Here are some tips to help you to book your holiday for next year with confidence, so you can finally leave your four walls, and start travelling again!

1. Be aware of the current travel restrictions

As we have seen with the situation in South Australia a few weeks ago, travel restrictions can change in a heartbeat. Stay on top of government guidelines before and during your trip, to ensure you don’t get turned away at a border, or end up in quarantine. 

2. Be aware of the cancellation policy

Now, more than ever, it is important to look at the travel provider’s cancellation policy before paying any money. Is there a special COVID policy should you be unable to travel? If so, would you receive a refund, or would it be a credit for a future stay instead? If a credit voucher is the only option, check to see how long you may have to make use of this, as this may be restrictive.

While I know it’s tempting, avoid booking dirt cheap, non-refundable rates for hotels at this time. Should government advice change and you’re unable to travel, these rates are just that, non-refundable. Choose instead, the more expensive, fully flexible rates. All hotel stays for 2021 booked through Mosaic Travel will be fully refundable in case of cancellation, unless otherwise advised, and before you pay a deposit, we’ll advise you of all cancellation details.

3. Book with trusted operators

Since the travel industry was deregulated in 2012, almost anyone can set up a travel company and started taking bookings (and your money)! So it’s important to only book with trusted travel agencies, tour operators and hoteliers. Look for operators and agencies that are ATAS accredited (Mosaic Travel is), as we are required to continually meet stringent criteria to retain accreditation. 

Booking with a trusted operator means you’re more likely to go on your holiday, and receive a fair outcome should you need to cancel due to COVID.

Consider how easy it may be to get hold of the travel provider in an emergency. Can you easily pick up the phone to call for help, or do you have to sit on hold to a call centre, or battle through online chat with a robot?

4. Purchase travel insurance 

Breaking news – Covermore Insurance is next week launching their ‘COVID benefits’ insurance policy, providing coverage for should you contract COVID, experience delays or need to quarantine due to COVID. Please contact me for more details.

COVID aside, purchasing travel insurance is always a good idea, even for domestic holidays. Generally, a travel insurance policy should cover you for your hire car excess, plus it is also handy should something else go wrong. I was once able to claim for a stolen bag on a weekend trip to Sydney, and so was very grateful for my annual travel insurance policy.

5. Travel close to home for now

It looks like travel to Europe and the US may be off the cards for 2021 at this stage, so perhaps 2021 is the year to explore our own backyard. 

Whether it be a luxury outback lodge in the Northern Territory, a beach holiday to Queensland, a 4WD trip in the Kimberleys, or a hedonistic Tassie wine trip, Australia has a lot to offer. Hopefully travel within Australia in 2021 will be relatively care-free and normal, and we can enjoy these special places without huge crowds. Having said that, iconic destinations like El Questro and Cable Beach club are already heavily booked for 2021, and are advising Aussies to book early.

Even closer to home, consider a road trip holiday within your own state and explore surprising destinations just a stones-throw from your everyday life!

Talk of a travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore is sounding really positive at this stage. However, without a time frame for this bubble, I’d recommend only booking fully flexible arrangements to these destinations at this stage. 

6. Relax and enjoy your holiday!

Once you’ve considered all of the above recommendations, you can relax and enjoy the anticipation of an upcoming holiday, knowing you’ve done everything you can to book with confidence. One of my favourite parts of travelling is the lead-up to the trip, plotting, planning and getting excited! 

In 2021, I think we’ll all really appreciate travelling with family and friends, exploring fabulous destinations close to home and interacting with locals. Finally, we can start to get excited about travelling again. 

The post How to confidently book a holiday post-COVID appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

Part 2 of our series looks at the all important mobile phone and the best ways to use it while travelling.

Using your mobile phone while abroad

First things first, unless you want to come home to a huge bill that will make you never want to travel again, don’t use your phone as normal!

There are several ways to stay connected without having to sacrifice your next trip:

Purchase a roaming plan

Most Australian networks offer a plan for as little as $5 extra per day, to continue to use your phone as normal.

This is a great option for those who are travelling for a short time, really like to stay connected, and don’t mind the cost. This is the most expensive option.

Call your mobile provider to activate this service.

Purchase a local SIM card

Depending on the country you travel to, this can be easy or difficult. For example, SIM cards can be bought from newspaper stands in Croatia and Vietnam, but in Turkey and Spain, it is a complicated process involving registration, photocopies of your passport etc. Once you have this SIM card, staying connected is cheap and easy.

This is a great option if you’re travelling for a long time in a particular country.

Use only WIFI (for more details on how to do this, see below)

With WIFI readily available in most parts of the world, switch off your phone’s mobile data and simply reply on wifi. You can even make calls over wifi, using apps like WhatsApp and Skype.

This is the perfect option for those who don’t need to stay connected 24/7, but like to check in on occasion.

How to turn off mobile data on your iPhone and iPad and why it’s important while travelling.

We’ve all heard a horror story of a traveller forgetting to turn of their mobile data while overseas and come home to a HUGE phone bill!

To clear up any worries and hesitations, follow these easy steps to ensure your phone bill will be safe while you’re travelling.

Click on “Settings”

Scroll down to “Mobile”

Turn the “Mobile Data” toggle to the off position.

Alternatively, from the lock screen swipe up and tap the mobile data symbol so it turns grey as shown here ————–>

So what can your phone do while it’s in this mode?

Phone calls: you can still make and receive calls although this is strongly discouraged due to high roaming costs. It’s good for an emergency though.

Text messages: you can still send and receive texts, although at a slightly higher cost.

Internet: this is the main difference! You will only be able to connect to the internet in places where you have a wifi connection. These days, you’re able to connect to wifi in almost all hotels, restaurants, shops, airports and even some service stations.

So don’t worry, using one of these options won’t cost you the world and will still ensure you’re able to send holiday snaps to jealous relatives back at home!

Next up, we delve in to what to look for when choosing Travel Insurance!

To book your next adventure, call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

The post Preparation Tips for your Next Adventure! – Part 2: Phones appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

Expect to be amazed and overawed: your Antarctica expedition is going to be purely magical.

In Antarctica, expect the unexpected

There’s no such thing as a “typical day” in Antarctica, and that’s because Antarctica isn’t your typical destination!

The land of snow and pack ice, freezing winds and strong currents is a land that’s defined by nature, seasonal differences and daily – sometimes, hourly – climatic changes.

All Antarctic expedition cruises follow an ‘intended route’ with pre-determined landing points, but, on the actual day, anything is possible. But never fear, Antarctic expedition crews are outstandingly experienced: when a specific landing site becomes inaccessible, they will simply find another!

On a fabulous day, you can enjoy between 2 (standard) and 4 landings. On bad days, you won’t be able to set foot on land at all. In this case, you’ll get to enjoy the phenomenal spectacle from the comfort and warmth of your expedition ship instead. Let us assure you, this is not a bad compromise!

One day in a truly extraordinary place –what an average (and flexible) day in Antarctica will entail:

Early wake-up!

The sound of the anchor descending into the frosty depths of the Arctic waters is usually your wake-up call at around 5am. Expedition ships do most of their travelling at night, rocking you (sort of) gently to sleep while driving you to a beautiful spot. If you’re an early riser you can head up to the deck to soak up the views, grab a hot cup of coffee and a freshly-baked muffin to tide you over until breakfast. If not, lounge in bed a little longer until breakfast is served.

7-8am Breakfast Time

Breakfast is usually served buffet-style, with a choice of cold and hot treats. Make sure you fill up as you’ll need plenty of energy today!

There’s always a wonderful, excited vibe in the air at brekky time, as everyone anticipates the delights to be seen and experienced. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get changed into your excursion gear: the action starts pronto!

8-11.30am First On-land Excursion

Don your rubber boots and extra-warm jacket, step on the gangplank and take a crewmember’s hand to get on the Zodiac (rubber ducky) that’ll take you ashore.

After the first few days, the group will have the line-up and hop-on process down to a fine art!

If you weren’t fully awake at breakfast time, you certainly will be when the freezing Antarctic wind hits your face at double-speed! Perhaps you’ll have a colony of penguins awaiting your arrival or maybe a whale will escort you there. No time to ponder though, the boats must zip back and forth to make sure every guest is on land in a jiffy to maximise their excursion time.

Your activities here will depend on where you are but typically, you’ll have a couple of hours to explore, take plenty of photos of waddling penguins and sunbathing seals then walk to a nearby vantage point to soak up sweeping views.

11.30am – 1.30pm Lunch is Served

You’re surprisingly hungry again. How does that happen? Lunch is served and you tuck into a delicious lamb steak, expertly grilled by the crew on the back-deck BBQ.

As you sit back and relax, reliving your morning wildlife encounters, you order a glass of Argentinian vino as you hear the anchor being retracted. The ship begins its short voyage to your next landing spot.

You’ve heard that life in Antarctica is tough…..but not from where you’re sitting!

1.30 – 3.30pm Second On-land Excursion

Time to put that outer gear on again: it’s second landing time!

This afternoon, you’ll visit a scientific research station where you’ll get to meet some of the crew and learn about life in this beautiful but brutal environmental. They’ll share details of the work they carry out here so you can learn more about the importance of this amazing continent and the implications of the research that’s carried out.

3.30-7pm Relaxing Afternoon

Back on board your expedition ship, the Captain announces that there will be no more landings for the day. You change into your comfortable clothes and either take your book to the library for some downtime, join the excellent lecture on Antarctic history in the lecture room or, perhaps, sit on the back deck as the ship begins to move, just to soak up the sights of Antarctica gliding right past you.

6pm Sunset

If you visit Antarctica at a time of year where the sun actually sets, this is the most magical moment of all, and one your Captain will not miss!

Your ship negotiates a narrow channel, flanked on both sides by steep icy cliffs where leopard seals sleep. They’ve noticed your arrival and keep their eyes on you as you spot a humpback whale breaching a short distance away.

The horizon and landscape turn a dusty shade of pink, then a fiery red as you feel the temperature drop. But you wouldn’t think of going inside now – the show is magnificent and you don’t want to miss a mere moment.

7-8.30pm Dinner is Served

Your a-la-carte dinner tonight includes a decadent crème brûlée for dessert which you enjoy while swapping stories and photos of the day’s outings with other passengers. 

Later, attend the after-dinner lecture about penguins, watch a movie in the common lounge or retire to the lounge bar with your newfound friends.

How to get there

Most Antarctic expeditions depart from Ushuaia, Argentina –  the Southern tip of South America –  although a few times every summer, special expeditions depart from Hobart, Tasmania!

These trips are longer (having three times the amount of distance to cover) and more costly given the added fuel and time needed, but are also much more immersive, taking guests to the remote Eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, where other ships don’t go.

Depending on your ship, it will carry between 100-200 guests and can offer anything from a pool, spa, sauna and fitness centre to a hair salon and casino!

Chose an adventure style cruise offering camping and kayaking, or a more relaxing cruise including Turkish hammam (yes please!) and theatre room!

No matter which way you chose to travel, a trip to Antarctica is unlike anything else and one you won’t forget. With climate change affecting this continent rapidly, what better time then now to visit this magical wonder!

To book an incredible Antarctic cruise, call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

The post Expedition Antarctic – What To Expect on an Antarctic Cruise appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

Where on Earth are the Galapagos, anyway? How do you get there and how does one get around and meet all these fantastical creatures?

One unforgettable step at a time. That’s how!

What and where are the Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands belong to Ecuador and sit about 1000km off the country’s Western shores. To reach this fiercely protected archipelago, you must fly either from Quito (the Ecuadorian capital) or the seaside town of Guayaquil.

The Galapagos are volcanic in nature and surrounded by mineral-rich waters which attract a large variety of birds and an abundance of marine life. The volcanic activity together with the extreme isolation of the Islands, led to the development of unusual animal life which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection after his visit in 1835.

UNESCO have added the Galapagos to it’s World heritage list calling it a ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’. These 21 Islands are teeming with wildlife but only a few inhabited by man.

What kind of animals can you see in the Galapagos?

Expect to see an array of unique wildlife not found anywhere else on Earth!

Wildlife encounters in the Galapagos are an absolute guarantee and, because animals haven’t been hunted here for decades, they are unafraid and rather curious!

You don’t just spot iguanas, giant tortoises and colourful birds in the Galapagos, you have to walk around, beside and carefully over them! Especially the sea lions, who take up prime position on the beach!

You’ll snorkel with curious seals and dive deep with hammerhead sharks. See hundreds of unique bird species and recognise animals from all those wildlife documentaries you’ve watched. Except in the Galapagos, you’ll feel like you’re living in one!

Best time to go to the Galapagos

It is always a good time to visit the Galapagos! Depending on what you would like to see and do, every month is a winner for one reason or another.

The Equator runs through these Islands but they are anything but tropical. Both the sea and wind currents can be chilly and, although there’s plenty of luscious wilderness, it just doesn’t feel like the tropics. Expect temperatures to hover around 24C degree all year long.

The rainy season lasts from December to May with the rain lowering underwater visibility for divers. But, water and air temperatures are higher at this time.

Wildlife events – nesting and birthing of turtles, courtship of various birds and migration of certain marine life (humpback whales!) – are dictated by seasons, so if there’s a specific event you want to see, you can time your visit accordingly.

The bad news is that no matter when you visit the Galapagos, you simply won’t be able to experience everything this magical place has to offer. The fantastic news, however, is that no matter the time of year, there will always be an incredible event to witness.

Getting around the Galapagos

Although there are some options for land-based visits, the best way to experience the Galapagos is on a short cruise.

Distances are considerable, and if you base yourself on one of the few Islands that allow it, you’ll only have options for a few day trips to other Islands with most of the day spent travelling to and from.

On a typical day of a Galapagos cruise, you’ll wake up at sunrise after having calmly sailed through the night. Anchor by a stunning uninhabited island and after a delicious breakfast, it’s time to disembark the ship and explore!

Every Island on the Galapagos offers something unique: be it a specific colony of birds, resident tortoises, historic sites, stunning beaches or sensational hiking trails. Mornings are usually spent exploring an Island on foot whilst the afternoons are usually dedicated to water sports like SCUBA diving, snorkelling and swimming, so you can explore the underwater World of the Galapagos.

After a day of exploring, enjoy a refreshing drink on the deck, soak up the sights around you and recap the day’s encounters.

The Galapagos are a magical, natural wonderland. No two days are ever the same here, with each stop offering a wealth of great things to see and do and always leaving you in awe.

To book an exciting trip to The Galapagos,

call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

The post Ultimate Galapagos Guide appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

Here at Mosaic Travel, we know that there are countless destinations to visit around the Globe and will jump at any opportunity to travel, but if you’re looking for another reason, here are an extra 12! 

January:

Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, CHINA

It gets seriously cold in North East China and Winter gets made the most of with this month long festival. During the day, see the Worlds biggest ice sculptures and by night, visit “Ice and Snow World” featuring illuminated full sized buildings made from blocks of ice.
 

February:

Lantern festival, TAIWAN

Originally used in the Pingxi District to notify others that the town was safe, these lanterns are now decorated with well wishes and images relating to their owners before being released into the night sky. It is a simply beautiful sight.
 

March:

Rio Carnival, BRAZIL

Arguably the biggest festival (and party!) in the World, this week long event attracts nearly 5 million people per year who are all excited to join in the street parties and samba parades!

There is fierce competition among the fun, with 70+ Samba schools competing in mind-blowing costumes (roughly 3000 participants per school) to make it to the final extravaganza at Rio’s “Sambadrome”.
 

April:

Songkran, THAILAND

The Thai New Year is celebrated with a 3 day water fight using water guns, buckets, fire hoses and even elephants! Hawaiian shirts and dancing in one of the many street parties are highly encouraged at this time of year. You’re guaranteed to get soaked and have an amazing time!
 

May:

Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling Festival, ENGLAND

Every year, locals tumble 650 feet down to the bottom of the hill chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese which reaches speeds up to 100km/h!

This tradition dates back several hundred years making the race a World-famous event with competitors travelling from across the globe to compete.
 

June:

FIFA Women’s World Cup, FRANCE

The eighth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be played in 9 cities across France this year. 24 teams will come to compete in what is quickly becoming a widely popular event on the sporting calendar.
 

July:

Running of the bulls, SPAIN

Whether you’re watching or running, this event is sure to up your heart rate! Every morning, 2000+ people run the 875m with 6 bulls through the city. This event is the highlight of the 8 day festival “Sanfermines” and was born from the need of  getting the bulls from outside the city, into the bullring.

DISCLAIMER: WE STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST RUNNING WITH THE BULLS DURING THIS FESTIVAL!
 

August:

La Tomatina, SPAIN

This festival is like no other! Since 1945, it has been held on the last Wednesday of August, during a week of festivities in Buñol, Valencia.

Legend has it that in 1945, some young boys joined a parade of musicians and performers on stilts before knocking one over. The performer flew into a fit of rage and a market stall of vegetables fell victim! This has grown to 20,000 people participating in one of the most bizarre and fun festivals every year!
 

September:

Oktoberfest, GERMANY

Oktoberfest: the Worlds largest beer festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany sine 1810. A 16-day festival running from late September to the first weekend in October with more than 6 million people from around the world attending the event every year!

Apart from beer steins and bratwurst, you can also enjoy amusement rides, sidestalls, and games. 
 

October:

Diwali, INDIA

The 5 day Festival of Lights is the most celebrated event on the Hindu calendar. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated.

Diwali symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” 
 

November:

Dia de los muertos (Day of the Dead), MEXICO

Mexico’s most important and widely celebrated holiday! A colourful display of costume and culture, this holiday is all about getting together with friends and family to remember and celebrate ancestors who have died in order to help them on their spiritual journey.

It was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 and since 2016, a parade has occurred to celebrate The Day of the Dead. This came after the James Bond film, Spectre, which featured one in its opening scene, however, the parade did not exist when the movie was made!
 

December:

Whirling Dervishes Festival, TURKEY

One of the Worlds greatest spectacles is the Rumi or Whirling Dervishes Festival in Konya, Turkey. The ritual pays homage to the Sufic Saint Mevlana and is so unique that UNESCO labelled it as one of the “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”

To organise a trip around one of these fantastic events, 

call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

The post Event Holidays, around the world in 12 events! appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

This is what I recommend to ensure an amazing time in Auckland:

What to do

While Auckland may not be the adventure capital, there are so many fantastic things to be done here. Wildlife, shopping, relaxation, food and wine – this city has it all!

Visit Waiheke Island:

Nicknamed the “Isle of Wine”, take a 40min ferry here for a day trip of exploring stunning wineries and beaches. This was the highlight of my time in New Zealand!

Whale and Dolphin ECO cruise:

With their slogan being “Discover today. Protect for tomorrow” this adventure tour helps to not only showcase whales and dolphins, but focuses heavily on conservation.

You’ll be on board with qualified marine researchers who conduct biological studies during your tour (I got to be the volunteer!) and will share all that they know with you. 

During this excursion I learnt about whales, dolphins and threats against the ocean as well as seeing some amazing animals! University of Auckland and the Department of Conservation’s are both linked tightly to the safari so you can feel good while being on the water.

**I recommend doing this at the beginning of your trip.  The boat offers a guarantee that if the animal sightings on your trip aren’t up to their high standards, a lifetime voucher is given until they’re satisfied you’ve had a great experience!

Viaduct Harbour:

This harbour in the heart of the city is home to some of Aucklands best restaurants and bars: this is the place to be! Watch super yachts go by while having an aperitif, or take a walk along the water and admire boats with some buskers along the way.

For a more in-depth look into Maritime history, New Zealand’s Voyager Maritime Museum can be found within the Viaduct Harbour.

Spot a Kiwi!

Last year, 20 Spotted Kiwis were released into Shakespear Park, Whangaparaoa (45mins North of the CBD). Here in the sanctuary, these endangered animals will offer some genetic mixing to hopefully increase the populations chances of survival.

There’s also a short walk to a stunning lookout point here!

Extreme:

For those who want a taste of the adventure New Zealand is famous for, try the Sky Tower Bungy or Jet Boat, both conveniently located in the CBD.

Getting around

Everything feels close in Auckland but to make getting around even more fun, take a ride on a “Lime E-Scooter”! These things are everywhere, and are a huge hit with locals and tourists… unlike in Aus!

Bike taxis are another good (and green) alternative.

Food and drink

Being surrounded by so much water, the seafood available in New Zealand is incredibly fresh and delicious!

Fresh oysters, white bait, tuatua (NZ’s breed of clams, similar to Pipi’s), green lipped mussels, snapper, salmon…… the list goes on!

Auckland Fish Market:

After more than 90 years of showcasing the city’s freshest seafood, the fish market has been given a multi million dollar facelift and reopened in December last year.

The revamped market houses over 10 different eateries including a bar, cafe and world class fish and chips! With a beautiful courtyard, this is the a great place to sit and enjoy fresh seafood straight from the source.

New Zealand classics:

My first meal here was the classic “mince on toast”. With low expectations, I was quickly impressed and couldn’t wait to enjoy it again!

Other great local tastes include:

• Manuka Honey
• Hāngi
• Organic Lamb

Wine:

Internationally known for its award winning wines, some people travel to NZ for this alone. A large and diverse region, Auckland is home to some of New Zealand’s largest wine companies, as well as a many high-quality, boutique wineries. No matter which direction you travel in, there will be a world class wine produced there:

Waiheke Island: Syrah, Chardonnay, and Cabernet blends.

West Auckland: Chardonnay and Merlot. 

North of Auckland: Cabernet blends, Pinot Gris and Syrah.

Other things to consider

If hiring a car during your time in Auckland, note that petrol prices are a lot higher than in Aus. As an alternative, let us find you a driver for your time there!

To organise a trip to Auckland, 

call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

The post Exploring Auckland, New Zealand appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

Shortly after boarding in Fethiye (southern Turkey), we were shown our private double cabin with ensuite. This was used mainly as a storage room and the weather was so hot, it was more comfortable to sleep under the stars on the front deck!

We set off for our 4 day, 3 night adventure with 5 other guests and I couldn’t believe my eyes once we’d reached our first stop: Crystal clear turquoise water perfect for swimming.

The day was spent diving off the deck, reading books, playing chess and jumping into the water again once you’d become too hot. Our only interruptions were from the captain and his deckhand ringing the bell for “breakfast!!”, “lunch!!” and “dinner!!!”

At each meal time we were treated to a feast of fresh, organic Turkish food. From freshly caught seafood, to breakfast buffets, salads and (my favourite) BBQ night where we were served freshly made kofta and marinated steak.

Everyone’s dietary needs were catered for with the majority of guests being vegetarian and I was even treated with freshly baked brownies on my birthday!

Someone remarked “how is it possible that 2 men on a boat have served us with food more spectacular than our hotels!!?”

The whole boat has such a laid back feel with an honesty system for drinks, and all meals and snacks included in the boat fare, your wallet stays in the cabin the whole time.

The following days were spent swimming, swimming and swimming – I couldn’t get enough!

I was able to finish a book (a rare luxury) and learnt how to play chess again.

Living on the Ocean is very calming and spending so much time on the water gives you no distractions or worries.

Having no wifi adds to this by forcing you to literally disconnect – this was the ultimate way to relax.

On our last day we were surprised by a treat from the main land: A small speed boat was zipping from yacht to yacht shouting “ice cream”, “ice cream”!

I couldn’t believe it!

I instantly ran to find some coins and wave down my new best friend. His ice cream was protected from the blazing sun by liquid nitrogen and was popular with all the guests on board.

When it was time to disembark, I was sadly greeted with the reality of every day life: bustling streets, shops and internet. But mainly, the realisation of just how relaxing my time on the boat had been.

With my sea legs and sunburn, I arrived at my next hotel hoping the ice cream man would visit here as well.

To book yourself on this heavenly cruise in Southern Turkey, call Rosie on (03) 5275 4583!

The post My time cruising the Mediterranean appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

Here are the reasons why I think Sri Lanka should be on everyone’s holiday list for 2019.

Beautiful Beaches

Sri Lanka has beautiful, unspoilt, white sandy beaches! Unlike some neighbouring countries, Sri Lanka’s beaches are free from rubbish, and the water is clear and inviting. There are beautiful beaches in the west, near Galle, in the south around Mirissa and Tangalle, in the east near Trincomalee, and even in Negombo, 10kms from the airport!

The best beach depends on the time of year you’re visiting, so as to avoid the monsoon. Give us a call for the low-down!

Hill country 

Only a few hours’ drive inland from the coast takes you to spectacular, green hill country. With mountains as high as 2000 metres, the weather here is usually humid and wet – perfect for growing tea! The first tea plantations were planted by the British in 1824, and since then, tea has quickly become Sri Lanka’s greatest export. The central highlands region still has a distinct British flavour, with Nurawa Eliya town nicknamed ‘Little England’ for its stately homes, hedge gardens, and a colonial ‘Grand Dame-esque’ hotel serving up a very British afternoon tea.
Taking a local train through the hill country is an absolute must. It’s a chance to mix with the locals and stick your head out the window to feel the breeze in your hair, while you watch the most beautiful green, rolling tea plantations pass you by.

It’s a slow journey – timetables mean nothing – however a passing parade of food sellers will help to keep hunger at bay, offering spiced nuts, fried dhal and hot masala chai.

“Ella” is a great little town with a handful of quirky cafes and shops, and if you venture just a few kilometres out of town, you’re deep in tea-country.
There are beautiful walks you can do in this region, across the Horton Plains too. There is plenty in this region to keep you entertained for a few days!

Safari

Did you know Sri Lanka has the highest population of leopards in Asia? Arriving at Yala National Park is like being transported to a completely different destination – it’s hot and dry, with vast plains – perfect for spotting leopards in the wild. As well as leopards, you can see elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys, and plenty of birdlife in the National Park.

There’s nothing like going on a jeep safari at dawn or dusk, cameras at the ready, hoping to spot animals in their natural habitat!

In the centre of the country (near Sigiriya), a visit to either Minneriya or Kawudulla National Parks is a must, for their huge Elephant population. Where else can you visit an ancient historical site in the morning, go on safari in the afternoon, and have a cocktail by the pool at your hotel in the evening?!

Food

Sri Lankan food is fresh, spicy and full of flavour! The main spices Sri Lankans use in their foods are cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Curry leaves are also used often, and of course, everything is flavoured with fresh coconut.
Egg hoppers are a fantastic start to the day – a type of crepe made from rice flour and coconut milk, with an egg in the middle. These are topped with a dhal curry, and fresh, grated coconut.

For other meals, curry is the order of the day, with plenty of lime and coconut milk. Coconut sambal accompanies everything – this is a mixture of fresh grated coconut, chilli, garlic and lime.
Dessert is crème caramel, or a coconut and honey mixture, either deep-fried, or rolled up in a crepe.

Travellers to Sri Lanka certainly wont go hungry!

The people

Sri Lankans are some of the friendliest people I’ve met! They’re genuinely proud to show off their beautiful country, and will go out of their way to help travellers.

In our week-long trip through the country, we were not hassled once, nor pressured to buy anything. On the road, all timings are quoted in ‘Sri-Lankan time’, ie, a 100km journey will take ‘3 hours, Sri Lankan time’ , always said with a cheeky grin, meaning it will probably take 4 hours! This however, is no cause for angst, and we didn’t encounter any erratic driving, road rage or excessive tooting.

Direct flights from Australia

If you live in Victoria like me, we’re lucky enough to have direct flights from Melbourne to Colombo, with Sri Lankan Airlines! The service encountered onboard is difficult to fault, with good food (Sri Lankan chicken curry for dinner), a decent selection of in-flight entertainment options, and comfortable seating.

With a flying time of 10 hours, Sri Lanka has never felt more accessible!
For those with frequent flyer memberships with other carriers, or those looking to fly from Australia’s other Capital cities, there are plenty of other great options, with Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways or Cathay Pacific, among others.

Sri Lanka makes for a great holiday destination combined with a stopover in Singapore, Bangkok, or perhaps even the Maldives?

An undiscovered gem, for now

Sri Lanka is distinctly un-touristy. There are very few tourist shops and restaurants, and almost zero souvenirs. Beaches are free from hawkers and you don’t see many other tourists wandering around.
However, this will almost certainly change in the near future. Lonely Planet has just named Sri Lanka the #1 destination to visit in 201 9 and it is the destination on everyone’s lips.

I think some of Sri Lanka’s pristine, beautiful charm may be lost in the next 5 – 10 years, so if you’re considering a visit to beautiful Sri Lanka, I recommend going now!

To enquire about a fabulous trip to Sri Lanka, call Rosie on (03) 5275 4583!

The post 7 reasons why you should visit Sri Lanka NOW! appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

For me, There isn’t anything much better than treating yourself to a meal in a foreign country. Perhaps ordering something you’ve read about in the guide books, or taking a local’s recommendation, or even just pointing to something at the menu and seeing what they bring to you!

Simple things seem to taste better as the quality of the ingredients are different to what we’re used to. I couldn’t believe how delicious a plain pesto pasta tasted in Italy! Other dishes are jam-packed full of intricate flavours that you know you’d never be able to recreate at home.

One other great thing about food overseas – you’ve (hopefully) left your diet behind because everyone knows calories don’t count while you’re overseas!

Here are my top 5 local foodie experiences I’ve had overseas:

Local pancakes, Hoi An, Vietnam

My sister and I were told about this ‘restaurant’ by our local Guide. When we sat down on our plastic chairs in a shabby courtyard, we were immediately handed food. As it turns out, they only offer one thing, a fixed menu, which is fantastic as it eliminates all decision-making! Piles and piles of food were placed in front of us – spring rolls, pork skewers, local savory pancakes, plus a mountain of crisp lettuce cups and fresh, fragrant herbs. We got through it all, washed down with a local beer, and as we finished, the waitress presented us with a chocolate ‘yogo’ each – dessert! It was daggy, cheap but absolutely delicious.

Peka, Croatia

On our Mosaic tours to Croatia, I take guests into the countryside on Hvar island for the day. After stopping to look at the picturesque vistas, the famous lavender, and wild herbs, we visit my friends the Dubocovic family, who own a small restaurant and winery in a village. Mr Dubocovic cooks the same thing each year for us, Peka. Peka in Croatian means ‘under the bell.’ It is slow-cooked lamb and potatoes cooked on a wood fire, covered with an iron ‘bell.’ We eat in their garden overlooking rolling hills, and tasting their home-made wine.
It’s so simple, but the quality of the ingredients, the surroundings and the friendliness of the Dubocovic family make it unforgettable!

Crickets, Cambodia

This one was a dare! Walking through the vibrant, colourful night markets of Siem Reap, I saw a cart selling deep-fried bugs. They offered everything, from garden-variety crickets, to cockroaches, small spiders to big, hairy tarantulas!
In order to prove myself an intrepid traveller, I bought a bag full of crickets to munch on. They were quite nice, crunchy and tasting of salt, oil and garlic. The only thing that stopped me eating more than one was the texture, and getting those long antennae stuck in your teeth!

Midye dolma, Turkey

The best ones are found by the Galata Bridge, and in ‘fish market street’ Beyoglu, both in Istanbul. They’re mussels stuffed with spiced rice. They’re plump, juicy, delicate and full of intricate flavour. The best way to eat them is straight from the shell, while standing up next to the midye dolma cart. When you’re finished, the midye dolmaci (the seller) will count your empty shells and charge you (about 50 cents per mussel) accordingly.

Portuguese Tart, Portugal

I wasn’t all that exciting about trying this custard delicacy when I visited Portugal the first time. But of course, being such a famous dessert, we were all given one by our tour guide after a morning walking tour of Lisbon. Wow! It was the smell that sucked me in first – still slightly warm, buttery, with a light hint of cinnamon. Then the first bite was magic. The pastry made a perfect ‘crunch’ sound like in the movies, and as you bit through the flakiness, you arrived the soft, sweet custard inside. Just heaven! (And remember, calories don’t count when you’re on holiday)

What’s your favourite local foodie experience?

The post My top 5 local foodie experiences overseas appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

1. Lycian Way, Turkey

The 200km adventure starts in Fethiye, and travels (mostly) along the coast to end in Antalya. It was mapped out in the 1950s by an American woman, who traversed through tiny remote villages and stepped around ancient ruins to find her way. It’s home to a number of beautiful swimming spots and over the years, has grown to accommodate homestays and B&Bs, all of which are perfectly placed to rest your weary head.

2. GR20 North, Corsica

This walking holiday isn’t for the faint-hearted. The GR20 is known as one of the most challenging long-distance walks in Europe, and carries with it a badge of honour – it is truly an accomplishment to make it to the end. Considering the path is rocky, ventures through forest, mountains and valleys and requires two weeks of walking, there’s no wonder why! Running the length of the island from the north to the south, the walk also includes dramatic cliff-top paths, spectacular vistas and idyllic coastline. However, thirsty travellers be warned – one of GR20’s main challenges is the lack of water along the way.

3. Coast to Coast, England

North of London, somewhere between Leeds and Newcastle, sits the Coast to Coast walk, a 12-18 day adventure through some of the country’s most picturesque landscapes. Starting from St Bees Head on the Irish Sea, and finishing 309km later at Robin Hood’s Bay, the trail takes you past idyllic lakes, mountain ranges, quaint towns and farmland. To ensure a safe and sound journey, walkers can also follow the tradition of dipping your boots into the Irish Sea before you depart, and taking a pebble to throw in the North Sea at the end.

4. Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago is perhaps the most well known walking holiday, but that doesn’t mean it’s by any means overcrowded. Once a major Christian pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, it is now a fantastic walking trail for people of all walks of life. If the name ‘Camino’ sounds familiar, it’s probably because there are a number of routes, all starting at different spots – some start all the way in the French Pyrenees, and take 5 weeks to complete. However, no matter where you begin, the final 100 kilometres covers the same track, running from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. Walkers can collect stamps at every village they visit, filling a booklet. If at the end your booklet is full, you’ll receive a certificate!

For more information, to book a small-group walking holiday, or a self-guided walk, contact Mosaic Travel.

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