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.

The post Sri Lanka: a feast for the senses appeared first on samove.com.au.

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.

With Japan inundated by tourists, it’s no surprise Australian travellers are busy searching for an alternative destination that offers a similar mix of rich cultural immersion, incredible food experiences, and family-friendly travel. For many people, South Korea is that place.

South Korea is a fascinating land where ancient traditions and youthful energy coexist easily, offering a wealth of memorable experiences for the curious traveller. Just don’t wait too long to book your trip. A record 267,000 Australians visited in 2025, and that number is sure to increase this year.

New and old

Tradition and modernity collide on every corner in South Korea’s relentlessly buzzing capital. This is a city where glittering skyscrapers tower over ancient palaces, and it takes just two minutes to walk from a 1200-year-old temple to a sculpture immortalising Psy’s viral 2012 hit ‘Gangnam Style’.

Visitors can get a taste of Korea’s rich history at Gyeongbokgung (Palace of Shining Happiness), where the imposing Gwanghwamun Gate hosts a ceremonial changing of the guard. Beyond the gates lies a harmoniously designed compound where elegant pavilions gaze out over picturesque ornamental gardens and artificial lakes.

Alternatively, dive into the future in neon-lit Hongdae – a student hotspot where buskers compete with bars blasting out the latest K-pop hits, and achingly cool hipsters browse indie fashion boutiques in search of the latest trends and styles.

Wander the streets checking out the ever-changing landscape of street art, then copy the locals and sing your heart out in one of the many noraebangs (private karaoke rooms).

If you want to see an alternative vision of Korea, you can even take a day trip to the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) that separates North and South Korea. Just 50km north of Seoul, it can only be accessed on a guided tour that includes several poignant memorials, a walk through a secret tunnel dug by North Korea, and the chance to look over the heavily fortified border.

A full table

Food in Korea is more than a means of physical sustenance; it’s a way of life that provides a sense of connection and community. Meals are best enjoyed in company, and joining a group of friends around a glowing charcoal grill covered with sizzling skewers of marinated beef and pork for a classic Korean BBQ is a highlight of any trip.

You don’t need to be a kimchi fan to fall in love with South Korea’s vibrant cuisine (though it certainly doesn’t hurt), but you can expect bold flavours in every meal. Delicacies like gimbap (rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed) and hwae (thinly sliced raw fish) resemble popular Japanese dishes, but bibimbap (a rice bowl topped with sautéed vegetables, meat and an egg) is so iconically Korean that its birthplace of Jeonju has been declared a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

And no matter whether you’re sitting down to a meal of japchae (sweet and savoury glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and sesame oil), perfectly crispy Korean fried chicken, or tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy sauce), you can expect the table to be laden with banchan. These side dishes (banchan) are essential to any true Korean meal, and might include spicy cucumber salad, blanched greens with garlic and sesame oil, crunchy potato pancakes, fried tofu or shredded squid.

Busan bound

South Korea’s second-biggest city of Busan is a bustling port that has preserved its raffish energy even as skyscrapers have sprung up and transformed the skyline. Today it’s a place where bustling street markets and flashy seaside hotels coexist between densely forested mountain ranges and a coastline of surprisingly inviting beaches.

Start your day the same way generations of locals have in the sprawling Jagalchi Fish Market, where hundreds of stalls sell every imaginable form of seafood… and several you never knew existed. Then enjoy an overview of the cityscape from the glass-bottom Songdo Cable Car, which provides spectacular views as it floats almost 90 metres above a sparkling turquoise bay.

Busan’s coast is sprinkled with white-sand beaches and even a rare coastal temple where multi-tiered pagodas stare out over the waves. But the city’s most intriguing destination lies further up the hill. Once populated by refugees fleeing the Korean War, Gamcheon Culture Village has, in recent years, transformed into a creative hotspot. The neighbourhood’s candy-coloured houses are connected by alleyways filled with quirky cafes and strikingly contemporary street art.

Into the wild

Four out of five South Koreans are city dwellers, which leaves plenty of space for wilderness across the peninsula. The mountainous landscape is home to more than 20 national parks, and when it launches later this year, the 750km Dongseo Trail will allow hikers to walk from coast to coast.

But the country’s most beautiful landscapes lie further south, where the subtropical island of Jeju rises out of the Korea Strait in a harmonious blend of mountain, sea and forest. At the centre of the island sits an extinct volcano known as Hallasan Mountain. At 1947 metres, it’s the tallest peak in the country.

The Olle Trail network encircles the entire island and is split into 27 sections that connect a host of natural wonders, including Jeongbangpokpo – a 23-metre-high waterfall that thunders directly into the ocean.

Seongsan Ilchulbong – a symmetrical volcanic crater that makes a perfect viewpoint to watch the sun rise over the sea – and countless rock formations that shoot up dramatically from the turquoise waters offshore are also visible from the route.

Even if the weather isn’t conducive to hiking, an extensive system of lava tubes stretch for more than 7km below the surface and can be explored year-round.

A living museum

Korea’s rich cultural heritage is on full display in the city of Gyeongju. Once the capital of the Silla Kingdom – one of the three kingdoms that laid the foundations of modern Korean culture – today it’s known as ‘the museum without walls’.

Take a stroll around the city and you’ll discover serene parks filled with ancient burial mounds, eye-catching pagodas and one of the world’s oldest astronomical observatories. See the story of the Silla Kingdom unfold through displays of intricate golden jewellery and religious carvings at the Gyeongju National Museum. Marvel at the harmonious Buddhist architecture of Bulguksa temple before climbing to an eighth-century grotto where a famous granite Buddha stares out over the sea and protects the country.

Back in the city, take a trip to the Hwangnidan-gil neighbourhood where you can eat, shop and even spend the night in a traditional timber and stone hanok building with a peaceful inner courtyard. Sleep on a foldable Korean yo mattress that’s placed directly on the floor beneath the distinctive curved tiled roof. A night in a hanok makes it easy to connect to the strong sense of tradition that permeates Korean culture. But the modern world is never far away in this endlessly connected nation. When you’re ready, the KTX high-speed train will whisk you back to central Seoul in just two hours.

The post Seoul searching appeared first on samove.com.au.

Bali, Fiji and the Gold Coast have long been on the must-visit list for families, but have you considered a vacation to the land of smiles?

On a recent trip to Thailand – the first with our two young daughters – we found it to be a great family destination.

Here are five reasons you should put it on your must-visit list.

1. Bustling Bangkok

When you think of family destinations, you’re probably not considering Bangkok, but it’s a great place to kick off your holiday in Thailand.

There are family attractions galore in this metropolis, from the Bangkok Children’s Discovery Museum where the littlies can try plenty of hands-on activities, to a Dream World theme park which will keep older kids entertained for hours.

It’s also a great base location for day trips to the Maeklong Railway Market, Ayutthaya’s ruins or one of the many floating markets close to Bangkok.

Known as the Venice of the east, families can enjoy a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River or Bangkok’s many khlongs (canals). It’s a trip that will give the kids great insight into how many of this city’s residents live day-to-day.

Want to escape the heat? Bangkok is full of world-class malls with plenty of entertainment that’s usually half the price that it is back home. Places like Siam Paragon have indoor theme parks, aquariums, ten-pin bowling alleys and ice rinks.

2. Tours kids and adults will both enjoy

On our trip to Phuket in the south of Thailand, we were surprised at how accommodating the tours were for families. On a kayaking tour in Phang Nga Bay we were treated to an entire day of activities, with plenty of time to rest on the boat as well.

Our guide (who did hard work kayaking for us) navigated his way through caves before coming to an opening, and as we entered a tropical lagoon surrounded by sheer cliff faces, my two children let out “ooohs” and “ahhhs” at the awe-inspiring sight before them.  A snake slithered across a branch, small fish flittered and jumped above the water before diving back underneath, and birds darted down to the surface in search of food.

As the sun set, we entered the water one last time to see one of the best bioluminescent plankton displays in Thailand. We swished the water with our hands and blue and green spark-like patterns appeared. The girls shouted with glee and their eyes widened in amazement. It was a mesmerising experience, and one that my children will remember forever.

3. Family-friendly resorts

You’ll be spoilt for choice when booking a place for the family to stay in Thailand.  There are plenty of resorts that cater to families. Giant Kids’ clubs, with supervised activities, will keep the young ones entertained for hours. Many have multiple pools, water play spaces for varying ages and even water slides and wave pools. Your kids can splash around and play while you supervise with a cool drink in hand.

Many family-friendly resorts also provide in-room or connecting family suites, or even villas with a private plunge pool. Some are even themed for kids. The hotel room during our most recent visit to Thailand had an underwater theme. Coral, fish, dolphin and jellyfish murals were painted across the walls, and the lighting gave it a playful, aquarium-like glow. When we arrived, the girls were so excited they spent 20 minutes exploring every nook of the room.

4. Kid-friendly food

Spicy cuisine is the first thought most people have when Thai food is mentioned. While some food will make you rush to a 7-Eleven for some milk to cool your mouth, there are plenty of tasty options for the littlies.

Phuket’s Old Town is a cornucopia of delicious cuisine, particularly each Sunday when dozens of market stalls line the roads. Kids and adults alike will love slurping on freshly made mango smoothies as they wander the markets looking for the next delicious snack. Vendors fry up small batches of the popular pad Thai in multiple woks, offering different spice levels depending on your tolerance.

Kids will demolish aromatic pork and chicken satays served with sticky rice, and there are a range of stalls selling Thai desserts the whole family will devour. Khanom bueang – crispy Thai crepes folded over sweet coconut and meringue filling – are a fan favourite you’ll easily find being made by many traders.

There are thousands of these markets across Thailand, and in many cities and towns you’ll find stalls lining the streets selling all sorts of fare the whole family will enjoy.

5. Cultural activities for curious kids

There are plenty of opportunities to experience Thailand’s culture, from the thousands of ornate temples to fruit carving or Muay Thai. You’ll even find cooking classes that cater to families.

On our kayaking tour in Phang Nga Bay, the guide spent an hour with our two children creating Thai Krathong offerings – a handmade raft made from a banana leaf trunk and decorated with leaves, yellow marigolds, purple orchids and white plumeria flowers. The craft session wasn’t just fun for the littlies; it also gave them a chance to learn more about the Thai people’s beliefs.

The post 5 reasons families should visit Thailand appeared first on samove.com.au.

No matter where you are in Japan, you’re never more than 150km from the sea.

It makes sense once you realise Japan is an archipelago of more than 14,000 islands, with the four main islands connected by bridges and tunnels. The resulting jagged coastline stretches more than 29,000km – even longer than Australia’s.

Most visitors stick to the island of Honshu with its big hitters: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and rightly so. You can read about these must-visit destinations here. But with so much coastline, treasures abound for those who venture beyond the bullet-train corridor.

Instead, here are six coastal ports of call well worth adding to your itinerary.

Ishigaki: tropical paradise

Balmy weather, turquoise ocean lapping at sandy white shores, and snorkelling with manta rays and sea turtles among coral reefs. Wait a minute – are we in Far North Queensland… or Japan? The island of Ishigaki (pictured above) lies about 2000km southwest of the mainland and is famed for its natural beauty, cultural sites and black pearls. If snorkelling or diving is too strenuous, join a glass-bottom boat tour to get up close to the spectacular marine life.

The mesmerising colours of the ocean are embodied in the island’s unique ceramics style, which combines pottery with glass resulting in otherworldly blue pieces of art. For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, join a pottery workshop to create your own masterpiece. To soak in breathtaking panoramic views, follow the hibiscus-lined path to the Tamatorizaki Observatory. The observatory also doubles as an ideal stargazing location at night, so stick around after the sun has disappeared below the horizon.

Okinawa: promoting peace

Approximately 160 islands make up the Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa Main Island is home to national parks, cultural sites and reminders of recent and ancient conflict. There are two museums dedicated to promoting the message of peace, as well as memorial parks and monuments at historical battlefields, and for a sense of wartime conditions, visit the Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters.

Okinawa is also the birthplace of the martial art of peace – karate. Other legacies from the Ryukyu Kingdom include Shurijo Castle, Shikinaen Gardens, and the sacred grounds of Sefa Utaki, where nature itself was worshipped as divine.

Hakodate: an ocean of possibility

Located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Hakodate is one of Japan’s most important ports and its finest seafood producer. Though not as large as Toyko’s, a visit to the four-block-long fish market is a must for foodies.

For some peace and quiet, head to the massive grounds at Goryokaku Fort. Under a canopy of thousands of cherry trees that Japan is so famous for, watch the koi that fill the star-shaped moat or in the warmer months, hire a rowboat to get a closer look at the fish. The expansive Onuma Quasi-National Park, often hailed as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole country no matter the season is also a picturesque destination worth visiting. 

Niigata: rice for all occasions

You can’t have sake without rice, and Niigata, Japan’s largest rice producing region, is renowned for both the food and drink. Reflections in the water-filled Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are a photographer’s dream. You can also enjoy the region’s excellent rice as sea-to-plate sushi, or see it transformed into quality liquor at one of the 90 sake breweries in the area.

Take in bird’s eye views of Niigata and Sado Island from the 31st floor of the Bakauke Observatory. Niigata is also famous for traditional metalwork crafts. From nails to swords, chefs and home cooks alike can take home quality kitchen knives and other tableware. Rest your muscles in the Iwamuro onsen and feel those aches and pains melt away.

Kagoshima: heating things up

Sandwiched between two peninsulas, the well-protected harbour of Kagoshima (on Japan’s Kyushu island) looks out towards dramatic Sakurajima, an active volcano which smokes constantly, even erupting multiple times a day.

As a result, Kagoshima is a geothermal wonderland filled with hot springs and geysers. Relax in one of many onsens, or be buried up to your neck – it’s more relaxing than it sounds – in naturally heated sand on the shores of seaside city Ibusuki. Further inland you can sate your curiosity at Chiran Airfield. This peace museum was once the home base for Japan’s infamous kamikaze pilots.

Tokushima: Mother Nature’s wonders

Mother Nature has hit all the right notes in Tokushima, on Japan’s Shikoku island. Surrounded by towering mountains and filled with spectacular gorges, vine bridges and panoramic views, this seaside town isn’t to be missed. Each summer, the colourful Awa Odori dance festival brings the streets to life in a riot of colour and movement.

Equally dramatic are the tidal Naruto Whirlpools – occurring roughly every six hours – which can be experienced up close from a sightseeing boat. Don’t forget to stop by the Awa Jruobe Yashiki Residence Theatre. Once home to a 17th-century samurai, it’s now one of the last remaining traditional puppet theatres in the country.

All aboard

For your own odyssey along Japan’s coastal city highlights, let Princess Cruises take you there.

Enjoy the unique blend of Japanese and Western touches on board the Japanese-built Diamond and Sapphire Princess ships, then be immersed in Japan’s stunning sights and local culture on shore.

Unpack once, relax and let Princess Cruises guide you through the best Japan has to offer.

The post Six reasons to sail past Tokyo appeared first on samove.com.au.

When you think of countries rich in culture, teeming with exotic wildlife and fringed by sandy beaches, Sri Lanka might not top your list. But there are plenty of reasons it should.

The teardrop-shaped island nation of Sri Lanka, just off the Indian coast, is one of the world’s travel hotspots, with visitors discovering the country’s many charms.

You’ll want to include these experiences on your Sri Lankan travel itinerary.

1. Conquer Sigiriya summit

What better place to build a fortress than atop a 180-metre-high, sheer-walled rock monolith, with commanding views of the surrounding countryside. In the fifth century, the summit of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock (pictured at top), was chosen by King Kashyapa to be the centre of his empire.

In an epic tale worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy, Kashyapa gained the throne by overthrowing his father’s rule and usurping the rightful heir, his brother Moggallana. Kashyapa later died during a battle against an army raised by his brother, who’d returned from self-exile in India.

Considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sigiriya is a truly remarkable place. The extensive water gardens at the rock’s base have been creatively landscaped with ponds, canals and fountains, in a feat of irrigation engineering that was well ahead of its time.

It’s a steep climb up 1200 steps to the renegade royal’s lofty perch, and en route you’ll pass two massive lion paws carved from rock. Time has claimed the lion’s head that once sat above the paws, but a section of the stairway that passed through the big cat’s mouth remains.

At Sigiriya’s summit, you’ll be rewarded with evocative remnants of a long-lost kingdom and breathtaking views over the forest.

2. Hit the beach

Sri Lanka’s an island, so it’s natural to expect plenty of great beaches – and you won’t be disappointed.

On the south-west coast, the popular resort town of Hikkaduwa has a long sandy beach fringed by swaying palms.

If you’re keen on water sports, Hikkaduwa has some of the best surfing in the country, while reef and wreck diving in the clear waters offshore attracts snorkellers and scuba divers.

If you’d rather pull up a seat at a seaside bar or café and watch the passing parade, there’s a stool standing by.

On the far south coast, the chilled vibes of Mirissa have made it a popular seaside hangout. See traditional Sri Lankan fishers perched on platforms in the surf, then enjoy a seafood feast at a beach eatery. Walk off your body weight in fish and prawns with a stroll to Parrot Rock to catch the sunset.

If you happen to arrive in Mirissa during whale season, from November to April, you could be lucky enough to spot a massive blue whale – the world’s largest animal.

3. Explore temples in Kandy

Scenically located on a plateau surrounded by lush green hills, the UNESCO-listed city of Kandy was once the capital of the Kandyan kingdom.

The town is home to several cultural landmarks, but none are more significant than Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. A shrine within the temple contains a tooth from Buddha, making it one of the religion’s most revered places. It’s said whoever possessed the tooth relic had the divine right to rule the land.

Spiritual ceremonies held in honour of Buddha are performed three times a day, and begin with a mesmerising drum rhythm and the distinct note of the horanewa reed pipe.

The bone-white temple’s construction style is unique to the region, and features an ornate wall and gate at the entrance, and an impressive octagonal pavilion overlooking a moat. The building’s interior is decorated with intricate carvings using gold, silver, bronze and ivory, and colourful frescos and murals line the walls and ceilings.

The temple lies within the royal palace grounds, where you’ll also find the International Buddhist Museum, which tells the story of the how the religion has spread across the world.

4. Go on a wildlife safari at Yala National Park

With a protected area of 130,000 hectares, Yala National Park is home to a diverse range of environments, including monsoon forests, open grassland, scrub country and wetlands. In an ironic twist, this expansive nature preserve was once a hunting ground for the wealthy elite during British rule.

Among the many mammal species that call Yala home, there are several listed as endangered or threatened. On a wildlife safari, keep an eye out for sloth bears, jackals, cheeky toque macaque monkeys, and the stars of the show – the endemic, yet elusive Sri Lankan leopard, and lumbering elephants. Not so rare are the prolific spotted deer, seen grazing in herds throughout the park.

The wildlife-rich wetlands are teeming with local and migratory birds, while stealthy crocodiles lurk beneath the surface of lily-covered ponds.

5. Go back in time at Galle Old Town

In true colonial style, one of the first things Portuguese settlers built at Galle on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast was a fort, and for good reason. By the mid-17th century, the Dutch had taken over and established extra fortifications, including a more substantial wall.

By the late 1700s, it was Britain’s turn to rule the roost and add their own touches, including residential houses and a lighthouse.

Encircled by the wall, Galle Old Town is another of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO sites, and is considered by the UN to be the best example of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia.

The old town seems frozen in time, with narrow cobblestone streets winding among whitewashed colonial-era buildings. Although, the ubiquitous palm trees and tropical climate suggest you’re not in Europe anymore.

Bringing Galle Fort firmly into the 21st century are the many fashion boutiques, jewellers, arts and craft stores, and up-market eateries dotted throughout town.

For such a small island, Sri Lanka punches well above its weight in attractions and experiences. Whether it’s exploring the nation’s rich cultural past, spotting leopards in the jungle, or just lounging on the beach with a cocktail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The post 5 experiences to add to your Sri Lankan itinerary appeared first on samove.com.au.