Travels Archives - Page 7 of 14 - Swain Destinations

The Splendor of Victoria Falls

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls? Is it better to view the falls on the Zambia or Zimbabwe side?

Victoria Falls

As a consultant, these are two questions I am always asked. The first one is an easy answer. The best time to view Victoria Falls is February to May. This is when you can witness the largest waterfall in the world at its fullest. My answer to the second question was the Zambia side as I was born in Livingstone, Zambia. However, that answer changed after my trip to Zimbabwe in May 2019. Let me tell you why.

Herds of elephants greeted us along the banks, there was the familiar smell of the mighty Zambezi River in the air, and in the distance, we saw the spray of Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge is set on the banks of the Zambezi River within the Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe). After we arrived, staff greeted us and whisked us into the main area. A refreshing welcome drink waited for us, along with cool, lavender scented towels. After, a brief orientation of the property followed and then we were treated to an amazing lunch.

We were fortunate to stay one night in the Luxury Tented Suites and one night in the Island Treehouse Suites. The thatched, Beautiful Luxury Tented suites have air conditioning and a private deck. Your personal plunge pool looks out to the Zambezi River. In the mornings, you can sit on the your private deck, sipping on tea and watching the sun rise. You can hear the river and the roaming wildlife as well. Also, included in your stay are all meals and local beverages.

Lodge Activities

We took advantage of the spa on our first afternoon. I have been to many spas in the USA, but the massage by these young ladies was by far the best that I have ever had. The gorgeous scenery and complete realxation probably had something to do with it. I highly recommend getting a spa treatment during your stay. And, the activities included during your stay at Victoria Falls River Lodge are fantastic. You cannot go wrong with either the Tour of Victoria Falls or Bird Watching. There are also two additional game activities – a choice of either a morning or afternoon game drive in the Zambezi National Park, and a sunrise or sunset river cruise.

We spent our last night at the Island Treehouse suites and it was special. The lodge lies in a secluded area along the banks of the Zambezi River. There are four exclusive Treehouse Suites and two double story tree house suites with a private deck and plunge pool nestled among the treetops on a private island. The island has its own dining-area so guests have personalized service along with fine dining. The lodge manager Peter and his staff work around the clock to ensure your stay is relaxing, enjoyable, and unforgettable. If you have an opportunity to sit down with Peter for a drink, you absolutely should. He has lots of interesting stories.

Zambezi River Cruise

As the saying goes, “there is no sunset like an African sunset.” Our sunset cruise on the Zambezi River was proof. We enjoyed the sights of other sunset boats, sipped on a gin and tonic at sundown, and got that chilling feeling you get after you see 10 Hippos frolicking in the river close to your boat.

Conclusion

Zimbabwe casts a spell on you. With its ample wildlife, stunning lodges, and gorgeous river sunsets, the country draws you in, making it impossible to not feel affected by what you’ve seen. From February to May, the epicenter of this magic is Victoria Falls. Having seen the falls from Zambia my whole life, I did not think it could look any more powerful and awe-inspiring. But then I saw it from Zimbabwe. At full roar, I knew that I was witnessing a natural wonder that was unmatched. Just like the rest of Zimbabwe.

Japan: A Journey Through Time

Asia, Cory Payton, Cruises, Travels

Past and present mingle in Japan, producing a culture that is vibrant and eclectic.

Bullet Train Through Japan

In Japan, I found that there is no better representation of the country than the bullet train. Clean, orderly, and prompt—the bullet train is a marvel. The three-and-half-hour journey from Tokyo to Fukuyama was smooth as silk. Before entering or exiting the train car, an attendant would bow, a sign of respect and thanks for joining them on this journey. Needless to say, that my first impression of the country was one of humble respect. Tattoos are covered and shoes are removed before entering rooms. It is a country that prizes its culture and history-both of which I was able to experience firsthand.

Guntu Cruise

What the bullet trains are to contemporary Japanese culture, the Guntu Cruise is to the country’s storied past. Guntu is named after the blue crabs that inhabit the waters around the Seto Inland Sea. This luxury floating Ryokan houses 16 beautiful cabins. All meals were included as well as a seating at the sushi bar which itself was a two-hour raw fish journey. And the view through the window behind the bar displays the gorgeous natural setting of the Inland Sea. Clad in a kimono, I also participated in a traditional tea ceremony before returning to my room—a Terrace Suite complete with my own personal balcony. The next day I took an excursion into the town of Miyajima with its shrine and Torii Gate.

The cruise concluded the next day and I was back on a bullet train aimed toward Tokyo. It was clear that while Guntu and the bullet train were from different eras, they were both imbued with tradition that came from the Japanese people themselves. Tradition is glue that binds culture and history together to form the rich collage that is a country. In Japan that collage is humble, respectful, and majestic.

Cory on the Guntu | Photo Credit: Cory Payton

Want to experience Japan for yourself? Check out our Japan itineraries!

A Travel Insider’s Tasmania Adventure

Australia, Destinations, Interviews, Travels

Where does someone who has been everywhere want to go? That is a question that Damian McCabe, founder and CEO of McCabe World Travel, faced when attempting to craft a personal trip for her family. In a life that has seen her travel to all seven continents and experience far flung corners of the globe, Damian settled on Tasmania. She articulates her reasons below.

What drew you to Tasmania as a destination to visit?

“Tasmania has always been on my bucket list. It seems so remote and I’d seen pictures of the windswept beauty of the island. Plus I really wanted to see those Tasmanian Devils!”

What were your initial expectations of Tasmania, without having been there before?

“Tasmania was really much as I expected, except perhaps for the city of Hobart. It was much smaller and more quaint than I expected. Great museums! I think the roads were much less busy than I thought they would be. We rented a car on the island and self-drive was quite easy.”

What was your favorite place you visited in Tasmania?

“Saffire Freycinet, a luxury lodge in the Freycinet National Park was by far my most favorite place. Gorgeous views, beautiful accommodations and wonderful food. The only thing wrong with it is that it’s only 20 rooms!”

What would you think travelers would find most surprising about Tasmania?

“Travelers like to be surprised and delighted, and Tasmania really delivers. From beautiful hikes overlooking Wineglass Bay, home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, to superb oysters, to finding an extraordinary Aboriginal Art Gallery in the capital town of Hobart, there are so many things to do and learn about that would be new to most travelers. Tasmania has a long seafaring history, too, for museum buffs. All in all, Tassie is a great addition to any trip down under.”

What activity did you do that should be on everyone’s bucket list?

“A visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, just outside Hobart, should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting Tassie. It is home to all the Australian species who might need special care – the ones we’ve heard of like kangaroos, wallabys and koalas, but they also care for Tasmanian Devils and lots of indigenous species most North Americans have never heard of like wombats, eastern quolls, sugar gliders and echidna!”

What was your most memorable moment from your trip?

“Our most memorable moment was holding a 10 week old wombat at Bonorong. I’m a huge animal lover and this little baby was darling.”

What was something special Swain Destinations provided to you, before, during or after your trip?

“I loved everything Swain Destinations did for my daughter and me in Tasmania; it was a great trip, but I think arranging for a private night tour at Bonorong was the highlight. So many Aussie animals are nocturnal, and to have the place all to ourselves was magic!”

What was your favorite aspect about staying at Saffire?

“Saffire offered amazing activities. Loved the oyster farming morning. We put on waders at the oyster farm and walked out to see the nursery beds in the shallows. Then of course we foraged for our own full-grown oysters and enjoyed them with champagne right there in the water.”

Singapore: The Lion City

Asia, Jacqui McDonald, Travels

Singapore offers night life, innovative cuisine, impeccable cleanliness and iconic Marina Bay Sands. I quickly realized there was so much more this country had to offer with hidden secrets nestled throughout.

Singapore Airlines

I began my solo traveling experience by flying with one of the world’s most luxurious leading carriers, Singapore Airlines. All the flight attendants and cabin crew treated the passengers with grace, ease and white glove service. If this was to be my first introduction to this region, I was more than excited to have this long-haul flight set such a positive tone. Twenty-three hours and a connection later, I arrived. The cleanliness and the hospitable nature of the people were immediately evident.

Touring the City

After settling in, I couldn’t wait to explore. The top of the observation wheel known as the Singapore Flyer offers 360-degree views of the city. To enhance the experience, I was able to indulge in a delicious dinner from a private premium sky dining cart. On a one-hour trip around the Flyer, I was able to capture the breathtaking views. The Botanic Gardens were next on my list as these are the first and only tropical botanic gardens on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. I was able to weave around incredible floral displays, a forest environment and even healing gardens before I realized I had spent hours in awe of the beauty.

Singapore Sling

Of course, no stop would be complete without indulging in a Singapore Sling drink! This beautiful pink gin-mixed beverage is famous all throughout the city and comes highly recommended. The drink is yet another way that Singapore distinguishes itself from other countries with its eclectic culture and hospitable people.

Christmas in Vietnam and Cambodia

Asia, Bela Banker, Travels

Vietnam

My boys and I arrived in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi after a long flight from JFK. After a restful night, we awoke early and walked to the Hoan Kiem Lake, which was but a stone’s throw away from our hotel. At the lake, morning music blared while both the young and the old practiced Tai Chi. We watched the graceful art at first before attempting it with mixed results for ourselves.

Colorful Hanoi | Photo Credit: Bela Banker

The tranquil morning spent at the lake stood in stark contrast to the day spent in the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The Old Quarter has the charm and energy of a vibrant young city despite its vast number of traditional shop houses. It is also home to the Temple of Confucious — additionally known as the Temple of Literature — which was founded in the 11th century as the site of Vietnam’s first university. Next, we visited Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where we saw the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. We then explored the Old Quarter by foot, discovering narrow alleys, with a stop at Street Food cafe and the famous Vietnamese coffee.

Hanoi to Hoi An

From Hanoi to Danang, we flew Vietnam Air before transferring to Hoi An. Our hotel was located close to the Hoi An Ancient town and Hoi An market — a charming area with night markets, lanterns and great cafes. The next day, we took a Vietnamese cooking class which provided us with one of the more memorable experiences of our trip. During the class, we rode our bicycles to the market to pick up all the ingredients and then we visited the vegetable fields where we soaked in the flavor of the local farm life before cooking a delicious meal. We spent the next few days exploring Hoi An, gorging on local food and taking in the striking views that looked out over the sea.

Hoi An Market | Photo Credit: Bela Banker

Hoi An Lanterns | Photo Credit: Bela Banker

Ho Chi Minh City

We flew from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City — still known as Saigon to many. Upon arrival, we were struck by the energy of the city. Our guide told us that there are more than eight million motorcycles in the city of twelve million people! The constant buzz of the engines seemed to be an appropriate soundtrack for a city as fast-paced and dynamic as Ho Chi Minh City.

The next day, we drove to the outskirts of the city to Ben Tre. We rode bikes on small roads, immersing fully in the local culture of the Mekong Delta and the rustic countryside. We passed secluded areas of lush orchards, green rice paddy fields and coconut trees. Lunch was delightful at a traditional Mekong restaurant, and afterward we stopped for “Keo dua” (coconut candy).

Cambodia

Siem Reap — the cultural capital of Cambodia — was the last stop on our trip. Our hotel was centrally located, allowing us an easy walk to the market, cafes and souvenir shops. We participated in a quad bike excursion that took us through the countryside backroads of Siem Reap, weaving along rice paddy fields and beautiful scenery.

Siem Reap Biking | Photo Credit: Bela Banker

Bela & her sons | Photo Credit: Bela Banker

The next day, we rose early to see the magnificent Angkor Wat at sunrise. It took almost 37 years to build this Hindu temple which later became the center of worship for Buddhism. It was stunning at sunrise to see the play of light on the stones.

We capped our trip by walking through Siem Reap’s local market and enjoying the local food and culture. It was a perfect trip for my boys and I for Christmas.

InterContinental Circuit: Bora Bora

Jacqui McDonald, Property Highlights, South Pacific Islands, Travels

Bora Bora Le Moana

The only way to reach the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana from the small airport is via sea boat. This only added to the mystique of the hotel. The moment I arrived on the dock there was a palpable electricity in the air. Surrounded by crystal clear water, eager guests and more friendly faces, the Maruuru phrase rang clear throughout and my arrival felt like an event unto itself. They provided us with cold towels as a respite from the heat coupled with an indigenous mocktail. A friendly staff member gave a thorough walk through of my room and explained the resort’s layout and facilities.

Le Moana Bungalow | Photo Credit: Jacqui McDonald

The next morning, I ordered breakfast and a staff member rowed it out to my private patio in a canoe. I ate breakfast in my bathrobe while watching stingrays swim in clear waters and considered the rest of my day. Snorkeling or canoeing? A dinner set to live music while the sun set in the background? That was what every day was like here.

Bora Bora Thalasso

A 20-minute boat ride is all that separates Le Moana from InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso. It is definitely worth the trip. Set in the shape of a horseshoe, the over-water bungalows at Thalasso are different shapes and sizes. The layout allowed me ample privacy, quiet and never-ending views of open water. Certainly, views like these are why this island means “The Pearl of the Pacific.”

Over Water Bungalow | Photo Credit: Jacqui McDonald

The bungalow itself was spacious and modern. I removed the glass top of my dining room table to get a better look at the fish swimming beneath the bungalow. For years a family of sting rays has made the journey to the shore of the property every afternoon at 2:00pm. As a result, guests always gathered to watch the creatures. Then, I joined an expert stingray master who taught guests about the feeding process. Moments like that made it easy to get lost in the beauty, colors and spirit of the InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso.