Swain Destinations

Seeking out unique travel options in must-see destinations

Australia

December Phrase of the Month: Holiday Greetings

Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Phrase of the Month

‘Tis the season for holiday well wishes. Though the sentiment is often the same, the words used are as unique as their cultures. This December, we’ll explore how people in some of our travel destinations spread holiday cheer in their native languages.

FUN FACT

The below destinations are all in the southern hemisphere, so Christmas is celebrated in the summer.

Botswana

English and Setswana are the official languages in Botswana. Tswana people typically say festive greetings during the holiday season. Festive greetings in Setswana:

Malatsi a matsalo a Morena.

In Botswana, Christmas is the primary holiday celebrated in December and celebrated in much the same way as the United States. Families decorate their homes, gather together, and exchange gifts. Christmas dinner often includes seswaa, a stew made with ox or goat meat and maize meal that is the national dish of Botswana.

Australia & New Zealand

Christmas and Boxing Day are the two public holidays celebrated in December in Australia and New Zealand. Merry Christmas is commonly said to spread holiday cheer as Happy Holidays is considered to be an American greeting and is not used.

Christmas in Australia is celebrated with social gatherings centered on singing, eating, and gifts. A popular Christmas Eve tradition is to attend an outdoor concert with Christmas carols and a popular song is Six White Boomers, a song about Santa’s sleigh being pulled through Australia by kangaroos. The traditional Christmas meal is ham and will also often include seafood, like prawns. Kris Kringle is a gift-giving tradition like Secret Santa.

The pōhutukawa (pictured above), New Zealand’s Christmas tree, blooms bright red flowers in December and January. The tree is a symbol of great spiritual significance in Maori culture and it is also featured on the New Zealand flag. Families often go camping or celebrate Christmas at the beach. Christmas light displays are very popular in New Zealand.

Next Up: French Polynesia

An Authentic Australian Experience

Australia, Destinations, Ian Swain Sr

Australians have a way of merging elegance with easygoing charm, of celebrating sophistication without sacrificing simplicity. The result is an approach to life that feels both exotic and wonderfully unpretentious. To that end, luxury travel in Australia is more than just high-end comfort—it’s an authentic experience that is deeply connected to the land, culture, and wildlife. And it’s the inspiration behind Swain’s Luxury with Heart.

Nature Experiences

A Swain Destinations Australian travel itinerary offers unique and unforgettable experiences, blending exceptional service with personalized access to some of the world’s most iconic natural landscapes. 

Road trip on the Great Ocean Road, one of the most spectacular drives in the world, where you’ll see the famous 12 Apostles rock formation (pictured above), koalas, kangaroos and whales in their natural habitats, and breathtaking lookouts. Visit the oldest rainforest and largest coral reef system for a glimpse of flora and fauna that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. Explore the dramatic landscapes of the outback, where nature puts on a light show with every sunrise and sunset. Witness why some of the world’s finest wines start from Australia’s lush landscape. Take a stroll among 4,300 different plant species in one setting at the botanical garden.

Drive the Great Ocean Road in Victoria
Explore the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland
Explore Uluru in the Northern Territory
Tour the vineyards of South Australia
Two of Ian Swain’s Favorite Nature Experiences in South Australia
  • Kangaroo Island is crawling with native wildlife and, despite being relatively unspoiled by development, is home to superb luxury accommodations.
  • Towering clifftops and deep craters make up the tremendous rock formation of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia’s outback.
The Flinders Ranges
Kangaroo Island is more than kangaroos!
Sea lions on Kangaroo Island

Cultural Experiences

Australia is home to the oldest living culture in the world. The Aboriginal people are very proud of their heritage and have been passing down stories from generation to generation for thousands of years. And now they’re weaving this storytelling into tourism, allowing the rest of the world to find out more about who they are and to understand their historical significance.

Swain Destinations travel consultants love to incorporate Aboriginal culture into Australia luxury travel itineraries. You may be hunting crabs using spears on the coast of Queensland with a Kuku Yulanji guide or deciphering ancient rock art in the Red Centre to get an understanding of the Anangu culture and the Tjukurpa. Our long-time partnership with Tourism Australia connects us with the best-of-the-best cultural guides and experiences on offer. Any traveler willing to embrace the deep connection to culture will surely have an experience that will add to their own story to be shared for years and years.

Australia’s capital, Canberra, is home to institutions like the National Museum, National Gallery, Parliament House, and Australian War Memorial, which house the country’s most significant cultural and historical treasures. These institutions preserve artworks, documents, and artifacts that reflect Australia’s heritage. And when it’s time for a break, indulge in the culinary, hidden bar, and boutique shopping scenes.

Given the laid back, yet cosmopolitan Aussie way, café culture, beach culture and the arts are also prominent throughout Australia. Museums, art galleries, and theaters are all part of the thriving modern cultural scene.

Spear hunting crabs in Queensland
An Aboriginal guide in the Red Centre
A music coffee shop in Victoria
The scenic capital of Australia, Canberra
Parliament House
Hot air balloon over the capital

Wildlife Experiences

Most people think of kangaroos when they think of Australia and spotting them in the wild is a delight. Beyond Australia’s national animal, there is a long and diverse list of mammals, marsupials, reptiles, birds, fish, and corals to be seen.

kangaroos outside of a room at Spicers Hidden Vale
Kangaroos outside of a room at Spicers Hidden Vale in Queensland

Australia Wildlife Fun Facts

  • 80% of Australia’s animals are endemic and can be found nowhere else in the world. This is due to Australia’s isolation from other continents.
  • The world’s largest mammal is a blue whale, which may be spotted in Australia during migration season.
  • The tiny echidna is the world’s oldest mammal alive today. They live all over Australia.
  • The population of kangaroos outnumbers humans in Australia.
  • The world’s happiest animal is the quokka and they live in Australia. They earned their nickname because the are always smiling!

Observing Australia’s wildlife, whether it’s spotting a wallaby in the Outback or snorkeling with a sea turtle in the Coral Sea, provides a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature in this extraordinary land.

Cathi’s Bucket List Visit to Australia Zoo

Our travel consultants Cathi and Nina recently went to Australia and were able to check the Australia Zoo, Home of The Crocodile Hunter, off Cathi’s bucket list. Their Platinum Zoo Adventure included a guided golf cart tour, behind-the-scenes and up-close animal and reptile encounters, VIP seating at shows, and meals. While not an in-the-wild experience, Cathi and Nina still rave about this experience and love booking it for their animal-loving clients!

The Australia Zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation through habitat protection, research, and education. Now managed by Terri, Bindi, and Robert Irwin, the zoo continues Steve Irwin’s legacy by fostering a deep connection between people and wildlife. While visiting, stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, owned by the Irwin family and inspired by Steve Irwin’s life, legacy and love for wildlife and wild places—and recently named ‘World’s Best Nature Hotel 2024’ at the Boutique Hotel Club Awards.

Come and Say G’day

From the moment you are greeted with a friendly G’day, you’re in for an authentic Australian experience.

The meaning of G’day to me is something that’s welcoming to you, to embrace you to come into our country and enjoy it. Not just saying, ‘hello,’ it’s saying, ‘come and join us here.’

~ Ian Swain

Natural wonders, immersive cultural experiences, unique wildlife encounters, bespoke customer service, exquisite food and wine, and luxury accommodations nestled in breathtaking landscapes await.

November Phrase of the Month: Thank You

Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Phrase of the Month, South Pacific Islands

As we celebrate a month of gratitude for Thanksgiving in the U.S., our November phrase of the month is Thank You. We’ll share the different ways of saying Thank You in some of our featured destinations.

Thank You in Australia

While English is the main language in Australia, Aussies incorporate a lot of slang when communicating. So, saying thank you will always convey your message, but here are a few other ways you may express gratitude.

  • “Thanks heaps!” Heaps is heaps common in Australia as another word for “very” or “a lot.”
  • “Ta.” Australians shorten many words and phrases. “Ta” is used for a quick expression of thanks.
  • “Cheers!” It’s not just a toast, but can be used to say thank you, in celebration, and as a greeting.

Thank you in South Africa

Most people you will encounter in South Africa will be quite familiar with the English expression of thank you; however, learning to express gratitude in their language is a meaningful way to show respect. While South Africa has many indigenous languages, Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans are among the most widely spoken languages.

  • “Ngiyabonga” or “Siyabonga” are ways to say thank you in Zulu to one or multiple people. Both are pronounced as they are spelled, ngee-ya-bonga and see-ya-bonga.
  • “Enkosi.” This is the expression for thank you in Xhosa. When spoken, it may sound like that “i” at the end is dropped.
  • “Dankie.” This is the standard way to say thank you in Afrikaans. “Baie dankie” adds weight to the expression, meaning thank you very much.
  • “Shot.” This means thanks in South African English slang, used more in informal settings around family and friends.

Thank you in French Polynesia

The official languages of French Polynesia are French and Tahitian. French is commonly spoken in businesses, while Tahitian is mostly used by islanders in their homes. English is considered a third language and is spoken in tourist areas, resorts, and restaurants. Showing gratitude by saying thank you in their language will surely make a good impression with locals.

  • “Merci.” This is French for thanks.
  • “Mauru’ uru.” Pronounced mah-roo-roo, this is Tahitian for thank you.
  • “Mauru’ uru roa.” Show even more appreciation with the expression for thanks very much.

Thank you in New Zealand

English is the predominant language in New Zealand, with pronunciations being most similar to Australian English. Meanwhile, the Māori language of the indigenous Māori people is closely related to Tahitian. Unofficially, Kiwi slang could be a language all on its own! Here are a few different ways to show gratitude in New Zealand.

  • “Ngā mihi.” Pronounced nya-mee-hee, this is a versatile phrase meaning regards or with thanks.
  • “Kia ora.” Pronounced kee-oh-ra, this is a way to express thanks in Māori, but is also used as a greeting. It translates literally to “be healthy.”
  • “Tēnā koe” (to one person), “tēnā kōrua” (to two people), or “tēnā koutou” (to three or more people) also means thank you in Māori. 
  • “Chur.” This is classic Kiwi slang to express appreciation.

5 Reasons the Flight to Australia/New Zealand from the U.S. is Just Right

Australia, New Zealand

Has the flight time to Australia or New Zealand kept you from booking that dream vacation? We’ve heard many travelers hesitate because the flight is too long. Swain’s own Katie Manly recently made the journey to New Zealand and she’s here to tell you why the flight is juuust right.

I was able to get some work done, have a fabulous dinner, get eight hours of sleep, and wake up to a full breakfast. I don’t even get that at home!

The Flight to Australia

The nonstop flight to Australia from Los Angeles is approximately 15 hours. Your flight will most likely take off late in the evening and, having crossed the International Date Line, arrive in Australia two calendar days later early in the morning.

The Flight to New Zealand

The nonstop flight to New Zealand from Los Angeles is approximately 13 hours and nonstop from New York is approximately 19 hours. Like, the flight to Australia, you will most likely take off late in the evening and arrive in New Zealand two days later in the morning.

5 Reasons Why the Flight is Just Right

  1. On a flight ranging from 13 to 18 hours, you’ll have plenty of time to work, read, watch movies, dine, and sleep. Alternatively, shorter international flights (~8 hours) don’t have enough time to eat and sleep, meaning something is sacrificed along the way.
  2. Most flights from the U.S. arrive in Australia or New Zealand in the morning. You’ll arrive ready to hit the ground running after a long rest and filling breakfast.
  3. The dining options on flights to Australia and New Zealand are excellent. Shout out to Air New Zealand and Qantas on their local and seasonal menus!
  4. Wine, beer, and cocktails are included! So is water, so be sure to consume wisely.
  5. Kits, including toothbrush and toothpaste, an eye mask, ear plugs, and other amenities, as well as pillows and blankets (and PJs in Business class!), are often provided to aid in your comfort.

Below is an ideal timeline for your travels. Be sure to drink plenty of water along the way! The Australian wine will be tempting (and you should definitely indulge a little if you’re so inclined!), but hydration will save the day in the long run.

  • Hour 1: Get settled; select your meal.
  • Hours 2-3: Enjoy your dinner; watch a movie, read, or get those last work to-dos done before vacation.
  • Hours 4-12: Take a walk up and down the aisles, then get some rest.
  • Hours 13-15+: Enjoy breakfast; take another walk; get a few more z’s; freshen up in the bathroom.
  • Upon arrival: When you book with Swain Destinations, you will be greeted by a representative to help you navigate the airport and find your ground transportation.
  • Day 1: Stay awake until at least 9pm to stave off jet lag.

Australia/New Zealand Flight Partners

Our travel partner, Qantas, offers a variety of seat selections, including First Class, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. They also offer a “Neighbour Free” option that may allow you to purchase your neighboring seat for a small fee. Qantas is part of the oneworld program, which allows you to earn rewards with partnering airlines. Plus, you have the option to book Round the World travel with partnering airlines to create the ultimate itinerary.

Our travel partner, Air New Zealand, offers a variety of long-haul seat selections, including Business Premier, Premium Economy, Economy Stretch, and Economy. They also have a unique offering called Economy Skycouch, which transforms the row into a couch. This is a fun and economical way to add a little luxury to Economy!

Have we convinced you that the flight to Australia or New Zealand is just right? Start perusing all that Australia and New Zealand have to offer, and talk with your travel consultant about creating your custom travel itinerary. And stay tuned for Katie’s blog on why the flight to New Zealand is so worth it!

Tropical North Queensland

Australia, Katie Manly, Luxury Lodges, Travels

As the VP of Marketing and Sales at Swain Destinations, I have been lucky enough to travel with Swain Destinations many times, both for educational purposes with our partners in destination, and with my own family on immersive trips exploring new destinations and cultures.  

Interior view of a room at Mount Mulligan Lodge with balcony and mountains in the background.
View from a room at Mount Mulligan Lodge

I recently had the immense pleasure of taking a small group of our Travel Advisor partners to the most beautiful and luxurious parts of Tropical North Queensland, including Palm Cove, the Daintree Rainforest, the Queensland Outback, and Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Together, we were on a mission to get a better understanding of why Queensland has become one of THE most popular destinations amongst Swain Destinations’ travelers. 

Aerial view of two people snorkeling in crystal Blue water and coral reef near a rocky island.
Snorkeling at Lizard Island

Our itinerary was exactly what you’d hope from a true luxury experience in Australia’s Sunshine State; adjusting to the time zone on the beach in Palm Cove, followed by a bit of rainforest exploration in the Daintree, the perfect amount of time in Queensland’s outback, swimming with sea turtles on the Great Barrier Reef at Lizard Island, and wrapping it up in the super outdoorsy city of Brisbane. 

Boy standing at the edge of the shoreline of a beach at Palm Cove. Mountains and forest in the background.
Beach at Palm Cove

Starting in Palm Cove was ideal. Even though June is peak season for Tropical North Queensland, the beaches are never crowded, so my jetlag was totally in my favor as I was able to have the beach almost completely to myself first thing in the morning. Winter in Queensland is very mild, so even at 7am, leggings and a tank top were fine for a morning walk.  

View from above of the pool at Silky Oaks Lodge blending in with it's natural surroundings of rainforest.
Silky Oaks Pool – Photo Courtesy of Silky Oaks Lodge

From here, we made our way to the Daintree Rainforest to stay at Silky Oaks Lodge, perched above the Mossman River. The wildlife sounds of the canopy, paired with the sometimes delicate and sometimes heavy flowing sounds of the river, leave no mistake that you are in the rainforest.  

Katie Manley in front of the oldest tree in the Daintree Rainforest.
Daintree Rainforest – Oldest Tree in the Oldest Rainforest

But this is not just any rainforest, this is one of the world’s oldest living rainforests – with trees that predate the dinosaurs. 

Circular stone outdoor bathtub on mezzanine in the canopy of the Daintree Rainforst at Silky Oaks Lodge
Outdoor Bath – Silky Oaks Lodge

The lodge itself is beautifully done, just how you’d hope a lodge set in the canopy to be appointed, with hammock outside your sliding doors and an outdoor bath from which to enjoy the cacophony of jungle sounds – as long as you don’t mind a cockatoo or two looking on from above.  

Two tawny frogmouth birds hiding amongst branches in a tree.
Tawny Frogmouth Birds

And speaking of wildlife, we spotted adorable padymelons and the rare and intriguing looking Tawny Frogmouth during our stay, which was a treat. 

Aerial view of the Mount Mulligan rockface with an inset image of Katie Manly taking the aerial photo from the helicopter ride.
Mount Mulligan rockface – View from the Helicopter

It was then time to make our way to the Queensland outback in serious style. Our group of ladies took a helicopter from the rainforest, over the Tablelands, and to our destination – Mount Mulligan Lodge. 

The interior of the rooms at Mount Mulligan are Outback chic, just beautifully put together. And the views in this region of Australia are absolutely breathtaking. Each room comes with an electric cart or buggy, depending on your vernacular, and the common space of the lodge has a pool, a weir for kayaking, a restaurant and bar. The approach to dining is fabulous – the chef is highly focused on local, seasonal produce and the meals are planned based on the lodge’s guests’ dining requirements and preferences. 

Queensland outback as viewed from an ATV, with trees in the foreground and mountain in the background. Inset image of Katie and colleague riding ATV through the outback.
Off-roading in the Outback

We got to drive some offroad vehicles into the expansive outback and learn a bit about the region’s history and culture, and even take in a beautiful morning’s sunrise from atop a hill to see how the sun kissed the Outback as it rose above the horizon, which was truly special. The sundowners up at the Sunset Bar were so much fun.  

View from Sunset Bar rustic porch with outback stretching out to mountains in the far background.
View from Sunset Bar

From here we took another quick hop by helicopter from the lodge to Cairns airport, where we would board a small aircraft and get experience one of the most scenic flights possibly in the world – over the Great Barrier Reef to Lizard Island.  

Aerial view of Lizard Island in the ocean with nearby mainland beach in the foreground and ocean and more mainland in the background.
View of Lizard Island from the Air – Photo Courtesy of Lizard Island Resort

Lizard Island is truly an island paradise. With some of the best reef snorkeling available right off its beach, as well as sea turtles grazing in the shallows where the seagrass grows, a stay here provides some of the most relaxing adventure you can find. 

View from a beach front suite at Lizard Island. Daybed and seating on porch in the foreground and grass beach and ocean in the background.
Beach Front Suite View – Lizard Island

I was enamored with the giant clam garden, getting to see sea turtles up close without them seemingly having a care in the world, and I loved the Sea Darts that Lizard Island provide which help you to get deeper and scoot around the water more quickly when snorkeling. 

Underwater view of a sea turtle.
Underwater view of a Sea Turtle

After rainforest, outback, and reef it was time to wrap up our trip in the very cool and laidback city of Brisbane. You can read all about my time in Brisbane here . It was so easy to see just why Queensland has become so popular amongst Swain Destinations’ travelers with the combination of its unique cultural heritage and the trifecta of Australian wilderness: reef, rainforest, and outback. And now, with United Airlines offering direct flights from San Francisco to Brisbane, the Sunshine State has never been more accessible or popular.  

Get inspired to start planning your own Queensland adventure by having a look at some of our suggested itineraries.

Everything I did and didn’t do (but wish I did) in Brisbane

Australia, Katie Manly, Travels

Last summer I had the pleasure of spending a few days in Brisbane. Here is everything that I got to do, and the things that I didn’t get to do but I wish I did.

Streets Beach on the South Bank of the Brisbane River

After non-stop adventure in Queensland’s rainforest, outback, and reef it was time to wrap up my adventure in the very cool and laidback city of Brisbane. I had never been to Brisbane before, and I think the thing I was most surprised by was just how well the city is setup for outdoor living. It seems as though any walkable space can be a park of some description, or even an urban riverside beach!

One of many beautiful walks in Brisbane.

The subtropical temperatures and outdoorsy lifestyle mean that there is no shortage of open-air bars and restaurants, which also gives the city a strong sense of community as you can see and interact with others at every turn. And of course, being an Aussie city, the people are very well humored and welcoming.

Image of the rooftop pool at the Emporium Hotel South Bank with the South Brisbane city skyline in the background.
The view from the Emporium Hotel’s rooftop pool.

We stayed at the Emporium Hotel, with its iconic roof-top pool and views along the riverside that are unparalleled. At night, The Terrace Rooftop Bar is “the” place to be – with fabulous cocktails and delicious food that pair effortlessly with the evening views of the city. The rooms were spacious, and the décor of the property is glamorous.

Seeing Brisbane by boat gives a whole new perspective on the architecture and history of the city,

We had a city tour by boat, which cruises along the river giving a different perspective on the city’s unique architecture. Our guide gave us a bit of history as well as some tips on things to see and do, restaurants, and popular evening spots. This is where I learned about Brisbane’s remarkable link to the US military during World War II, and the world’s longest bar fight. The story is as wild as it is hilarious, and it’s worth the visit to learn more!

The Smoking Ceremony of the Turrbal.

The most incredible experience that we had while in Brisbane, in my opinion, was the First Nations Cultural Experiences at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. What a wonderful First Nations storytelling experience that is an absolute privilege to behold. This included the welcoming ceremony of the Turrbal on the banks of the Brisbane River (Maiwar in Turrbal), which includes Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, and Didgeridoo performance.

First Nations Art Gallery.

We were then ushered throughout the Indigenous Australia Art gallery on a private artwork tour with a First Nations storyteller, artist, and curator and it was a real treat to get the insights into the artists and their work as well as what those works mean to the indigenous culture. There is something so special about how art can give us an even deeper understanding into a culture with which we are unfamiliar and create a true feeling of connection. I was so grateful for the opportunity to have such an immersive experience.

Local reef fish Namas with curry myrtle sorbet. An absolutely delicious culinary experience.

We then were able to taste the culinary delights of a truly unforgettable dinner by First Nations Chef Chris Jordan, from Three Little Birds, in collaboration with QAGOMA’s (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art) Executive Chef Aaron Holt. The menu was distinctive, unique and delicious!

Felons Brewing Co., beneath the Story Bridge.

After such an incredible few days in Brisbane, I have two regrets.

The first is that I didn’t get to have a pint at Felons. Named after the true tale of four felons, who in 1823 on their way to Illawarra from Sydney were blown off course and found themselves shipwrecked up North on Moreton Island, this brewery is perfectly nestled on the Brisbane River, below the Story Bridge and is renowned for its beer.

A hike up the Story Bridge to watch the sunset.

The second regret is that I did not get to climb the Story Bridge. With every guide I met, I was immersed deeper into the culture of this remarkable city and would love to hear more of the bridge’s construction and the challenges that the builders overcame to make this landmark possible. When I visit next, I will book myself the Twilight Climb to see the city from aloft at its most beautiful.

Looks like a return trip is on the cards!

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