Travel with A Land Of Marvels

09/11/2024

Breakfast Algerian style - freshly made local bread ... delicious! Great start to a day of exploring Algiers :)

16/10/2024

I want to introduce you to a website called Pack for a Purpose, and for those of you who like to contribute to local communities when travelling and say thank you, this is the website for you.

Their mission is to positively impact communities around the world by assisting travellers who want to take meaningful supplies to the destinations they visit.
The supply lists for destinations on the website are provided directly by the local community-based projects that receive and use the supplies; this enables travellers to make informed decisions and to take items that best meet the needs of those who will be using them.

Participation is easy!

1. Select your destination.
2. Find an accommodation or tour company and a project it supports (you don't have to be staying there or using them)
3. Choose the supplies you wish to take from the specific items requested.
4. Drop off the supplies at the accommodation or tour company.
5. The supplies will then be delivered to the community-based project.

It helps to meet the essential needs in over 50 countries, so hopefully your next destination is one of them :)

Help Pack for a Purpose make a difference around the world by using available space in your luggage to provide supplies to the communities you visit.

08/09/2024

** PSA - ITALY 2025 **

Starting on December 24, 2024, and continuing until January 6, 2026, Italy will be hosting the Jubilee, a significant religious and cultural event that only occurs once every 25 years.
This celebration is expected to draw an extraordinary number of visitors, particularly to Rome, making it an unforgettable time to visit.

However, due to the anticipated influx of travellers, it is crucial for anyone interested in experiencing Italy during this unique period to plan and book as early as possible.

Securing accommodations, flights, and tours well in advance will ensure you have the best options available and avoid any potential disappointments :)

21/08/2024

For something different, take your safari game to the water, with the Chobe Water Villas,, nestled in a special corner of Namibia where two mighty rivers meet.
These luxurious open plan villas jut out over the water, and you will have a perfect view of these wetlands that 80000 elephants call home, along with hippos and buffalo basking in the sun.

13/08/2024

When uninvited guests are more than welcome.
Imagine having these guys rock up at dinner every night - such an incredible experience ❤️

12/08/2024

All about the 'bergs

The magnitude of some of these has to be seen to be believed, along with the iridescent blues.

All photos taken in Antarctica, some from my voyage this year, and others from my voyage in 2020.

05/08/2024

Who's keen to join me snorkelling with orcas?

This is a Winter Whales of Norway expedition voyage with Waterproof Expeditions, taking you through the majestic fjords of northern Norway.

Snorkelling is of course not mandatory; whale watching from the ship and up close in the zodiacs is just as fascinating!

If these photos aren't enough to tempt you, then it's worth taking the time to watch this video, the whole experience looks INCREDIBLE!
https://youtu.be/J6W4Xdbb9kQ

Contact me today for more information :)

23/07/2024

It's Where in the World Wednesday!
Any guesses?

(hint: Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried in the church cemetery)

18/07/2024

The next Antarctic season will be here before we know it, and now I'm FINALLY going to share more from my trip last season!
Starting with the boat :)

It was in fact the last departure of the season, back in March, and I travelled with Albatros Expeditions on their brand new state-of-the-art ship, Ocean Albatros.

The Albatros is an expedition vessel, but has loads of creature comforts including two restaurants, fitness and spa facilities, panorama sauna, pool deck, library, observation lounges, lecture hall, and this may not seem like a big deal, elevators. The first time I travelled to Antarctica it was on a more basic ship, still comfortable, but definitely no pool or gym etc, and no lifts. This shows that not all expedition vessels are created equal, and what may be right for someone else may not suit you at all. (That's where I come in ;) )

The Ocean Albatros has four suite types, and five stateroom types, so there really is something for every budget. All have an unobstructed sea view, and most have their own balcony. There are even more dedicated solo travel cabins without a single supplement.

With one of the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Albatros is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves.

The vessel is part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption. She has more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels, is one of the most environmentally friendly having implemented the Green initiative Program, which ensures both absolute comfort and sustainability for guests.
Can't ask for more than that :)

17/07/2024

It's Where in the World Wednesday!
Any guesses?

(hint: it's the driest non-polar desert in the world)

03/07/2024

Where in the World Wednesday is back - finally!
Any guesses?

(hint: the airport here has the title of being the most remote in the world)

27/06/2024

The Maldives ... it doesn't get any better....

For discerning escape-seekers only

04/06/2024

Bomani Tented Lodge is situated in a private concession of the magnificent Ngamo Plains, on the edge of the remote and unspoilt south eastern corner of Hwange National Park.

Apart from the game drives, we also had the opportunity to enjoy a real life look at village life in rural Matabeleland (15 mins from the lodge), and it was a fascinating experience of typical daily life.

We had the chance to purchase some lovely handicrafts, and also chat to the villagers and children.

Drought has hit them hard, and at the moment they survive on two meals per day, and that will soon be reduced to one meal per day.
Which of course is where Imvelo steps in with the fabulous work they are doing to help alleviate these pressures.

It made such an impact on me that I now sponsor a child from one of the more remote and poorer villages, and a small donation each year will enable her to attend school.
There is a 95% unemployment in Zimbabwe, and education is the key to reducing that rate.

If you would like more information on this lodge, or even helping a child attend school, please let me know :)

01/06/2024

Camelthorn is nestled in a patch of pristine woodland just west of the famous Ngamo Plains, on the edge of Hwange National Park.

What helps to make this place so unique is that Imvelo has partnered with the Ngamo community to set up a rhino sanctuary on their land. It’s home to the famed Cobras, who guard the two rhinos (Thuza and Kusasa) every hour of every day.

More rhinos are being added to the program later this year, which means more Cobras, who are employed and trained from the local communities.

The rhinos are free to roam around the reserve, followed by their team of cobras, and at times you may even find them outside your villa door.

Visitors are welcome to visit their HQ, where they can meet the Cobras and gain an understanding of the scope of this amazing project.

Plus of course you will have the chance to see the other members of the Big 5, and everything in between, on your game drives.

For more information on Camelthorn, contact me today 😊

31/05/2024

So..... Palau is booked!
It's been on my list for some time, and the new non-stop flights from Brisbane had to be a sign, no?

If you would like to know more about Palau, just give me a call :)

31/05/2024

I think it's time to plan the next trip to Africa, I'm missing it already 🐘

(Video taken from inside the hide at Jozibanini camp)