Some adventures are many years in the making, but as Lee Bethune discovered, coming up with the idea to visit the Galapagos archipelago was one of her best travel decisions yet…
“Why hadn’t I thought of doing this trip sooner? As soon as I arrived in the Galapagos Islands I wondered why it had taken me so long to explore this incredible place. I felt like I was stepping onto a movie set of Jurassic Park, but it was real and I had to constantly pinch myself!
With its picturesque beaches and beautiful blue waters, Ashok Solanki discovers that there are few more delectable places to unwind than the exotic ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar…
“One can smell the spices in the air, even though the island itself is still not in sight. It is said that in the old days pilots followed the scent of the spices to locate this tiny speck in the Indian Ocean. The ferry from Dar es Salaam takes just over 2 hours, but when you land on Zanzibar you step back in time to an, as yet, unspoilt and little-known paradise.
The 19 islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago are a genuinely unique travel experience. From amazing encounters with rare wildlife, to meeting locals who cling to their ancestral traditions, Intrepid’s Cara Brown discovered that these equatorial islands have a way of changing the way you think about our world…
“Crystal clear water, the sand between my toes and a hard-earned beer in my hands… welcome to the Galapagos Islands, situated 1000km west from the coast of Ecuador. It is my 2nd day on the beautiful island of Isabela and she is seducing us in every way. Let me start off by telling you that the Galapagos is not your average island getaway. As my eyes focus on the landscape that surrounds me I take in everything; white sandy beaches, volcanic rock, sentinel-looking cacti and lush farming lands.
Brazil is a country that inspires your sense of fun and adventure more than most. Its lively city of Rio de Janeiro is one big sensory overload, so Intrepid’s Angela Zuniga loved feeling, smelling and tasting her way around this fantastic town…
“Rio is a sensual city that demands as much time as possible to be fully experienced. From dawn to dusk and after dark, there is always something happening somewhere. I spent five fantastic days exploring the city and sating my sense of adventure.
Mother Nature puts on one of her most impressive performances at Iguazu and Paul McMahon recalls the special day when he got to experience the might of the falls for himself…
“My most memorable national park experience was at Iguazu Falls, Argentina. What made this so remarkable was the pleasure in being so close to one of the most spectacular waterfalls on this planet.
Travelling to Africa and choosing a camping trip that crosses vast savanna, overnights in jungles and introduces you to fascinating cultures, is stepping out of many people’s comfort zone. For Peter Wicks it was a leap of faith in many ways, but it proved to be the trip of a lifetime…
“Road to Zanzibar is very high on the must-do-again list. Being in our mid-50′s, my wife and I were both a little concerned about taking on a camping tour (the last the time we camped was pre kids), but our worries were very quickly laid to rest. The tents provided by Intrepid were clean, very easy to put up and just as easy to take down.
Wellington’s claim to fame is being the world’s southernmost capital city and it’s New Zealand’s cultural capital, but most who aren’t in the know assume Auckland or maybe even Christchurch are the country’s top dogs. They might be bigger in population, but Intrepid’s Oliver Pelling explains why Wellington makes up for it with plenty of local personality…
“Home to an artistic and creative young crowd and all the trendy cafes, bars, laneways, shops and hideouts that they like to hang out in, Wellington is a unique cultural hotspot. Boasting a vibrant cafe culture not dissimilar to the likes of Melbourne or London – though on a markedly smaller scale – this capital city has a buzz about it that resonates within travellers of all ages.
Australia’s southernmost state of Tasmania is overflowing with reasons to visit. From World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain to Wineglass Bay, voted one of the world’s top 10 best beaches, the island is a haven for nature lovers and foodies alike. There’s also a new star when it comes to Tassie must-sees and Intrepid’s Helen Stevens introduces us to this local gem that is much more than just another museum…
“Situated in Berridale, a working class suburb perhaps previously best known for its proximity to the Cadbury factory, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has become THE reason to visit Hobart. It boasts a world-class collection of all forms of art, from painting to sculpture and new media featuring Australian and international artists. But don’t expect the usual gallery experience.
At 3,754 metres (12,316 feet) Aoraki, or Mt Cook, is New Zealand’s highest mountain and as Intrepid’s Graham Stanley discovered, it’s a top spot to visit…
“I expected to be impressed with the scenery of New Zealand, but I was still taken aback by the beauty of Mt Cook. I have travelled to many countries and Mt Cook is by far one of the most stunning vistas that I’ve ever seen. Of course the weather can help. It is apparently a lucky day when the mountain can be seen crystal clear and without its shroud of cloud – and I was there!
