This clever travel trend offers better value and far richer local experiences
Plus, three other things Explore is loving this week.
Always with its finger on the pulse, Lonely Planet has just published a new guide, Offseason, revealing the ideal times to experience some of the world's most iconic destinations. Like hitting the (empty) hiking trails in Japan in December, spotting lemurs in Madagascar in November or experiencing the winter wonderland of Romania in January. It's a win-win for all, with off-season travel offering better value and richer cultural experiences, while spreading the impact for destinations.
Vegas rolls the dice on fine dining
Las Vegas may be better known for high rollers than haute cuisine, but the desert city has just had its culinary chops confirmed in the inaugural Michelin Guide Southwest. With Qantas launching direct flights between Sydney and Las Vegas in December, it's perfect timing for food lovers. Twenty-four restaurants made it into the guide, with French fine diner Restaurant de Joel Robuchon receiving two stars, while L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, E by Jose Andres and Restaurant Guy Savoy received one. visitlasvegas.com
Aussies make room for travel
Aussies don't consider travel an indulgence, but a priority, with research by Skyscanner showing that eight in 10 are willing to cut back on at least one everyday expense to make room for travel. But they're also keen to get the best bang for their buck by comparing prices, and being flexible on dates and destinations. For those planning a trip within the next three months, Skyscanner has revealed that seat prices to Bali and Tokyo have dropped by 9 per cent and 20 per cent respectively compared to last year.
Hottest hotel amenity: a pickleball court
AusPlay has identified pickleball as Australia's fastest-growing sport by participation, and hotels have been paying attention. Avani Cypress Lakes in Hunter Valley, opening in stages from October as Australia's largest integrated wellness precinct, is the latest, with three pickleball courts planned. Other early adopters include the InterContinental Coogee Beach, Rydges in the Hunter Valley, the Mercure Gold Coast and the boutique Osborn House in Bundadoon NSW.
My all-time favourite destination is … Argentina. One of my favourite moments was horse riding with a gaucho, the snow-tipped Andes ahead of us and a condor wheeling above us in the bluest sky. Elvio didn’t speak any English, so we didn’t talk at all and the only sound was the ring of our horse’s hooves on shale as we ascended the foothills.
Next on my bucket list is … Georgia (the European country rather than the US State) has been on my hit list for ages and I’ve yet to get to Canada, so either (or both).
My top travel tip is … Always include a destination on your itinerary that doesn’t have “big things” to tick off, a place where you can slow down and interact with locals going about their day. It really gives you a deeper understanding of the destination and people that you won’t get if you just stick to the big tourist spots.
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