Inspire Me
Quirky and over the top wow, six ideas that will inspire your next family holiday and possibly make you a millionaire in the process.
Snorkelling in Vanuatu
Head to the Vanuatu Island of Espiritu Santo, known as just ‘Santo’, for a unique family snorkelling trip!
Espiritu Santo inspired the likes of James A. Michener, who based his Pulitzer Prize winning novel, ‘Tales of the South Pacific’ on his observations whilst based here in WWII. The U.S. army left something else behind when they set up a base here, a unique snorkelling and dive site. Over seven decades ago, at what is now known as ‘Million Dollar Point’, millions of dollars’ worth of army equipment was sent to its watery grave less than 30 metres from the shoreline.
Today, visitors can snorkel over jeeps, machinery, tractors, crates of old-fashioned coke bottles and more. Watching the bright coloured fish swimming in, out and around a completely submerged tractor only a few meters below the surface is a truly unique snorkelling experience.
Why was it dumped? … Subscribe to the magazine to read the full article
Treasure Hunting in the USA
Head to the USA for a fun family treasure hunt finding geocaches!
What is geocaching? Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt game in which participants use either a mobile device (phone or tablet) or a GPS to find containers known as caches all over the world. Some caches are small and only contain a rolled-up note, and others are large enough to hold a collectable which you can swap for something of your own if you wish.
There are over three million geocaches hidden in cities, parks, public spaces and nature all over the world. Some destinations in the USA have … Subscribe to the magazine to read the full article
Finding Sapphires in Queensland
Head to outback Queensland in Australia to find your own Sapphires!
As a parent, your child has probably handed you an ugly grey rock at some stage with instructions on keeping it safe because it’s ‘special’. Well, here’s an opportunity to find ‘rocks’ that adults will see value in as well. Learning how to find Sapphires in outback Queensland is a lot of fun for all ages!
Sapphires can be readily found in the gem fields around the Central Queensland towns of Rubyvale and Sapphire. The process of finding the Sapphires is called ‘fossicking’ for gems. An easy way for families to learn how to fossick for gems, is to join in a tag-a-long tour that allows you to learn the basics using the providers’ equipment and finish up whenever you’ve had enough for the day.
Families will start by… Subscribe to the magazine to read the full article
Experience a Polynesian Dream
Head to French Polynesia to experience infinite shades of blue in luxury!
Although traditionally associated with honeymooners, French Polynesia welcomes many families with a gentle culture that genuinely loves children.
The French Polynesian islands are basically a giant water playground for all ages. It’s not all about the turquoise lagoons though, there are caves, waterfalls, beautiful views, vanilla plantations and the sweet fragrance of the Tiare flowers mingled with Frangipanis.
These islands are a perfect opportunity to… Subscribe to the magazine to read the full article
Discover Ancient Temples in Cambodia
Head to Cambodia to discover the ancient Angkor Wat and explore the “Tomb Raider” temple!
Starting in the capital of Phnom Penh, said to be the cultural heart of Cambodia, families can spend a couple of days exploring the city. Wat Kean Kleang, a temple with an exterior completely gilded in gold is particularly interesting with an interior filled with brightly coloured hand-painted scenes.
Built in the 1860s, the Royal Palace is a fascinating place to visit with multiple temples and quarters, each one seemingly more opulent than the next. The National Museum is less than three minutes away from the Royal Palace and families can catch a tuk-tuk to the Central Market to hunt for artwork and souvenirs.
Head to the province of … Subscribe to the magazine to read the full article
Stand-Up-Paddle-Board in Hawaii
Head to Hawaii to learn how to Stand-Up-Paddle-Board where it originated!
Although Hawaii is known for its big waves, there are plenty of calmer beaches where beginners can learn to Stand-Up-Paddle-Board (SUP). SUP began in Hawaii as a variation of surfing and can be done not only on the ocean, but in lakes and rivers as well.
It’s an easily managed activity for most family members and it really doesn’t take long before you can hire a board and head out on your own. Little ones can sit on the front of an adult board with a life jacket if they are too small to manage their own.
Lessons are readily available in … Subscribe to the magazine to read the full article
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© This article was first published in June-July 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.
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