World Travellers Wanaka

📌TRAVEL INSURANCE

While the initial cost of travel insurance might deter some people, traveling with insurance should be non-negotiable for all your trips.

Trust us, we have seen people wanting to save a bit on their trips and then getting into trouble when something happens overseas. Anything from antibiotic prescriptions to needing to go to the emergency room can cost you thousands and thousands of dollars. That is why we always recommend our clients to take out travel insurance. With that peace of mind, you will be able to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. We have done the research for you and only use the best insurance providers out there, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

Have you ever needed to use your travel insurance while traveling overseas? Do you remember how much the bill was?

Are you looking for a truly special way to explore Africa? How about by rail? 🚂

We love travelling by train and so do our clients!

Have a look at this fabulous route created by World Journeys!

From Cape Town to Dar es Sallan
15 days; 5,800 km

Embark on this epic voyage with Rovol Rail across Southern Africa, traversing five countries. Bespoke train safaris combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of leisure travel.

Tour highlights:
🌍Cape Town,
🌍Historic village of Matjiesfontein,
🌍Diamond town of Kimberley,
🌍Madikwe Game Reserve,
🌍Botswana,
🌍Zimbabwe,
🌍Victoria Falls,
🌍Zambezi River,
🌍Chisimba Falls,
🌍Selous Game Reserve,
🌍Dar es Salaam.

Sounds interesting? Get in touch with us for more details!

Would you like to visit Ittoqqortoormiit?

No, our keyboard didn’t get stuck; this is the actual name of the place! 😅 And it's not just any ordinary place. It is located above the Arctic Circle in Greenland and is a perfect spot to witness the Northern Lights.✨

Experience this extraordinary destination and much more on a cruise organised by World Journeys.

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, explore the Inuit culture, marvel at the massive icebergs, and enjoy a fabulous time aboard a Quark Expeditions ship that won’t exceed 200 passengers! Not only does a smaller ship provide a better experience and more privacy, but it is also better suited for navigating through polar environments, taking you to places bigger ships wouldn’t dare to venture.

Get in touch with us to let us create an unforgettable trip for you to witness the Northern Lights and more.

World Travellers owners, Larry and Linda, were stranded in Noumea, New Caledonia, during the civil unrest.

Their evacuation back to New Zealand was performed with military precision – literally!

“Our stay in New Caledonia was extended by 8 nights while the French, New Zealand and Australian governments worked out a repatriation plan for all the Kiwis and Aussies. We were lucky to be on the 2nd evacuation flight which involved a rather circuitous route.

Mid morning we were bussed to the domestic airport, where identification and luggage checks were done by the French (armed!) military. We took a very short flight to the International Airport, where we boarded a French military Airbus to Brisbane. On arrival we were transferred into the hands of the RNZAF and remained air side until we boarded the Defence Force Boeing to Auckland where we landed at 0230.
The entire evacuation involved many moving parts and went like clockwork, as one would expect when the military is involved. The hightlight? The hot mince and cheese pies served up by the flight crew at midnight. Legends!”

Well taken care at Chateau Royal😍

World Travellers owners, Larry and Linda, were stranded in Noumea at the Chateau Royal Beach Resort and Spa during the civil unrest. Under the circumstances they couldn’t have been in a safer place.

“The management team and staff at the Chateau Royal were amazing” say Larry and Linda. “Words cannot express how well they cared for all of us during exceptionally difficult circumstances, particularly given their worry about their own families and homes. The GM, Renaud MAHÉ, was inspirational in leading his team to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing.

From the gorgeous smiles on the front desk to the energy and creativity of the catering and bar staff, to the solid hard work of the housekeeping crew.

Renaud conducted face to face updates for all guests to ensure the flow of accurate information. The bar didn’t run dry and, even though the dining options became more constrained as the days went by, we enjoyed great food every day.

Merci beaucoup to the Château Royal Beach Resort and Spa. Bonne chance. We will be back!"

📥Register with SAFE TRAVEL

Another lesson that Larry and Linda, our World Travellers owners, learned when they were stranded in Noumea on a recent conference trip, was how important it is to be registered with Safe Travel.

Safe Travel is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's website designed for New Zealanders who are travelling or living overseas.

Linda said that being registered on MFAT’s Safe Travel site enabled them to receive updates around the unrest situation and notifications of impending evacuation flights for Kiwis. They also had the additional benefit of a senior MFAT staffer being stranded at their hotel who facilitated face to face updates with the other Kiwis in-house. "It was such a relief to have the support and advisories.”

If you’re travelling or planning to, we strongly urge you to register here: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

📍Destination New Caledonia

Even though New Caledonia threw up a disruptive curved ball for tourists during the recent civil unrest, once the destination is safe to travel again, it has so much to offer.

“We would go back in a heartbeat” say World Travellers owners, Larry and Linda. “We certainly didn’t experience the best of Noumea during our time there with the riots, but we could certainly appreciate what a fabulous destination it is under normal circumstances. The beautiful curved beaches, delightful French vibe and chic culture, fabulously friendly locals all combine to make it a stunning location and it’s such an easy flight from NZ. We’ll be back!”

https://www.worldtravellers.co.nz/stores/wanaka/

World Travellers owners, Larry and Linda, were stranded in Noumea, New Caledonia, during the civil unrest. Over the next week or so, we will share with you where they stayed, how they got their information, what lessons they've learnt and how they got home!

The first lesson is - travel insurance. Having comprehensive travel insurance is essential, even for travel to apparently benign destinations.

“As soon as we were notified that our departure flight from La Tontouta International Airport had been cancelled due to civil unrest and resulting airport closure, we were pretty sure we were in for a lengthy disruption to our travel plans. We ended up staying an additional 8 nights at the Chateau Royal Beach Resort and Spa and having the reassurance that our accommodation costs were covered by Covermore certainly helped to ease some of the tension.”

We always recommend our clients take travel insurance no matter where they travel. As we have learned in the last couple of weeks, you really never know what can happen.

https://www.worldtravellers.co.nz/stores/wanaka/

Looking for a special trip for next year? 🤗

How about exploring Peru on a 10-day women-only tour?

Highlights of the trip include:
🌼Lima
🌼Ancient Korikancha temple in Cusco
🌼Machu Picchu
🌼Exploring Andean culture
🌼Private planetarium tour
🌼Casa Aliaga (an impressive mansion home where the Aliaga family has been living for 17 generations)
🌼And much more!

A vacation should be about relaxing, exploring new cultures, and enjoying life, not stressing about flights and accommodation. That’s why we take care of everything for you – flights, hotels, most meals, tour guides, and transfers.

Let us know if this sounds interesting here on Facebook or through our website: https://www.worldtravellers.co.nz/stores/wanaka/

High in the Andes Mountains of Peru stands Machu Picchu.

Built in the 15th century and abandoned just a century later by the ancient Inca civilization, this unique archaeological site is often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas."

It was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham and has captured the imagination of adventurers, historians, and spiritual seekers ever since.

You can access Machu Picchu via a trek along the ancient Inca Trail or journey by train through the Sacred Valley. Wandering through the stone pathways and terraced fields of Machu Picchu, you'll have a change to explore an array of temples, palaces, and ceremonial structures. From the iconic Intihuatana stone, believed to have served as a solar clock and sacred ritual site, to the Temple of the Sun and the Inti Mach'ay cave, where the Inca emperor was said to have received divine guidance, every corner of Machu Picchu holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.

We are left to wonder how this city was built atop rugged mountain peaks without the use of wheels or iron tools…

Venture on a trip of a lifetime below the Antarctic Circle.

It is the chance to enter a different world more rarely seen, it feels more isolated and colder than further north, with great swathes of pack-ice and dreamlike icebergs. Thread through pack ice and narrow channels where scenes of ice-clad mountains, feeding whales and lively penguin colonies become lasting memories.

📍Departure dates:
21 Dec 2024
16 Jan 2025
23 Feb 2025

📍Special offer: Book and pay your deposit before 28 June 2024 and save!
10% off 21 Dec 2024 departure
15% off + US$2,000 per person credit for 23 Feb 2025 departure

For more information, contact us on https://www.worldtravellers.co.nz/stores/wanaka/

The Mighty Mayan Civilisation

The Mayan civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization that inhabited the area of today's southeastern Mexico, all of Guatemala and Belize, and the western portions of Honduras and El Salvador.

They developed a written language of hieroglyphs and invented the mathematical concept of zero. With their expertise in astronomy and mathematics, the Maya developed a complex and accurate calendar system. Their culture is characterized by monumental architecture reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids, but with stepped-like walls enabling people to climb to the top. The most famous one, called Chichén Itzá, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Mayan civilization met its end in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish to the continent, with their last city - Nojpetén - being officially colonized in 1697. Today, over 6 million descendants of the Maya live in the area of their ancestors, speaking more than 26 surviving Mayan languages.

Chichén Itzá is a representation of the ancient Mayan civilization's ingenuity, spirituality, and architectural powers. It is located in the lush jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula, southeast Mexico 🇲🇽🌞

Dating back over a thousand years, Chichén Itzá was once a thriving city and ceremonial center, reaching its peak during the Terminal Classic period (circa 800-1050 AD). Today, it remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in Mexico, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Mayan people.

As you wander through the ruins of Chichén Itzá, you'll encounter a mesmerizing array of temples, pyramids, ball courts, and other sacred structures, each featuring Mayan carvings and symbols. Among the most iconic sights is the towering Temple of Kukulcan, also known as El Castillo, with its imposing steps and serpent-like shadow play during the equinoxes, symbolizing the Mayan calendar and cosmology.

But Chichén Itzá is more than just a collection of stone monuments; it's a living testament to the Mayan civilization's advanced understanding of astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. The site's layout and structures are aligned with celestial events, serving as both a practical calendar and a spiritual conduit for the ancient Mayans.

Dreaming of a white Christmas?

Experience the magical Christmas Markets in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

More information here: https://www.worldtravellers.co.nz/deals/find-joy-in-new-horizons/the-travel-corporation/trafalgar/christmas-markets-of-austria-germany-and-switzerland/

The Middle East is probably one of the least-travelled regions in the world. Yet, it is home to timeless landscapes, archaeological treasures, and magnificent cities.

This region composed of 14 countries is the cradle of civilisations and a beautiful, complicated land that's home to some of the planet's most hospitable people.

A few facts you should know about the Middle East:
👉The Dead Sea, at 420m below sea level, is the lowest point on Earth.
👉Saudi Arabia is such a dry country, that it has no permanent rivers.
👉Mesopotamia is the ancient name given to the land between the Euphrates and 👉Tigris Rivers, which is todays area of Iraq.
👉Camel racing is a popular spectator sport in Kuwait. The Kuwait Camel Club uses robotic jockeys instead of humans.
👉The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world’s tallest building. It is 829.80m high.
👉New Year is celebrated in some Middle Eastern countries in mid-March when spring is due to start.
👉The Middle Eastern name Muhammad – along with its variations – is reportedly the most common first name in the world.
👉Mocha coffee comes from a Yemen port – the port of Mocha – which used to export regional coffee produce across the globe.

Found amidst the rugged desert landscapes of Jordan, carved into the rose-red cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, lies the ancient city of Petra.🏜️

Petra used to be a bustling trading hub along the ancient Silk Road, and then was mysteriously abandoned and lost to the world for centuries before being rediscovered in the early 19th century.

As you venture through the narrow siq, a winding canyon flanked by rock formations, you'll be greeted by the iconic sight of the Treasury, Petra's most famous facade (shown in the picture). But Petra is more than just the Treasury. It's a vast archaeological site with countless other carved facades, so if you visit, make sure you have time to explore them all!

Petra truly is a place like no other, a timeless treasure waiting to be discovered.
We love helping our clients discover the Middle East because this part of the world feels so different and magical from what we know.

Let us know if the Middle East is on your bucket list, and we will help you discover the wonders of this magical region.✨

Introducing Ol Donyo Lodge, nestled between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks, Africa.

With stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the vast savannahs, this recently refurbished lodge offers eight Deluxe Suites and the 2-Bedroom Sambu Suite, ideal for families or couples. Enjoy plunge pools and star beds that blend seamlessly with the environment.

Experience activities from cultural visits to game drives, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Indulge in fine dining, massages, and relaxation by the infinity pool.

Next, venture to Mara Plains Camp for an unparalleled wildlife experience. Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, the camp offers understated luxury inspired by East African culture and colonial heritage. With exclusive access to over 100,000 acres of wildlife habitat, immerse yourself in the wild while enjoying lavish comforts.

Embark on an adventure with a luxurious twist.

For more information, go to https://www.worldtravellers.co.nz/stores/wanaka/

Calling all flower lovers!🌸

If you love flowers, Western Australia is a must-visit destination. An incredible 60% of the flora species that you can admire here are nowhere else on the planet. And just to be clear, we are really talking about the whole region, not just one botanical garden. You can find incredible flowers in parks, forests, bushlands, or even outback plains.

More good news: the flowering season is 6 months long and starts in the northern part of Western Australia in June and slowly moves to the south where it finishes in October.

Among the favourites are:
🌼Lemon-yellow donkey orchids
🌼Queen of Sheba orchids
🌼Fiery-red grevilleas
🌼Hot-pink hakeas
🌼Golden wattle
And about 12,000 more!

Get in touch with us via our website: https://www.worldtravellers.co.nz/stores/wanaka/

Standing proudly in the historic cityscape of Rome, the Colosseum is a symbol of ancient Roman engineering and entertainment. 🇮🇹

Constructed over two thousand years ago, the Colosseum was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Vespasian and completed under his successor, Titus, in 80 AD. Built primarily of travertine limestone and concrete, the Flavian Amphitheatre once held up to 80,000 spectators who gathered to witness gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public spectacles. Imagine the roar of the crowd as gladiators entered the arena, the clash of swords, and the cheers of victory echoing through the corridors of time.

Despite centuries of wear and damage, including earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum remains remarkably well-preserved and continues to inspire awe in all who visit. Its elliptical shape, tiered seating, and intricate network of tunnels and chambers are a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Romans.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or just a curious traveler, a visit to the Colosseum is an unforgettable experience!

Shark Bay is home to very unique wildlife and geology. It is also a place of ecological and cultural significance.

To trace the footsteps of the region's first people, the Nhanda and Malgana Aboriginal People, you can engage in:
🟡Walking Tours
🟡4WD Tours
🟡Didgeridoo Dreaming Tours
🟡Kayaking & SUP Tours
🟡Overnight Safaris

Who is keen to explore this unique piece of land and create unforgettable memories? 🙋

Sail through Monkey Mia on a catamaran!⛵️

We all know the best way to explore marine life is not from the shore, but from a boat! You can choose from plenty of different cruise options depending on your interests and spot dugongs, dolphins, and other endangered marine life!

Let’s gooo!

Perched atop the Corcovado mountain overlooking the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer stands as a towering symbol of faith, love, and peace, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Completed in 1931, Christ the Redeemer was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski, with contributions from numerous other artists and craftsmen. Rising 98 feet tall, with an additional 26-foot pedestal, the statue depicts Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, embracing the city and its people with an expression of compassion and serenity.

But Christ the Redeemer is more than just a statue; it's a symbol of unity and hope for the people of Brazil and beyond. It serves as a reminder of the country's rich cultural heritage and its deeply-rooted Christian faith, as well as a beacon of inspiration for visitors of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Whether you're admiring the statue from afar, or standing atop the viewing platform at its feet, the experience is nothing short of magical.

How many Wonders of the World have you ticked of off your list?

Can you guess why this beach is called Shell Beach? 🐚

That's right, it is made ENTIRELY of shells. There is not a grain of sand to be found! There are only a handful of beaches around the world that are made solely of shells, so make sure you visit this snow-white beauty.

History window: You can spot shells from this beach in the walls of some historic buildings in the nearby town of Denham. In the 1900s, these shells were hard-packed and cut into blocks and used for building! Well, you have to work with what you've got, right?

Experience the rich heritage of pearling in Shark Bay, where the pristine shallow waters have nurtured some of the world's most exquisite pearls.

In the Blue Lagoon Pearl Farm, you'll learn about the fascinating process behind the creation of pearls from cultivation to craftsmanship. And, of course, you can purchase a very special and unique souvenir here!

The famous Monkey Mia Dolphins🐬

Experience one of the best wildlife dolphin interactions in the world!

Dolphins in this bay have regularly interacted with humans for over 40 years. They are fed by rangers and people can observe and learn about these amazing mammals. However, swimming with them or touching them is not permitted.

We are passionate about recommending sustainable tours to our clients.

It is crucial for us to vet tour operators and ensure they prioritize the preservation of the natural habitat.💚💙

In the upcoming 10 days, we will share some amazing spots you can find in Monkey Mia, Western Australia🦘

Monkey Mia and Shark Bay is where the red sand and turquoise waters meet, and where real adventure begins. This area has become famous for the dolphins that have been dropping by since the 1960s. However, this place has many more adventures to offer! It is World Heritage-listed for its natural beauty, sand dunes, turquoise water, and fascinating wildlife. It is also the site of the first European landing in Australia in 1616 and is important for the local Aboriginal Tribes.

Sounds like a place to go?

Stay tuned for more posts about Monkey Bay!