Read our latest stories written by World Journeys’ team and collaborators. Learn about our favourite destinations and special highlights, including vibrant cultures, exquisite cuisines and the rich and unique scenery in our world.
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Dreams are free…
Just like that, Covid-19 changed us; Jack London or Stephen King could have had a field day. We learnt a new language which included: social distancing, Zoom meetings, elbow bumps and self-isolation. Planes were grounded, families were separated across the world, swathes of jobs disappeared, and what was with the dearth of toilet paper? I…
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Driving Iceland
As a horse-crazy young girl, the photos of Icelandic horses in my library of equine picture books caught my eye every time. Noticeably smaller than other breeds, their coats were covered with a gorgeous range of colours and patterns, with fluffy manes blowing in the wind, their eyes reflecting their gentle nature. These adorable beasts…
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Georgia On My Mind
You’d be forgiven for thinking I was about to wax lyrical about Atlanta or Savannah, but if I ever catch a strain of Ray Charles, my mind drifts to Tbilisi instead. Perched on the shores of the Black Sea and surrounded by the exotic delights of Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, Georgia has a few…
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Lofoten Islands
I have a real soft spot for far flung places, either very far north or very far south, so the Lofoten Islands in Norway had always been high on my list of destinations to visit. Sparsely populated, but rich in dramatic scenery, the roads of this wild and unique outpost twist and turn to reveal…
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From Henderson to Hoi An
My favourite little restaurant in West Auckland is virtually a hole in the wall but it produces the most delicious, fragrant, fresh, and divinely moreish Vietnamese food served by smiling, fresh cheeked staff with little English. My journey to Vietnam was therefore destined to be food driven as much as by my fascination with different…
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The ‘Lost Chimpanzees’ of Uganda
Uganda, described by Winston Churchill as “the pearl of Africa” for its beautiful scenery, moderate climate, and stunning wildlife, had long been at the top of my bucket list of countries to visit. As the plane descended into Entebbe across the waters of Lake Victoria, I could feel my sense of anticipation growing – as…
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Out of the Blue
Sun. Sand. Turquoise waters. Barefoot luxury. This is the tropical paradise of Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, two luxury 5-star resorts in the Maldives. I was fortunate enough to stay at both on my honeymoon in 2017, and wow… what an experience. First up, Soneva Fushi. After a short layover in Singapore, we were greeted at…
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Aspirational Journeys
Bucket list, travel Goals, whatever you wish to call it, we all have a list of travel experiences we dream of! In the midst of a global pandemic and lock-down, all we can do at the moment is dream. So sit back, relax and unwind with a cup of coffee (or a wine!) and take…
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Chasing Aurora
Knowing how unpredictable Mother Nature can be, I tried hard not to get too excited about the possibility of seeing the Aurora Borealis in Finnish Lapland. ‘Focus on the destination’ I kept telling myself, but my inner nerd kept screaming ‘but how cool would it be to see charged particles from the sun knocking into…
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An Old and Original Africa
Nothing quite prepares you for Ethiopia, amongst the most extraordinary and amazing of the 170+ countries I have visited. Breath-taking beauty, ancient history, rich culture, and the sheer diversity of people are a traveller’s dream, all set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, dramatic deserts and lush countryside. It was here the first humans roamed,…
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South Africa’s Top 5
South Africa is famed for its wildlife safaris and thrilling encounters with the “Big 5” – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. But there are also other amazing experiences to be had in South Africa, which is now visa-free for Kiwi travellers! Here are our “Top 5” South African experiences. Boutique JohannesburgJozi to it’s locals,…
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Culinary Journeys
Foodie? Eat and drink your way around the world, exploring a vast range of cultures, gastronomic delights and incredible sights with these culinary destinations! Our top picks? Vietnam, Peru, Italy, Spain, Israel and Quebec City. Israel The streets of Israel are bustling with an abundance of flavours from a rich web of cultures. Indulge in everything from traditional…