How to Pack for Any Trip

Lonely Planet’s How to Pack for Any Trip

Where are you going?

The Poles: Antarctic

You’re going outside… you may be some time. But, in fact, as most Antarctic trips are cruises, much of your southern exposure is likely to occur in the comfort of a very well-equipped ship, with short excursions by motorboat and on foot. As such, Antarctic forays don’t require huge amounts of specialist gear, just a few carefully chosen items to keep you warm and dry. It’s worth investing in a decent pair of insulated waterproof boots, though. Ensure they’re at least knee height for wet landings and ideally have soles with a good grip for scrambling over rocks and ice, and picking your way around colonies of chinstrap penguins.

Packing essentials

• Parka life: most Antarctic ships provide a take-home parka jacket to each passenger (you’d hope so, given the astronomical fares associated with such voyages), so leave that hulking great down-filled puffer jacket at home.

• Chill out: Antarctic cruising is generally casual, so you don’t need that ball gown. Each operator has different dress codes and supplied kit, however, so read up before you travel. Once you’re south of the departure ports, you’ll find plenty of elephant seals but not many boutiques.

• Best bins: pack the highest-spec pair of binoculars you can afford, and a camera with a good zoom, unless you want to see nothing but the occasional finned blob.

Pack for pong

If you’ve got a sensitive nose or stomach, be aware that penguin colonies are stinky places to visit, especially in February when chicks begin their moult. A judiciously placed scarf can help ease the olfactory offensive, and will be a welcome extra layer when back on board a ship that’s being buffeted around in rough seas.

Case study: Antarctica

Pack a sense of wilderness wonder. This grand icy continent, accessible only from November to March, has no towns, no villages, no nothing, apart from the occasional research station. Embrace the elements, but also protect yourself against them. Contact lenses dry out in harsh wind, so pack glasses. Even without sunshine, reflected glare from the elements can burn, so bring creams. And pack a back-up camera or spare battery; the latter drain in cold weather and shutters become temperamental.

Antarctic cruise departure hub Ushuaia is a good base from which to explore the lakes, valleys and forests of the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. If you choose to do so, pack smart: hiking boots and quick-drying trekking trousers are invaluable.

Reproduced with permission from How to Pack for Any Trip © 2016 Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com)

Which Christmas destinations sparkle the brightest this year?

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Wego explores some incredibly festive cities and discovers why there's now so many bargain airfares at this time of year

Wego.com, the leading travel search site in the Asia Pacific and Middle East is getting into the Christmas spirit, inspired by some of the world's most festively decorated cities.

"Some cities go to extraordinary lengths to sparkle the brightest at Christmas. Many travellers actually select their destinations at this time of year based on the special celebrations taking place," said Dean Wicks, Chief Flights Officer at Wego.

"If you wanted to add some extra sparkle to your Christmas, it's not too late," Wicks added. "Airline competition is hotter than ever. This was once a period when fares dramatically hiked upwards but with the introduction of long haul aircraft used by budget airlines, it's no longer the case. Airlines are competing to sell seats during what is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year and there's loads of bargains to be found."

"There's some surprisingly good deals around if you take a moment and do a comparison," he continued. "For instance from Singapore, AirAsia has a promotional fare to Kuala Lumpur for only SGD$40 or how about Bangkok on Scoot for only SGD$61 or go even further with Jetstar, a ridiculously low fare of SGD$102 one-way from Singapore to Darwin, and there's lots more!"

"From Kochi to Muscat, Jet Airways is offering fares for INR 5,487, or treat yourself to a business class upgrade (subject to space) available at the airport on all flights out of the UAE for AED 450 with Air India," said Wicks. "Air India is also offering flights from New Delhi to San Francisco for Christmas and New Year for INR 78,141."

"And from uae.wego.com we see that Etihad is offering fares from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok for AED 1660, and Qatar is even offering specials in First Class," he continued. "So don't let the festive season put you off fearing expensive airfares, there's loads of bargains still to be had!"

Is this really Australia's best beach?

Australia’s best beach… that you’ve never heard of

Cossies Beach, located on the Cocos Keeling Islands in the Indian Ocean, has been named Australia’s best beach by beach expert and Tourism Australia Aquatic and Coastal Ambassador, Brad Farmer.

Cossies Beach on Direction Island offers visitors an experience like no other with white sand, turquoise water, spectacular sea life, ferry rides often accompanied by dolphins and a wifi hotspot so you can share your experience with the world.

“We are one of Australia’s best-kept secrets – paradise defined: safe swimming, crystal clear warm water, abundant marine life, friendly locals, picture postcard scenery everywhere you turn,” Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association Marketing Manager, Rik Soderlund, said.

“We would go so far as to say Cossies Beach is not just the best in Australia, but the world!” Mr Soderlund said. “We have limited visitor capacity, so you’ll never be crowded like on Bondi Beach and you can enjoy a really unique experience whether you’re relaxing or taking part in one of the huge range of activities we offer.”

Mr Farmer and his colleague, Professor Andy Short, published their benchmark guide to Australia’s best beaches in 2012 and have spent the past five months compiling the latest Australia’s Best Beaches 2017.

Prior to Mr Farmer’s visit, the beach did not have a name and was referred to as Direction Island, or DI to the locals. Mr Farmer named the small strip of pristine coast after Australia’s 26th Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who like Mr Farmer was taken with the area’s spectacular beauty on a visit to commemorate the centenary of the Sydney-Emden naval battle in 2014.

Mr Farmer and Professor Short assessed a raft of independent and scientific criteria to describe Cossies “as near to perfect as a beach can be”. It also happens to be Australia’s most remote beach.

The Cocos Keeling Islands are made up of two atolls and 27 coral islands, of which only two are populated. Of these, West Island and Home Island, are inhabited with a population around 600. You can reach the destination via a four-and-a-half-hour flight from Perth.

Visitors to the Cocos Keeling Islands can participate in a wide range of activities including kite surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, fishing and birdwatching. Or, of course, just relaxing on Australia’s best beach.

“We have so much to offer and many people don’t know that we exist or that we are even part of Australia. Now the secret’s out, we’re looking forward to sharing paradise with new visitors,” Mr Soderlund said.

ABOUT COCOS KEELING ISLANDS

Offering spectacular snorkeling, world-class diving, excellent fishing and the adrenalin-rush of kitesurfing, the Cocos Keeling Islands are also a deeply tranquil holiday location. Relax on empty beaches, visit uninhabited islands by canoe, watch spectacular birdlife or catch the ferry to Home Island and discover the culture and traditions of the Cocos Malay people.

http://www.cocoskeelingislands.com.au

Harry Potter fans can tour the studio and experience his magical world of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'

The time has come for a new era of magic to begin with the upcoming theatrical release of the Harry Potter prequel, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Based on JK Rowling's 2001 book and first mentioned in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, this story purports to be a copy of Harry Potter's textbook. Unlike the rest of the Harry Potter series, the action takes place around the secret community of witches and wizards in 1926 New York City.

To celebrate the release of this new magical world and to encourage enchanted exploring of your own, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, is presenting a list of five fantastic themed properties and where to find them.

The Grove, Chandeler's Cross, UK

All of the films in the Harry Potter series, including the most recent film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, have been filmed at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, England. The studio now hosts The Making of Harry Potter studio tour which offers guests the opportunity to relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who brought the Harry Potter franchise to life. After uncovering the magic of the studio tour, fans can stay at The Grove, a 5-star hotel only a philosopher's stone's throw away from the Harry Potter studio tour. Guests can enjoy its elegant and spacious rooms, 300-acres of magical parkland, luxurious spa, 18-hole golf course and two swimming pools.

BridgeStreet Apartments at Liverpool ONE, Liverpool, UK

Another major filming location for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was Liverpool, England, where the city was transformed into 1920s New York City. Embrace the magic this location has to offer by staying at the BridgetStreet Apartments at Liverpool ONE. It offers impressive views of the Liverpool city center and modern interiors from a fully furnished kitchen to elegant bathrooms. Not to mention, it's only a 5-mintue walk to the center of Liverpool, including the infamous St. George's Hall, so apparition spells and other methods of magical transportation can be left at home. 

Georgian House Hotel, London, UK

For muggles and No-Majs who have ever wondered what it would be like to sleep like a wizard, the Wizard Chamber at the Georgian House Hotel in the centre of London can transport guests to a world full of magic and marvel. Concealed behind a bookcase door, curious guests will enjoy venturing to the Wizard Chamber of this 19th century hotel. Created to conjure a mysterious and gothic feel, each room features faux castle details such as stained glass windows, stone walls, archways, trunks, cauldrons, four-poster beds hung with velvet curtains and an abundance of other curious artefacts. Wood burning stoves, cauldrons in fireplaces and tapestries complete the look.

The St. Regis, New York City, New York, USA

Filming for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them may not have taken place in New York City, but the movie still captures the charm and hustle of America during the 1920s. The St. Regis is one of the most distinctive 1920s building in the heart of New York City which also captures that very same charm and hustle, but with modern amenities. Guest rooms provide flat-screen TVs, seating areas with sofas and desks with minibars and refrigerators. The ideally situated 5-star hotel only a short walk from other classic New York City landmarks including the Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station and the Empire State Building.

The Chatwal, New York City, New York, USA

Guests won't find any fantastic beasts at this sophisticated New York City landmark that evokes the glamorous 1920s. But they will find that their every demand is met with luxurious rooms, each serviced with personal butler service, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and 400-thread-count linens and down duvets - no magic wands necessary! Guests of The Chatwal are also invited to step back in time at the bar that serves classic cocktails of the roaring 20s. Who knows, maybe magizoologist Newt Scamander himself will join for a bee's knees cocktail while taking a break from his quest to research and rescue magical creatures.

Now is a great time to visit Egypt

SEVEN REASONS WHY NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO VISIT EGYPT

A land of ancient monuments, mysterious legends and a charisma that never fails to excite visitors, Egypt has long been a stalwart of many travellers’ bucket lists. In recent years, however, political upheaval and potential customer concerns have seen a marked decline in the numbers of people travelling to the country.

What's New in Helsinki: Hotels, Bars, Restaurants, more

#VisitHelsinki #MyHelsinki

The new breed of food actors really deserves a round of applause. Helsinki has several Michelin starred restaurants and many local chefs, baristas, food producers and café owners have become recognized celebrities. Check out our food brochure Food Helsinki? HEL YEAH! and the newest top restaurants in town listed below.

. Baskeri & Basso’s ingredient driven cuisine is daring in its outrageous simplicity.
. Bystro’s hot blini pans have steamed the windows, and the incredible tastes of Slavic kitchen to-
gether with an edgy vodka bar welcome you to Russia in the middle of Helsinki city centre.
. Finnjävel uses Finnish cooking methods from the years gone by and freshest ingredients. They have
delved into the past in order to create the future of Finnish cuisine.
. Grön is a new restaurant that wants to show respect to creativity, nature and to all of us by offering excellent food made of locally produced ingredients.
. Holiday Bar, kitchen & terrace by your holiday guides Richard McCormick & Ville Relander.
. KOM, a renewed theatre restaurant opened in September by Antto Melasniemi and Heikki Purho-
nen. Antto is also making a gin with Klaus Haapaniemi, the designer, called Tenu.
. Roster is the latest restaurant of Kari Aihinen specielicied in roasting.
. Shelter located in an old warehouse at Katajanokka harbor gives shelter to friends of good food and
drink. The owners believe in crafting, genuine customer service and working together.
. Vinkkeli is founded by three passionate experts, sharing more than ten years’ history at Helsinki’s
legendary restaurants.

• Related story: Helsinki is the perfect stopover city

Seven Tasmanian spots best accessed (or only accessed) by boat/cruise

Tasmania is an explorers’ paradise with nearly 37% of the island designated as reserves, National Parks, and World Heritage Sites, and with a total coastline length 4,882kms many of Tasmania’s top spots are to be found nestled on the coastline and best (or only!) accessed by boat.

There is no better way than to explore the Tassie coastline than on a small, nifty and comfortable cruise ship, like the Coral Expeditions 1, complete with an excursion vessel. This allows you to dart in and explore magical coves when no one is around, take in the many panoramic rock formations, get up close and personal with marine life and get unique vantage points at iconic locations.

With Coral Expeditions you can also enjoy an Open Bridge policy so you can get a captain eye’s view of the island as well as on aboard Marine biologist to help you get to know the marine life better.

Wineglass Bay

Freycinet National Park, on the East Coast, is home to the iconic Wineglass Bay, which is a haven of white sand, turquoise waters and dramatic bushland. Wineglass Bay is accessible by foot but arriving by boat means you skip the parking circus, often busy trails and see this stunning location from a different vista. You can also get this paradise to yourself as the Coral Expeditions 1 will arrive at the bay when no one else is around. You will also be given an opportunity to do a morning hike up to the lookout and take some ‘people free’ snaps.

Maria Island

Maria Island on the South East coast, offers historic ruins, sweeping bays, rugged cliffs and mountains and incredible wildlife. It is only accessed by boat but instead of taking the ferry and exploring the island by foot, take in the full effect of the dramatic coastline, stop off at the more remote bays and enjoy a unique panorama of the famed fossil cliffs on-board your cruise ship. The Coral Expeditions 1 will also take you to shore on so can walk the convict trail and spot the elusive Tasmania devil. You won’t be restricted by ferry times so can enjoy the island at your own pace.

Bruny Island

Bruny Island, the land of cheese and oysters, is situated to the south of Hobart and is only accessible by boat. Bruny Island is blessed with marine life and is home to a large population of Australian fur seals which are best viewed from the ocean in a ‘who’s watching who’ scenario. A trip to Bruny island is not complete without some food and wine but with Coral Expeditions you can work it off with a swim and kayak in Adventure Bay before you cruise back to the sip, where you will be treated to a Tasmania sunset as you anchor for the night.

Tasman National Park

Tasman National Park, off the East Coast and adjacent to Port Arthur, is known for its monumental rock formations and rugged cliffs which are best seen by boat, where the crashing waves and abundant sea life add an extra dimension to your experience. The park is teeming with marine life which include penguins, dolphins, migrating whales and seals which you can track and learn about with the Coral Expeditions resident marine biologist. The ship will give you the ability to follow these magnificent animals wherever they go so you can be assured of some incredible sightings.

Recherche Bay

Recherche Bay is located on the extreme south-eastern corner of Tasmania and has gained notoriety in recent years as the first meeting place between Bruni D’Entrecasteaux and the original habitants – the Lylequonny. What better way to reach Recherche Bay than by the same way Bruni did, following in his footsteps right until you set foot on the beach at Cockle Creek. Cruising this coastline on the Coral Expeditions 1 also means you get to enjoy the many inlets, islands and natural beauty of this picturesque section of the South Coast.

Port Davey

The wilderness surrounding Port Davey is thought to be one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet and is known to have the cleanest air on earth. It is only accessible by boat, plane or 7-day trek but this pristine tapestry of gorges, waterfalls, rivers and mountains is best explored by water. With wild weather to match, cruising on the Coral Expeditions 1 is the way to go so you can acclimatise to the temperamental conditions in comfort and jump on the excursion vessel to dart into little bays or take a sea kayak when the sun is on your side.

Fortescue Bay & Canoe Bay

Tucked away in the Tasman National Park and only accessible by foot or boat is Canoe Bay, home to the shipwreck of a Dutch Trading Vessel called Andre Reboncas. Cruising into the bay gives you the chance to see the shipwreck up close and means you can nip over to the nearby picturesque Canoe Bay. You will also be able to enjoy panoramic views of Waterfall Bay and the pods of dolphins that often populate this area.

Sydney Hobart on Sydney to race

Cruising Tasmania is all about exploring a pristine and secluded wilderness but during the Sydney to Hobart race this isolated island becomes a haven of white sails as the yachts race to Hobart. However, if you’re on board a cruise ship such as the Coral Expeditions 1, this man made phenomenon is a sight to behold and lends itself best to aquatic arm chair viewing.

Coral Expeditions runs a 7-night cruise from Hobart annually throughout November to February. To find out more information about this active adventure, on board the Coral Expeditions 1, which showcases the wild beauty and remarkable heritage of Tasmania please visit: www.coralexpeditions.com