June 2016
We are now officially into Summer - admittedly a very British version, complete with sunshine, rain, thunder and lightening! Those long, dark December evenings seem a long way off but, with some careful planning, this year could see you swapping a British winter for summer somewhere altogether more tropical. With special offers that will see you through from Christmas to February half-term, a trip report from the intrepid O'Keefe family, who enjoyed a winter break in Cape Town, and an introduction to our latest destination - New Zealand, family travel in Winter has never looked so appealing, Brexit or not. Follow us on social media for up to the minute top tips.
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Where we've been and seen
Rather than hear from us, this month we thought we'd pass the reins over to the lovely O'Keefe family, who travelled with us to Cape Town over February half-term. With teens in tow and in search of a sunshine break with a difference, did Cape Town float their boat or is it back to the ski slopes of Europe next year? Read their guest blog to find out more.
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Home to breath-taking landscapes and friendly locals, our new destination of New Zealand is perfect for active families keen to hike, climb, ride, sail and kayak their way around North and South Island. Try zorbing, or ramp up the adrenalin levels with a fast-paced toboggan run or jet-boat ride at Queenstown. Mix your adventure with a dose of geology in fascinating Rotorua - best seen from the skies on a volcanic helicopter safari, before a cleansing mud-bath and relaxing dip in the natural hot pools. As for wildlife, New Zealand is a hot destination for bird-watching enthusiasts, or, if marine life is more your thing, look out for Hector Dolphins - the smallest in the world. With fascinating Maori culture, the All Blacks, wildlife, beach and mountains galore, we think New Zealand is a winning combination for all ages.
Top tip: Fly to New Zealand on your own sofa; the innovative 'Skycouch' is something we’d like to see all long-haul airlines introduce to their Economy class.
Go to:
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateahaumaitawhitiurehaeaturipukaka
pikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, which roughly translates as “The hill of the flute-playing Tamatea, who was blown hither from afar, grazed his knees climbing mountains, fell on the earth, and encircled the land, to his beloved”. Phew!
Stay at: Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura in your own tree-top room, with views over an ocean teaming with marine life.
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In the news
BA is launching new direct flights from Gatwick to Cape Town from November, in addition to their Heathrow service, whilst from December, Qatar will be flying to the Seychelles from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh via Doha.
On the hotel front, winter should see the opening of the eagerly awaited new LUX* North Male Atoll in the Maldives - look out for opening specials! Meanwhile, Kanuhura - a firm favourite with Bushbaby families, will re-open on 1st December after a year-long refurbishment.
For more info. and other news, take a peek at our news page on bushbaby.travel.
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Sugar Beach Heaven
Enjoy a free night, breakfast included, at the wonderful Sugar Beach - our favourite Caribbean retreat. A week in a luxury villa, excluding travel, falls to £2,980 per adult sharing, from 3rd January 2017 through to Easter.
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Festive Mauritius
LUX* Resorts are running their oh-so-appealing Pay Stay offers over Christmas; a week at the rather fabulous LUX* Grand Gaube costs £1,260 per person, excluding travel, over the festive season, including 2 free nights.
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Tempting Thailand
Sneak a week in the sunshine before Christmas or at February half-term at the stunning Rayavadee and receive 2 free nights. Cost from £890 per adult sharing for a week, exccluding travel. Excludes 21st December 2016 - 11th January 2017.
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