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...
Jet boat performing 360-degree spins in the turquoise waters of Surfers Paradise on Australia’s Gold Coast

Experience the Ultimate Jet Boating Adventure on the Gold Coast

. Just a few minutes into our thrilling, 25-kilometre jet boating journey, I felt like James Bond racing down the Thames in The World Is Not Enough.  But we weren't in London.  We were speeding...

Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays – Tropical Paradise

Sail on the warm winds through 74 islands in the very heart of the Great Barrier Reef.  Drop anchor and discover white secluded beaches.  And, of course, dive the heart of the enormous Great...

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...

Madrid: A Harmonious Marriage of Classical and Contemporary Beauty

What's the Allure? Although considered to be a fairly young capital city by European standards, Madrid has proudly held its prestigious position in Spain since the mid 16th century. Since its inception in 1561, this classic...

Dunedin – Chocolate, Hops and Albatrosses

Update: Cadbury World closed permanently in May 2018 We only had two days and chose to focus on Cadbury World’s Tasting Tour, Speights’ Brewery Tour and a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre. Yet, Dunedin...

Cairns – A haven for peace and tranquility

Balmy…the moment you step off of the plane in Cairns and smell the moist sweet tropical breeze you know you’re in North Queensland. Sure, you can take a boat trip and scuba dive in the...
Supertree Grove

Singapore’s Iconic Gardens by the Bay

I recently took a short break from Singapore’ heat and strolled over to its iconic landmark - the leafy Gardens by the Bay. Probably among the first things that springs to many visitors’ minds when...

Discover the Hidden Gems of Fiordland

Nestled in the western corner of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage site and is the renowned home of breath-taking Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. This region of New Zealand...

Rafting New Zealand serve up a white-water knuckle ride on Tongariro River

Updated: November 2018 "Any final tips?" Vladimir nervously asks our guide, Lee - not entirely sure that he really expects an honest answer. With a smile the width of the Tongariro River, the response is...