Four Seasons Disney VIP Experience
There are several fantastic reasons to visit Walt Disney World Orlando, from the incredible theme parks and iconic characters to the fun-filled rides and interactive experiences. To put it simply, a visit to Disney is pure magic! This is an incredibly popular family destination, meaning it books up quickly and availability for preferred accommodation and flights can be tough to secure. This is where our Travel Specialists come in. With their insider knowledge and expert tips on which experiences will elevate your holiday, they’ll make a world of difference to planning an unforgettable trip. One way to make your family holiday to Disney truly memorable is with the Four Seasons Disney VIP Experience. Offered to Four Seasons Resort Orlando guests, the Four Seasons and Disney have partnered up to create a unique VIP service and experience during a day at one of the Disney theme parks. What is the Four Seasons Disney VIP Experience all about? After enjoying a first-hand experience of this offer, Rob Holmes, our Destination Manager for North America, provided an “in the know” overview of the exclusive VIP experience. Find out what you can look forward to, plus, enjoy some of his recommendations for a family trip to Orlando.
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Antarctica packing list
If you’re asking this question, fear not, because our Latin Expert, Alison has recently returned for Antarctica and knows exactly what you’ll need from the bottom up. Here’s our packing guide for your next Antarctica expedition. Top tip Layers are critical when dressing for Antarctica, the air trapped between each layer helps with insulation. Additionally, Antarctic weather is often unpredictable and bringing adequate layers will allow you to add on and peel off various items as needed based on the temperature. Cotton is not your friend in polar regions so avoid it at all costs. Alison in Antarctica layered outfits in Antarctica Entire body Long underwear is essential and comes in many forms. Silk or merino wool long underwear is extremely light weight but very warm. Insulated, moisture wicking synthetic leggings also work well. Depending on the excursion day you may want 2 layers of long underwear underneath your clothing, but these layers can often be re-worn more than once. Waterproof long underwear Antarctica Feet Bring 2 pairs of tall, wool socks or insulated moisture wicking socks per excursion day. Many of these types of socks can be worn more than once. It is appropriate to bring some cotton socks to wear when warm and cosy aboard the ship, but they should not be worn on excursions under any circumstances as they will hold moisture and freeze. Wool socks Showing off boots in Antarctica Waterproof boots for excursions will be provided on board. The boots provided are tall, high quality insulated gum boots made of rubber and neoprene. You will be asked for your shoe size prior to departure and also given the opportunity to switch out sizes on board to ensure the perfect fit. Insulated snow boots Penguin Antarctica Legs Moisture wicking undergarments are ideal and are far preferable to cotton. It is possible to buy undergarments specifically designed for hiking and active experiences, this is what you want to look for. Any moisture that is trapped inside can become quite cold and can potentially freeze. Women will want to wear sports bras or similar active styles. Hiking pants work well over long underwear and should be comfortable. Do not wear jeans or similar cotton pants under any circumstances as they will hold moisture and become stiff and heavy before eventually freezing. Waterproof pants are required for most voyages and with good reason. Gore Tex is absolutely ideal and will feel more flexible in the cold than typical rain pants. This should be the top layer on your bottom half; worn on top of you hiking pants as well as 1-2 layers of long underwear. Water poof snow pants Hiking Antarctica Torso Wool, polar fleece or a combination of multiple moisture wicking long sleeve shirts are ideal. Half zip tops work well as they typically have a tall collar that can also provide neck protection like a turtle neck. Over your long underwear, 2-3 layers are recommended on top. An ultra-light synthetic puffy coat is also advisable as a layer beneath your waterproof coat. A rather stylish, waterproof jacket will be provided to you on board and makes you look and feel like part of the expedition team. You will be asked for your jacket size prior to departure and like the waterproof boots, given an opportunity to switch sizes on board if needed. The jacket will have a waterproof hood which will be useful in addition to a hat. Alison in Antarctica Group wearing matching jackets Waterproof gloves are non-negotiable. Be sure to think about the mobility of the gloves and if you will have the ability to do all of the things you want to do on excursions – such as taking photos. Dexterity is key! Additionally, touch screen gloves are perfect if you plan to take photos with your phone – frost bite is not uncommon when taking off gloves to use photo touch screens. Pleaneau Island, Antarctica Photographing king penguins Head Neck protection is also critical, and a neck tube or balaclava is perfect as those garments also cover your ears, chin and mouth. A significant amount of heat escapes from the top of your head, so a high-quality wool beanie hat is a must. Another necessary item is sunglasses or ski goggles for both wind protection and the possibility of bright sunshine. If you are lucky enough to experience blue skies the reflection off of the snow is intense and snow blindness can be a real danger without sunglasses. Alison protecting her face Sunglasses are key Extra Sun screen the last item you will need to adequately protect yourself from the harsh Antarctic winters. Even when very cloudy, sunburn is a real possibility. Now you are ready to go to Antarctica, enjoy! Alison taking penguin selfies Polar plunge
Looking to Laos: Southeast Asia Undiscovered
Asia expert, Sarah, tells us more. For most people, a trip to southeast Asia means ticking off a few of the world’s most famous sites; Vietnam’s Halong Bay, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the electrifying city of Bangkok, and of course, Thailand’s stunning beaches. Alongside these bucket-list behemoths, how could sleepy Laos even compare? Few people even know where it is, tucked away beyond the north of Cambodia and sandwiched between the thin spine of Vietnam to the east and Thailand’s famous Golden Triangle to the west. Sleepy it may be, but the fascinating history of Laos packs a cultural punch strong enough to satisfy even the most well-travelled of holidaymakers. Laos was besieged by more than two million tonnes of ordnance during the Second World War, the equivalent of one plane load of bombs being dropped every eight minutes over the course of nine consecutive years. This secret war has had a direct impact on Laos’ development as a tourist destination, and as a result it has fallen far behind the tourism mecca of Thailand, and the up-and-coming beach destination of Vietnam. Meeting the locals Sarah discovering Laos However, those who love getting off the beaten track will adore Laos, with its friendly locals, rich history and quaint French colonial buildings that bring a touch of European flair to a profoundly oriental setting. In Vientiane, Laos’ riverside capital, you will find tree-lined boulevards, crumbling patisseries and coffee shops, and a remarkably familiar looking Triumphal Arch. With a relatively large international airport, Vientiane is easily reached via global hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul, as well as offering easy connections with neighbouring towns in Vietnam and Cambodia. Laos has never been so easy to visit, either as a stand-alone destination or part of a wider itinerary. Buddha Park in Vientiane Patuxai in Vientiane, Laos Without a doubt, the jewel in Laos’ crown is Luang Prabang. This quiet mountain town has been a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, and it’s easy to see why. Despite being the capital of Laos until as recently as 1975, Luang Prabang has a dreamy and understated atmosphere, with low roofed wooden temples and winding cobbled lanes. The peaceful streets are almost empty of cars and motorbikes, a far cry from Vietnam’s capital Ho Chi Minh City which is home to 7.4 million motorbikes and counting. Instead, you’ll find saffron-robed monks walking alongside the river, or local people on bicycles travelling at a leisurely pace to and from the markets. At dawn, people gather in the streets to offer alms, the daily food offering for the hundreds of monks who silently file out of their temples into the morning light. The symbiotic relationship between Lao people and their spiritual representatives is perhaps the reason why Luang Prabang has remained such an untouched gem in a quickly developing world. Visit Luang Prabang for a glimpse of the spiritual richness of Laos Monks in Luang Prabang Although Luang Prabang may be in a truly remote area of Laos, don’t ever believe you can’t travel in style there. With a huge selection of boutique and international hotels, including the world-famous Aman brand’s offering in the area, Amantaka, Luang Prabang certainly offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re stopping for a while or just passing through. Amantaka by night Amantaka, Laos For those wishing to get thoroughly off the beaten track, northern Laos offers some of the most untouched scenery in southeast Asia. Travel by plane, boat and 4×4 to reach Oudomxay, Nong Khiaw and Muang La, home to remote hilltribes, dramatic landscapes and truly authentic experiences. Hike, bike, drive or float between local villages as you learn about the astonishing variety of Laotian tribes, numbering over 200 distinct ethnic groups, each with their own dialect, religion and traditional costume. The markets of Champasak Nong Khiaw in northern Laos In the south you’ll find the province of Champasak, bordering Cambodia and marking the start of the Khmer road, an ancient ritual highway which centuries ago linked the little-known temple of Wat Phou with its flashy big brother, Angkor Wat. Escape the tourist crowds of the Angkor temples with a trip instead around this lesser known but equally impressive site. While in Champasak you can also enjoy exploring the awe-inspiring 4000 islands, scattered amongst the raging waters of the Mekong or venture up onto the Bolevan plateau, cross-hatched with rivers and waterfalls. An adventure to southeast Asia doesn’t need to follow the same well-trodden tourist trail. For those looking for culture, excitement, activity, history, new cuisines and new experiences, Laos is undoubtedly a strong contender and certainly not to be sniffed at. With increasing foreign development in the area, and a rapidly growing desire for foreign tourism, we thoroughly recommend visiting this hidden gem now, before the first high-rise hotel beats you to it. Getting off the beaten track in Laos Stunning scenery abounds in Laos
Why Spetses Should be on Your Bucket List
Not many people know the small island of Spetses. Home to 4,027 inhabitants, the island has one town which houses 4,001 of those inhabitants. Spetses has come to be known in wealthy Greek circles as the place to see and be seen. Many own villas on the island and come for the summer to relax and rejuvenate. For the rest of the world however, Spetses is a relative unknown. In my travels through Greece I was assumed to be very knowledgeable about the Greek Islands for just having been there. What a novelty considering I hadn’t even known that it existed before the trip! Spetses is such an amazing location that is off the beaten track with a luxury all its own. Here are just a few reasons why everyone should want to visit. Sierra in Greece Spetses Coastline 1. Historical Significance Spetses history goes back to 8000 B.C. Quite a long stretch of time to cover, but the most significant moments in its history are from the early 18th century. Greek merchants based on the island during this time worked on both sides of the trade embargoes during the Napoleonic Wars, creating great profit for Spetses. Arguably the most significant moment comes in 1821 when Spetses became the first of the Greek islands to declare open revolution against the Turks in the Greek War of Independence. Led by war heroine Bouboulina, merchant ships raided the Turkish coast, sieging fortresses and participating in a great many naval battles. The museum dedicated to Bouboulina is well worth a visit, especially as it is within her old home. Harbor in Spetses Statue of Bouboulina 2. Poseidonion The Poseidonion Hotel is your ideal stay on the island. In the early 1900’s the island was flooded during the autumn with Athenian hunters. Once Sotirios Anargyros, a Spetses-descended US-tobacco tycoon, saw the need for a hotel on the island he quickly built Poseidonion for the wives and children of the hunters. The high society, royalty, and rich from around Greece have found the hotel and the island to be the perfect vacation spot. The Poseidonion offers an oasis on the waterfront, with views, spa, and comfort awaiting every traveler. Poseidonion Hotel beautiful views at the Poseidonion 3. Island Transportation The transportation on the island is unique. Just a few minutes walking around the town reveals a distinct lack of motor vehicles. In fact, for the most part, cars are not allowed on the island. Instead, the locals drive mopeds, motor scooters, and motorcycles. Also seen driving through the streets are horse drawn carriages. Obviously mostly occupied by the few tourists, it can be a great date idea or even a fun way to get to the other side of town without walking. What a fantastic experience to see motorcycles driving right by a horse drawn carriage with a group walking right next to them. Most people, however, choose to walk through town. Everything is close by and nothing is off limits for the adventurous! Horse drawn carriage in Spetses Spetses modes of transport 4. Lux and Local Blend There is no better vacation than feeling completely taken care of in luxurious fashion, while still blending in with the local culture. Spetses is ideal for this experience. While staying at the Poseidonion, you can take just a few steps outside of the hotel to see the main town. Small coffee shops and local merchants are on every street and around every corner. There are local and “touristy” eating spots well within reach. The wealthy Athenian vacationers walk down the street next to the Spetsiot locals. Luxury yachts can be seen floating at the hotel docks next to the fishing boats and water taxis. It is a one-of-a-kind experience. yacht lined harbor in Spetses Spetses 5. Beaches and the Uninhabited Section As I mentioned before, Spetses is only inhabited in one town. Quite an interesting experience at first but exploring the rest of the island is well worth it. Between 25 to 30 kilometers of trails span the island. Hiking these trails leads you through heavily forested areas and can drop you right at any number of beautiful beaches. Beaches such as Zogeria, Agioi Anargiroi, and Agia Paraskevi can also be reached by public bus from the old port. Exploring this untouched land is an excellent use of a day or two. Secluded beaches in Spetses Spetses
Guiding You in the Right Direction
Many visitors to a city feel that they can buy a guide book and read it page by page as they stroll around. Only to realize, with a painful thump, that their health is at risk. As you walk past a wonderful view, busily scanning your page for the snippet of information that will make you appreciate the view, you are likely to walk into someone doing the exact same thing. Fellow travellers are full of things that hurt- cameras, caps and foreheads. It can be a painful and embarrassing experience, leaving you both trying to apologize for the collision in each other’s language while rubbing your sore head and bruised ego. No one has a story that starts “My fondest memory of Rome is the time I broke my nose… “ Italy Louise enjoying Italy Don’t get me wrong, I love guidebooks and have a shelf full them with well thumbed, highlighted and bookmarked pages. I love to read about a destination in the months leading up to the trip, but I have found that there is a much better and safer option than trying to use them while exploring. A good guide knows the best spots Louise boating on the Amalfi Using a local guide can take all of the hazards away; they are adept at navigating the busy streets and canals, steering you away from the bottlenecks that form when tourists are left to wander unattended and helping you gain access to the places that others don’t know about. It is a skill worth its weight in gold. The backstreets and alleyways that they can confidently take you to will often give you a glimpse of the authentic way of life a city has rather than the well-trodden paths of polished and over exposed sights the masses only see. Winding roads Italy Hidden markets Guided canal trip of Venice Recently I spent time in Italy and Greece and was lucky enough to explore many cities and villages under the expert guidance of our local partners. They were truly experts and had a level of knowledge that no guide book could give. My guide for a tour of the Acropolis in Athens had a PhD in Archaeology, the same was true in Rome and Florence. Not only did these guides have a wealth of expertise in their field, but also had an ability to make it relatable and relevant to their audience. Gauging how much we wanted to learn was a key to keeping us interested and engaged and it took real skill to do this effortlessly while dodging around crowds, negotiating traffic and finding shade for us Colosseum, Rome Louise's private tour of ruins in Italy Scott Dunn works with some excellent guides, with access to hard to get tickets, private viewings and the ability to skip the lines, they also have the type of knowledge that only someone who lives and breathes the place can gather. Our partners will make you feel like a VIP, not just another tourist, and you will return with a wealth of memories, interesting information and local stories. VIP access to the most famous landmarks Louise sitting back and relaxing because of her guide A great guide can really take the headache out of a visit, we can help you to make the most of your time in a city and fill your head with wonderful memories rather than bruises.
Why Sri Lanka Should be on Your Bucket List
Though the list of what makes Sri Lanka so special is endless, Asia Travel Expert, Kirsty has narrowed it down to her top five reasons, and it isn’t an understatement to say it was very hard to pick just five… After spending an extensive 16 nights in Sri Lanka I am already planning my return. Just a small island located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse and truly is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a couple on your honeymoon, a family of five, a self-proclaimed foodie, or obsessed with wildlife, you will find a reason to love this culturally rich island. During my trip I was fortunate enough to see all the highlights and more, so in no particular order, here are my top 5 reasons why I think Sri Lanka should be on everyone’s bucket list: The Food If you find yourself heading to Sri Lanka for a vacation, chances are you’ve already been told how incredible the food is. From spicy homemade curries to fruit salads that contain produce handpicked that morning, this tropical island has something to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Predominantly their meals are curry based, but if you’re not good with spice it doesn’t matter as the chefs will accommodate everything to your taste buds. While there make sure you try the local specialties of buffalo curd with treacle, and egg hoppers, these were my personal favourites. Sri Lankan dishes at Amangalla Classic Sri Lankan food The People I cannot say enough good things about the people of Sri Lanka. They are all so incredibly hospitable and everywhere you go I can guarantee you will be greeted with a refreshing towel and some sort of fresh juice. It is in Sri Lankan’s nature to accommodate everyone for free, simply because they want to, so while there expect to get a lot for nothing. At Scott Dunn we hand select the best drivers and guides, who will be with you throughout your stay. While I was there I was lucky enough to be guided by one of our finest. My colleague Tory commented that ”if everyone in the world was a little more like him, the world would be a better place” and having spent a large amount of time getting to know the locals, I think this is true for the majority of Sri Lankan’s. Classic Sri Lankan fishermen Locals in Sri Lanka The Wildlife Despite the fact that I grew up in South Africa and was constantly on safari, I didn’t see my first leopard until I went on safari in Sri Lanka. Within 20 minutes into my first game drive in Wilpattu National Park, our rangers had spotted a leopard sitting on a rock. While we were watching her, a sloth bear walked behind the vehicle. So, we had a leopard in front of the car and a sloth bear behind us, and no idea where to look – it was an incredible experience. Since Sri Lanka is home to elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and over 435 species of bird, don’t be surprised if it happens to you too. leopard that Kirsty saw! Elephant in national park My top safari destinations are Leopard Trails in Wilpattu and Leopard Trails in Yala. If you want to be near a park, and only safari once or twice then I highly recommend a few nights stay at Wild Coast, it’s one of my favourite properties in Sri Lanka. Aerial view of Wild Coast Leopard Trails in Yala National Park The History & Culture As small as Sri Lanka may be, it has an incredibly rich history. Sri Lanka is famous for its Cultural Triangle which consists of ancient monuments, royal cities, and Buddhist temples that are unlike anywhere else. From the Ancient fortress on top of Sigiriya Rock to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, there is a lot of history and ancient artifacts to admire in Sri Lanka. However, if temples are not necessarily your thing, then definitely don’t forget about the incredible views from the tea plantations. In the Hill Country, you quickly realize just how apparent the British colonial influence and culture still is. Kirsty at Sigiriya Rock Ancient site in Sri Lanka My favourite hotel to stay in the culture triangle is Water Garden and in the Hill Country, Tea Trails. Water Garden Tea Trails The Beaches Don’t get me wrong, I love a city break as much as the next person, but personally I believe for a vacation to truly be relaxing and complete there needs to be some beach time incorporated into the itinerary and this is why Sri Lanka is an ideal location. After you have finished running through true cultural triangle and game spotting on safari, head to the South Coast to experience some of the island’s most pristine beaches and luscious rows of palm trees. Whether you want to spend every day in the water surfing, tanning by an exquisite pool, or being catered to in your private beach villa, Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone. Kirsty enjoying some beach time in Sri Lanka Beautiful beach in Tangalle, Sri Lanika My favourite beach destinations in Sri Lanka are TARU Villa Rock, Amanwella, and Claughton House. Swimming Pool view at Amanwella Claughton House
Hola Espana
