Audley Traveler Readers Awards 2018

READERS’ AWARDS

2018

We asked you to vote for your favorite travel destinations and experiences in our online poll. Here are your winners...

READERS’ AWARDS

Best city: CAPE TOWN

“Scenery, culture, cuisine, diversity,“ is how Audley traveler Peter Garratt sums up the reasons he loves South Africa’s coastal city. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and Table Mountain, Cape Town attracts more visitors than any other place in Africa, with its natural setting, cosmopolitan culture and Mediterranean climate providing the appeal.

From scaling Table Mountain, to visiting the historic Robben Island, there’s plenty to explore in this vibrant city. For a family experience, Audley specialist Hailey Landers recommends kayaking around the Cape Peninsula; guided by a local, you will have the opportunity to see penguins and, if traveling between July and December, you may even spot whales.

As Audley traveler Jennifer Nicholls puts it, Cape Town is an “amazing city for exploring, [with] great food and wine.” From Cape Town, it’s a short trip to the rolling countryside of the Winelands. Here, you can spend a day admiring the Dutch architecture and valley views of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, before sampling the region’s produce at a wine estate. RUNNERS UP: Cuzco & Sydney

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Best country to explore by rail: PERU

You voted Peru as your favorite country to explore by rail because of its spectacular scenery, your interactions with the friendly on-board staff and the wide range of options available. Whether it’s the short trip to Machu Picchu, or a multi-day journey taking in the scenery of the Altiplano, a railway journey can seamlessly fit into a trip to Peru.

Many of you specified the Belmond Andean Explorer, an Agatha Christie-esque sleeper train, as your favorite way to explore the country. “This option offers travel between Cuzco, Puno and Arequipa in comfort, sampling traditional Peruvian dishes as piano music fills the train car and you stare out across the Altiplano – a unique and unforgettable journey,” says Peru specialist Holly Kennedy.

For a shorter rail journey, Audley traveler Julian Roberts recommends taking the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu: “Our one-and-ahalf-hour journey took us through spectacular scenery, lush vegetation and alongside the Urubamba River. It was good being able to see thought the large windows and the glass roof.” RUNNERS UP: India & Japan

Best country for a road trip: NEW ZEALAND

Untouched landscapes, empty roads and excellent food stops – these are just some of the reasons you voted New Zealand your number one destination for a road trip. Audley traveler Steve Hasler praised New Zealand’s South Island for having “a new wonderful view around every corner“ and “very friendly and comfortable B&Bs with good food.” There are hundreds of road trip options, but New Zealand specialist Chris Wilson’s favorite is the drive from Blenheim to Kaikoura.

“The route begins in the winelands, from where you wind up the hills towards Kaikoura. In spring you can see beautiful blooming trees with the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges in the background.”

If you’re hoping to combine your road trip with some hiking, specialist Jessie Mooney recommends the route between Franz Josef and Queenstown, taking in the Haast Pass and Lake Matheson, as well as walking at the foot of Mount Cook (Aoraki). RUNNERS UP: South Africa & Australia

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READERS’ AWARDS

Best historic site: THE TAJ MAHAL

“I knew it would be beautiful but I was still surprised when I saw it,” says Erica Latham. “So much better than the photos can ever portray,” says Elaine Battison. It’s clear that no matter how many photos you’ve seen of the Taj Mahal, this elegant mausoleum is even more impressive in real life.

India specialist Georgia Holmes recommends visiting the Taj at sunrise: “This is when the site is at its quietest and most beautiful in the soft early morning light.”

For a unique view of the Taj, India specialist Chloë Musson suggests taking a walk through Kachpura village, led by a local guide who will offer insights into rural life. The walk ends at Metah Bagh Park, a littleknown spot across the river from the Taj offering spectacular sunset views. RUNNERS UP: Machu Picchu, Peru & Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Best destination explored by boat: THE GALAPAGOS

It’s not just the wildlife that inspired your ardour for cruising the Galapagos; Ruth Ripman particularly enjoyed the “fabulous guides and very comfortable accommodation.” Whether you’re looking for a larger 100-passenger boat with multiple restaurants and plenty of on-board facilities, or a smaller 16-passenger ship with an exclusive feel and personalized service, there are plenty of

options in the Galapagos. With no land access to the islands’ beaches and bays, a Galapagos cruise offers the opportunity to visit pristine nature away from the crowds.

Each island offers visitors unique wildlifespotting opportunities; you could spot red-footed boobies on Genovesa, or watch hundreds of sea lions line the shore of San Cristobal. Galapagos specialist Ella Thompson

recommends taking a trip to watch giant tortoises amble around at a breeding project at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

For Audley traveler Walter Tersmette, the highlight was the daily routine: “14 days of eating, hiking with the birds, kayaking with the turtles, eating more, then watching the sunset.” RUNNERS UP: The Mekong River, Southeast Asia & Milford Sound, New Zealand

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Best hiking destination: PERU

Best beach destination: COPACABANA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

You voted Copacabana as your favorite beach for the excellent views it offers of Rio de Janeiro. Audley traveler Michael Henry’s highlight was looking up at the iconic Sugar Loaf mountain, whereas traveler Amanda Li enjoyed “watching the sunset while sitting on the rocks.”

Many of you felt that strolling or cycling along Copacabana Beach is one of the best ways to get a feel for Rio. Locals from the wealthiest quarters and the

favelas alike come here to relax, play volleyball or football, and surf.

While there are plenty of accommodation options near the beach, there are a few standout properties. Brazil specialist Tom King suggests staying at the Hotel Emiliano for great beach service and amazing views from the rooftop pool. RUNNERS UP: Zanzibar, Tanzania & Khao Lak, Thailand

If you’re planning to hike to Machu Picchu, it’s not just the four-day Inca Trail that will get you there. In fact, many of you said that the single-day version of the hike was one of the best treks you’d ever done and, as Audley traveler Ruth Ripman put it, there is “a great sense of achievement when arriving at the Sun Gate” at the end of the hike. Another popular option is hiking the mountain of Huayna Picchu; Audley traveler Liz Mason enjoyed the “outstanding history, walking in the steps of the Incas [and the] unbelievable views of Machu Picchu from the top.”

The Sacred Valley has many hiking options that cater to any level of fitness. If you like the idea of a multi-day hike, but don’t want to camp, then Peru specialist Chloe Dillon-Smith recommends trying the Lares Trek: “We work with some opulent lodges, so after a day of hiking over mountains and through villages, you can relax in comfort.” RUNNERS UP: New Zealand & Patagonia

Best wildlife-spotting destination: SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa was voted your favorite wildlifespotting destination. Audley traveler Peter Garratt said it was his “best safari experience” and Charlotte Ziff describes her South African safari as “unbelievable”. Linda Norwell particularly enjoyed the opportunity to see the Big Five – Kruger National Park or Shamwari Game Reserve are two of the few places in Africa you are likely to spot them all.

The lodges here offer excellent service and a chance to experience the bush in comfort. Audley traveler Jackie Colburn particularly enjoyed her stay at Shamwari Bayethe Lodge:

“The personal interactions and attention to detail were fantastic. We never expected to experience the wildlife as closely as we did.”

However, it’s not only game you can spot. South Africa specialist Amelia Henderson recommends taking a sunrise meerkat excursion in Oudtshoorn to view these curious creatures. Or, if visiting between November and March, specialist Kirsty Downing suggests turtle tracking on the Elephant Coast, where you can view turtles laying eggs or hatchlings making their dash to the ocean. RUNNERS UP: Botswana & Ecuador

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READERS’ AWARDS

Where would you most like to go next? NEW ZEALAND

When it comes to why you want to go to New Zealand, the answer is simple: the scenery. From Milford Sound’s arrowheaded peaks, to stratovolcanoes rising above the plains, and ice fields careering down almost to the edge of the Tasman Sea, there is a lot packed into this small country.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat visitor, there’s plenty to keep you occupied; Audley traveler Les Brett comments: “Our last trip there was so good, we want to go back.”

For spectacular views, New Zealand specialist Rupert Sanford- Scutt suggests visiting Lake Rotorua: “Here you can rent a catamaran boat to explore the lake. It’s a perfect opportunity to try some fishing, kayaking or paddle boarding. From here, you can even charter a helicopter to fly over an active volcano.” RUNNERS UP: Japan & Namibia