BE INSPIRED Winter 2017
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BE INSPIRED Winter 2017 Call your personal Travel Counsellor today Welcome Welcome to the latest edition of Be Inspired, a gateway to the world of global travel created by the team from Travel Counsellors just for you. Within the pages of this travel guide you’ll find all the inspiration needed to get you thinking about your next trip. Filled with travel ideas for everyone from active adventurers to culture connoisseurs, luxury lovers and beyond, this guide is guaranteed to inspire wanderlust in travellers from all walks of life. Whether it’s enjoying Peru’s first luxury sleeper train experience, discovering the geological wonders of Iceland, chasing the sun on Thailand’s beaches or touring the world-famous wine regions of New Zealand, there is something for every traveller within these pages. Including an in-depth guide to some of the USA’s emerging and established travel hotspots, this guide demonstrates the incredible array of experiences the United States has to offer. Whether you’re a return visitor to the USA or thinking about ticking it off your travel list for the very first time, the sheer variety of experiences on offer in the USA make it a popular destination for everyone from honeymooners to retirees, families with teens and small groups. Fancy sipping wine and tasting cheese in the Sonoma Valley? Or maybe you’d prefer hiking and kayaking the summer away at Lake Tahoe? Perhaps the monuments and museums of Washington DC are calling? Either way, be sure to read up on the USA – you might be surprised to soon find it at the top of your travel list! Wherever you decide to go, this guide is just the starting point. Once ideas have been sparked, simply speak to your Travel Counsellor to get the ball rolling on your next trip. Here to take care of all your plans, bookings, amendments and arrangements, your Travel Counsellor will make the trip of your dreams come true. Happy travels! 2 Contents 4 Signs you’ve booked a holiday with Travel Counsellors 6 10 destinations to captivate you 27 5 reasons to book with us 29 Europe’s enchanting christmas markets 31 America the beautiful 45 Great train journeys 47 48 hours in Singapore 49 55 travel resolutions for 2017 50 myTC app 3 7 Signs you’ve booked a holiday with You didn’t plan your trip 1 We believe that holidays are personal. That’s why you’ll have your own travel expert to plan your perfect trip. You didn’t check-in for your flights Your Travel Counsellor is your travel personal 2 assistant. They’ll check you in and even let you know if your flight’s delayed. You didn’t confirm your hotel reservation 3 There’s no need to confirm your hotel reservation, your car hire or your return flight. That’s your Travel Counsellor’s job. 4 You didn’t worry about your money Everything that you book with your Travel 4 Counsellor is completely protected. All you need to worry about is what you’re going to pack! You were surprised by your tickets 5 Delivered by hand? With a guide book? With treats for the plane journey? Your Travel Counsellor will constantly surprise you. You arrived at the hotel and found… A room upgrade. A bottle of fizz. A note wishing you a wonderful trip… It’s the little 6 things your Travel Counsellor does to make your holiday the one of your dreams. You didn’t panic 7 You called your Travel Counsellor. They’re always here for you, no matter where you are in the world, 24/7. 5 10 Destinations to captivate you From tropical beaches to brilliant green rainforests to snow-topped mountains, there are so many places to see in the world. If you’re pondering where to travel next, here are 10 destinations to add to your travel wish list... 6 PERU High in the Andean mountains lies an ancient city that had been lost for hundreds of years. Mysteriously abandoned in the 16th century, it remained a secret from the Spanish conquerors, and it seemed as though it was destined to remain shrouded in mist, forgotten to the world forever. But it was biding its time, waiting… until in 1911 it was discovered once again, and the world’s love affair with the ancient Inca wonder began. The ancient citadel was a centre for worship, astronomy observation and a retreat for the Inca royalty. Nestled high in a cloud forest at the end of an ancient mountainous pathway leading from UNESCO World Heritage Centre Cusco, it is the one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites on earth. What more does one need to fire the imagination and spirit of adventure in every human being? Transport yourself to a different setting. In a desert plain south of Lima there rests over 300 vast geometric figures and drawings of mammals, insects and deities each spanning between 50 and 1200 feet in length. These are the Nazca Lines, one of the world’s greatest enigmas in purpose and even date of creation (thousands of years to be sure). It is yet another example in our world of how incredible human races of the past were, leaving legacies that cannot be matched today in raw beauty and their ability to evoke astonishment and reverence simultaneously. Lima is the capital of Peru, and one of the most culturally rich and vibrant places in South America. A melting pot of ancient traditions and evolved culture, a mix of textures and colour found in the buildings and on the streets, and a famed gastronomic culture, makes Lima a city well worth exploring. Lima is a chaotic and sophisticated blend of experience. Cusco, the ancient Incan capital will give travellers the authentic Peruvian experience. Wander through the striking network of cobbled paths and discover the grand churches, temples and architecture that were once at the heart of the Incan Empirial city. Cusco is also well known for its vibrant night life and dining culture, so an overnight trip to the city is a must. Immerse yourself in the historical landscape of the ancient Inca cities, with a trek to Machu Picchu, a magnificent stone complex built by the Incas in 1450. The ancient city ruins are built along the mountain ridges in Cusco Region and offer travellers an awe- inspiring and incredible experience. Here, history, art, culture and nature are at one’s fingertips. A blend of the old and the new, the ancient and the mysterious, Peru has the ability to transport you to a world unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Take me there SACRED LAND OF THE INCAS Embark on a 15 day adventure with Intrepid and be astounded by the magic and mystery of Peru’s sacred ruins, natural wonders and people. From Lima to La Paz, wander along the trails of Amazon rainforest, witness Machu Picchu, visit the floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca and marvel at the Spanish colonial architecture. From $4,035* per person. Price based on twin share for 14 nights (tour only), departing 2nd November 2017. * Price is in AUD, per person based on twin share and correct as of 25 July 2017. Price subject to change without notice and strictly subject to availability. Flights not included. Deposit of $400 per person required upon booking and full payment required a minimum 56 days prior to departure. If booking within 56 days of departure, full payment is due immediately. Standard booking conditions apply as per Intrepid website www.intrepidtravel.com 7 Destinations to 10 captivate you 8 9 NEW ZEALAND Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city is a creative harbour metropolis. The culinary scene takes a progressive and produce- focused approach by providing gourmet food that is locally sourced. Explore the nation’s history at the many museums, cycle along the harbour, and chill out at the funky hole in the wall bars. Take a trip to the Northland’s beautiful beaches like Ninety Mile Beach for surf and sand dunes, or Bay of Islands for a swim and kayak around the clustered tropical isles. Other islands to explore are the volcanic Rangitoto Island, and the pristine Waiheke Island. Reach the country’s most northerly tip at Cape Reinga, and learn its spiritual significance to the Maori people. From Auckland, embark on a road trip, and head up the scenic Pacific Coast Highway towards Napier, and explore the coastal and country delights. As you head ninety minutes from Auckland, make a stop at Coromandel Peninsula, and check out the Cathedral Cove and serene hot water beach. Also nearby is Mount Maunganui, where two different beaches collide, one made for surfing and the other for paddling. For a more relaxing experience, travel to Hawke’s Bay to dine and wine at the many wineries, including the country’s oldest. New Zealand’s western north island region is home to diverse landscapes, from unique volcanic reserves, thermal baths, and snowy ski mountains to lush gardens and urban hubs. Smoking geysers and bubbling mud set the scene of the volcanic terrain, while thermal baths provide mineral-laden mud pools for visitors to relax in. At Tongariro National Park is where skiers and snow boarders can find thrilling ski slopes across the stunning mountain scenery, including Mt Ruapehu – the north island’s highest mountain. The west north region is also home to the magical Hobbiton movie set, where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Wellington, the nation’s capital, is rich in culture, culinary wonders and arts, as well as beaches and regional parks.