Escape Edition 86

2024? Time to Explore

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2024 Time to Explore

As travel lovers, planning an adventure to a new destination is our favourite thing to do. In this final Escape Edition of 2023, we’ll help you pick your next bucket list experience. From a luxury lodge in Australia to a Tennessee music extravaganza and Nova Scotia’s top spots – we've got you covered.

NEXT STOP, SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALES

TENNESSEE? TOTALLY.

NOVA SCOTIA? SORTED

NEXT STOP, SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALES

The beauty of New South Wales is it’s vast enough to keep you busy for days or even weeks, so it’s no exaggeration to say every type of traveller will find something to excite them.

Culture vultures are seduced by the dynamic capital, Sydney. Thanks to the coast’s sandy stretches, beach bums will be spoilt for choice, and wine lovers can enjoy a road trip through Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. But there’s more.

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At Taronga Zoo, on the shores of Sydney Harbour, embark on an unforgettable overnight adventure named ‘Roar and Snore’. Home to over 5,000 animals, including the world’s largest marsupial, the red kangaroo, and Australia’s iconic animal, the koala. You’ll stay overnight in one of the zoo’s safari-style accommodations with close-up animal encounters, delicious food, and spectacular Sydney Harbour views.

An Australasian Galapagos, Lord Howe Island is home to one of the world’s most precious ecosystems, and it’s the spectacular wildlife and sea creatures that attract visitors. Below the ocean’s surface is where you’ll see the magic. Home to a protected marine park, the water is filled with coral reefs and countless species of fish.

Image credit: Destination NSW

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It’s only a 90-minute scenic drive to the Central Coast, but you’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle. Located in Bouddi National Park, Pretty Beach House is one of Australia’s most exclusive luxury lodges. With plenty of activities available, it’s the perfect base to explore the area - cruise on the open water, visit a local oyster farm, or relax on one of the pristine beaches.

Take me there

New South Wales tourism board logo

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TENNESSEE? TOTALLY.

Our 10-day Tastes and Tunes of Tennessee self-drive itinerary will take you across Tennessee, stopping at cities including Memphis and Nashville. You’ll enjoy three nights in each to explore the music and food scenes that make this part of the South very special.

You’ll fly into Memphis and explore the city’s attractions and experiences. Make sure you take a tour of the former home of Elvis Presley in Graceland and check out iconic music venues and the Stax Museum.

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In Nashville, you’ll learn about the city’s worldwide music influence at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B. Tour the National Museum of African American Music and discover the city’s live music scene with a tour of the Ryman Auditorium, and take a stroll down ‘Honky Tonk Row’. East Nashville is where you’ll find dive bars, craft cocktail joints, coffee shops, and vintage stores sprinkled throughout the neighbourhood.

Next, venture east across the state to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The United States’ most visited national park offers horseback riding, biking, and over 850 miles of hiking trails.

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Finally, head to Chattanooga and ride the famous Tennessee Railroad, visit the Tennessee Aquarium, take a scenic riverboat cruise, and indulge in some local cuisine.

Take me there

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NOVA SCOTIA? SORTED

The iconic Cabot Trail circular route stretches 186 scenic miles and is frequently voted one of the world’s dreamiest drives. It’s at its best during October with a coat of fall colours. While you could do it one day, it’s good to experience it over several, preferably a week. This will give you time to sample the highlights en route, from memorable hikes such as the Skyline Trail to epic whale watching at Pleasant Bay or Ingonish.

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Expect dramatic vistas aplenty on the Lighthouse route and no shortage of enticing restaurants serving delicious lobster. When you strike out from the gateway city of Halifax along the coast towards Yarmouth, you’ll see lighthouses and cute, compact fishing villages such as Blue Rocks as you go.

Attractions along the way include colonial-era Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Peggy’s Cove, Canada’s most photographed lighthouse.

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Nova Scotians have been growing grapes and making wine in the Annapolis Valley wine country since the 1600s, so it’s no surprise they’ve long since perfected the art. The Annapolis Valley’s idyllic, bucolic wine country is excellent for touring, but of course, there are ample opportunities for tastings and buying souvenirs. Historic Wolfville makes a great base; its Magic Winery Bus tours showcase nearby vineyards, some of which also have accommodations like The Inn at Grand Pré.

Take me there

Nova Scotia Tourism Board logo

Show Less

NEXT STOP, SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALES

The beauty of New South Wales is it’s vast enough to keep you busy for days or even weeks, so it’s no exaggeration to say every type of traveller will find something to excite them.

Culture vultures are seduced by the dynamic capital, Sydney. Thanks to the coast’s sandy stretches, beach bums will be spoilt for choice, and wine lovers can enjoy a road trip through Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. But there’s more.

Show Less

At Taronga Zoo, on the shores of Sydney Harbour, embark on an unforgettable overnight adventure named ‘Roar and Snore’. Home to over 5,000 animals, including the world’s largest marsupial, the red kangaroo, and Australia’s iconic animal, the koala. You’ll stay overnight in one of the zoo’s safari-style accommodations with close-up animal encounters, delicious food, and spectacular Sydney Harbour views.

An Australasian Galapagos, Lord Howe Island is home to one of the world’s most precious ecosystems, and it’s the spectacular wildlife and sea creatures that attract visitors. Below the ocean’s surface is where you’ll see the magic. Home to a protected marine park, the water is filled with coral reefs and countless species of fish.

Image credit: Destination NSW

Show Less

It’s only a 90-minute scenic drive to the Central Coast, but you’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle. Located in Bouddi National Park, Pretty Beach House is one of Australia’s most exclusive luxury lodges. With plenty of activities available, it’s the perfect base to explore the area - cruise on the open water, visit a local oyster farm, or relax on one of the pristine beaches.

Take me there

New South Wales tourism board logo

Show Less

TENNESSEE? TOTALLY.

Our 10-day Tastes and Tunes of Tennessee self-drive itinerary will take you across Tennessee, stopping at cities including Memphis and Nashville. You’ll enjoy three nights in each to explore the music and food scenes that make this part of the South very special.

You’ll fly into Memphis and explore the city’s attractions and experiences. Make sure you take a tour of the former home of Elvis Presley in Graceland and check out iconic music venues and the Stax Museum.

Show Less

In Nashville, you’ll learn about the city’s worldwide music influence at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B. Tour the National Museum of African American Music and discover the city’s live music scene with a tour of the Ryman Auditorium, and take a stroll down ‘Honky Tonk Row’. East Nashville is where you’ll find dive bars, craft cocktail joints, coffee shops, and vintage stores sprinkled throughout the neighbourhood.

Next, venture east across the state to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The United States’ most visited national park offers horseback riding, biking, and over 850 miles of hiking trails.

Show Less

Finally, head to Chattanooga and ride the famous Tennessee Railroad, visit the Tennessee Aquarium, take a scenic riverboat cruise, and indulge in some local cuisine.

Take me there

Show Less

NOVA SCOTIA? SORTED

The iconic Cabot Trail circular route stretches 186 scenic miles and is frequently voted one of the world’s dreamiest drives. It’s at its best during October with a coat of fall colours. While you could do it one day, it’s good to experience it over several, preferably a week. This will give you time to sample the highlights en route, from memorable hikes such as the Skyline Trail to epic whale watching at Pleasant Bay or Ingonish.

Show Less

Expect dramatic vistas aplenty on the Lighthouse route and no shortage of enticing restaurants serving delicious lobster. When you strike out from the gateway city of Halifax along the coast towards Yarmouth, you’ll see lighthouses and cute, compact fishing villages such as Blue Rocks as you go.

Attractions along the way include colonial-era Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Peggy’s Cove, Canada’s most photographed lighthouse.

Show Less

Nova Scotians have been growing grapes and making wine in the Annapolis Valley wine country since the 1600s, so it’s no surprise they’ve long since perfected the art. The Annapolis Valley’s idyllic, bucolic wine country is excellent for touring, but of course, there are ample opportunities for tastings and buying souvenirs. Historic Wolfville makes a great base; its Magic Winery Bus tours showcase nearby vineyards, some of which also have accommodations like The Inn at Grand Pré.

Take me there

Nova Scotia Tourism Board logo

Show Less

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

TWO COUNTRIES, ONE TRIP? DODDLE.

Sri Lanka is in a prime location for a multi-centre holiday. Anchored in the Indian Ocean, the ‘Teardrop of India’ is within easy reach of several exciting destinations. Perhaps you’d like to break up the journey to Sri Lanka with a few days in sun-soaked Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Oman? Alternatively, embark on an unforgettable Asian adventure with a tour of India, followed by beach time in Sri Lanka. Or, if you want to add on a week-long beach break, that’s easy too – Sri Lanka is just a stone's throw away from the picture-perfect Maldives, where you can relax on white sands.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

THAILAND FOR FAMILIES

As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is the best choice for families. The sheer variety here means there’s something for all ages - whatever you’re into. Take your pick from 30 beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and try out all kinds of watersports. Admire the diverse architecture of Phuket Old Town, which showcases the island’s Chinese, Malay, and Indian heritage. And take the kids to see the enormous Big Buddha, one of Phuket’s main attractions. The island also has several elephant sanctuaries. If you’re a family of animal lovers, you must visit one of these – you’ll meet, feed, and bathe Thailand’s gentle giants.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

PORTUGAL RIVER CRUISING

When you think of European river cruises, Portugal may not immediately come to mind. But, with its terraced hillsides and lush vineyards, the Douro Valley should definitely be on your list. Starting in Porto – a city that takes its name from the country’s most famous export, port wine - you’ll learn about the history of this sweet tipple at the Douro Museum, explore Porto’s UNESCO-listed neighbourhoods, and ride the city’s historical tram. Enjoy a tasting session at a prestigious port estate, or go on a guided hike through a vineyard – followed by wine tasting, of course. You’ll sail through the stunning landscapes of the valley towards the ‘Golden City’ of Salamanca and onto the hilltop Rodrigo Castle, where breathtaking views await. Finally, spend a day in Guimaraes – the birthplace of Portugal – where you can visit a Medieval castle and a grand chateau-style palace.

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Escape Edition 86

2024? Time to Explore

NEXT STOP, SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALES

TENNESSEE? TOTALLY.

NOVA SCOTIA? SORTED

NEXT STOP, SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALES

TENNESSEE? TOTALLY.

NOVA SCOTIA? SORTED

NEXT STOP, SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALES

NEXT STOP, SYDNEY & NEW SOUTH WALES

TENNESSEE? TOTALLY.

TENNESSEE? TOTALLY.

NOVA SCOTIA? SORTED

NOVA SCOTIA? SORTED

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

TWO COUNTRIES, ONE TRIP? DODDLE.

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

THAILAND FOR FAMILIES

GET INSPIRED BY OUR TOP TIPS

PORTUGAL RIVER CRUISING

FIND THESE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON OUR TRIPS

12 day Luxury Sydney & New South Wales

12 Day Atlantic Canada Motorhome Adventure

11 Day Elvis Explorer

11 day Auckland and North Island by Campervan

11 Day Highlights of Vietnam

Classic South Africa with Eastern Cape Safari

LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION?

SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST

Out There Made Easy

Knowledge

Ease

Value

Trust

Knowledge

Ease

Value

Trust

Part of the Dnata family

Good Housekeeping

ATOL Protected

Rated Excellent