1INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
OCT/NOV 2015
OLD HAUNTS & NEW JAUNTSThe best of Australia old & new
Old relics & ancient abodesSPOTLIGHT ON EUROPE
PARADISE FOUNDThe untouched beauty of the Philippines
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY!
RECREATION OR RELAXATION
A century of the US National Park Service
Which South Pacific Island should you choose?
+ more!
Make 2016 your year
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Europe : Old countr ies , new d iscover ies
Treasures of the South Pac if i cAussie crowd pleasers & teasers
24
4 8I N T H I SHello!
EnjoyX
Not so long ago the world seemed unfathomably huge. Fast forward to 2015 and the likelihood of taking a trip and bumping into your neighbour occurs with disturbing regularity.
Small world huh?... Nope, the world's still huge. And there's plenty more to explore.
Whether youre after sun, fun or adventure, 2016s going to see a surge in all things new, remote and seemingly out of reach; the inaccessible made accessible, the once-avoided landmarks made into bucket-list favourites and familiar cities offering a million new reasons to visit.
The world is bursting at the seams with opportunity, from international sporting events to little-known cultural trends. The hot spots remain, but there are lesser-known neighbouring countries to discover too.
Seek and you shall find. Because in this world, anythings possible.
HOUSE OF TRAVEL CONTRIBUTORS
Writer ANNA SARJEANT
Designer KYLIE MILLAR
Campaign Manager HEIDI LOXHAY
Australia RACHEL MANCINI
South Pacific MIKE GEARY
North America GABRIELLE BROWN
Asia & Touring PAULA WATSON
Europe ANNE GRAHAM
South America SHELLEY ADKINS
Cruise LINDA HALLIDAY
Printer WEBSTAR
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12I N T H I S I S S U E
All eyes on As ia
Mak ing waves in cru is ing
North Amer ica : C it i es & soul
First place goes to Rio!
Smal l groups = BIG adventures
Save the date !
3230 34
22OCT/NOV 2015
16
GOLD COAST
QUEENSLAND ISLANDS
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CROWD PLEASERS & NEW TEASERS
Superman & Green Lantern at Warner Bros Movie WorldRoller coaster rides thatll churn your insides and stuntmen throwing themselves into peril, or movie-themed motion stimulators followed by a casual yarn with Batman.Youre either very young, or young at heart and either works! Warner Bros Movie World has it all; stunt shows and street parades, white knuckle rides and characters patrolling the park, from Bugs Bunny to Tweety and even Marilyn Monroe. Have a guess who
dad will be talking to!
Village Theme Parks 7 Day Holiday Passes start from $435 per family Family is based on 2ad/2ch (3-13 yrs)
Shrek, Kung Fu Panda & The Wiggles at DreamworldWith nine high-adrenalin, Big Thrill rides, over
40 attractions and the title as Australia's largest theme park, Dreamworld Gold
Coast also boasts ABC Kids World; home to Giggle & Hoot, The Wiggles, Play School
and the Bananas in Pyjamas fun maze, not forgetting the famous residents of
Cuddlestown. Suitable for big kids, small kids and those old enough to foot the bill, there are
tiger shows, DreamWorks Experience and virtual
reality V8 Supercars. Look whos driving now!
Dreamworld Kiwi 7 Day Ticket Family passes start from $395 per family Family is based on 2ad/2ch (3-13 yrs)
If you LIKE this.. . then you'll LOVE this!
FOR THRILL SEEKING FAMILIES
Staying on the coastWhats not to love about endless days of sun, sea and sand? Holidays that are so relaxed you neednt do anything more strenuous than saunter from the pool to the beach. The Queensland coast offers a lively social scene and water-centric activities that lure plenty of visitors. Hours are divided between idle lounging and finding cafes selling fresh just-pressed juice, or jumping waves in the sea, commandeering a jet ski and sipping
a frosty Aussie beer outside the nearest bar.
Aruba Surf Resort, Broadbeach from $75pp per night share twin Minimum night stays apply
Queensland island hoppingQueensland island hopping. Why settle for one slice of paradise when you can have more? From Lizard Island in Tropical North
Queensland to Tangalooma on Moreton Island in southeast Queensland, theres
always something different to enjoy. Theres also the Whitsundays, where you can spend
the entire day jumping from one idyllic beach to the next. From swimming with turtles to eco
adventures, teeing off and luxe indulgence, you name it, theres an island offering it.
Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island from $235pp per night share twin
Minimum night stays apply
If you LIKE this.. . then you'll LOVE this!
FOR chilled out BEACH BUMS
Tourism & Events Queensland
Tourism & Events Queensland
TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
SUNSHINE COAST
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WE ALL LOVE AUSSIE FOR A HOLIDAY, BUT DO YOU FIND YOURSELF RETURNING TO THE SAME SPOTS YEAR- IN, YEAR-OUT? FEAR NOT, FOR EVERY WELL-LOVED AUSSIE RECREATION, THERE ARE A DOZEN MORE TO DISCOVER.
A Great Barrier Reef day cruiseThe perfect set-up of teal water and endless coastline fringed with palm trees. Your vessel slicing through the water, with sugary soft sand in the distance and if youre lucky, whales on the horizon. For the water-babies theres nothing better, activities abound. From snorkelling and diving (including helmet diving for those that dont want to get their hair wet!) to coral exploration, semi sub
rides and plenty of dips in and out of the sea.
Great Adventures Great Barrier Reef Adventure (departs from Cairns) from $259pp
MooloolabaWth its perennial perfect climate and laid-back welcome, little wonder Mooloolaba is a firm-favourite destination on the Sunshine Coast. For the getaway thats delivered with little fuss or flare, days neednt be any more taxing than sunbathing on the beach, barbecue lunches and a wine while you dine of which Mooloolaba offers sublime varieties of both. Popular properties include family friendly Mantra Mooloolaba and Nautilus Mooloolaba.
Mantra Mooloolaba, 2 Bedroom Apartment from $109pp per night family share Family is based on 2ad/2ch (2-11 yrs)
A Great Barrier Reef heli-tour The high-rolling Aussie lifestyle. Soar over the
famous Great Barrier Reef in pure luxury. Heli-tours provide bucket-list wow-moments
from the air rather than land or sea. The Tropical North Queensland colours from a birds eye perspective swirl like a painters strokes; turquoise hues fused with shallow coral. There are stunning scenic tours on
offer, or go the extra mile and land at the Agincourt Reef pontoon and spend over
three hours on and under the water.
GBR Helicopters 10 minute scenic flight (departs Green Island) from $229pp
Twin Waters Fifteen minutes north of Mooloolaba sits the
Novotel Twin Waters Resort and Grand Mercure both top-picks for families. You get that
happy resort vibe in a unique location, even boasting their very own lake with a water
park and sailing opportunities. Holidays can be as relaxed or as exclusive as you
like with both hotels offering traditional hotel accommodation as well as self-sufficient
apartments. Twin Waters golf course is also recognised as one of the top six in Australia.
Novotel Twin Waters, Resort Room Garden Viewfrom $49pp per night family share
Family is based on 2ad/2ch (2-11 yrs)
If you LIKE this.. .
If you LIKE this.. .
then you'll LOVE this!
then you'll LOVE this!
FOR an ADVENTURE in the TROPICS
FOR BEACH LOVING FAMILIES
Flights are additional. Terms & Conditions apply.
Tourism & Events Queensland
Tourism & Events Queensland
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Swan ValleyExploring Western Australias Swan Valley from the inside-out, with daily wine tours and plenty of tastings. Just twenty minutes drive east of Perth CBD, guided day trips are quick and convenient, with both a host and driver, their wine knowledge more than extensive. Typically youll visit five wineries, a boutique brewery and the famous Margaret River Chocolate Company along the way. The best time to visit is between September and December, to coincide with the stunning wildflower season and warm spring weather.
Swan Valley Full Day Indulgence Tour from $129pp
Margaret River Situated in the heart of Western Australias
southwest region, and only three hours drive south of Perth, the Margaret River region
is one of Australias most strikingly diverse holiday spots. Hop in a car for self-drive
exploration, or join an organised tour and head to the home of over 80 wineries and
microbreweries. Plan your visit to complement big events such as the Gourmet Escape, or visit throughout the year for plenty of
gastronomic delights, world famous surf breaks and a laid-back vibe.
Margaret River with Neil McLeod 3 Day Escape from $925pp share twin
If you LIKE this.. . then you'll LOVE this!
FOR VINEYARD ENTHUSIASTS
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Kangaroo IslandFood in its purest form. Organic cheese and cultured yoghurt, honey harvested from Ligurian bees and seafood so fresh its practically still swimming. No doubt South Australias Kangaroo Island is your favourite island to grace this earth. A haven of fertile land and water, Australias finest gourmet foods as well as the countrys most talented artisans reside here. As wild as it is delicious, youll know its renowned food and wine trails well; sampling products directly from the source.
Sealink Kangaroo Island Experience (departs Adelaide) from $315pp
Fleurieu Peninsula Beer. But of course! Venture to South Australias
Fleurieu Peninsula, only forty five minutes south of Adelaide, and experience an off-road 4WD beer tour with Off-Piste.
Forge a route through the rugged terrain on-board a robust Toyota Troop carrier, while
gaining a behind-the-scenes look into various boutique breweries, complete with lunch. A labour of love, discover award-winning
hand crafted beers, all served with a backdrop of back-country vistas and stunning coastline.
Off Piste Craft Beer Adventure (departs Adelaide) from $235pp
If you LIKE this.. . then you'll LOVE this!
FOR off the BEATEN TRACK food tours
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Tourism Western Australia
SATC
NEW SOUTH WALES
Byron BayThe gateway to abundant surf opportunities, one hour south of Gold Coast Airport. Host to a medley of annual events, be sure to catch the annual BluesFest in March the quintessential blues and roots music festival. Next year's acts include UB40, City and Colour and Tom Jones! Byron Bay is a year-round crowd puller, popular with all those who enjoy a cruisey combination of relaxation and recreation, from energising dawn surfs to sleepy late-morning markets.
Breakfree Eco Beach, Studio Room from $99pp per night share twin
Port StephensPort Stephens is Sydneys playground, just two
hours drive north of the city. Head to Port Stephens' coast and ride a thundering quad bike across the massive sand dunes (run by
a local indigenous company who will ensure youre smiling throughout). Home to over 100
bottlenose dolphins, dolphin-spotting tours and kayaking trips depart from Nelson Bay and whale-watching is also popular during
the annual migration north in June and July, and south from September to November.
The Nelson, Queen Standard Room from $85pp per night share twin
If you LIKE this.. . then you'll LOVE this!
FOR a FUN-FILLED BEACH BREAK
VICTORIA
Melbourne ZooSeeing your little tykes getting acquainted with Australias fascinating wildlife; their grins spreading from ear to ear. If you and the family are big fans of Melbourne Zoo, youll already know its one of the best days out in the Victoria state; the ultimate wildlife encounter and just five minutes from Melbournes CBD. Stroll through lush Asian and African rainforests, discover Australian bush land and if it's water creatures that excite, visitors can even venture underwater.
General Admission Day ticket from $109 per family KIDS GET IN FOR FREE on weekends & school holidays Family is based on 2ad/2ch (4-15 yrs). Kids under 3yrs free
Werribee Open Range Zoo Why travel across the globe when you can
get a taste of African safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo? A mere 30-minutes out
of Melbourne and en route to the Great Ocean Road, discover African, Asian, North
American and Australian wildlife across more than 200 hectares of open range
environment. The animals have so much space they behave exactly as they would in
their natural habitats. Hop on a free safari tour or stay overnight for a unique Slumber Safari.
General Admission Day ticket from $109 per family KIDS GET IN FOR FREE on weekends & school holidays
Family is based on 2ad/2ch (4-15 yrs). Kids under 3yrs free
If you LIKE this.. . then you'll LOVE this!
FOR the ANIMAL LOVING FAMILY
Flights are additional. Terms & Conditions apply.
TO FIND OUT MORE GIVE US A CALL ON 0800 838 747, VISIT HOUSEOFTRAVEL.CO.NZ/INSPIRE OR COME INSTORE TODAY
Jason Busch Photography
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SHINE ON,VANUATU
T his is a country where the sun shines bright but the peoples smiles shine brighter. A nation on the mend, Vanuatus rebuild is predominately cosmetic, nothing can destroy
the populations enviable zeal for life.
Espiritu Santo, the largest island in Vanuatu
and the nations second biggest tourist area was
almost completely bypassed by Cyclone Pam and
remains both in-tact and in-credible. Awash with
palm-fringed beaches, platinum sand and water
so clear it sparkles like crystal, even Pam knew
Santo was too beautiful to attack.
Simple, sleepy and charmingly under-
developed, in Santo there are more cows than
people. In fact, if it wasnt for the cattle idly gracing
the shoreline, youd find yourself alone on the
beach. High-end retreats flank the green hinterland
but its the isolation that makes Santo so attractive.
That and the cuisine of course, because Santo
(like much of Vanuatu) is a food haven. French
colonists gave the country strong coffee and sweet
patisseries, while the islands tropical location
and rich agriculture contribute to the exotic fruits
and coconut plantations, gooey honey and an
abundance of cattle, all of which is fresh and
organic. Arguably, Vanuatus beef will likely be the
best youll ever taste.
From Santo you can discover Vanuatus war
history. As the former WWII military base of the US Army,
Hurricane Pam isnt the sole perpetrator to leave a
path of debris. The sunken graveyard of the USA Army,
also known as Million Dollar Point is found just off the
coast of Esprito Santo. Between the terracotta sand
and perennial blue sky there lies a dumping ground
of US military equipment, or to put it in better words,
a moment of lunacy frozen in time. The submerged
junkyard reflects a time in 1947 when, with the war
over and Vanuatu no longer US-occupied, American
soldiers were instructed to dump all warfare into the
sea. Jeeps, trucks, bulldozers, tractors, trailers and all.
And that is where they stayed.
Decades on and the rusted, contorted remnants
of planes, boats and bulldozers no longer await
excavation; now a permanent feature of the
Santo scenery, theyve taken residence in Vanuatu,
frequented only by divers, snorkelers and scores
of tropical fish that have renovated the twisted
wreckage into their home. Not as adverse as it initially
appears, the underwater scenery, albeit muddy
and mangled, is also beautiful. An interactive history
lesson that beguiles visitors with both its eerie neglect
and fascinating past, it is undeniably one of the
worlds best diving spectacles.
As the most populous island in Vanuatu and
the most visited of Vanuatus islands from NZ, Efate
took a huge brunt of Pams wrath and didnt fare
well for it. Months on and a lot of the province has
IN MARCH 2015 HURRICANE PAM SWEPT THROUGH VANUATU, RAVAGING MUCH OF THE MAINLAND AND ISLANDS. BUT DON'T CRY FOR VANUATU JUST YET. ALBEIT SHAKEN, IT TAKES MORE THAN A STORM TO UNSETTLE THIS BEAUTY.
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been rebuilt, only two resorts, Iririki Island Resort &
Holiday Inn Resort remain closed until May 2016 and
a new 80 room self-contained resort, The Ramada
Akiriki Vanuatu is readying itself to welcome tourists
from 1 June 2016. Included in Vanuatus rebuild
is the capital, Port Vila. A little slice of France in
the southern hemisphere, and well worth a visit
for the food alone. French colonists gave the
country a taste for European flavours and even the
supermarkets are enticing with French chains
selling a medley of continental treats.
From Port Vila, take a 20-minute drive to Mele
Cascades, an area of lush foliage intertwined with
turquoise streams and foaming rivers. Nature at its
very finest, Mele Cascades is the polar-opposite
of Cyclone Pam; calm, tranquil and glowing with
serenity. Inhale the sweet scent of hibiscus, dip
your toes in shallow pools and navigate bubbling
creeks, the water reaching high above your ankles.
Having clambered over rocks and under low-lying
trees, youll reach a stunning waterfall and an
invitation to swim beneath it. Efate may have taken
a battering but its beauty stands strong.
Cyclone or no cyclone, the people of Vanuatu
are always smiling. Said to be the happiest souls in
the world, making easy and immediate connections
with the nations people is an everyday occurrence.
Travellers are welcomed with open-arms, more so
since Hurricane Pam. Tourism plays a huge part in
their vitality, credited to 40% of the national income
and the stability of Vanuatus future, the country
fought to bounce back, and bounce back it did.
Pams long gone but Vanuatus long list of appeals
never went away.
When Vanuatu gets knocked down, Vanuatu
gets back up. Taller and stronger and with
smiles even wider than before. To find out
more visit houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire, give us
a call on 0800 838 747 or come instore today.
Niue. The island with a self-service bar, one or two plane arrivals per week (depending on
season) and a singular holiday resort. High rises? Forget it! If this sounds like bliss its because it is. In Niue, there exists a natural serenity thats
almost unheard of in the modern day. An outdoor enthusiasts paradise, there are sea tracks and
walking routes, snorkelling coves and swimming caves, as well as pods of dolphins and the annual
whale migration between July and October.
POPULATION 1,300
CURRENCY The New Zealand Dollar
FLIGHT FROM AUCKLAND 3 hours
LANGUAGE Niuean & English
NOT TO MISS ACTIVITIESSwim in the spellbinding Avaiki Cave
Snorkel in the crystal clear Limu Pools
Venture into Toga Chasm (not for the faint heartedits a very steep ladder!)
WILDLIFE WONDERSSwim with humpback whales, which come within
100m of shore! (July-Oct)
Join a pod of 100+ spinner dolphins
Walk through flocks of beautiful butterflies in the rainforest
INSIDER KNOWLEDGEA rental car is a 'must' to experience
the real Niue at leisure
Cash out is possible at the Supermarket or Bond store as back up to credit cards
Most shops are shut on Saturday and Sunday but the Supermarket is open till 1pm on a Saturday
Good walking shoes and reef shoes are a must!
EATING & DRINKINGHead to Willie's Washaway Caf, open every
Sunday from 11am-11pm. Great burgers and a self service bar!
Visit the early markets to grab some tropical fruit and get an insiders view into Niuen life
Kaiika (Japanese Restaurant) and Falala Fa Caf & Bar are top spots to dine at
SPOTLIGHT ON NIUE
All Vanuatu photos Vanuatu Tourism / David Kirkland
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EACH OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS HAS A STRONG IDENTITY, CULTURE AND HISTORY. HERE'S OUR GUIDE FOR PICKING THE RIGHT ISLAND FOR YOU.
Which island is right for you?
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR:Adventure junkies who want to fill their days with action packed activities like diving, zip-lining and off-road 4WD tours.
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR:Chilled out families and couples looking for beautiful, tropical beaches and a great range of activities and dining.
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR:Laid-back travellers who are after a pure Pacifica experience with plenty of beach time and a chance to go whale watching!
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR:History buffs who are after a relaxing holiday in a beautifully serene setting, surrounded by majestic pine trees.
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR:Outdoorsy types looking for a myriad of activities including fishing, whale watching, cavern diving and hiking.
BEACHES
DIVING / SNORKELLING
CULTURE
FAMILIES
DINING
BEACHES
DIVING / SNORKELLING
CULTURE
FAMILIES
DINING
BEACHES
DIVING / SNORKELLING
CULTURE
FAMILIES
DINING
BEACHES
DIVING / SNORKELLING
CULTURE
FAMILIES
DINING
BEACHES
DIVING / SNORKELLING
CULTURE
FAMILIES
DINING
COOK ISLANDS
TONGA NIUE
VANUATU
NORFOLK ISLAND
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BEACHES
DIVING / SNORKELLING
CULTURE
FAMILIES
DINING
BEACHES
DIVING / SNORKELLING
CULTURE
FAMILIES
DINING
BEACHES
DIVING / SNORKELLING
CULTURE
FAMILIES
DINING
WHEN?HOW
AND
BEST TIME TO GOThe dry season (May-Oct)
IF YOU'RE A COUPLEAvoid school holidays!
FOR FAMILIESIf going in school holidays,
book at least 4 months in advance to avoid disappointment
BEST TIME FOR DIVINGThis varies depending on the
location with less visibility in the wet season
HOW OFTEN ARE FLIGHTS?
Fiji & Cook Islands: Daily Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti & New Caledonia:
5 days a weekVanuatu: 4 days a week
Niue & Norfolk Island: Once a week
HOW LONG ARE THE FLIGHTS?Tahiti: 5 hours
Norfolk Island: 1 hoursNew Caledonia: 2 hoursThe rest: Between 3-4 hours
TAHITI
FIJI
SAMOA
NEWCALEDONIA
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR:Couples (honeymooners...even better!) who want to soak up the sun in luxuriously beautiful surroundings.
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR:Off the beaten track travellers who are after amazing culture, deserted beaches and even a spot of surfing if you're keen!
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR:Beach bunnies (head to the islands for beautiful beaches and snorkelling) and families (head to resorts with great kids clubs & action!)
BEACHES
DIVING / SNORKELLING
CULTURE
FAMILIES
DINING
THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY FOR:Active relaxers who like culture, eating and shopping with the option to get into watersports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.
NEW IN 2016 Double Tree Sonaisali Island Resort by Hilton Fiji
Opening 01 Jul 2016
Ramada Akiriki Vanuatu Opening 01 Jun 2016
Taumeasina Island Resort SamoaOpening Apr 2016
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WE'VE FOUND PARADISE (can you keep a secret?)
T he pursuit for paradise never ends. The Robinson Crusoe ideal, where the beach is desolate, silence dominates and the only chance of seeing another soul is in the water, and even then its your own reflection. Cast your eyes over the Philippines; dubbed the hottest new destination for 2016. Its a country that boasts over 7000 relatively under-populated islands, so theres ample to go around.
BORACAYGet out of Manila. Theres no love to be found here, see it only as the city where your first plane lands and your next one departs. Instead, fly 315 kilometres south into Boracay and discover the incomparable White Beach. With sand like talcum-powder, its as
soft as sugar, as light as flour and brighter than both. Lapped by emerald water and shroud by sun, the entire stretch of beach runs parallel to a sandy pedestrian walkway the White Beach Path. Cars are banned so kick your naked toes through sun-warmed sand and weave your way to the nearest beach shack. Indulge in a refreshing Philippine specialty; fresh Calamansi juice made from citrus fruit. Come nightfall, Boracay transforms from quiet and subdued to loud and vivacious so swap your juice for an aperitif and settle in for a bustling festivity of live music, fire dancers and illuminated palm trees.
CEBUBeautiful beaches aside, the Philippines urban areas are always an experience. If youre seeking
a good dose of city-fever, Cebu is as energetic as Manila, but served with an extra lashing of panache. Like all good cities, Cebu is fast-paced and exhaustive; radiating with an urgency that only exists in Asias most manic metropolises. This animated frenzy is heightened by the Philippines most popular means of public transport, the Jeepney. Big, crowded and frequently adorned with kitsch decoration, these over-sized Jeeps are a great experience, even if just the once.
PALAWANIsland-hopping is easy from Cebu and will allow you to call at Palawans UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Dubbed one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, at 8 kilometres in
THE PHIL IPPINE ISLANDS ARE BEAUTIFUL, BUT THEYRE ALSO UNDER EXPOSED AND MORE-OR-LESS UNDISCOVERED. IF YOU THOUGHT A 21ST CENTURY UTOPIA WAS UNATTAINABLE, THINK AGAIN.
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length, its the longest underground river in Asia.
Explore pitch black chambers lit only by your
head lamp, observing stalactites and stalagmites,
hanging bats and a never-ending highway of
spine-tingling chasms.
From Puerto Princesa, take the three hour drive
to El Nido and youll be rewarded with the holy grail
of travel the gateway to paradise.
Thailand stand down. The worlds most pristine
beaches belong to the Philippines. In particular,
The Secret Beach of Matinloc Island. A non-fictional
Shangri-La, where a white sparkling beach nudges
towering limestone cliffs and a sprinkling of
coconut trees, its picture-perfect. Reading like a
verse from a Utopian fairy tale, the secret beach
leads to a secret lagoon via a barely-visible split
in the cliff. Reach the other side and youll find
a deserted lagoon guarded by giant cliffs and
blessed with emerald water. Youll want to spend
an eternity here, but with so much of the Philippines
to discover, youll be compelled to leave.
BOHOL Chocolate buttons 400 feet in height and over
one thousand in number. Sound like heaven? It is.
But unfortunately they cant be consumed. Bohols
Chocolate Hills, so called because they resemble
giant Maltesers, are huge conical mounds that
turn brown during the summer. For the best views of
these bubbling cocoa-coloured droplets, Chocolate
Hills Adventure Park offers famed views across the
landscape, including vistas of Carmens limestone
formations. Home to Bohols most exhilarating zip
wire, youll need to swap your feet for a set of wheels
to successfully complete this course. A zip wire like
no other, heres where youll find a bicycle zip wire.
Elevated 45 metres above the ground, those with
nerves of steel can pedal a modified bicycle across
225 metre-long cables, suspended high above the
treetops and strung between hillsides. With a light
breeze whipping your ears, precariously navigate
the lines and youll be rewarded with dazzling
Philippine views if you dare to look around that is.
Suitable for the entire family, theres also a tandem
option, for those who quiver at the very thought of
riding solo.
With the gateway to the Philippines expanding
and Philippine Airlines now flying from Auckland,
its even easier to find paradise. For more info
visit houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire, give us a call
on 0800 838 747 or come instore today.
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GO WITH THE FLOW
A sia has long been a favourite among travellers for its lush scenery, incredible hospitality and mouth-watering cuisine. For a different perspective on an all-time classic,
take to the water.
THE MEKONGOpening the curtains hasnt been this exciting since, well never actually. Onboard a Mekong River cruise youll be greeted with a new (and totally unexpected) view every morning. Whether its a silver pagoda towering on the hillside, a congress of wooden sampans heaving with fruit, or an overly-excited gibbon wishing you a cheery hello, every day is different. As the longest river in Southeast Asia, the Mekong effortlessly transports its guests from Vietnam into Cambodia, across Laos and through Thailand, via a vast network of backwater river arteries. A rich tapestry of life that explores everything from Phnom Penhs eroded French architecture, the famed Angkor Wat and little-visited communities
that move with an unquenchable energy.
THE IRRAWADDYDetox from the Western World; from flashy technology and a relentless pace. Take to the river. Cruise along the Burmese Irrawaddy and open your eyes to a country thats still emerging from isolation. Run-down motorbikes zip their way along pot-holed dirt tracks, racing past bare-footed
monks and fishermen heaving their catch home.
Water buffalo paddle the shallow fringes of the
riverbed and heat-fatigued cows pull wooden
carts. The land is lush with thick foliage and forged
gorges, the occasional glint from sun bouncing
off its pagodas. For scenery that has remained
unchanged for centuries, now is the time to visit
the beautiful waterways of Myanmar.
THE PANDAW EXPERIENCE The nights are balmy but an iced G&T cures all.
Sit atop the deck and watch paddy fields float by,
flanked with children playing on the muddy banks
of the river. So is the life onboard a Pandaw. These
waterborne boutique hotels are usually replete in
teak and brass, their twin-decks carrying between
30-60 privileged guests. Bespoke staterooms are
spacious but free from TVs, internet or phones, the
entertainment is outside not in. For the intrepid
traveller with a penchant for the finer things in life,
the dining is refined and the amenities include a
spa, gym and plenty of space for relaxing; book in
one hand, beverage in the other. For all those with
an appetite for luxury as well as discovery, Pandaw
cruising supplies both.
Head to the heart of Asia. To find out more visit
houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire, give us a call
on 0800 838 747 or come instore today.
THE WATER ARTERIES THAT MAKE UP THE BACK WATERS OF ASIA PROVIDE A UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO THE CONTINENT'S LESS ACCESSIBLE LANDSCAPE.
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A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, Japans Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates
the beginning of spring and the arrival of beautiful Sakura Japanese cherry blossom. It is also a time for eating and drinking, with locals descending on the
neighbourhoods prettiest parks to sit under the candy-coloured trees with a picnic.
The blossom can be anything from ice-white and bubble gum pink to a deep magenta or mauve, with the sweet scent
always remaining the same; fresh, uplifting and symbolic of spring.
Popular festival activities include tea ceremonies and food hampers packed-out with onigiri rice balls, Yakiniku (grilled meats) and steaming miso soup. Or for those really
embracing the celebrations, last year McDonalds cooked-up a limited edition
Cherry Blossom Burger, complete with pink buns.
If youre in Thailand and its April, your biggest threat apart from the soaring
heat is a Thai toddler. Especially if theyre in possession of a water gun.
April marks the Thai New Year and the Buddhist festival of Songkran; the end of the dry season and the beginning of the
annual rains. To wash away sins from the old year,
locals take to the street for a colossal water fight. And toddlers, on spotting a non-suspecting tourist, take little mercy.
Not so much a water fight, but a full-scale war, the entire city heaves with aqua-fuelled
commotion; water erupts from coloured buckets and bazooka-sized water guns; soggy squelches and surprised screams fill the air, and the odd lost jandal floats
down the street on its own lone tide.
Beware, if youre a visitor the revellers will target you first! The annual Lathmar Holi is the world-famous Indian colour-throwing festival
and the locals take particular glee in colour-coating the out-of-towners.
Predominantly celebrated in the north to commemorate the Hindu festival of Holi, its
the penultimate celebration of a 16-day event.Merrymakers take to the street and
sling-shot an assortment of colourful gulal (powder) at one another, with innocent
passers-by targeted whether theyre partaking or not. Launch methods have become quite inventive over the years, anything from buckets and balloons to
water shot from syringes and the traditional flour-bomb, anything goes.
Not an occasion for your best white attire, its riotous, boisterous and the perfect opportunity
for dancing, singing and mischief.
in Asia
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL HOLI FESTIVAL SONGKRAN FESTIVALJapan's India's Thailand's
FESTIVAL FEVER
24 MARCH 2016 // NATIONWIDE LATE MARCH-MID APRIL // NATIONWIDE 13 APRIL 2016 // NATIONWIDE
1 6 INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
Make a toast to THE GREAT OUTDOORS
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKWHERE: Mostly Wyoming but also Montana & Idaho
BEST TIME TO GO: March-May & September-October
KNOWN FOR ITS: Geothermal features & wildlife
Yellowstone is the national park that spoils its guests. So much so, by the time youve spotted your umpteenth bison, elk or antelope, youll be tempted to roll your eyes; the terrain is that abundant with nature.
Of course, we exaggerate, Yellowstone is far from boring. As the worlds first national park, its like all great originals; an absolute treasure.
Bursting at its 2,219,789 acre seams with canyons and alpine rivers, over 10,000 thermal wonderments and an astounding 300 geysers,
the real issue is where to look first. There are bald eagles soaring above its high mountain plateau and yellow-green hillsides that swirl with
gushing alpine rivers. Bison thud across a landscape thats restless with volcanic activity and the dark rocks that (at first glance) look like bears,
station themselves between lush forest and rippling mountainside. Yellowstones nature, whether it moves on four-paws or two wings
provides endless jaw-dropping imagery. Only two per cent of Yellowstone is developed so youd be wise
to trundle across its terrain as slow and as laborious as the bison; admiring every spectacle, inhaling every scent and listening to the
chorus of crickets; a chatter that seemingly rings out forever.
The Best Yellowstone Tour (3 days/2 nights) departs from Salt Lake City and is priced from $1475 per adult share twin
DENALIWHERE: Alaska
BEST TIME TO GO: June-August
KNOWN FOR ITS: Glaciers, dramatic scenery & wildlife
In Alaskas Denali National Park everything looks fluffy, from the mountain-nudging clouds to the spongy green grass, even the brown
grizzly bears look cuddly. But dont let the illusions deceive you, here lies 6 million acres of untamed wilderness; a land where the clouds turn
to storms and the bears arent renowned for their cuddles. Inherently wild, Denali is still the most accessible of Alaska's
national parks and home to North Americas highest peak, Denali Mountain (Mount McKinley), but youll probably want to use the 150km road to see it. With a single track, of which only the bus is
allowed to travel, minimal traffic allows for uninterrupted views across a breath-taking panorama, a dense carpet of grass merges into
thickets of brown and thorns of red, while ice-white glaciers carve a pathway through both. Towering granite spires melt into snow-topped
peaks, their slopes reflected in startling glacial lakes. Look closely and youll spot caribou, moose, dall sheep, the odd fox and snowshoe
hares bounding across sheets of untouched snow. And if thats not enough to have your face flat-pressed against
the window, the opportunity to see golden eagles, wolves and cinnamon-coloured grizzlies surely will.
Denali Backcountry Highlights Rail & Coach Tour (3 days/2 nights) departs from Anchorage and is priced from $2149 per adult share twin
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Make a toast to THE GREAT OUTDOORS
THE MIGHTY 5WHERE: Utah
BEST TIME TO GO: April-May & September-October
KNOWN FOR ITS: Surreal scenery & unforgettable activities
Star-gazing from Mars, now made possible in Utah. Or so itll seem if you lie across the sandstone plateau of The Mighty 5s craggy savannah-coloured stone. Bathing in sunshine that penetrates a desert soil, the five national parks that make up this other-worldly terrain include Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Arches, Bryce Canyon
and Zion National Park. Collectively the five parks are an expansive, seemingly limitless
mass of natural creation, an abstract panorama of domes, cliffs and arches, 300-foot towers and arid humidity; a sizzling desert of brilliant, barren orange. Arrive a little earlier and experience sunrise over red
rocks and jutting formations that spike, twist and curve. Stay a little later and watch as shadows from the setting sun give way to a glowing
night sky; the transformation of light and colour, pink through to navy seeping into every pocket and fold.
Time your visit to witness the full moon cast a silvery glare over the deep canyons and towers, or arrive late autumn and youll be
presented with the Milky Way, its streaks smeared across the sky like an extra-terrestrial firework display. Nothing short of spell-binding, theres
never a bad time to explore Utahs aptly-named Mighty 5.
The Mighty Five Small Group Tour (6 days/5 nights) departs Salt Lake City and is priced from $3165 per adult share twin
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINSWHERE: Tennessee & North Carolina
BEST TIME TO GO: May-October
KNOWN FOR ITS: Diverse ecosystems & extensive species of wildlife
As Americas most visited national park (and one of few that doesnt charge an admission fee) youd think the Great Smoky Mountains would
be heaving with sightseers, but with 521,896 acres of wilderness and over 12,000km of back-country trails, you neednt venture too far to find
solitude. Trek eight kilometres off-grid and youll be in the thick of the worlds oldest mountain range, the Southern Appalachians. From afar they bathe in a milky blue haze, the colour of plants breath, its literally
the result of respiration. Once inside the dense canopy, youll bear witness to an entire kaleidoscope of colour. From hammering woodpeckers to waterfalls where mist and rainbows hang suspended in the air, thanks
to heavy annual rainfall the entire park is replete with lush greenery and a beguiling luminosity. Youll be grateful for backpacks jammed with energy-boosting snacks and water refreshments but keep your tasty
treats to yourself, the parks also home to 2000 black bears. Avoid leaving your pack unattended and always utilise the bear-proof rubbish bins.
Instead of bears, seek out the synchronous fireflies, a phenomenon that occurs in late May or early June (reservations required), theyre the only
US species to blink in synchrony as part of their mating ritual.
Grab a Hertz rental car from Nashville, a 3.5 hour drive away, to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. A 5 day rental car,
Ford Focus or similar is priced from $265 per person share twin
RAISE YOUR GLASS TO THE USAS NATIONAL PARKS. AUGUST 2016 MARKS 100 YEARS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE; A CENTURY OF MAINTAINING THE NATIONS FINEST LANDSCAPES, FOR COMMUNITIES PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. FOR INCOMPARABLE BEAUTY AND ENDLESS RECREATION, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN OUR BEST FOR 2016 NATIONAL PARK PICKS.
Terms & Conditions apply
TO FIND OUT MORE GIVE US A CALL ON 0800 838 747, VISIT HOUSEOFTRAVEL.CO.NZ/INSPIRE OR COME INSTORE TODAY
1 8 INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
HAWAII'SOuter KingdomT heres nothing new about Hawai`i. Much of its terrain is over 5000 years old, pre-dates the dinosaurs and features hardened lava that set well over 5-million years previously.
But theres a freshness to be found in Hawaiis treasures, places that dont get as much limelight as famed Honolulu or Waikiki. Discover the outer realms of O`ahu and another three unique islands
that are all different and less developed.
O`AHU O`ahu is the only island where you'll be aware that Hawai`i is an American state. Both Honolulu and Waikiki dazzle with glitzy high rises and flashy hotel chains, but once youre done with the bright lights and busy streets, take a short ride out of the city and discover a mellower side of O`ahu. Whether its
the North Shores sleepy surf vibes, or snorkelling at Hanauma Bay State Park (found in the carcass of a volcanic crater and considered one of the best snorkelling locations in Hawai`i) its easy to find neighbourhoods that encapsulate the traditional Hawaiian vibe. For a true local experience, Kapiolani Community College's weekly farmers market sells a full stock of mouth-watering island fruits; freshly-
picked red rambutan fruit, pineapple and guava.
MAUIAs the sun sets, tuck into juicy fish tacos at Paia Fish Market, its been a hunger-inducing day exploring Mauis Hana Highway. Hours earlier the morning was fresh; roadside jungle sparkled with a light dew, spraying gently as you passed. By midday a balmy sunshine highlighted the islands prettiest features,
from waterfalls and stellar surf beaches to towering
mountainside; you spent the afternoon in a lush
waterfall lagoon. And now the nights encroaching
and youre eating with the locals from decorated
food trucks that embrace local flavours. On their
suggestion, tomorrow youll venture to Haleakal National Park, where huge volcanic craters of
hardened lava are dusted in saffron-coloured cinder.
Raw yet beautiful, with pockets of golden beach and
a mere scattering of built-up resorts, its little wonder
Mauis considered the real Hawai`i.
KAUA I`Nicknamed The Garden Island due to its
dense backdrop of rainforest, waterfalls and
flawless coastline, Kaua`i is the oldest island in its
archipelago. Proudly lacking in commercialism,
HAWAI`I. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, GOT THE ALOHA SHIRT. OH BUT YOU HAVENT. LOOK BEYOND THE OBVIOUS HAWAIIAN DESTINATIONS AND DISCOVER AN ENTIRE PLETHORA OF STAND-OUT HOLIDAY OPTIONS.
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its worth noting that in Kaua`i nature calls the
shots. From hiking thick forest to kayaking untamed
rivers, adventurous days start with a shot of Kauai
coffee straight from the source (the companys
headquarters still flanks the oceanfront) before
solitary swims along stretches of unsullied coastline.
Watch out for sea turtles straddling the beach;
nothing highlights Kauais grand age more-so than
a creature that cohabited with dinosaurs. Ravenous
from adventure, the closest thing youll find to a
chain diner is a battered roadside truck selling
tex-mex burritos. Amen to that!
HAWAI` I ISLANDDid you know that lava makes a noise? It doesnt
spew or spit like one might think, rather it creaks;
crackling and tinkering as it rolls laboriously over
the floor bed. Hawai`i Island is like that, a constant
surprise of sensory revelations. Yes its the island with
active lava flows, but its also the island that smells
of sweet vanilla as you traverse its jungle thicket,
and where the sound of songbird radiates from
every corner, echoing from huge black cliffs and
over the roar of hidden waterfalls. A land of geckos,
mango trees and beaches that are white, black and
green (actually an olive colour caused by volcanic
eruptions), every entity of Hawai`i Island supplies
some sort of sensory-pleasing vista.
Diverse Hawai` i is brimming with scenery,
history and boundless energy. To find out
more visit houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire, give us
a call on 0800 838 747 or come instore today.
KAUA I`O`AHU
MAUI
HAWAI I` ISLAND
WHICH OUTER ISLAND will you choose?
fromper person share twin
$565Staying in a Standard Room
TRAVEL: 01 Apr-29 Sep & 09-31 Oct 16
ROYAL KONA RESORT4 nights accommodation
HAWAI`I ISLAND
fromper person share twin
$775Staying in a 1 Bedroom Garden View
TRAVEL: 01 Apr-31 May & 01 Aug-31 Oct 16*An amenity fee of US$18 per room per night is additional
and payable direct upon checkout.
ASTON AT POIPU KAI4 nights accommodation
KAUA`I
fromper person share twin
$795Staying in a Tower Standard Room
TRAVEL: 01 Apr-01 Jun & 21 Aug-31 Oct 16
ROYAL LAHAINA RESORT 4 nights accommodation
MAUI
Sales end 30 Nov 15. Ask us about our great value flight deals.
Terms & Conditions apply
Hawai`i Tourism Authority
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LAS VEGAS
IN T
HE
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NEW YORK
CU
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LOS ANGELES
ATT
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S CALLING ALL HARRY POTTER ENTHUSIASTS!
2016 welcomes Universal Studios The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With
a replica Hogsmeade, visit the famed wand shop, buy a Hogwart's uniform
and send a letter with a Hogsmeade postmark. Famished after a match of Quidditch complete with 3D-HD
glasses refuel with a bottle of Butterbeer.
WHAT MAKES NEW YORK SO COOL?Attractions like The High Line; a 2.3km
high-level public park built on a disused train line. Comprising various pathways,
it begins in the Meatpacking District and continues with a linear sleeve of lush parkway. Some zones are flushed with water features, others house outdoor
videos, cafs and artwork.
LAS VEGAS IS SENSATIONAL AT NIGHT
A spectacle best observed from the High Roller Ferris Wheel the largest
observation wheel in the world. Twenty-eight transparent pods with
wrap-around windows offer panoramic views across glitzy Sin City. In true
Las Vegas style, there is even an option of an all-you-can-drink bar that keeps the drinks flowing for the 30-minute trip.
GET UP CLOSE & KISS A T-REX
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County boasts hands-on activities, special exhibits and historic displays dating back 65 million years.
As part of the brand new Dinosaur Hall, visitors stand face-to-face with three real
Tyrannosaurus Rex; the only museum with a trio of T-Rex skeletons.
AN INSIGHT INTO AMERICAN CULTURE
With breath-taking architecture, the brand new home of the Whitney Museum of
American Art is a Renzo Piano designed building and the address for Americas
most diverse modern art. Artworks are all 20th and 21st century American pieces,
from the surreal to the subversive contemporary to the very core.
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT IN VEGAS
With decades of history - as well as hotels the Neon Boneyard is home to all Las Vegas once-used/now forgotten neon signs. A fascinating junk yard of
yesteryears most creative illuminations, there are more than 200 discarded signs
in this open-air museum.
SANTA MONICA IN RECORD TIME
Santa Monica encompasses a cool atmosphere, an iconic beach, pier and
glowing Ferris wheel. It's the beachfront city with a resort town vibe, where sand-fringed
pathways teem with skaters, cyclists and super tanned beach lovers. As of 2016 the brand new Expo Light Rail from Downtown LA to Santa Monica will run between the
beach and the city in as little as 46 minutes.
NEW YORKS LATEST HOT SPOT
Venture to Brooklyn. Walk the 486 metre-long Brooklyn Bridge and admire local brownstone architecture. Saunter
along Brooklyn Heights Esplanade absorbing Manhattan and admiring the neighbourhoods cool street art. Upbeat bars, diners and boutiques abound, with
such a laid-back atmosphere, it feels more small-town than Big Apple.
WHERE TO FIND A GIANT PRAYING MANTIS WITH FLAMING ANTENNAE? Why Downtown Las Vegas of course!
As well as being the oldest part of the city, Downtown is having a revival. Head here for old-school casinos, the worlds 2nd largest LED screen and Downtown
Container Park, built from shipping containers, with bars, galleries,
play areas and shops.
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DEEP SOUTH
For all the delicious flavours of the worlds soul food, cuisine from Americas Deep South didnt
start with such an easy-to-digest past. As the former five states of slavery, dishes from Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and South Carolina
were born from years of enslavement. Using the left-overs from whatever their masters ate,
workers would craft delicious meals from scraps and inspiration from their homeland. The result
was a mouth-watering fusion of meat and spice, seafood, rice and flavour.
JAMBALAYA Creole rice dish, often spicy, with shrimps, chicken,
vegetables and herbs.
GUMBO A thick stew-like soup from Louisiana. Consisting of stock, mixed vegetable and meat or seafood.
GRITS Coarsely ground porridge-like maize, commonly
served with butter, cheese, bacon or shrimps.
PULLED-PORK SANDWICH Popular in Tennessee, the porks cooked extra
slow so it easily breaks (and pulls) apart.
CRAWFISH Boiled in huge baskets and served with potatoes
and a cob of corn. Eat with your fingers.
AIR NEW ZEALAND IS FLYING TO HOUSTON FROM DECEMBER!To find out more call us on 0800 838 747, visit houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire or come instore today.
A Taste of the SouthMEMPHIS
"Ill stay in Memphis" Elvis PresleyMusic accolades and assassinations, Memphis is well known for both. While not the birthplace of Elvis, it is where he was first discovered; along with 'rock n roll itself in the infamous Sun Studios. Trace the origins of all rocks legends, from Johnny Cash to Jerry Lee Lewis and wind up in Elvis Colonial-style mansion, Graceland. Yes he did die on the toilet. From one king to another, the citys influence stems further than music; venture to Lorraine Motel and pay your respects to Martin Luther King, who was assassinated here.
NASHVILLE
"If you can't play guitar and sing in Nashville, you might as well just be a construction worker" Patrick Carney, The Black Keys
Eat, drink and be musical. That should be the Nashville motto. A city where songs are written, Jack Daniels is poured and creamy grits feature on every menu. Music lovers should venture to Lower Broadway, albeit touristy, its the avenue of honky tonks and neon lights. Go for the ambience, as well as famed record shops and an endless supply of live music, it smells of tobacco, beer and aspiration. Pull up a stool and succumb to the dulcet tones of a man playing his guitar hell probably be crooning about a good-for-nuttin ex-lover.
AUSTIN
"There is a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin" Willie Nelson, American singer-songwriter
From thick Texan drawls to barbecued ribs everythings delicious in Austin. The citys rich diversity ranges from bucking broncos to an eclectic music scene, and one which dates back to the hippie-centric 70s. Decades on and beer-soaked nights and live music still rule. As do Austins famed barbecue joints, savour hearty brisket and ribs in a city smokehouse. Traditionally barbecue diners are lunchtime traders, many selling-out around noon, so if its pulled pork you seek, make sure you arrive early.
The
NEW ORLEANS
"There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better" Bob DylanIf the Deep South is America's musical heartland, then New Orleans is most definitely its blood supply; jazz may be the default style in this city, but its cousins, the blues and country, don't live too far away. Be prepared to gain a kilo or two, three, or five with gumbo, jambalaya and huge helpings of shrimp creole served at every neon-lit brasserie. Music and food two very good reasons to fall in love with New Orleans. And Bob agrees!
Brand USA & Memphis Visitors Bureau
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1. VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE With such a variety of tour-based adventures available (and with the world the size that it is) theres a style of trip to unearth every corner of the globe. Peregrine Adventures offer itineraries that cover cycling tours and mountaineering expeditions, wildlife safaris and trail walks. Forget the fly-by approach thats previously been linked to touring, trips are highly detailed, with in-depth exploration throughout. With an average 15 people per trip, you wont be fighting for the views or unable to get the attention of your tour guide. In fact, such is the nature of a small tour, youll consider the guide a close friend by the end.
2. THE INACCESSIBLE MADE ACCESSIBLE From traditional foods to customs you wouldnt otherwise be aware of, group touring ensures you
experience local cultures first-hand. Independently,
you might successfully navigate your way to
Tuscanys stunning countryside, but in a tour group
youll also discover a century-old Tuscan farmhouse
youll step indoors and meet the farmer and his wife,
hell pour you Cinzano and shell serve a huge bowl
of fresh tortellini. Join a G Adventures 'Local Living'
tour and youll live like a local in unique residences
with local hosts. You get greater authenticity and
more surprising experiences with a guided tour.
3. FORGE LASTING FRIENDSHIPSSmall group touring totally eliminates the solitary
nature of independent travel. With guided tours
you make instant friends the first day of your trip
over dinner (wine helps) while regaling tales
of previous travelling antics. Youre sharing every
moment and memory with others, every giggle and every embarrassment, as well as everything from the breath-taking scenery to the unique local cultures. Imagine the incredible people you will meet as you share an extra spicy Sri Lankan curry or the friendships formed while chatting with Myanmar monks at the top of Mandalay Hill.
4. SAVE YOURSELF SOME TIMEThe itinerary is pre-planned, right down to the finest detail. From what time you need to catch the local bus, to the very tickets youll need to board with. Because gallivanting the globe always presents time-consuming challenges, from language barriers, to customs, transport and finding legitimate pricing, guided holidays work it all out for you beforehand. And because you have no responsibilities youll have oodles more time to
SMALL GROUPS = BIG ADVENTURESDELVE INTO RICH CULTURES, HISTORIES AND CUISINE WITH A FULLY-COORDINATED GUIDED TOUR. PROFESSIONALLY
LED AND PLANNED TO PERFECTION, YOURE IN GREAT HANDS.
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Macedonia
Morocco
Sri Lanka
Myanmar
work with. More time for the important things sightseeing, socialising, eating, drinking and above all, making unforgettable memories.
5. HICCUPS? WHAT HICCUPS?With 6,500 languages spoken worldwide, speaking the local lingo is difficult. Travel independently and youll face all manner of stumbling blocks, from new-city navigation, to tricky immigration and laborious passport handling, but take a guided tour and youll gain the expertise of a savvy tour guide. Common pit-falls are avoided; de-coding the subway, finding central (and available) accommodation, ensuring taxi-drivers dont take both you and your money for a ride, its all made easy.
6. KNOWLEDGE IS POWERWith years of experience under their belt, what
travels leading tour groups dont know about the
destinations they visit, isnt worth knowing. Take a
guided tour and your guides will constantly and
effortlessly smooth the way. Theyre consistently on-
hand to answer the unknowns for you. From the WiFi
access code to knowing which adapter will work,
the best places to eat and how much to tip, theyre a
walking travel encyclopaedia at your very disposal.
From the first day to the very last, enjoy the added
reassurance that someone else has your back.
Forget all your pre-conceived ideas about group touring, the advantages are as vast as the world is large. Experience one and we guarantee youll want to book another. To find out more visit houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire, call us on 0800 838 747 or come instore today.
O F F T H E B E AT E N T R A C K DESTINATIONS WE OFFER
AMAZINGSome of the
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Oh London, you had me at hello
I t doesnt matter how many guidebooks youve read, how many magazines youve absorbed or how many friends have been already three, four, five times or more London will never
be what you expect. And even if you've been
before, the experience will never repeat itself.
London doesnt do monotony. London likes to
change. Continually and unapologetically.
With a history so rich you can hear the whisper
of ancestors escaping from cracks in the brick, to
contemporary happenings that erupt every day,
London can't decide if it wants to be an historical
landmark, or at the forefront of modern ingenuity.
So it settles on both in equal measures. From
Big Ben to London Bridge, the dungeons that
loiter beneath and architecture that still bears a
dusting of blackened ash from an industrious past,
Londons history reads from its streets like pages
of a Charles Dickens novel. And yet, theres no
disputing London is a city that forges the layout
for all things cutting-edge, whether its a new
fitness craze involving early morning raves (sober
ones) in abandoned warehouses, cafs built in
former Victorian bathrooms complete with tiled
flooring and ceramic walls, or niche underground
movies that take place in forgotten tube stations,
somehow London makes the quirky cool, when
anywhere else it would be considered bizarre.
If youre an early-riser (or if the jetlag permits)
catch the city in its majestic morning light, before
the mass exodus of commuters disrupt the calm.
Almost post-apocalyptic and in a city of eight
million inhabitants its not often London rests
so serenely. Find breakfast in the crease of an
A CITY OF CONTRADICTIONS; OLD YET MODERN, EXHAUSTING BUT RELAXING, OVER-POPULATED YET STRANGELY INTIMATE. LONDON DOESN'T LIKE TO SETTLE, LONDON LIKES TO KEEP THE PUNTERS GUESSING.
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alleyway or inside bijou cafs serving hot pastries
and espresso. Britain may not be renowned
for great coffee, but in a city of 270 different
nationalities, youre bound to find one that
executes the perfect strong black.
Tourist attractions abound, but idle days can
be one of Londons most under-rated pleasures.
Venture to one of the citys numerous green spaces
with a hamper of goodies bought just one hour
earlier from an organic food market. Find a grassy
knoll and watch the cricketers bowl, or rent a boat
and row across the river, working up the appetite
for an ice-cream. For something a little more
sedate, Londons major art galleries and museums
all offer free admission, while the glitzy West End
is constantly flush with exciting new productions.
Scratch a little deeper and youll find much more
than mainstream musicals, including immersive
theatre and free improv comedy, it pays to dart into
a dank London pub down an otherwise derelict
side-street, for that is where the laughter bellows.
London's inexhaustible. You'll give into fatigue
way before she does; this is a city that hasnt slept
since Roman occupation. From the well-known
hot spots to the lesser-known gems youll stumble
across en route, there arent enough hours in the
day to discover every nook, cranny, pop-up bar,
pub, boutique or beer battered chip shop. But my,
youll want to try!
London is a big city with a big list
of attractions. To find out more visit
houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire, give us a
call on 0800 838 747 or come instore today.
LONDON TOP 5eat: Traditional fish and chips. Tastes like home until they add the gravy, mayonnaise and grated cheese (and the cheese is red). The big question is, are you brave enough to add mushy peas?
play: With the interactive exhibits at Londons acclaimed Science Museum. Centrally located on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, admission is free.
see: A West-End show. Book before you go to ensure you get to see the show of your choice, on the day you want.
find: Your way around the city with a rotation on the London Eye, theres no better way to scope out the sheer enormity of London.
try: The original guided terror walk with a hair-tingling twist Londons Jack the Ripper tour. Follow in the footsteps of Londons Victorian police as they pursued the infamous serial killer.
ALRIGH' MATE?COCKNEY SLANG FOR NEWBS
Bread n' cheese = SneezeCows n' k isses = Missus (wife)
Hank Marvin = StarvingRaspberry tart = FartBrass tacks = FactsDustbin l ids = Kids
Cream crackered = Knackered (tired)Ducks n' geese = Pol ice
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TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE
Enjoy a two-wheeled affair with half a dozen other cyclists guided bike tours get you off four wheels and onto two, with pre-arranged itineraries and structured daily schedules. Discover beautiful routes, from the Greenways track which links Prague to Vienna, to the flat plains of Holland which wont trouble the glutes too much, and everything in between! Accommodation, guides, food and bike rental is all included, along with a support vehicle to shadow your entire journey.
If you need a car for 21 days or more, car leasing will broaden your European horizons, without burdening the purse-strings. Fronted by the French car giant Peugeot, youll receive a brand new car from the factory, full insurance, roadside assistance and unlimited kilometres. Most vehicles enjoy GPS and panoramic sunroofs imagine the Carpathian Mountains as they loom giant-like over your head. And the best bit? The paperworks finalised in NZ before departure.
European rail is exemplary; fast, efficient and the perfect photo-frame for Europes most spectacular scenery. Take a whistle-stop tour with a multi-country pass and select from numerous trains wherever the pass is valid, with the option to travel on a sleeper train throughout the night or at high-speed by day. There are scenic routes if you prefer a more leisurely pace, such as Norways Flm Railway, which journeys to Flm via the longest and deepest fjord in Europe.
For life in the slow lane (and its so leisurely you can observe bees pollinating as you pass) choose a luxury barge holiday. Popular across Europe, its the French who are at the fore-front of this ideal. Boasting some of the continents prettiest waterways, flanked by lush embankments and draped in weeping willow, youll be sipping Chablis while admiring the snow-dipped Pyrenees, waving at the locals as you go. Most are fully-crewed and all-inclusive, with discreet staff and a captain to charm the lock keepers.
A traditional boat of Byzantine design, the Guletcuts a handsome figure as it slices throughthe ocean. Popular in Turkey, chartered Guletsoffer freedom and spontaneity; one day youreexploring coves and soaring cliffs, the nextyoure admiring sun-blistered stonework inancient cities. On-board, the ships social heartis wherever the drinks and conversationsflow. The captain and staff sculpt an itinerarydetailing the highlights while serving deliciousTurkish meze and other local cuisine.
It's the Great British summer so the smell of barbecue fills the air along with the nostalgic scent of freshly-mown grass. Youre weaving through the vast network of Stratford-Upon-Avons canals, part of the picturesque Avon Ring. The evening suns glinting off the water and a lone heron watches from the embankment. Its a peaceful existence when you meander Britains watery avenues at a leisurely 5 km/h. When the light diminishes, clamber into a canal-side pub for chilled cider and beer-battered chips.
LEASE A CAR
CHARTER A BARGE
JOIN A CYCLE TOUR
CRUISE ON A GULET
TAKE THE TRAIN
MEANDER THE CANALS
TO FIND OUT MORE GIVE US A CALL ON 0800 838 747, VISIT HOUSEOFTRAVEL.CO.NZ/INSPIRE OR COME INSTORE TODAY
FIND YOUR SEA LEGS OR HANG ONTO YOUR LAND LEGS, DISCOVER EUROPE BY WHEEL, RAIL OR SAIL.
2 7INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
1Champagne, France
From grande maisons such as Mumm to the lesser-known vignerons nestled in between,
Champagnes exceptional vineyards are a mere hours drive from Paris.
1Trdelnik, Czech Republic
Sweet pastry comprising of rolled dough wrapped around a stick (trdlo), set over flames and topped
with caramelised sugar, nuts and spices.
1The Fat Duck, UK
Owned by Heston Blumenthal, UK's most inspiring celebrity chef. The Fat Duck serves unusual
(but Michelin starred) gourmet cuisine, including egg and bacon ice-cream. 2
Rioja, SpainSpain's smallest province and most famous export.
Rioja. Its wine's influenced by the cool Ebro River and a Mediterranean heat that flows off the Atlantic.
2Dalmatian Peka, Croatia
Croatias signature dish consists of meat (or seafood) and mixed vegetables, drizzled with olive oil and baked until tender under a bell-like dome.
2Vinkeles, Amsterdam
In The Dylan Hotel, with sweeping views over the Keizersgracht, Vinkeles occupies a former Catholic
bakery, complete with original bakers oven.
4Porto, Portugal
Vines 300-years in the making, Portos famed for its signature tipple; port. Seek ancient wine
lodges that fringe the Douro River for barrel tours in time-weathered caves.
4Tortellini alla Bologna, Italy
Hearty Italian dinners start with Tortellini alla Bologna; fresh egg pasta traditionally served in meat broth,
shaped into parcels and stuffed with meat or cheese.
4Sacha, Madrid
Madrids hidden gem, Sacha is named after the current owner, and son of the original proprietors,
Sacha Hormaechea. A favourite with local madrileos.
Mosel, GermanyTumbling off hillsides like a great grape stampede,
Moselle Rivers vineyards titter on 60-degree slopes. Embark on Moselle Heights Wine Trail
for a thigh and taste-bud workout.
5 5Aberdeen Angus Beef, ScotlandNative to Aberdeenshire and Angus in Scotland,
this beef has an international reputation for being some of the best you can buy. Served with grilled
mushrooms, garlic butter and hand cut chips.
5Borchardt, Berlin
Popular since 1853, the original Borchardt was blasted to the ground during WWII. Since relocating next door, Borchardt still serves German schnitzels, sausage and steak.
Wine regions Foodie faves Divine dining
3Custard Tarts, Portugal
Many of Portugals cafs and brasseries serve home-made Portuguese custard egg tarts straight out of the oven; so fresh their steaming yellow lids simmer.
3Trattoria da Mario, Florence
Chaotic and cramped, youll dine communally. Its loud, rustic and the daily-changing menu is
set; you get what youre given.
3Montepulciano, Italy
Widely regarded as Italys finest wine, Vino Nobile originates from the hilly vineyards of the medieval
town of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany.
OUR PICKS FOR 2016
2 8 INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
Up 'n' coming corners of Europe
FOR: Culture vultures YOUR TRAVEL STYLE: Culture and history combined, you thrive in locations where the stories leave you wide-eyed.
A country 7,000 years in the making, Malta bears the stamp of the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Normans, before the Knights of St John who ruled from 1530 to 1798, finally left the most lasting mark.
Maltas past specifically in its capital city, Valletta will astound. It quite literally heaves with liveable, breathable history. Moulded by centuries of savage warfare, including invasions as recent as WWII, Valletta is defined by its great fortresses and a network of secret underground tunnels. Some of these housed British spies and Maltese allies as they plotted against Germany; deciphering enemy code from within Lascaris War Rooms.
Maltas artifacts are seemingly endless, from Valletta to the back-in-time villages that seep with fascinating stories, you cant help but fall over its antiques.
FOR: Active relaxers YOUR TRAVEL STYLE: A seeker of cultural highlights, from the local food and drink, to history and traditions.
Geography and history have blessed Sicily with both astounding beauty and mouth-watering cuisine; the architecture dappled with Greek and Arabian influence, its food sweetened by North African flavours.
But its the relatively undiscovered Aeolian archipelago thats really stirring the interest of travellers. Comprising seven slow-paced islands, Aeolian life still swings to the pendulum of the 1940s.
Step onto Lipari and youll be greeted by the lingering scent of sage. The dusty streets warm beneath your feet; deserted save for fishermen and local Sicilians retrieving laundry from their balcony.
Come nightfall, the European-night glows. Stone houses and cobbled pavements still emanate with heat; the smell of sun-baked terracotta almost as seductive as home-cooked Sicilian cuisine.
FOR: AdventurersYOUR TRAVEL STYLE: Always in pursuit of the unique, you crave to get off the beaten track and to fill your passport with multiple stamps.
Your eyes wont adjust. One-hundred metres below ground and its pitch black. This is Bled, Slovenia. Youre kayaking the abandoned chambers of Bled Mine and its a black abyss. So quiet only the stalactites murmur.
Defined by soaring alpine peaks and pine-green valleys, townships flecked with toy town houses and glacial lakes, Slovenias landscape is startling. The rolling pastures so steep youll strain your neck are freckled with farmers tending to their land, the air so pure it cleanses the soul.
Yes, Slovenia is beautiful, but its the boom in adventure tourism thats really putting her on the map. From underground kayaking to skiing in the Slovenian Alps and lengthy treks across the mountains, if its a high-octane pursuit you seek, its an adventurists dream youll find.
BEACH LOVERS OR HISTORY BUFFERS, EARLY-RISERS OR NIGHT CRAWLERS, NO TWO TRAVELLERS ARE THE SAME. EXCEPT FOR THE ONE QUESTION POSED BY ALL THOSE WHO TRAVEL SO, WHERE NEXT?
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IT'S HIP TO BE OLD
Live like Royalty in a Scottish Castle!
WHEN IT COMES TO EUROPEAN ACCOMMODATION IT SEEMS THE TRAVELLING MASSES HAVE A HANKERING FOR TIME-HONOURED CLASSICS. YES, THE OLD AND TIME-WORN IS HIP, BECAUSE TRUE CLASSICS NEVER AGE.
POUSADAS CASTLES VILLASWake up in a palace; Portugals history pouring from every crevice and evoking a sense of by-gone prosperity. Have you
awoken as an 18th century lord, or is this a Portuguese pousada? Formed to preserve
Portugals cultural landmarks, pousadas offer unique accommodation in restored historical buildings. From former convents and castles,
to manor houses and monasteries, youll sleep amidst Portuguese heritage.
What kind of castle do you seek? Draughty stone defences rebuilt from ruins? Or the beauty and serenity of a fairy tale estate,
with perfect turrets and romantic four-poster beds? Perhaps youd prefer the robust former fortress of a knight? With fire places so large they swallow the room. Castles that stand in a haunting mist, rugged nature rapping at the door. Or maybe you want opulence and fortune, with mile-long driveways and
meticulously manicured lawns.
Sun scorched terracotta succumbs to creeping green vines. There's a plate of
prosciutto and olives to your left and a line of breeze-kissed citrus trees to your right. Someones poured the Pinot already, and
the sun is already setting. Welcome to Italy; youll find authentic rural living
the length and breadth of the country. From converted farmhouses to properties
land-locked by vineyards, Italy pips the post for self-catered villa living.
Portuguese United Kingdom's Italian
Wake up to complete stillness. The mornings crisp. Theres a freshness in the stonework and a grey light tumbles through the window off the countryside. But stay in bed a little longer, you have a full 24-hours to savour your Scottish-castle stay.
MORNING Beckoned by the smell of breakfast, wind your way down the spiralling staircase no doubt an artifact from centuries past for steaming hot Scottish oats cooked on the Aga.
NOON Pull on your gum boots, step outdoors and fill your lungs. Neighboured by nothing but sweeping hillside and thistle-dappled fields, long strides and swinging arms will see you arrive in town within the hour.
AFTERNOON Back at the castle retire to the library. Replete with leather-bound books and a crackling fireplace; lively coal shards spitting inside the hearth. The lights fading and evening will be forging its attack within hours.
EVENING Dinners roasting nicely by now. While away an hour with your Scottish hosts. As renowned story-tellers, theres nothing better than hearing Scotlands history regaled and embellished.
NIGHT End the day with a wee dram in front of the fire. A tartan rug draped across your lap and the castles internal creaks easing you into sleep.
TO FIND OUT MORE GIVE US A CALL ON 0800 838 747, VISIT HOUSEOFTRAVEL.CO.NZ/INSPIRE OR COME INSTORE TODAY
3 0 INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
Croatia Dubrovnik & KorculaCanary Islands Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Lanzarote (Arrecife)
Ireland Cobh (Cork), Dublin , BelfastScotland Glasgow, Inverness, EdinburghNorway Haugesund, Eidfjord, Bergen
cruising
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3 1INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
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TO FIND OUT MORE GIVE US A CALL ON 0800 838 747, VISIT HOUSEOFTRAVEL.CO.NZ/INSPIRE OR COME INSTORE TODAY
3 2 INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
2016 WILL SIGNIFY THE 27TH MODERN OLYMPIC GAMES SINCE 1896, AND THE VERY FIRST TO BE HELD IN SOUTH AMERICA. C omprising 10,500 athletes from 206 countries, including 42 sports over 17 days, there will be 45,000 volunteers and 85,000 staff not forgetting the 7.5 million tickets on-sale to the public.
But its not all about numbers. For the days when
youre not attending the games, soak up the fiesta
in central Rio. If theres one city that knows how to
put on an Olympic party, its Rio de Janeiro.
MORNING
Spend the morning at the beach; Copacabana or
Ipanema. Albeit touristy, theyre also popular with
locals, easy to get to and resoundingly beautiful.
Travel as the locals do light. Take just enough
money to buy yourself a coffee and food, throw a
sarong over your togs or neck (this will double up
as a towel) and venture bag-free to the beach.
Stop for a bowl of breakfast acai en-route; layers
of frozen acai berry, granola, sliced banana and a
drizzle of honey. Tasty as well as fortifying, Brazilians
swear by it.
AFTERNOON
Beached-out by lunchtime, spend the afternoon
exploring Rios highlights; Christ the Redeemer,
Sugarloaf Mountain and the Lapa Steps. There are
multiple tours that will cover all three in one day.
Time it properly and youll be standing at the top
of Sugarloaf just before sunset.
Cocktail hour calls for Caipirinhas, followed by
a traditional Brazilian Churrascaria, Brazils famed
barbecue restaurants. Expect an endless supply of
prime meat, all served table-side from enormous
skewers. For the budget-conscious, Rio also
boasts pay by weight self-service buffets. Serving
anything from traditional Moqueca (seafood stew)
to sugar-laced desserts Brazilians are notorious
sugar fiends. Youll be issued a ticket at the door
and once youve loaded your plate, the staff will
weigh it and charge you per kilo.
Golden sands & screaming fans
1ST PLACE GOES TO RIO!
3 3INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
AND NIGHTOlympics aside, Rio is a year-round stellar
destination for sport and you cant visit Brazil
without acknowledging the nations favourite
pastime. Viva la futbol! Matches are commonly
played at Maracan Stadium. Arrive early so you
can savour a beer outside, the surrounding streets
will be throbbing with excitable football fans.
Inside the stadium alcohol isnt permitted, but the
constant banging of drums, singing, chanting and
ear-deafening roars will be more than enough to
leave your head spinning.
Home time? No way! If its 11pm, the Cariocas
are only just going out. Time to experience Brazilian
nightlife. Be warned, youre unlikely to get home
before sunrise, but fortunately its an excellent way to
see the sun begin its daily ascent over Copacabana.
An addictive mix of energy and world-class sporting talent. Go Rio! To find out more visit houseoftravel.co.nz/inspire, give us a call on 0800 838 747 or come instore today.
KNOW before you GO
Official partner of the New Zealand Olympic team
32 VENUES ACROSS 4 ZONES
BARRA: The heart of Rio
COPACABANA: Open-air sports & stunning scenery
MARACAN: Iconic venues & samba spirit
DEODORA: Elegance & calm meets fast & loud
GET IN
TRANSFER: Book in a transfer with an English speaking guide who will tell you all the ins and outs of the city so you're ready to go!
YELLOW METERED TAXI: Agree on a fixed-price beforehand. Dont pay more than $R55.
GET AROUND
TRAINS: 3 train lines will serve Maracan and Deodoro stadiums; the Santa Cruz line, Deodoro and Japeri line.
BRAZIL SOUTH AMERICAelsewhere in elsewhere in
PARATYNestled between Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo, Paraty is a pretty maze of cobbled
streets and colonial houses with wooden doors and coloured shutters. Wander to the jetty for an exotic island-hopping cruise, stopping for
fresh coconut sliced open by a local.
ILHA GRANDEParadise. Beach, sand and lush green mountain jungle. Enjoy beach walks
accompanied by curious scuttling crabs and return for hearty pots of white fish
stew in restaurants with beach tables and romantic fairly lights twinkling in the palms.
URUGUAYStay on a traditional cattle ranch in Uruguay. Learn how to saddle-up your horse Gaucho-style and live like a cowboy. Spend up to five hours per day scouring the plains, herding
sheep and rounding up the animals.
ARGENTINATango, steak and football! Experience Buenos Aires with its nod to colonial Europe, cobbled streets and grand architecture that hints at a former, long-forgotten wealth. And then there
are the delicious empanadas, crescent shaped and baked until golden... irresistible.
BUSES: Air conditioned buses with dedicated bus lanes and new stations are under construction taking visitors to and from Barra.
TRAMS: Rios new tram system comprises 6 lines connecting all the main attractions, including Santos Dumont Airport and the city's financial district.
METRO: Metro lines 1 and 2 already facilitate the entire city centre, with line 4 underway. This will get passengers from Barra to the city centre within 34 minutes.
3 4 INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
Save the DATE
CULTURAL SPORTING MUSICAL FESTIVALSUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, UTAH 21-31 Jan LAS VEGAS 7S 04-06 Mar HORIZON FESTIVAL, BULGARIA 12-17 Mar SNOWDAYS, BANFF 15 Jan
HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL 19 Feb-20 Mar LA SPORTS WEEK 05-09 Apr SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST, AUSTIN 11-20 Mar RIO CARNIVAL 05-10 Feb
CAPE TOWN CARNIVAL 12 MarchWHISTLER WORLD SKI & SNOWBOARD
FESTIVAL 08-17 AprBYRON BAY BLUESFEST 24-28 Mar ST PATRICKS DAY, DUBLIN 17 Mar
WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL, NEW DELHI 11-13 Mar
UEFA EURO 2016, FRANCE 10 Jun-10 Jul
COACHELLA, PALM SPRINGS 15-17 & 22-24 Apr BORYEONG MUD FESTIVAL, SOUTH KOREA 15 Jul-24 Jul
HANDA OPERA, SYDNEY 24 Mar-24 Apr WIMBLEDON, LONDON 27 Jun-10 Jul NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FESTIVAL
22 Apr-01 MayBURNING MAN, NEVADA
29 Aug-05 Sep
VERONA OPERA FESTIVAL, ITALY Jun-Aug
RIO OLYMPIC GAMES 05-21 Aug THE GREAT ESCAPE, BRIGHTON 19-21 MayOKTOBERFEST, MUNICH
17 Sep-03 Oct
BALI SPIRIT FESTIVAL 29 Mar-3 Apr MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX 22-24 Sep FUJI ROCK, JAPAN 22-24 Jul LA TOMATINA, VALENCIA 17 Sep
WHITE NIGHTS FESTIVAL, ST. PETERSBURG 27 May-02 Aug
RYDER CUP GOLF, MINNESOTA 27 Sep-02 Oct
SALZBURG FESTIVAL 22 Jul-31 AugDAY OF THE DEAD, MEXICO
31 Oct-02 Nov
EDINBURGH TATTOO FESTIVAL 05-27 Aug
MELBOURNE CUP 01 Nov LAKE OF STARS, MALAWI 23-25 SepYI PENG LANTERN FESTIVAL,
CHIANG MAI 24-26 Nov
Where to next? Worldw
ide events to inspire you
r trip!
v KEY xLET US SORT IT OUT FOR YOU!
TALK TO US ABOUT OUR GREAT VALUE PACKAGES AND TICKETS.
3 5INSPIRE // HOUSE OF TRAVEL
GENERAL CONDITIONS: Valid for new bookings only as specified or until sold out. For travel commenced and completed as specified Prices are correct as at 16 Oct 15 costs may vary due to subsequent, tax, surcharge increases, currency exchange rates and or unforeseen circumstances 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.
CROWD PLEASERS & NEW TEASERS: Valid for new bookings only from 20 Oct-15 Dec 15 or until sold out All travel must be commenced and completed by 31 Mar 2016 Bedding configurations may vary on twin & family share options Advertised prices are per person share twin or family share (2 adults & 2 children aged 2-11 years). Online payment is by credit card only FOR THRILL SEEKING FAMILIES: Village & Dreamworld Theme Parks Family passes are based on 2 adults & 2 children (aged 3-13 Years) FOR CHILLED OUT BEACH BUMS: Minimum stay applies for Aruba Surf Resort (4 nights) FOR AN ADVENTURE IN THE TROPICS: GBR Helicopters scenic flight departs from Green Island FOR ANIMAL LOVING FAMILIES: Family price is based on 2 adults & 2 children (aged 4-15 years) Please ask your House of Travel consultant for full details.
HAWAII'S OUTER KINGDOM: Valid for sales to 30 Nov 15 or until sold out Kauai: Aston Poipu Kai - an amenity fee of US$18 per room per night is additional and payable direct upon checkout.
GREAT OUTDOORS: Offers valid for sales to 30 Nov 15 or until sold out GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS: Rental car is based on an Automatic Group B Hertz Rental Car (Ford Focus or similar). This includes Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), taxes, local surcharges, airport fees, unlimited mileage and Vehicle License Fee (VLF). It excludes: Deposit, fuel charges, some vehicle insurances, one way rental fees and any additional charges DENALI NATIONAL PARK: based on departures 08-10 Sep 16 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK: based on departures 28 Apr-14 Oct 16 MIGHTY FIVE UTAH TOUR: based on Monday departures Apr-Oct 16.
CULTURAL SPORTING MUSICAL FESTIVALSUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, UTAH 21-31 Jan LAS VEGAS 7S 04-06 Mar HORIZON FESTIVAL, BULGARIA 12-17 Mar SNOWDAYS, BANFF 15 Jan
HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL 19 Feb-20 Mar LA SPORTS WEEK 05-09 Apr SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST, AUSTIN 11-20 Mar RIO CARNIVAL 05-10 Feb
CAPE TOWN CARNIVAL 12 MarchWHISTLER WORLD SKI & SNOWBOARD
FESTIVAL 08-17 AprBYRON BAY BLUESFEST 24-28 Mar ST PATRICKS DAY, DUBLIN 17 Mar
WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL, NEW DELHI 11-13 Mar
UEFA EURO 2016, FRANC