Low Season Traveller - Issue 4

TRAVELLER LOW S E A SON

Issue 4 April 2023

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT IRELAND Five unique regions to explore in the low season

TAHITI & MOOREA Live for the moment in a South Pacific Paradise

ETHIOPIA’S SURI TRIBE Learn about the tribe women of the Omo Valley

M AGA Z INE

FEATURED DESTINATIONS:

MALAYSIA JERSEY NAMIBIA RHODES TAHITI VANCOUVER AND MUCH MORE...

Meet the team Featured and Destinations contributors

? n e p p a h t i e d Who ma Publishing Ged Brown

Publisher and CEO at Low Season Traveller Ged is the founder and CEO of Low Season Traveller; the world’s first organisation completely dedicated to the promotion of travel during the off-peak seasons in each destination as a way to alleviate the growing problem of over-tourism.

A passionate advocate of the advantages of tourism, Ged has spent his entire career working with leading travel and tourism organisations.

Ryan Maley

Content Development, Community Manager & Editor, Low Season Traveller Ryan is our Content Development and Community Manager, as well as Editor of the Low Season Traveller Magazine. Ryan has worked in the travel industry for the past 8 years, developing content and campaigns in his home city of Manchester, UK. He is passionate about sustainable travel, and believes that travel truly makes people better, more well-rounded, and culturally intelligent.

Lisa TE Sonne Editor-at-Large

An award-winning writer who explored seven continents, dove many seas, and wrote for airline, Time-Life, and National Geographic media. Her books include “My Adventures” and “The Great Outdoors” for Quarto Publishers. Wrote for Oscar-winning and Emmy-winning projects. Cofounder- CharityChecks.org; member of Space. com’s launch team and The Explorers Club.

Contributors Claire French Claire has crossed the globe, living and working on 6 continents. She’s now working on Low Season Traveller feature pieces and dreaming of her next adventure from her narrow boat home on a quiet stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, where it seems to be permanently low season.

Dr. David Ermen

Chris is a member of the LST Advisory Board and is also the Founder & Executive Chairman of The World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage. With more than 30 years’ experience in international tourism, Chris is a regular speaker at high profile international events and provides insights to leading news media channels such as BBC World News Asia Business Report.

Warren Pearson Warren is a pan-African safari guide whose work experience extends from guiding to managing lodges, remote luxury bush camps, mineral exploration camps as well as working in disaster management and training. He has explored areas such as the Eastern Congo, Chad, Rwanda and many other regions in Africa. Warren has also spent time working for Animal Planet as well as National Geographic on different projects through Southern Africa.

Chris McNicholl

Tony Hallwood Business Development Director

Tony’s career has covered senior director roles for major travel companies including SAGA, Cosmos, Airtours and My Travel.

Tony’s strengths are building strong partnerships with airlines, tour operators and national tourism partners alongside maximising his extensive PR and media experience to promote a wide range of new destinations, routes and services.

Chris is a designer with over 20 years experience in the design industry.

Working with some of the biggest brands on the planet in top studios and publications in London. Chris has travelled extensively and worked with Low Season Travellor from the start. Now based in New Zealand he runs Overflowcreative.co.nz.

Low Season Traveller

David is a passionate tourism consultant, speaker, and trainer based in New Zealand.

He guides destinations and businesses along their sustainability journey and helps them develop strategies and act on them. He is a member of the Low Season Traveller Advisory Board and a trainer for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Chris Flynn

Advertising: Get in touch with Tony Hallwood at: Tony@lowseasontraveller.com

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Low Season Traveller

Editor’s note

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Editor’s note

Note

From the Editor Hello, and welcome to the fourth issue of the Low Season Traveller magazine.

discover a different side to Ireland, with five unique regions offering unmissable low season adventures.

I’m delighted to be taking over as editor from this edition of the magazine, and I can’t wait to continue to share our low season stories and inspiration with our wide audience.

We’ll also welcome in this edition Dr. David Ermen, Managing Director of Destination Capacity, in the first of what will be a series of regular contributions to the Low Season Traveller magazine. Based in New Zealand, David has been working with destinations around the globe to offer effective insights, training, and consultancy on sustainable tourism. We’re delighted that David will be sharing his vast experience with our readers on how the future of travel and tourism can become more equitable and better for the planet.

I’m currently writing from a quick trip to Southern Spain, one of my favourite European destinations for low season travel.

With daytime temperatures hovering around 15-20 degrees Celsius in early February, and outstanding culture, gastronomy, and history on the doorstep, all with fewer crowds, this trip is certainly a reminder of the benefits of travelling outside of the peak summer months.

Back in late-December, our CEO Ged Brown spent some time exploring the wonderful Tahiti and Moorea and has captured a range of stories with the island’s locals, discussing their proud culture and heritage. Make sure you check out our website, podcasts, and filmed interviews for a deep-dive into this slice of French Polynesian paradise.

In this edition we’re also exploring the curiously Brit..ish Jersey, largest of the Channel Islands; the contrasting landscapes of Namibia; vibrant Vancouver, where the urban city offers endless outdoor opportunities; and much more. We’ll also

Finally, we’d love to hear low season inspiration, stories, and tips from our readers. If you have something to share, you may even find yourself featured in a future edition of the magazine!

Ryan Maley Editor ryan@lowseasontraveller.com

If you’re an avid writer, traveller and are passionate about sustainable travel and combating the issue of over tourism, we’d love to hear from you!

Get in touch at editor@lowseasontraveller.com

Low Season Traveller

Contribute to Low Season Traveller Magazine We’re looking to grow our team of amazing contributors that are sharing their top tips and best bits of low season travel in LST Magazine.

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Contents Ireland

Jersey

Vancouver The Rhodes

Machu Picchu

Tahiti Namibia

Low Season Traveller

Featured destination

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Low season journey Podcast Cultural heritage

Contributors..............................................................................02

Becoming a better Travellor...................................................36

Note from the Editor.................................................................03

Featured destination: Namibia............................................39

Contents......................................................................................... 05

Beautiful Suri Tribe Women...................................................45

Note from Warren Pearson.................................................... 07

Life’s a Beach................................................................................47

Featured destination: Tahiti....................................................09

Featured destination: Vancouver........................................51

Featured destination: Rhodes...............................................15

Cultural Heritage.......................................................................58

Discover Ireland..........................................................................19

Top 12 best stays.........................................................................63

Featured destination: Malaysia............................................23

Top 5 travel podcasts................................................................69

Featured destination: Jersey.................................................29

Great Wall of China Colusseum Petra

Angkor Wat Ethiopia

Low Season Traveller

Malaysia

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A note from Warren

A note Low Season Traveller

Warren is a pan-African safari guide whose work experience extends from guiding to managing lodges, remote luxury bush camps, mineral exploration camps, as well as working in disaster management and training. He has explored areas such as the Eastern Congo, Chad, Rwanda, and many other regions in Africa. Warren has also spent time working for Animal Planet as well as National Geographic on different projects through Southern Africa.

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After a very busy 2022, my year ended with an incredible week at a safari lodge in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa with my family. Combining these two aspects of my life is incredibly special. Watching my kids explore, learn and love being in nature is what I live for. The New Year has started with a bang and two exciting educational trips, one to Ethiopia and the other to the Congo basin.

fluffy towels of a luxury safari lodge. This is a trip for those seeking a raw and untouched aspect of Africa where a smile, sincerity and a camera phone opens the doors to a world very few people have ever seen. We explored the southern Omo Valley and the different tribes that call this place home. At times it was like travelling back 1000 years to an Africa no one had even dreamed of.

Ethiopia was just incredible! I was invited by a new company that has access to areas around Africa that are away from the crowds and typical tourist zones. This is not a trip for the faint hearted or those who need the white

We also explored the Bale Mountains, home to the most endangered canid on the planet, the Ethiopian Wolf. Our group spent two days enjoying the unique endemism of this area, albeit at -4deg C at times!

(Above) Africa’s wild Zebra

A note from Warren Sadly, the Congo was a no go. The unfortunate cancellation of a flight resulted in the entire trip having to be postponed due to the intricate logistics involved in getting to Odzala National Park. Lessons learnt and the reason why I do these educational trIps. Now for the big news. After officially separating from Royal African Safaris and Passage to Africa last year, I am building a platform called SAFARIOUS along with two stalwarts of the industry, Michael Lorentz and James Kydd. I have known and worked with them for years, we design and lead similar safaris and believe in the same conservation solutions. Like me, they are both passionate and curious explorers, so it makes sense to share a space with them.

Collectively we have been guiding safaris across Africa for over 80 years.

Safarious will be a hub that allows us to continue to design and deliver extraordinary journeys across Africa - and occasionally beyond. I will keep you updated as we get closer to the launch.

With my Omo Valley friends

Endangered Mountain Gorilla Across our industry, 2022 will be remembered as the year that people travelled, it seems that 2023 will follow in the same vein. This year is looking good but there are still a few gaps, so let me know if I can tempt you back on safari - as you know The Safari Never Ends. Barbara Boast, with whom some of you have dealt in the past, has joined us full time and will be managing the admin in her inimitably organised way.

Lastly, just a reminder that as well as leading safaris we are also always available to help you plan and book independent travel to Africa - whether it’s a safari adventure or a fantastic beach & winelands holiday in Cape Town.

Warren Pearson Ethipiopia’s Omo Valley Young woman with traditional face paint and foliage headdress in the Ethiopian Suri tribe style

Low Season Traveller

I hope to see you soon.

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Featured Destination: Tahiti

TAHITI Live for the Moment in a South Pacific Paradise

Low Season Traveller

Low Season: November - March

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Featured Destination: Tahiti

By Claire French It’s late afternoon, 5pm or thereabouts, you kind of lose track of time in Tahiti. But this is the hour that islanders head into the sea, mounting surfboards, foil boards, outrigger canoes, or just laughing and splashing together.

It’s the perfect end to another hot low season day. Friends and families bonding in seas as warm as bathwater, giving thanks once more to the ocean for all the gifts it gives – energy, refreshment, food, protection, life.

Low Season Traveller

This is French Polynesia, a country of 118 isles and atolls, a protectorate of France comprising five distinct archipelagos, otherwise known as the Islands of Tahiti. Spread over 2000km, and lying roughly between Australia and the Americas, it’s just about as far away from anywhere as you can get. But boy is it worth the trip. Peak time for visitors is the dry season May to October, when long months of endless sunshine are cooled by a Pacific trade breeze and temperatures stay around a pleasant mid 20s Celsius. It’s also the period that coincides with traditional vacationing for Americans, Antipodeans, and Europeans, not least the French, for whom the islands remain a favourite haunt for

Sunset on the horizon of Moorea

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Featured Destination: Tahiti summers in paradise. On the flip side, the rainy season which comes from November to March and marks Tahiti’s low season. This is when peak prices tumble and we can grab the opportunity to escape a dreary northern winter.

The perception of wet weather may be off-putting, but think again. Days of up to 35°C are punctuated by dramatic downpours, usually lasting 30 minutes or so. Moody storm clouds against a dark green ocean, a photographer’s dream, give way to startling blue skies. It’s a truly magical and exciting period to be in Tahiti, celebrated as a heady season of renewal and abundance, fruits ripen, crops can flourish, rivers and waterfalls are in full flow, and the life force mana is at its most powerful.

Low Season Traveller

You could spend months island hopping over an area the size of Europe and connecting with the land. But for a decent break of 10 to 14 days we’d recommend basing yourself in the Society Archipelago, on the main island of Tahiti, home to more than 60% of the nation’s people, and its sister Moorea some 30 minutes away. These are isles of lush towering peaks, lagoons, waterfalls, rivers, and surf’s most dangerous wave. It’s a kaleidoscope of blues and greens. Here the air is filled with the rich sweet scent of tiare flowers, of tropical fruits, coconut and vanilla. It’s here that you’ll discover a wonderfully balanced mix of Polynesian culture and well established infrastructure from luxury resorts to Tahitian guesthouses.

Everything here is geared up for positive experiences from fresh seafood picnics on a motu islet, to 4WDs around mountainous interiors, to outrigger canoeing, making it super easy to slip straight into holiday mode from your arrival at the international airport, close to the small capital Papeete.

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Above and Below the Waves Explore Tahitian shores, beautiful beaches of gold, pink and black, relatively crowd free in low season, taking dips in azure lagoons to relieve the day’s humidity. Try kayaking, stand up paddling boarding, or travel with a local in an outrigger canoe, va’a, the traditional vessel which has travelled the Pacific for more than 4000 years. Surfing is a way of life, with low season seeing swells from the north, around the popular breaks of Papenoo and Taapuna. The real majesty though lies under the surface. Marine life is truly abundant and some of the world’s best dive sites lie around these shores. Encounters with sharks, manta rays, whales, dolphins and turtles are usual. Unlike some areas where low season weather affects visibility, the calm shallow lagoons around Tahiti and Moorea allow excellent conditions for year-round snorkelling. In fact, it is normal in low season to find yourself snorkelling from the sole boat around, in an area packed out at peak times. You’ll have crystal clear waters to yourself, waters that teem with rainbow coral, brightly coloured fish, turtles, and three metre wide stingrays that swim right up just wanting to be stroked.

Hike Lush Island Interiors November to March is when the jungle clad volcanic centres of Tahiti and Moorea are at their abundant best. Incredible greens appear, waterfalls burst into life, blowholes blow, and flowers regain their colourful blooms.

Plus, low season travellers will have many of the trails to themselves. Short popular hikes are well signposted, such as The Water Gardens of Vaipahi on Tahiti said to flow with sacred springwater. More challenging adventures like exploring the hair-raising lavatubes of Hitia’a need a guide.

On Moorea, hike to Belvedere look out point for panoramic vistas of beautiful Cook and Opunohu Bays, where Captain Cook moored in 1777. Be warned that proper hiking shoes are recommended in the rainy season if you want to make the most of the best trails. If you’re feeling really energetic, take part in the Moorea Marathon which comes to the island each February.

TOP EXPERIENCES Snorkel with Sharks The waters around Tahiti have been a recognised shark sanctuary since 2006, with 15 species prevalent. A top site is Sharks Sandbank, in the Moorea lagoon, where dozens of elegant blacktip reef sharks, a Tahitian cultural icon, swim with snorkellers in shallows just a few feet deep.

Learn to Surf The waters around Tahiti have been a recognised shark sanctuary since 2006, with 15 species prevalent. A top site is Sharks Sandbank, in the Moorea lagoon, where dozens of elegant blacktip reef sharks, a Tahitian cultural icon, swim with snorkellers in shallows just a few feet deep.

Celebrate Matari’i I Nia Tahitian New Year arrives in November marking the season of renewal and abundance on the exact day that the Pleiades cluster of stars rise over the islands. Rituals take place all over Tahiti and Moorea. Join a spiritual circle and partake in the drinking of kava liqueur, dance and song.

FOOD & DRINK Roulotte Food Trucks, Vaipopoo,Tahiti A real cultural experience, you have to have at least one breakfast, lunch or dinner at a roulotte or food truck, and the park at Vaipopoo in Punaauia close to Papeete is one of our favourites. It’s a bustling site especially in the evenings with all kinds of local dishes are served up from bbq to crepes.

Pâtisserie Brasserie L.Moutet, Tahiti The best French bakery outside Paris, this institution in Papeete serves up all kinds of delicious pastries, cakes, eclairs, baguettes, sandwiches, and French omelettes. Take away or sit in with friends and catch up over a hot chocolate and tart au citron. Open early daily, except Sundays.

Snack Mahana, Moorea This friendly busy eatery has amazing views over the lagoon and is the perfect place to relax over a lazy lunch.

The authentically Tahitian food is delicious especially the poisson cru in coconut, salads and shrimp. Best to make a reservation so you’re not disappointed and remember it is cash only.

Traditional Tahitian Dancing (Right)

Low Season Traveller

Featured Destination: Tahiti

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Low Season Traveller

Featured Destination: Tahiti

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Overwater Bungalow’s are always tempting (Right)

Featured Destination: Tahiti

INSIDER TIPS • As tempting as Tahiti’s stunning luxury accommodation is, consider staying in the charming family run guesthouses. You’ll be investing in smaller businesses, engaging more with locals, and able to spend your hard earned cash instead to undertake many more fun activities.

• For shopping try Marché Municipal in the capital Papeete. Join locals at the 160 year old market early, around 5.30am, for a Tahitian breakfast of firifiri donut and coffee. Everyone is packing up by mid afternoon. Buy handicrafts, jewellery, vanilla, fruit and flowers.

• Tahitian tattoos are hugely important cultural symbols guided by strict traditional codes. Tahiti and Moorea are among the best spots in French Polynesia to get inked, with artists becoming open to working with foreigners on a profound level to determine your life’s imagery.

GOOD TO KNOW • In low season rains, spend an afternoon indulging in a hot stones or tiare flower oil massage. Or try taurumi, a Polynesian treatment handed down through generations.

The firm massage works with the rhythm of ocean waves to ease pain, shift energies and balance body and mind.

• On Tahiti-iti, the itshme connected to the main island, you’ll find the staggering wave of Teahupo’o, known to surfers as the world’s most dangerous ride. As part of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the small village of Teahupo’o, the end of the road, plays host to the surf competition.

• A must-try is the ‘poisson cru’ raw fish with

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Low Season Traveller

coconut milk, the Tahitian national dish. Another favourite is ‘ma’a Tahiti’ which is pork, fish, chicken or taro stewed for hours under hot volcanic stones. And don’t miss a mahi mahi fish fillet burger washed down with a maitai rum punch

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Featured Destination: Rhodes

RHODES Atmospheric melting pot, steeped in history

Low Season Traveller

Low Season: October - May

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Featured Destination: Rhodes

By Claire French of May and you’re in for a whole other experience. What is so wonderful about Rhodes in low season is that its fair size means that once the hordes leave, Rhodes 100,000 or so permanent residents take back the family run tavernas, beautiful beaches and historic sites and continue age old traditions like olive and honey collecting, singing and dancing, celebrating Greek Orthodox Christmas and Easter festivals.

For the low season traveller this means a chance to explore the medieval castles, ancient monuments and museums without the crowds. All sites remain open year-round, but on a reduced schedule so do check your timetable.

The island of Rhodes in the South Aegean, the largest of the Dodecanese, is actually located far nearer to Turkey than to Athens. This spear-shaped mountainous land boasts 253 kilometres of stunning coastline, a culture rich haven of natural beauty. Rhodes has enjoyed a long and glorious past embracing multiple civilizations from antiquity to medieval to modern, each leaving a mark still very much in evidence today.

Wander the villages, engage with fishermen, and enjoy the scent of fresh sea breezes, locally grown herbs and oven baked bread. The Aegean remains warm enough for swimming late into the year and sailing is possible as well.

Simply walking along empty beaches is a welcome escape from the dreary winter of more northern climes. Shoulder seasons still see direct flights into Rhodes from all over Europe, but December to February you can expect to arrive on a connecting flight from Athens, Thessaloniki, or Crete, or on an inter-island ferry.

Summer sees both soaring temperatures and soaring tourist numbers, but visit from mid-October to the end

Low Season Traveller

Puffing my way up the slopes of the Acropolis above Lindos, I gave thanks to the gods of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Christians and Ottomans who had climbed before me, that I’d chosen to make this steep journey during Rhodes low season. To be honest the views from the top of this important archaeological site, of small white houses and boats bobbing in the bay beyond, are well worth the effort whatever the weather, but once the heat of summer relents, exploring becomes so much more pleasurable. Doesn’t mean I don’t need to get that bit fitter though.

Sunrise in Mandraki Harbor

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Featured Destination: Destinations Rhodes Medieval Rhodes Old Town One of the best preserved of all medieval towns, the whole of the beautiful historic centre came under the protection of UNESCO in 1988. The magnificent city walls, 40 feet thick in places, surround an extensive cobblestoned maze of nooks and crannies. Occupied by The Order of St John from 1309 to 1523, the city grew into stronghold, later under Turkish and Italian rule. Explore the huge Palace of the Grand Master and the fascinating Street of the Knights.

Head down to the picturesque Mandraki Port where a causeway leads to the Castle of St Nicholas, which today operates as a lighthouse.

The Villages of Rhodes A favourite low season activity is hiring a car to explore the 43 towns and villages of the island. Lindos charms visitors with its medieval architecture while pretty Ialyssos is the island’s third largest settlement. Apollona Village is known for its traditional dishes; Skala Kamirou for fish dishes; Embona for local grilled meat and mountain wine tastings; and Maritsa for small tavernas where locals sing ouzo fuelled island songs until late into the night.

Winter Walking Rhodes offers some spectacular pathways which peak season visitors tend to be oblivious to due to the brutality of summer hiking. Enjoy short garden walks or longer treks through the lush inland. You can see some beautiful sea views and spot unusual flora and fauna like the Rhodian dama dama deer. Favourite spring and autumn hikes are magical Seven Springs, or the lake at Scoudouliaris Gorge.

In winter you can still climb Filerimos Hill in Ialyssos taking in the chapels of the Prophet Elias, and the trek to Monolithos Castle is magnificent and really worth a visit all year round.

Church of Saint Panteleimon

TOP EXPERIENCES Horse Riding on the Beach Take a group or individual lesson on horseback. Low season is an ideal time as the weather is not too hot for animals or riders. Leaders will choose a route including lovely long beaches, sandy coves, tunnels, shady forests, springs and wildlife parks.

Join the Olive Harvest From mid-October, visitors can take part in picking olives from hundred year old groves and see the fruits of their labours turned into delicious fresh oil. It can be hard work but workshops often end with a Greek meal. Or join the local honey collecting.

Greek Orthodox Easter Pascha week, the most import of religious feasts, is steeped in ritual. Good Friday evening is a sombre affair and sees the priest in magnificent garb with his entourage leading a beautifully decorated briar, symbolic of Christ’s tomb, through the streets.

FOOD & DRINK Auvergne Café, Rhodes Old Town Open year-round and popular with locals, this unique venue is close to the Knights Street and filled with traditional atmosphere from morning until late. A full music program is offered, along with coffee, drinks and good food.

Low Season Traveller

Paraga, Apollona Village Housed in the former Italian officers’ club, this family run place serves up Rhodian cuisine with local fresh ingredients, on traditionally decorated ceramics. From goat casserole to stuffed vined leaves and mouth-watering filo.

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Stegna Kozas, Stegnon Beach From 1932 the Kozas family have served seafood at the beach. This venue has grown from a fisherman’s hut to a modern restaurant for locals and tourists. Options include monkfish in beer, grilled shrimp or smoked octopus.

Aerial view of Saint Nicholas Fort

View from the the Acropolis of Rhodes (Right)

Featured Destination: Rhodes

INSIDER TIPS • Although Rhodian low season climate can be warm during the day, temperatures drop sharply after sunset. So be sure to bring a warm jacket and plenty of layers as well as y our sunscreen. Walking boots are a must for winter hiking.

• Visit the official site www.rhodeswelcome. gr for a comprehensive guide to all that the island has to offer including outlines of different villages and beaches. Follow their social media and blog for the latest news during your stay.

• Taxis from the airport to other parts of Rhodes use a flat fee, but otherwise taxis can be expensive. Car or motorbike rentals work out a much better option, especially in low season, unless you’re indulging in the local beverages.

GOOD TO KNOW • A must for history buffs and hikers, Panagia Tsambika Monastery lies 25km south of Rhodes Town. The site, at 320 metres altitude, is reached via a beautiful cypress forest. Childless women often walk barefoot and pray to the icon to be blessed with child.

• The Colossus of Rhodes, a gigantic statue of the sungod Helios, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood at the port of Mandraki. Today two elegant deer, Elefos and Elafina, at the site of his feet, give an idea of his incredible size.

• Atmospheric 1988 film ‘Pascali’s Island’ filmed in Rhodes stars Ben Kingsley and Helen Mirren.

The 1960s epic war adventure ‘The Guns of Navarone’, was shot at Lindos Acropolis, while Anthony Hopkins’ ‘Peter and Paul’ depicts the Old Town.

Low Season Traveller

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Discover Ireland

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Dramatic, inspiring, cosy and wild. We really don’t think you can beat the authentic offerings of low season on the island of Ireland. Once the summer crowds move on, from late September until mid-March is by far our preferred time to wrap up and explore Ireland’s glorious national parks, beautiful and peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes. You’ll find a folklore so rich you can feel it, and storytellers that bring you laughter and intrigue.

While away days wandering cobbled city streets, artists’ studios or grand historic homes. Spend nights in taverns indulging in pints of Guinness, mouthwatering meals and traditional music sessions.

Wood-turning workshops, make your own soda bread and distillery tours are wonderful ways to warm up a wintery day, but low season also boasts its own surprising range of festivals. Foodies will love Armagh’s annual celebration of Food & Cider or the Galway International Oyster Festival, while music fans get their kicks at Cork Jazz or Wexford Opera festivals. Celebrate all things St Patrick’s Day with music, dance and cultural treats, or spend Halloween immersed in the unforgettable Púca festival for Celtic Samhain. Come with us as we explore five unique regions of the island of Ireland and our top picks for their most unforgettable low season experiences.

River Letterkeen, Mayo Dark Sky Park. Image courtesy of Mayo Dark Sky Park

Discover Ireland

Belfast Cathedral Quarter, Cobbled Streets, Belfast.

Don’t miss:

Game of Thrones Studio Tours – The iconic global TV hit brought to life among stunning sets and costumes at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Co. Down.

Belfast Trad Music Trail – Enjoy this UNESCO City of Music with professional musos and enjoy personal performances at cosy pubs and trad venues across the city.

Explore outstanding natural beauty - Hike the Mournes and Ring of Gullion and take in the views of Strangford Lough, the area is set to become a UNESCO Global Geopark in May.

Low Season Traveller

Northern Ireland: Embrace a Giant Spirit

A land of myths, rolling hills and brooding skies. From legendary sights including the Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast to the inspiring landscapes of the Sperrin Mountains and Fermanagh Lakelands and the vibrant cities of Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, you’ll soon see that Northern Ireland is bursting at the seams with great music, world class attractions and experiences, intriguing history, delicious food and drink and exciting year-round events.

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Discover Ireland

Slieve League, Co. Donegal. Courtesy Gareth Wray

Wild Atlantic Way

Stretching 2,500 km from Malin Head in Co. Donegal to Kinsale in Co. Cork, this beautiful coastal touring route takes in vibrant cities and picturesque towns and villages set among rocky crags, deserted coves and stunning national parks, plus historic attractions including the Benedictine Kylemore Abbey and scenic Westport House.

Must do:

Mayo Dark Sky Park - Autumn-winter offers Ireland’s very best star gazing. The Mayo Dark Sky Festival runs every November.

Galway city break – A boho hub of trad music, Aran sweaters, delicious foodie hot spots and low season festivals covering comedy, music and culture.

Cosy up in a castle - Enjoy a fairytale stay in the five-star Ashford Castle in Co. Mayo for a perfect blend of opulence and nature.

Winter Solstice, Newgrange, Co. Meath. Image courtesy of Brian Morrison

Low Season Traveller

Ireland’s Ancient East

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5000 years of history run through the lush Boyne Valley, between the River Shannon, Irish Sea, and city of Cork.

Explore the stunning landscape that’s been home to Celtic warriors, Vikings, splendid estates and wonderful outdoor experiences including the new Avondale Forest Treetop Walk in Co. Wicklow.

Low Season Best:

Newgrange Winter Solstice - Explore this UNESCO Neolithic passage tomb predating Stonehenge luminated by solstice sunrise.

Waterford Viking Triangle – Discover thrilling tales of a city founded in 914 at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.

Powerscourt Estate - Set in the Garden of Ireland, Co. Wicklow, Powerscourt Estate is home to architectural beauty, stunning walking trails and boasts majestic views of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Discover Ireland Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

Where earth and water meet, you’ll find a year-round nature lover’s paradise. Lakes and rivers converge with a land steeped in sacred Celtic rituals. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you take time to explore quiet hiking trails and thatched canal side pubs.

Top picks: The Royal Canal Greenway – A beautiful 200 year old 140km walking and cycling corridor from Dublin to Longford.

Make your own chocolate – Book a taste & make session with lakeside artisan chocolatier, Wilde Irish Chocolate, Co. Clare.

Arigna Mining Experience - History comes alive in a fascinating underground tour led by former coal miners in Co. Roscommon.

Family cycling along the Royal Canal Greenway, Co. Westmeath

Dublin

Year-round fun from a host of museums, music venues and quirky trips like the popular vintage afternoon tea tour.

Check out low season’s TradFest, Dublin Theatre Festival, and the unforgettable St Patrick’s Parade, or explore the stunning Dublin Coastal Trail.

Our faves:

Guinness Storehouse - The iconic home of the black stuff.

Over 7 floors of exhibits you’ll learn all about the world’s favourite stout and you can enjoy a pint at the top floor Gravity Bar. Dublin Literary Pub Crawl - Explore the haunts of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and co while enjoying the odd beverage.

Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin

Low Season Traveller

Wild swimming at Forty Foot - It really is a year-round activity with locals taking a dip in Dublin Bay all winter.

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Featured Destinations Destination: Malaysia

MALAYSIA Nation of contrasts, mouth-watering cuisine, amazing wildlife and golden beaches

Low Season Traveller

Low Season: March - June

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Featured Destination: Malaysia

By Claire French

One of Malaysia’s key attractions is its extreme contrasts.

Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts while five-star hotels sit by ancient reefs.

Rugged mountains reach dramatically for the sky while

their rainforest-clad slopes sweep down to floodplains teeming with forest life. Cool highland hideaways roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.

The nation is actually made up of Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo and 878 most uninhabited islands. This makes for a varied tropical climate with generally lots of sunshine and annual rains. Temperatures range from 23°C to 34°C with cooler temperatures in the highlands.

Summer holidays and winter breaks are by far the busiest times. For the best deals try March to April or October to November. These can be wet with some flooding, although there are regional variations and much of the rainfall is in the afternoon. For the most part, locals just get on with life throughout the monsoon, and some of the very best adventurers are to be had in these seasons.

Low Season Traveller

Combine lemongrass, onions, garlic, ginger, galangal and chillies. Add some cumin, coriander and turmeric then toss in some tofu or beef. Pour in coconut milk and stir in cinnamon, lime and soy. Simmer. Is your mouth watering yet? It should be. You’ll end up with a delicious rendang curry, the epitome of Malaysian home-cooking.

You might think, well that’s a little bit Indian, a little bit Chinese, a hint of Thai, and something else entirely. And you’d be right. That’s Malaysia all over. It’s a bubbling, bustling melting-pot bringing cultures together in a harmonious fusion.

Bohey Dulang Island in Sabah, Borneo

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Featured Destination: Malaysia Peninsular Malaysia Climb Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmark, the Petronas Towers, and walk the space between these twins on the record breaking 170 metre high skybridge. Explore China Town and the nearby Batu Caves before heading north to the endless verdant slopes of the tea plantation of the Cameron Highlands with its British climate and terrain. A little further afield, Taman Negara National Park offers some amazing chances to hike and stay in 130 million year old rainforest as you go in search of tigers, macaques and birdlife, as well as the enormous smelly blooms of the rafflesia plant.

Malaysian Borneo A nature lover’s dream come true, Borneo is just teaming with life and is particularly known for its orangutan population. Visit these charming primates in a natural setting at the rehabilitiation centres in Sepilok or Semenggoh. Also highly recommended is a river cruise and overnight stay at Kinabatangan surrounded by swamps and mangroves where you’ll spot Proboscis Monkey, Pygmy Elephant, crocodiles and hornbills.

Langkawi Actually it’s an archipelago of 99 isles off the northwestern coast but only 4 are inhabited. Our choice for both relaxation and adventure, Langkawi is known for its glorious sunshine and beautiful sands, 2,220 metre high cable car and great value luxury resorts, many built using natural sustainable materials. Get close to the amazing mangroves on a boat ride exploring limestone outcrops and caves to spot monkeys, snakes, eagles, and otters. Take to the Andaman Sea with a sunset cruise, feeling the breeze on to your face while you look out for dolphins and sip on a Mai Tai.

KL’s Iconic Petronas Towers

TOP EXPERIENCES Selingan Turtle Island Overnight From Sandakan take a boat to this isle dedicated to the protection of green and hawksbill turtles. See mother turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs and the support given by professional conservationists.

Mount Kinabalu Climb this stunning 4,095 metre peak with a two or three day guided trek up the mountain. It’s challenging but worth it. Alternatively take an unforgettable helicopter journey over the summit.

Jungle Trekking on Langkawi Take a 3 hour guided hike into the tropical rainforest and experience the island’s trees, birds, butterflies and mammals. Start late afternoon to witness the change from day to nocturnal creatures.

FOOD & DRINK Dining in the Dark KL Fabulous international and local dishes served and eaten in complete darkness. Every mouthful is a feast for the senses, all except the eyes that is.

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Rimba at Ambong Pool Villas, Langkawi To die for fresh seafood and fusion cuisine with beautiful views of Pulau Tepor and the verdant forest. Superb rooftop cocktail bar.

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Kedai Kopi Fatt Kee, Kota Kinabalu Small but busy humble-looking coffee shop with excellent local food. Try the chicken wings and asam laksa fish soup.

Bridge in the Taman Negara National Park

Sky bridge on Langkawi Island (Right) Sunrise on Mount Kinabalu (Over)

Low Season Traveller

Featured Destination: Malaysia

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Low Season Traveller

Featured Destination: Malaysia

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Featured Destination: Malaysia

INSIDER TIPS • Langkawi, along with Labuan and Tioman, is a duty free island which means alcohol and other goods can be a third cheaper than on the mainland.

• If you are lucky enough to be invited to a local’s home, never enter their house with your shoes on. It is simply not done and considered disrespectful.

• When booking low season accommodation, look out for value added offers or bonus nights.

If none are advertised, it is always worth asking.

GOOD TO KNOW • Tiny and remote in the Celebes Sea, Sipadan, Malaysia’s only oceanic island is a worldrenowned destination for diving amid turtles, sharks, and barracuda.

• Malaysia is home to four UNESCO sites: Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, Malacca & George Town, and the archaeological site of the Lenggong Valley.

• Borneo is huge, the world’s third largest island after Greenland and New Guinea. Just the top 75,000 square miles is Malaysian though, the rest belongs to Indonesia.

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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

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Featured Destination: Jersey

JERSEY Military fortresses, mystical shores and magnificent seafood

Low Season Traveller

Low Season: October - April

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Featured Destination: Jersey

By Claire French

With miles of golden beaches, plenty of outdoor adventures and easy access from the UK by ferry or flight, Jersey is a dream summer destination. From October though visitor numbers begin to drop off and Jersey returns to its most authentic self until numbers rise again in March.

It is worth noting that with 2379 annual hours of sunshine (2021 records), the low season forecast remains kind, and although you may well find some days of rain, drizzle and wind, overall autumn and winter are great time to enjoy this

rich and varied landscape without the crowds and at the best prices.

Keep in mind that some of the popular attractions like the Nazi War Tunnels, La Hougue Bie Neolithic house; and Elizabeth Castle close in winter, so do check if those are sites you really want to experience. However, there are so many year-round opportunities combined with some unique low season events that you’ll never be short of a packed itinerary. The small capital St Helier remains bustling throughout the year. It’s an historic centre, a charming blend of the familiar logos of Boots, WHSmith and Marks & Spencer mixed with exclusive boutiques and stalls offering the best continental produce. So, jump aboard a short flight and experience beautiful walks, legendary golf courses, fascinating Neolithic sites, and local gin distilleries. Oh, and mouth-watering cuisine served up in Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional country pubs or outdoor street cafes.

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If you had to put money on guessing where in the beautiful British Isles boasts the sunniest spot, just where would you risk your hard earned cash? Newquay?

Margate? Brighton maybe? You’d be wrong. For yet another year this prestigious accolade goes to the unique isle of Jersey. Tucked into the Bay of St Malo and just 14 miles from Normandy, the largest of the Channel Islands enjoys a continental climate and a melded heritage.

A fusion of Britain and Brittany. A Gallic twist on your staycation.

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Featured Destination: Jersey Where has all the Water Gone?

Thanks to Jersey’s petite size, just 9 by 5 miles, you’re never more than a 15 minute drive from a beach. And what beaches they are! From the north’s towering heather clad cliffs and the southern golden sands, there are nearly 30 beaches to explore.

A favourite is St Ouen on the west coast, a popular surfing haven and the perfect spot for sunset views. Keep in mind that Jersey has the third largest tidal range in the world meaning the island doubles in size when the tide is out, revealing a dramatic lunar landscape of sailing boats perched high in dry harbours, rock pools for crabbing, and seabed walks.

Take the low tide causeway to the iconic La Corbiere Lighthouse, surrounded by WWII monuments or explore gullies as you walk to Seymour Tower, an 18th century fortress a mile offshore. Join a kayak tour and look for caves, remote beaches, and bottle nosed dolphins. Learn to scuba dive or join a fishing expedition seeking the freshest ever seafood, brown crab, winkles, and lobsters.

for winter at the end of October, keen photographers have achieved some spectacularly dramatic low season images of the magnificent fortress set on its rocky islet against a foreboding sky.

Also very much in evidence is the more recent history of the WWII Nazi occupation which saw the Channel Islands become the only British territory taken by Hitler’s troops.

Although the period is resigned to history, there are many islanders who will tell tales of those long years of extreme hardship. Interested tourists can follow the Liberation Route Forced Workers Trail which introduces 20 locations linked to the experiences of wartime foreign labourers.

Over their five year occupation 11,000 German soldiers built their battery positions, strongholds and bunkers which were never destroyed but rather have become assimilated into today’s post-war infrastructure. An example is the fortification line along the coast of St Ouen, now a popular promenade for couples, dog walkers, runners and families.

I Would Walk 500 Miles Jersey is a great place for getting outdoors with 500 miles of walks on your doorstep and low season is the perfect time for a hike before a well-deserved pint of Liberation Ale in one of the island’s many traditional pubs.

Jersey’s National Park is a beautiful place to explore nature with a diverse landscape and opportunities to spot wildlife. Check out the National Trust for Jersey’s free downloadable pdf for self-guided walks. A favourite ramble is along the coastal path to the spectacular Devil’s Hole blowhole, stopping by one of Jersey’s oldest pubs, the historic Priory Inn, with its cosy log fire.

Low season is the very best period for birdwatchers with the mild winter climate, strategic position and wide tidal range acting as a magnet to for both migrating and residential birds like little egrets, Brent geese and puffins.

Birders should definitely check out the Jersey Wetland Centre located on the west side of the island overlooking St. Ouen’s Pond.

Low Season Traveller

To go even further, explore the island on two wheels. Jersey has miles of bicycle friendly routes as well as an extensive network of 15mph ‘Green Lanes’ which will take you safely through the island’s countryside.

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Military Might The shoreline of Jersey is littered with wonderful examples of medieval fortifications, remnants of a strategic past, an era when Jersey was defended as a site of great importance in countless battles between the forces of Europe.

Mount Orgueil, one of the finest examples of a medieval castle, has cast its shadow over the beautiful fishing village of Gorey for over 800 years and remains open in November and December. Although Elizabeth Castle closes

Aerial view of the Mont Orgueil castle The 18th century Seymour Tower (Right)

Low Season Traveller

Featured Destination: Jersey

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Featured Destination: Puglia, Italy TOP EXPERIENCES Walk with Stars at your Feet Jersey’s tidal range means that when the water retreats you can discover a rare natural phenomenon, the bioluminescence greenish light of tiny glow worms that live on the seabed. Take a guided walk with Jersey Walk Adventures for the full experience.

Plemont Bay Rockpools On the northwest tip of the island is one of the most beautiful beaches. Descend the steep steps and discover a sandy cove with dramatic views, rock pools, Jersey’s largest caves and a fresh water waterfall. Unsurprisingly it’s a favourite spot for photographers.

Support Jersey Zoo Opened by Gerald Durrell over 60 years ago this renowned institution leads the way in protecting and breeding endangered species from around the world. It’s a stunning 32 acre park and home to over 1400 mammals and birds including bears, gorillas and orangutans.

FOOD & DRINK El Tico, St. Ouen’s Bay For some of the island’s most glorious sunsets, visit one of Britain’s oldest surf schools and Jersey’s original beach café cantina for great food and drinks. This historic casual diner also offers movie nights, live music and good company.

Bohemia Restaurant, St Helier Enjoy a sophisticated Michelin starred experience at the renowned Bohemia. Take afternoon tea, or book a classic, pescatarian or vegetarian tasting menu at the Chef’s Table overlooking the pass where all the action takes place.

Low Season Traveller

Sumas, Gorey Hill, St Martin Sumas is a boutique restaurant at the east of the island.

Dine on local seafood like Royal Bay oysters, scallops or potted brown shrimp overlooking Mont Orgueil Castle and the harbour of Gorey. Casual fine dining at its best.

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Delicious Royal Bay Oysters

Featured Destination: Puglia, Italy

INSIDER TIPS • Taxis can be pricy and there is no Uber in Jersey. Consider bringing your car over by ferry or hire a car on arrival for totally flexibility.

Alternatively the bus system is phenomenally easy and clean. Choose a ticket to anywhere for a flat fee, or a 1, 2, 3 or 7 day unlimited pass.

• Open all year round Tuesdays to Saturdays Faulkners Fishery can be found at The Vivier, a converted Second World War German Bunker at L’Etacq in beautiful St. Ouen. Independently family owned for 40 years this is the perfect place to buy your local catch of the day.

• Try out the ‘Big Four’ - cheese or ice cream from the iconic Jersey cow; fresh oysters the largest oyster beds in the British Isles; locally caught lobster; and the famous Jersey Royal potatoes which get their unique flavour from the mineral rich seaweed that cultivates the land.

GOOD TO KNOW • Low season indulgences include the 6 week long Tennerfest when top restaurants serve sample set menus; the 3 day black butter making festival; La Fais ‘side d’Cidre autumn cider fair in the beautiful surroundings of the Hamptonne museum; and the Simply Christmas artisan market.

• Just a short walk from St Helier you can reach the iconic Havre de Pas, a tidal lido bathing pool, originally constructed in the 1890s. It’s linked to the shore by beautiful art deco boardwalks and is replenished with fresh seawater at each tide.

Free of charge and open year round.

• Visit the intriguing site of Les Monts Grantez excavated in 1912, a Neolithic passage grave built around 4000BC, known as Lé Cuex ès Faît’tchieaux, the place of the fairies; or La Pouquelaye de Faldouet, a similar Neolithic grave, with 24-ton capstone covering the end chamber.

Low Season Traveller

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Low Season Traveller

Becoming a better Traveller

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Becoming a better Traveller

Becoming a better Dr. David Ermen is a passionate tourism consultant, speaker, and trainer based in New Zealand. He guides destinations and businesses along their sustainability journey and helps them develop strategies and act on them. In the first of a series of regular features, David shares a practical guide on how to become a better traveller.

Travel has bounced back much faster than anyone predicted as the world continues to recover from the global pandemic. This is great news for destinations and communities that depend on tourism. Unfortunately, the past challenges of tourism are also returning. Some communities realised that having fewer visitors was actually quite pleasant and are now looking to find better models – balancing their economic needs with social cohesion and environmental and cultural protection.

2. Support local businesses When you travel, supporting local businesses can positively impact the environment and the local community.

Environmentally, you help reduce your travel’s carbon footprint, as locally grown or produced items and services have a shorter supply chain. Additionally, supporting local businesses helps to support the local economy – both through the direct tourism dollars, the local suppliers they support, and the people they employ. The more of your spending that stays in the local economy, the fewer visitors the destination needs to welcome to achieve its economic tourism goals.

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Travellers play an important role in this dynamic and can help to reduce negative social and environmental impacts while ensuring communities benefit from our visit. Here are four ways that all of us can help destinations to build back better by making more responsible travel choices.

1. Travel to less crowded destinations Choosing less crowded destinations is a great way to connect more deeply with the destination and improve your impact while travelling. You can avoid the crowds by stepping off the beaten path or by travelling outside the peak season. This will give you a more authentic and peaceful experience and reduce the strain on the local operators, making it a more pleasant exchange for everyone. Remember that you are part of the crowd when you are in a crowded place. Choosing the path less travelled is a win for you, your fellow travellers, and the host communities.

Markets in Hoi An, Vietnam (Left) On the Pouakai Track, Taranaki, New Zealand

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Becoming a better Traveller 3. Choose responsible operators When booking accommodations or tourism experiences, look for operators that are taking positive and responsible actions within their communities. Initiatives can include eco-friendly practices, support for social or community projects, or protection of local culture and heritage sites.

By choosing operators that make a positive impact, you embolden them and strengthen their business case for responsible and sustainable actions. If you are worried about greenwashing, sustainability certifications can help you identify serious operators.

4. Respect local cultures and traditions Wherever we travel, it’s important to be respectful of local cultures and traditions. This means avoiding behaviours that might be offensive or disrespectful, such as taking inappropriate photographs or engaging in culturally inappropriate activities. Respecting local cultures and traditions helps preserve the destination’s social and cultural heritage while promoting intercultural understanding and respect. This ensures that the destination remains a great place to live and that the local community will want to continue to welcome visitors.

Low Season Traveller

So as you plan your next trip, remember that you have an important role to play in creating more sustainable tourism destinations. Your choices directly affect the lasting impact of tourism on the destination – for better or worse. By choosing less crowded destinations, supporting local businesses, choosing responsible operators, and respecting local cultures and traditions, you can reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment and the local community while also having a more authentic and meaningful travel experience. That sounds like a win f or everyone.

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“ The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

Robert Swan

Hoi An, Vietnam (Right)

Low Season Traveller

Becoming a better Traveller

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Featured Destination: Namibia

NAMIBIA The contrasting landscape, big skies and rolling dunes of a photographer’s dream.

Low Season Traveller

Low Season: November - April

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Featured Destination: Namibia

Squeezed neatly between the Atlantic’s crashing waves and the desolate dry earth of the vast Kalahari, lies the fascinating southern African nation of Namibia. This extraordinary country gained independence from South Africa in 1990 and now, after decades of political stability, investment in infrastructure, and inter-racial reconciliation, it is a bucket list must and a safe and popular destination for honeymooners, families and adventurers.

A popular time to enjoy Namibia’s unique experiences is the African winter May to August, coinciding with Europe’s school holidays, when days are mild but nights so cold. At Low Season Traveller we’d recommend arranging your journey from November through April instead. At this time, apart from the busy Christmas period, you can take advantage of great prices for flights, luxury camps, and touring. This is especially true if you enjoy it hot!

Namibia boasts an impressive 300 days of sunshine each year with temperatures pushing the mid 30°C. Summer is rainy season, and it is more difficult to spot wildlife, particularly in Etosha National Park. However, Namibia experiences only a fraction of what countries in East Africa receive and in fact has recently struggled with a series of droughts.

Join the locals as they celebrate the coming of the rains and the flowing of the rivers, and relish in the lush scenery and stunning light that the spectacular afternoon thunderstorms bring.

Low Season Traveller

Gazing into the impossibly starry sky of a Sossusvlei desert night, all worldly stress and strain forgotten, you’ll find yourself connecting with the universe in a way you never thought possible. With some of the darkest skies ever measured, many top camps and lodges invest in state of the art observatories and resident astronomers to help pick out beautiful constellations and individual planets. Or opt for a simpler experience, wrapped in a warm blanket staring upwards into the endless twinkling lights as the campfire begins to die away.

The white clay pan Deadvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park

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Featured Destination: Namibia Namib Naukluft Park The fog lifts revealing incredible tones of sandy orange mountains against a blue sky. The Namib Desert is the earth’s oldest, possibly up to 80 million years old, and it’s also the home of the tallest dune – a towering 383 metres.

Try sand boarding (keep your mouth closed), or if that’s a bit like hard work, embark on a jeep adventure to the dry Deadvlei salt pan where surreal camel thorn trees stretch their hopelessly parched branches skywards.

The Skeleton Coast Beautiful but deadly. The bleak shoreline on the edge of the wild Atlantic remains littered with the shells of a thousand wrecked vessels and the bones of long gone whales. More happily, it is also home to one of the world’s largest seal populations. Low season is the ideal time to explore this raw and remote stretch of wilderness, as skies clear, fog lifts, desert nights become warmer and migrant birds return.

Kaokoland & The Kunene Region Rather less well known and tucked into the country’s northwest, Kaokoland is home to the indigenous semi-nomadic Himba people and the desert adapted elephants that roam the pristine barren wilderness. Low season is perfect for an exploration of the extraordinary Kunene River on an early morning boat safari, looking out for eagles, herons, kingfishers, as well as rare endemic species and a few crocodiles, and visiting the Epupa Falls and Ruacana Falls in full flow.

FOOD & DRINK Café Anton, Swakopmund Delightful family run coffee house serving healthy breakfasts and lunches as well as exquisite German confectionery like Black Forest cake and florentines.

Enjoy views of the old lighthouse and the palm tree lined promenade from the terrace.

Joe’s Beerhouse, Windhoek You can’t leave the capital without a visit to this popular restaurant which serves hearty Namibian cuisine with a German twist. Mix with locals and visitors in the quirky atmosphere and dine on excellent steak followed up with ice cold beer, served until late.

The Tug, Swakopmund Designed and built around the original oil-fired Danie Hugo Tugboat which was constructed in the Glasgow ship yards, The Tug is now an established venue serving hearty fresh cuisine. It’s a must for seafood lovers and situated right on the shoreline of the Atlantic.

TOP EXPERIENCES Track Black Rhino on Foot Damaraland is home to one of Africa’s largest free ranging black rhino populations and a great area to spot this impressive but critically endangered creature shadowing experienced trackers and dedicated conservationists.

Zebra, hyena, giraffe, oryx, elephant, and even cheetah are also seen.

Low Low Season Season Traveller Traveller

Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight Get an aerial eyeful of Namibia’s contrasting landscapes on a low level flight out of Swakopmund. Take in geographical features of desert, rivers, mines, saltpans, mountain ranges and the raw and rocky shoreline including shipwrecks and Cape Cross, home to one of a huge Cape fur seal colony.

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4x4 Self-Drive Namibia hits the number one spot for self-drive destinations in Africa. It’s an exciting and flexible way to get around, roads are signposted in English, drivers respect the rules of the roads and road conditions are pretty good. Outside the cities you can expect empty roads with sweeping vistas.

Zebras drinking at sunset in Etosha National Park A Quiver Tree in Spitzkoppe (Right)

Low Season Traveller

Featured Destination: Namibia

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Low Season Traveller

Featured Destination: Namibia

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Featured Destination Namibia

INSIDER TIPS • Don’t skimp on your vehicle. On a self-drive, a 4x4 is a must for gravel and sandy roads. Allow extra time when driving because the scenery is truly a highlight and you don’t want have to rush through it. Plus you certainly don’t want to be driving in the dark as animals regularly come into the roads.

• Visit the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop in Namibia’s far south-west. Now partially reclaimed by desert sands, it was a thriving early 20th century diamond mining centre. Elaborate homes, a school, hospital, bowling alley and opera house are long since abandoned but make for great photos.

• Despite their speed and agility, cheetah numbers have declined by 90% over a century dropping to less than 10,000. Namibia is home to the world’s largest population of freeroaming cheetah, up to 3000 of them and it is possible to stay overnight at the cheetah conservation centre in Otjiwarongo .

GOOD TO KNOW • Windhoek and the coastal town of Swakopmund embrace their Germanic heritage and retain many colonial era buildings such as the 1907 Christuskirche. At the start of low season, catch Oktoberfest in the capital with bratwurst and pork schnitzel, live music, and a whole lot of Bavarian beer.

• Namibia’s human story is fascinating. Among the earliest settlers in the area were the proud nomadic San bushmen. The largest ethnic group is the Ovambo, but others include the Kavango, Herero, Damara and Caprivian. Himba women are easily identified by their hair, coated in red clay.

• Low season might not be peak for big game viewing, but it is great for seeing baby animals.

It is also perfect for birders. Flocks of stunning migratory birds arrive in the lush environment, resident birds come into their plumage and are nesting, and thousands of pink flamingos gather

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Sunset over the Kalahari Desert

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Cultural Heritage

r e v o c s i D

The Beautiful ‘Suri’ Tribe Women of the Omo Valley.

Our resident cultural heritage expert Chris Flynn, Executive Chairman of World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage, takes us on a discovery of the beautiful ‘Suri’ tribe women of the Omo Valley, Ethiopia.

In the remote Ethiopian ‘Omo Valley’, where the earliest known remains of Homo Sapiens have been found, local indigenous tribes have been painting their bodies with pulverised minerals for millennia.

One such tribe is the ‘Suri’, where among other forms of body art and modification, the women paint their faces stunning colours and patterns whilst donning wild flowers in their hair. Due to the absence of mirrors, people paint each other. The paint is created by mixing leaves and flowers from various plants, crushed rock (white or red) and water.

Inhabiting the mountains of the ‘Great Rift Valley’ in the plains of south-western Ethiopia, the tribes raise livestock and farm when the land is fertile enough.

It is estimated the ‘Suri’ have a population of approx.

34,000 still living a traditional lifestyle largely unaffected by modern civilisation.

Low Season Traveller

Kingfishers, as well as rare endemic species and a few crocodiles, and visiting the Epupa Falls and Ruacana Falls in full flow.

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Low Season Traveller

Cultural Heritage

Young woman with traditional face paint and foliage headdress in the Ethiopian Suri tribe style

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Life’s a Beach

Low Season Traveller

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Life’s a Beach

a h c a e B

What is it about beaches? There are countless beautiful beaches around the world, each with their own unique features and characteristics and somehow we are inexorably drawn to them. As summer is around the corner up here in the northern hemisphere, we were looking for any excuse to publish five of the most reputedly stunning beaches in the world which can all be enjoyed far more responsibly during the low season months. Have you been to any of them?

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Do they live up to the promise or are they over-hyped? Let us know at editor@lowseasontraveller.com

Young woman with traditional face paint and foliage headdress inWhitehaven the Ethiopian Suri tribe style Beach, Australia

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Life’s a Beach Whitehaven Beach, Australia (Previous page) Located in the Whitsunday Islands of Australia, Whitehaven Beach is known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands. The beach is only accessible by boat and is a popular destination for sailing and snorkelling.

Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles (below) Anse Source d’Argent is a secluded beach located on the island of La Digue in the Seychelles. The beach is known for its dramatic granite rock formations and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and swimming.

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Navagio Beach, Greece (Above) Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is located on the island of Zakynthos in Greece. The beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the rusted shipwreck that sits on the beach, adding to its unique and picturesque charm.

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Maya Bay, Thailand (Opposite page) Maya Bay is a stunning beach located on the island of Koh Phi Phi in Thailand. It gained international fame after being featured in the movie “The Beach” and is known for its turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and white sand beaches.

Matira Beach, French Polynesia (Above) Matira Beach is located on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia and is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.

Low Season Traveller

Life’s a Beach

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

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Featured Destination: Vancover

VANCOUVER Where Urban and Outdoor Experiences Beautifully Collide

Low Season Traveller

Low Season: November - March

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Featured Destination: Vancouver A breath-taking half million tiny lights glow against the natural lushness of the Capilano Canyon, transforming the thick rainforest into a magical fairytale experience.

I didn’t believe that you could beat summertime at Capilano Suspension Bridge, the stunning structure spanning the river flowing far below. It’s hard indeed to improve on greenery bursting with life, but from November until late January, low season travellers get a double whammy. The unforgettable holiday display of endless twinkles against nature’s own backdrop. So well worth getting wrapped up and braving a winter’s evening on British Columbia’s western coast.

Low Season Traveller

To be honest, we were lucky that afternoon at Capilano.

It was one of those low season days that remained clear and bright, although in general Vancouver tends to be pretty mild and wet. Residents however embrace each of their four distinct seasons. Summers are the most popular, warm and comfortable, packed with locals and tourists enjoying the multi-cultural city’s 300 parks and gardens, beach-life and whale watching. In contrast, November to March sees crowds and temperatures fall and rain is frequent. But please don’t be put off enjoying a low season adventure to Canada’s third largest city.

Year round this lively cosmopolitan centre buzzes with a vibrant arts scene, to die for culinary gems from Michelin stars to food markets, and all-season hiking trails. On top of that low season offers some unique opportunities and a perfect blend of activities to fit both the weather and your mood. Where else could you cycle a seawall in the morning and be on a ski slope in the afternoon?

Downtown Vancouver

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Featured Destination: Vancouver Get to Know the Neighbourhood Have fun exploring Van’s different areas, each showing off their personalities, attracting varied residents, boutiques and eateries. Wander Downtown, taking in all the shops and action of Robson Square. Gastown is considered the historic hub founded in 1867, its streets lined with cobbles.

Don’t miss the Steam Clock, a little touristy, but it’s got to be done. Grab dim sum in busy Chinatown or see the artsy murals at Mount Pleasant. Kitsilano, or Kits, popular for its beach in high season, remains wonderfully picturesque during winter. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the False Creek Seawall before boarding the ferry over to Granville Island’s unique local stalls. Walk between Lonsdale Quay Market and the Shipyard District, North Vancouver’s fastest growing urban neighbourhood full of independent shops, restaurants, and speciality food stores.

Get Your Culture Fix In a city of this size you can expect cultural fun for all ages and budgets. Science World in a great way to spend a morning during the cooler months with interactive, handson exhibits for children and adults. Another big fave is the aquarium filled with thousands of fish and marine animals, and low season visitors may even spot Santa taking a scuba dive. Explore the fascinating past of the region’s indigenous people at the Museum of Anthropology or see visit the prestigious Vancouver Art Gallery, free to enter on Tuesday evenings. Shop to your heart’s content at the Granville Island Market or the upmarket boutiques of Kits and Yaletown; or tour a craft brewery in Mount Pleasant.

Whatever you choose, there are so many wonderful way to dodge a shower if you really must.

Take to the Ice Vancouverites love their ice with year round rinks throughout the city, but come November seasonal sites return, many rich in festive flair, hot chocolate and old fashioned magic. A favourite is the free rink at Robson Square in Downtown with live music in the run up to Christmas.

Aerial Sightseeing by Seaplane Take off from Coal Harbour on a thrilling seaplane tour.

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Vancouver’s iconic skyline, and get an incredibly different perspective of Stanley Park, Lion’s Gate Bridge, English Bay, and the North Shore Mountains, without even setting foot in the outdoors.

Granville Island Foodie Tour Join a guide to experience the best of local produce at Granville Island Public Market. There are over 300 stalls in the bustling atmosphere, all independent family run businesses. Try samples from artisan sellers of fine cheeses, fresh seafood, organic bread, beers and more.

FOOD & DRINK L’Abattoir, Carrall St, Gastown In the heart of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood the epicentre of the city’s diverse culinary and cocktail scene, you’ll find L’Abattoir, between historic Gaoler’s Mews and Blood Alley. The menu offers exquisite dishes from steak tartare to country lamb, or indulge in the chef’s tasting menu with paired wine.

Bao Bei, Keefer St, Chinatown Visit Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden and shop at one of the Asian speciality stores before grabbing a bite. Bao Bei is one of our favourites among many authentic eateries.

This stylish Chinese brassiere specialises in freshly made Taiwan and Shanghai inspired sharing dishes to enjoy with family and friends.

The Stock Room, Homer St, Yaletown Late night drinking at this lively speakeasy with friendly vibes and cool décor. Find it hidden away behind Hundy Burger, in Yaletown, a regenerated chic district in the south-eastern part of Downtown. Book a booth and enjoy an inventive range of cocktails soaked up with one of their delicious burgers.

Low Season Traveller

Outdoors Alternatively, just do as the locals do and go out regardless.

Yes it might rain, or it might not. A city this beautiful, with so many green spaces, needs to be enjoyed whatever the weather. Stanley Park at 1000 acres is said to beat NYC’s Central Park hands down. Look closely at the totem poles, sacred to the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples upon whose land the park stands. Explore its natural forest or walk or cycle the 10km Seawall that encircles the park. If you’re you’re really up for it, follow the route the whole 28km with incredible sea views right around the bay to Kitsilano. Queen Elizabeth Park in the south is particularly beautiful in the autumn as the leaves change their colours. Or for something more adventurous there are some great low elevation hikes accessible year round at Capilano Regional Park, Lynn Canyon Park or the Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Start in the morning as night draws in early in low season, but you’ll always have those twinkling lights brightening your evenings and welcoming you home.

TOP EXPERIENCES

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Totem poles in Stanley Park,Vancouver

Low Season Traveller

Featured Destination: Vancouver

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Low Season Traveller

Featured Destination: Vancouver

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Featured Destination: Vancouver

INSIDER TIPS • The Downtown core is remarkably walkable but to explore all the neighbourhoods try Vancouver’s fantastic public transport. It’s super easy to use with a choice of frequent buses, Skytrain rapid transit system, or the Seabus ferries. Just tap your credit card or Compass pass for each journey.

• After visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge, take public transport from right outside to Polygon Gallery hosting photography and art exhibits.

Walk a few blocks to the North Shore brewery district for top local craft beers, before catching the Seabus back to Downtown, a 12 minute ride.

• Capilano may be world famous, but be sure to check out Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge.

You’ll find fewer people here, and access to the park is completely free. There is a lovely 90 minute circular hike that takes in the bridge.

Plus it is at low elevational and so accessible throughout low season.

GOOD TO KNOW • For a low season treat, check out the Vancouver ‘Dine Out Festival’ which takes place the last two weeks of January. A 17 day celebration of the culinary scene in the city including special events, menus, tastings and workshops.

Hundreds of eateries take part from food trucks to fine dining.

• Apart from English, you’ll hear Cantonese and Mandarin widely spoken. Thousands of Chinese labourers crossed the Pacific in the 19th century to build the railroad. These days one in five Vancouver residents claim Chinese heritage, and their Chinatown is the third largest in North America.

• Vancouver’s position on the Pacific plus

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the influence of British Columbia’s unique temperature rainforest have their impact on the precipitation levels the area experiences, resulting in roughly 165 rainy days annually

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Capilano Bridge, North Vancouver

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Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage

established cultural heritage icons Cultural heritage is what makes a destination and it’s people unique. And sadly, it is disappearing at an alarming rate. Yet tourism can help protect and preserve our precious cultural heritage so we are proud to work closely with the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage to highlight some icons which you may be aware of but are far better enjoyed during the low season months. Join our resident cultural heritage expert and executive chairman of World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage, Chris Flynn, who provides an overview of five amazing cultural and natural heritage places that are just as mysterious as they are beautiful. Add these places to your bucket list and start planning your next trip!

There are many cultural heritage sites around the world that are truly amazing and offer a glimpse into the history and culture of humanity. Here are five of the more popular sites that are well worth visiting in the low season months:

ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA Angkor Wat is a temple complex located in Cambodia and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. It was built in the 12th century and was originally a Hindu temple before being converted to a Buddhist temple. The complex consists of several temples, each with intricate carvings and stunning architecture.

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MACHU PICCHU, PERU Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built in the 15th century and abandoned during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

The site was rediscovered in 1911 and has since become a popular tourist destination, known for its impressive architecture and stunning mountain views.

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Low Season Traveller

Cultural Heritage

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Cultural Heritage

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, CHINA The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China. It was built over several centuries, beginning in the 7th century BC, and was used as a defence against invading armies. Today, parts of the Great Wall are open to tourists and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

Low Season Traveller

PETRA, JORDAN Petra is an ancient city located in Jordan and is famous for its impressive rock-cut architecture. It was built by the Nabataean people in the 6th century BC and was an important trading centre in the region. The most famous structure in Petra is the Treasury, which is carved into the sandstone cliffs and is a popular tourist attraction.

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Low Season Traveller

Cultural Heritage

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THE COLOSSEUM, ITALY The Colosseum is an ancient amphitheatre located in Rome, Italy, and is one of the most iconic cultural heritage sites in the world. It was built in the 1st century AD and was used for gladiatorial contests and other public events. Today, the Colosseum is a popular tourist attraction and offers a glimpse into ancient Roman culture and architecture.

Visiting these cultural heritage sites can be an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of humanity. Each of these sites is unique and has its own story to tell, making them truly amazing destinations to visit in the less busy low and shoulder season months.

Top 12 best stays

OUR TOP

Low Season Traveller

BEST STAYS

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Top 12 best stays

ICONIC

GRAND JERSEY HOTEL & SPA, JERSEY With an enviable beachfront location in St. Helier overlooking St. Aubin’s Bay, the iconic 5-star Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa is undoubtedly one of the island’s top picks. Relax in the hotel’s on-site spa, enjoy seasonal and regional produce at the 4 AA Rosettes Tassili restaurant or modern British favourites at Elizabeth’s brasserie-style restaurant, and treat yourself with afternoon tea or in the Champagne Lounge. If you’re celebrating something extra-special, look no further than the Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa. Book your Low Season stay

Images sourced from accommodation providers.

ECO

A HI’O TO MOU’A, TEAHUPO’O, TAHITI Located, very literally, at the end of the road of Teahupo’o on Tahiti’s Southwestern coast is a hi’o to mou’a. For those looking to truly experience the Tahitian way of life and connect with nature, a stay with Aimata and her family in their modern home offers everything you need, just metres from the ocean and with hiking routes through the valley on your doorstep. Though the real star of the show is the hospitality offered by Aimata and her family, who share their love of the island with newfound friends from around the world.

Stay at a hi’o to mou’a

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BOUTIQUE

ONGUMA TENTED CAMP, NAMIBIA On the Eastern side of Etosha National Park in Northern Namibia lies Onguma Tented Camp, a boutique camp forming part of Onguma’s collection of lodges and campsites set within 34,000 hectares of wilderness. Built around a natural watering hole, the camp is located on the border of the park, famous for its large salt pan that attracts a range of migratory birds. In the National Park you can find elephants, lions and giraffes and much more on bush drives and walks offered by Onguma’s expert guides.

Back in the camp, the luxury tents are elegantly designed to echo their surroundings, resulting in a deeper connection to nature.

Book your fantasy Safari experience

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Top 12 best stays

ECO

THE DATAI LANGKAWI, LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA In the heart of a 10 million year old rainforest on Malaysia’s island of Langkawi lies the luxurious resort of The Datai Langkawi. Offering 121 stunningly designed rooms, suites and villas across both the beach and in the rainforest, along with a diverse range of dining options, spa, and golf facilities, The Datai is truly one of Malaysia’s most stunning options. And the best bit? The Datai’s commitment to sustainability has led to them implementing a robust series of initiatives to protect the environment and support regenerative travel.

Prepare to be wowed at

BOUTIQUE

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L’HERMITAGE HOTEL, VANCOUVER Combining ‘Parisian chic and West Coast sophistication’, L’Hermitage Hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, within easy walking distance to Vancouver Art Gallery, Gastown, and Canada Place. Each of the rooms, suites, or kitchen-equipped one and two-bedroom ‘homes’ feature King sized beds and Italian-marble bathrooms, whilst guests can also enjoy a outdoor, heated saltwater pool and jacuzzi and the fifthfloor L’Orangerie Dining Room & Lounge.

Check out L’Hermitage Hotel

TE MOANA TAHITI RESORT, TAHITI With one of the most incredible infinity pools overlooking the ocean and the island of Moorea, and a beach bar offering the perfect location to enjoy a cocktail or two, you almost won’t want to head indoors. However, with a good mix of 120 rooms, studios, suites and apartments decorated in traditional Polynesian decor, a wellness centre, two restaurants, and a range of activities, Te Moana Tahiti Resort has all bases covered.

Book to unwind at the Te Moana

Low Season Traveller

Top 12 best stays

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THE LISTEL HOTEL, VANCOUVER With one of the most incredible infinity pools overlooking the ocean and the island of Moorea, and a beach bar offering the perfect location to enjoy a cocktail or two, you almost won’t want to head indoors. However, with a good mix of 120 rooms, studios, suites and apartments decorated in traditional Polynesian decor, a wellness centre, two restaurants, and a range of activities, Te Moana Tahiti Resort has all bases covered.

Get cultural at The Listel Hotel

LUXURY

CASA COOK, RHODES Casa Cook is a boutique Bohemian-inspired escape for adults on the island of Rhodes. The stunningly designed rooms are decorated with earthy palettes, and feature private verandas and shared or private pools with sunbeds and hammocks to relax during the day. At the centre of it all is the Kitchen Club, where guests can share Meze plates, enjoy signature Watermelon Cooler cocktails, and celebrate well into the night.

Check out Casa Cook (previous page)

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BOUTIQUE Low Season Traveller

Top 12 best stays THE ATLANTIC HOTEL, JERSEY Combining ‘Parisian chic and West Coast sophistication’, L’Hermitage Hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, within easy walking distance to Vancouver Art Gallery, Gastown, and Canada Place. Each of the rooms, suites, or kitchenequipped one and two-bedroom ‘homes’ feature King sized beds and Italian-marble bathrooms, whilst guests can also enjoy a outdoor, heated saltwater pool and jacuzzi and the fifth-floor L’Orangerie Dining Room & Lounge.

Stay at The Atlantic Hotel

Top 12 best stays

BOUTIQUE

ICONIC

LINDOS BLU LUXURY HOTEL & SUITES, RHODES Climbing up the hillside on the eastern coast of Rhodes is one of the island’s premier adult-only resorts. The 70 rooms, suites and villas at Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites offer stunning views over Vlicha Bay, and step down in a series of terraces to the perfect sandy beach. Just 2km away lies the city-state of Lindos, crowned by the ancient acropolis which is a must during your visit. With private pools, jacuzzis, a spa and five restaurants and bars, Lindos Blu is the perfect couples escape.

Book your Low Season stay

HOODIA DESERT LODGE, NAMIBIA Hoodia Desert Lodge is a boutique owner-run lodge at the gateway to the famous red sanddunes of the Sossusvlei. Open since 2008, the lodge offers 11 luxurious chalets with en-suite bathrooms with a kitchen offering international and local cuisine. The location is perfect to enjoy the activities on offer, with Hoodia specialising in off the beaten track excursions.

Stay at Hoodia Desert Lodge

Low Season Traveller

LUXURY

THE ST. REGIS KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Explore Malaysia’s capital from the luxurious 5-star St. Regis Kuala Lumpur hotel. Inside the hotel, spacious rooms and suites cater to all needs, whilst guests can also enjoy six unique restaurants and bars before even stepping foot outside the doors. When you do leave, the hotel’s location, in the KL Sentral district, makes it easy to explore the metropolis of the city or escape into the serenity of the nearby Perdana Botanical Gardens.

Book your luxurious stay

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TAHITI EDITION In December, we were invited over to the Islands of Tahiti by our good friends at Tahiti Tourisme so that we could learn exactly what the experience is like for visitors during the low season period.

The islands of Tahiti are arguably among the most stunningly beautiful in the world. Formed from the demise of 3 volcanoes, these islands not only have an incredible natural beauty, but they have an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage which remains strong to this day.

In this series, we seek to learn more about the traditions, beliefs, culture and heritage as we set out to discover the true essence of Tahiti when we ‘Meet the Tahitians’.

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MATEATA Mateata is joyful! She has an infectiously warm, powerful and energetic presence and is indeed a force of nature!

Mateata is proudly Moorean. Born and raised on this smaller and quieter island just 30 mins from Tahiti, Mateata was called by the ocean at a young age. She has sailed all over the world with her passion for seafaring always ensuring that she bore the true colours of her polynesian identity along the way. Now back at her ancestral home in Moorea, I caught up with Mateata at the peaceful bay where Captain Cook first landed in Tahiti – a fitting location to learn more about the true polynesian culture of Tahiti and perhaps a short history lesson.

Featured Podcasts CINDY Cindy Drollet grew up in the shadow of Teahupo’o. A fully licensed captain, Cindy and the team at Tahiti Surfari are without a doubt the very best team to help you to learn about and understand the ocean and reef around the famous Teahupo’o break.

I joined Cindy for a surfari tour around Teahupo’o where we body surfed the famous break, swam in pristine waterfalls only accessible by lava tubes, swung out over the river in the lush clearings and engaged in surf stories of Kelly Slater, Rob Machado and more after a fabulous barbecue lunch.

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I arrived at the conclusion that there is a reason the world’s top surfers work with Cindy and the team at Tahit Surfari – no-one knows this place like they do.

AIMATA & HITINUI Aimata, Hitinui and their family have their home in a wonderful location at the end of the road (quite literally) at Teahupo’o. And what a home it is! Located metres from the ocean and with a back garden which is practically the most beautiful valley in the whole of Tahiti. It is here that Aimata and Hitinui lovingly share their home stay with travellers from all over the world who come to be at one with nature and live like the locals do in this corner of paradise.

I had the pleasure of staying with Aimata and Hitinui recently, and after we enjoyed the most amazing home cooked meal of perfectly fresh ingredients from their garden we sat down to discuss how and why they share their lives with new found friends from all over the world.

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PEVA Peva is well known to everyone in Teahupo’o. He and his family have lived for generations in the lush green valley, and it’s immediately clear that Peva himself has a deep connection with the land and ocean here.

I spent some time staying in the incredible seafront house which Peva built himself, using only natural materials from the valley. And it is one of the most amazing places I have ever stayed in! I can certainly see why the surf legend Kelly Slater stays here when he comes to surf and be at one with nature.

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HEIMATA

In this short conversation I had with Peva as the sun started to set on Teahupo’o, I asked him about the history of Teahupo’o, how he came to build this wonderful house here and he also explained the significance of his intricate and beautiful tattoos.

I met up with Heimata in the Municipal Market in Papeete where, after a delicious lunch of Poisson Cru, we enjoyed a lively discussion about the local dishes in Tahiti, how food is perhaps the most universal element of culture, and we equally pondered the future of tourism in Tahiti and Moorea. Does tourism protect and preserve cultural heritage or in fact, does cultural heritage protect and preserve tourism?

LISTEN NOW

Low Season Traveller

Heimata Hall is passionate about food. And that’s just as well, as Heimata is a Tahitian Food Tour Guide with the strong belief that food is a leveller which transcends hierarchy and social constraints – it is a universal thing which connects us in ways which are simply not possible with any other activity.

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LOW SEASON TRAVEL MAKES YOU FEEL FREE