Oceania Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Go on, go on, go on, Australia

26th January 202626th January 2026 funtime65

Go on, go on, go on, Australia celebrates its national day today and all Aussies and Aussiephiles will be raising a drink to Bruces and Sheilas around the world.

Including, we dare say, Mrs Doyle, yeah, that Mrs Doyle from Father Ted.

Mrs Doyle, aka Pauline McLynn, was special guest at an Australian Chamber of Commerce lunch celebration in Dublin way back when.

And regaled us with a speech, laced with the type of language that would have made Father Dougal blush.

With mention of the map of Tassie, or Tasmania, which Aussies and friends of Kangarooland will be more than familiar.

Hawke around the clock

All, of which, in true Ronnie Corbett style, brings us to today’s comfy armchair story which revolves around former Aussie premier Bob Hawke.

Bob, the typical Aussie bloke that he was, found himself interviewed by a British reporter who asked him how he had got on tracing his roots.

Only for womaniser Bob to misunderstand them.

And assume that he was being asked about his past love life and the Sheilas.

To which he batted back the questions by replying that that would be to kiss and tell.

Aussies Overseas

Our pals Down Under are, of course, proud of their often vulgar Aussiespeak which you’ll quickly pick up on.

If you spend any time in Australia, or with Aussies, as I did.

Over a year spanning two Oktoberfests in Munich.

And the time in between when Brownie, Smutley, PC, Roscoe.

And a revolving door of OS Aussies washed up at our digs in Aberdeen in the north-east of Scotland.

So it was in a campsite outside Munich where I was first introduced to the other meaning of roots.

While staying on a repurposed double decker bus, with beds built in upstairs and a kitchen downstairs.

Which TopDeck had taken to Bavaria with detours to Austria.

The roots of the problem

Now what happens on a Topdeck bus stays on a TopDeck bus.

But suffice to say that the current Mrs M need not worry.

Because while any action was going on I was sleeping off my hangover from the Lowenbrau or Hofbrau huises.

I did though return with a deeply inappropriate T-shirt of an Aussie, complete with cork hat, getting rather too close to a koala.

With the caption ‘Show us your roots.’

An Aussie toast

Hair for the beer: And mine’s is all my own

So, g’day to all my Aussie mates, and to you obviously Smutley, Brownie, PC and Roscoe.

And I’ll toast you how you used to toast us back in the day.

Here’s to me and here’s to you, friends we are, and friends we’ll be.

And if by chance we disagree, well Flip You, and here’s to me.

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Oceania

Iceland & Ireland the world’s most peaceful countries

29th June 2025 funtime65

The tired gag was ‘One letter and six months’ for Europe’s outliers, but who’s had the last laugh now with Iceland & Ireland the world’s most peaceful countries.

So who says so… well us, but also Condé Nast’s Global Peace Index.

Who mark countries on lack of corruption, a functioning government, a robust economy, fair distribution of resources.

A free flow of information and good neighbourly relations.

And that’s something to bang your saucepan about which is how the Icelanders expressed their dissatisfaction outside parliament.

Now full disclosure here there is more than a letter apart in my experience of Ireland and Iceland.

As we’ve yet to take the plunge into the Blue Lagoon or the bougie boutique hotels in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Or taken the Icelandair option of stop-off to America.

Irish solution

Aussie philanthropist Steve Killelea (and he must be Irish with a name like that) describes Iceland thus:

‘One of the most stunning countries in the world, like a moonscape covered in snow.

‘It also hasn’t had an internal conflict since 1008 AD when no more than 100 people died.’

As a lesson in conflict resolution Ireland is an example with nearly 30 years of sustained peace in the North.

And you can learn the secrets of that success in the reconciliation hub that is the haven that is Glencree in Co. Wicklow.

Condé Nast describes the Land of Saints and Scholars as boasting ‘striking vistas and storybook towns’.

Lands of bliss

We’ll leave Antipodean Steve to wax lyrical on New Zealand, third on the list.

‘Because of the way it’s honoured indigenous rights, the peace treaty with the Māoris when the British arrived is held to this day.’

And we can share Steve’s admiration for another country who have integration licked, the Swiss.

Fifth on the index Switzerland scores ‘with four official languages coexisting, it takes a remarkable political system to hold that together.

‘By its very nature, it shows us how different cultures can live harmoniously and respectfully within one system.’

Taking a breather: In the Austrian Tirol

In these Alpine parts, of course, No. 4 Austria is never far apart either geographically or in life experience.

Which we’d agree with too and the remarks ‘Austria’s majestic peaks, vast plains and postcard-perfect lakes are as peaceful as they look.’

Pointing too to Vienna’s top spot in the rankings in the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit.

The ideal getaways

Now as our lives grow ever busier those who compile these listicles for us and do the heavy lifting for us are a Godsend.

Which leaves us to make our own links and ignore the simplistic jibes of those who don’t make these lists.

The ones that tell the real truth… Iceland & Ireland the world’s most peaceful countries.

Countries, Europe, Music, Oceania, UK

The winner takes it all with ABBA’s global tourism

9th December 20249th December 2024 funtime65

And as London reveals its Avatar show has coined in £1.4bn for the economy it’s true that the winner takes it all with ABBA’s global tourism.

It has, of course, been quite the Voyage for super Swedes Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Anni-Frid.

And it should not be forgotten it was Great Brighton where ABBA got their big break with their Eurovision win 50 years ago.

ABBA superfans following the 3m who have taken in Voyage in London should also visit other touchpoints in England.

The Brighton Dome, Birmingham Odeon, where they played their first British gig and the Royal Albert Hall where they sold out two shows in 1977.

And we’ll even forgive Agnetha for dissing my hometown.

When she opined: ‘I was sick and tired of everything when I called you last night from Glasgow’.

ABBAnatics everywhere

ABBA remain at heart a Swedish band but in much the same way as The Beatles and Elvis they belong to the world.

And we can celebrate them from Waterloo in Belgium through Greek and Croatian islands to ABBA-crazy Australia and beyond.

ABBA, of course, have been the gift that keeps on giving across our life.

With the Mamma Mia film franchise introducing the band to a whole new generation.

Isle be bound for Greece and Croatia

And ABBAnatics make a pilgrimage to Skopelos.

And get selfies at Agios Ioannis Sto Kastri, the little church on a rock, where the movie’s wedding scene was filmed.

While my, my, how could they resist the charms of the Croatian islands for the follow-up Here We Go Again.

With Vis , a 35-mile drop in the Adriatic with a population of just 3,600, who all know the dance moves by heart now.

And we’re advised to get the pebbles between our painted toes (you know you do) on award-winning Stiniva beach.

Thank you for the Aussies

ABBA, of course, have an almost Beatles-like devotion in Australia where they toured early in their career.

And where their TV special was watched by more people than the Moon Landing.

Little wonder then that their 1977 tour was immortalised in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.

With, of course, the Fun Four more than obliging for the de rigueur kangaroo shots.

So as Britain shows the way on how to cash in on ABBA’s global reach.

It’s worth remembering that there’s money, money, money for all of us, even beyond their Swedish base .

And the Abba Museum, Stockholm and their Swedish haunts.

Because the winner takes it all with ABBA’s global tourism.

Caribbean, Countries, Oceania

Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown

21st October 202421st October 2024 funtime65

It’s the model for the future Commonwealth which has worked for 50 years, Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.

Malta is this year marking two big milestones in its 8,000 years history.

With the bigger emphasis currently on its independence 60 years ago.

Independence, many might imagine is still dependence if you’re still run by another’s head of state.

And that most anglophile of former colonies Malta set the tone when they moved from a monarch to their own president in December 1974.

Which is what another of our favourite islands Barbados struck out for three years ago.

Republics in a Commonwealth

It may surprise to see that 36 of the 56 member states in what is now the Commonwealth of Nations are republics.

Although for now Australia where King Charles III is in the eye of the storm from an aboriginal activist senator retains the monarch as their head of state.

The lesson of Malta, Barbados, Australia or anywhere on whom the sun never set is that Britain leaves behind their towel wherever they go.

Malta has taken that to heart with its George Cross award, right-hand roads and red post and telephone boxes.

Which I took back to the motherland in the shape of a telephone box pencil sharpener, or parer.

Britain’s island in the sun

Going for a swim: Malta fan Queen Elizabeth

Of course, it is these reminders of Britannia which has made Malta so popular with limey tourists, Britain’s Med island in the sun.

Ourselves included, over 60 years.

Including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who was stationed here as a naval officer after World War II.

And his successor as Duke of Edinburgh, their youngest Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Duchess.

Come back America and Ireland

As a postscript while there is a movement away from monarchy there are others who want in.

The republics of South Sudan, Sudan and Suriname have formally made applications to join the Commonwealth.

The eligibility rules are to entertain those with ‘a historic constitutional association with an existing Commonwealth member, save in exceptional circumstances.’

And making that topical the ‘exceptional circumstances’ were cited to bring in former Belgian colony Rwanda.

Which was then proposed as a dumping ground by Britain for illegal immigrants.

Britain, of course, always keen to keep all their options open have held the door open to some old colonies.

Meaning the US (Thirteen Colonies), Israel (Mandate for Palestine), Republic of Ireland (Irish Free State), and the Persian Gulf states.

Hold the towel

But while they wait for the telegram, or email as it is today.

Britain, with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh holding the towel, will continue to celebrate.

Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.

Countries, Deals, Oceania, Sport

Olympics surfing bounty for Tahiti

30th July 202430th July 2024 funtime65

Mais oui, there was something of a mutiny on the boards when it was decided to award this competition to a set of islands 15,705kms from Paris, et c’est vrai it has been something of an Olympics surfing bounty for Tahiti.

Now the idea that France, with its 5,500kms of coastline, would even need to farm out its surfing competition.

To a French territory in Polynesia seems a bit la-la.

But a combination of bigger waves at this time of the year than the likes of surfing hub Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay.

And the French desire to show off their territories abroad combined to tip the wink to Teahupo’o on Tahiti.

Which is, empire flexing apart, a good reason to flaunt what is after all the birthplace of surfing.

Before the Hawaiians bagged that claim, and which can be dated back to Captain James Cook, and obviously long before.

Ship shape

All of which means that the Tahitians have earned the distinction of becoming the furthest away venue from the host city in the history of the Games.

And a gold star to anyone who knew the previous record holder was Stockholm.

With the Swedes holding the Melbourne 1956 equestrian events because of Australia’s quarantine rules (no, us neither).

For the bulk of the Olympians having to sleep in cardboard beds in the Olympics village in Paris the thought of hammocks in Tahiti does sound enticing…

They are in fact accommodated on a ship.

Chillin’ in Tahiti

But the famously laid-back surfing set, whose company I have sought and enjoyed from California to Barcelona and other points in between won’t be complaining.

Particularly as today they have been given time off to chill today.

Because all surfing events have been postponed due to surfing conditions according to the IOC.

All of which means more time to kick back and enjoy the slow tourism of Teahupo’o.

As would happen our network is as expansive as the French and the IOC.

And that reach stretches to Tahiti where our amis there have only been in touch of late.

Get on board

Garlands: Surfing is Tahiti’s national sport

Now helpfully the Tahitians recognise we are not all surfer dudes.

And there is no judgment if we are happier on a paddleboard or bodyboard and then work up.

We’re advised that beginners are best to start on the beaches at Orofara and Taharuu.

Where the waves can reach between 1.5 and 2 metres high.

There are excellent surf spots in Taapuna, Papara and Mahina.

But don’t be a hero and think that you can handle the one the Olympians are trying, ‘jaws’ at Teahupoo…

They wouldn’t let you anyway, you need to be elite.

Reach for the Tropical Sky

The best advice, of course, is that given by the Tahitian tourist board who say:

‘When you visit a beach for the first time, be polite and pleasant and the local surfers will be pleased to welcome you.

‘A ‘Ia ora na‘ with a smile goes a long way.’

Of course there is no shortage of holiday providers more than happy to whisk us away to Tahiti and we have plumped for our old friends Tropical Sky here.

A sample seven nights B&B at the Sofitel Moorea La Ora Beach Resort with flights and transfers comes in at from £2,999pp.

So if your piqued by the images of elite athletes walking on water.

And are wondering at why the Games are there and the Olympics surfing bounty for Tahiti then you’re not alone.

Dip your toe into the home of surfing and much more aside…

Or just lie back and think of Tahiti and bronze yourself under the Tropical Sky.

Africa, America, Asia, Canada, Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Oceania, UK

Your train is early after 200 years

7th July 20247th July 2024 funtime65

What’s this… your train is early after 200 years?

Yes, the Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham has only stolen a march on the birth of the railways.

By announcing that 2024 should be the year to mark the bicentenary of the first train journey.

On account of the creation of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company.

Do the Locomotion

Only that it was not until the next year, 1825, that the first passenger train took off.

When George Stephenson’s steam-powered Locomotion No. 1 travelled 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton.

Which is what Railway 200 have begun planning.

It is no exaggeration to say that trains transformed Britain.

And that makes it all the more galling to see the state the service is in today.

So it is understandable that Mayor Burnham should want to claim the genesis of railways.

And push for a 35-minute super train journey between Manchester and Liverpool.

On the right track

Steamin’ ahead: Channel your Casey Jones

For the full story of how Britain’s trains used to work then the train has moved on from Darlington south to York.

And so should you to the National Railway Museum, a wonderland for all Casey Joneses and their train-spotting daughters.

If trains could connect this island and expanded our work and early travel horizons.

Just think what they could on a larger scale in the US, in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

America we know was built on the backs of Irish navvies.

And north, south, east and west there are towns and states celebrating how railroads were at the heart of their story.

Station to station

We all have our own romantic visions from cowboy movies of train tracks snaking through the Wild West.

All of which I saw for myself at the Colorado Railroad Museum with a nod to a far more patriarchal time.

Trains tell us so much about a society and we all have pictures in our mind of Indians hanging off trains.

Japanese crammed into theirs and eastern Europeans and mid-Asians making palaces.

Those, and the great train journeys of the world are in safe hands with, erm, oul’ Casey Jones’s recommendation, Great Rail Journeys.

Now whether you make rail journeys your centrepiece and tick off an Orient Express…

The Lake Titicaca in Peru, the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the Darjeeling Train in India, the Indian Pacific in Australia.

Or just get your tickets stamped on the way.

Whether it is up the highest rail route in Europe, the Jungfraujoch, a Bajan steam train, up the Norwegian fjords, or Amtrak it around New England.

Stephenson’s train on time

Enjoy and remember it all started in Old England with Robert Stephenson.

When 550 passengers were transported , making this the world’s first steam-powered passenger railway.

Put your back into it: A bit of fun in Barbados

From Shildon, Darlington to Stockton.

Although the opportunistic Mayor Burnham would like to assure you that your train is early after 200 years.

Countries, Oceania

NSW is on brand but strewth CU in the NT?

27th June 202427th June 2024 funtime65

Bonzer mate. NSW is on brand but strewth CU in the NT?

Well, which drongo came up with that slogan for Australia’s Northern Territory?

News that New South Wales has bounced back from Covid with higher numbers represents a G’Day all right for Sydneyites.

The International Visitor Survey by Tourism Research Australia (TRA) shows there were 3.7 million international visitors March to March.

And what’s important to the travel biz they stayed 95.2 million nights and spent $11.8 billion.

While there were 694,400 international visitors to regional NSW, who stayed 15.3 million visitor nights and spent $1.1 billion.

Aussie neighbours

Sydney obviously is the main draw with its Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach.

Which means that the other regions have to fight for the visitors.

With the historic rivalry between NSW and Victoria meaning that when it comes to our custom they’re not good neighbours.

Aussies’ plus one: The Topdeck booze bus

While regions such as the Northern Territory go under the radar.

Now in our experience of Aussies gleaned from Topdeck booze buses to the Oktoberfest in Munich.

They respond to a challenge with choice bar room bravado and language.

The top end

And so was born CU in the NT.

Not that the burghers of the Northern Territory appreciated the slogan.

Keen as they were to portray a changing image from a boorish earthiness to a family friendly destination.

But, of course, it has had the opposite effect with the CU in the NT underground movement drawing more attention.

And steering us in the direction of the best things to do in the Northern Territory which CU in the NT call ‘the top end’.

Northern stars

Of course, its biggest calling card is Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it was known old school.

But also the camel tours, the wildlife adventures and helicopters, balloons and skydiving.

While, of course, as this Oz CU in the NT recommends its watering hole institution, the Daly Waters bar, 900 kilometres north of Alice Springs and 600kms south of Darwin.

And meet a real-life Crocodile Dundee, Andrew Ucles, billed as the man who trekked 42kms solo trek through Arnehm Land.

Now as is the way of it, don’t we always like to show off where we’ve been or are connected?

And so if you want to have some fun with a CU in the NT brand then you can order in their merch too.

Yes, we delight in Sydneyites popularity.

And say. NSW is on brand but strewth CU in the NT?

Countries, Cruising, Oceania

Happy talkin’ in the South Pacific

15th April 202415th April 2024 funtime65

Talk about things we’d like to do… happy talkin’ in the South Pacific with Royal Caribbean.

It’s 75 years since Rodgers and Hammerstein showcased the musical and the South Pacific to Broadway audiences.

And in truth little has changed in the idyllic islands in the three-quarters of a century since.

Or going back even further to the 19th century when Robert Louis Stevenson left Scottish shores for the South Seas for his health.

A Cruise Mystery

Our pals at RC have billed their Sunny Views and Exotic Hues cruise as…

‘Go swimming with the humpback whales near Tonga.

‘Explore one of the only uninhabited places on Earth in Mystery Island.

‘Vanuata or simply relax and slip into island time.’

As well as the world’s second-largest double barrier reef around the islands of New Caledonia.

Humpback whales glide between the islands of Tonga.

While what’s not to be intrigued by among the Loyalty Islands.

Quantum force

RC offers a seven-night cruise from €706 for a balcony room on Quantum of the Seas, departing from Brisbane.

For dates in December, January, February and March.

Now you want to know about the ship… well, in the interests of research we tried it out in port in Barcelona.

Where among the features that caught our eye was the FlowRider.

With Irish surfer Gearoid and the cruise crew as our guides I took my board and set it against 100,000 litres of rushing amazingness on the surf simulator.

As with all cruises, and particularly RC, the food and drink is plentiful, mouth-watering and varied.

And the entertainment is different gravy.

Take in an epic fusion of music and innovation at Sonic Odyssey. Or dive into the mysteries of the sea in the spell-binding production, Starwater.

So as Rodgers & Hammerstein posited… if you haven’t got a dream then how you going to make a dream come true?

Go ahead, book your flight out to Australia and sign up for some happy talkin’ in the South Pacific.

Countries, Oceania, UK

Talkin’ the talk on Tolkein Day

3rd January 20244th January 2024 funtime65

And we’ll go full Hobbit and take a second breakfast and elevenses today and get talkin’ the talk on Tolkein Day.

Much like The Son and Heir when we decked him in felt cloak and feet and curly wig to watch The Lord of the Rings when he was but a hobbit.

The Great JRR was born on this day 132 years ago in Bloemfontein, South Africa, but reared in Birmingham before professoring at Oxford.

And ever since 1969, and the foundation of the Tolkein Society, Tolkeinites (or Ringites) have been raising a tankard to JRR.

John Ronald Raoul (and who isn’t intrigued to know what an author’s initials stand for?) moved with his family to Edgbaston when he was 4.

Brummie Bilbo

So that’s where we’ll start.

With the words of Bilbo Baggins… ‘step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.’

And that’s Secret Birmingham who point us to Hall Green, Moseley, plus Edgbaston and Ladywood.

You’ll visit his childhood at 264 Wake Green Road, no hole in the ground this and with many careful owners since, so don’t go in.

And Sarehole Mill which inspired The Old Mill in The Hobbit.

And Moseley Bog where Tom Bombadil lived, nay lives if you’re a Ringite, and the trees talk.

Edgbaston Waterworks tower will be recognisable as Minas Morgul, the home of The Witch King.

And Perrott’s Folly which Ringites will know as Orthanc, home of Saruman.

A tankard of Hobbiter

All thirsty work so you’ll want a Middle-Earth inn.

At the Plough & Harrow where Tolkein stayed a night before going to France to fight in the First World War.

And a blue plaque proudly adorns the outside.

Now, we know that there was a long, long unexpected journey there and back for Bilbo, and Frodo.

And so it is with our odyssey.

Hobbit Haka

It takes us next Down Under to New Zealand, or what we’ll call Peter Jackson’s New Zealand for our purposes.

Makes sense really as New Zealand, outside of the cities, is often compared to Olde England.

Matamata, or Hobbiton as it surely means in Maori, is a two-hour drive north of Auckland on NZ’s South Island.

With the Hobbiton Movie Set 15 miles from Matamata.

Or you can sign up to one of the many coach trips from Auckland or Hamilton or Rotorua or Tauranga.

We’re advised that it can take eight hours to get around Hobbiton.

Around the time it will take you to get through the trilogy.

Hole lotta fun

Of course, every Ringite will want to channel their inner Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry or Pippin.

And be that hobbit in a hole in the ground… and you can with a quarter of an hour in Bagshot Row.

Now knowing that hobbits are by instinct lazy, who like a second breakfast, a pipe smoke and a tankard then you’ll want to too.

And you’ll get the opportunity at a Second Breakfast Tour or Evening Banquet Tour.

While for those of you who like a drink you’ll be glad to know your tour finishes up at the Green Dragon Inn.

Where you can imbibe in a complimentary drunk from the Hobbit Southfarthing range.

It encompasses two traditional ales, or an apple cider or non-alcoholic ginger beer.

Second breakfast of champions

Now reading Tolkein as we all know is hobbit-forming.

And as a mere Bandanaboy I gorged myself on The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and for real nerds, the pre-prequel, The Silmarillion.

And Farmer Giles of Ham and the Adventures of Tom Bombadil.

Which gives me the authority to be talkin’ the talk on Tolkein Day.

And you’re welcome.

MEET YOU IN HOBBITON

Africa, Asia, Countries, Oceania

You book like a million pounds

12th October 202312th October 2023 funtime65

Because we’re worth it Destinology, who promote themselves as tour operator to the stars and Premier League, like to flatter us by saying… you book like a million pounds.

So sit back, bask in the compliment, and pore jealousy at what you could have won if you had brains in your feet rather than your head.

Destinology has only launched a three-month long once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa, India, Asia, Australia and Dubai.

Costing a million pounds for a family of four.

The perfect ten

Of course it’s the highest of high end and activities including off the beaten track wildlife and wilderness excursions.

And explorations of some of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Accommodation has also been carefully picked to include fancy shmantzy hotels, wilderness lodges, rainforest cabins and glamping.

While air travel is business class or by private helicopter charter.

You’ll take in ten different countries… so that’ll be 100,000 worth of each.

Animal magic

Cool for cats… in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

You’ll kick off in Kigali, Rwanda, including three nights in a Forest Villa in Volcanoes National Park with a gorilla trekking excursion.

Guests are then transferred by private charter helicopter to Akagera National Park for safari… and we’re past masters here.

Sunset Champagne cruises, helicopter tours, a stay at Gorse Elephant Camp, explorations of the Cape Winelands and Treetop villas await in South Africa.

Before travelling to Mauritius for nine nights at the One&Only Le Saint Géran.

And then the Seychelles archipelago for an eight-night stay in a private villa at the secluded Six Senses Zil Pasyon.

Asia major

Most trips to India are rushed but Destinology offers 12 nights.

Plenty of time to explore the heritage, glitz and glamour of Mumbai.

A private culinary walking tour of New Delhi, a visit to Agra – home to the Taj Mahal and the 16th century forts.

Followed by an exploration of Jaipur, famed for its spice markets and Rajput architecture.

The Shangri-La hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, is what you’d expect it to be.

And you’ll be treated to a private Grand Palace tour.

There is a two-night stay in Elephant Hills in a lake view villa and guaranteed Dumbos.

Before heading off on jungle trek and canoe excursions.

And then taking in seven nights in the tranquil Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas on the island of Khao Lak.

Singapore is noted for its tasty street food.

So dig in, and be sure to take in the private City and Bay of Gardens Tour.

Before retiring to a Premier Harbour View Room at the Swissotel The Stamford.

Out of the city is the enchanting heart of Bali, Ubud.

With adventures await in the lush oasis including a Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

Plus a full day tour of Bali’s lakes and temples.

Seven nights at the refreshing Alila Seminyak follow where the emphasis is on the pristine beaches and spa facilities.

Oz-some

Destinology are all over Australia, of course.

And you’ll get to do Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiking and wildlife in the Blue Mountains, Ayers Rock.

The world’s oldest rainforest at Daintree, and an eco-snorkeling adventure at the Great Barrier Reef.

And if you’re pooped at he end of all that then don’t fret.

Golden Dubai

You’ll finish up with seven nights in Dubai, the ‘City of Gold’.

Now just to get those lottery numbers right.

Because we know you and Destinology are right you book like a million pounds.

So check out the full itinerary here.