Contents

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CONTENTS

First Sight

4Spectacular images from our specialists’ latest trips: this edition, Borneo and Japan.

Escape Routes

8Travel news, from brand new stays to the latest flight routes. Drifting in Thailand, trekking in New Zealand and an update from our charity of the year, ShelterBox.

Chilean Patagonia

14Journalist Peter Duncan explores the wild landscapes of one of the most remote and beautiful corners of the planet.

20New Top 6

Experiences

From Colombia to Madagascar, our specialists recommend their top adventures for 2019.

2 | AUDLEY TRAVELER

The Spirit of India

22Our specialists reveal the best ways to gain an insight into the religions and rituals that define this truly holy country.

Head to Head:

28 Cultural Fiji or isolated French Polynesia?

The South Pacific offers far more than dazzling beaches- but which location is best for you?

Rural Europe

30Our team shares their favorite places in Europe to experience the languid and culturally rich countryside.

Just Back From...

36Updates from our specialists’

travels: South Africa, Chile, Singapore, and Morocco.

48 Hours In...

38Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

A unique two-day stay, from cruising and cooking to getting close to the iconic cascade.

Travelers’ Tales

42Your stories and images: Nepalese highs and South African safaris.

Q&A: Multi- Safari

46generational

Our specialists offer their advice on how to plan the best safari for the whole family.

48 Interview

Moroccan guide Seddik Aassim.

Experience the countryside at its most laidback

WINTER 2019

WELCOME

Dear Traveler

Welcome to the winter issue of Audley Traveler.

In this edition, our specialists offer inspiration for new adventures for the new year. On page 20, we introduce you to six of our most memorable experiences for 2019, from chocolate making in Madagascar to an exclusive peek of Giza’s Grand Egyptian Museum prior to its opening in 2020.

Perhaps you’re looking to slow down and spend a bit of time reflecting on the upcoming year? On page 30, our Europe specialists share which countryside locations they like to visit to unwind.

Finally, we know that the people that you meet along the way are one of the most important factors in the success of any trip. We’ve interviewed Moroccan guide Seddik Aassim – turn to page 48 to find out what he likes to show people who visit Morocco.

Happy New Year.

Jacqui Lewis President & Managing Director, North America

77 N Washington St, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 Telephone: 1-855-838-8300 Website: www.audleytravel.com The vacations featured in this magazine are suggestions only and will be customized to fit your travel dates and preferences. All prices quoted are exclusive of international flights and subject to change. Designed by Wanderlust Travel Media. CST#2117258-40 | Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST39468.

Contributors

Peter Duncan

Travel journalist Peter is an actor, former TV presenter and documentary producer. He recently traveled to Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, with Audley (p14). Any travel plans for 2019? The lakes and valleys of the Slovenian Alps.

Luke Rogers

Africa safari specialist Luke loves the diverse sights and sounds of Southern Africa, including the thunderous roar of the seventh natural wonder of the world: Victoria Falls! Any travel plans for 2019? Heading to Antarctica to check off traveling to my final continent.

Allan Palmer

Spain & Portugal specialist Allan lived in Spain for four years where he worked in tourism, taught English and earned a Masters Degree in Museum and Art Historical Heritage from the University of Madrid. Any travel plans for 2019? I have many friends and family in Spain, so I’ll focus primarily on the Iberian Peninsula.

4THINGS we’ve learned this issue

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1Gauchos (Patagonian cowboys) drink mate, a tea made from the leaves of the yerba plant (p17).

2Famed author Beatrix

Potter used to live, and found much inspiration, in England’s Lake District (p35).

3Durga Puja is a five-day festival that culminates in flower-draped idols being paraded through the streets, but preparation can be seen year-round in Calcutta (p27).

4Matatus are Kenyan taxis that are decorated extravagantly by their owners to receive more attention and, subsequently, more business (p21).

Images supplied by Audley travelers, staff and suppliers, Superstock, Robert Harding, Alamy, iStock and AWL

On the cover

Two windows in a wall, France

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DAILY TRAVEL INSPIRATION Tag @AudleyTravel and #TheAudleyWay to share your travel photos with us.

RELAXING EUROPE

Discover our favorite rural European stays on page 30. For more information, call our Europe specialists on 1-833-357-5639 or request a copy of our brochure at www.audleytravel.com/us/brochures

AUDLEY TRAVELER | 3