Get Lost

A trip to the hottest place on Earth

Everyone pines for warm weather when travelling, but ‘the hottest place on earth’ is probably a little further than most would like to go.

The Danakil Depression has been described as the least hospitable place on the face of this planet, with an average daily temperature of 46 degrees Celsius in summer, yet curiosity has gotten the better of intrepid travellers which have started to visit over the last couple of decades.

Insane geological formations of fluoro-bright sulphur will genuinely make you feel as though you’re on another planet.

There’s three-day, two night trips to the Danakil Depression that also take in a trip to the edge of the equally otherworldly Erta Ale: a glowing, furious (and active) volcano deep into the ground, which is probably the most accessible volcano of it’s kind in the world. It’s important to note that this is for the intrepid – extreme temperatures and the nature of the landscape mean this is not a destination for everyone.

But travel is all about getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing places that are nothing like home, and this certainly fits that bill. Plus, you can always say you’ve spent a couple of nights in the world’s least hospitable location (not including that share house you lived in when you were 21).

The future is here: get your own flying car

Imagine rocking up to work in your own personal helicopter.

It’s funny to try and imagine the conversation that led to the creation of The Jetson ONE; “Everyone I’ve got it: what about a drone… but we fly it ourselves?”

It’s a ludicrous idea, and we absolutely love it. The Jetson ONE is described as a ‘personal electric aerial vehicle’, although the Chief Technical Officer of the Swedish company calls it a ‘personal helicopter’. It’s got a top speed of 101 kilometres per hour, and incredibly, weighs in at just 86 kilograms. This isn’t one of those ‘flying car concepts’ – this is an actual product which you can buy (there are still several buyers wanted for the 2023 intake). Yes, it is a bit of a luxury to have a flying vehicle for shits and giggles, but hey – if we had the money, we’d be snapping one up.

The Jetson ONEs are built in Sweden, but are available the world over.

Chasing Waterfalls in Fiji

TLC told you not to, but contrary to popular opinion, I did and don’t regret it. Chasing waterfalls’ is the game, and Taveuni, Fiji’s Garden State, is the playing field.

For those in need of a breath of air from the rigour of scuba diving on Tavenui’s famous coral reefs, the Lavena Waterfall Adventures is the right level of moderate adrenaline-filled thrill-seeking to help recharge the battery.

Within moments of a quick phone call to a local Lavena guide, you’re out on the water exploring the waterfall-rich southeast side of Taveuni, unreachable by land.

The final stop on tour is an impressive three-tiered waterfall cascading from the spectacular mountains of the lush Bouma National Park. You’d be remiss not to take a dip. Freshwater is the perfect remedy to Fiji’s tropical humidity.

One of the friendly guides at Aloha Tours will be more than happy to coordinate this adventure for you, along with other off-the-beaten-track experiences in Taveuni. Just ask about the natural waterslide; you won’t regret it.

Manuscript Cafe

Ever had trouble studying? Writing that novel? Finishing that report? Doing anything productive at all?

Japan, as always, has the answer. And as usual, it’s weird.

The Manuscript Café in Tokyo’s Koenji neighbourhood is designed as a base for anti-procrastination. How? Charging by the hour, for a start.

Credit: Kim Kyung-Hoon

A 150-yen admission fee is followed by a 300-yen hourly charge. Time is money – you’re not going to while away the hours playing candy crush or Football Manager, or watching cat videos when you’re on the clock.

Customers can request (at no extra charge) the owner and main man of the café to nag them to get on with things, and at differing levels; anywhere from gentle nudges to a strict disciplinarian standing behind them until work he is satisfied with what he sees on the laptop in front of him.

The café opened in April 2022, and we like to think productivity has soared as a result.

If you’re a working traveller in Tokyo, get your work done here, so you’ve got more time to enjoy the extraordinary delights of an incredible city.

The best of Vanuatu

It’s been a long wait, but the deserted beaches, underwater adventures and geographic anomalies of Vanuatu are once again within reach of travellers.

The Pacific Ocean country, made up of around 80 islands, released restrictions to fully-vaccinated travellers on July 1.

Our editor Jeremy Drake visited in 2019, just before the pandemic – this is what the world has been missing out on the last few years:

There aren’t many places you can lay on a deserted beach, surf epic breaks and dive stunning reefs, as well as climb to the edge of a volcano and zipline through a jungle.

Air Vanuatu will re-open five non-stop flights a week from Sydney to Port Vila, which is just three hours and 30 minutes. This makes Vanuatu one of the most accessible adventure travel spots for Australians.

We at get lost reckon we know the South Pacific pretty well…it is a region that feels a bit like those people that live down the street that you eventually become best mates with (check our South Pacific Cool Guide from issue one of our digital magazine for more South Pacific epicness).

7 get lost favourites in Vanuatu:

Top 6 New Caledonia Ocean Experiences

On June 8 the world celebrates World Ocean Day.

The event has been running since 1992, but has become more important than in the face of a changing climate. It’s a day to think about how bloody amazing the oceans that surround us are, and what we can do to protect them The theme for the 2022 is ‘Revitalisation: Collective Action for the Ocean’.

New Caledonia is one of the premiere destinations when it comes to underwater experiences. A patchwork of gorgeous beaches, marine life and the second longest reef in the world, the beauty of this French colony is evidence of what we need to protect at all costs.

The South Pacific paradise opened its borders for Australian travellers in March and in May removed its pre-departure test requirements. Now Australian travellers only need to complete a RAT test 48 hours after arrival, which can be done for free in pharmacies in New Caledonia.

Check out the gallery for six of the best ocean-based experiences in this absolute paradise:

French Polynesia in a cargo ship

Not long before the pandemic hit, get lost’s man on the ground Roberto Serrini got to experience the truly majestic collection of islands the Marquesas Island, a section of French Polynesia/Tahiti.

He did it in true get lost style, too: hopping around on a hybrid cargo ship, a mode of travel that was close to home, due to an old family story.

“As a kid, one of my favourite stories was about how my grandfather came to New York City,” Roberto wrote for get lost.

“Travelling from Panama at the age of 12, he was stowed away on a cargo ship, tucked among ropes and crates as a hidden human package. Each time he told me the tale, I hung on every word with the same wide-eyed grip as the first time I heard it.

“It’s this story that peaked my interest in Aranui 5 – a cruise with a beautiful identity crisis; half cargo ship and half luxury cruise liner.

“The difference to my grandfather’s story, however, is I’m trading the Manhattan metropolis for the tropical Marquesas Islands, a handful of extremely remote, pristine islands within Polynesia. And I certainly don’t have to hide behind any crates. If the concept of Aranui 5 sounds a little unorthodox, it’s because it is.

“Sure, it’s a cargo ship that transports much needed supplies to these remote outposts of Polynesia, but it doubles as a luxury cruise ship where I’d be sleeping within the comforts of a delightfully appointed room, and spending my days sipping a cold Hinano beer next to the pool.

“When I first spot the ship, my jaw drops. It’s as if some mad scientist has Frankensteined commerce and tourism into some half-baked, late-night metal explosion. From the front, Aranui 5 doesn’t resemble the grandeur I’d expect. The bow masks its deep belly, which stores everything from cars to livestock, while two spindly cranes breach its sharp hull like a floating praying mantis. When I look to the stern, however, the scenery changes to a manicured amphitheatre of suites surrounding a beautiful open-air deck and pool, and balconies are decorated with colourful chairs inviting us into happy hour.

“It’s this brackish melee of sophistication and rustic culture that captures the intrepid spirit for any traveler willing to make the journey.”

Ever wanted to own your own train?

Toot Toot! All aboard the G-Train!

No, we’re not talking about the famous footballer, get lost is referring to Frenchman Thierry Gaugain’s extraordinary concept, which is being called the ‘Palace on Wheels’ – a kind of modern take on the world famous Orient Express.

Gaugain is a super-yacht designer, and he is now bringing that level of luxury to tracks. The train will feature sleeping space for 18 guests, a party carriage, and several carriages with all-glass exteriors (we hope they don’t go through any rough neighbourhoods).

The thing that is amazing about the G-Train is that it is being sold as a private train – imagine owning your own train!

Gaugain is looking for buyers – so if you’ve got a cool AU $486 million to spare, get in touch.

Devil’s Corner Race around Tasmania

Tasmanian winery Devil’s Corner are hosting an epic race around the Apple Isle this winter.

The race to find ‘The Lost Shipment’ will see three teams of adventurers travel to each corner of the state in an ‘Amazing Race’ style event, split into four legs:

HUON VALLEY

Starting in the south at Huon Valley, racers will sail along the Huon River before swapping the water for the treetops, journeying across the Tahune Forest Airwalk – a cantilevered bridge suspended 40 metres above the Huon River. From there they’ll head sub-zero, to discover the mysterious labyrinth of Hasting Caves and swim in epic underground thermal pools.

SMITHTON

At Smithton (via Cradle Mountain) in the state’s northwest, there’s the chance to ‘Dine with the Devil’ at Devils @ Cradle – a unique sanctuary and conservation facility for the threatened Tasmanian Devil. After this, a full-day, four-wheel drive adventure taking racers to the remote ‘Edge of The World’ region and Tarkine National Park, home to the second largest expanse of cool temperate rainforest in the world.

BRIDPORT

Travelling east to Bridport, there’s the chance to take the plunge at Australia’s only wood-fired Floating Sauna. Here, there’s a traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna, which contrasts with the slightly more intimidating cold plunge directly off a pontoon into the fresh waters of Lake Derby. Not a bad place to make a pit stop in order to ‘recharge’ ahead of the final leg.

EAST COAST

Devil’s Corner Tassie’s east coast is an exceptional slice of paradise, that has thus far (somehow) escaped mass tourism. Awaiting racers is an unspoilt stretch of gorgeous beaches, delicious seafood and exceptional wineries, including Devil’s Corner, the finish line to the race, and where vineyards meet the sea.

To find out how to win your place in the race, visit www.thelostshipment.com.au.

Ancient Okinawa

As well as being one of the world’s most underrated dive spots, and home to awesome wilderness retreats and delicious food, there’s also plenty of history in Okinawa Prefecture.

For almost 500-years, Okinawa and its surrounding islands were part of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This Kingdom once ruled from south of Kyushu in southern Japan, all the way down until (but not including) Taiwan.

Zakimi-jo Castle. It is estimated that there were once as many as 5000 castles total in Japan.

The historic era saw the Ryukyuans become prosperous, a key cog in the maritime trading route of Asia, traders, with evidence in 2022 to be found in the series of pretty epic castles that you can actually go and visit.

get lost have found the three best gusukus on Okinawa Island for you to step back in time in.

Katsuren-jo Castle site

The Pacific Ocean sandwiches Katsuren-jo Castle on two sides, which would have created a formidable lookout in the 13^th to 14^th century when it was built. Nowadays, it has lost its defensive purpose but retains its domineering beauty. In 2016, both Ottoman and Roman Empire currency was dug up at Kasturen, a nod to Okinawa’s status as a major maritime player.

Visit Katsuren

Katsuren is near Uruma, on Okinawa Island’s east coast.

Nakijin-jo Castle site

Nakijin Castle was seemingly built in the 13^th century with tourism in mind. You can actually walk along the top section of the castle and you’ll get some pretting incredible views of the forest and surrounding ocean, and Japan’s famous cherry blossoms bloom around the castle in January and February. Nakijin changed hands a few times in history and was actually burnt to the ground in 1609. It’s size is seriously impressive for the era in which it was constructed.

Visit Nakijin

Nakijin-jo Castle has pretty impressive views whichever way you look.

Zakimi-jo Castle site

Zakimi Castle’s walls were built so strongly in 1420 that you can still walk along them today. It’s pretty special to be able to admire the handiwork of masons, whose work has withstood several hundred years of civil war. There’s also a vreally interesting, informative museum on site, the perfect place to learn more about the gusuku and Okinawa’s rich culture and history.

Visit Zakimi

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