Where do the travel experts go on holidays?
THEY say ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’, but if you’re not fortunate enough to have a local on the inside showing you the best way to see their city, we’ve got the next best thing. Weekend caught up with three travel experts from boutique luxury crui
HERE’s where these travel experts spend their holidays... REJANA GERARDS, CRUISE TRAVELLER CRUISE SPECIALIST
Where is your favourite place in the world to visit?
It is hard to choose one but I do love Cape Town.
The Cape Malay food is delicious (best part about holidays is eating), there is so much to do and see, you’ll never get bored. Table Mountain is such an epic backdrop to the city and the beaches are just beautiful. There is wildlife galore. I could go on and on about why I love this city.
How many times have you been there and what keeps you going back?
I have been to Cape Town four times and would love to be going every year. Family keeps me going back and the fact that it is a fantastic holiday destination. So much to still explore.
What are the must-dos for others looking to travel there?
Definitely take the cable car up Table Mountain, dinner at sunset in Camps Bay, fish and chips at Hout Bay, the beautiful scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, a day trip down to the South-Eastern most point of the continent just to name a few.
Insider tips?
Don’t leave Cape Town without trying a Gatsby! It is a delicious roll filled with curried steak/chicken and chips. Big enough to share between two. Yum! Plan to have at least a week in Cape Town, a few days before a cruise just isn’t enough!
What small ship cruising destination do you get most excited about booking for guests?
KYLIE TOCCO, CRUISE TRAVELLER MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR
Where is your favourite place in the world to visit?
For me to visit a country more than once, means it is incredibly special and that place is Japan. On my first visit we travelled to Osaka, Nara, Tokyo and Kyoto and the second time I went skiing in Nozawa Onsen, spent New Year’s Eve in Kanazawa, and revisited Osaka and Tokyo because I loved it so much the first time.
How many times have you been there and what keeps you going back?
I've been lucky enough to visit Japan twice now but I'd love to go back and cruise around the places I haven't yet seen. There's so much to discover and love; from the friendly people that come up to help you (without asking), the incredible food, the history and beautiful culture.
What are the must-dos for others looking to travel there?
A personal favourite was the gardens and parks around Japan. It's something I think appeals no matter the age or who you are travelling with.
Insider tips?
Organise to pick up 'pocket wifi' so you don’t cop big data costs when you get back home. Don't completely fill your itinerary, leave time to discover places you stumble across and take day trips out of the city.
What small ship cruising destination do you get most excited about booking for guests?
Japan of course! PONANT offer some amazing itineraries around Japan and cruising gives
you the opportunity to see so many places you may not necessarily visit if you travelled by land. KIRSTEN WISE, CRUISE TRAVELLER CRUISE SPECIALIST
Where is your favourite place in the world to visit?
Queenstown, New Zealand. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to some beautiful places in the world but the mountains and lakes in the Wakatipu Basin are like nothing on earth. Any Lord of the Rings fan would back me up on that!
How many times have you been there and what keeps you going back?
I try to get back at least once a year for my fix of alpine air, superbly crafted wines and delicious food. Every time I go back it surprises me. It’s a very modern town in a timeless place.
What are the must-dos for others looking to travel there?
No trip to Queenstown is complete without a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the Lady of the Lake, TSS Earnslaw. She’s over 100 years old but a beautifully maintained and well-run steamship which cruises across to Walter Peak station. I think my love of cruising started with this exceptional ship.
Insider tips?
You don’t need a car! Everything is within walking distance and there is great public transport. For the best pizza you’ll ever have, try The Cow on Cow Lane. Also grab some freshly-cooked blue cod and chips and take them down to the lakefront.
What small ship cruising destination do you get most excited about booking for guests?
Cuba! After visiting there recently it’s an incredible, vibrant and exciting country. Like travelling back in time with the beautiful architecture, cars, history and culture. Go now before it becomes too busy! Brand Insights is sponsored content.