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.

Taj Mahal the travel dude

Day 7 – 12 April 2011 – Birthday Cake and Taj Mahal

Updated October 2021 Wow, wow and triple wow.  That sums up today. It was Rhys’ 17th Birthday today and we would be hard pressed to top this.  I can’t remember what I did for my 17th! We...

Revel in the Romance of Queenstown’s Old World Charm

Widely accepted as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand boasts so many tourist attractions that beckon travellers from near and far.  Real Journeys will take you on an unforgettable...

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...

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...

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...
Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

Day 1 – 6 April 2011 – Slumdog Millionaire, Rickshaws and Spicy Paneers

  Updated October 2021 After all of the planning and hype and nearly 24 hours flying, Rhys and I were finally in the city that Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire propelled to world fame.  But in the...

Day 19 – 24 April 2011 – From One Extreme to Another

Updated October 2011 I was looking forward to Singapore.  I feel a strong connection with her as I was born there and have been fortunate to visit several times since. We left Mumbai at 10:05 this...
Putting the I in Wellington

Insider’s Guide to Things to See and Do In Wellington

Rough Guides recently named Wellington one of its must visit cities in 2023. There are so many things to see and do in Wellington and is ideal for a mini break. My wife and I...
Jaipur’s Cafés - Perfect Hideaways for Relaxation and European Breakfasts

Cafés in Jaipur Serving Breakfast with a European Twist

Jaipur, the Pink City and capital of Rajasthan, is a city of contrasts. Between majestic palaces, bustling bazaars, and chaotic streets, travellers seek moments of calm.  As a result, the cafés in Jaipur provide...

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...