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Magical history tour – Europe’s ‘lesser-known’ World Heritage Sites
A UNESCO World Heritage Site can be defined as “a place like a building, monument, national park, desert or city that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization …
Leaf Peeping during New England fall
In Japan, they call it momijigari. In New England, it’s known as leaf-peeping. Come fall, Americans jump in their cars and search out the changing colours of the landscape in Connecticut and other nor…
When a holiday changes your life
Epic adventures to faraway places are the travel experiences that stay with you forever. When you’re suddenly immersed in a completely foreign world, perhaps a little out of your comfort zone and wher…
Luxury train journeys around the world
If the journey should be every bit as enjoyable as the destination, then what could be more appealing than a luxury rail journey. Reflecting a bygone era, nothing brings back the romance of travel lik…
The Scenic wonders of Australia
Often the more you travel, the more you appreciate what you have on your own doorstep. Experienced global nomads will tell you there is nothing like the Australian outback, there are no beaches that c…
Quick guide to Wellington, New Zealand
When Lonely Planet dubs you the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ it’s a lot to live up to. Wellington, New Zealand, is an energetic city (not yet a metropolis) and as I soon discover, it really d…
Exploring France’s Mont Saint Michel
Just a few meters from the island’s small port, a one-roomed chapel rests next to the water. Crusted by barnacles and battered by decades of weather, a small statue of a bishop stands proudly on the r…
Inside a Bali surf school
It turns out that being a surf instructor is a whole lot of fun, but also a whole lot of hard work. Leaning on a bar in the sweltering noon heat of Bali, Dean Gough has the casual clothes and straggly…
What’s all the fuss about Antarctica?
The great frozen continent divides travellers and even the greatest explorers. Repeat offender, Roderick Eime, buys into the debate. We all remember the two most famous of Antarctic names: Scott and A…
Treasures of Egypt and Jordan
Ancient Egyptians believed life on earth was part of an eternal journey and the Gods were stars in the skies watching over the land. Believing they would become Gods themselves, the Pharaohs commissio…
It’s a Snap – Tips for travel photography
Whether you are going to Madrid, Manila, Marrakesh or Mali, travel offers never-ending photo opportunities. Here are some ways to help you achieve those stunning images to take back home. PLANNING &am…
British film and TV buffs rejoice
If you’re a movie buff or a fan of British TV classics, Back-Roads Touring has some special small group tours that will take you right to the heart of famous and very familiar places. From the cult cl…
Planet Golf – 10 of the world’s best golf courses
Buy your airline ticket and pack your golf clubs. Here are ten of the most spectacular golf courses from around the globe to enjoy your next golf holiday… NEW ZEALAND – Cape Kidnappers “To me th…
Hawaii in all seasons
Hawaii is a perfect holiday destination year-round. But some months are even more perfect in particular parts of the islands. Here’s how to spend the entire year in spectacular weather. January: Honol…
Why you should visit Iceland
The small country of Iceland is turning up the heat. From just under one million visitors in 2012, numbers have more than doubled, and that trend looks set to continue. As travellers continue to seek …
A UK hotpot for foodies!
He is one of the more affable and authentic chefs on the world stage and a favorite son of Cornwall. Dining at a Rick Stein restaurant on the southwestern tip of England is just one of the many epicur…
6 reasons you’ll love Back-Roads Touring
It’s what Back-Roads Touring doesn’t include in the tours that separate them from the competition. Don’t expect oversized buses brimming with dozens of passengers, nor endless days o…
Dunedin – city of beaks and bagpipes
There’s a busy and elegant southern hemisphere city where half an hour out of town, the world’s biggest albatross chicks perch plumply on untidy nests, waiting for mum to come home; and where a …
Sailing Italy’s Bay of Naples
Buried for centuries beneath metres of volcanic debris, the once thriving Roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii were destroyed in AD79 when the force of Mount Vesuvius unleashed her deadly fury. Th…
Journey through Germany
Germany isn’t all polka bands, beer gardens and wiener-schnitzel – although those things certainly give this central European country a great deal of character and flair. There never seems to be a bad…
Cunard sets sail in Japan
The revered cruise line is now offering round-trip voyages from Asia’s most fascinating destination. Sailing on a Cunard ship is much more than a luxury cruise, it is a life experience. While th…
Scenic Eclipse submarine
Discover the mysteries of the underwater world as you dive deep into the blue onboard the exclusive Scenic Eclipse submarine. The World’s First Discovery Yacht by Scenic is redefining the standard of …
Where to picnic in paradise on Norfolk Island
The only thing that will drag your eyes away from the views on a picnic in paradise will be the taste of the home-grown Norfolk Island food. Norfolk Island is full of wonderful picnic spots where you …
The Plane annoying truth of travel revealed
Travelling in economy can be a challenge at best of times. On a recent survey, Australian travellers were asked a simple question – what annoys you most when flying? And the answers may, or may …
Falling for Autumn in the USA & Canada
Tour any northern US State during the autumn ‘Fall’ months and you will be treated to a spectacular kaleidoscope of colour. Gorgeous leaf displays along the highways, back-roads and small towns of the…
Hit the road in Australia – 4 classic road journeys
With the cruise control activated and a feel-good beat on your vehicle’s music system, hit the open road and experience the freedom and space of Australia. Here are four classic road journeys to…
Is this the last straw for travel?
The humble plastic drinking straw has become a hot-button issue across the world in recent months. With a global travel industry dependent on clean waterways and beaches, what are hotels, resorts, air…
Kangaroo Island – Bound for greatness
I wasn’t sure I wanted to go back to Kangaroo Island. My first visit, nearly 20 years earlier, had been one of the highlights of my honeymoon. Engraved in my memory was an island of endless eucalyptus…
Helping to fix the planet’s plastic plague
The world’s oceans, lakes and rivers – and the wildlife they contain – are being inundated by over 300 million tonnes of discarded plastic. Each year, this is increasing by an unprecedente…
Stay at one of these UK castle or manors
Admired for their stately appearance and grand country style, the castles and manors of the UK bring a fairytale-like quality to any holiday in Britain. But why just view these tower embellished fortr…