Page 19 - Explore Magazine Spring 2017

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE 17

JOURNEY

By Chris Lyons, Director and Tour Host, World Journeys.
If group travel conjures up image of hordes of tourists following a guide with a
megaphone, think again! Small-group travel today can be the ultimate way to travel
to some of the world’s most exciting, challenging and exotic countries. I am in the
enviable position of hosting small groups of Kiwi travellers each year to the likes of
South America and Africa, and can honestly say it’s the way to go!
You may not have friends who share your particular “bucket list” of travel desires,
or may not like travelling alone. Perhaps tackling a foreign language is too daunting,
or you simply don’t have the energy to do it all yourself. Booking a small-group
tour takes care of all of that. There is company to share the experiences with, all
the nitty-gritty details are taken care of by someone else, and your host is there to
smooth the way should anything unexpected happen.
World Journeys creates and operates a range of small-group tours each year,
selecting our most-loved destinations such as the game parks of Southern Africa,
the beauty and traditions of Japan, and the epic ports of the Mediterranean. Some of
these journeys include a cruise – whether that be Holland America Line in the Med, or
a small ship in the Galápagos Islands. Other journeys take roads less travelled, such
as our itinerary in still-developing Madagascar (perfect for avid travellers!).
New for 2018 is a “Croatia & Slovenia” journey, which has a little taste of Venice
and Mostar thrown in. There is so much to savour: the karst caves of Postojna,
the castles of Predjama and Bled, picturesque open-air markets, UNESCO World
Heritage Sites, historic churches, palaces and bridges as well as the spectacular
Plitvice Lakes National Park. A highlight for many will be the small ship cruise along
the Adriatic Coast, visiting some of the most beautiful Croatian Islands. Wine and
food tasting along the way gives you a true glimpse of local life.
In fact, food and wine are always highlights of our travel, and we often include a farewell
dinner at a “hidden gem” favourite restaurant enjoyed only by those “in the know”.
Most of all, I love the conviviality of travelling in, and hosting, a small group. There’s
always company if you want it, or time to do your own thing every now and then.
And every person brings something to the mix. There may be a keen photographer
in the group who you can follow to get the best shots, or a fashionista who will call
upon my haggling skills to buy jewellery or textiles in the markets.

Many life-long friendships have been forged on tour, and many return again to
travel with us in subsequent years.
Travel is all about the journey, but it’s also about sharing the experience, and that’s
the beauty of travelling with a group.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SPRING EDITION