Travel Guides

From festivals in India to white water rafting in New Zealand, we round up some of the best destinations on the planet to visit.

Welcome to Auckland – The City of Sails

Auckland, home to approximately 1.5 million Kiwis, lies in the pacific Ocean’s far south-west. It’s New Zealand’s biggest city and provides an excellent base to explore the North Island’s hidden coves and scenic coast...
Jaipur's cocktails inspire a flavourful journey, igniting curiosity and wanderlust.

Cocktails in Jaipur: Unveiling Jaipur’s Mixology Magic

Are you searching for the best place to enjoy cocktails in Jaipur? I have lived sporadically in Jaipur for several months each year for the last 8 years.  Consequently, I've witnessed its evolution first-hand. In my...

Day 10 – 15 April 2011 – Elephants, Forts and Food!

  Updated October 2021 I freely admit to being a “Jaipurite”.  And it was the perfect place to spend with my son. I’d arranged an early morning rickshaw (we’d given our driver the day off) out to...

Rajasthan – The Enchanting Land of Kings

The Land of Kings Rajasthan, is surely the most colourful and unique state in Northern India, if not all of India. Its capital, Jaipur, the “Pink City”, derives its name from the reddish-pink stones...

The Magic of Hobbiton – Exploring Middle Earth

Nestled in New Zealand's North Island’s rolling hills, lies the magic of Hobbiton.  It has captured the hearts of J.R.R Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film and book fans all...

Day 20 – 25 April 2011 – Clean Air, Green Grass and Tranquillity

Updated October 2021 As today was ANZAC day, we caught the extremely efficient train (MRT) to Kranji and then walked the short distance to the War Cemetery to mark our respects. As this was our only...

Maori History, Dolphins & Breath Taking Scenery in Paihia

Updated: November 2018 The Bay of Islands has been a favourite holiday spot for generations of Kiwi families.  At its heart, lies the picturesque seaside village of Paihia, which offers a relaxed pace for locals...

Chasing Rainbows – Holi in Jaipur

Ah, Holi 2024 in Jaipur.  A kaleidoscopic carnival of colours that I've danced through umpteen times! Picture this: me, a seasoned Holi enthusiast, diving headfirst into the riotous sea of hues that wash over...

Hot and Spicy in India!

The colours and flavours of spices conjure up images of exotic lands and ancient times. Today, many of our favourite global cuisines use spices unique in texture, aroma, and taste. India is the birthplace of...

Raise a Glass to Tradition: Enjoy an Iconic Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel

If you're looking for a quintessential Singapore experience, look no further than the iconic Raffles Hotel and its signature cocktail, the Singapore Sling. This historic hotel, located in the heart of Singapore, has been a...