RAA's travel consultants share their favourite tropical destinations.
By Lauren Reid
Published: Wednesday, May 16, 2018
As the SA winter sets in, many of us find ourselves dreaming of a tropical escape, but picking the perfect destination can be tricky. We asked RAA’s travel experts for their top beach holiday spots, and here’s what they said.
These destinations are popular for a reason. The most common threads between Bali, Thailand and Malaysia are definitely cheap shopping, tasty local cuisine and friendly customer service. And then of course, there’s the fact a massage could set you back as little as a third of what you’d pay in Australia.
There are plenty of options for families, party-loving backpackers, couples or singles, but make sure to do your research first to get the best deal.
Chances are you’ve got a friend or family member who can vouch for a particular resort, villa or hotel to stay on the cheap – or you can ask an RAA travel consultant, of course.
Rena, travel expert from our Elizabeth Shop, recommends checking out Phang Nga Bay in Thailand for its stunning limestone cliffs – you may recognise them from the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun.
It’s frequently billed as a romantic holiday spot for couples, but there’s plenty in Palm Cove for solo travellers too.
Sandra from our Adelaide Shop says, “The best part is you can park yourself at one hotel or resort and still spend every day taking on a new adventure – from diving and snorkeling to horse riding or kayaking. Or you can spend days massage-hopping, with a touch of shopping or fine dining – it’s entirely up to you.”
Singapore might be well known for its skyscrapers and bright city lights, but you can go at a slower pace too. For those looking for some rest and relaxation, the beach is your best bet. Most of Singapore’s best beaches are man-made, meaning they’ve been built with tourists
in mind.
The excellent public transport links, abundant Wi-Fi, low crime rates and diverse accommodation options also make it a great place for solo travellers.
Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is a no-brainer for visitors to Cambodia, but heading further out has its rewards too. The beaches of Sihanoukville are stunning, and there are plenty of activities to try (including kayaking, jet-skiing and windsurfing) so you can take in the sights from the white sandy beaches or the warm Gulf of Thailand waters.
In Hawaii there are stacks of adventurous activities to try on Kauai Island. Cathy from RAA’s Mile End Shop recommends a helicopter tour to stunning Manawaiopuna Falls (made famous by the original Jurassic Park movie), which sets you down at the base of the falls for a walk through the jungle.
If you prefer to stay beachside, the waters are crystal clear and perfect for snorkelling. From scuba diving to ziplining, there are plenty of thrill-seeking activities to do throughout the Hawaiian islands.
Whether your idea of luxury is complete seclusion or 24/7 pampering, RAA travel expert Jan from our Mile End Shop reckons you’ll find what you’re after in one (or all) of these spots, because the resort offerings are among the best in the world.
“We’re talking day spas, degustation menus, onsite golf courses, private gardens and beach access, and daily guided tours and activities,” Jan says. To really splash out, you could even book your own private island.
Sri Lanka is emerging as a popular destination for foodie experiences, beachside relaxation, nature adventures and much more. Beyond the capital of Colombo, the coastal town of Mirissa is a great option for wining and dining at restaurants and bars right on the sand. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some monkeys in the trees or a sea turtle crawling past.
Being the home of yoga, you’d expect India to be a top spot for a healthy holiday – and you’d be right. Options abound, but it can be hard to know what you’re signing up for from a mere Google search, so chat to your local RAA travel consultants for their recommendations.
Cathy from our Mile End Shop recommends Como Shanbhala Estate in the Balinese town of Ubud for a top-to-toe detox and wellness overhaul.
However, if your idea of wellbeing is more ‘hang ten’ than ‘downward dog’, Komune on Bali’s east coast might be better, as you can add surfing lessons (and even night surfing sessions) to your yoga classes.
These are the spots you’ll want to head to for some top-notch, fun kids’ clubs, adjoining family rooms and activities you can do all together. This creates plenty of opportunities for fun new experiences, while minimising the sensory overload that can come with bustling destinations like Bali or Thailand.
RAA travel consultant Troy, from our Adelaide Shop, particularly recommends the Gold Coast if you’ve got kids, as the theme parks can provide days of family fun, and Seaworld even has its own resort. All three destinations offer opportunities to get the kids (and yourself, for that matter) away from screens and out in nature to help clear minds and appreciate the world around us.
Our travel experts can help you book your next tour. Visit us in-store, call or email us.
Or call 8202 4589