Longitude 131° | Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Australia
EMBARK ON A SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE SOJOURN
If you’re looking for a winter escape that’s a little different, maybe a little bit more adventurous – look Down Under. Never has a long-haul flight to the other side of the world been more worth the investment. Both Australia and New Zealand are welcoming travelers with open arms after having their borders closed for so long.
Australia is a land of contrasts, effortlessly blending bustling cities with the untamed beauty of its rugged landscapes. Discover its many facets from Sydney's urban vibes to the mystical allure of the Outback.
Blu Bar on 36, Shangri La | Sydney, Australia
The Cityscape and Beyond
Sydney isn't just about its iconic Opera House or the Harbor Bridge; the city is a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, each showcasing its unique character. Explore the historic streets of The Rocks or indulge in beach culture at Bondi and Manly beaches. For a quintessentially Australian experience, don’t forget to try the local cuisine, perhaps savoring a meat pie at a local pub.
Great Barrier Reef | True North Adventure Cruises
Natural Wonders
Beyond the cities, Australia teems with natural wonders. The Great Barrier Reef is an underwater paradise that every diving enthusiast should experience. If deserts and rocks capture your imagination, the awe-inspiring vastness of the Outback and the monolithic splendor of Uluru shouldn't be missed.
Sandboarding | Little Sahara Adventure Centre, Kangaroo Island
Return to Kangaroo Island
After the challenging bushfires of 2020, Kangaroo Island has made a remarkable recovery and is shining brighter than ever. The upcoming reopening of Southern Ocean Lodge on December 6, 2023, will mark a special moment. But the island itself offers a plethora of activities including wildlife spotting, sandboarding, and exploring the Remarkable Rocks.
Considering a journey Down Under? Discover all Australia has to offer.
Treetops Lodge & Estate, New Zealand
CITY GLAMOUR MEETS NATURAL BEAUTY IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a compact yet incredibly diverse country, offering a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and untouched natural beauty. Dive into the elegance of its cities and the allure of its outdoor adventures to discover the essence of this magical land.
Wellington, New Zealand
Urban Delights
New Zealand’s cities, though smaller compared to their Australian counterparts, are filled with charm and diverse experiences. Wander through the art-filled lanes of Wellington or explore Auckland's bustling harbor area. Don't miss out on the café culture and urban art scenes that add a unique twist to these southern cities.
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours | New Zealand
The Great Outdoors
The outdoor allure of New Zealand is legendary. From whale watching in Kaikoura to hiking the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, there's no end to the natural wonders. And if you're a Lord of the Rings fan, a visit to the Hobbiton movie set is practically mandatory. For the thrill-seekers, Queenstown offers an array of adrenaline-pumping activities like bungy jumping and skydiving.
Bay of Many Coves Resort | New Zealand
The Marlborough Sounds Experience
Nothing exemplifies New Zealand's marriage of luxury and natural splendor better than a trip to the Marlborough Sounds. Take on hiking routes in the Bay of Many Coves resort and traverse scenic portions of the Queen Charlotte Track. After dark, follow the resort’s short trail into the surrounding bush to see the country’s famous glow worms just hanging out and lighting up the trees and foliage. Almost as bright as the brilliant southern skies above.
Dive deep into New Zealand's diverse landscapes and cultural richness.
Fairmont Banff Springs
SKI TRAILS, SNOW TALES AND ALPINE ESCAPES
Leaning in to the cold and snow of winter is the best way to enjoy the season. Whether you're heading to the high altitudes of Colorado or the European Alps, make sure to acclimate, especially if altitude affects you. Or consider Banff, Alberta, the alpine town sits at an easier breathing altitude (4,500 feet), making it a lot more fun strap on a pair of skates at Lake Louise, which freezes into an enormous winter wonderland banked by the Rockies.
Top: The Fairmont Château Lake Louise | Bottom: Yellowstone
For those eager to race through the great outdoors, West Yellowstone offers a natural winter wonderland ideal for snowmobiling. Thousands of thrilling miles of groomed trails and powder fields await, with stops at the national park’s Old Faithful Geyser Basin a must.
When it comes to skiing, first ask yourself how you like to spend a day in the mountains? If it’s chasing powder stashes and navigating the steep and deep until last chair – consider Whistler Blackcomb, North America’s largest resort with 8,171 acres of terrain. Let us arrange a guide to lead you to the mountain's prime spots, ensuring you skip those tedious lift lines. If you like more leisurely ski days, just about any European resort is your go-to.
Top: Whistler Blackcomb | Bottom Left: Zermatt | Bottom Right: Fire & Ice, Courchevel, France
In Zermatt, enjoy breathtaking vistas and indulge in local delicacies like crispy rosti. Ski into the mid-mountain Riffelalp Hotel for fondue with its grand views of the Matterhorn (non-skiing companions can meet you via the Gornergrat cog railway). And don’t miss the chance to ski from Zermatt, Switzerland into Cervinia, Italy for lunch. Why not?
And mountain lovers who excel at the après-scene will appreciate the fine living of Courchevel, France – so why not arrive at the Alps on the new Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond Train, which starts running overnight ski trains from Paris in December.
It’s easy to embrace winter when you know where to go.
Giraffe Manor | Nairobi, Kenya
HAVE YOU CHECKED IN WITH US LATELY?
Keeping an open line of communication is one of the best ways to maximize the benefits of working with us. We're always excited to hear about your recent travels and adventures—after all, who better to share them with than the team that helped plan them? More importantly, keeping us up to date on any changes in your travel plans or preferences allows us to better tailor your future experiences.
Is there a new destination topping your must-see list? Or perhaps an upcoming event you're considering? Make sure your airline preferences and loyalty program details are current in our records. And speaking of details, are your passports up to date? We're here to help with all these questions and more.