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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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'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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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'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.

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'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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

Wild Rose in Oregon is serving up an authentic Northern Thai menu, not any toned-down tourist versions of the cuisine. Photo / Instagram

LIFESTYLE

Destination Dining: Wild Rose, Bend, Oregon

4 Feb, 2019 6:00am
2 minutes to read

This week for Destination Dining we visit one of Oregon's most hyped Thai restaurants.

Jupiter Next Hotel, in Portland, Oregon. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Room Check: The Jupiter Next hotel, Portland

22 Jan, 2019 3:30pm
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into the Jupiter Next hotel, in Portland, Oregon.

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Redmond to Los Angeles

22 Jan, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies aboard United Express UA5644, from Redmond, Oregon to Los Angeles.

The Duck Stack from Canard in Portland is a must-try dish. Photo / supplied

TRAVEL

Destination Dining: Canard, Portland

21 Jan, 2019 10:23am
2 minutes to read

We check out one of Portland's most talked-about new restaurants.

A Chestnut-mandibled toucan in the rainforest of Costa Rica. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Costa Rica: If Toucan, you can

20 Jan, 2019 10:00am
8 minutes to read

The colourful toucans of Costa Rica soar and dip and on a wellness break.

The Hi-So bar has the best view in town. Photo / Stephanie Holmes

TRAVEL

Room Check: So/Auckland

15 Jan, 2019 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes checks into the country's newest five-star hotel, So/Auckland.

Cathay Pacific's Hong Kong lounge, The Bridge. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Flight Check: Hong Kong to Auckland

15 Jan, 2019 10:00am
4 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies with Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to Auckland.

Chureito pagoda, Fuji Five lakes, Japan. Photo / Getty Images

TRAVEL

Best places for Kiwis to travel to in 2019

30 Dec, 2018 10:00am
9 minutes to read

Experts give advice on sorting the best from the rest for travel in 2019.

Auckland chef Michael Meredith. Photo / Nick Reed

TRAVEL

Flight check: Auckland to Hong Kong

11 Dec, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies Cathay Pacific CX7402 Auckland to Hong Kong, operated by Air NZ.

Kaikoura is set for a tourism comeback in 2019. Photo / Getty Images

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Kaikōura trending for travellers in 2019

4 Dec, 2018 3:00am
2 minutes to read

New data shows Kaikōura is most desirable destination for world travellers in 2019.

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Flight check: Auckland to Fiji

27 Nov, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Stephanie Holmes flies from Auckland to Fiji on board Fiji Airways FJ410.