From the Olympic Games in Rio, to surfing in the Solomon Islands, Kris Madden reveals her pick of the hottest destinations and coolest activities to recommend to your clients in 2016.
BRAZIL
Known as the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (Marvellous City), the glimmering Brazilian metropolis of Rio de Janeiro certainly lives up to its title. As the host of the 2016 Olympic Games, Rio is undeniably South America’s hottest destination. Lined with white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and surrounded by mountains, Rio delivers drama from almost every angle. From the Corcovado Mountain, the striking Christ the Redeemer statue overlooks the city’s pristine beaches, that have attracted Cariocas (Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro) and visitors alike for more than 500 years. And there’s no livelier event than Rio’s Carnival, held every year in February.
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Clients can dance to the rhythm of the samba in Rio de Janeiro with Adventure World’s 12-day ‘Rhythms of Brazil’ that explores the country from north to south. The package includes touring in Rio, plus a jeep tour to the world’s largest urban forest: Tijuca. A highlight is a ride to the top of Corcovado Mountain to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue. Colonial Salvador, Iguassu falls and the Amazon jungle are also included. Prices start from $4,832 pp which includes 11 nights’ accommodation; sightseeing with a local English-speaking guide; some meals; and flights as per the itinerary.
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SOLOMON ISLANDS
For those seeking an authentic South Pacific experience or an off-the-beaten-track adventure, the Solomon Islands are hard to beat. Discover WWII relics scattered in the jungle; leaf-hut villages where traditional culture is well and truly alive; and scenery reminiscent of a David Attenborough documentary. Volcanic islands jut up dramatically from the cobalt blue ocean, sideby- side with croc-infested mangroves and emerald forests. Climb an extinct volcano, surf uncrowded waves, snorkel pristine reefs and you’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself. With traditional guesthouses and hideaways, it’s tailor-made for ecotourism. And all just a three-hour flight from Australia.
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Omniche Holidays has a six-night Solomon Islands Fatboys Package which includes return economy international and domestic airfares with Solomon Airlines to Gizo (including 16 kgs of checked luggage on domestic flights), airport meet and greet, return airport transfers (coach and launch), six nights’ accommodation staying in a Honeymoon Bungalow at Fatboys Resort; continental breakfast daily; transfers to Dive Gizo for diving northern dive sites; and a free guided village walk and tour. Travel is from 11 January – 31 March 2016, with prices starting from $1899 per person, twin share ex BNE; $2249 ex SYD and $2349 ex MEL.
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ETHIOPIA
Mysterious and incredibly diverse, Ethiopia has a rich history, jaw-dropping landscapes, unique wildlife and an extraordinary tribal heritage. It is home to unusual species as the Ethiopian Wolf and Gelada baboon; while its festivals are some of the most colourful in Africa. There are opportunities to experience village life and learn about local customs; explore bustling markets and old churches; and cruise to remote monasteries, as well as the source of the Blue Nile. Lodgings and food are basic, though improving all the time, but there is so much to see here that more than makes up for it.
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World Journeys’ 19-day Ethiopia and Sudan tour departs 6 October 2016. Special experiences include taking tea with a Nubian family in Old Dongola; a visit to a traditional Tej (honey wine) house; and the chance to take part in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an integral part of the country’s social and cultural life. Other highlights include meeting 3.5 million year old Lucy in the National Museum of Addis Ababa; a cruise on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile; medieval castles, crossing the Nile by local ferry, and shopping in colourful markets. Prices start from $10,895 per person.
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MADAGASCAR
Lemurs, baobab trees, rainforest, beaches, desert, trekking and diving: Madagascar is a dream destination for nature lovers. The world’s fourth largest island is unique: five per cent of all known animal and plant species can be found here, and only here. The extraordinary wildlife is matched by epic landscapes of incredible diversity ranging from rainforest to desert. Those who relish adventure will come into their own: the off-road driving is one of a kind; there are national parks that only see 100 visitors a year, and resorts so remote you’ll need a private plane or boat to get there.
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Adventure World’s 12-day ‘Handpicked Madagascar’ itinerary gives clients an insight into the unique flora, fauna and incredible landscapes that the island has to offer. They’ll observe the lemurs and other incredible wildlife of the Andasibe Reserve and Ranomafama National Park; and the spectacular mountain scenery of Andringitra. Also included are the coastal towns of Ifaty; local beaches; and Isalo National Park, the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Madagascar. Priced from $3,703 pp, the package includes 11 nights’ accommodation, meals as per itiner
ary, transportation by 4WD, sightseeing, with an English speaking driver and guide, and park & entrance fees.
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NORTH KOREA
There is quite simply nowhere on Earth like North Korea. It’s a chance to visit the world’s most secretive nation, where the internet and much of the 21st century remain unknown, and millions live under the auspices of an all-encompassing personality cult that governs all of daily life. Few people realise that it’s even possible to visit North Korea. You’ll be accompanied by state-employed guides at all times and hear a one-sided account of history. Those who can’t accept this should stay away – but those who can will be rewarded with a journey into a world unlike any other.
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North Korea is a new destination for World Expeditions in 2016. The eight-day North Korean Explorer begins with a flight from Beijing to Pyongyang, visiting major sights such as the birthplace of Kim Il Sung; the International Friendship Exhibition and the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at Panmunjom. Accommodation is in basic, but comfortable hotels, and travel is in private vehicles, with an English-speaking guide accompanying the entire trip until the return to Beijing. Prices start from $3,690 per person, and include all meals, return airfare from Beijing and DKRP visa arrangements, with departures in April, June, August and September 2016.
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COLOMBIA
Newfound economic stability and a wealth of largely undiscovered natural and cultural treasures make Colombia the next hottest place to visit in South America (after Rio). There’s an excellent emerging food scene; and of course there’s the coffee, reputedly the best in the world. Jam-packed with awe-inspiring scenery, Colombia amazes with rippling mountains, Amazonian jungles, vast lakes and plains, and a sandy coastline fringed by the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. Throw in mysterious archaeological sites, colourful colonial towns, vi
brant cities and a diverse range of cultures, and it’s clear why Colombia is the new conversation at dinner parties.
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Tempo Holidays has reintroduced Colombia into its 2016 Latin America brochure. A nine-day ‘Feel like a local’ tour includes eight nights’ accommodation; most meals; airport transfers; excursions with a bi-lingual guide; and all entrance fees and activities as per the program. Prices start from $4703 per person, with destinations including Bogota; Medellin; the World Heritage site of Santafe de Antioquia; and Cartagena. A highlight is the ‘Real Food, Real Places, Real People’ walking tour which covers some of the local flavours of Cartagena and its culture. Shorter twonight/ three day city packages in Bogota and Cartagena are also on offer.
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MALDIVES
The simple mention of the Maldives conjures images of bright aquamarine waters and soft white sands. This collection of more than 1,000 islands boasts unparalleled luxury resorts and pristine beaches. Picture it: A private villa stands over crystal blue water; days finish with orange sunsets that make you hungry for local citrus fruits; gourmet room service and a masseuse are on call to avoid any unnecessary trips from your porch; and the only thing to make you want to leave is the breathtaking coral reef and underwater creatures that demand a scuba or snorkelling session for a proper introduction.
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Freestyle Holidays’ 2016/17 Maldives brochure is now out and offers a huge range of holidays in the Maldives, including transfers from Malé International Airport to resorts by seaplane and speedboat or domestic flight. There’s a great range of resorts to suit both couples looking for a romantic escape or friends and families looking to have fun in the sun. Meeru Island Resort & Spa offers an abundance of activities as well as the award-winnig Duniye Spa for those wanting to unwind, from $316 per night per person twin share, including all meals.
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CUBA
With the thawing of the last bastion of the Cold War after 54 years of frosty relations with the USA, there’s never been a better time to visit Cuba. For the time being, it remains a humble place frozen in time. There’s lots of pluses to visiting a country that’s remained untouched by mass tourism for half a century. It still retains its authenticity because it hasn’t been corrupted by the worldwide proliferation of American pop culture. Cuba means classic cars in vivid colours, fat cigars, and dilapidated colonial buildings where some of the greatest Latin Jazz musicians play.
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Bunnik Tours 17-day ‘Cuban Discovery’ small group tour visits both Mexico and Cuba; taking in the colourful city of Havana; the coastal city of Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of Castro and Che Guevara’s revolution; the western province of Pinar del Rio, home to the famous Cuban cigar; swimming in the refreshing waters of the El Nicho waterfalls in the Escambaraye Mountains; and the treasures of Trinidad and Cancun. Clients even get to drive along the Malecon in a classic 50s or 60s car. Prices start from $8287 per person twin share a
nd include airfares, all taxes and tips.
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ROME
Sure, it’s been around for centuries, but Rome has even deeper significance in 2016 since Pope Francis declared it a Jubilee Year of Mercy. This historic Catholic Church event is linked to universal pardons and reconciliation, and begins on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 2015 concluding with the Feast of Christ the King on 20 November 2016. Throughout the Holy Year, the rarely-opened doors at St Peter’s Basilica; St. John Lateran; Saint Mary Major; and St Paul Outside the Walls will be opened, giving pilgrims the chance to pass through and receive the sacrament of forgiveness.
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Globus’ new ‘Splendours of Italy’ with Rome extension, focuses on the greatest cities in Italy, travelling by modern high-speed train to maximise time in the key locations. The tour includes Milan for six nights, allowing time to explore Italy’s chic northern centre in between day-trips to Venice, Florence and Turin. An optional extension to Rome by highspeed train allows a further three nights and tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Square, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Prices for the 10-day tour (including Rome extension) start from $3412 per person twin share.
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IRANÂ
One of the modern world’s most controversial nations, modern Iran is also possibly one of the most misunderstood countries in the world. If travel is most rewarding when it surprises, then Iran might just be the most rewarding destination on Earth. For those who have grown up on a diet of images depicting Iran as a dark, dangerous place full of fundamentalist fanatics, discovering the real Iran is the most wonderful surprise. Along with atmospheric teahouses, bustling bazaars, deserts punctuated by historic oases and rugged mountain ranges, Iran has more than its fair share of fantastic places to see.
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Fully escorted by an Arab scholar, Adventure Associates’ 14-day ‘From Persia to Iran’ tours visit and learn about the ancient treasures of Persia and the Iran of today. Guests will walk with the people, visit their homes, talk to the mullahs and hear from locals in the bazaars. Highlights include the famous Shah Mosque; travelling overland to Kashan at the desert edge; Isfahan, the ancient Persian capital; Pasargad, the ancient Achamanid capital; the old baths of Ganali; the remarkable Zoroastrian Tower of Silence; and the holy city of Qom. Prices start from AUD$6950 pp ex-Tehran.
