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Destinations, Food

7 Delicious Food Destinations You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

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Food Destinations

7 Delicious Food Destinations You Should Visit in Your Lifetime

Seeking the perfect blend of culture and cuisine is an art form. If you’re planning a trip this year, consider these top foodie stops to experience one-of-a-kind fusion flavors and discover recipes perfected over centuries. Here are seven global food destinations sure to please your taste buds.

1. Valencia, Spain

Sample nightlife, beaches, and never-ending meals full of ambiance all in one spot. Valencia has a flavor for every mood. Discover a new version of the culturally-renowned dish — paella — every day as you explore essential city sights and architecture. The most authentic version of the dish includes a flavor of saffron, rice, and a variety of meats and seafood. Expect nothing except caught-that-day seafood and market-fresh vegetables in Valencia.

Don’t forget the luxurious glass of wine with your evening meal or midnight tapas as you overlook the glowing Mediterranean Sea.

2. Oahu, Hawaii

Food Destinations

Venture to the other side of the world for a slightly different flavor. Sure, you have to sample the trademark Hawaiian fruit — pineapple! But get ready for a lot of guava — you’ll find this ingredient everywhere on the island, and it’s to die for. Other Oahu staples include sushi, poke, acai bowls, and Kalua pork.

On a budget? Cook your meals with market-fresh ingredients or eat local and walk your way through the best food on the island. Don’t forget to cap off your meal with a chilled bowl of Hawaiian shaved ice or a fresh coconut and relax while you watch the sun go down on the beach in true laid-back island style.

3. Sydney, Australia

What do Oahu and Sydney have in common? Both have citizens who boast roots from every nationality. This sets Sydney apart from other Australian destinations, making it a logical magnet for global cuisine and travel. It’s hard to choose one type of dish that signifies the typical Aussie food experience. Think edgy Asian-inspired menus with lamb, kangaroo steak, or juicy fresh prawns at the forefront. Sydney is a port town with unbeatable tourist attractions, culture, and shopping. It’s also a great central location if you plan to tour other destinations in Oceania. Don’t forget the lamingtons for dessert!

4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Food Destinations

Puerto Vallarta is known worldwide for its epic beaches and resort hotel hot spots. An unexpected perk of cruising through Puerto Vallarta — it’s a gourmet food paradise. Expect quaint traditional cantinas on one end of the foodie spectrum for low-key authentic evenings. On the other end, it’s easy to find glamorous multi-course meals and black-tie dinners. For a different vantage point, some of the best meals are found at sea. Puerto Vallarta is a great starting point for a sunset dinner or culinary cruise.

5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Food Destinations

Ask a local tuk-tuk driver to point you to their favorite pho restaurant and go from there. If you can’t decide between Asian and European flavors, this is the place. Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is Vietnam’s culinary jewel. With historic French influence, you can eat your way through the city holding both a baguette and a banh mi, so take your pick! Expect true Asian flair with a French twist — every meal in Saigon is memorable and unique. It’s worth signing up for a cooking class in the city so you can bring the flavors with you when you go.

6. Naples, Italy

Foodie travelers automatically seem to flock to Bologna — voted the “Foodie Capital of the World.” But sometimes the best dining destinations are underrated, and this next locale is no exception. The city of Naples is a sometimes-missed jewel on the southern coast of Italy — and it’s a foodie triple threat. It has wine to die for (think grapes grown in volcanic soil in nearby Pompeii); it’s home to the simple but spectacular Margherita pizza; and it’s often missed by travelers who overwhelmingly seek destinations in the North located closer to classic tourist spots.

7. Tokyo, Japan

Food Destinations

Last but not least, for a truly unforgettable culinary vacation, you absolutely must eat your way through Tokyo. Relish the joy of sampling fresh sushi or sashimi in all its glory. It took centuries to perfect the art of detail in every dish, so savor each moment. While you’re there, don’t forget to find a great eel restaurant and try a vibrant teppanyaki dinner. The Japanese take their food seriously — expect nothing but perfection in every bite.

Our top seven food destinations are the perfect addition to your travel bucket list — so pick your top gastronomic hotspot and pack your bags!

Food, Travel Tips

6 Best Food and Drinks You Have to Try in Australia

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6 Best Food and Drinks You Have to Try in Australia

australia

The majestic land Down Under has much more to offer except beautiful weather, light breeze, timid nights and gorgeous sight. Just as if that is not great enough, if you were to visit or travel this stunning continent, you will be able to enliven all your senses by tasting foods and drinks like nowhere else on the globe. Australia has an abundance of fantastic restaurants, pubs, and bars, that it makes it hard to rule out some specific one to go to since there are truly many. However, there are a  few ways to experience the enticing flavors of Australia. What you need to do is follow this list and get prepared to be mind blown by the variety of food and drinks you can taste while visiting Australia.

1. The mouth-watering lamingtons

Australian food

The lamington is a juicy and savory cake that has proudly earned the renowned reputation as being ‘National Cake of Australia’. Therefore, it is only logical to be on the top of the list. Lamington is a square-shaped sponge cake that is dipped and basically deeply coated in a thick layer of chocolate icing and then spread with coconut. In restaurants all around Australia, they make lamingtons traditionally and serve them with whipped cream or jam, and in some café’s you will see locals enjoying this mouth-watering delight with a cup of coffee.

2. Delicious school prawns

Australia

Being surrounded by water, all around Australia you will find many restaurants serving great seafood. However, if you fish to taste the gems of this wonderful country you should try the school prawns from the Sydney Fish Market. ‘Schoolies’ as called by the fishmongers, are small wild-caught estuarine prawns. At the Fish Market, you will always find them freshly caught. Restaurants Buon Ricordo in Sydney and Ricky & Pinky in Melbourne serve the most delicious school prawns. But, you can easily prepare them at home. Just dust them with flour, and fry until they are crispy.

3. The savory Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine in Australia

Australia has long been known as a producer of some of the greatest and most refined wines in the world. The entire region of South Australia can loudly brag about being a home to the world’s most exquisite wines. Choices are abundant, form chilly Merlot to rich and complex Pinot Grigio. If you cannot make up your mind which wine to try, you can always go for Cabernet Sauvignon which is well-structured, meticulously textured and with varietal flavors. The best thing about Australian wine is that you can always order one of your favorite boutique wines online, and enjoy in this riveting delight you tried in Australia in the comfort of your home.

4. Aussie Kangaroo barbie

A typical Australian barbecue or ‘barbie’ implies putting a lot of savory meat on the grill, inviting friends over and drink the night away. Kangaroos are overpopulating the terrain in some places, however, these joyous animals might not be your first choice of meat, but when you are in Australia it is perfectly normal to try kangaroo steak or burger. They are generally cooked rare to medium, and they blend deliciously with rosemary, garlic, and red currant. Sydney restaurant Angus Steak House is the best place to go to try grilled kangaroo.

5. The refreshing ginger beer

All around the world you will encounter different varieties of this drink. Nonetheless, ginger beer is one of the must-try Australian drinks because it is brewed in the most traditional ways. Firstly, they grind up dried ginger which locals have grown it so that it retains its full flavor, later they mix it up with sugarcane and water. After it gets heated and fermented with a special kind of yeast. Yummy! All across Australia, you will find many craft breweries that serve ginger beer, but you should try Bundaberg Ginger Beer.

6. Grab a juicy meat pie on the go

Roughly 24 million Australians eat up to 300 million meat pies a year. And it is no wonder that this seemingly simple treat is so popular all over Australia. Meat pie has quickly incorporated into Australian culture since it is served at pretty much every big event or restaurant. You will find meat pies are literally every gas station and bakery all across the country and it is damn delicious. You can top it up with homemade sauce or eat it plain. Anyhow, you are in for a real savory treat.

You can truly eat your way through the entire country’s culture and traditions. Make sure that you don’t miss out on these food and drinks while in Australia and if you can, grab them even as a takeaway.

Editor's Picks, Travel Tips

Money, Food and The Weather are To Blame for The Majority of Holiday Tensions

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Money, food and the weather are some of the biggest reasons behind family fallouts while away, new research has revealed.

The study, conducted by cruise agent Bolsover Cruise Club, surveyed 1000 UK adults and examined the most common reasons behind holiday spats, as well as the optimum length of time we could spend away with our loved ones before bickering was likely to set in.

The results showed that despite their many positives, holidaying with our friends and family can be a rather stressful affair, especially when it comes to the day-to-day.

 In fact, the study found that more than two thirds of Brits admit to falling out with friends or family when on holiday, and that we’re likely to have heated words with our loved ones around four times a week on average while on our jollies.

Top 5 reasons for Fall Outs on Holiday:  

  1. What to do and see
  2. Where/What to eat
  3. The weather/heat
  4. Money/splitting bills
  5. People not controlling their children

Outside of the top five, other reasons given behind common disagreements between friends and family were things such as travel and directions (22.8%), who gets which room/bed (20.2%) and being generally over tired (18.9%).

Men were found to be the more frugal of the sexes, as more than a third shared that they were likely to cause tensions with their friends and family over money/splitting bills, compared to just 14.6% of women.

That said, nearly half of the women (41%) surveyed admitted that they regularly get hot headed towards their travel companions over food choices while on holiday.

Bolsover Cruise Club also quizzed participants on how long they believed they’d be able to holiday with various family members and friends and used this to find the optimum amount of time Brits should consider booking time away with their loved ones.

Results uncovered that our partner was likely to be the best choice for a longer break, closely followed by brother(s) and friends.

Unfortunately for grandma and grandad, dad, sister(s) and nieces, nephews and godchildren, they were all ranked pretty low on the scale in terms of tolerable days. 

Maximum Holiday Time Before a Fallout*

Partner: 10 days 6 minutes 
Mum: 6 Days, 16 hours and 48 minutes
Dad: 2 Days, 13 hours and 33 minutes
Brother: 7 Days, 7 hours and 12 minutes
Sister: 2 days, 21 hours and 36 minutes
Grandparents: 2 days, 12 hours
Children (yours): 8 days, 12 hours
Children (your nieces, nephews, godchildren etc): 1 days, 12 hours
Aunties and Uncles: 3 days, 12 hours
Cousins: 5 days, 7 hours and 18 minutes
Friends: 7 days

Michael Wilson, Managing Director at Bolsover Cruise Club, commented on the findings:  “While there are naturally family feuds and bickering amongst friends, it is great to hear that the majority of Brits are still happy to head away on their annual holidays with their loved ones.

“One key thing to keep in mind is that it’s perfectly okay not to all want to do the same thing while away, whether that’s food, activities or general lounging around the pool, which is why we believe a cruise can provide a great option when wanting to please more than one or two holidaymakers.”

Asia, Australia, Europe, Food, North America

Eat Your Way Around The World At The Top Foodie Destinations

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Travelling the world allows you to grow as a person, get to know different cultures and people, but most importantly, it lets you try an array of new foods. This is a dream come true for any foodie. So when you’re planning on a vacation and choosing your destinations, take the local specialities in account. After all, where else are you going to try these exotic and authentic specialities? In fact, you can see the entire world following your stomach.

Enjoy the tropical punch in Hawaii

The US is famous for many things, but some would argue good food isn’t one of them. They’ve obviously never been to a high-grade restaurant in Hawaii. Of course, in this case, the high-grade restaurants are actually authentic food trucks.

Though it may sound tacky, this is actually the best way to taste Hawaii. You can steal a piece of heaven while relaxing on the beach and eating whatever the food truck chef has recommended. After all, they incorporate regional foods with classic cooking techniques as part of a fusion method which colors your taste buds in a range of different flavours.

Discover the specialties of Hong Kong

Even though Hong Kong is one of the most urban centers of China, they still incorporate traditional specialties to their menus. You may think that there’s no point trying Chinese food when you can just get takeout in your hometown, but it’s really not the same.

Nothing beats dim sum prepared with fresh and local ingredients, sampled in an authentic Chinese restaurant. The same goes for other recipes, and you can discover them all on your visit to Hong Kong. There’s so much to see and explore, and there’s no way your home takeout menu carries the items on Hong Kong’s list.

Wake up your senses in Hunter Valley

Located in NSW, Australia, Hunter Valley is the perfect stop on the south side of the globe. There are a lot of first-class restaurants you can visit and experience all Australia has to offer food-wise. Aside from food, you can also go on one of the Valley’s famous wine tours.

When you get tired of wining and dining, you can explore the gorgeous gardens nearby or just relax in your room. Make sure your accommodation in Hunter Valley is conveniently located, so you can easily explore the whole place. Since this is a vacation of the senses, wake them up in every way possible- starting with food.

Find adventure in Paris

Who said that getting your adrenaline going had to imply doing something extreme? It’s enough to experience something new and magical. Where better to do that than in the gastronomical capital of Europe, Paris?

There’s no other place where you’ll be able to try the most bizarre yet delicious foods in the world. From snails to frog legs, and even “Tete de Veau” (calf head), Paris is bound to keep you on your toes and really give you something to talk about. Of course, you can still experience the enchanting nature of French cuisine even if you don’t opt for something so unusual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, travelling the world can completely revolve around food and still allow you to experience everything else our beautiful Earth has to offer. Focusing on food in different countries allows you to experience a layer of culture most people miss. Food is how we show our love and passion, so it’s by far the best way to get to know a new culture and travel the world.

Europe, Food

5 Best Food You Should Try When Visiting Croatia

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A great way you can connect with the culture, essence, and flavor of Croatia is by tasting local dishes. Croatia is a country full of culinary delights hugely influenced by many different cultures including the Mediterranean and Central European traditions.
Croatian cuisine is geographically distinct, with each part of this country having a distinctive regional delicacy. In addition, there’s a big emphasis on preparing meals homestyle and on making use of fresh seasonal ingredients in restaurants all across the country.
On your Croatian culinary discovery, your palate will be met by spicy meat stews to light seafood fare, Croatia’s own pasta, as well as bizarre’ bites! For all the foodies out there, we’ve prepared a list of 5 meals you should try once you’re in Croatia. Be sure to pair the dishes with local wines for a complete dining experience.

1. Dalmatian Peka

Courtesy of www.total-croatia-news.com

Ispod peke’ is something you should try at least once when you visit Croatia. Peka is a word that actually refers to a specific way the ingredients are prepared. Popular in Dalmatia, Peka is an ancient traditional slow-cooking method that combines chicken, lamb, veal, or octopus and vegetables with a generous drizzle of olive oil. The dish is then left to cook over an open fireplace. Fresh herbs White wine and fresh herbs can be added for that extra flavor. The dish is left to simmer slowly in its own juices until the meat is tender. Cooking using this method knocks out Croatia’s most loved, divinely tender dish by the same name.
Most local taverns feature peka on their menu.

2. Ćevapi (or Ćevapčići)

Cevapi is a famous food in the region and certainly worth a try when you’re in Croatia. This small finger-shaped and tasty grilled skinless seasoned sausages are usually made with a combination of both beef, pork, and lamb, and served with chopped raw onions and spices, kajmak (a soft creamy cheese) and ajvar (a relish made from-peppers) on flatbread. The heritage of this dish is Middle-Eastern in origin.

3. Brudet

Courtesy of www.sailingeurope.com

Sometimes called “brodeto” or “brodet”, this dish is a rich fish stew from Croatian regions of Istria, Dalmatia, and Kvarner. This traditional fisherman’s stew is a perfect summer delicacy and hails from Italy’s Marche region.
Brodet is made all-year round and comes in various versions. It typically consists of at least 3 types of fish and tomato-based sauce enriched with garlic, onion and white wine. It’s usually served with polenta as a side dish which soaks-up the tasty fish broth.

4. Zagorski Štrukli

Courtesy of www.recepti.hr

This is a traditional delicacy popular in the regions of Zagreb and Hrvatsko Zagorje in northern Croatia. Its inspiration probably comes from the Turkish borek and Austrian strudel although this meal is now distinctly Croatian.
The Zagorje specialty is composed of a flat, thin pastry and various types of filling, like eggs, cheese, and sour cream. Štrukli resembles a kind of strudel which can be made either as a savory or sweet dish. Sugar is usually added when preparing the sweet version of the dish and it is then either baked in the oven or cooked.
A real true traditional Croatian meal and the capital’s signature bite, this humble cheese, and cream pastry is even proclaimed an intangible cultural icon by Croatia’s Ministry of Culture, all the more reason you should try it.

5. Black Risotto

Courtesy of www.chasingthedonkey.com

Known locally as crni rizot, this dish is a popular cuisine in coastal Croatia, particularly in Dalmatia. Black risotto is basically a rice dish prepared with squid, garlic, red wine, and olive oil and is quite similar in some ways to Italian risotto. This dish is special for the deep-black color it gets from squid ink, which gives the cuisine an intense seafood flavor. It can be prepared also with other types of seafood like octopus or cuttlefish or even shellfish like mussels and clams.
Bon appetit and be sure to explore more including the Croatia property market!

Europe, Travel Tips

Taking a Vacation in Croatia

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Taking a vacation in Croatia

It was my enthusiastic dream for many years to take a vacation in Croatia at least once in my lifetime. I’m glad to say that my dream came true last year and one thing I’ll state unequivocally is that I had a home away from home experience during my visit to Croatia.

Croatia was indeed an amazing destination for my vacation. I could not have enough of the pristine beaches & palm groves, mountainous coastlines, clear waters of the Adriatic sea, spectacular architecture, numerous islands, sublime food, and most importantly, the hospitality of the Croatian people.

The following are some of the amazing things I did and the places I visited in Croatia.

Island hopping

With more than 1200 islands, I needed my whole lifetime to explore all the Croatian islands. But still, I tried my best. Every island I visited was special in its own way. Some islands offered the peace and quiet I had longed for. Others offered 24-hour parties, so whenever I wanted to experience Croatian nightlife, I never missed an island that offered unforgettable parties.

The first island I visited is the island of Brac. The splendid beaches, sheep cheese, seafood and mandarins in this destination will leave you yearning for more. I proceeded to the sunny island of Hvar. With its natural beauty, luxurious beaches, sunny weather, and excellent food, this is a destination I never wanted to leave. The island of Korcula, Krk, Losinj, Cres, Silba, Lastovo and many more had one thing in common; they offer an amazing paradise for travelers looking for a sunny island adventure. Hopping between islands was very simple since ferries, waterboats, and catamarans were readily available.

vacation in croatia

I explored Croatian National Parks

Out of the eight national parks in Croatia, I had an opportunity to visit three of them. The Plitvice Lakes National Park was really a stunning place one can ever visit. I took a bus from Zagreb and within two hours I was at the park. It was boundless funmeandering along the many wooden plank trails, taking pictures of the furious waterfalls and the 16 interconnected lakes. Thereafter, I took a day trip to the Krka National Park where I fell in love with the glistening waterfalls and boat excursions. I winded my national park tour by visiting Paklenica National Park where the largest mountain in Croatia is found.

vacation in croatia

I discovered history of Croatia

Despite being a small sized country, Croatia has seven UNESCO Heritage Sites where I got an opportunity to learn about the culture of Croatia. I visited all the seven historical sites and discovered many things which i never knew about. If you’re considering visiting Croatia, these historical places are worth visiting.

Sailing in the high seas

I’d say that a vacation in Croatia won’t be complete without sailing in the high seas. With my one month stay in this wonderful country, I learnt that it is a sailing paradise for people who love the activity. I rented a waterboat with crew at a very reasonable price. At the sea, my eyes were drawn out to the waters that seems to go forever. Sailing in Croatia gave me a lifetime chance to explore the coast and enjoy its beauty. I anchored just anywhere and soaked in the cool waters of the Adriatic sea. I alsodiscovered beautiful bays, hidden coves, and deserted islets. I also enjoyed fresh seafood in remote bay restaurants.

I discovered Croatian foods and wine

If you’re a foodie and you haven’t visited Croatia yet, you are missing mouthwatering, diverse and glorious foods. Most people in Croatia use seasonal ingredients and their food is indeed unique. Croatian cuisine is more of a Mediterranean cuisine consisting of fish, seafood, veggies and tasty olive oils. Istria had very delicious olive oils.

I fell in love with various traditional dishes such as brudet (fish stew with spices) crni riot, seafood served with blitva, mišanca and homemade pasta.

I also participated in loads of activities such as kayaking, rafting, kite-surfing, truffle hunting, zip-lining, rock climbing, golfing and paragliding.

I never wanted to go back to my home country, when my vacation was over. Croatia had numerous things to do as well as many places to visit. It is an amazing country. Certainly, it will be my obvious destination during my next trip and I cannot wait to take another vacation in Croatia.

Food, Infographic

How the World Serves Eggs [Infographic]

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Eggs are pretty weird when you think about them too hard. But they are also delicious, convenient, and highly versatile – as is demonstrated by the regional variations on show around the world. If you’re planning to travel, and want to know what the egg world has in store for you, or if you just want to add a bit of exoticism to your weekend brunch, you can do a lot worse than making a trip to the supermarket with a list of ingredients for some of our international neighbours’ signature yolk n’ albumen dishes.

The North African ‘shakshuka’, for example is a real humdinger. Fried and garnished with spices and salty feta, red peppers and tomato give it that extra kick. This one could well be considered a kill-or-cure hangover remedy. The Chinese have a more mellow alternative: egg flower soup is a comforting treat, with peas and mushrooms adding body to the chicken-based broth. Soy and rice wine ensure the Asian spin still delivers with every mouthful.

The Scotch Egg, which stretches way beyond Scotland to the whole of the British Isles, is something of a reliable classic. A boiled egg is wrapped in meat and breadcrumbs, making for a substantial picnic side-dish with no nonsense. Contrast this with the Philippines, where their notorious ‘balut’ consists of a boiled, fertilized duck egg eaten straight from the shell, and you’ll start to believe there’s little you can’t learn about the world through the consumption of regional egg specialities.

After all that savoury weirdness, though, you’ll want to sweeten your palette – and there’s no need to hold back on the egg mission now. French meringue is a crunchy dessert that hits you right in the sweet tooth, and is made from just the egg white and sugar. Combine it with cream and fruit, though, and it becomes a complex of flavour and texture that feels quite Gallic, and quite decadent.

If you’re still not overdosed on eggs, check out the infographic below that explores some of the other weird and wonderful ways that different cultures deal with the small oval ones. Always buy free range, but other than that – perhaps don’t think too hard about where they come from.

how-the-world-serves-eggs

Image sources: Featured image / Infographic

Asia, Australia, Editor's Picks, Luxury Travel

Luxury Around the World

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Len Rutledge

Luxury and experiential travel are changing the travel industry and the way many people think about travel. While trips to see grandma will always occur, family trips today are often camping safaris through Africa or visits to remote lodges in Bhutan.

Today’s travellers are braver than ever and are prepared to travel well off the beaten track. They are looking for something unique and individual.  As new destinations emerge, traditional tourist hotspots and resorts have to rethink their approach in order to stay relevant.

I have just returned from Luxperience, an unmissable annual get-together for all those associated with the high-end travel industry. It was a meeting which exposed all the newest and best operators, and showed where this growing part of the industry is heading.

I have selected five products which show the level of luxury and diversity that is now available to world travellers. Any of them would be an experience of a lifetime for most people.

Deccan Odyssey

This is a luxury train in India comprising 21 luxuriously appointed coaches; 11 are to accommodate guests and the rest are used for different purposes such as dining, lounge, conference car and health spa. All the cabins of Deccan Odyssey are fully equipped with air-conditioning, internet connectivity, and personalized guest amenities that make sure that your journey is a comfortable and memorable one. There are two restaurant cars available which serve Indian, continental and oriental delicacies.

deccan

There are six itineraries which travel to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an excellent vineyard, palatial residences, sun-kissed beaches, magical cities, and tranquil backwaters. All is done with the luxury and pomp that only India can muster. Truly, this is the journey of a lifetime.

Over the Top

This New Zealand helicopter company based in Queenstown provides more than just a helicopter ride. You can visit alpine glaciers and remote lakes, for hiking, boating, extreme golfing, winery visits, heliskiing or fly fishing. For guests wanting an interaction with some distinctive New Zealand characters, you can fly with eco-guides, chefs, artists – genuine New Zealanders who delight in making your stay a once in a lifetime experience.

over-the-top-golf-tee

One activity that is gaining in popularity is Over the Top Golf. This provides access to New Zealand’s most picturesque golf hole. Nestled at 4500 feet in the New Zealand alps this par 3 hole overlooking Queenstown has four tee boxes so you can attempt your hole in one. Players have to fly in, drive, chip and putt out on the top.

The Racha

This deluxe island hideaway in Thailand is set on a pristine beach on Racha Island 18 km south of Phuket. The resort features 85 luxurious villas and strives to be recognized as a leader in responsible and environmentally sustainable tourism. The island is known for its natural beauty and for its excellent corals and marine life. It is also a wonderful place for relaxation and for doing nothing.

lighthouse-pool

Many rooms have a large living area and a spacious private terrace. Each villa is superbly designed and features a luxurious bathroom and a rain-shower outside. The Earth Cafe is a contemporary chic international café serving Western and Thai food in air-conditioned comfort or on the terrace. Sunset Beach is a casual restaurant serving local specialties and snacks for lunch and fresh barbequed seafood and steaks for dinner right next to the beach. Firegrill is a fine dining restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine.

R.M. Williams Tour

R.M.Williams was an Australian hero who did much to put the Australian Outback on the map. His famous boots became a symbol of toughness and style which continues to this day. The Tailor, in conjunction with R.M.Williams, has designed the ultimate tribute to RM Williams. In RM’s Footsteps is a 4-day journey which traces his personal history, telling the story of how he created the famous leather boots now sold around the world.

This amazing trip offers guests a rare opportunity to explore the legend of RM Williams by visiting several magnificent Outback destinations, such as the Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre, enjoying traditional country hospitality and eating delicious regional cuisine. Guests travel in ultimate luxury aboard a Swiss-built Pilatus PC12 aircraft.

nilpena-station-with-the-flinders-ranges-behind

The trip begins in Adelaide with a private tour of the RM Williams workshop, factory, and museum, plus a chance to be fitted with your own boots, clothing and other bush apparel. You will receive a complimentary pair of Craftsman Boots. Another highlight is a visit to the historic Nilpena Station, a tour of the nearby red desert dunes, and a rare visit to the heritage listed Ediacara fossils made famous by the likes of Sir David Attenborough.

The Strand Cruise

On a languid journey along the Ayeyarwady River, the new luxurious Strand Cruise reveals the core of Burma in exceptional comfort. Cruise itineraries include 4 nights from Bagan to Mandalay and 3 nights from Mandalay to Bagan. While cruising you can clear your mind with a rejuvenating massage, or relax by the swimming pool. Enjoy the magnificent sunset from the upper deck while the sommelier delights you with a wide variety of wines. At dinner, the Chef will take you on a journey through refined cuisine.

slide-strand-cruise-b

Pampering and relaxation are the goals of the spa. You can heighten the experience with a massage in either an individual room or share the experience in our double room. The foot reflexology station will leave you ready to take on a new day of exploration and discoveries. The fitness room comes complete with treadmills, weights, and other gym equipment; everything needed for an invigorating workout.

Excursions allow you to explore the royal cities of Mingun, Amarapura, and Ava by horse-drawn cart; take in landmarks such as the U Bein bridge; and marvel at the enduring beauty of the country’s innumerable temples and monasteries.

Further information:

Deccan Odyssey: http://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/

Over the Top: http://www.flynz.co.nz/

The Racha: http://www.theracha.com/new/index.htm

R.M.Williams Tour: http://www.thetailor.com.au/rmwilliams/

The Strand Cruise: http://www.thestrandcruise.com/

www.LenRutledge.com

Destinations, Europe

What to Expect When Visiting Islands on The Adriatic

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Visitors to islands on the Adriatic Sea can expect to find delightful islands and top tourist destinations for those looking for holidays with an incredible mix of adventure, sun, and sea. There are many wonderful and scenic places for you to visit, from sun-soaked islands to their pristine hill towns, and the region boasts a wide array of landscapes. The good thing about these islands is that they’re easily accessible and you can have an incredible time exploring.

adriatic-islands-fetured-img

There are over a thousand islands dotting the Adriatic Sea, and the most popular islands to visit include Mljet, Vis, Hvar, Brac, and Pag. The following is what you can expect when you visit these locations.

Warm and sunny weather

The weather in this region is warm and sunny and these islands enjoy a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate with a high number of dry, sunny days. Since this is a coastal region, you can expect warm and dry summers while the winters are wet and rarely chilly.

sunny-day-hvar

The coast region receives a lot of sunshine, especially the remote islands of Hvar and Korcula, which also happen to be the most arid. The best time to visit the region is between June and September when temperatures hover around 30 degrees Celsius.

Gorgeous and versatile nature

In general, these islands along the coast of Croatia are characterized by a special clarity and vivid colors, which contribute to the unique landscapes, along with a picturesque shoreline.

adriatic-islands-nature

Here you can enjoy fishing, and the water is also rich in various kinds of crustaceans. There’s natural beauty and stunning scenery all around and here you can find over 500 species of green, brown and red algae. Here you can enjoy watching bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and monk seals, and for passionate divers, there’s incredible world of colorful sea creatures and forms they can explore beneath the crystal-clear water.

Kind and friendly people

When you visit these islands, you will meet warm and friendly people and you will feel very welcome everywhere you go. You can relax and explore these islands while chilling out with awesome people in some of the most stunning surroundings ever. You can also discover the rich local culture and heritage, and a trip to one of the many unspoiled villages in the area can be an unforgettable experience.

villa-brac-island

Accommodation for every budget

When it comes to accommodation, you can book your dream holiday and stay at a luxury Croatian villa that will cater to your budget. You can choose a villa based on the number of bedrooms or the average rental price. Cheap accommodation is available as well; you can even find a single room if you like but luxurious suites and villas offer world-class amenities, including air conditioning, internet, Wi-Fi, sprawling gardens, parking, private pools and grilling space.

Great food and entertainment

Tourists can enjoy delicious cuisine and the freshest seafood in picturesque towns.

seafood-delicious-shrimps

For entertainment purposes, there are many joints where visitors can enjoy an awesome night out. Cheap beer is available and you can find cafés and nightclubs full of young people partying the night away. You can also enjoy festivals and beach parties, and you will soon discover why these islands have risen to become the hottest party destinations in Europe.

Europe, Hotels and Resorts, Restaurant Reviews

London’s Best New Restaurants Opening Soon in Covent Garden

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“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”- Samuel Johnson

This isn’t just another capital city, London is a thriving city that is known for its achingly cool fashion, arts and most importantly the food scenes. London’s ever-growing restaurant scene are endless and the upcoming restaurants that are going to open in the capital will surely secure loyal fans for their quality and vibe and diners are invited to expect good value on it’s a la carte menu.
Our updated list will keep you informed by the ongoing influx of new restaurants opening soon in Covent Garden.
Mamie’s Creperie

Mamie's Creperie
If you love crepe, then Mamie is the one for you. Its three storey building is both a creperie and a Cider bar, with optimum focus on Britanny cuisine. In Crepe you can expect a menu of Forest Complète Galette, Crêpe Flambée, La Magritte crepe, La Duras crepe, La Chateaubriand and more. The basement of the building has been reserved for a cider cellar – La Cidrothèque and will be serving 10 French ciders from Britain, Ireland, Sweden, and even New Zealand.  Food will be available for take away too.
•    Where: 9 Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JS
•    Opening Date: July 2016

Tandoor Chop House

tandoor chop house
Tandoor Chop House is an Indian restaurant- the first independent restaurant from Ennismore. This is an English chop house with a touch of Northern Indian spices, specialising in offering in egg-based dishes. The restaurant will have excellent seating arrangements for around 50 guests.
•    Where: Adelaide Street, London, WC2N 4HW
•    Opening Date: Summer 2016

Margot

margot
Paulo de Tarso is teaming up with Nicolas Jaouën for opening this new rustic Italian restaurant in Covent Garden. Expected menu in this restaurant would be tagliolini with crab meat and risotto, cured meats, and tartare dishes. Apart this this other speciality like salads, pasta options and an extensive range of meat and fish main courses will also be available. This will be a 100 seater restaurant designed by Fabled Studio. More info here
•    Where is it: Covent Garden
•    Opening Date: September 2016

Come Fry with me


Come Fry with me continue the trend for single ingredient-led restaurants, which is only devoted to the chip. You can expect crisps in different shapes, sizes and in a range of flavours too. They will come with three types of fries – all triple cooked, and will be offered to the guest in a uniquely styled ‘fry carousel’ conveyor belt. You can expect a 1960s air travel themed décor. More info here

•    Where: Covent Garden – address TBC
•    Opening Dates: 2016

While you are planning your vacation to London in 2016, make sure you explore the beautiful and cool neighbourhood Covent Garden during your short stay. You can also choose to stay in this neighbourhood, which is filled with chic boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars. The area has some great rented apartments, which are fully-furnished with all modern amenities to offer you the feel of a premium hotel.Choosing to stay in a serviced apartment in Covent Garden will also help you lead a life of local rather than that of a tourist or traveller!