Nine truly weird and wonderful experiences offered by escorted tours
Cycled Otago's Central Rail Trail? Pedalled the length of the West Coast Wilderness Trail? Perhaps it's time to venture further afield, and North Korea takes the biscuit for offbeat cycling destinations. Uri Tours is one of the few escorted tour companies offering pedal-powered explorations of North Korea, in this case, a seven-night adventure of Pyongyang, waterfall-dotted Chonnae County, the scenic Mount Jangsu area and the coastal city of Wonsan. Meals, accommodation and bicycle hire are included, and you'll be accompanied by Western and North Korean guides (which will probably come as a huge relief if you're wondering where on earth you find a puncture kit in Pyongyang).
uritours.com
Become a master dog musher in Mongolia
There's more to mushing than simply attaching a clutch of canines to a sledge and expecting them to drag you up the nearest mountain. Sign up for KE Adventure's Lake Khuvsgul dog sled adventure and you'll spend eight days mushing your way across Mongolia, driving your own dog sled along a route that includes a circumnavigation of frozen Lake Khuvsgul. Accommodation is a combination of yurts and cabins, and additional activities include fishing masterclasses, during which you'll learn how to catch and cook your very own seafood supper.
keadventure.com
A deep dive into voodoo
Voodoo, it turns out, is very much misunderstood. The predominant religion in much of West Africa, it's rooted in animism, and the belief that everything – from animals to places – has a spirit. Book Wild Frontiers Travel's Voodoo Explorer escorted tour through Togo and Benin and you'll learn about voodoo traditions by attending ceremonies, meeting practitioners and visiting a fetish market in Lomé, Togo's capital. Think of these as a Togolese Unichem – open-air markets where stalls are stacked with dried animal parts, ranging from crocodile heads to gorilla hands. Visitors consult healers before being prescribed traditional remedies to cure ailments or enhance certain characteristics – for example, gorilla hands are especially popular with those wishing to improve their football skills.
Meet the Masai
Get lucky (or unlucky, depending on your outlook) during this Kenya-based tour and you'll be offered a tipple beloved by the Masai – a cup of warm goat's blood, revered as a great source of protein and for its nutritional and energy-boosting benefits. Highlights of this 14-day exploration of Kenya's Masai lands include a trek through the Chyulu Hills, the chance to learn about Masai warriors' traditions during a stopover at a remote tented camp and a visit to Amboseli National Park, home to lions, rhinos and leopards. Masai warriors will be your guides for much of the tour, which includes hikes up to 2000m above sea level. Perhaps that cup of goat's blood could come in handy, after all ...
keadventure.com
Get off the beaten path in Japan
Don't get us wrong – we're huge fans of Japanese hotspots such as Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo but we're also firm believers that venturing off the beaten path reaps huge rewards. Bag a place on Inside Japan Tours' Northern Soul tour and you'll visit areas few Japan-bound visitors ever reach, including Miyagi Prefecture's pine-fringed Matsushima Bay, Nikko, famous for its sacred mountains and connections with Shintoism, and the Sanriku Coast region, known for its abundance of seafood (sea urchin is the most sought-after speciality here). Expect plenty of opportunities to learn about traditional skills – our favourite example is the taiko drumming masterclass.
All future hikes will look distinctly plain after you take an eight-day trek through Morocco with the Aït Atta, Morocco's last nomadic tribe. You'll enjoy plenty of interactions with locals and countless opportunities to learn about their way of life such as collecting firewood, herding sheep and loading the pack animals, which are a crucial part of the Aït Atta's seasonal migration. It's an incredibly popular tour with photographers because of the diverse landscapes, which include the Tifdassine Valley, famous for its almond blossoms and jagged peaks, and the summit of Jebel Kouaouch, which you'll reach via a footpath made from solidified lava.
Rock out at a Chad music festival
Glastonbury, Burning Man and Coachella have become somewhat passé. For a music festival with wow factor, join Native Eye's annual visit to Chad's Gerewol Festival, an annual celebration that takes place in October and is of great importance to Chad's semi-nomadic Wodaabe people. Here you'll be treated to delicious feasts, some seriously impressive dancing and beautiful makeup – during the festival, local women don ornate jewellery and apply colourful face paint in the hope of finding a partner. A pre-festival visit to Chad's capital, N'Djamena, offers further opportunities to learn about this fascinating country.
nativeeyetravel.com
During Intrepid's 11-day tour you'll travel overland from Tbilisi in Georgia to Yerevan in Armenia, but Georgia's and Armenia's capitals are far from the only highlights – stops along the route have been handpicked to help you get under the skin of these fascinating countries. In Georgia, for example, you'll visit a network of caves dating back to the 1100s as well as the ghost town of Tskhaltubo, famous for its abandoned sanatoriums, while in Armenia you'll check out the remote Khor Virap monastery and will toast the country during a wine-tasting session at a local farm.
Love Asia but desperate to explore beyond Bali, Thailand and its other big hitters? Join G Adventures' deep dive into the culture of Tana Toraja, a landlocked chunk of Indonesia's South Sulawesi province. It's famous for its various deeply-rooted traditions, including elaborate funerary traditions typified by funeral ceremonies designed to honour the departed, and the practice of burying loved ones in cliffside tombs, typically guarded by wooden effigies known as Tau-Tau.
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NZ Herald
15-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Siquijor: The Best Filipino Island You've Never Heard Of
Ranked by Agoda as the Philippines' fastest-growing tourist destination in late 2024, it's no secret that Siquijor will experience growth in the coming years. Like most idyllic tropical islands, getting to Siquijor is a bit of a process. Considering no carrier flies direct to Manila from Auckland, a stop in either Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane will need to be made. Once in Manila, flying to Dumaguete and then taking a two-hour ferry to the island is the most direct route. As soon as the ferry makes landfall, the vibrant, yet laid-back island culture of Siquijor becomes apparent. Tricycles and tuk-tuks fill the streets, while the smell of local delicacies sold by street vendors fills the air. It only takes a short time on the island to realise this isn't like other Southeast Asian destinations, without hordes of international tourists or overwhelming street vendors. Located on the southwestern side of the island, San Juan is the heart of Siquijor's tourism and is where most of the accommodation is located. For a mid-range air-conditioned room, prices range from $70 to $120. More expensive and luxurious options are also available at the resorts that surround the small village. For our stay, we opted for the Baha Ba'r in San Juan, which looks like something from the set of Swiss Family Robinson, in a genuine Filipino rainforest way. Local bands perform here every night and the restaurant serves mostly locally sourced seafood dishes, with a few Western classics thrown in for good measure. This represents what you can expect for the majority of dining options on the island, and it's all as affordable as you would expect, with the average dinner and drinks for two not exceeding $50. It's fair to say nowhere on the island offers particularly high-class dining experiences, but the local offerings are tasty. The picturesque settings of the establishments are where the real magic lies, such as the tropical rainforest cafe at Jungle KingDomes Guest House, or the Nakabolo restaurant with its breathtaking poolside view. As for activities, hiring a scooter/moped is by far the best way to see the island. To be covered by any sort of travel insurance here, you'll have to hold an NZ motorcycle licence because all the rental scooters available are 125cc. In saying this, most tourists will risk it on an island such as Siquijor as the roads are reasonably quiet, but it's worth being aware of the consequences involved. Whether you opt for your own scooter, or hire a tuk-tuk driver, there's plenty to explore on Siquijor. Paliton Beach is the best on the San Juan side of the island, with its white sand and crystal clear waters – just make sure you go at high tide for the best swimming. The Tubod Marine reserve is also great for snorkelling, and is handy to San Juan. Here, the coral reef starts almost immediately, with tropical fish only metres from the water's edge. Those willing to swim further may be greeted by schools of barracuda, which was a little intimidating but I was assured of their harmlessness. If you're willing to travel an hour or so north, Salagdoong Beach is a must-see. It's even prettier, and with its famous cliff-jumping platforms, hours of fun can be had here. The Cambugahay and Lugnason Falls are also worth a visit for the true rainforest waterfall experience. Both have swimming holes beneath the actual falls and impressive jumping spots, from which the locals weren't afraid to demonstrate their aerial skills. Bear in mind the paths down can be treacherous at times, especially if it has rained recently. As a whole, Siquijor feels like an untouched oasis among other, more popular Filipino island destinations, and is yet to experience the Byron Bay-type wellness and party tourism influx, like Siargao. This is likely down to the island not being accessible through commercial flights, and the extra ferry would put a lot of potential visitors off. If you're looking for a laid-back holiday that provides a glimpse into genuine Filipino island living, plus a healthy helping of all the usual holiday activities, then Siquijor is perfect. Checklist Fly from Auckland to Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, and then to Manila. Fly from Manila to Dumaguete, then catch a ferry to Siquijor. New Zealand citizens can travel to the Philippines for up to 30 days without a visa.
NZ Herald
28-04-2025
- NZ Herald
Should you choose a guided holiday for your next trip?
What's one misconception people often have about guided tours? A common misconception is that guided tours only cover the big-name sites and miss out on those off-the-beaten-path experiences that make a trip truly memorable. But the best guided tours do both - and that's where the magic really happens. Take our Gems of China tour. Yes, it includes the classics, walking along the Great Wall, seeing the giant pandas, cruising the Yangtze River. But it also ventures to places most travellers would never find on their own. One standout is Zhangjiajie National Park, a surreal landscape of sandstone pillars rising through the mist. It's so otherworldly it inspired the floating mountains of Pandora in Avatar, and yet, you may not see another Western traveller while you're there. That mix of iconic and unexpected is what guided touring does so well. - Paul Dymond, managing director at Wendy Wu Tours What's trending in guided tours and touring holidays? Gone are the days of rigid, jam-packed tour itineraries; today we're seeing tours prioritising flexibility, intimacy and simplicity. Travellers want slow and meaningful experiences, that enable them to engage and experience a destination more authentically and deeply, and deliver meaningful and positive interactions with communities. Travellers are also embracing more off-the-beaten-path adventures. Destinations like Pakistan, Bolivia, Montenegro, and Albania are gaining popularity, and tours are expanding to meet this growing interest. Solo travel continues to trend, we're seeing a rise in mature travellers booking solo on G Adventures' tours, no longer waiting for a partner, friends or family to book their dream adventure. Many are seeking the connection that comes with a small group tour, and this is where G Adventures' 'Solo-ish' trips shine. - Adelle Clements, regional marketing manager - Oceania, G Adventures What can holiday-makers gain from a guided tour holiday over 'going it alone? Travel should be easy, enjoyable and truly memorable. But travelling to some of the world's most exciting countries independently isn't for everyone. Doing it all yourself can mean wrangling with flights and foreign languages, which can be exhausting. Small-group hosted journeys make travel more achievable and enjoyable, even to some of the world's most exotic and challenging destinations – think South America, Africa, the Silk Road and beyond. Our tour hosts even depart with groups from New Zealand, so there is always someone there to smooth the way and navigate the unexpected. Group travel with a host allows you to not only enjoy the trip of a lifetime, but to share the experience with others. We find that Kiwis love the conviviality of group travel; there's company if desired, but also time to explore alone. Every person brings something to the mix – someone is great at haggling in the markets, while others spot the best photo opportunities, and some are endlessly entertaining around the dinner table. - Caroline Clegg, marketing manager at World Journeys What have you enjoyed the most about a guided holiday? One of the best things about a guided trip is that you don't have to plan every detail, which means you're free to say 'yes' to experiences you never even knew you wanted. When you're not stressing over logistics, you can just go with it, and that's when the magic happens. Take my first Contiki trip through Europe. I signed up for the big-ticket icons like Paris and Rome, but it was the unexpected moments that stuck with me. Like in Florence, when our trip manager pulled us aside after dinner and whispered, 'There's a secret bakery around the corner. You in?' Next thing I knew, I was knocking on an unmarked door in a dimly lit alley at midnight, trading a couple of euros for a still-warm chocolate croissant. It felt like we'd unlocked a city secret – one that wasn't in any guidebook. That's the magic of a guided trip. It's not just about the places you go, but the unexpected surprises along the way. The hidden beaches in Greece, the tiny wine bar in Barcelona, and the local busker in Prague who gets the whole group dancing. - Toni Ambler, managing director, Contiki Oceania What aspects of a guided holiday would you recommend to others? Having spent time on a guided holiday with my family last year, one of the things I enjoyed the most was the opportunity to truly immerse myself in the destinations. On our Outback Adventure tour, for instance, we went from the vibrant culture of Adelaide to the vastness of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, and then to Coober Pedy, where we stayed in an underground hotel, which was a fabulous experience unlike any other. But it was seeing Uluru and Kata Tjuta that really took my breath away. Despite having visited many times before, the experience is breathtaking and awe-inspiring, particularly with the beauty of the landscape enhanced by recent rains. What makes guided holidays like these so special is that they allow you to enjoy the journey without the stress of planning or logistics. Doing it by coach also offers a comfortable and relaxed way to travel, and the knowledge and warmth provided by drivers and guides bring each destination to life. For me, it's all about the curated experience - one that goes beyond the norm, creating unforgettable memories while exploring hidden gems that you might miss when travelling independently. Plus, you can share it with new friends made on the trip. - Ben Hall, AAT Kings CEO What are the benefits of a guided holiday for solo travellers? More and more solo Kiwi travellers are catching on to the fact that guided coach tours are the smart, affordable way to explore the world. Since Covid, a steadily increasing number of Kiwis (especially those over 40) are travelling solo. House of Travel data shows solo travellers made up 41% of its holiday bookings in 2024, up from 39.5% in 2023. Half of all solo travellers are 50-plus, and 71% of them are women. Tour companies have quickly pivoted to tap into the growing demand. G Adventures recently launched Solo-ish adventures, letting people 'travel for yourself, not by yourself.' Wendy Wu's all-inclusive solo trips, Insight Vacations' women-only tours, and Backroads Touring's heavily discounted solo supplements (with small, intimate groups) all cater to solo escapes too. There are now plenty of inclusive solo tour options, some pair you with a roommate to cut costs, while others offer competitive single supplements. Our customers return from the four corners of the globe raving about new friendships (sometimes lifelong), the sense of safety, and, best of all, the ability to skip the planning stress. - Paula Watson, head of long-haul and supplier partnerships for House of Travel
NZ Herald
28-04-2025
- NZ Herald
Nine truly weird and wonderful experiences offered by escorted tours
Cycled Otago's Central Rail Trail? Pedalled the length of the West Coast Wilderness Trail? Perhaps it's time to venture further afield, and North Korea takes the biscuit for offbeat cycling destinations. Uri Tours is one of the few escorted tour companies offering pedal-powered explorations of North Korea, in this case, a seven-night adventure of Pyongyang, waterfall-dotted Chonnae County, the scenic Mount Jangsu area and the coastal city of Wonsan. Meals, accommodation and bicycle hire are included, and you'll be accompanied by Western and North Korean guides (which will probably come as a huge relief if you're wondering where on earth you find a puncture kit in Pyongyang). Become a master dog musher in Mongolia There's more to mushing than simply attaching a clutch of canines to a sledge and expecting them to drag you up the nearest mountain. Sign up for KE Adventure's Lake Khuvsgul dog sled adventure and you'll spend eight days mushing your way across Mongolia, driving your own dog sled along a route that includes a circumnavigation of frozen Lake Khuvsgul. Accommodation is a combination of yurts and cabins, and additional activities include fishing masterclasses, during which you'll learn how to catch and cook your very own seafood supper. A deep dive into voodoo Voodoo, it turns out, is very much misunderstood. The predominant religion in much of West Africa, it's rooted in animism, and the belief that everything – from animals to places – has a spirit. Book Wild Frontiers Travel's Voodoo Explorer escorted tour through Togo and Benin and you'll learn about voodoo traditions by attending ceremonies, meeting practitioners and visiting a fetish market in Lomé, Togo's capital. Think of these as a Togolese Unichem – open-air markets where stalls are stacked with dried animal parts, ranging from crocodile heads to gorilla hands. Visitors consult healers before being prescribed traditional remedies to cure ailments or enhance certain characteristics – for example, gorilla hands are especially popular with those wishing to improve their football skills. Meet the Masai Get lucky (or unlucky, depending on your outlook) during this Kenya-based tour and you'll be offered a tipple beloved by the Masai – a cup of warm goat's blood, revered as a great source of protein and for its nutritional and energy-boosting benefits. Highlights of this 14-day exploration of Kenya's Masai lands include a trek through the Chyulu Hills, the chance to learn about Masai warriors' traditions during a stopover at a remote tented camp and a visit to Amboseli National Park, home to lions, rhinos and leopards. Masai warriors will be your guides for much of the tour, which includes hikes up to 2000m above sea level. Perhaps that cup of goat's blood could come in handy, after all ... Get off the beaten path in Japan Don't get us wrong – we're huge fans of Japanese hotspots such as Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo but we're also firm believers that venturing off the beaten path reaps huge rewards. Bag a place on Inside Japan Tours' Northern Soul tour and you'll visit areas few Japan-bound visitors ever reach, including Miyagi Prefecture's pine-fringed Matsushima Bay, Nikko, famous for its sacred mountains and connections with Shintoism, and the Sanriku Coast region, known for its abundance of seafood (sea urchin is the most sought-after speciality here). Expect plenty of opportunities to learn about traditional skills – our favourite example is the taiko drumming masterclass. All future hikes will look distinctly plain after you take an eight-day trek through Morocco with the Aït Atta, Morocco's last nomadic tribe. You'll enjoy plenty of interactions with locals and countless opportunities to learn about their way of life such as collecting firewood, herding sheep and loading the pack animals, which are a crucial part of the Aït Atta's seasonal migration. It's an incredibly popular tour with photographers because of the diverse landscapes, which include the Tifdassine Valley, famous for its almond blossoms and jagged peaks, and the summit of Jebel Kouaouch, which you'll reach via a footpath made from solidified lava. Rock out at a Chad music festival Glastonbury, Burning Man and Coachella have become somewhat passé. For a music festival with wow factor, join Native Eye's annual visit to Chad's Gerewol Festival, an annual celebration that takes place in October and is of great importance to Chad's semi-nomadic Wodaabe people. Here you'll be treated to delicious feasts, some seriously impressive dancing and beautiful makeup – during the festival, local women don ornate jewellery and apply colourful face paint in the hope of finding a partner. A pre-festival visit to Chad's capital, N'Djamena, offers further opportunities to learn about this fascinating country. During Intrepid's 11-day tour you'll travel overland from Tbilisi in Georgia to Yerevan in Armenia, but Georgia's and Armenia's capitals are far from the only highlights – stops along the route have been handpicked to help you get under the skin of these fascinating countries. In Georgia, for example, you'll visit a network of caves dating back to the 1100s as well as the ghost town of Tskhaltubo, famous for its abandoned sanatoriums, while in Armenia you'll check out the remote Khor Virap monastery and will toast the country during a wine-tasting session at a local farm. Love Asia but desperate to explore beyond Bali, Thailand and its other big hitters? Join G Adventures' deep dive into the culture of Tana Toraja, a landlocked chunk of Indonesia's South Sulawesi province. It's famous for its various deeply-rooted traditions, including elaborate funerary traditions typified by funeral ceremonies designed to honour the departed, and the practice of burying loved ones in cliffside tombs, typically guarded by wooden effigies known as Tau-Tau.
