Destination Guide
Thailand
Thailand is one of the most visited countries in Asia, and with good reason. Known as the “Land of Smiles”, this ancient Southeast Asian nation’s fascinating culture has remained undamaged – successfully absorbing Western culture while maintaining its own heritage. With glorious weather and spectacular coastlines peppered with gorgeous beaches and blue lagoons, Thailand holidays offer something for everyone. From the energy and pace of Bangkok to the historic temples of Ayutthaya and beyond – no wonder most travellers who visit Thailand keep coming back for more.
Top Attractions
Most visitors begin their trip in Bangkok, a modern Asian city that offers a mix of hip restaurants, pulsating nightlife and traditional charm. You’ll find the sprawling Grand Palace at the heart of the historic Rattanakosin Island. Next to the Palace is the impressive Wat Pho, or the ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’. The northern city of Chiang Mai, with its beautiful old city, is home to more than 300 Buddhist temples, some of which are among the most important in Thai culture. Here you can explore the mountainous countryside on the back of an elephant. If it’s white sandy beaches you’re after, the resort island of Koh Samui is lapped by the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Where to Eat and Drink
If you love food, you’ll love the lemon and coriander-infused tastes of Thailand. One of the best ways to experience Thai food is from the many food stalls and stands that line the streets. It’s completely safe to eat the food which is probably as fresh as it gets – just make sure you choose a food stall that is already frequented by locals. Now the only thing you need to be concerned with is how hot you like your curry! Thailand’s famous nightlife attracts an international crowd of revellers. The Full Moon party on Koh Phangan is Thailand’s biggest and most infamous party, but party town Pattaya to the south of Bangkok offers plenty of entertainment all year round.
Where to Stay
Thailand accommodation ranges from cheap beachfront bungalows to some worldclass luxury hotels, with a range of options in between. Hostels are uncommon outside of Bangkok, although most Thailand hotels are relatively inexpensive. Tourist havens like Krabi, Koh Samui and Phi Phi Island offer an extensive range of accommodation, but if you want to escape the crowds, you may consider heading off the beaten track. The beachside town of Hua Hin offers some unique hotel options, while the northern province of Chiang Rai is a gateway to neighbouring Laos and Myanmar.
Shopping
Thailand offers a staggering array of shopping options, from colourful night markets to upscale shopping centres. For a uniquely Thai experience, take a guided boat tour of a Bangkok floating market, or head to the Chatuchak Weekend Market where over 8 000 stalls sell anything from puppies to pineapples. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is similarly famous in a country teeming with popular night markets. Brush up on your haggling skills but don’t forget that many of the designer brands on sale are in fact cheap counterfeit goods.
Good to know in Thailand
Thailand’s name in the Thai language is Prathet Thai, which means ‘land of the free’. It is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonised by a European nation. Thais are renowned for their friendliness and easy-going dispositions. Not surprisingly for a predominantly Buddhist nation, temple trips feature high on the agenda, so spend a morning of reflection at a local ‘wat’ before tracking down an outdoor street vendor for some tasty Thai cuisine. Visitors will do well to read up on the cultural etiquette of Thailand.
Mauritius
Mark Twain once said “… you gather the idea [from the citizens of Mauritius] that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius”. The Island conjures up images of lush green vegetation surrounded by clear turquoise water; of blue skies and swaying palms. It’s a slice of paradise filled with luxury hotels and beckoning beach resorts. While some may choose Mauritius as a destination to relax and unwind, others choose it for the adventure. Whatever motivates you, the Island is sure to live up to your holiday expectations.
Top Attractions
Many visitors gravitate towards resort areas that are popular for sunbathing, snorkelling or deep sea fishing, but if you’re looking for something uniquely Mauritian, be sure to visit the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere. The Garden was built in 1767, and is home to giant water lilies and over 85 varieties of palms from Central America, Asia, Africa and the islands around the Indian Ocean. Black River Gorges National Park is another popular attraction. It’s located in the south-western part of Mauritius and was constructed in an effort to protect the island’s remaining rainforest and many species of wild animals and birds.
Sugarcane is the major cash crop on the island, and sugar cane fields occupy almost 80% of the arable land. Visit the old sugar mill museum, or indulge in a sugar scrub and honey massage spa treatment at Le Meridien Ile Maurice.
Where to Eat and Drink
Mauritius is home to a variety of cultures, each contributing unique tastes and flavours to the local cuisine. You’ll find anything from Michelin and celebrity chefs to fresh and tasty street food. Try chopped tropical fruit covered in chilly and sugar, or Chinese fried noodles with a Mauritian twist. Other street food classics include Dhal puri, a savoury crêpe stuffed with vegetable curry and pickles, and alouda, a dessert made with noodles.
In the evening you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the nightclubs, pubs and restaurants on the west coast, or take a stroll on the beach in the moonlight.
Where to Stay
Most of the resorts in Mauritius have been carefully developed along the coastline and preserve the island’s beauty and ecology. You’ll find wellknown chain hotels and luxury boutiques at the water’s edge, and plenty of hotels with a local flavour. Wherever you stay, be sure to explore the Island beyond the resort – that’s often where the hidden treasures lay.
Shopping
The Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis stocks many major brands, and the Port Louis main bazaar is stocked with fresh fish and local vegetables, saris and handwoven baskets. Head to the craft market for a selection of tea, essential oils and jewellery. Craftsmen show off their skills at MAST, where the maritime history of Mauritius is displayed in their carefully constructed model ships. For a more strenuous credit card workout, Mauritius is also known for its diamonds…
Good to know in Mauritius
Mauritian people are incredibly polite, so practice your bonjours and merci beaucoups. Tipping is not expected, but salaries are rather low in Mauritius, so you may want to reward staff for attentive service. The coral reef around the Island is not only pretty to look at, but it also keeps the water temperature lower than that of the high seas and protects tourists from attacks by sharks, jellyfish and other aquatic animals.
Dubai
What started out as a little fishing village of no more than 6 000 inhabitants has become the transit hub of the United Arab Emirates with a population of over 1,3 million. From the climate to the architecture, there is nothing subtle about Dubai. An opulent and ostentatious playground for the rich and famous, the City has built an entire tourist industry on curiosity. Where else will you find manmade islands, underwater hotels and indoor ski slopes neighbouring millennia-old civilisations in the middle of the desert?
Top Attractions
While most city destinations have a vantage point from which to view the skyline, nothing can prepare you for the vistas from the world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa. From the viewing platform on its 124th level you’ll feel like you’re looking down on Dubai from the heavens. The much-photographed landmark, Jumeirah Mosque, is the only mosque non-Muslims may enter. While vast areas have been demolished to make way for modern marvels, one neighbourhood remains a labyrinth of traditional Emirati architecture, wind towers and Souqs. The Bastakia Quarter lies between the Dubai Creek and Bur Dubai district, and many of its buildings have been restored and transformed into art galleries and cafés. Experienced the carnival-like atmosphere created by the sights, smells and sounds of a small, covered Spice Souq as vendors compete to sell their aromatic frankincense, dried lemons, chillies, exotic herbs and spices.
Where to Eat and Drink
The multinational population of Dubai bodes well for variety on both the palate and the plate. Here you’ll find everything you could possibly want in ancient and modern food, from Afghan to Vietnamese cuisine. Dining venues also come in multiple flavours, from rooftops to terraces by the beach. At the top end of the scale is five-star cuisine of the very highest order, while at the other end lies Al Dhiyafah Street, Dubai’s cheap-eats street. Here restaurants spill out onto the sidewalk so you can people-watch while feasting on food from Lebanon, Iran and the Indian subcontinent. Owing to licencing laws, alcohol may be served only in hotel bars.
Where to Stay
The Burj Al Arab’s seven-star rating may be an urban legend, but nothing dominates the Dubai skyline and tourists’ imagination quite like it. The world’s tallest hotel, and probably the most extravagant, with its liberally applied gold-leaf and fireworks that launch from the bridge to announce the arrival of esteemed guests is a must-see. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for this “seven-star” experience, you can still find affordable accommodation in Dubai. Be aware that high season across all accommodation types is from September to May, so it’s worth booking in advance if you plan on visiting Dubai then.
Shopping
Dubai must have been designed with shopaholics in mind; the city even hosts an annual shopping festival (usually mid-January to the end of February). Architects and designers live out their design fantasies in malls that offer indoor ski slopes with real snow, enormous aquariums and even indoor theme parks.
Dubai is known for really cheap gold, but you’ll have to haggle for it. A stroll through the dazzling Gold Souq is a must. If something in the window catches your fancy, be sure to barter. Persistent protest and the threat of walking away will often move merchants to drop their asking price in order to make a sale.
Good to know in Dubai
The Arabic weekend is on Friday and Saturday and brunching is a favourite pastime in Dubai. Many eateries offer Friday feast deals and are worth looking out for if you’re in town at the end of the week.
Locals tend to hop in and out of taxis and the metro instead of driving themselves. Navigating the roads, other drivers and the signage takes a special sort of skill.
Modesty is the best policy.
Alcohol is only served in hotels, but you’ll never be short of thirst quenching options. Take care not to drink or appear drunk in public.
New York
New York City may be best known as a bustling, culture packed metropolis, but it has much more to offer than crowds and yellow cabs. The City is divided into five boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx and, perhaps the most widely known, Manhattan. With attractive options ranging from the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park to countless museums restaurants and bars, you’ll be glad this City never sleeps. The best advice we can give you as you plan your holiday, is to give yourself enough time to experience the vibrant diversity New York City has to offer. It is extremely easy to navigate the City, and while you’ll probably do a lot of walking (really fast, if you want to keep up with the locals) public transport is readily available. If you’re not quite sure where you are or where you need to be, just ask a local. Despite their reputation for being …well…rude, New Yorkers are in fact quite helpful when approached.
Top Attractions
Of the five boroughs, Manhattan is where you’ll find the most popular attractions such as Times Square, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Chrysler Building, Ground Zero, and many more. For a bird’s eye view of Manhattan, go to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the Rockefeller Centre, while the best view of Lady Liberty has to be from the ferry to Staten Island. After sunset, head to the Theatre District and take in a show on Broadway. If you want to party there are bars galore in Greenwich Village. Try The Red Lion for live music, or check out a gig at the Comedy Club on Macdougal Street. Of course, no visit to New York is complete without a visit to Central Park. Located in the centre of Manhattan, the world’s most famous city park is 4 km long, and you can hire a bicycle to explore it on your own or take a tour with one of the locals.
Eat and Drink
All you need to remember are the three P’s of food in New York: Pizza, Pretzels and Pastrami. There are pizzerias all over New York, one of the best being John’s of Bleecker Street in the West Village, and pretzels are available at the countless hot dog stands dotted around the City. As for the pastrami, the best known places to go are Katz’s and Carnegie Deli, or try the Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop on Fifth Avenue. Although New York is a notoriously expensive city, you can travel comfortably on a budget. Try the City’s legendary street food, or visit the Chinatown district for restaurants along with visitors from virtually every corner of the globe.
Where to Stay
Hotels in New York range from luxury fivestar suites with breath-taking views of the skyline through floor to ceiling windows to affordable, hip and compact single rooms. Accommodation in Manhattan can be expensive, but there are plenty of alternatives. A stay across the East River in Long Island City is a great way to save money, as the neighbourhood is conveniently connected to Manhattan by the Queensboro Bridge.
Shopping
When you think shopping in New York, you think Fifth Avenue, right? Of course! As a global centre of fashion and commerce it's no surprise New York shopping is some of the best on offer anywhere in the world. Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side is famous for its high-end boutiques, and it's a great place for people-watching if you can't afford the high prices. Just as exclusive is Fifth Avenue in Midtown, with its wide range of exclusive designer outlets. The City is also famous for the sprawling Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s department stores, which between them sell just about every range of goods and products available. Rumour has it that as a non-US citizen you get 11% off on your purchases at Macy’s if you present your passport at Macy’s Visitor Center near the Broadway entrance. Once you have, you’ll be given a Macy’s discount card on which you qualify for an 11% discount on most of their goods. It’s worth a look!
Good to know about New York
New Yorkers don’t refer to their city as the Big Apple or Gotham. They may not take kindly to those who do. Although the locals may seem unfriendly, they’re really quite helpful. When you hail a cab, try to get one in the same direction that you want to go. It will save you time and money. Tip your cab driver 15%-20%, depending on your experience. Central Perk doesn’t exist. It’s terrible, I know.
Cape Town Holidays
If you are looking for a destination that offers adventure, family fun, history, culture and awe inspiring natural beauty, Cape Town should be at the top of your list. With the majestic Table Mountain, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife the City invites you to come and see for yourself why British newspaper The Guardian, and the US’s The New York Times voted Cape Town the best travel destination for 2014.
Top Attractions
Cape Town’s attractions are almost too numerous to mention, and we are sure you will want to return to the Mother City as often as you can. If you only have time to do one thing in Cape Town, take the Aerial Cableway to the top of Table Mountain. Just imagine the view from more than 1000 metres above the Mother City! Stroll through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, or pack a picnic and enjoy one of the Summer Sunset Concerts by artists such as Hugh Masekela, Mi Casa and Lira. Celebrate the triumph of the human spirit with a trip to Robben Island that includes a visit to the cell where the late Nelson Mandela spent many years of his incarceration – a touching reminder of the price South Africa paid for democracy. Cape Town has many other museums and galleries such as the Groot Constantia Manor House. The wine farm on which it stands is one of the oldest in South Africa and the setting and architecture alone make it worth the visit. If it is wine you are after then a trip to the Cape Winelands is a must. A thirty minute drive will take you to the beautiful countryside where patchwork vineyards adorn the hills. Stop for lunch at any of the wine farms and enjoy a taste of the world class wine made in the area.
Where to Eat and Drink
Cape Town’s diverse mixture of cultures is not only seen in the friendly faces and beautiful architecture, it’s also celebrated in the cuisine. With influences from Europe, India and the rest of Africa you are sure to find a feast of flavour on your plate. Trendy restaurants and foodie destinations serve the best of local produce and the freshest seafood in a fantastic atmosphere. Try the V&A Waterfront or Long Street for anything from gourmet gastronomy to a sandwich at a sidewalk café. With the Winelands on her doorstep you may think that wine is the drink of choice in Cape Town, but the City is also known for its craft beer. Try one of Jack Black’s brews and decide for yourself whether their beer is as inspiring as they claim. If you prefer to end your day with colourful concoctions at a swanky cocktail bar on the beach – head out to the Camps Bay seaside strip and sip on a sundowner as you watch the sun set into a glittering ocean.
Where to Stay
Whatever your budget and preference you are sure to be satisfied with the range of accommodation options Cape Town has to offer - from luxury five star hotels and spas to cosy guest houses, B&B’s and self-catering apartments. Your choice of accommodation will largely be influenced by what it is that you want from your holiday. City hotels offer easy access to most of the main attractions in Cape Town, while a guest house in the Winelands is perfect for a cosy country retreat.
Shopping
Your loved ones will be green with envy when they see your holiday pictures, so try to keep the peace by taking back a few souvenirs. For some serious retail therapy, the V&A Waterfront offers over 450 shops where you can indulge in international fashion brands, or explore quaint craft and curio stores. For antique stores and vintage vibes take a stroll down Long Street and Bree Street in the City centre, or haggle with the traders at the Green Point flea market for some authentic African keepsakes.
Cape Town like a Local
Public transport is not readily available, so make use of a reputable shuttle or taxi service. South Africa has 11 official languages and, although you will get far by speaking English, there are a few terms you should know: Lekker is a word used to describe something that is nice, great or cool. You’ll want to use it often! A robot is a traffic light and lastly, but maybe the most importantly, braai. This is a favourite pastime not only of Capetonians, but of many South Africans and it means barbeque or grill (although a braai is so much better!) The African sun may be hotter than you think, so always wear sunscreen.
Bali
With luxury beachfront villas that won’t break the bank, banquets laden with fresh local flavours and vibrant street markets that ring out with hundreds of haggling hawkers, Australians’ ongoing love affair with Bali doesn’t look to be wearing off anytime soon. Ancient temples and artistic retreats all give the island a sacred tone and, though an extremely popular holiday destination, it’s easy to step off the tourist trail.
Top Attractions
Had your fill of spectacular Seminyak sunsets? Head on out to Pura Besakih – Bali’s revered ‘mother temple’ – check out the critters at Ubud’s famous Monkey Forest, or simply pamper yourself in an authentic Balinese spa. There’s definitely no shortage of delights on offer at this eclectic island paradise!
Eat and Drink
Street food in Bali is common and often includes the popular satay dish 'Sate Lilit' – a grilled dish of minced seafood served on a lemongrass stick. Unlike the rest of the predominantly Muslim nation, Bali is a great place to eat pork dishes such as 'Babi Guling' – a ceremonial dish of roast suckling pig served with rice.
Where to Stay
The island of Bali has long been Indonesia’s star on the tourism scene; its seaside hubs like Kuta and Nusa Dua share the spotlight with peaceful inland villages. The island contains a diverse range of places to stay. From cheap 'losmen' bungalows and guesthouses to luxurious 5-star resorts, Bali accommodation offers something for absolutely everyone.
Shopping
Enticing conversion rates make shopping a popular pastime for visitors to Bali. From inexpensive trinkets at Kuta Art Market to high-end clothes and jewellery in Seminyak, Bali offers a great range of shopping options.
Bali like a Local
While you could easily spend your entire Bali holiday by the water, why not explore a little further? Mount Agung may be the highest mountain on the island, but Mount Batur is the summit to scale for spectacular sunrise views.