Queenstown, New Zealand Part -1

Wonderful Queenstown

So I’ve just returned from my very first trip to Queenstown and let me just tell you, every picture you’ve seen of that fantastic view is really what it is. It’s not Photoshop and it’s not edited. Most places die down in the winter, but Queenstown is just waking up. A few days away from the snow season and the locals are practically up the mountain, and boy are they REMARKABLE.


There are 2 major ski areas in Queenstown Coronet peak and the Remarkables. In my understanding they offer equally exciting ski runs for beginners and experts alike, since they have such a varied terrain.

But let me tell you about my experience of Queenstown…..the most amazing flight in, and I’m not talking about a scenic flight, I’m talking about the regular Air New Zealand flight into the city. When you’re landing the flight crew says “Please remember that you are not permitted to take photographs or use your mobile phone till you are inside the terminal”. This is the hardest thing to do… I guarantee that when you get your first look at Queenstown you will fall in love with it….the beautiful back drop of the Remarkables that just roll on with the beautiful white peaks, the cold breeze that hits you in the face and wakes you up and if your lucky enough to get the clear blue sky – you’re a gonner!

I spent the rest of the day exploring what the city had to offer, a delicious lunch by an open fire and an exceptional glass of pinot noir at Amisfield Winery, followed by a thrilling jet boat ride over the Shotover river, a quick scenic flight over the area and finished up with a steam cruise (TSS Earnslaw) in a boat as old as the Titanic across to Walter peak for a hot soup and varied selection of salads and food. All in all a perfect day in Queenstown.

East African Encounters… Tell us about yours….

So like most travellers to Kenya , our family also decided to go to the Masai Mara. If you haven’t been there you should definitely put it on your wish list.




It’s endless planes of beautiful land and the most amazing sunsets…. The perfect picture , the single Acacia tree in the orange backdrop of the sunset or sunrise…


The safari is the most exciting thing… We wake up before sunrise to go out…because it’s cooler at this time you are likely to see more animal about. We started the drive with the Zebras…..I’m not talking about 1, or 2 or 3, I’m talking about over a 100! Safaris as they are in East Africa are no where else….They are just blessed with numbers here… driving around for a few more minutes and there we see giraffes and buffalo, a little more into the drive and we encounter the Elephants…. The most adorable creatures are their little ones…. struggling to stand ever so playful learning to use their trunks and all the while being protected by their family.



But something that will definitely get you to stop and stare are the Kings of the Jungle! They sit there looking glorious, the lionesses surrounding the lion and his big main. They were 6 that we saw together. Our 1st time and 6! i can’t begin to tell you about our excitement. Sitting around a bush and doing their thing. They must have fed recently , because they didn’t look like they wanted to move anytime soon. We just sat there and enjoyed watching them for a while…

These are moment you can’t capture on a camera so don’t even try (unless of course you have a fabulous one with a big zoom)

Beacon Holidays India Brochure

Our India Brochure for 2010 is now released.... Let me tell you a little about the behind the scenes.




The Brochure is like a coffee table book. Unlike most travel brochures, it is not full of itineraries and prices. It's meant only to give you information and a feel for the destination.



Written by the famous Travel writers Jeroo and Gustasp Irani and images by Gustasp Irani it is turely a master piece. Also find among it's pages inspirations for culinary journey's with Food Writer Rushina Munshaw-Ghildiyal.



Order your copy and get a fantastic discount on your holiday.

Our Holiday to India

Dear Himanshi,



Thank you so much for organising such a wonderful trip for us. The planning, booking and travelling was made so smooth and easy by all your hard work. We enjoyed all of the cities we visited and we deeply appreciated your suggestions for areas we did not know.


The 4 star hotels around India really allowed us to explore different styles as each hotel really represented the city in which it was located. We loved Jaipur and Goa. The different lifestyles of each city and state really helped bring India alive for us.

The mini food tour in Mumbai was also a great. It was a real chance to understand the food and the people. Rushi is so passionate about Indian regional food that it really is something unique and special.

Most of all we just want to thank you. From the moment we started talking about the trip to when we finally arrived back in Melbourne, you made everything as smooth and easy for us as possible. The India team were very professional, and the service was good in every city and every location. The personal guides and drivers allowed us to really get to know the Indian people and the local cultures in more depth.


With deepest regards and affection


Marion


Dr Marion Steel


Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Traveling The Golden Triangle in India

The Golden Triangle is probably the route most travelled in India. starting from Delhi , the fantastic city where old world meets new, the Mughal architectural monuments , the fantastic bazaars…. have you ever been to Khan market? Yes of course there is shopping but the FOOD! It’s amazing…freshly cooked in front of your with all those lovely spices…mouth watering.

Go ahead to Agra., of course to see the Taj Mahal, the romantic times of royal love, only for the same powerful Ruler to be imprisoned by his own son in the Agra Fort. While you are there most of the hotels have excellent spa facilities and beautiful restaurants like the ITC. Or if your really out for the Luxury splurge stay that the Amarvillas for the beautiful views of the Taj from your room. Even enjoy the evening entertainment.

Jaipur – The Pick city, with all the lovely Rajasthani carving it’s no wonder the designs have transferred to the beautiful clothing and materials….shopping paradise for everything Indian. This is where you can stay in Royal homes “haveli’s” and interact with the locals…. For a completely out of this world experience stay at the Samode palace or bagh.

If you need a hand planning your trip of want some information from someone who loves everything about it give us a shout.