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Mt Taranaki, as seen from the window of a Jetstar A320, from Christchurch to Auckland. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

What a Jetstar domestic flight does right

28 Jan, 2020 4:00pm
3 minutes to read

We review Jetstar's JQ236 service from Christchurch to Auckland.

A junior suite at Hotel Montreal Christchurch. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

A romantic retreat in the Garden City

21 Jan, 2020 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

A central city hotel which comes complete with croquet lawn and complimentary bikes.

The memorial buildings of Shakhi Zinda Mausoleum, a memorial complex of Islamic architecture in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Adventure calls: Where you should visit in 2020

14 Jan, 2020 7:00am
8 minutes to read

The best cure for January blues? Plan your next trip. Here are 2020's travel must-sees

A Cevicheria, a modern Peruvian restaurant in Portugal's vibrant capital, Lisbon. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE

Destination Dining: A Cevicheria, Lisbon

22 Nov, 2019 4:00pm
2 minutes to read

We check out a modern Peruvian restaurant in Portugal's vibrant capital.

TRAVEL

Portugal: Coast with the most

19 Nov, 2019 2:36pm
5 minutes to read

Portugal has much to attract Kiwi travellers beyond the obvious.

The Czar Lisbon Hotel is within walking distance of the city's historic Alfama neighbourhood. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Room check: Czar Lisbon Hotel, Portugal

19 Nov, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes stays at Czar Lisbon Hotel, Portugal.

Salt beef and mustard sandwiches from Brick Lane market. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

'Food tastes better when it's free': Top chef's favourite food memories

12 Nov, 2019 6:00am
5 minutes to read

From London to New Zealand, via the world, this chef knows good food when he tastes it.

TRAVEL

Room check: McMenamins Old St Francis School

5 Nov, 2019 11:30am
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into McMenamins Old St Francis School in Bend, Oregon.

TRAVEL

Is getting paid to travel really the dream job?

29 Oct, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Getting paid to travel seems like a dream job, but is it all it's cracked up to be?

Rachel Hunter has found a spiritual connection with India. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Rachel Hunter: 'It's a spiritual thing for me'

22 Oct, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

"Our Rach" has just one thing holding her back from a full-time move to India...

Kandy is in the heart of Sri Lanka's central province. Photo / 123RF

TRAVEL

Sweet as Kandy: Sri Lanka's cultural heart

20 Oct, 2019 9:00am
4 minutes to read

On a cycling trip through Sri Lanka, take a break in cultural Kandy.

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'Icecream was a treat for us': Rachel Hunter talks growing up and flying away

20 Oct, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Family connections led the Kiwi supermodel to discover a love of travel.

The latest episode of Trip Notes says there's a cruise holiday for everyone. Photo / Leonardo Yip

TRAVEL

All cruise ships great and small: Advice from the experts

15 Oct, 2019 6:00am
5 minutes to read

Everything you ever needed to know about cruise holidays

According to Hemingway, nobody in Madrid 'goes to bed until they have killed the night', so prepare yourself for starting - and staying up - late. Photo / Jorge Fernandez

TRAVEL

Eat, drink, stay, do: Expert tips for three Spanish cities

13 Oct, 2019 7:00am
5 minutes to read

Expert picks for what to do and where to eat, drink and stay.

London Stansted Airport's Escape Lounge. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Leave the hair rollers at home: Inside the Escape Lounge

11 Oct, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes visits the Escape Lounge at London Stansted Airport

TRAVEL

Kiwi comedian Tom Sainsbury's unexpected ABBA encounter

8 Oct, 2019 6:00am
5 minutes to read

'Snapchat dude' comes face to face with Swedish pop royalty.

Tristan Welch, Chef Director at Parker's Tavern, the restaurant at University Arms Hotel, Cambridge, England. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE

Destination Dining: Parker's Tavern, Cambridge

1 Oct, 2019 10:10am
3 minutes to read

A modern English dining experience in a restaurant surrounded by history.

TRAVEL

Portuguese cycling an adventure for the senses

22 Sep, 2019 5:00am
8 minutes to read

Two wheels are the best way to see Portugal's Atlantic Coast.

ZM Drive and Celebrity Treasure Island host Bree Tomasel in the Philippines. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

'Holy crap, I can't believe I did that': Bree Tomasel's scary travel experience

15 Sep, 2019 2:00pm
4 minutes to read

The ZM and Celebrity Treasure Island host tells Trip Notes what travel has taught her.

The Hawking Suite at the University Arms Hotel, Cambridge, UK. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

An inside look at the historic UK hotel winning awards and universal praise

10 Sep, 2019 12:00pm
5 minutes to read

A suite inspired by Stephen Hawking is just the start of the charms at this luxury hotel.

With just a few sneaky strategies and a little perseverance, you can beat the elaborate airfare game and become a master of finding cheap flights. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Cheap and cheerful: Expert tips to save money on flights and travel

8 Sep, 2019 5:00am
8 minutes to read

Get smart with these essential tips for booking flights and saving money when you travel.

Sri Lanka's Yala National Park boasts the world's highest concentration of leopards. Photo / 123RF

TRAVEL

Searching for leopards in Sri Lanka

3 Sep, 2019 9:00am
5 minutes to read

A real-life Planet Earth episode unfolds before our eyes.

Rarotonga is a favourite holiday destination for Trip Notes guest and Coast Days host Lorna Subritzky. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Two engagements, a wedding and a baby: Why Lorna Subritzky loves Rarotonga

1 Sep, 2019 7:00am
5 minutes to read

The Pacific Island destination so good, Lorna Subritzky has been there 14 times.

The Literary Man Hotel in Obidos, Portgual is a bibliophile's dream, in a 700-year-old medieval village. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

Room check: The Literary Man — Obidos Hotel in Portugal

27 Aug, 2019 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes finds her dream accommodation at The Literary Man in Portugal.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, now open at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Photo / Joshua Sudock

TRAVEL

From Disney to dining: Five things to do in and around Anaheim

25 Aug, 2019 10:00am
5 minutes to read

Where to go when you're looking for surfing dogs, diverse dining and distant galaxies.

Michael Galvin as Dr Chris Warner on Shortland Street. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

'I'm at peace with it now': Shortland Street star on learning how to fail

18 Aug, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Finding fame and fortune overseas didn't quite go to plan for this Kiwi star.

TRAVEL

'It's a bit naughty': Hayley Holt's solo travel hack

3 Aug, 2019 9:25pm
4 minutes to read

TVNZ Breakfast host says seeing Hawaii solo is no problem with a dating app.

Economy rules: There's nothing classy about Ryanair. Photo / Lucas Davies

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Flying (with unexplained delays) aboard Ryanair from Lisbon to London

31 Jul, 2019 12:19pm
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies from Lisbon, Portugal to London Stansted on Ryanair

The garden at the Chateau Marmont is perfect for classy cocktails and celeb-spotting... just leave your phone in your bag. Photo / Chateau Marmont

LIFESTYLE

Cocktail Hour: Chateau Marmont on Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard

22 Jul, 2019 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Classic Hollywood cool in a celeb-favourite hangout.

Stacey Morrison's version of backpacking in Turkey. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

From Magic Mike strip shows to billionaire book launches, Stacey Morrison has seen it all

21 Jul, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The Hits host says all Kiwis have a voyager spirit, which is why we make great travellers.

The view from Rooftop, the bar and restaurant at Hollywood's Mama Shelter, gives unrestricted views up to the Hollywood sign. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE

Destination Dining: Rooftop at Mama Shelter, LA

8 Jul, 2019 7:00am
2 minutes to read

This week we check out Rooftop, a bustling bar atop a hip Hollywood hotel.

TRAVEL

Greenwashing: The new issue woke travellers need to worry about

7 Jul, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Expert advice on eco-tourism and ways to be a more ethical traveller.

Berkeley River Lodge is fantastically remote. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room Check: Berkeley River Lodge

2 Jul, 2019 2:27pm
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes stays at the Berkeley River Lodge in Western Australia.

TRAVEL

Cowboys and craftspeople: The Eastern Oregon town where tradition is alive and growing

2 Jul, 2019 7:00am
10 minutes to read

To call it a one-horse town would do it a huge injustice - Pendleton, Oregon is legendary.

El Questro Homestead located on the Chamberlain River, in Western Australia's eastern Kimberley. Photo / Tourism Western Australia

TRAVEL

Rock of ages: Finding luxury in the eastern Kimberley, where good things take time

30 Jun, 2019 5:00am
9 minutes to read

In an untouched, ancient landscape, a long journey leads to luxury.

Rooftop at Hollywood's Mama Shelter. Come for a drink, stay for the views. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Rooftop bar, Hollywood sign views, hipster vibes: We review LA's Mama Shelter

25 Jun, 2019 4:00pm
4 minutes to read

This Hollywood Hotel has everything you need for an LA holiday

The Willamette River snakes its way through Portland, Oregon, dividing the city East to West. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Beer, beards, books: This American city break has it all

16 Jun, 2019 1:00pm
7 minutes to read

West is best, and East is neat, in this super-cool American city.

Sydney Prohibition-style cocktail bar Palmer & Co. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE

Cocktail Hour: Palmer & Co, Sydney

27 May, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

This inner-city cocktail bar is hard to find, and even harder to leave

TRAVEL

Trip Notes Podcast: What can we do about over-tourism?

26 May, 2019 9:00am
5 minutes to read

Travel's new podcast Trip Notes looks at over-tourism - what is it and how can we stop it?

Thanks to lights, giant trees, shop window displays, markets and ice rinks, London is extra magical at Christmas time. Photo / Visit London

TRAVEL

Why London is the best place to spend Christmas holidays

21 May, 2019 1:39pm
3 minutes to read

It's cold, grey, wet ... and the best place to spend the festive season

The Vessel at the Hudson Yards real estate development complex in New York. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Three new reasons to visit New York

5 May, 2019 4:00pm
3 minutes to read

There's always a good excuse to head to the Big Apple, including these great new openings

Sunrise on Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay. Photo / Destination NSW

TRAVEL

Winter Escapes: 10 Australian holidays

1 May, 2019 4:30pm
4 minutes to read

Leave winter behind with one of these great getaways.

TRAVEL

Room Check: Perth's Crown Towers

23 Apr, 2019 12:47pm
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes stays at Perth's Crown Towers.

Food from Nest Kitchen and Bar at Queenstown's Kamana Lakehouse. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Queenstown: Southern stars

21 Apr, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

If you're heading to Queenstown, make time to eat at one of these great new restaurants.

Kamana Lakehouse, Queenstown. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room Check: Queenstown's Kamana Lakehouse

16 Apr, 2019 8:29am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Queenstown's Kamana Lakehouse.

Rotorua has a range of energetic experiences, on land and lake.

TRAVEL

Rotorua: High-octane excitement

14 Apr, 2019 1:00pm
4 minutes to read

Rotorua has more than its share of thrills for the adventurous visitor.

A United Airlines plane at Houston's George Bush airport. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Houston to San Jose

9 Apr, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies United Airlines UA1565 Houston to San Jose, Costa Rica.

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Sri Lanka: Revolutionary roads

2 Apr, 2019 11:00am
10 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes takes in Sri Lanka's smaller details to find a true sense of place.

Funyaking with Dart River Adventures in the Rockburn Chasm.

TRAVEL

Queenstown: Fun and games down South

25 Mar, 2019 12:00pm
6 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes is better with two wheels than two paddles.

Not far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Sri Lanka is the peaceful Barefoot Café. Photo / Getty Images

LIFESTYLE

Destination Dining: Barefoot Cafe

25 Mar, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Two beers, pork curry and wedges for $23? The Barefoot Café is certainly worth the trek.

At the summit of Conical Hill on the Routeburn Track. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

Routeburn Track: Taking the luxury route

19 Mar, 2019 2:00pm
8 minutes to read

Perfect blue skies and fine food greet Stephanie Holmes along the Routeburn Track.

Hotel Arenal Manoa, La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room Check: Arenal Manoa Hotel

19 Mar, 2019 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Arenal Manoa Hotel, in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

TRAVEL

Houston: Eight hours to take off

18 Mar, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes steps out of the airport and into outer space

Malaysia Airlines crew. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Auckland to Kuala Lumpur

27 Feb, 2019 2:00pm
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies Malaysia Airlines MH130 from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur.

Stephanie Holmes at the Painted Hills, Oregon. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Oregon: Bend in the road

26 Feb, 2019 2:00pm
10 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes takes the roundabout route to experience the delights of Central Oregon.

TRAVEL

USA: Portland three ways

26 Feb, 2019 9:00am
7 minutes to read

A tour guide can extend horizons for a solo traveller, writes Stephanie Holmes.

Swimmers run into the surf at Natadola Beach. Photo / Mark Tantrum

TRAVEL

Fiji: Just keep swimming

19 Feb, 2019 1:00pm
11 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes completes her first ocean swim with a heart full of pride.

TRAVEL

Flight Check: San Jose to Houston

19 Feb, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies United Airlines UA1097 San Jose, Costa Rica to Houston.

Barefoot Manta Resort, Yasawas. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room Check: Barefoot Manta

19 Feb, 2019 8:34am
2 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Barefoot Manta in Fiji's Yasawa Islands.

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Los Angeles to Auckland

14 Feb, 2019 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies American Airlines from Los Angeles to Auckland.

Phil Keoghan, on top of Haystack Mountain in Ashland, Maine. Photo / National Geographic

TRAVEL

Not ready to stop exploring

10 Feb, 2019 10:00am
5 minutes to read

Phil Keoghan has already been to 130 countries but he's not ready to stop exploring.

Historic Balch Hotel, Oregon. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room check: Historic Balch Hotel, Oregon

4 Feb, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into Dufur's Historic Balch Hotel, in Oregon.