Turbulence | Issue 21

ISSUE 21 - 2016

TURBULENCE

FINALIST: 2013, 2014, FINALIST 2016 2015 & 2016

south america worlds best new year’s parties Dinner. By heston blumenthal

TURBULENCE February 2015 | 1

Welcome to another exciting edition of Turbulence.

What a rollercoaster of a year.

We lost so many famous faces in 2016 – brilliant minds, comedy greats, the best of music talent, legends of stage and screen – many of whom we grew up with.

Florence Henderson, Alan Rickman, Pete Burns, Leonard Cohen, Gene Wilder, Muhammad Ali, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Prince, Frank Kelly, Terry Wogan, Victoria Wood, Andrew Sachs…just to name a few.

FROM THE EDITOR

However, none was more heartbreaking than my hero and one of the most influential musicians of our time, the Thin White Duke himself, David Bowie. Even now, almost a year on, I still get choked up every time I think about it.

It wasn’t all bad though. Among some of the good news of 2016 – Leonardo diCaprio finally won an Oscar, Portugal ran its entire country solely on renewable energy for four days straight, Starbucks figured out a way of donating perishable food in a food safe way, two brothers saw colour for the first time thanks to specially designed glasses, and the ozone layer is showing the first signs of repairing itself thanks to global efforts to reduce CFC emissions.

Oh, and Sean Simmons Travel turned FIVE and celebrated our fourth consecutive year as finalists at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards.

Our final edition for this year is packed to the brim with all things South & Central American, plus a few other surprises. I won’t go on too much, but happy reading!

As we look toward the holidays and 2017, I am reminded of a song by another great talent lost before his time.

‘A very merry Christmas, and a happy new year.

Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.’

This is me, signing off.

-Ed

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In this issue

4 world’s best new year’s PARTIES 12

THE (SOUTH) AMERICAN DREAM

14 Peru 18

COSTA RICA

21 CHILE 24 ARGENTINA 27 Sean Simmons Travel Gift Cards 28

hello from central & south america

A Readers Travel Review: George Organ

34 37

COSTA RICA

A luxury Eco Paradise tour

Planet of the apps

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN APP by TIMEANDDATE.COM

38

dinner. By Heston Blumenthal

40

Sean’s TRAVEL TIPS

42

Flight deck

Travel information & Industry News

PHONE US ON 1300 391 590 VISIT OUR WEBSITE EMAIL A TRAVEL EXPERT CONNECT WITH US ON LINKEDIN LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER ABN 48153795129 | AFTA 10216 | ATAS A10436

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WORLD’S BEST

new year’s PARTIES

The first of January is a time to start over, to forget the old and relish the new, an opportunity to resolve to change (even if you never quite get there). Whether you’re hoping to shed excess pounds or kick a bad habit, before going cold turkey why not have one last fling? Plan your last hurrah in style, at one of the world’s most impressive New Year’s Eve celebrations.

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Rio De Janeiro Rio’s Copacabana Beach plays host each New Year’s Eve to Reveillon, the world’s largest and wildest New Year’s celebration. More than 2 million cariocas (Rio natives) congregate on the beach wearing stark white attire and filling a 2 1/2-mile stretch of sand. Blending African rituals and local culture, Brazilians pay homage to Iemanja, the goddess of the sea. In addition to the customary white garb, red (symbolizing romance), green (for good health), and yellow and gold (for prosperity) accessories highlight the landscape.

Just be sure to leave your black attire at home: Brazilian lore considers it an evil omen.

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Orlando, Florido Orlando’s theme parks ring in the New Year with flair. Disney’s Magical Kingdom is home to the Jingle Jungle Parade, while Epcot puts on the impressive light and laser show, ‘IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,’ presented just before midnight strikes. MGM Studios’ Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights puts on a “symphony of the senses,” as artificial snow begins to fall and thousands of lights twinkle amidst a backdrop of heavenly angels and spinning carousels.

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New York Times Square’s inaugural New Year’s hullabaloo debuted in 1904 to celebrate the opening of The New York Times headquarters; today hundreds of thousands of people descend upon the city’s bustling axis each Dec. 31 to hold a party unlike any other in New York City. Since food and drink vendors are not permitted, pack a picnic to last you the day. Area restaurants are open, but the wait time can often be hours. As the sun sets, the famed New Year’s Eve Ball is hoisted to the top of One Times Square’s 77-foot flagpole, and makes its 60-second drop just before the stroke of midnight.

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Sydney Sydney is home to the world’s second-largest New Year’s celebration (and one of the first places in the world to ring in the new year, time-wise).

It also happens to boast the world’s largest fireworks display: The display typically involves 6 barges along a 3 1/2-mile expanse of water, and the use of 30,000 pyrotechnic effects, for a lengthy 12 minutes. The show attracts a crowd upward of 1 million, with the famed Sydney Harbor, as well as the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the places to see. Also check out the illuminated boats that glide along the waterfront for the latenight Harbour of Light Parade, spanning a 9-mile route. If you need a rest from the urban centre, check out Bondi Beach’s ultimate dance party.

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London New Year’s Eve in London sees an abundance of activity centred around the Thames River. The towering London Eye, a gigantic Ferris wheel, draws thousands of visitors for a spin, while the midnight fireworks show is launched from the actual London Eye. People congregate on Tower, Westminster, London and Blackfriars bridges to witness the spectacles. If you can’t snag a spot near the water, watch the event on one of the big screens in Trafalgar and Parliament squares.

The next afternoon, partake in the magnificent New Year’s Day parade, which departs from Westminster, weaves in and out of the capital’s downtown, and finishes at Green Park.

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Edinburgh, Scotland Thousands of jubilant and, er, drunk, Scots -- as well as scores of foreign visitors -- crowd the streets of downtown Edinburgh for the annual Hogmanay (meaning “last day of the year”) celebration. World-renowned musical acts take stage all throughout the city centre, as traditional ceilidh dancing brightens up the atmosphere of Princes Street Gardens. While the masses populate Princes Street, visitors in the know slip on up to Carlton Hill, downtown Edinburgh’s highest point, just before midnight, to watch the fireworks. The next day, the athletic can jog off their hangovers by joining the One O’clock Run down the Royal Mile, opt to freeze their behinds off by diving into the River Forth at the conclusion of the Loony Dook parade (a charity event), or take part in a dog-sledding competition.

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Paris Parisians definitely get New Year’s right: For a solid month, they exchange bises (small, platonic kisses), greet each other with Bonne Annee!

(Happy New Year!), and send cards and gifts through to the first of February. On New Year’s Eve, Paris’ epicentre is the thriving ChampsElysees, where visitors can glimpse the Eiffel Tower, as well as the bursts of light it emits, as midnight creeps over France. Trek up to the more relaxed Montmartre, a popular New Year’s spot for apartment soirees, or venture into nearby Pigalle, the red-light district and catch a cabaret at the racy Moulin Rouge. Or consider booking a table on a bateau-mouche (riverboat) dinner cruise along the Seine and enjoy a laid-back end to a long year.

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THE (SOUTH) AMERICAN DREAM Be mindful of what you’re getting into: South America can be a lifetime addiction.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the undulating waterways of the Amazon, South America spreads a dazzling array of natural wonders. This is a continent of lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, misty cloud forests, bone-dry deserts, red-rock canyons, ice-blue glaciers and sun-kissed beaches. As landscapes go, there aren’t many other places on earth that offers so much variety.

On the following pages we show you what to see and do in Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica and Peru. Plus we feature eight tours for the active and adventure hungry.

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PERU

It is easy to be captivated by the thought of a holiday in Peru, exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu and navigating the waters of Lake Titicaca. While the popular sites are deservedly Peru’s most famous tourist attractions, the country also boasts fine beaches, quaint fishing villages, epic hiking and walking trails, and the chance to experience a real Amazon adventure.

Most first-time visitors to Peru come to walk the Inca Trail, a famous (typically four-day) hike to the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu. However, a little-known fact about Peru is that about 60 percent of the country is covered by thick tropical rainforest. The Peruvian Amazon is lush and steamy, and home to an incredible amount of biodiversity, from large tropical flowers to howler monkeys and majestic jaguars. The two main entry-points, accessible by air, for a holiday in the Peruvian Amazon are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. From these cities, tours to isolated and eco-friendly jungle cabins can easily be arranged.

There are many more wonderful sights in Peru, including the mysterious Nazca Lines, the impressive Colca Canyon, the warm sands and surf of Manorca and the wonderful wildlife of the Ballestas Islands. Peru’s capital, Lima, is a little rundown but nevertheless boasts some fine Spanish-colonial architecture and a restaurant scene of international repute.

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The peak tourist season in Peru is from May to October, and particularly in July and August. Winter, from June to September, is the best time for the Inca Trail due to the wonderful visibility of the clear, sunny days; and this is also a good time to visit the Amazon basin, as mosquitoes are fewer and the animals stay closer to the water, making them easier to spot.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

• Manu National Park, located in the isolated Amazonian region of Madre de Dios, is the best place to see tropical wildlife in Peru.

• Huacachina is an increasingly popular desert resort village built around a natural lake, offering fun dunerelated activities like buggy rides and sandboarding.

• Manorca boasts fine beaches and good surfing conditions, and is a famous stop on the South American backpacking trail.

• Lima has a slightly seedy reputation, but this proud city is home to some great museums and awe-inspiring cathedrals, and its restaurant scene is to be savoured.

• The Inca Trail, a rewarding hike to the legendary ancient city of Machu Picchu, is an absolute must for first-time visitors to Peru.

• Don’t miss your chance to cruise the waters of Lake Titicaca.

• Go see the Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs whose origin and purpose remain a mystery to this day. • Hike through the Colca Canyon, a spectacular gorge where enormous Andean condors soar overhead.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO LANGUAGE

Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist centres and hotels.

TRAVEL HEALTH There are several health issues to consider for travel to Peru. Those entering the country from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate, and outbreaks of yellow fever do occur; vaccination is recommended for some regions but is not necessary for Lima, Cuzco or Machu Picchu. No other vaccinations are officially required but visitors are advised to take precautions, especially if planning to travel to jungle regions. Immunisation against typhoid is sensible. Malaria is a risk all year round in the lowland areas, except for Lima and the coastal regions to the south, and dengue fever is on the increase. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are recommended. There have been a number of incidents of rabies transmitted by bites from bats in the Madre de Dios and Puno provinces, and near the border with Ecuador; visitors are advised to have a course of rabies injections and not to sleep in the open if spending time in this area.

The most common ailments for travellers are diarrhoea and altitude sickness. Drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, and be wary of food bought from street vendors. Health care is good in the major cities (better at private clinics than at public hospitals) but is expensive; health insurance is essential. Screening for HIV is inadequate and visitors should avoid blood transfusions.

TIPPING Some restaurants add a service charge of between five percent and 10 percent, which will be indicated by the words propina or servicio near the bottom of the bill. Even if a service charge has been added the waiter can be offered an additional 10 percent for exceptional service; this is also the going rate for tipping where a service charge has not been added. In hotels porters expect about US$0.50 per bag. Taxi drivers are not tipped (the fare should be set before departure). Tour guides are customarily tipped.

SAFETY INFORMATION Safety in Peru is improving. Thieves are the biggest problem: be especially cautious in crowded areas, on public transport, in bus and train stations, and in the centre of Lima at night. Special care should be taken in the cities of Lima and Cuzco against street crime and violent crime. There have been attacks on foreigners trekking in the Huayhuash region near Huaraz and trekkers should be cautious and seek advice before setting out. Thieves and muggers also operate in Huaraz and Arequipa. Women should take particular care to only

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take taxis that have been pre-booked by a hotel or official company, and travellers arriving at Lima International Airport should be wary of thieves posing as taxi drivers or tour operators. There has been an increase in the number of crimes associated with taxis in the main cities. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations as these have the potential for violence. Most visits to Peru are trouble-free and the usual sensible precautions should be enough to keep travellers safe.

LOCAL CUSTOMS Do not take photographs of anything to do with the military. Homosexuality, although legal, is frowned upon.

Visitors should avoid wearing any native Indian clothing as this will be seen as insulting, regardless of intention.

DUTY FREE Travellers to Peru over 15 years old do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 50g of tobacco; 2kg of food; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages not exceeding 2.5 litres; and gifts to the value of US$300. Items such as sausages, salami, ham and cheese may only be brought in if accompanied by an original sanitary certificate. The import of ham from Italy and Portugal is prohibited. The export of cultural or artistic items from the country is not permitted.

AMAZON TO THE ANDES

12 DAYS LIMA TO LIMA | FROM $2999 PP TWIN SHARE This adventure offers up an intriguing combination of beauty and contrasts in scenery, wildlife, and cultures, whether you’re scanning the canopy for wildlife from the comfort of our intimate and exclusive G Lodge Amazon or climbing the ancient trail of the Incas to Machu Picchu, situated in the heavens of the Americas. Because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment which leaves you free to enjoy the beauty of the region.

INCLUSIONS • Round trip air ticket from Beijing to Pyongyang (optional Pyongyang-Beijing • DPRK visa fees and handling • Twin room lodging and accommodation in the DPRK • Almost all meals in the DPRK • All transportation in the DPRK • Local English-speaking DPRK guides • Bilingual Western academic guide from Tongil Tours • Local driver • Most admission fees Terms: Tour operated by G Adventures and is subject to their terms and conditions. Price is subject to availability and can change without notice. Credit card and book fees may apply.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC JOURNEY EXPLORE MACHU PICCHU AND AMAZON RIVERBOAT 11 DAYS LIMA TO LIMA | FROM $3899 PP TWIN SHARE

For anyone who’s wanted to experience the great wonder of Machu Picchu as well as discover the mysterious Amazon River by boat, here’s an 11-day tour that’s just right. Roam the famous ruins travellers typically hike for days to see. (We’ll get there by train.) Then head into the darkest reaches of the rainforest on an outstanding riverboat wildlife experience you’ll never forget. Rekindle your passion for adventure in Peru.

INCLUSIONS

• Orientation tour of Iquitos • Launches and land excursions with our expert naturalist team • Internal flights • Accommodation, 8 Nights in Hotels, 2 Nights Amatista Amazone Riverboat • 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities Terms: Tour operated by G Adventures and is subject to their terms and conditions. Price is subject to availability and can change without notice. Credit card and book fees may apply.

• National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Butterfly Farm, Iquitos Cusco Planetarium, Cusco Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba • G Adventures for Good: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay • Arrival transfer • Two-day Sacred Valley tour including Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Pisac ruins and pre-Incan salt pans • Traditional pachamanca-style dinner • Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu • 2 nts aboard the Amatista Amazon Riverboat

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COSTA RICA

When it comes to natural wonders there is very little that Costa Rica doesn’t offer visitors. Travellers can experience spectacular volcanic activity in Arenal Volcano National Park, explore the unique cloud forests on the world famous Monteverde Sky Walk, dive the colourful coral reef of Cahuita National Park, or go white river rafting down the canyons of the Rio Toro river.

Costa Rica is considered to possess the highest density of biodiversity of any country worldwide and its wildlife is a big draw for visitors. The numerous animal refuges and national parks allow tourists to witness creatures like sloths and various monkeys in their natural habitats, as well as marvel over the brightly coloured frogs, snakes and butterflies of the country. Thousands of people flock to Tortuguero National Park every year to watch green sea turtles hatch and set out for the ocean.

The cities and towns of Costa Rica tend to take a backseat to the natural splendour of the country but there are picturesque villages and lively coastal towns to enjoy, with the resort town of Jacó and the laid-back Caribbean village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca among the favourites. The capital city, San Jose, is a fun urban centre with plenty of opportunities to eat out, shop and party.

Costa Rica has a typically tropical climate which means that the seasons are not distinct and there is little

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difference in temperature throughout the year. There is a lot of rainfall, particularly from May to November, and it can rain at any time of the year. However, December to April gets significantly less rain. Temperatures along the coast are hotter, averaging 89ºF (32ºC), although they are tempered down by welcome sea breezes. The highland areas are warm during the day and can be quite cool at night. The sun shines year round in Costa Rica and there is no real winter which makes it a year-round holiday destination. The coolest months of the year are November, December and January and the hottest months of the year are March, April and May, but there is not a big difference ultimately. Peak tourist season in Costa Rica is from November to April, but the weather is good all year round, so for those looking to avoid the crowds, it is better to visit out of season.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

• Join a guided night tour from Fortuna to watch the red hot volcanic activity of Volcan Arenal.

• Lounge on the stunning Caribbean beaches of Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva. • Explore the bustling market of Puerto Limon.

• Take a horseback tour across the Continental Divide.

• Enjoy a soak in the Rio Negro Hot Springs of Liberia.

• Experience thrilling white water rafting in Costa Rica.

• Dare a zip-line tour of the jungle canopy in Manuel Antonio National Park.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO LANGUAGE

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

TRAVEL HEALTH There are no vaccination requirements for Costa Rica.

As a precaution, vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid are recommended for travel to Costa Rica.

There is a risk of malaria in some areas of Costa Rica year-round and advice should be taken on which areas are currently risky and what precautions and medication you should take to protect against the disease. Water in cities is generally safe but it is advisable to buy bottled water, especially outside the main towns where there is a risk of contamination. Dengue fever is one of a number of diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, especially during the rainy season; protection against insect bites is the best prevention. Medical services are reliable in cities and the standard of hygiene and treatment is very high.

TIPPING Hotels add a 10 percent service charge plus a three percent tourist tax to their bills by law. In tourist and upmarket restaurants a tip of 10 percent is usual, however some establishments already include a 17 percent sales and service tax in the bill. Taxi drivers are not normally tipped, but tour guides are. In general, if service has been particularly good, staff appreciate a five to 10 percent tip.

SAFETY INFORMATION There is no history of terrorism in Costa Rica, however there are incidents of violent crime, occasionally targeting tourists. There has been an increase in attacks on tourists leaving the airport in hired cars in San Jose. Belongings should be watched carefully at all times and in all places, particularly in bus stations and on public transport. Theft of, and from, cars is common. Do not wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash and avoid moneychangers on the street. Strikes, protests and blockades have recently taken place without warning and further demonstrations could disrupt travel on main roads, particularly those connecting San Jose with the coast.

LOCAL CUSTOMS Costa Ricans are conservative when it comes to family values, and roles between male and female are expected to be traditional. ‘Machismo’ is a key characteristic of Costa Rica culture, although women are quickly becoming more empowered in Tico society. The population is largely middle-class, Catholic and ethnically homogenous.

DUTY FREE Travellers to Costa Rica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 3 litres of alcohol; 500g of tobacco or 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars. Perfume for personal use is allowed provided it is a reasonable quantity.

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HIDDEN COSTA RICA

12 DAYS SAN JOSE TO SAN JOSE | FROM $1784 PP TWIN SHARE

COSTA RICA QUEST

9 DAYS SAN JOSE TO SAN JOSE | FROM $977 PP TWIN SHARE

Think you know Costa Rica? Trade in the same old settings for the real deal. Trek into the heart of the jungle to live with three families in a remote village. Discover the emerald core of a diverse land while bunking down behind a massive waterfall in a hidden cave. Learn about the medicinal plants native to these parts and how to make sugarcane candy. This is a spectacular country with opportunities for waterfall rappelling, surfing, and whitewater rafting. This is what adventure is all about.

Nature called you to Costa Rica—now here you are, suspended in the jungle canopy, locking eyes with a curious monkey. This action-packed tour of Costa Rica’s highlights is perfect for the adventurer with limited time who wants to explore the region’s diversity. Get your adrenaline pumping, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, melt away in thermal springs or relax on a beach—our CEOs will help you find the secluded spots only the locals know.

INCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Hiking excursion to Piedras Blancas (4 days)

• G Adventures-supported coffee plantation tour with local lunch (Sarapiquí)

• Hiking excursion to Diamante Verde Cave (3 days) • Waterfall rappelling and whitewater rafting • Trapiche explanation • Ziplining • Traditional sauna and medicinal plant talk • Bread, tortilla, and chocolate-making demonstrations • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners • 11 nights accommodation • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities Terms: Tour operated by G Adventures and is subject to their terms and conditions. Price is subject to availability and can change without notice. Credit card and book fees may apply.

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• Hot springs visit (La Fortuna) • Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve guided tour (Monteverde) • Beach time in Quepos/Manuel Antonio • 1 Lunch • 8 nights accommodation • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities Terms: Tour operated by G Adventures and is subject to their terms and conditions. Price is subject to availability and can change without notice. Credit card and book fees may apply. COSTA RICA

CHILE

A holiday in Chile promises excitement and enjoyment for all types of travellers, and an unforgettable South American adventure.

Stretching 4,300km along the Pacific Coast of South America, the distinctive ribbon of land that is Chile is only 175km wide on average. This unique shape gives Chile a widely-varied climate and terrain, and contributes much to the incredible natural diversity that makes the country so attractive to tourists.

Ranging from the hot and dry Atacama Desert in the north all the way to the cold and windy Tierra del Fuego on the doorstep of Antarctica at the southern tip of the continent, Chile’s landscapes includes dense jungles, towering mountain peaks, mammoth glaciers, rolling winelands, picturesque fjords and pristine beaches.

All this natural glory makes Chile one of the most celebrated travel destinations in the world among outdoor enthusiasts, and to complete its touristic offering the country also boasts cosmopolitan cities, fascinating traditional cultural enclaves, and a well-oiled infrastructure which sets it apart from much of South America for ease of travel. Vibrant cities like Santiago and Valparaíso offer stately mansions and historical monuments, worldfamous street art, buzzing nightlife and interesting museums. More remote areas, like Isla Grande de Chiloe

and San Pedro de Atacama promise a taste of older, more traditional Chilean culture.

The most intrepid explorers can earn their stripes by venturing far out to sea to Easter Island, to see the famous and enigmatic statues that have puzzled archaeologists for centuries, or head into the vast nature reserves of Chilean Patagonia to experience one of the most remote and pristine wildernesses left on earth.

The territory of Chile extends from the tropics down almost to Antarctica, and from sea level up to breathtaking altitudes, therefore the country has a wide variety of climate zones. In the north there is hardly any rainfall and conditions are very hot and arid. The climate in central Chile is Mediterranean, with cool, wet winters between April and September. Average annual rainfall increases, and temperatures decrease, as one moves further south. In Santiago average temperatures vary between 68ºF (20ºC) in January, the height of summer, and 46ºF (8ºC) in July, midwinter. In the extreme south the weather is cold and wet most of the year, with snow covering the mountains and the sky cloudy. Because the weather in Chile varies so much there is no ideal time to visit the country as a whole; depending on your desired area and activities the best time to visit Chile will change.

However, in every season the country has something to offer which makes it a year-round travel destination.

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THINGS TO SEE & DO

• See the giant and mysterious statues of Easter Island.

• Visit the Magdalena Island Penguin Reserve in Chilean Patagonia.

• Spot rare indigenous animals in Parque Nacional Chiloe.

• Watch the El Tatio Geysers shoot clouds of steam into the air in the northern desert.

• Stroll through the busy markets of Santiago.

• Take a cruise along the fjords of Chile’s Lake District.

• Sample local vintages on a Chilean wine country tour.

• Relax in the resort town of Pucon on Lake Villarica.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO LANGUAGE

The official language is Spanish.

TRAVEL HEALTH Vaccination for hepatitis A is recommended and a typhoid vaccine may be recommended for long-term travellers who plan to visit rural areas and eat outside of hotels and restaurants. Water is generally safe in the cities, but bottled water should be consumed in rural areas. Santiago is severely polluted and this could cause respiratory or eye problems, particularly between May and August. Travellers visiting the Andes Mountains should be aware of altitude sickness, and ascend slowly to allow the body to adjust. Healthcare in urban areas is generally

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good, but hospitals and clinics are expensive and usually require payment in cash. Comprehensive travel health insurance is recommended.

TIPPING Tips of about 10 percent are expected in restaurants. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers but it is usual to round up the fare if they help with luggage. In general tipping small amounts is customary for most services.

SAFETY INFORMATION Incidences of pick-pocketing and mugging are on the increase in big cities and travellers should take care of their belongings, especially around tourist areas and bus stations, and avoid walking alone late at night. Tourists should be particularly cautious in the Lake District, Cerro San Cristobal, Cerro Santa Lucia and Cerro Manquehue.

There has been an increase in reports regarding people receiving spiked drinks at nightclubs and bars, particularly in Santiago. Avoid any involvement in political protests and demonstrations. Chile has a landmine problem, mainly in border areas adjacent to Peru and Bolivia. These areas are seldom visited by travellers so shouldn’t be a problem but visitors are advised to stick to marked roads, obey all signs and seek the advice of local authorities.

LOCAL CUSTOMS Bargaining is unusual in street markets or stores in Chile - if there is a price on goods it is seldom negotiable.

Although Chile is conservative in outlook, homosexuality

is legal and is increasingly accepted socially. Punishment for the possession and consumption of drugs is strict.

DUTY FREE

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE EXPLORE CHILE & ARGENTINA

9 DAYS SANTIAGO TO BUENOS AIRES | FROM $3144 PP TWIN SHARE

Travellers entering Chile do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars (large or small) and 500g tobacco; 2.5 litres of alcohol; and perfume for personal use. Meat products, flowers, fruit and vegetables may only be imported if permission is given by the Department of Agriculture.

TORRES DEL PAINE: THE W TREK

6 DAYS PUERTO NATALES TO PUERTO NATALES | FROM $1749 PP TWIN SHARE

From the tranquil wineries of the Maipo Valley to the green landscapes of northern Patagonia and steamy tango joints in Buenos Aires, this nine-day adventure offers a lively quick taste of South America. Build up a thirst hiking through Chile’s Lake District and take what is considered one of the most scenic ferry cruises in the world before sampling the region’s outstanding wines. Travel days are well paced and include short flights. Find a fresh adventure in the true deep south.

Here’s a quick trek that’s perfect as an add-on to other adventures. Torres del Paine’s W Trek is celebrated globally as one of the most scenic. Spend four days walking through stunning landscapes of Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the imposing three towers. While the trek alone is challenging enough, the real contest comes in needing to take your camera out so frequently.

INCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Buenos Aires city tour

• Torres del Paine NP excursion (3 nts) • W Trek • 5 nights accommodation, 2 nights hotels and three nights camping • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners • Transport between destinations and included activities

• National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: - Local Tango Lesson, Buenos Aires - Cultural Tour and Community Lunch, Puerto Varas - Chilean Wine Experience, Santiago • Visit Petrohue Falls • Scenic lake crossing aboard the Cruce de Lagos • Internal flights • 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner • 8 nights accommodation • Transport between destinations and included activities Terms: Tour operated by G Adventures and is subject to their terms and conditions. Price is subject to availability and can change without notice. Credit card and book fees may apply.

Terms: Tour operated by G Adventures and is subject to their terms and conditions. Price is subject to availability and can change without notice. Credit card and book fees may apply.

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ARGENTINA

Argentina spans a massive 2,263 miles (3,650km) from north to south, giving the narrow country a huge variety of landscapes and attractions ranging from the desert cattle ranges of the Pampas in the north to the glaciers and penguin colonies of Tierra del Fuego in the south.

In between those extremes lies the sultry heart of Argentina, Buenos Aires. The birthplace of the tango, Buenos Aires is a fascinating city of history and culture and is overflowing with amazing restaurants, theatres, nightclubs and dance halls. Two hundred and thirty miles (400km) south of Buenos Aires lies Argentina’s most popular beach resort, Mar del Plata, which attracts around three million local tourists every summer.

Many of Argentina’s most popular attractions are not in the cities however, but spread across its verdant landscape. The famous Iguazú Falls, voted one of the natural wonders of the world in 2011, draw tourists from all over the globe, as do the excellent vineyards of the wine region in Mendoza, and the popular ski resorts Bariloche and Las Leñas.

Argentina is a patchwork made up of colourful panoramas and even more colourful people. A hugely popular tourist destination in South America, a holiday in Argentina is an adventure likely never to be forgotten.

The weather in Argentina varies widely from north to

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south, so deciding the best time to visit Argentina depends on where you’re going. The best time to visit Patagonia and the southern region is in summer (December to February) when temperatures are moderate; while the northern region and Iguazú Falls are best visited in winter (June to August) for the same reason. The best time to go to Buenos Aires is in the spring and autumn (September to November and March to May) to avoid extreme temperatures and large crowds. The ski season in Argentina runs from June to October.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

• Visit Iguazú National Park and the only remaining Guarani settlements in Argentina.

• See the grand Casa Rosada, the bright pink home of Juan and Eva Peron.

• Hike on the spectacular ice formations of Los Glaciares National Park.

• Visit the penguin colonies in southern Patagonia.

• Learn to tango in the nightclubs of Buenos Aires.

• Go skiing at Argentinean ski resorts like Cerro Catedral and Los Penitentes.

• Sample local wines in the vineyards of Mendoza.

• Go white-water rafting down the Rio Manso in the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Language

Spanish is the official language of Argentina but English is generally understood in the tourist areas.

Travel Health There is a low risk of yellow fever, cholera and malaria in some northern provinces, so it is wise to seek your doctor’s advice when travelling to these areas. However, it is recommended that all visitors to regions bordering Brazil and Paraguay, including Iguazu Falls, be inoculated against yellow fever. Outbreaks of dengue fever are on the increase, and visitors are advised to avoid getting mosquito bites as there is no effective treatment for it.

A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended before travel to Argentina as well as a typhoid vaccination for those who might eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels. Water is safe to drink in major towns and cities.

Medical facilities are good in the major cities. Treatment is expensive, however, and medical insurance is advised.

Asthma, sinus and bronchial ailments can be aggravated by pollution in Buenos Aires. Those with specific conditions should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medication for the trip.

Tipping A 10 percent tip is expected at restaurants in Argentina.

Porters expect some small change per bag.

Safety Information Although the political and economic crisis is over, there are still periodic outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations. Visitors are advised to avoid such public gatherings and to keep abreast of news to know whether any political disturbances are expected. However, there is no specific threat to foreigners and travellers should not be discouraged from travelling throughout the country.

Be alert for bag-snatchers, pickpockets and con men, particularly in crowded areas in Buenos Aires, on public transport and in popular tourist haunts, such as San Telmo.

Local Customs Argentineans are warm and unreserved people. Both men and women greet each other by kissing on the cheek, and will often touch each other when speaking and maintain little physical distance between speakers.

Duty Free Travellers to Argentina over the age of 18 years can bring in the following items to the value of US$300 without incurring customs duty: two litres of alcohol, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 5kg of food items.

Restrictions apply to fresh foodstuffs such as meat and dairy products. Prohibited items include explosives, flammable items, narcotics and pornographic material.

Firearms and ammunition for sporting purposes are allowed if accompanied by a license/certificate.

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ARGENTINA MULTISPORT

6 DAYS PUERTO NATALES TO PUERTO NATALES | FROM $1749 PP TWIN SHARE Combining two super-fun itineraries, this 15-day adventure was made for the modern-day explorer looking to roam this region at a variety of paces. Start your journey in gorgeous Buenos Aires before cycling through the country’s celebrated wine region. Explore the charming city of Mendoza and take a six-hour trek among the views near mammoth Aconcagua, the largest mountain outside of Asia. Hike through Glacier National Park and marvel at the sheer presence of Perito Moreno Glacier. Sign up and lace up for the Active adventure of your travelling years.

INCLUSIONS • Hands-On: Mendoza Cycling Wine Tour, Mendoza • Full-day hike to Aconcagua base camp (Mendoza) • Full-day rafting and barbecue lunch (Bariloche) • Laguna de los Tres full-day guided hike (El Chaltén) • Class III rafting • Perito Moreno Glacier guided tour (El Calafate) • Internal flights • 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches • 14 nights accommodation • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities Terms: Tour operated by G Adventures and is subject to their terms and conditions. Price is subject to availability and can change without notice. Credit card and book fees may apply.

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MENDOZA WINERIES INDEPENDENT ADVENTURE 4 DAYS MENDOZA TO MENDOZA | FROM $1169 PP TWIN SHARE

The perfect bolt on to your independent journey!

Sip your way around the region that put Argentina on the world wine map on this three-day pursuit of the perfect glass! Explore old and new on our Mendoza city tour before venturing out into the countryside, visiting wineries and enjoying wine tasting. Take in all the region has to offer as you drive through fields of vines with the snowy Andes as a dramatic backdrop, and get to know your Malbec from your Merlot.

INCLUSIONS • Arrival and departure transfer • Private guided city tour of Mendoza • Visit three wineries with tastings and lunch • 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch • 3 nights accommodation • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities Terms: Tour operated by G Adventures and is subject to their terms and conditions. Price is subject to availability and can change without notice. Credit card and book fees may apply.

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TURBULENCE | ISSUE 21 |2016 | 27

A READERS TRAVEL REVIEW: GEORGE ORGAN

Hello from

central

SOUTH

AMERICA 28 | TURBULENCE | ISSUE 21 | 2016

Sure, it may sound like a cliché for anyone under 35, but for as long as I can remember, South America has sat unchallenged at the top of my bucket list.

And it’s not hard to see why.

The less crazy of the American continents offers so much for travellers of any age, from the natural wonders of the Amazon and Patagonia, to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, and the countless beaches hugging the epic coastline. Then, of course, there’s the incredible patchwork of cultures that make up this colourful region.

For my short adventure, I chose to focus on four varied but equally impressive spots: Buenos Aires, the Inca Trail, Rio de Janeiro and the Iguassu Falls.

To discover them in full you’d need months, years even. But here are a few highlights from my three-week jaunt.

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SEAN SIMMONS TRAVEL | READER’S HOLIDAYS |

Buenos Aires

The Inca Trail

The first thing that struck me about Buenos Aires is how varied it is. From the colonial charm of San Telmo, to the quaint streets of Palermo, to the 14-lane traffic madness of Ave 9 de Julio (said to be the widest avenue in the world), to the politically charged history of Plaza de Mayo, BA offers endless exploration. Even the cemetery is worth an afternoon (seriously, make time for a trip to Recoleta Cemetery, it’s incredible).

Before I get on to the trek, a quick note on Cusco, where you set off for the trail. Most will tell you to spend two days in Cusco prior to the trek to acclimatise to the altitude, but that really doesn’t do this beautiful city justice. Cusco is the oldest continually inhabited city in South America, so you can only imagine the rich history there is to explore. From the cobbled streets and centuries old churches, to the buzzing markets and nearby ruins of Saksaywaman, you could easily spend a week in Cusco and barely scratch the surface. Definitely make tome for it in your trip.

We based ourselves in San Telmo, a good spot for first-time visitors. It’s close to the famous Plaza Dorrego Sunday markets and is a short walk to the key tourist spots of Plaza de Mayo and the Puerto Madero waterfront district.

Once you’ve ticked off those key sites, venture north west towards Palermo. This was my favourite spot on Buenos Aires. I highly recommend spending an afternoon getting the lost in the streets of this vibrant district, shopping at trendy boutiques and eating alfajores (Google them) until the fullness outdoes the guilt. It’s a great break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city.

What to do The best way to get an overview of the city and its history is to join one of the free walking tours; the brochure is in every hotel. Once you get a lay of the land, grab a SUBE card and make your way around on the metro system.

Where to eat The city is famous for its parrilladas (grillrooms) serving up steak you’ll rave about to anyone who’ll listen when you get home. For me, the pick of the bunch where Don Julio in Palermo and Don Ernesto in San Telmo.

Now for the Inca trail, the most challenging and awe-inspiring part of the trip. On paper it doesn’t sound all that difficult: 43kms over four paceyourself days. However, the altitude, mountain terrain (most of the trek is rocky path), and seemingly endless ascents and descents will put your body to the test.

Oh man, is it worth it.

Because along the way you’ll encounter the most incredible mountain scenery imaginable, discover ruins you won’t believe weren’t put there with modern machinery and, at the end, experience a sense of accomplishment that’s unmatched. A truly unforgettable experience.

What to bring A good set of hiking boots is essential. Most tours will sort you out with a tent and sleeping bag, but bring something to use as a pillow; a travel pillow works well. And if they offer you the services of a half porter (to carry 6kg of your personal items), take it; your back will thank you. Oh, and toilet paper. Pack toilet paper.

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Rio de Janeiro

Iguassu Falls

For a city that has just hosted two of the world’s biggest sporting events (the 2016 Olympics and 2014 World Cup for those less sports inclined), there’s something quite unassuming about Rio. It doesn’t try to hide from its shortcomings. A seedy underbelly still pervades and the city’s muchtalked-about favelas are only a stone’s throw away. But don’t let that turn you off, because it only adds to the authenticity of this vibrant city.

Think you’ve seen a waterfall? Think again, because this place will blow your mind. Sitting on the border of Argentina and Brazil, the falls are said to have formed when a jealous forest god, enraged by a warrior escaping downriver with a young girl, caused the riverbed to collapse, producing precipitous falls over which the girl fell and, at their base, turned into a rock. It’s an interesting, if not slightly dramatic introduction to what is the largest waterfall system in the world.

We stayed near the legendary Copacabana Beach. Dotted with welltanned bikini bodies and Caipirinha kiosks as far as the eye can see, Copa provided the perfect recovery after our four days of trekking. And with the equally popular Ipanema Beach just around the corner, there was no shortage of sand and surf.

Not far away are two of the city’s most popular attractions; Sugarloaf Mountain and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). Both are jam-packed with tourists, but are worth visiting all the same; if not for the Facebookfriendly photo opp, then for some of the best views of Rio. Venturing further north and up the hill you’ll find Santa Teresa, my favourite part of Rio. Filled with friendly bars and some of the city’s best eateries, Santa Teresa is worth a day on its own and would be a great place to stay if you’re looking for something different to the beach.

What to do Few things are more relaxing than sitting by Copacabana beach, sipping a Caipirinha and watching the day go by.

Most tours only cover one side of the falls (Brazil or Argentina), but I’d recommend finding one that goes to both sides. Brazil gets you closer to the action and Argentina provides better views (at least in my opinion).

I’d also recommend splashing out a little extra for a tour that includes a boat ride for an up close and personal experience.

Included in the entry for the Argentinean side is a walk and bus ride through the surrounding national park. If you’re lucky like we were, you’ll spot a toucan. If you’re even luckier (or un-luckier depending on how close you get), you’ll spot a puma (no such luck for us).

What to bring A rain jack and change of clothes.

You’ll get wet, very wet.

So that’s my little three-week adventure in South America. It’s certainly whet my appetite for a return trip. As they say in the Cusco dialect of Quechua, ‘Tupananchikkama’ (until we meet again).

Where to eat Culinary Backstreets run a range of food tours that dig deeper into the city’s varied food culture, which not only includes South American favourites, but also Middle Eastern and African influences.

If you would like to recreate any part of George’s adventure, contact your Sean Simmons travel expert to tailor your own personalised itinerary.

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COSTA RICA A LUXURY ECO PARADISE TOUR 11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS - SUN 22ND OCT TO WED 1ST NOV 2017 FROM $7500 AUD PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

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Costa Rica, in Central America, extends majestically from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. This spectacular country offers almost limitless possibilities including extensive rainforests, volcanoes, rivers travelling through mountains, beaches and natural resources all safeguarded by national parks and reserves. Working with our local guide we have selected locations and experiences for you to enjoy and an opportunity to marvel at the beautiful scenery, lush jungles and unique wildlife. Find out for yourself why Costa Rica is considered the happiest country in the world.

Days 1-4 Central Highlands near San Jose You will be met individually at San Jose airport and escorted through immigration in the VIP lines and transferred to the hotel. Meet your fellow travellers over pre-dinner drinks and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2:

Today we’ll visit Cartago, home to the country’s largest cathedral. When Spanish Governor, Juan Vasquez de Coronado founded the city in 1563, he claimed that he’d never seen a more beautiful valley. Lush green fields encircle the city while ‘Arabica’ coffee trees seem to grow everywhere on the steep mountain slopes. Cartago is the gateway to Lankaster Botanical Garden and the Orosi Valley which we’ll have an opportunity to explore.

Dinner tonight will be at our hotel restaurant which is well recognised for its fresh local ingredients and mix of exotic indigenous dishes prepared with flair.

Day 3:

This morning we’ll visit Poas Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall Gardens where we’ll stop for lunch.

Poas is one of the largest caldron volcanoes in the world. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a private rescued wildlife preserve home to over 100 species of animals, a hummingbird garden and the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica.

After lunch you’ll have an opportunity for a little down time back at our hotel before heading to Tiquicia for a fun evening of typical Costa Rican food

and folkloric dances. Kick back, have a drink or three and practice your dance moves!

Days 4-6 Arenal Day 4:

After breakfast and check-out we’ll take a tour of the coffee plantation before a relaxed walking tour exploring the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica’s thriving municipal centre. We’ll visit the splendid and historic Teatro Nacional (the country’s top-notch arts focus) and the city’s gustatory crossroads, its Central Market. You’re free to explore on your own.

After lunch we’ll head to the beautiful mountainous area of Arenal, where a perfect volcanic cone looms over lush cloud forest and gushing natural hot springs. Keep an eye out for toucans overhead and sloths in the trees.

Dinner this evening is at our hotel.

Day 5:

This morning we’re off to a traditional Tico (Costa Rican) house where our host and hostess will take us farm to table with a unique cooking class experience followed by lunch.

Then we’ll follow the 3km trail and 16 famous state-of-the-art hanging bridges that introduce the forest’s rich biodiversity and loop through the mountainous area.

After our hike in the rainforest it’s time to relax as we head to the Ecotermales thermal hot springs, famous for their therapeutic benefits since ancient times. Spend a couple of hours bathing in the mineral

HIGHLIGHTS • Small group – max12 guests • Visit to Cartago and Lankaster Gardens • Visit to Poas Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall Gardens • Coffee Tour of La Finca Rosa Blanca coffee plantation • Walking tour of San Jose and the Central Market • Tour of Arenal Hanging Bridges and Ecotermales thermal hot springs • Safari float tour of Penas Blanca River • Visit to Tarcoles • Santa Juana tour • Nature walk at Manuel Antonio Park

INCLUSIONS • Meet and greet at San Jose Airport for individual transfers • English speaking guide for the entire tour • 3 nights at Finca Rosa Blanca - ranked as one of the 10 best hotels in the world • 3 nights at Lost Iguana Resort, Arenal • 3 nights at Si Como No, Manuel Antonio • 1 night at Gran de Oro Hotel, San Jose • 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners • Comfortable air conditioned transport for transfers and excursions • Group transfer to San Jose International Airport • Entry fees for scheduled visits • Tips for drivers and guides

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enriched hot springs before enjoying an authentic, traditional Costa Rican meal at the Ecothermales restaurant.

Day 6:

Today we’ll taste the best chocolate in Costa Rica! In this 2-hour “hands-on” program, we’ll have an opportunity to participate in all the production processes of the traditional drink of Central American ancestors.

After lunch it’s off for a relaxing inflatable raft trip along the river where we’ll spot an array of tropical birds such as Oropenolas, Tucans, Kingfishers as well as animals such as monkeys, sloths caimans and iguanas.

Dinner tonight at your leisure.

Days 7-9 Manuel Antonio

Checking out of the hotel after breakfast we’ll head to the lovely beach town of Manual Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast. On the way we’ll stop on the Rio Tarcoles bridge for an up close look at the world’s second largest crocodiles. Later, relax and enjoy the facilities of our hotel before dinner which is included here.

Day 8:

After an early breakfast today it’s off to enjoy one of the best adventures in 36 | TURBULENCE | ISSUE 21 | 2016

Costa Rica, the Santa Juana tour. Our journey will take us through the lush jungle to Fila Chonta Mountains. At the top of the mountain, you’ll have the option of taking a guided horseback or 4WD tour down to the authentic sugar mill still run by massive white oxen.

From there it’s a scenic ride to the sublime El Salto waterfalls. Keep your eyes open for local wildlife including over 200 species of birds.

There is a small changing area next to the waterfalls for those seeking a relaxing dip.

This is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica for swimming in fresh clean water tumbling from pristine mountains.

Enjoy a Campesino style lunch overlooking the panoramic vista of Manuel Antonio Park before returning to the hotel where we enjoy dinner tonight.

Day 9:

It’s your first full day of leisure. Enjoy a pool-side breakfast at Si Como No and use this day to go shopping or relax on the stunningly beautiful beach laid out at your feet near the hotel or why not claim a chaise-longue by the private pool for a spot of well-earned R & R?

Lunch is on your own today, while dinner is included at Si Como No.

Day 10:

San Jose After a Nature Walk to spot the wildlife in Manual Antonio National Park, one of the most successfully managed parks in Costa Rica, we’ll begin our return journey to San Jose. Our farewell dinner this evening is at the hotel restaurant, one of the best in Costa Rica.

Day 11:

Depart San Jose After breakfast a group transfer will be provided to International Airport for your onward flights. As they say in Costa Rica, “Pura Vida!”.

Terms: Tour operated by Big Yellow Suitcase and is subject to their terms and conditions. Price may vary at time of booking based on USD currency fluctuations. Credit card and booking fees may apply. Not included: Air fares to/ from Costa Rica. This tour can be customised and operate on any date for a group of minimum 4.

SEAN SIMMONS TRAVEL | APPS |

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN APP by TIMEANDDATE.COM Ever wondered who enters the new year first or last?

Use this funky new animated New Year Time Zone Map to see when the New Year begins worldwide and view new year countdowns for time zones around the globe.

FEATURES • Animated New Year Time Zone Map – See when the New Year begins in time zones around the globe and get an overview of local times worldwide.

The animation shows how the New Year moves across time zones from east to west.

• Local Countdowns – Count down the seconds to the New Year in every time zone worldwide.

• Accuracy – The app is synchronized with timeanddate.com so it shows the correct time and tells you exactly when you enter the New Year, even if your iPhone’s device clock doesn’t.

Synchronization requires an internet connection and does not update the device clock, only the time shown in the app. www.timeanddate.com/extra Available on iTunes HERE

• World New Year Countdown – See which parts of the world enters the New Year first and last.

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Dinner. By Heston Blumenthal The jewel of Crown’s dining experiences is still going strong.

Dinner by Heston takes its creative inspiration from our historic and nostalgic culinary past. This ultramodern dining experience offers an elegant, sophisticated back drop in which to enjoy internationally acclaimed award winning cuisine.

Dinner began in the late 90s with Heston Blumenthal’s fascination with historic gastronomy. The savoury ice creams of the late 1800’s, the theatre of the Tudor dining experiences and the dishes of Alice’s adventures in Wonderland all resonated with his unique approach to cooking.

Dedicated to the modern day discovery and evolution of dining he realised that the excitement and obsession with food is no new modern day phenomena. Together with Ashley Palmer-Watts the two chefs created a menu that takes those discoveries and fascinations of history into a new and evolving modern dining experience.

Researching 14th century cookbooks such as those by the royal chefs of King Richard II to Lewis Carroll’s flights of fancy. Working with food historians, tapping into the world of the British library and the team at King Henry VIIIth Hampton Court Palace the very modern dining experience of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal was born.

Decorated in dark wood, brown leather, coloured velvets and burnished copper, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Melbourne elegantly fuses ancient and modern, classic and contemporary. A kinetic art installation, an interpretation of the first automated spit roasts mechanism, invented by the British clockmakers of Greenwich, takes position at the heart of the open kitchen. The same spirit inspires the

kitchen, in which state-of-the-art technology sits alongside the slowly turning cogs of the pulley-operated spit roast.

Dining Reimagined

Feast on an incredible dry-aged steak cooked over charcoal embers, served with the original form of ketchup or mushroom ketchup. Or, enjoy a threecourse dining experience completed with a cone of liquid nitrogen ice cream.

The Chefs

Heston Blumenthal & Ashley PalmerWatts Insatiably curious and entirely selftaught, Heston Blumenthal has become famous for his unique, ground-breaking approach to the dining experience. At Dinner by Heston alongside Ashley PalmerWatts, the two chefs have created a contemporary menu inspired by the tastes and flavours of British and Australian history.

A Sophisticated Bar Experience

The historic references and modern cooking practices of the kitchen have translated to the bar and created a cocktail list of unique dimensions.

Chef Ashley Palmer-Watts and drinks and flavour expert Tony Conigliaro of The Drinks Factory London have created a number of truly Australian cocktails that are exclusive to Dinner

by Heston, Melbourne.

New Gift Vouchers In Time For Christmas

Now you can share the unique dining experience with others - Dinner by

Heston Blumenthal gift vouchers are now available. * Beautifully boxed with a celebration card included, our gift cards are a stunning present which will delight this Christmas.

To purchase, please contact the restaurant directly at events@dinnerbyheston.com.au. *Please note, gift vouchers have a minimum value of $200 and are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Gift Card Terms and Conditions are available on dinnerbyheston.com.au

RECOGNITION • The Australian Hottest of All Awards, Hottest Restaurant in Victoria, 2016 • The Australian Hottest of All Awards, Hottest Service in Victoria, 2016 • Gourmet Traveller Top Restaurants by State, Number 3 in Melbourne, 2016 • Financial Review Australia’s Top Restaurant Awards, Number 37, 2016 • The Age Good Food Guide Awards Melbourne 2017 Two Hats • ‘Dinner by Heston Blumenthal’ Best Restaurant Design, Eat Drink Design Awards 2016

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SEAN SIMMONS TRAVEL | SEAN’S TRAVEL TIPS |

Sean’s TRAVEL

TIPS

It’s that time of year again, holiday season! Many of you will be going on vacations to visit family, and more than a few of you will probably be going on them to escape family as well!

Here’s a few tips for ensuring that, whatever you are doing, you will be prepared – and have a marvellous time.

WHATEVER YOU THINK IT WILL COST, IT WILL PROBABLY COST MORE Underestimating your travel budget is kind of a rookie mistake, but hey, everybody does it once in a while. The drinks will be more expensive than you anticipated; you’ll decide to try a fine dining restaurant, go to a concert or buy tickets to an amusement park on a whim; you find yourself taking cabs everywhere you don’t have a transfer booked.

Before you know it, you’ve spent twice as much as you thought you would, you groan internally every time you take out your credit card and before you know it you’re spending more time worrying about how you’re going to cope with the bill instead of enjoying your holiday.

The tip…save more money before you go. If you don’t spend it all, bonus! If you do, we hope it was in the name of having a great time!

MAKE SURE THINGS ARE TAKEN CARE OF AT HOME Going away for a period of time, especially weeks or months at a time is more than just making sure the house is locked and a neighbour or family member has a key.

Home security is a must. Get timers to put lights on in the house for a while each evening. Ensure that smoke detectors and burglar alarms are functioning. Maybe consider getting a house sitter for those longer trips.

Also, make sure that your social media accounts are set up so they are not announcing to all and sundry that you are away on vacation, or you might come home to a house deplete of valuables.

KNOW WHERE YOUR TOWEL IS, AND DON’T PANIC Fans of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will understand the first part of that sentence, but for most of you, the major takeaway is: DON’T PANIC. In travel, things go wrong. It’s a part of the travel experience – but if you’re going to unravel at every hiccup you might as well stay at home.

A flight might be delayed, a transfer might not turn up, you could miss a train. Does just reading that make you start to sweat?

Don’t worry – you’ll find that most things can be fixed, or a reasonable workaround solution can be found. Freaking out is only going to make you feel worse, and ultimately accomplish nothing – except to ruin your vacation. Don’t sweat the small stuff (and its mostly small stuff).

TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE We say this almost every edition, somewhere, but there are still people who either refuse to admit it’s worth or think they can save money by skipping it.

You know how we told you not to panic because of small stuff? Well, this is what takes care of the big stuff. You break a leg, something valuable goes missing, a volcano erupts – if you don’t have travel insurance, you can be up for massive out of pocket expenses.

Always go by this mantra – if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

MINGLE WITH THE LOCALS We’ve all read the horror stories about scams, robberies, and the like. It’s tempting to walk around with a permanent look of suspicion plastered on your face. If you do, though, you’re missing half the experience – and the opportunity to make some awesome friends.

The fact is, most people are good and willing to show foreigners a good time. Find the right people, and they will teach you how to recognise the tricksters.

Do your research on common scams in your region of travel, and wherever possible try and avoid those circumstances.

Seriously, put the guide book away, find out where locals similar to yourself might be found, and strike up a conversation. You’ll be grateful.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE A GREAT TIME Forget the dramas of home and immerse yourself in the adventure, and make sure you download the SmartTraveller app. It has a lot of fantastic information, including local embassy numbers.

If you need further travel advice, make sure to touch base with your Sean Simmons Travel Expert.

TURBULENCE | ISSUE 21 |2016 | 41

FLIGHT DECK

Travel information & Industry News VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BUSINESS CLASS & CABIN CREW NAMED BEST IN THE WORLD Virgin Australia has today been recognised for the best Business Class and best Cabin Crew by leading airline safety and product rating review agency, Airline Ratings.

The Best Cabin Crew award recognises the incredible service and professionalism provided by Virgin Australia’s Cabin Crew. It is the third year in a row that the airline has received this award.

Virgin Australia’s flagship Business Class experience ‘The Business’, available on board the airline’s Boeing 777300ER and Airbus A330-200 fleet, was awarded Best Business Class. It features individual and private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access and Luke Mangan designed menus. Boeing 777 aircraft also feature a Business Class Bar hosted by Virgin Australia Cabin Crew and the largest in-flight entertainment screen flying between Australia and North America.

John Thomas, Group Executive Virgin Australia Airlines, said: “We are very proud to once again have our incredible Cabin Crew recognised for being the best in the world.

“Every time you step on a Virgin Australia aircraft, our Cabin Crew’s infectious enthusiasm and commitment to providing great service is evident.

“We are also delighted to have our new Business Class experience recognised as second to none. Each touch point was considered in the design of the Business Class suite, and our Cabin Crew bring ‘The Business’ to life for guests travelling on our Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft.”

Geoffrey Thomas, Airline Ratings Editor-in-Chief, said: “Virgin Australia’s cabin crew treat every passenger whether in row 1 or at the back of the aircraft as a special guest. Their commitment to their passengers is outstanding and is a benchmark of what cabin service should be.

“Virgin Australia’s new Business Class suite on its Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s is outstanding and far more first than business. With it, the airline now has a product that matches its flight attendants in-flight service.”

Designed by prestigious London agency tangerine, ‘The Business’ has already won a Good Design Award 2016 and a Red Dot Award 2016, and was one of three finalists in the Cabin Concepts category at the Crystal Cabin Awards 2016. AN INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE NEW BUSINESS CLASS CABIN ON BOARD A BOEING 777 AIRCRAFT IS AVAILABLE ON GOOGLE. 42 | TURBULENCE | ISSUE 21 | 2016

Share your journey with Sean Simmons Travel We are more than just travel agents, we are an entire community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the world and all its intricate secrets.

That’s why we would like to offer you the chance to share your recent adventures around the globe. Don’t just tell your friends, relatives or the boys at the pub, put them in writing and share them with passionate wanderers just like yourself.

Not only will you be helping improve the travel experiences of your fellow jetsetters, but we have plenty of surprises in store for the lucky subscribers who are chosen to be published.

Email your story (of 1000 words or less) to: info@seanstravel.com.au

SEAN SIMMONS TRAVEL | FLIGHT DECK |

“I haven’t been everywhere – but it’s on my list.” ” Susan Sontag

AIR NEW ZEALAND AND VIRGIN AUSTRALIA TO LAUNCH NIGHT SKI SHUTTLE SERVICE BETWEEN AUSTRALIA & QUEENSTOWN Trans-Tasman alliance partners Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand today announced that they will introduce night flights between Queenstown and Australia for the first time during the 2017 ski season.

Subject to regulatory approval, Virgin Australia will operate night services from Queenstown to Brisbane on Friday and Sunday from 23 June 2017 while Air New Zealand will operate night services from Queenstown to Sydney on Saturday and Sunday from 1 July 2017. The new services are on sale now.

Together, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand will offer 38 return services each week between Australia and Queenstown during the 2017 ski season.

Virgin Australia Airlines Group Executive, John Thomas said: “As the popularity of Queenstown grows, particularly during the ski season, we are excited to be offering even more flexible scheduling options for our guests with these new night time Ski Shuttle services.

“Our new night flights from Queenstown to Brisbane enable Virgin Australia guests to enjoy a full day of skiing or snowboarding before travelling home.”

Air New Zealand Chief Revenue Officer Cam Wallace said: “Air New Zealand introduced the first domestic evening services between Auckland and Queenstown in May this year, and is pleased to be part of an alliance initiative to now offer customers trans-Tasman night flights.”

Together Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand operate more than 200 return flights per week between Australia and New Zealand using A320, B737, B777 and B787 aircraft. Their joint network offers access from 44 destinations in Australia to 21 destinations in New Zealand.

The airlines will continue to work with the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority and Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority to establish the new services.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA & AIR CANADA TO I NTRODUCE CODESHARE SERVICES Virgin Australia today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enter into a strategic cooperation agreement with Air Canada, increasing choice for travellers and improving the convenience of travel between Australia and Canada.

The first stage of the codeshare is scheduled to be implemented in early 2017, when Virgin Australia customers will be able to book travel on Air Canada’s flights from Los Angeles to: Toronto (YYZ) Vancouver (YVR) Calgary (YYC) Montreal (YUL) When travelling on these services, Virgin Australia guests will earn Velocity Points. Virgin Australia and Air Canada plan to offer reciprocal frequent flyer redemption benefits on each other’s flights in a subsequent stage of the agreement, with further details to be released in 2017.

Travellers arriving on Air Canada’s daily services from Vancouver to Brisbane and Sydney will be able to travel on connecting Virgin Australia flights to Adelaide, Canberra, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth, Christchurch and Auckland. They can also travel on Virgin Australia services from Sydney to Brisbane, Sydney to the Gold Coast and Brisbane to Wellington. Members of Air Canada’s loyalty program Aeroplan will earn Aeroplan Miles when travelling on these codeshare services.

As part of the strategic cooperation between the airlines, Virgin Australia plans to place its code on Air Canada’s direct flights between Australia (Brisbane and Sydney) and Vancouver in a subsequent stage of the agreement.

Further information: • Virgin Australia operates daily flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Los Angeles using Boeing 777 aircraft, and will introduce five flights each week between Melbourne and Los Angeles in April 2017.

• Air Canada operates up to 18 flights per day from Los Angeles to Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.

• Air Canada operates daily non-stop flights from Vancouver to Sydney using Boeing 777- 200LR aircraft and to Brisbane using Boeing 787 aircraft.

TURBULENCE | ISSUE 21 |2016 | 43

“Roads were made for journeys, not destinations.”

Confucius

ETIHAD AIRWAYS WINS ‘WORLD’S LEADING AIRLINE’ AWARD FOR EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

ALAN JOYCE: FARE’S FAIR ON CRITICISM OF AUSTRALIA’S AIRLINES

Etihad Airways has once again collected the ‘World’s Leading Airline’ award at the 23rd annual World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2016. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the airline has received the prestigious accolade. Last night’s beachside event was held before an audience of the industry’s leading luminaries and international media at the idyllic Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Beach Resort in the Maldives.

Over the past couple of days, we’ve heard some pretty sensational claims from the lobby group Choice accusing airlines of breaching consumer law and treating customers unfairly. Those are serious allegations – so it’s worth putting some facts back in the story.

Etihad Airways also received the award for ‘World’s Leading First Class’. The airline’s First Class service and hospitality offering has consistently been voted best in the world by leading publications, research consultancies and customer satisfaction surveys. The World Travel Awards are considered the Oscars of the travel industry and hundreds of thousands of WTA voters, both from within the hospitality industry and among the public at large, cast more than 1.2 million votes during the Grand Tour 2016.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our commitment to rewriting the rulebook and transforming air travel is being recognised and rewarded year after year. We are proud to once again be receiving these two prestigious awards for what we believe to be the world’s finest airline experience.”

The awards crown a momentous year for Etihad Airways, which has celebrated a series of significant milestones in its journey to become a world-leading provider of service and hospitality. In recent years, the airline has also won numerous awards for its First Class, most recently receiving the World Travel Awards Middle East accolades for ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline - First Class’, and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airport Lounge’ for its spectacular First Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi International Airport, adding to a long list of major global award wins.

World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “Once again it is Etihad Airways that leads the way in global aviation.

“World Travel Awards voters, from both within the travel industry and among the public at large, have recognised the UAE flag-carrier as the best in the business for the eighth consecutive time. It is a richly deserved honour.

“My sincere congratulations to the entire team at Etihad Airways for their continued success and I hope to see them again as we begin our Grand Tour 2017.”

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As you’d expect, all of Qantas and Jetstar’s terms and conditions fully comply with Australian consumer law. They also reflect the realities of running an airline.

Take our policy on refunds. We know that life can get in the way of the best-laid travel plans, so we do offer refunds in some circumstances. But common sense tells you that giving everyone the option to move between flights at will, for free, makes it hard to run an efficient airline.

Few people wake up and suddenly decide to fly somewhere. The average lead times for buying a ticket range from three weeks through to six months. So, the prospect of us reselling a seat even a month in advance is harder than you might think. That’s why it costs to change bookings that aren’t fully flexible and why airlines can’t offer a refund to anyone who wants one.

The rules that apply to every fare we sell are clearly shown when you book and our full terms and conditions can be read at any time. These rules are ultimately about serving our customers efficiently and giving them options about how much flexibility they need. Now, we realise these rules may not suit everyone all of the time, but they suit most of the 50 million people who travel with us each year. And they help keep the cost of travel down.

Speaking of which, it’s a bit galling that Choice doesn’t look at the broader picture when it comes to the value offered by airlines.

Air fares have dropped by around 40 per cent since 2003 – compare that to your household bills. And yet the product keeps getting better. We’re constantly improving our aircraft, the inflight entertainment, the food, our network of destinations. From next year, we’ll be offering free wi-fi.

And let’s talk about reliability. In any given month, about 90 per cent of our flights are on time. In the US and the UK, the industry norm is as low as 70 per cent.

Don’t get me wrong. We’re far from perfect. And things do go wrong, both inside and outside our control. But if you knew the amount of work that happens behind the scenes to get people to their destination safely when there are delays or cancellations, the last thing you would say is that we don’t care.

In 2016, Australian travelers are getting a higher level of value, quality and reliability than ever before. Choice is doing them a disservice by twisting the facts to manufacture a crisis that doesn’t exist.

SEAN SIMMONS TRAVEL | FLIGHT DECK |

“People don’t take trips. Trips take people.”

John Steinbeck

AIR NEW ZEALAND SINGS OUT FOR CAROL EQUALITY WITH A KIWI REMIX OF A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC Air New Zealand has teamed up with multi-platinum artist Ronan Keating and rising acting star Julian Dennison to record a uniquely Kiwi take on one of the world’s most iconic Christmas songs, rewritten to celebrate the magic of a Southern Hemisphere Christmas.

The online video Summer Wonderland captures the fun as Hunt for the Wilderpeople star Julian Dennison directs a reluctant Ronan Keating in a witty rewrite of Walking in a Winter Wonderland, to better reflect the festive season down under.

Air New Zealand’s General Manager Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi Williams says the homegrown lyrics will remind local audiences of the moments that make a Kiwi Christmas, while the song also sends an enticing message to prospective visitors around the world.

“The idea of sleigh bells and snow doesn’t really resonate for us in the Southern Hemisphere so we wanted to have fun with the concept of ‘carol equality’ and come up with a song we Kiwis and Aussies can relate to.

“We hope the video will not only spread festive cheer but will also stand out against more traditional Christmas advertising, inspiring travellers to come down and see you don’t need winter to enjoy our wonderland.”

Ronan Keating says that while he and Julian Dennison are an unlikely duo, they had plenty of laughs recording the antipodean remix.

“I’m a big fan of New Zealand, both the country and the people and also of Air New Zealand. I love their humorous on board safety videos and of course, the great inflight experience.

“Working with Julian was a breeze – he’s an absolute legend, incredibly professional, and to top it off, he can definitely sing.”

Teenager Julian Dennison plays the part of Ronan Keating’s producer in the video and says even though he was in awe of the music legend, their jam session was one of his career highlights.

“My job in the video is to sell Ronan on the idea of a sunny outdoor Christmas – the kind of day I’m looking forward to sharing with my family, jamming on the guitar or ukulele and chillaxing.

“For me Christmas is about getting people together and in the groove, so what better way to celebrate than to cut a track on why a Kiwiana Christmas is epic,” says Mr Dennison.

Air New Zealand’s Summer Wonderland has been released on the airline’s social media channels. THE VIDEO CAN BE VIEWED AND THE AUDIO TRACK IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON THE SUMMER WONDERLAND SITE. TURBULENCE | ISSUE 21 |2016 | 45