Sri Lanka may be smaller than Tasmania, but don’t let its diminutive size fool you.

The teardrop shaped island has a smorgasbord of experiences that’s getting noticed as  more Australians make the journey to see, hear, smell, taste and fall in love with the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Is it your turn?

Sri Lanka is a country built for the senses. Here are our top picks for each one.

See: Postcard perfect Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Perched atop a sheer-walled monolith and rising almost 200 metres from the jungle floor, the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress is impossible to miss. Climb 1200 steps past a pair of massive lion paws carved in the stone, which give the Sigiriya Rock Fortress it’s nickname – the Lion Rock. As you make the climb, admire the vibrant colours of the frescoes which don’t belie their 1500-year age. At the summit, you’ll find the remains of the fifth-century fortified city built during the reign of King Kashyapa I, which once boasted elaborate gardens and a moat. As equally breathtaking as the stairs is the panoramic view from the top. See if you can spot wild elephants in the plains below.

Smell: Negombo’s morning markets

The smell of salt spray in the air – the coastal town of Negombo is a seafood lover’s delight. It’s especially renowned for its lively morning fish markets – the largest of which is Lellama, which translates to ‘place of bargain’. Experience the masses of fresh fish laid out and vendors hollering their prices while buyers haggle for the best deals. Escape the action on a scenic cruise through the mangroves, tracing the old Dutch cinnamon spice routes. Feeling peckish? Follow your nose to one of many local eateries serving up lagoon crabs, thalapath (sailfish) and paraw (trevally) in traditional curries.

Taste: Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka’s vegetable garden

You’ll want to eat all your veggies in Nuwara Eliya, and go back for seconds. Cooler mountain air means slower-growing vegetables with gradually concentrated natural flavours that can’t be grown anywhere else on the island. Grab a bite in the region to enjoy this nutritious and delicious produce, like Sri Lanka’s crunchiest khol khol (kohlrabi) and the sweetest carrots. It’s also home to the prized ‘Champagne of Ceylon’ tea, with the region’s cool, misty climate producing a light, refined and floral brew. Sip it black (or with the tiniest splash of milk so as not to overpower the delicate notes), paired with spiced potato cutlets or crimson rathy ala (beetroot) curry from a roadside stall.

Touch (or rather, the feels): Udawalawe’s baby elephants

You can’t physically place your hands on these elephants, but witnessing the orphaned calves being bottle fed and frolicking at the Elephant Transit Home will touch your heart. Situated on the border of the Udawalawe National Park, rescued calves are cared for and rehabilitated until they’re strong enough for release back into the wild. Watching orphaned babies bottle-fed while tumbling over each other at the water’s edge will get you right in the feels. Touch here is a matter of heart rather than hands, and their impatient trumpeting will tug at anyone’s heartstrings.

Hear: Kandyan fire dance and drumming

The charming city of Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and is considered Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. Traditional Kandyan dance nearly vanished under British rule but has since been revived and watching it live is a full-body experience. Pulsing hand drums communicate complex rhythms and build the intensity as the tinkle of ankle bells and metallic ornaments accentuate the acrobatic footwork and beat of the dance’s high-energy choreography. Not to mention the fire dancing and striking, ornate dancing costumes; it’s athleticism, sacred ritual and centuries of history all in one living art form.

The Sixth Sense: Ritigala’s mystical forest

Deep in the jungle and away from the main tourist trail, you’ll find your zen among the abandoned meditation platform ruins in the Ritigala Medicinal Forest. Buddhist monks once sought stillness here to practice meditation and you can too. Take a deep breath and let the babbling streams, cool granite boulders and unspoilt forest canopy take you far away from the hustle and bustle of daily Sri Lankan life.

Discover Sri Lanka for yourself

You can experience all this and much more by joining a Sri Lankan Discovery adventure with Bunnik Tours. For 16 exciting days (plus travel time), you and your small group (never more than 20 travellers) will explore the tear-drop shaped island (almost) top to toe at a relaxed yet exciting pace.

The Bunnik Tours team have been passionately showing Australian travellers around the world for more than 30 years. They pride themselves on authentic, homegrown experiences you won’t find in a regular guidebook and even have a local Bunnik Tours office on the ground in Sri Lanka you can get to know during your stay.

With airfares, tipping, transport, accommodation and many meals all taken care of, there’s nothing left for you to do but arrive with an appetite for adventure and your senses ready to feast on all the wonders Sri Lanka has to offer.

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Ever booked a holiday assuming your credit card had you covered for travel insurance? With banks recently announcing changes, it’s worth checking.

Trip cancellation, travel delay and luggage cover has been stripped from some credit cards’ complimentary travel insurance. Will more banks be doing the same in future?

With the phasing out of complimentary travel insurance on several credit cards this year, there have also been changes to cover, including international medical caps and raised excesses.

For a lot of cardholders, the complimentary cover they relied on for years is shrinking, and most won’t find out until they try to make a claim.

Why banks are pulling back

The timing isn’t a coincidence. The Reserve Bank’s pending surcharge ban and lower interchange fee caps are likely to squeeze the revenue that used to fund these extras.

While the reasons may be different, the pattern appears to be the same; cover that once felt like a freebie is being trimmed back or removed.

Check before you book

Cardholders may believe holding or booking with the card means their complimentary travel insurance automatically includes cover for cancellations, delays and lost luggage.

Product disclosure statements vary widely, and the gap sometimes only becomes obvious in situations including needing to cancel a trip due to unexpected events, or a bag goes missing.

With summer travel planning underway, now’s the time to check what your card covers and have a think about the travel insurance that’s appropriate for you. Before making a decision, review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what is and isn’t covered..

Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Limited (ACN 677 371 274, AR No. 228575) (RAA) travel insurance policies are issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548) (Tokio Marine) through RAA as Tokio Marine’s authorised representative, and are administered by Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty Ltd (ABN 69 001 488 455, AR No. 1313066) as Tokio Marine’s authorised representative. This advice is general only. Before you buy, consider the PDS/FSG and TMD available on the RAA website. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply.

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From booking your trip at the right time to packing without pressure and arriving at the airport early enough so your name isn’t called over the PA, every second counts when you’re in travel mode.

So, are you doing it all too late… or too early? Before planning your next adventure, here’s what to consider, and when.

When should you book your holiday?

If your answer is ‘yesterday’, then chances are you’re well overdue for a getaway.

You’ve been dreaming of a tropical escape for months, eyeing cheap airfares and telling yourself you’ll book soon. But is ‘soon’ too late? Is it better to book now or wait until a better deal pops up? Well, it depends on when and where you’re going, and how you’re getting there.

RAA Travel General Manager Gina Norman says airlines typically release seats about 11 months out.

“If you’re flying to an overseas destination, it’s recommended you book about six to 11 months in advance, especially for hotspots like Europe or Japan,” Gina says.

“For short domestic hops, book three to six months out from when you plan to leave. For major interstate trips during peak periods, treat them like overseas trips and book earlier.”

Feeling spontaneous? Sometimes the best holidays are those planned at the eleventh hour, but you’ll need to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. These instinctive trips can be a great way to save on package deals and accommodation, but be aware that last-minute airfares often cost more, not less.

If you prefer the sea over the sky, cruise lines usually offer discounts, onboard credits and reduced deposits typically from January to March (known as wave season).

According to Gina, booking early, usually 18 months or more in advance, is recommended for cruises on popular ships or new vessels.

“This gives passengers their pick of preferred cabins and dining times,” she says. “And for travellers who are flexible with the ship they board, the itinerary and travel dates, last-minute deals typically appear about 90 days before sailing.”

When should you pack?

There are two types of travellers: pro packers whose clothes remain perfectly pressed, and the-night-before packers who throw everything into a suitcase that they’ve just dusted off. If you’re feeling particularly rebellious, you may even leave packing until a few hours before take-off (we don’t recommend this).

So, is there a perfect time to pack? Again, that depends on where you’re headed, how long you’re travelling and your personality.

“Generally, it’s a good idea to start packing at least a few days before longer interstate trips,” Gina says. “This should give you enough time to make any necessary visits to the shop if you need something you know you won’t be able to find across the border.”

Shorter trips mean you can get away with packing a day or two before you leave.

For big overseas holidays, start by thinking about what you need to pack and write a list a few weeks before departing.

“This can make the packing process easier, plus there’s less chance of forgetting something if it’s written down,” Gina says.

When should you book travel insurance?

Your holiday is booked and the resort pool is waiting for you to make a splash. You’re set to have the time of your life, but travel can come with surprises, so preparation is key.

You can purchase travel insurance as early as you like. Depending on the policy you choose, some policies include a cancellation benefit, which may help to provide cancellation protection from the date you purchase the policy (subject to the policy terms and conditions).

This can be particularly important if you have paid a deposit or made other non-refundable payments towards your holiday. If something unexpected happens before you travel, having your travel insurance in place early may cover eligible cancellation costs.

It’s important to review the terms, conditions, limits, exclusion and general exclusion of any policy you’re considering, all of which are usually detailed in the Product Disclosure Statement, so you know what’s covered and what isn’t.

When should you arrive at the airport?

You either rock up to the gate super early or sprint through the terminal with seconds to spare. If you’re flying out from Adelaide, avoid being that panicked passenger by following Adelaide Airport guidelines, which recommend arriving for domestic flights at least one hour before departure. If you’re only travelling with carry-on bags and have already checked in online, an hour is usually enough.

“Arrive at the airport about two to three hours before international flights so there’s enough time to factor in longer bag drop queues and border checks,” Gina says. “Add another 30 to 60 minutes during the morning and evening peaks.”

Traveller tip: take note of the time your gate closes (usually 20 to 30 minutes before departure) – this can be found on your boarding pass.

Now the only question that remains: when should you head poolside?

Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Limited (ACN 677 371 274, AR No. 228575) (RAA) travel insurance policies are issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548) (Tokio Marine) through RAA as Tokio Marine’s authorised representative, and are administered by Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty Ltd (ABN 69 001 488 455, AR No. 1313066) as Tokio Marine’s authorised representative. This advice is general only. Before you buy, consider the PDS/FSG and TMD available on the RAA website. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. 

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Thrilling spills down sandy dunes, waking up with specialty coffee and airy pastries, and of course, the freshest fish and chips you’ll find anywhere in Australia.

It’s the town that almost became SA’s capital. This is Port Lincoln, and it’s quite the catch.

Drive 1375km to Sydney’s famous waterfront or travel half that distance to explore Port Lincoln. In fact, the harbour at Boston Bay is more than three times greater by volume of water than Sydney’s harbour. It’s the perfect habitat for an abundance of extraordinary marine life and earns the town its title as the Seafood Capital of Australia’. Exquisitely fresh produce may reel you into Port Lincoln, but these 10 experiences will keep you hooked.

1. Swim with sea lions

Have you ever experienced the soul-searching gaze of a curious sea lion? Come face-to-face with these ‘puppies of the sea’ as they peer inquisitively into your snorkel mask before showing off their underwater gymnastics. Calypso Star Charters, perhaps best known for its shark encounters, operates snorkelling and swimming tours that minimise impact on sea-lion colonies. Tours run from late September until mid-June with GoPro cameras available to hire so you can capture every somersault. Following your dip, there’s a hot shower and morning tea waiting for you. Prefer to stay dry? Join the captain in the tender boat for a closer look.

2. Catch of the day

You’re spoiled for choice in the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’, so start at The Fresh Fish Place to find the region’s best ocean-to-plate offerings. Take away or dine in on local favourites, including famed Coffin Bay oysters and classic fish and chips. Go behind-the-scenes on a guided factory tour and shop for the best catch to cook in your own kitchen. Also add the Port Lincoln Smokehouse and their small-batch hot and cold smoke bluefin tuna and yellowtail kingfish to your menu. You may have spotted their products in gourmet supermarkets, and this is where the magic happens.

3. An art to art

As you walk through the streets, don’t be alarmed if you spot a fish riding a bicycle or three-time Melbourne Cup winner, Makybe Diva. These are just some of the incredible artworks hiding in plain sight throughout the town. Collect a map from the visitor information centre and follow the Port Lincoln Art Trail, ticking off the 24 fabulous installations along the way.

4. Comb the beaches

From rugged, windswept cliffs to sheltered bays and secret coves, the 140km coastline of Lincoln National Park is ideal for a game of ‘I spy’. The Donington Beach loop, which takes in a lighthouse, historic cottage and magnificent bay views, is a good place to start. Among the treasure trove of wonderful flora and fauna washed up on
the shore, look out for corkscrew Port Jackson shark egg cases, sea glass polished smooth by the sand and waves, delicate shells and tightly woven seagrass fibre balls. Remember to look and photograph, but leave everything as you found it.

5. Go with the sand flow

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re on an alien planet at the Sleaford-Wanna dune system in the Lincoln National Park. These massive, wind-sculpted sandy mountains are a playground for adrenaline seekers and experienced four-wheel-drivers. Air down the tyres of your high-clearance four-wheel drive before tackling the 14km of undulating sand and track. For an exhilarating closer look at the sand, hire a stand-up or sit-down sandboard from Xtreme Kites & Paddle and race down the dune-sides. Prefer something more sedate? Share the dunes with local kangaroos and emus on a Tour South sunset photography tour.

6. Museum musings

Step back in time and learn how a Finnish ship’s carpenter sailed into Port Lincoln in 1927 and helped shape the city’s seafood industry. Located on the waterfront, the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum is built around the carpenter’s original living quarters and wooden boat-building workshops, displaying restored historic vessels, marine artefacts and relics. Volunteers are also on hand to answer your questions. This is one of four sites on the Port Lincoln Museum Trail, along with the Mill Cottage Museum, RSL Museum and Railway Museum.

7. Wind down among the vines

You wouldn’t be in South Australia without a wine region nearby. Family-owned Gardner’s Vineyard, set in the undulating hills bordering Port Lincoln, pours award-winning small-batch wines against a backdrop of the Spencer Gulf’s sparkling waters. Work up an appetite playing a game of giant lawn chess, then tuck into your pre-packed picnic, fire up the vineyard’s barbie or nibble from a locally sourced grazing platter. For an all-in-one with a hole-in-one, spend the day at Glen-Forest Tourist Park and Vineyard. There are Segway tours, Lincoln Estate wine flights, an Australian wildlife park and minigolf to keep the whole family entertained. Beer lovers should head to Port Lincoln Brewing Co or Jump Ship Brewing, while those after something more spirited may find West Coast Distilling Co more to their taste.

8. Immerse yourself in Country

The traditional owners of the region, the Barngarla people, call Port Lincoln Galinyala, which translates to ‘place of sweet water’. Discover more about Galinyala on a tour led by proud Barngarla woman Emmalene Richards, through her business Maba Idi Cultural Tours in partnership with Untamed Escapes. Walk on Country, learning about traditional fishing techniques and cultural practices passed down through generations, and sit down to a bush-food lunch prepared by Emmalene and her family. It’s an intimate and moving way to see and better understand this remarkable place.

9. Sweet eats and caffeinated treats

You’ve always wanted to try South Australia’s best croissant, and you can do exactly that in Port Lincoln’s little touch of France. Drop anchor at L’Anse French Café, and watch the world go by with buttery, flaky goodness in one hand, and a specialty coffee in the other. For a laid-back lunch, try the retro Shaen Street Café, which includes outdoor seating, garden play spaces for the little ones and a heritage-listed cottage for cooler days. Pick a book from their charming community library, then settle in with a bush-flower tea or iced strawberry chai and gourmet sanga.

10. On your bike

If you’ve already ticked off swimming, hiking and dune-surfing, it’s time to let an e-mountain bike do (most of ) the work for you. With the fresh sea breeze cooling your cheeks, cruise through town at your own pace or take your two wheels off-road. Hire from Australian Coastal Safaris, and pedal your own path or join one of their guided e-mountain bike adventures and discover some local hidden gems.

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You’ve just rolled off the Spirit of Tasmania and arrived in the northern Tassie town of Devonport after a good night sleeping while crossing the Bass Strait… but now what?

As it turns out, Tasmania’s north and north-west regions are happy to keep the good times rolling before you set your course south, chasing waterfalls and eclectic art.

Devonport is the first port of call for travellers arriving by ferry from the mainland and there’s everything from chocolate factories to rare wildlife, heritage motors and glow worm caves all within easy cruising distance of the wharf.

Here are seven stops to add to your road trip ahead.

1. For the food lovers

A visit to Anvers chocolate factory is a must for chocoholics. Take a self-guided tour through the factory and museum, sample the world’s rarest chocolate, Fortunato No. 4, in the shop then grab a block (or three) to take home. Craving more? Settle in the cafe with a hot chocolate and chocolate platter for breakfast – we won’t tell.

You’ll be fit to burst sampling food from up to 40-plus artisanal producers along the northern Tasting Trail. Go snuffling for truffles at The Truffledore, wash them down with a Spreyton Cider and try some of the world’s freshest oysters at Tarkine.

2. For the heritage transport lovers

If SA’s own motoring museum in Birdwood is the full three-course feast, the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania in Launceston is the perfectly curated tasting menu. The museum’s collection spans a century of style and technical achievement, including one of the first Holdens to be shipped across the Bass Strait. Want more? The Ransley Veteran Car Collection in Wynyard, restored by local Francis Ransley, houses one of the oldest Fords in the world – the 1903 Model A.

Nostalgic for heritage rail? There’s plenty in northern Tasmania to help you blow off steam. Within an hour of Devonport, locomotives puff along the Don River Railway’s Melrose Line, while Pearns Steam World has the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest boiler room and more than 200 traction engines to satisfy any historic locomotive fix.

3. For the art and culture lovers

Nothing in Australia competes with Hobart’s Mona art museum, but the north has its own treasures. The Devonport Regional Gallery holds more than 100,000 photographic negatives from the famed Robinson Collection. After dark, Waterfront Park comes alive with From Sky to Sea – a sound-and-light installation best explored from every angle. For a more grassroots art experience, drive through the Kentish region, aptly named Tasmania’s Outdoor Art Gallery, and keep a look out for murals, topiary and the novelty letterbox trail.

For a deeper connection to place, tunapri Patuyala offers a hands-on cultural walk at Boat Harbour led by proud Palawa waypa man Jye Crosswell, covering traditional tidal fish traps and seasonal bush foods and craft. Or set your own pace along the Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail on the banks of the Meander River, where native plants, artworks and a stone yarning circle invite you to sit a while.

4. For the animal lovers

Tasmania is a safe haven for some of Australia’s rarest wildlife. Encounter the endangered Tasmanian Devil up close during the chaotic after-dark feeding frenzy or joey encounter at Devils@Cradle, or wind down at Seahorse World to meet these gender-bending, mystical marine creatures alongside the critically endangered red handfish.

Between September and April, head to Lillico Beach in the evening to join volunteers at the Little Penguin Viewing platform and watch the tiny birds waddle home to their burrows after a long day’s fishing. It’s free, but donations are always appreciated.

5. For the adventure seekers

For an energy burn the whole family can enjoy, hire single, double, family and even wheelchair accessible and baby buggies from Pedal Buggies just outside Devonport. Pedal along the foreshore with an ice-cream and a swim stop built in.

Further afield at Cradle Mountain, join a kayak tour and glide across Dove Lake as the scenery rises breathtakingly around you. If you prefer dry land, (weather permitting), choose from walks ranging from a 10-minute rainforest stroll to multi-day hikes along the Overland Track, keeping an eye out for the elusive platypus along the way.

6. For nature lovers

Stand beside the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and gaze across the Tasman. The clifftop walking tracks offer sweeping views and if you’re here of an evening, you might spot the Spirit of Tasmania beginning its return journey. The lighthouse reserve is a vibrant sanctuary for wildlife, birds and flora, and you’ll also find the Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre – one of Australia’s oldest Keeping Places, which is home to ancient rock art and carvings.

For something a little more subterranean, head underground on a Mole Creek Karst National Park cave tour. Peer into sparkling, reflective pools, listen to the music of the underground creeks and be delighted by the surprising blue pinpricks of the Glow Worm Caves.

Discover for yourself

Drive your own car onto the Spirit of Tasmania in Geelong and roll off in Devonport the next day, ready to begin your 14-night Sail and Drive tour with Tasmanian Vacations. Let Tasmanian Vacations deal with the logistics, leaving you the freedom to explore at your own pace knowing your quality accommodation is waiting at the end of the day.

Until 21 December 2026, Tasmanian Vacations is offering $150 of free petrol if you stay for a minimum of 10 nights, and $200 of free petrol if you stay for a minimum of 14 nights. They’ve also purchased carbon offsets to the value of petrol to promote a more environmentally friendly touring holiday.

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A multigenerational trip turned out to be the chance of a lifetime to explore family heritage for RAA member Peter and his daughter Mary.

RAA Travel Sales Consultant at RAA City, Duncan Carmichael helped the duo plan the perfect trip, and they were thrilled to share it with the team on their return.

What inspired you to take this trip?

The idea for the trip grew from two complementary motivations. For Mary, it was a desire to better understand her heritage, not as an abstract family history, but as something tangible and grounded in place.

Visiting the towns, villages, churches, and graveyards connected to our family gave real texture to stories that had previously existed only in conversation.

It was a chance to connect identity with geography, and to see how past generations had shaped the present.

What did the trip mean to you?

For me, the pull was both similar and slightly different. Ireland, in particular, carried personal significance, having not visited it for many years. Returning, this time with my daughter, added a new dimension.

Visiting my mother’s village in Wexford, standing at the graves of grandparents and earlier ancestors, and watching Mary trace family lines back centuries was quietly powerful. ‘We are because they were’. The journey shifts from sightseeing to something more reflective and personal, where places are not just destinations but reference points in a longer story.

Equally important was the shared nature of the journey. Travelling together across England, Scotland, Paris, and Ireland allowed us to experience similar interests and occasional differences in real time.

The trip became as much about connection in the present as understanding the past. Travelling in the weeks leading up to Christmas added an unexpected dimension to the journey.

Across both the UK and Ireland, the seasonal atmosphere was genuinely enjoyable, with festive decorations, Christmas music, and Christmas markets throughout.

Looking back, what would you say to someone considering a similar trip?

Take the opportunity and plan thoughtfully, but not rigidly. Travelling with someone from a different generation works best when there is space for independence as well as shared experiences.

Agree early that it’s perfectly acceptable to split up occasionally and reunite later, ideally with a clear plan for doing so.

Phones fail, batteries die, and it’s amazing how quickly a crowded place becomes complicated when you can’t get a message through. Establishing simple meet points saves stress.

What are your top tips for a great trip?

Timing matters. Late November and December bring shorter days and variable weather. This doesn’t diminish the experience, but it does require an awareness of daylight and a willingness to prioritise.

Having a loose daily structure helps, especially when daylight is limited, but flexibility is essential. Some days, plans can be reshuffled to suit the weather; other days you simply accept conditions and let the experience unfold.

Balance flexibility with a few smart commitments. Popular attractions do book out, sometimes days ahead, so while spontaneity is part of the fun, it’s often more prudent to secure key tickets online for the must see items, particularly if you’re moving on to the next city and won’t have a second chance. You can keep the rest of the itinerary open and still avoid the “sold out” sign at the door.

Good advice is invaluable. RAA Travel was able to translate our broad ambitions into something workable, across flights, trains, accommodation, and driving. It makes a real difference when time is limited. A considered itinerary provides confidence without feeling restrictive.

Finally, pack for reality rather than optimism. We were separated from our luggage on the way there. Keep essentials in your carry on (toothbrush and undies) and bring a power bank.

Accept that weather, traffic, and the occasional navigational curveball are part of the story rather than interruptions to it.

Most of all, allow space for the unexpected moments, quiet ones as much as dramatic ones. And sharing that with someone you care about makes it all the richer.

The post A journey tracing history appeared first on samove.com.au.

Imagine yourself horizontal in the shade of a palm tree, one of hundreds lining Fiji’s postcard coastline.

That’s the reality of this 300-plus island paradise, where most flights touch down at Nadi on the main island, Viti Levu. From there, many travellers hop on a quick shuttle to their all-inclusive resort on Denarau Island, and long days relaxing by a body of water stretch out ahead.

For some, that’s the dream. For others, that sounds great… for about 20 minutes. If you’re an active traveller, you may have discounted Fiji as a destination that isn’t for you. Beyond the resort gates, there’s whole islands full of adventure just waiting to be explored. The most common regret from visitors is “I wish I’d left the resort more.”

So here are five ways to experience Fiji in the fast lane.

1. Ride the rails at Eco Trax Fiji

Eco Trax Fiji’s unique velocipede rail bike adventure follows a disused sugar cane railway along the Coral Coast, taking riders through lush rainforest and stretches of coastline that are otherwise difficult to access. Cool off with a swim and sip a fresh coconut on a secluded beach. High-five smiling children as they stand trackside while you coast through their traditional villages on the return journey.

The mostly flat route makes it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, while the electric-assisted rail bikes take the hard work out of the journey. This is a charming experience that needs to be on your itinerary. Book early as it fills up two months ahead.

2. Swim with sharks and manta rays

No trip to Fiji is complete without ducking beneath that impossibly clear water. Beqa Adventure Divers takes certified scuba divers into the Shark Reef Marine Reserve in Pacific Harbour which bull, reef and lemon sharks (and the occasional tiger shark) call home.Prefer to stay closer to the surface? Between May and October, snorkel alongside graceful manta rays in the Yasawa Islands. If you’re lucky, you may spot a reef shark here too. Tours are offered for travellers staying at Mantaray Island Resort, or you can join a South Sea Cruises day-trip from Port Denarau.

3. Hike the Sigatoka Sand Dunes

Earn your sunset cocktail with a walk through Fiji’s first national park. Sigatoka Sand Dunes swaps postcard palm-lined beaches for shaded forest teeming with luminescent butterflies and birdlife, before opening to dramatic golden dunes towering over the water.

Choose the easier one-hour trail or the two-hour version, with plenty of side tracks for those feeling adventurous. Adelaidians may recognise the sound of resting fruit bats. Here, it’s the slightly smaller cousin, the Pacific Flying Fox. Pack plenty of water and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day. This hike is best enjoyed unhurried, on Fiji time.

4. Drift downstream at River Tubing Fiji

If there’s one motto that sums up Fiji, it’s “go with the flow”. River Tubing Fiji floats you down the Navua River in an inflatable tube, trading resort beaches for lush rainforest scenery and the occasional gentle rapid for a splash of excitement.

Start with a scenic longboat ride upriver as friendly local guides share stories of Fijian culture, history and village life along the way. Follow this with a refreshing dip in a hidden waterfall and enjoy a delicious Fijian-style riverside lunch. Then it’s back downstream, taking it all in again from tube level.

5. Meet the makers at Honey & Hive

Drop by Honey & Hive, tucked on the edge of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, for an encounter that’ll leave you buzzing long after you leave. Suit up and step into the apiary to meet Fiji’s hardest-working bees up close, as your guide uses smoke to keep them calm. Surrounded by the gentle drone of thousands of pollinators, you’ll see every stage of the bee life cycle within the hive and, if you’re lucky, you might spot the queen.

Make a day of it by pairing this heart-racing experience with more serene attractions nearby – even adventurers need some down time occasionally. First, wander through the countless orchids and tropical plants inside the Garden of the Sleeping Giant botanical garden. Finish the day at the cash-only Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, where you’ll slather yourself in squelchy mud before melting away the aches and pains with a soothing soak in the mineral-rich, naturally heated water.

The post Five adventure activities in Fiji appeared first on samove.com.au.

A trip to Europe is packed with excitement and choice. But with choice comes decisions. Where do you go, what do you see and how do you get around?

What if there were a way to see multiple countries in premium comfort, without the stress of moving hotels every few days? There is. It’s called a river cruise.

Europe’s rivers are increasingly popular with travellers, and for good reason. Here are our top five.

1. Unpack and relax

The beauty of river cruising lies in its simplicity. No dragging heavy luggage through cobblestone streets, no mad dashes to the airport at 4am, and no navigating complex public transit systems. Just climb aboard, settle into your comfortable cabin, and unpack once.

Sit back and enjoy the hospitality and indulgence a modern river ship provides. From your first welcome drink to your final chef-prepared meal with fresh local ingredients, everything’s designed to pamper you while the scenery drifts past and your dream holiday unfolds.

2. A taste of everything

Unless you have unlimited time, Europe’s sheer density of countries and cultures means tough choices. You’ve always wanted to see France, but your friends say don’t miss The Netherlands. Budapest is stunning but what about Vienna? Your family is from Germany but is there time to see Czechia?

A European river cruise solves all of this; multiple countries, iconic cities and sights and completely different cultures, all on one trip. Tick several places off your must-visit list without the headache of multi-country travel. 

3. Extraordinary scenery

We’re talking about Europe here, so expect to be surrounded by scenery so picture-perfect it hardly seems real. Medieval castles perched on hilltops, cathedral spires shaping ancient city skylines, and rolling hills lined with vineyards drift past your window or from the deck.

It’s the ever-changing scenery that truly stays with you as you wake up each day to a new location. And if that’s not enough, there’s the thrill of sailing the Rhine, Main, and Danube – rivers that have inspired countless works of music, art and literature. How’s that for a conversation starter?

4. The ship is a destination

Modern river ships are designed to please the most discerning traveller and perfectly suited to their environment.

Step ashore right in the centre of town and get into the action straight away, with knowledgeable guides showing you the sights.

On board, enjoy all-inclusive food and drink packages with regional dishes and wines, while you swap stories with fellow passengers and take in some locally themed entertainment.

No queuing at buffet tables or getting lost in floating cities; just laughs, fun and new friends.

5. Choose your own adventure

With so many rivers weaving through so many countries, there are countless ways to cruise Europe.

From the ever-popular 15-day trip from Amsterdam to Budapest, to the eight-day Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets cruise and the 22-day Ultimate Voyage of Europe cruise from Amsterdam to Bucharest, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday to suit.

If you want a bit extra, combine your river cruise with a rail or land tour to explore Europe further. You only pay for what you want to do, nothing more. After all, it’s your special holiday.

Cruise in style with Travelmarvel

Travelmarvel’s state-of-the-art ships Polaris, Capella, Vega and Rigel are ready to take you on your dream European river cruise.

Featuring contemporary, stylish accommodation and modern amenities like a sun deck, jacuzzi and gym, you’ll also find space to relax and unwind. The only thing left to do is pack.

The post 5 reasons to cruise Europe’s rivers appeared first on samove.com.au.