Aviation - flight seeing in New Zealand 

One of the best ways to see New Zealand is from the sky and there are plenty of opportunities for a bit of ‘flight seeing’. Auckland Seaplanes offer an exciting trip to Waiheke Island, taking off from Wynyard Wharf in downtown Auckland and landing in gorgeous Man O’ War Bay after a flight over the Waitemata Harbour.  The Man O’ War vineyard awaits offering a first-class wine-tasting experience and a spot of lunch before returning to Auckland.

Classic Flights in Wanaka will take visitors back in time with a scenic flight in a vintage Tiger Moth or Waco aircraft. The flights take in some of the most stunning scenery in the South Island with the backdrop of Mt Aspiring National Park and the Southern Alps.

Over the Top Helicopters, based in Queenstown, have several memorable experiences. Whether it’s golf on the side of a mountain, a glacier landing or a picnic on a peak, Over The Top will make it happen. 

Luxury and Romance

Luxury and romance go hand-in-hand and New Zealand has got both covered.  

Seascape – an ultra-modern luxury retreat in a private seaside setting – sets a new standard in utterly romantic getaways. Constructed in glass, stone and turf to blend into the wild coastal landscape, this intimate award-winning villa has been unashamedly designed and furnished for romance. The jewel in the crown of the Annandale Farm Escape & Luxury Villa collection, Seascape is located on Banks Peninsula in New Zealand’s South Island.

Wharekauhau Country Estate, on a 5000-acre working sheep station overlooking Palliser Bay, in the Wairarapa north of Wellington is a great example of Edwardian grandeur. The view of dramatic coastline is undoubtedly exclusive to New Zealand. Exploring nature, soft adventure - horse trekking, archery, clay bird shooting, golf - and indulging in fine food and wine (It’s on the doorstep of the boutique Martinborough wine region), spas and quiet relaxation attract visitors to Wharekauhau and it’s only 15 minutes by helicopter from Wellington.  

Star-gazing in the Mackenzie Basin

In the Mackenzie Basin, nestled in the foothills of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, where the stars twinkle brightly in a crystal-clear night sky that makes the heavens appear closer to earth, astro-tourism is booming.

The skies above the surrounding region, which includes the country’s highest peak Aoraki Mt Cook, have been officially declared a gold-rated International Dark Sky Reserve. Covering 4300sq km over Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve forms the world’s largest such reserve.

Stargazing is a year-round activity but New Zealand’s summer months and autumn (December to April) are when skies are clearest. Unique star features include the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds, satellite galaxies to the Milky Way that are only visible in the southern hemisphere. 

Visa 

A visitor visa for New Zealand is processed within 15 working days. 

For more information, you can check #NZmustdo