Discover new alternatives to some classic destinations
LAUNCESTON has been named in Escape’s off-the-radar destinations for 2016.
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IF you’ve checked the globe’s most celebrated destinations from your travel to-do list, but still yearn to see more, there’s a swag of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Escape asks travel industry insiders to recommend their top off-radar destinations with these uncrowded alternatives to the perennial classics ready to be seen in 2016.
LOVE MANHATTAN? TRY BROOKLYN
The Big Apple’s concrete canyons continue calling travellers but those returning to Gotham should make a base in Brooklyn to live like a local in a charismatic neighbourhood.
“Brooklyn is home to a thriving cultural and food scene and its proximity to the city’s main attractions means visitors can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or catch the subway to be in the heart of Manhattan in minutes,’’ TravelManager Australia personal travel manager, Vick O’Dea, says. “It’s less expensive and not as ‘touristy’ as Manhattan, there’s something for everyone from Brooklyn Heights which is known for its beautiful architecture to the eclectic mix of music and live entertainment in Williamsburg.’’
HOT FOR HOBART? HEAD NORTH TO LAUNCESTON
Launceston is a gateway to the delights of northern Tasmania — Freycinet Peninsula, Tamar Valley vineyards, Cradle Mountain — while boasting shopping, art galleries, convict history, and a foodie scene.
“Launceston is a 90-minute drive from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport and the best thing about travelling on the refurbished ship is you can bring your car and start discovering hidden gems like Cataract Gorge and Tasmania Zoo as soon as you arrive,’’ the ship’s communications manager, Soniya Cooper, says.
“My favourite spot in Launie is Josef Chromy Wines where the views are spectacular.’’
ARCTIC AFTER CANADA RAIL
Canada is the perfect place to ride the rails but those keen on exploring another wilderness by train should join Travelmarvel’s 15-day expedition Arctic Circle Express to see the land of the midnight sun travelling routes like the Ofoten, Flam and Bergen railways.
“This is a stunning journey, exploring some of the most pristine and remote areas of Sweden and Norway as well as travelling aboard some of the world’s most magnificent railways,’’ Travelmarvel’s general manager, David Cox, explains.
“Rail is such an exciting way to travel and you’re chaperoned throughout the trip — we take care of hotels, tour guides, and most meals — so all you do is sit back, relax and enjoy.’’
OVER OAHU? MOVE ON MAUI
Oahu is home to Waikiki but Maui — the Hawaiian island a 30-minute flight from the Jetstar, Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines’ Honolulu hub — promises the sun, sand and sea sans the tourist glitz.
“Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and a nature lover’s paradise known for lush rainforests, waterfalls, and more than 80 beaches with the Auau Channel one of the best places in the world for whale watching,’’ helloworld chief marketing officer, Kim Portrate, says.
“For a true slice of paradise add a trip to the tiny town of Hana — isolated from the rest of the island and accessible by the Hana Highway with 80km of scenic roads — so hire a car in Kahului and take on the 600 sharp turns and curves that pass rainforests, waterfalls, and the Pacific Ocean.’’
GUIDED BY WANDERLUST
Intrepid Travel now caters to wanderers who value the convenience of a guided holiday while yearning to visit locations off the tourist trail, with a new collection of Intrepid expeditions. “There are travellers who want to go completely off-map to discover something new and while these places aren’t for everyone it’s about exploring the unexplored so think Mayan ruins in a Mexico jungle, Georgia’s ancient Svaneti region or the Rabaul Mask Festival in PNG,” Intrepid’s managing director, James Thornton, says.
CRUISE UP A NOTCH TO JAPAN
If you’re new to cruising, and started with a jaunt across the Tasman to New Zealand, it’s time to look further afield and consider a voyage Japan, which is emerging as a top spot to bon voyage.
“Many first-time cruisers opt for New Zealand to test the water, so Japan is a great way to take it up a notch and immerse yourself in a whole new cultural experience,’’ Cruiseabout general manager Jarrod Pask says.
“Japan is an unique offering for cruise travellers. You get authentic on board culinary experiences including traditional Japanese breakfast, sushi and sake while visiting big cities and traditional country locations — and Diamond Princess is an amazing ship with the world’s largest open-air Japanese bath.’’
WELLINGTON — IT’S CAPITAL CHOICE
The North Island city is the world’s cutest capital with the address offering the delights of a thriving metropolis — monumental museums, dynamic neighbourhoods, excellent restaurants — without the big-city bustle.
“Wellington is the undisputed centre of New Zealand’s cultural and arts scene and the streets are dotted with sculpture, the calendar is packed with shows and exhibitions, and visitors are spoilt for choice with art galleries and quirky cafes,’’ AAT Kings’ managing director Anthony Hayes says.
“AAT Kings’ New Zealand Splendour features two days in Wellington to discover the city’s cultural gems including Te Papa Museum of New Zealand.’’
PERU, VALLEY V JUNGLE
If Peru’s Sacred Valley — Machu Picchu, Cuzco, the Hiram Bingham luxury train — isn’t reason enough to visit the South American destination, then book an APT itinerary that includes an Amazon cruise to experience “the jungle’’.
“The Amazon is one of the world’s most fascinating rivers and around one third of recorded plant and animal species can be found including monkeys, more than 3000 species of fish, an array of native birds, and giant water lilies,’’ APT chief marketing officer Debra Fox says.
“Travel with APT to enjoy a four-night cruise on the Delfin II — a boutique ship for 28 guests — and swim with pink river dolphins, hike lush rainforests, enjoy a night safari, and visit a riverside community.’’
GONE TO GALAPAGOS? MOVE ON MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is a “biodiversity hotspot’’ with 90 per cent of the destination’s flora and fauna found only on this Indian Ocean island in the deep blue beside Africa’s east coast.
“Madagascar has its own unique cargo of plants and animals, making it a fascinating destination of stark contrasts, and the vegetation varies from arid forests in the south to tropical rainforests in the north and east,’’ World Expeditions’ CEO, Sue Badyari, says.
“World Expeditions’ Unique Madagascar visits the sandstone rock formations at Isalo Massif, the granite rock valleys of Andringitra National Park, the cloud-forest National Park of Ranomafana, and accommodation is in a mix of hotels and tents, combining the best of local and French colonial style.’’
ZHANGJIAJIE, A HIDDEN GREEN GEM
Zhangjiajie — celebrated as the inspiration for Avatar — presents limestone formations, forests, waterfalls, mountain and valleys with the region now considered one of China’s hidden gems.
“Zhangjiajie, which is often described as a ‘goddess dancing on a heavenly stage’, offers breathtaking scenery at every turn,’’ Wendy Wu Tours marketing manager, Amanda Bruno, says. “We are receiving increasing requests for more nature-based tours, particularly from repeat customers returning after ticking off the bucket-list items the country is famous for.’’
BATTAMBANG, A CHANGE FROM PHNOM PENH
Cambodia promises a bygone charm that’s disappearing in neighbouring Vietnam, but if Phnom Penh is unadventurous head into the countryside a two-hour drive from Siem Reap to Battambang.
“Charming Battambang is a treasure trove of well-preserved French colonial buildings set against delightful countryside and ancient temples,’’ Adventure World general manager, Neil Rodgers, says.
FIRST THE MEKONG, NOW MYANMAR
If you’ve sailed the mighty Mekong between Siem Reap and Saigon, but want to continue cruising Asia’s magical inland waterways, then Myanmar is the location to consider with Scenic launching a purpose-built vessel in 2016.
“Since the borders of this spiritual mecca opened in 2012, tourism has been gaining momentum and, with its natural beauty and incredible historical sites, there’s no better place to visit in 2016 than Myanmar,’’ Scenic’s general manager of product development, Aleisha Fittler, says.
BLASÉ ABOUT BALI? PICK THE PHILIPPINES
Australians love holidaying in the hot, but with Bali blasé the Philippines’ 7000 islands are emerging as a destination to satisfy every traveller’s to-do list.
“It’s hard to find an Aussie who hasn’t been to Bali so for those looking for the next quintessential tropical getaway, the Philippines is a great alternative where you get the Bora Bora vibe without the price tag,’’ Flight Centre’s head of leisure, Tom Walley, says. “Whether you choose main-city Manila, idyllic Boracay or one of the other islands you’ll find clear water, white beaches, some of the best bargain shopping in the world … and a host of adrenaline-fuelled activities.’’
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