Canyons and rapids, the Rocky Mountains, open pastures and alpine meadows characterise the 160 kilometres that make up northern Colorado’s Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway. And there’s no better way to see it than on a road trip.
Spend a few days before you get going at Fort Collins, Colorado’s craft beer capital and one of the first National Heritage Areas west of the Mississippi. In this charming town you’ll likely see as many bicycles as cars, plus there’s the New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing Co (just to name a couple of bright beer spots), Poudre Whitewater Park and a full contingent of live music venues.
From Fort Collins, buckle up for a road trip that is sure to deliver jaw-dropping views as you take US Highway 287 northwest to its intersection with Colorado Highway 14 in Bellvue. From there the highway proceeds up the rugged Cache la Poudre River Canyon. Be sure to pull over and catch a view of the Cache la Poudre’s famed whitewater rapids – they’re a must for advanced kayakers to take on. Following this designated Wild and Scenic River (the only river in Colorado with this title), you’ll experience terrain alternating between wild canyons, serene pastures and alpine meadows, with plenty of spots where you can fish for brown and rainbow trout.
Progressing uphill, Highway 14 tops out at Cameron Pass, a low forested saddle between the Rawah Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. Here, take in the views of North Park’s bowl-shaped basin and some of Colorado’s curiously named mountain ranges – Medicine Bow, the Never Summer and Rabbit Ears. Continuing into North Park will bring wildlife lovers among coyotes, moose and elk, and to the old town of Walden in the centre of the park. Known as the Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado, Walden’s quaint and historic downtown is dotted with dining options.
Driving an hour further, you’ll find Steamboat Springs tucked behind Medicine Bow, a ski resort with a distinct cowboy culture that delivers adventure year-round. Home to several hot spring pools to relax in while soaking up the views, we’d say this is the perfect place to end a day on the Cache la Poudre.
Take advantage of a seriously under-appreciated Southeast Asian stopover, with Philippine Airlines flying from Sydney to Manila then on to London. Packed with personality, the Philippines capital is also a little easier to get your head around on a first-time visit than, say, Bangkok. No stop here is complete without a stroll around Intramuros, the old walled city housing most of the Spanish colonial-era landmarks, like San Agustin Church, Plaza de Roma and Casa Manila. The best way to do that is on a walking tour with Carlos Celdran, who is reason alone to visit Manila.
There are also plenty of historical World War II sites – many of them, including the spot where General MacArthur bunked until the Yanks scarpered, are located on the island of Corregidor in Manila Bay. The dining and nightlife scene here is really sophisticated too, with spots like Blackbird, Scottish chef Colin Mackay’s contemporary fine-diner set in the old air-traffic control tower, and hidden cocktail bar Proof setting the scene.
The jungle is thick, green and steamy and you will be caked in sweat. It will run rivers down your arms and chin. No need to despair though, there is a heavenly aqua pool surrounded by limestone rock at the base ofthe waterfall where you don’t even have to change into your swimmers to enjoy. It’s laidback and pretty casual here on Malekula Island, Vanuatu, everything is done with a laugh and a smile.
There’s not a man-made structure in sight. It’s all just green and lush. There are butterflies, bird song, splashing and laughter. This is what you want when you come to the pacific – nature at its most magnificent.
Vanuatu may not be on the tourist radar yet, and that’s exactly the attraction. There’s no luxury resorts on Malekula Island. Outside the capital city, there’s no electricity and very little infrastructure. The roads are a bumpy adventure in themselves.
A visit to Losinwei waterfall is easy to organise once you’re on Malekula Island especially if you’re in the north near Norsup airport and Lakatoro, the capital city of this province. Just ask your host to arrange a guide and bus to the base of the short walk. You don’t need to book ahead. Things here work at their own pace and everything is done with a smile.
While you’re lazing in the pool you can devour freshly cut pawpaw and banana and wash it down with green coconut juice straight from the coconut. If this sounds like heaven to you…it’s because it is. After a dip, there’s tons of time for relaxing and taking in the bush and beautiful falls.
The Losinwei Jungle Waterfall trip includes cultural dances, a 3 day bush walk, some visits to an old cannibal site and viewing traditional canoes that Malekula Island is famous for. There’s tons to do…you can either lay on your back and let the soothing falls wash away your worries or you can explore deep into the jungle.
We promise you there’s no music festival in the world that is as unique and awe inspiring as the water-drumming, singing ladies of the sea at Gaua Island, Vanuatu.
The Ëtëtung or water music is a soothing, sonic and visual experience where ladies in hand woven costumes adorned with tropical flowers and beat a calming, hypnotic rhythm with their arms and bodies by lashing, splashing, scooping, slapping, skimming, swirling at the water while singing traditional song.
Each song is not only a deep water beat that you can feel and hear but also a whimsical song sung by the ladies in their local language. Stories and tales are shared. While you may not understand it all, you sure will feel it. The women’s eyes are alive with joy and participation is encouraged, so if you’re brave enough you’ll be invited to join in the dance.
If you’re looking for a truly unique cultural experience, this one is hard to beat. So is Gaua Island. It’s remote, wild and full of adventure.
If visiting an authentic tribe in their forest and flowered environment isn’t awe inspiring enough, the energy hits another level once the male warriors stomp dust, begin to sing their throaty chants and start to dance.
While not every dance is a war dance, let’s be honest…with a history of cannibalism, chiefs with multiple wives and alternative beliefs, the people of Malekula Island in the Vanuatu archipelago certainly have some pretty wild and wonderful stories to share. You are in for a real treat because telling a tale, which is known locally as ‘storian’, is one of the national pass times.
Malekula is one of Vanuatu’s 14 main islands and the second largest in the archipelago. It lies between the popular tourist destination of Espiritu Santo and the island of Efate where the capital Port Vila is located but Malekula is still quite remote and is shrouded in mystery.
Nothing in this tour is overtly commercial or touristy. As you sit in the ancient Malekula tribal forested homelands you will notice that there may not be any wifi but the air will be charged with spirit and energy. And best of all, the locals are known for being the friendliest people on earth. There will always be a laugh and genuine kindness.
It can be a sweltering 45°C outside, but at Ski Dubai the temperature is a constant, perfect minus two. It’s all part of the snowy mirage created at the Mall of Emirates. There are five runs, as well as freestyle zones for perfecting your tricks. And if you think there’s no chance for high adventure, perhaps you want to try the world’s first indoor black diamond run, at 400-metres long with a 60-metre drop.
For those more into chillin’ than thrillin’, there’s the chance to get up close and personal with the resident king and gentoo penguins. There’s a swag of packages available, visitors can meet the penguins, take part in a range of training sessions and even swimming with these adorable, fury delights.
It’s one of the most stunning music venues you’ll ever see, and fans from all around the world come here to take in the surrounding landscape and catch some of their favourite acts in every genre.
During the day, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, located a 30-minute drive from downtown Denver, is a free city park with a number of trails – the shortest is 2.2 kilometres but there are longer ones, too – that are extremely popular with hikers and joggers. Also on site is the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, showcasing the state’s diverse musical talent, from John Denver to Phillip Bailey (of groove sensations Earth, Wind & Fire).
Some legendary musicians, including the Beatles (1964) and U2 (1983), have played shows at the amphitheatre, which is formed by two sandstone monoliths that create acoustic perfection. The world-famous venue saw its first performers way back in 1941, and today the summer concert series, from May through October, presents the best artists in jazz, rock, pop, bluegrass and more. Seeing a concert under the stars is a magical experience.
This could well be the best backdrop for a music festival you’ve ever experienced. Set at the base of the majestic San Juan Mountains, yet with an intimate format to bring you close to the musicians, it’s no surprise Telluride Jazz Festival ranks among the world’s most memorable musical get-togethers.
It’s taken place each August since 1977, and during three days and nights Telluride Jazz Festival continues to celebrate the art, soul, history and future of the jazz genre. Festival-goers can experience world-class jazz, funk, soul, folk and gospel performances, intimate late-night shows, interactive jams and a lively New Orleans second line parade, with colourful floats, costumes and beads, through the town of Telluride.
Beyond the typical music festival, there are free morning yoga sessions, a historical walking tour, and VIP culinary and cocktail experiences. There’s also the opportunity to explore the historical mining town, as well as the many trails and adventures among the nearby 4,000-metre Rocky Mountain peaks. If Telluride’s gold rush history has you wanting to see more, try a guided 4WD jeep tour with Telluride Outside that takes you onto old mining roads that were carved into the San Juan Mountains more than a century ago, visiting what remains of ghost towns that were once home to booming mining communities.
There’s a range of ticket options available to customise your experience, with full three-day tickets, Jazz After Dark performances or one-day options if the location has you wanting to explore beyond. Following the Jazz After Dark shows, the late-night Liberty Sessions take place at The Liberty Bar & Lounge from 11.30pm, free of charge.
Huskies adore running, and their incredible power and skill has been utilised for centuries to transport goods and people in some of the world’s most remote, snow-bound communities. They’re a joy to watch, but it’s even more fun to let them take you on a wild sled ride through the snow and ice. Especially when that snow and ice is located in the idyllic setting of Finland.
As part of Hurtigruten’s Follow the Lights 18-day small group escorted tour, you’ll visit a husky farm in northern Finland to learn all about these amazing creatures. There’s also the unique opportunity to experience a sled ride through a landscape of frozen lakes, fairy-tale forests and snowy plateaus.
What’s a husky sled ride like? It’s exhilarating to say the least. Imagine being pulled along by up to 60 huskies across the snowy Finnish terrain at speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour. Imagine if you fail to follow rule number one of sled club: don’t let go of the sled! That’s not a whole lot of fun, but you’ll receive proper training and safety tips before you set off. But seriously, don’t let go of the the sled.
The stunning landscape of southeast Alaska, also known as the Alaska Panhandle, is where you’ll find Kalgaya Point, a lookout taking in the small township of Haines and the northern part of the famous Inside Passage.
Despite the rugged landscape, the trail from Haines to Kalgaya Point is well-maintained and moderately trafficked so you won’t be jostling other travellers out of the way for a decent view. The potential for wildlife sightings is huge and you might see eagles, waterfowls, porcupines, whales, seals, winter wrens and moose.
Take a guided hike and learn more about the area and the Indigenous people’s uses for the various plants encountered along the trail. As the trail slowly rises, the sensational panorama of snow-capped mountains and coastal Haines comes into view. From this vantage point you can see Chilkat Inlet to the south and Chilkoot Inlet to the north. Soak it up – you’re far enough from civilisation that the only sounds you’ll hear are the occasional bird call or squirrel chirp.
The rocky forest trail, broken with dense tree roots, leads down to a pebbled beach. Stand on the beach and watch for seals, sea lions and the tell-tale blows or flukes of humpback whales, before heading back along the same trail to your Hurtigruten ship.
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