When the stars want to escape the glare of the paparazzi they fly out of Hollywood and head across the world to the South Pacific. And with the region’s pristine beaches, tropical weather, and exclusive resorts, who can blame them? Wakaya Resort is a favorite of a host of stars, with Bill Gates, Pierce Brosnan, Keith Richards, Michelle Pfieffer, and Russell Crowe amongst its famous guests. It’s not hard to see why these celebs keep coming back; with just 20 guests allowed to stay at any one time Wakaya offers the sort of privacy few resorts can match. Of course, the stars pay for the privilege with luxury cottages starting from $1900 US a night. But that’s just the tip of the lu...

Auckland Airport is the largest in New Zealand, the gateway to your Kiwi getaway. However its location in suburban Mangere, a small town 21 kilometers out of Auckland, can perturb some visitors. With a little know how though it’s not hard to make your way from the airport to the city center and other local vacation spots. Regular MAXX bus services connect the airport to Auckland City and other major centers, including Paptoetoe, Manukau, and Botany. The MAXX website offers timetable information for its bus services. In addition to Auckland’s regular MAXX bus service, Airbus Express also offers bus travel exclusively for travelers. Look for the bright blue buses,’ which will ...

We’ve looked at how to manage your money in Hong Kong, and even how to save cash on a night out in the city. Now we’ll turn our attention to eating well in Hong Kong for less. Hong Kong has a reputation for being one of Asia’s most expensive tourist centers, but your stay doesn’t have to cost the earth. You simply must learn to live like a local. There are bargains to be had by stepping off the tourist trail and exploring hole in the wall noodle shops, Chinese fast food stores, wet market food courts, and small restaurants known as “cha chan tan.” While you can easily spend $200 HK ($26 US) in a hotel or Westernized restaurant, you’re likely to have chang...

The Northern Territory is a place that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s an Australian stereotype come to life, with scorching sun, the unforgiving deserts of The Outback, and nasties lurking around every corner. If the snakes don’t get you, the crocs just might. If that thought doesn’t terrify you, you might be a good candidate for a trip on the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise. The boat takes a leisurely trip down the Adelaide River, which is home to more than 80, 000 saltwater crocs, or salties as they’re known in these parts. These man-eaters can measure up to six meters, and when they jump out of the water you’ll be able to take all of that le...

Many coastal tourist destinations around the world invite visitors to swim with seals and dolphins, but you’ll need to travel to Tonga if you hope to swim with whales. The South Pacific nation is known as The Friendly Islands, and its humpback whales are just as genial as the natives. More than 160 of the marine mammals return to Tonga’s calm waters each year to mate. They stay there until their babies are born, nursing them in the warm Pacific waters before returning to polar oceans. WhaleSwim is Tonga’s premiere whale experience company. Owner Rae Gill was inspired to create the business after meeting her first humpback whale off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Al...

In this world of global tourism, there are very few unspoiled areas. One spot that can boast such a title is Jiuzhaigou Valley, or Nine Village Valley as it is commonly called. This picturesque alpine location lies in the Sichuan province, around 450 kilometers from the capital, Chengdu. Its English name comes from the nine traditional Tibetan villages scattered throughout its 240 square kilometers. The local villagers live in harmony with the land’s thick forest, 114 sparkling lakes, bubbling springs, and waterfalls. Agriculture and private vehicles are forbidden in the spot, which is protected as a World Heritage site. As you might imagine, the Nine Village Valley is a haven for n...

A visit to another country often means adjusting to another currency. In India, that currency is the rupee. One rupee is equivalent to around two US cents. A rupee is divided into 100 paise, although paise coins are becoming scarce. Most Indian tourist towns and cities have automatic teller machines linked to international networks. Cards are also accepted at many Indian stores, upmarket restaurants, hotels, and train stations. However, as power outages are frequent and machines are often out of order, visitors should always carry a back-up such as cash or travelers’ checks. This is also important if traveling off the beaten track, as small towns are unlikely to have ATMs or currenc...

The Imperial Boat House isn’t just one of the most unique hotels in Thailand. It’s actually one of the most unusual in Asia. This five-star resort, located in tropical Koh Samui, gets its name from the old rice barges which have been converted into private two-storey bungalows. The boats are now moored on land, but water isn’t far away. Guests have just meters to walk to the Choeng Mon beach. Each suite is lavishly appointed with a living room, dining area, sky-lit bathroom, luxury bedroom, and a sunbathing deck for soaking up the region’s famous rays. The Imperial Boat House also offers more traditional rooms in a three-storey building near the gardens. These are a lit...

The peaks of Milford Sound, New Zealand So gorgeous is New Zealand’s Milford Sound that British writer Rudyard Kipling once called it the “eighth wonder of the world.” The dark brooding waters, rocky cliffs, and lush forests of this photogenic area inspire around half a million tourists to visit this spot on New Zealand’s South Island every year. Milford Sound is the crown of Fiordland National Park. A cruise with an operator such as Scenic Pacific or Real Journeys is one of the best ways to see the region. During a day trip, or a longer overnight journey, guests can see the area’s marine animals, including seals and dolphins, and awe-inspiring natural features. ...

Arriving at the South Korean island of Jeju-do, tourists could be forgiven for thinking they’ve stepped onto another country entirely. The palm trees and volcanic landscape remind visitors of being in Hawaii. The sandy beaches look as if they belong in a Mediterranean travel brochure, while the festivals and circus shows are as close to Disneyland as you’ll find in these parts. While most international travelers explore energetic Seoul, historic Gyeongju, and the seaside port of Busan, the Koreans themselves head to Jeju-do when they’re looking for a little rest and relaxation. The island delivers, with a dozen beaches and lush golfing greens. If you’d prefer a little...