Dec2011_TRAVEL TOPIC
OTHER STOPOVER OPTIONS TO EUROPE
by Joanne Harding-Smith
In the next issue we will be releasing our European Earlybird deals for anyone traveling to Europe next year, so I thought it timely to talk about combining a classic European holiday with an off the beaten track destination by adding in one of these stopovers. It’s also an economical way of seeing some place different without going there as a separate holiday.
by Joanne Harding-Smith
In the next issue we will be releasing our European Earlybird deals for anyone traveling to Europe next year, so I thought it timely to talk about combining a classic European holiday with an off the beaten track destination by adding in one of these stopovers. It’s also an economical way of seeing some place different without going there as a separate holiday.
Oman
You can fly into Muscat via Abu Dhabi with Etihad or via Dubai with Emirates. It’s then a two and a half hours drive south with its vast dunes. Stay in a desert camp nestled between the dunes in luxurious lodgings modeled on Bedouin style tenting to experience the traditional Arabian landscape.
South Africa
Fly into Johannesburg and it will lessen the effects of jetlag as it shares a timezone with Europe. You can then fly directly to many European cities. Better still, Jo’burg is only a three hour drive away from Madikwe Game Reserve, much closer than Kruger. Covering 75,000 hectares, Madikwe is home to 66 mammal species and over 350 resident and migrant bird species. The range of accommodation at the malaria-free reserve is broad and caters to various demographics, with this being a very family-friendly destination. Family safari lodges include Jacis Lodge and Morukuru Lodge, while eco experiences (I’m thinking of you Howard) come in the form of Buffalo Ridge Lodge and Mosetlha Bush Camp. Safari and spa experiences are also on offer at places like Etali Safari Lodge and Madikwe Bush House.
Mauritius
Air Mauritius don’t fly directly out of Brisbane but do include the flight via Sydney, or Melbourne. I went to Mauritius many, many years ago and still remember it as being a little slice of paradise. From lazing on the beach or hiking through the rugged mountains that rise dramatically out of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is more than just a flop and drop destination. Of particular interest is the peninsula in the south-west of the country, Le Morne Brabant. It was used as a shelter by runaway slaves through the 18th century and into the early years of the 19th century. They formed small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne Brabant mountain, which is now World Heritage listed. It’s a melting pot of different cultures, the cuisine is amazing, a real French/creole mix. Most resorts include breakfast and dinner as their standard offering. I had the chance to go deep sea fishing when there and although it wasn’t marlin season I did bag me a big yellow fin tuna – and yes, I have the photos to prove it!
Don’t forget that only Maverick Travel at Samford lets you travel anywhere, any time and pay with your membership rewards points. Contact us on 3289 3700 and let us help you turn your American Express membership rewards points into your next trip.
You can fly into Muscat via Abu Dhabi with Etihad or via Dubai with Emirates. It’s then a two and a half hours drive south with its vast dunes. Stay in a desert camp nestled between the dunes in luxurious lodgings modeled on Bedouin style tenting to experience the traditional Arabian landscape.
South Africa
Fly into Johannesburg and it will lessen the effects of jetlag as it shares a timezone with Europe. You can then fly directly to many European cities. Better still, Jo’burg is only a three hour drive away from Madikwe Game Reserve, much closer than Kruger. Covering 75,000 hectares, Madikwe is home to 66 mammal species and over 350 resident and migrant bird species. The range of accommodation at the malaria-free reserve is broad and caters to various demographics, with this being a very family-friendly destination. Family safari lodges include Jacis Lodge and Morukuru Lodge, while eco experiences (I’m thinking of you Howard) come in the form of Buffalo Ridge Lodge and Mosetlha Bush Camp. Safari and spa experiences are also on offer at places like Etali Safari Lodge and Madikwe Bush House.
Mauritius
Air Mauritius don’t fly directly out of Brisbane but do include the flight via Sydney, or Melbourne. I went to Mauritius many, many years ago and still remember it as being a little slice of paradise. From lazing on the beach or hiking through the rugged mountains that rise dramatically out of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is more than just a flop and drop destination. Of particular interest is the peninsula in the south-west of the country, Le Morne Brabant. It was used as a shelter by runaway slaves through the 18th century and into the early years of the 19th century. They formed small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne Brabant mountain, which is now World Heritage listed. It’s a melting pot of different cultures, the cuisine is amazing, a real French/creole mix. Most resorts include breakfast and dinner as their standard offering. I had the chance to go deep sea fishing when there and although it wasn’t marlin season I did bag me a big yellow fin tuna – and yes, I have the photos to prove it!
Don’t forget that only Maverick Travel at Samford lets you travel anywhere, any time and pay with your membership rewards points. Contact us on 3289 3700 and let us help you turn your American Express membership rewards points into your next trip.
