New Caledonia is one of Australia’s closest neighbours, yet somehow manages to fly under the radar as a destination, despite boasting extraordinary beach vistas that look like they’ve been photoshopped (they haven’t) plus a broad range of adventure activities and a unique culture to immerse yourself in.
Flights to our neighbours have just opened up again from Melbourne, joining the 3-hour flights further north up Australia’s East Coast, from Brisbane and Sydney.
Here’s seven reasons why you should drop absolutely everything you are doing, and book some flights:
1. Swim with turtles
Amedee Island, a tiny coral atoll located around 24 kilometres south of Noumea, is a great place to spot these gentle creatures. Make sure to wear reef-friendly sunscreen.
2. Paddle the Drowned Forest
It isn’t hard to work out how the ‘Drowned Forest’ in Blue River Park got its name. Paddle between the trees in a kayak for a bit of adventure in between days lazing on the beach.
Gorgeous clear waters and 25km of immaculate sand – which should be enough. We’re not sure what heaven looks like, but it could do worse than this.
4. Max chill at Oure Lodge Beach Resort
Barefoot luxury personified, take a few steps at be on the beach. The thing we like about this place is it doesn’t try too hard for premium luxury – there’s not much concrete, it blends into the environment…and the environment here is ace.
5. Go for a (proper) hike
It’s little known that New Caledonia boasts some incredible hikes. The Koniambo Trail is a difficult, but rewarding 17km trail that can be done in a day or two. Glorious panoramas included.
I mean, we’re in the Pacific after all? Some epic swells hit this country, even if they can be tricky to get to at times. Bourail is one of the most accessible, and one of the most beautiful too, with rocky outposts flanking the two right handers that break here.
Global travel favourite Hawaiʻi has been hit by some of the most devastating wildfires ever seen in the United States in recent weeks.
There aren’t many destinations in the world as universally loved as the Aloha State.
If you’re a traveller heading to Hawaiʻi, or you know someone who is, here’s what you need to know.
Where are the fires, and how bad are they?
Wildfires are still currently burning on the island of Maui, particularly in West Mauʻi, including one in Lahaina, a major tourist destination on the island. They have been burning for around two weeks.
Over 100 fatalities have been recorded and losses are estimated at over U.S. $6 billion. The fires have been labelled “the worst natural disaster in the history of Hawaiʻi.”
Can I still go to Maui?
No-one should consider travelling to West Maui.
Travellers are still able to visit other areas of Mauʻi, according to Hawaii Governor Josh Green.
“No one can travel to West Maui right now…but all of the other areas of Maui, and the rest of Hawai‘i are safe,” Governor Green said.
“When you come, you will support our local economy and help speed the recovery of the people that are suffering right now.”
Hawaii Tourism is advising travellers to continue visiting the areas of Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia and Hāna, as well as the other Hawaiian Islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island.
Is there any way I can help?
Paying heed to the areas you are advised not to visit is the most important thing any travellers to Mauʻi can do, as well as treating with the island and it’s people with an appropriate understanding of the situation. Around 2,000 people are sheltering at the Kahului Airport on Mauʻi, which remains open.
Visit mauistrong.info for information on where you can make financial donations to support wildfire relief.
In the crisp morning air, our feet crunch lightly on the rainforest floor. The only other sound is coming from the birds who holler at each other across the canopy, as if in conversation. One foot in front of the other, I let my mind drift gently away. And then—“oh f*ck!
I lurch off the trail, shouting “it’s a f*cking snake!” My girlfriend, a few paces back, lets out a little squeal and runs an unnecessary distance back. Regaining my footing, I look closer—laying just where my foot was meant to be planted is a perfectly camouflaged carpet python, her scaly back glistening in the day’s light, tongue flickering in and out as she tries to figure out what this big, blonde, hairy alien is doing in her forest.
We are exploring a different side of K’gari, the world’s largest sand island, formerly known as Fraser Island. We’re hiking through extraordinary rainforest where thousand-year-old trees reach up to create a dense green canopy, and crystal-clear streams trickle through lush undergrowth. Right now, we’re two days into the trek and we’re yet to see another hiker hit the trail. The only sounds we hear are the myriad of birds that call this utopia home.
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The story of K’gari’s creation continues to echo in my mind, since it was shared with me by Luke Barrowcliffe, one of the island’s traditional owners. Luke is a part of the Butchulla nation, a group of people who, according to archaeological evidence, have lived on and cared for this island for at least 5,000 years, and possibly up to 50,000 years.
“When we think about K’gari, it’s like home to us, it’s our country,” he says.
“It’s like walking into your own house that you own —when you walk in that door, you feel at home. When we come over here, we feel that same way every time.
“You feel totally removed from urban civilisation. As soon as you come across here, you leave it all behind,” he explains.
According to Luke, K’gari was a white spirit who helped the god Yendingie create the most beautiful place of all. K’gari then decided to rest there, and transformed into the island itself.
K’gari (pronounced ‘Gurri’) in Butchulla language, was created with her eyes forming the lakes—always facing up to the sky country. She was clothed with trees and shrubs before the Butchulla People were created, so as time went on, K’gari would never be lonely. The Butchulla People lived and died by three laws:
This story is with me now as I wander through the same bushland Luke’s ancestors did thousands of years ago. I wonder how K’gari felt when the Butchulla People were forcibly removed from her?
Our sandy trail winds through and around some of the largest and most impressive trees I have ever laid eyes on. We’re in the aptly named ‘Valley of the Giants’ and I feel tiny in their presence. There are even giants among the giants here; some of these satinay trees are a mind-bending 1,000 years old, meaning we are in the presence of some of the oldest continuously living organisms on earth.
As I lean against an ancient trunk, I imagine Butchulla ancestors moving silently through this same forest, gathering food and making shelter, possibly under this very tree. This tree was chilling here when the Vikings were raiding Europe; when Genghis Khan and Marco Polo were born, this tree was already over two centuries old. In Europe, tourists line up to take photographs of ancient artwork and relics, here we can walk among a different, even older, kind of beauty.
It is easy to find an adventure that works for you on K’gari (see our guide below). There’s over 90 kilometres of diverse trails to tackle, and a multitude of operators catering for small group adventures who have an excellent head for sustainability.
Take our pack free, eco-hike for example. Following a much-needed rinse off in the misty Lake Garawongera, we amble dripping and sandy-footed into our picturesque little bush camp. Our tents are set up already, our overnight bags are there waiting to be ripped apart in search of less pungent attire, there are cold beers to drink and fresh food ready to cook. I could ABSOLUTELY get used to this pack-free life.
There’s also plenty to explore here, from wildlife and adventure, to tracing back through the branches of time. It’s even better when you have the opportunity to explore this wondrous island through the stories, songs and dances of its First Nations peoples.
For this island to reclaim its name is powerful and important. The island was formerly named ‘Fraser Island’ after Eliza Fraser, a Scottish shipwreck survivor in the 1830s (who was proven to have lied profusely about the Butchulla’s poor treatment of her). Before that, it was erroneously named the ‘Great Sandy Peninsula’ by Captain James Cook during his 1770 voyage. Neither of these are right or fitting for this slice of heaven.
Luke speaks passionately about his island, and he explains that there is a growing movement for Butchulla People to move back to their ancestral homeland, bringing with them their ancient culture that is completely entwined with this magical place. Hopefully soon, this paradise will have her people back again.
A little rain won't ruin your day, let alone your holiday.
In fact, green season (aka off-peak) travel is where it’s at.
Imagine this: you’ve got a national park all to yourself, the beaches are empty, the ocean view bungalow is always available AND the humidity doesn’t feel like it’s going to kill you. Welcome to the beauty of green season travel in Thailand!
Spanning July to October, this lush travel period is epic and underrated. Sure, it might rain—but it won’t rain for long. To spark your off-peak interest, here’s where we want to travel this green season:
Koh Tao has long been a global hotspot for travellers itching to get their underwater PADI / SSI diving licence. When it comes to worldwide scuba meccas, this Thai island is up there with Cairns (Australia) and Utila (Honduras).
Koh Tao itself is a tropical paradise; an island off the mainland that’s defined by palm trees, white sand beaches and serious hammock-time. But it’s also home to some serious dive sites. Chumphon is a crazy submerged granite pinnacle that’s absolutely covered in sea anemone and huge schools of barracuda; at White Rock you can swim with the sea turtles; and if wrecks are more your scene, HTMS Sattakut is a former US Navy ship that’s now home to whip rays and gobies playing hide-and-seek in its rusty crevices. Very The Little Mermaid.
Why dive during green season? It’s more like WHY NOT?! If you’ve got flexibility with your dive days then go for it—there will be less travellers on the island, fewer fins in the water and probably a bunch of decent discounts around town.
CHIANG MAI For lush rainforest and bursting waterfalls
Head north and you’ll find yourself in tranquil, mountainous Chiang Mai. Green season is actually the ideal time to hightail it north because the weather is cooling, the waterfalls are full and the monsoon rains are washing away all the smoke and dust from the hot season. It’s a literal breath of fresh air. It’s also ridiculously, super green. Lush, you’d say. Verdant, even.
Chiang Mai is a must-travel for any nature enthusiasts / hikers / outdoor aficionados. It’s home to some of the country’s most epic national parks and Thailand’s tallest mountain. Such a flex. Doi Inthanon National Park is an expanse of biospheres, rainforest and hiking trails. While here make sure you stop by Mae Yai waterfall, where water crashes from a staggering height of 100 metres. Twitchers: keep an eye out. There’s over 300 species of birds hiding in these treetops.
Welcome to Thailand’s ancient capital. Established in the early 13th century, Sukhothai literally means ‘Dawn of Happiness’—pretty apt for the Land of Smiles, right? This region was ruled by a bunch of different kings, but the most famous was King Ramkhamhaeng the Great who ticked a few important things off the royal to-do list, like: create the Thai alphabet and lay the foundations for politics. Impressive.
Nowadays, Sukhothai Historical Park is best discovered by bicycle. And it’s even better during green season when there are less tourists to share the trails. This UNESCO site is home to royal palaces, Buddhist temples, ancient moats, walls and city gates. Then there’s Wat Maha That complex which is everything you’d want from a grand ancient pagoda—go forth and explore like Lara Croft / Indiana Jones.
Bangkok, quite literally, shines in any weather. You can also gorge yourself in any weather too. You don’t need clear skies to eat your way through a city market. It doesn’t matter if it rains when you’re inside learning how to cook legit pad thai from a woman named Anong. If anything, the cooler weather will make tom yum soup more enticing; you might even be persuaded to add a little extra chilli to your noodles.
If it does drizzle, just grab an electric MuvMi tuk tuk (you can order one and rideshare anywhere in the city!) and take yourself on a food tour of Old Town. Ask your tuk tuk driver to stop at their local and order exactly what they’re having. Pull over at street stalls for tasty, unidentifiable skewers. In the evening, make a reservation at one of the city’s more bougie fine dining restaurants. A little rain never hurt anyone’s appetite.
Safari? In Thailand? You heard us. Khao Sok, in Thailand’s south, is a pristine parcel of wilderness just waiting to be explored by foot, by longboat and even by kayak. Play spot the sun bear / leopard / tiger! Count the innumerable reptiles slinking out of the rainforest! Get ready to witness the most majestic of birds!
But is safari a good wet weather activity, you ask? Heck yeah. The cooler weather brings out a different, noisier side to the rainforest. And it also makes for more comfortable trekking. A light afternoon sun shower is the best way to wash the sweat off. Trust us.
Okay, we’ve all seen The Beach. And we’ve all wanted to go to The Beach. Well, before it gets weird and Leo video-games his way through weed fields. ANYWAY, point of the story is that deserted beaches are amazing. Waaaay better than crowded beaches.
Krabi is the picture of perfection, and its beaches are decidedly less busy in the green season. From Railay to Ao Nang to Ton Sai, you’re promised white sand, crystal waters and more than enough space to lay your towel down. What if it rains? Then take shelter for an hour and devour some laarb, before donning your snorkel once again. The rainstorms here never last too long, that’s a guarantee.
There are three things Wurlumbulnga ‘Manuel’ Pamkal knows to be true:
he was born sometime in July when the kapok flowers bloom; he has the best head of hair in the Northern Territory; and sharing Weet-Bix just isn’t the same as sharing campfire yams.
“We would share everything,” Manuel says, while demonstrating how to paint a perfect Mimi spirit (a fairy-like being from Arnhem Land) with just a bendy piece of bamboo grass. “That’s how we lived, how we still live… whatever the men would bring back from hunting and whatever the women would collect—that’s what we’d share.”
Born on Jawoyn traditional land—a 55,000 square kilometre parcel stretching north-west of Katherine, across to the southern part of Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, then down to Mataranka—Manuel’s home country is vast and ancient, full of sandstone gorges and epic waterfalls. Having grown up out bush, he speaks three languages—Dalabon, Kriol and English; can tell a Dreamtime story like no other; and is an award-winning painter. Hence the art class.
Now, I’m not normally a creative who blames their tools, but trying to paint with a single piece of bamboo grass is harder than it looks. Frustrating, even. If you turn the canvas upside down, my bush bat looks more like a fat sheep.
While we paint (or at least I attempt to), Manuel tells me about making bark art with his dad, sleeping under the stars with goannas for pillows and the Dreaming serpent who created all the nearby Nitmiluk gorges. “The first time I saw a white man, I was so scared,” he laughs. “I ran back to my mum, I thought a ghost was in the creek.”
Manuel is a storyteller at his core—a gift that’s at the cultural heart of our First Nations peoples. For millennia, knowledge has been passed down through stories just like this, whether it’s a Dreamtime tale, song or dance. It’s one of the reasons I’m here in the Top End: I’m headed to Barunga Festival, a celebration of all things community, custom and culture. And I’m most excited for the stories.
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Barunga, where Manuel spent most of his childhood, is a small community about an hour’s drive from Katherine, where the town’s 400 person population grows by a whopping 1000% every June as different mobs gather and festival-goers stream in from around the country.
This year is particularly auspicious: the event has been handed back in its entirety to the Bagala Aboriginal Corporation; it’s been 35 years since the Barunga Statement was drawn up; and the Voice referendum is happening in a few months. Everything considered, it’s set to be a big one.
The Barunga Statement, if you’re not in the know, is an historic document created at the 1988 Barunga Festival. The artwork calls for a recognition of land rights, self-determination and a Treaty between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and it was signed by then Prime Minister Bob Hawke. In fact, Yothu Yindi wrote the mega hit ‘Treaty’ in response to this gathering at Barunga. The history! The impact! It’s enough to give you goosebumps.
The drive into Barunga is classic Northern Territory: red dirt roads and big blue skies. The occasional eagle catches an updraft to float above our campervan. As we arrive, hundreds of tents and troopy’s are already setting up camp next to the oval or behind the main stage; there’s a group of kids playing Marks Up in the break between football games; Drake is blasting from the basketball court where two local teams are going head-to-head in a dunking (literally, they can all dunk) competition. The energy is joyous.
That energy shifts into excited anticipation as the entire festival crowd takes a seat for the opening ceremony. We’re all gathered outside, around a large sand stage, when the didgeridoo (traditional wind instrument) starts to sound. There’s nothing quite like the hypnotic drone of a didgeridoo—it’s haunting and otherworldly, echoing the cries of a dingo or kookaburra.
Then the dancers appear. Covered in traditional ochre body paint, they kick up a sandstorm in the evening light, throwing invisible spears. Every dance tells a story, some about hunting kangaroo others how to catch a river fish. It’s frenetic at times—their bodies moving to the beat of clapping sticks—and fluid at others. I feel a collective hair-raising happen around me; this is what it feels like to be truly welcomed onto country.
“You’re on Bagala land now,” says Lisa Mumbin, Jawoyn Associate Chair and remote East Arnhem land woman, to the crowd. “We welcome you, we don’t turn you away… but before we can go forward, I want to make sure that my message gets through to everyone today: Jawoyn supports the Voice to parliament.”
I’d been wondering what the approach to the coming referendum—where Australians will be asked to vote on the creation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice that will represent Indigenous Australians to the parliament and federal government—would be. It turns out the four Northern Territory land councils have spent the last week in discussion. The result? A unified ‘yes’ in support of constitutional recognition. Once again, Barunga stands as a place to do historic, significant business.
“You’re going to be enriched in the next few days, remember to listen and to listen carefully,” says Lisa.
Her words become my mantra as I explore the festival. I sit with women from Wudiculpyderr and Merrepen, Peppimenarti and Nemarluk as they weave dilly-bags and fish traps; Chiyo Andrews shows me how to grind lemongrass and eucalyptus to make bush medicine balms and oils; I watch women make damper over open fire and men sand back didgeridoos; and I take a tour of the town with the Barunga Guides, a group of shy school kids, one of whom is a traditional owner and she’s only six.
One afternoon, I’m peed on by about a hundred terrified bats; another morning, I take a dip in the river, keeping an eye peeled for crocodiles. This is the Northern Territory after all, and life here is pretty wild.
At night, the music starts. The crowd lets loose as Coloured Stone play their 1984 hit ‘Black Boy’; they go wild for Yilila band’s mix of traditional Red Flag songs and high energy reggae and rock; songman and ceremony leader, Ngulmiya Nundhirribala, sends the audience into a trance with his god-like voice. Ngulmiya sings versions of formerly private ceremony songs—they’re all in native language and it’s impossible not to be moved.
Then there’s Terry Guyula, the frontman and songwriter from Drifting Clouds, whose main inspiration is Yothu Yindi. Barunga Festival is Terry’s first big gig and he has all his family here to support him. They erupt when he steps up to the mic.
On the last night, Ngulmiya invites his grandson—who can’t be older than six—up on stage. “These songs we’re singing tonight are hundreds of years old,” he says. “Whenever we perform overseas, we think of this land… being here in the Northern Territory is where we’re most comfortable, because we’re sharing our songs with our family.”
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And sharing, I realise, is what is at the heart of Barunga Festival. From Manuel sharing his stories and Chiyo sharing her medicine knowledge to Ngulmiya sharing his cultural songs and Lisa, quite literally, sharing her land with us.
At the footy grand final on the last day, the supporters are going absolutely wild for their teams. Young kids are clapping and old women are screaming as the players throw themselves at the ball. It’s do or die; footy is everything up here. There’s a woman standing next to me, she’s tiny but she’s got a set of Pavarotti lungs, when I hear her shout: “take it easy you lot, we’ve all got mob on both sides… this is for everyone.”
And apparently even footy glory has got to be shared at Barunga.
Just few years ago, Palau’s Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk island was closed to swimmers and divers due to declining jellyfish numbers. This was a smart decision by the Palau powers-that-be; just another instance of a small government leading the way in conservation and preservation of the natural world.
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The good news: Jellyfish Lake is back open. Even better news: the population of (harmless) ethereal golden jellyfish are well and truly on the rise. Having built the population back to pre-tourism levels, a number of measures have been introduced to ensure this extraordinary phenomena can be experienced safely and without disrupting the natural environment.
Perhaps the best news is that while most migrations might take place once a year, or once in a blue moon, the jellyfish here migrate EVERY SINGLE DAY (also known as a diel migration), spending much of their lives on the move as they follow the arc of Big Yella.
Mobula Rays are a species of ray that move in thousand-strong squadrons along the Sea of Cortez off Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.
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Our favourite fact about Mobulas? They leap as high as two metres out of the water to impress a potential mate. What a sick way of flirting.
Witnessing their acrobatics up close isn’t difficult to organise. The Mobulas aren’t secretive about their migration—Mobula madness takes place along the Sea of Cortez coastline every year from April to August and then again from November to January.
They’re pretty chill with human interaction too, so divers and decent swimmers can paddle up close alongside the Mobulas during this show of extraordinary aquatic acrobatics.
Imagine: thousands of reindeer (also known as caribou) hurtling, slipping, sliding and galloping across a mass of white snow and ice.
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That’s what to expect from Canada’s reindeer migration, where the fairytale-like (but very real) creatures make the trek north to preferred breeding grounds. The 80-kilometre trip sees hundreds of thousands of reindeer travel from Inuvik to Richards Island, Northwest Territories, anywhere from late-March to late-May.
It is a fascinating (if a little chilly) event to witness. At Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge in Nunavut (a long way north) you can actually watch them go by from the comfort of your own room, given they *fly* straight past the lodge.
We recommend getting out there and amongst it—you can get pretty close without affecting the natural order of the herd. The sound of so many majestic beasts flying towards you, and around you, will make you feel as if the tundra you stand on is on the move.
While Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, might be a trendy metropolis of art, culture and cool bars, the rest of the country is somewhat different. Take the Tusheti region in the country’s northeast, for example; a poster-destination for remote, untouched, rugged beauty.
Every September, the shepherds of Georgia’s north herd flocks of sheep down mountains to a warmer climate. What is done by trucks in other countries is not possible here; the narrow, slippery roads that hug the steep bends of the Caucasus Mountains are not safe enough to transport livestock by vehicle. It is therefore done the old-fashioned way—by foot and on horseback.
For an incredible experience, head to the high-altitude village of Omalo around the end of September, and follow the same trails that have been walked for thousands of years. Hospitality is a big part of the culture here, and in the little villages dotted along the trails you’ll be sure to find guesthouses and delicious home-cooked meals. And probably (definitely) wine.
You might be thinking entomology AKA insect watching is less get lost and more Pensioner’s Weekly; a safer alternative to bird watching (you never know when the rare black-browed babbler might swoop). But trust us, when we say Mexico’s monarch butterfly migration is absolutely get lost-worthy.
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We’re not talking about a few hundred or a few thousand butterlies here—we’re talking colonies of no less than 20 million of these pretty flutterers travelling south, upwards of 120 kilometres per day.
They leave Canada and the U.S. for the warmth of Mexico in the winter, and then head back again in summer (ain’t no wall stopping these guys, Trumpy). If you’re in Mexico, butterflies start arriving in November through to late-March. We highly recommend visiting one of their summer sanctuaries to witness them landing en masse. Pretty epic.
15 ADVENTURES FOR THE SERIOUSLY SNOW STOKED SWAP THAT ISLAND FOR A SNOW FIELD, WE DARE YA!
Controversial opinion: winter is seriously underrated. Don’t get us wrong, we love a balmy paradise as much as the next former backpacker, but the world is home to some ridiculously epic, insanely unique cold weather experiences. You’re missing out if you’re sleeping on them.
From getting slammed with snowballs in a Japanese Yukigassen game, to going ice fishing in the coldest inhabited region on Earth, these are the chill thrills that make us want to book a flight to the Arctic/Scandinavia/Kyrgyzstan asap. BYO puffer jacket and sense of adventure. Wimps not welcome.
The indigenous Sámi people live in the northern parts of northernmost parts of Europe and Russia’s Kola Peninsula, and are historically, seasonally nomadic reindeer herders.
A trip to this part of the world involves some serious cultural immersion; staying in traditional lavvu tents and getting up close and personal with Rudolf, Prancer and Vixen. The whole reindeer gang. If you’re into pristine wilderness, you should probably get to the Arctic asap.
Australia is many things—epic stretches of coastline, humid rainforest, red desert. But is there enough snow for dog sledding? The answer is YEP.
Forget the Arctic, all you have to do is head to Victoria’s Alpine National Park region and you’ll find a few companies offering bona fide husky dog sledding. You’ll join a pack of 10 doggos on a race down snowy ski slopes and across backcountry bush in a mesmerising whirl of white.
Also known as ‘the world’s most epic snowball fight’ the Japanese take their snow battles seriously.
So seriously they turned it into a legit sport. Yukigassen (which literally translates to snow-battle) is played with seven players and 90 snowballs per side, on a court that features small snow barriers that players can hide behind. The concept is a bit like dodgeball, in that if you’re hit by a snowball you’re out. The aim of the game is to either capture the opposing team’s flag or just smash each and every one of them with a snowy hard hitter. Whichever you choose.
The rare and elusive snow leopard can be found across roughly 12 central Asian regions, but arguably the best perch for great cat sightings is wild Ladakh.
Sitting high (literally) at an altitude between 3,300 and 6,000 metres, this region gets super cold and delightfully snowy in the winter time. Perfect for spotting leopards on the prowl. Prepare yourself for a real adventure—you’ll be flying over the Himalayas, then driving and trekking into pow-covered valleys.
Uncrowded runs? Cheap ski prices? Deep powder? If you’re looking for an off-beat, adventure-fuelled ski destination—Kyrgyzstan needs to be added to your winter bucket list. Stat.
This landlocked Central Asian country has been a popular snow spot for Russians and Kazakhs in the past, but the rest of the world is only juuuuust starting to realise it’s a competitor to North America and Europe. With a bunch of parks to choose from, flowy tree runs and epic off-piste, plus cosy yurts to rest your head after a big day on the slopes, Kyrgyzstan won’t disappoint.
… In the coldest inhabited place in the world—Yakutia. Located in the Republic of Sakha, in Russia’s far east, Yakutia sits along the Arctic Ocean where temperatures can get down to -64°C some winters.
In Yakutia’s autumn, you can join locals in some traditional fishing, known as ‘munkha’. This is a unique, innovative fishing ritual that involves multiple ice holes and one super large net. It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding. Every year entire villages can gather hundreds of kilograms of fish—a haul that will feed them all through the winter.
* This is a region in Russia, and travel to Russia is strongly discouraged / impossible right now. BUT! That doesn’t mean we can’t add the tiny town of Yakutia to our bucket lists. One day…
This is for those of us who want a fancy snow experience. And it doesn’t get fancier than the prestigious ‘high goal’ snow polo tournament on St. Moritz’s frozen lake.
An annual bash originating in 1985, this equestrian spectacle sees two teams compete for victory in the world’s highest-paying tournament on snow. To truly enjoy the exclusive snow polo event, consider splashing out for a VIP ticket (you’ll probably spot a celebrity or three) and indulge in world-class gastronomy and free-flowing Champagne.
Not feeling challenged by a 42-kilometre jog on regular old asphalt? You could give Antarctic ice a go.
This has got to be one of the most intense races in the world, with contestants fronting up against snow and ice, an average windchill of -20ºC and an altitude of 700 metres. Worth it to join The 7 Continents Marathon Club? Heck yeah. Don’t expect a PB though, those Antarctic winds are gnarly and can blow at a steady 10 to 25 knots any given day. Wild.
You don’t think the word ‘cosy’ can be synonymous with ‘ice hotel’? Guess again. The gang at ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi have created a fairytale-like wonder.
Located in a tiny Arctic village up in Swedish Lapland. This hotel is rebuilt every winter because—if you’re still not understanding—IT’S MADE ENTIRELY OF ICE. They use snow and ice blocks from the Torne River to build a veritable fortress including an ice bar, ice church and some seriously cool (sorry!) suites.
Gorgeous refugios, world-class steaks and powder-packed volcano bowls: welcome to skiing in the Andes!
Backcountry Chile is home to a bunch of ski-able volcanoes, like Volcano Lonquimay, Volcano Villarrica and Volcano Lanin, where you can slide down their steep sides in a magnificent flurry of snow and adrenaline straight into a volcanic hot spring. VAMOS, AMIGOS.
From professional snowboarding to coffee roasting to beer brewing, the gang behind Shelter Distilling in Mammoth Lakes are a versatile bunch.
Nowadays they’re focused on creating spirits that mirror the grand nature of the Eastern Sierra. They’re all about finding adventure on the mountain and then sipping on a spirited something or other (pick your delicious poison) as a sundowner.
Never heard of Steamboat Springs? Grab a world map and put a pin on it!
This winter haven in Colorado is chill thrills central, from world-class skiing and snowboarding to jumping on a fully enclosed UTV snow buggy. These monster buggies seat up to four people and will see you shredding (in a different way) across the pow-packed landscape.
Forget Kilimanjaro. Did you know that six of Africa’s 10 highest peaks are all in one Ugandan national park?
And did you know the region reaches such heights that there’s snow and ice and glaciers to be found? IN AFRICA, NO LESS. The Rwenzori Mountains NP is probably one of Africa’s best kept secrets, meaning you’ll probably have the park all to yourself. If you’re a technical climber, tackle the famed Mt. Stanley’s Margherita Peak for a serious snow challenge.
This has got to be one of the most epic ways to get to a glacier. And just generally scope out wintertime Alaska.
The gang at Alaska Helicopter Tours will fly you over the ridiculously massive, and ridiculously beautiful, Knik River Valley glaciers. Just a short flight from Anchorage.
These flights operate year-round, but we reckon winter is your best bet, with a heap of glacier landing options available where you can get out of the chopper and walk the brilliantly blue frozen landscape. Gotta be seen to be believed!
Fancy braving the elements without actually being in them? British Colombia’s most epically cosy spot for a bit of winter storm watching is the luxurious Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino.
Perched on the very edge of the coast, this location has long been a go-to local spot for watching the wild waves break upon the rocks.
Strap in, winter in BC brings gale force winds, huge waves, snow and energetic skies. This landscape really comes alive during winter. Chasing an adrenaline rush? The lovely people at the Wickaninnish Inn have complimentary rain gear on hand for any brave explorers.
This is what get lost are vibing, and what we aren’t vibing, in travel right now.
IN:
get lost nominated for travel publication of the year
The nominations for Mumbrella’s Travel Publication of the Year were announced yesterday, and what do you know…little old get lost found themselves in the list of nominees.
We’re not big on back-pats, but this is a big IN for sure. Thanks to all our readers for your support over the last year – we love bringing travel inspiration your way.
BABY SEATS
A women and her six-month old sit next to me for my overnight Melbourne to Bali a few weeks back. “Oh fuck,” I think to myself. Or maybe I said it, because she looks at me and says (the mother, this is, not the baby) “Don’t worry, I’ve got a secret weapon.” Her husband emerges from somewhere else further back on the plane not long after take-off with a blow up baby bed that attaches to the seat, then disappears once his work is done. I swear I’ve never seen anyone – baby or fully grown human – sleep as soundly as this little guy did, through turbulence even, nestled so comfortably in what must feel like some sort of safe, cosy cloud. I wish there was an adult version of this.
New Zealand SkyNests
Speaking of sleep, haven’t the Kiwis just gone and outdone themselves with this operation. The Skynests are the pods that allow you to get some quality shuteye on a long haul, that can be booked out for four hours at a time. They’re a little pricey, sure, but what price can you put on sleep on a plane.
OUT:
PRICEY H20
We get it – you get what you pay for with low-cost carriers, but paying for water on aeroplane just seems kind of barbaric.
PAYING FOR WI-FI
In the same vein as the above, our publisher was recently charged around AU $30 for Wi-Fi at a hotel. We’re all for being off devices and interacting with each other as much as possible, but in 2023, Wi-Fi should be free. So when it’s 30 bucks? Ya gotta be jokin.
NATIONAL CARRIERS NOT STOCKING NATIONAL BEERS
Everything is global these days, which is why it’s just as important as ever to preserve national identity through the little things – like national carriers, and beer.
For instance, we reckon it’d be great if you got on a Qantas flight and were greeted with only Australian beers; a Fosters (even if it is brewed in Scotland) or VB, plus a selection of local craft beers to go with it. Same goes for the wine list.
We reckon everyone needs to take a leaf out of Sri Lankan Airlines’ books, who will happily pour you an ice cold Lion Lager – the national beer that is proudly stocked everywhere throughout the entire country.
THE SEATBELT SIGN GRAND PRIX
This one really grinds our gears.
The mad rush when the seatbelt sign comes off has always been ridiculous, but we think it’s reaching absurd levels.
There is nothing more anxiety-inducing than an uneven queue to get out, people jostling for position at the overhead lockers, jumping the line in an attempt to break away and set a world record through customs. Like we get it, everyone’s keen to leave, but take it easy and follow this one simple step: never (unless waved through) go until the row in front of you has gone. Simple.
You’ll probably have to wait together at the baggage carousel anyway. Chill out.
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Get in touch: info@getlostmagazine.com if you’ve got any thoughts on the above, or any INS and OUTS of your own.
It’s been quite the transformation for filmmaker Wes Anderson in recent years, whose surrealist films have gone from Avant Garde to trending on social media.
Even if you haven’t seen The Grand Budapest Hotel (which you NEED to watch, btw) you know the aesthetic, and you know the trend: bright pastel colours in aesthetically pleasing scenes marked by complete symmetry, with dainty background music to boot.
To mark Wes’ latest film, Asteroid City, AirBnB and get lost have found five stays where you can live out your wildest Wes Anderson-themed dreams – BYO ludicrous adventure.
1. Retro Caravan Nights, Auckland, New Zealand
Claris is a rebuilt 10.4′ Clipper Caravan that was saved from demolition on a north island farm 2 years ago. Now it’s a pastel coloured dream in Omana Clifftop Regional Park in New Zealand, on the doorstep of Hauraki Gulf. We absolutely love this little gem.
This one is much more Asteroid City than it is French Dispatch or Grand Budapest Hotel. It’s a spaceship in the English countryside that consists of a double bed and two single beds, which can be used as sofas. There is a monitor for gaming classic 80’s games like space invaders and defender and the hatch is remote controlled. There is also an escape hatch in case of emergency, which sounds quite cool to us: “QUICK, THE ALIENS ARE HERE, THEY KNOW WE STOLE THEIR CAR… TO THE EMERGENCY CHUTE!”
At ‘Secret Suite’, which probably isn’t that secret given we’re sharing it to our audience as a global travel inspiration magazine, you’ve got the best of both worlds. It’s like a pastel version of your classic Mediterranean white and blue, still overlooking a tranquil slice of heaven that is Amoudi Bay, a 200 step walk from Oia town. Some Greek nationalists and architecture purists might turn their nose up at the colours here but to us, it is glorious.
We’re not sure how big Wes is in the Spanish-speaking world, but these guys have clearly come under his influence stylistically.
Bright pink everything and slightly futuristic, the flat is right in the middle of the Spanish capital. Madrid is trendy af right now, and this is a cool and affordable place to stay, which would make you trendy: level omega.
Back to Greece, where we find part of the owners description of this assuring us:
“There is no reason to fear the special entrance of the apartment building, nor the speed of the elevator, as they are both parts of the scene!”
We’re not entirely sure what that means – does the elevator go really fast, or really slowly – but it does sound exciting. There are plenty of elevator scenes in The Grand Budapest Hotel in particular, so this New York loft-style apartment gets the nod on this list. We also love the bookcase.
So there’s this island in Indonesia, about a six-hour flight from the Eastern states and even less from the west. It’s an incredible destination: epic beaches, delicious food, surf and wild parties. AND it’s super cheap, even for really nice accommodation.
It’s called Bali. Ever heard of it?
Alright I get it, we’re not breaking any exclusives when we tell you about Bali, where Australians have been travelling like a 9th state/territory since at least the 1960s.
Most Aussies have found themselves there at some point. But not me, which is kind of crazy when you think about it; a 30-year-old Australian travel writer who hasn’t been to Bali.
It’s not like I didn’t want to go, but was it top of the list? Meh…I mean I’ve seen everyone’s Instagrams…what more could there be?
Here’s a few things I learnt on my first trip to Bali:
1) It’s underrated.
O.K hear me out. I have this belief that New Year’s Eve, as a party/holiday, is underrated because of the way everyone says it’s overrated. Everyone says that, your expectations are low, and before long you’re hugging your friends on a beach somewhere, there’s homemade fireworks going off and you’re drunk and you’re discovering that it’s actually an epic time. Bali is the New Year’s Eve of travel destinations. I constantly found things were pleasantly surprising me, for example…
2) Balinese food: massively underrated
One of the most primary sources of pleasant surprise came from the food. Time and time again over the course of a week, we ate like Kings and Queens, devouring mild and spicy and everything in between. Bubur Ayam is like chicken porridge, and the best one in Bali can be found at the Archipelago International restaurant in Ubud
3) It’s beautiful
This one might not come as much of a surprise, but it needs to be said. Bali is one of the places that is just as good in reality, as it is on social media. There’s no let down when you reach the beach; it really is long stretches of sand, warm, light-blue water and bars as far as the eye can see.
4) It’s no busier than Europe’s tourist traps
At least here you can spread out; find your own little stretch of sand to chill out in, or spread your money across the numerous bars and restaurants that line the narrow streets. Whereas in Paris, there literally is only one Mona Lisa.
5) You can be whoever you want to be
A group of teenagers and early-twenty-somethings can go to Bali and party and have the time of their life, with stories coming out of their asses when they get back. But by the same token, Bali is also suitable for a married couple of 40 years, honeymooners, full-moon hippie types, the clean eaters and yogis, the bookworm, the adventurer and the person who just needs to get away for a week. There’s something for everyone.
6) Each area has its own personality
We stayed in Canggu, where there was an exceptional beach party happening on the main beach just down the road each night. We then transferred to Ubud, where I could not have been any more zen. Pick the suburb that’s right for you.
7) I will be back
Everyone who can afford to (which is anyone who can afford an international holiday, given its affordability) needs to get to Bali once in their life. Take it from a reformed Bali sceptic.
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