The ultimate dream “the World Tour”

The ultimate dream “the World Tour”

by | Aug 17, 2017 | Uncategorized

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Everyone has their own dreams, depending on how busy they are, their budget, what they are passionate about and what motivates them.

For some people, a World Tour means exploring five continents and taking your time. Alone, with your family or as a couple. For others with greater time constraints, a World Tour means seeing the essentials: world heritage sites and the Seven Wonders of the World. Some travelers focus on themes instead, such as legendary trains, active volcanos, surfing and windsurfing, diving, paradise islands or deserts. Others choose to follow in the footsteps of Tintin or even James Bond !

And why not go from hot to cold? The list goes on.

In short, there is always a good reason to set off on a World Tour.

So, when do we set off?

Once you have decided on the main stages of your itinerary, matching your choices to the best seasons, you then need to focus on the flights that will finalise the direction and main stop-offs on your tour.

For the flights that link your stop-offs, it’s a good idea to think about travelling with a world tour ticket.
We will choose one of the main airline alliances (Skyteam, Oneworld and Star Alliance) depending on the countries they cover and the destinations you plan to visit.
For this we will opt for flights to major airports, even though it might mean taking single flights to less strategic stopovers.
And if you want to set a slower pace for your journey, you can make it more interesting by getting between two destinations by land, river or sea. Including a portion of lower-altitude travel in your flight plan is simple!
We will work to develop an itinerary oriented in the same direction (which is key, you should never go backwards!) and we won’t forget to sign you up to the loyalty schemes of the companies you fly with. This means you can build up your air miles and start planning your next trip when you get home.

Once all that is scheduled you are almost there! …

After India, Nepal, Singapore and Indonesia, let’s discover the next three destinations chosen by Jean-Christophe and family.

5- Cambodia/Laos
So we can travel along the mythical Mekong, explore the gems of Angkor and experience the slow pace of ancient Asia. This will also be an opportunity to dedicate some time to a charity and introduce the children to humanitarian work.

6- Japan
An urban destination and a complete change of scene combine for an exciting stop-off in the country of Manga, sushi and Shinkansen.

7- New Zealand
It’s time to take to the road, loading the whole family into a camper van. What could be better than taking your home with you? We’ll be immersing ourselves in the great outdoors to discover the most beautiful views, in particular in the south, and the famous landscapes of the Lord of the Rings that our two eldest children were such big fans of for years !

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Thrills galore in California !

Thrills galore in California !

by | Aug 9, 2017 | Uncategorized

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 And a loop-the-loop !

America’s theme parks are best explored through the eyes of a child. Be ready to leave with your head in a spin! Larger, more impressive and more over the top than anywhere else in the world, they are like Mecca for thrill seekers. California has become a temple to corkscrews, roller coasters and bumps of every kind thanks to Universal Studios in Los Angeles, Disneyland in Anaheim and SeaWorld in San Diego.

We got acquainted with King Kong and Shrek in Hollywood, and the Minions welcomed us to a set bursting with comedy. Sat in a little train, we explored behind the scenes of the most famous blockbusters produced by the cinema studios. No sooner had we left behind the terrifying sharks from Jaws, we found ourselves 150 km away and face to face with polar bears.

The next exciting new experience was at SeaWorld. Part aquarium and part theme park, SeaWorld drew us into the world of Nemo. There we touched rays, saw walruses and penguins, watched orcas perform perilous jumps and even went on their impressive roller coaster, Manta.

In terms of roller coasters, we were spoilt for choice! California really got us off the ground. We won’t forget the rocket flight that blasted us into orbit around Tomorrowland before plunging us under the waves of the Great Barrier Reef in a hurry. And all under the watchful eye of Mickey Mouse at the heart of Disneyland, the very first created in 1955 by Walt Disney himself.

Several kilometers further with our heads full of memories, we finished our trip whizzing down the slides of Buena Park, an adrenaline-filled park replete not just with loop-the-loops, but also swimming pools with wave machines. It was just fantastic!

After all the emotional highs, we left California. But we promised ourselves we would go back, as we had barely scratched the surface of all the parks. We still had Legoland California, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Cruz Boardwalk and more to explore. Enough to leave the children wide eyed, immerse the adults into this magical land once more, inspire young and old alike and just have a great time together. All aboard!

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Monaco Grand prix 2017

Monaco Grand prix 2017

by | Jul 9, 2017 | Uncategorized

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No other track or circuit on the Formula One calendar can hope to rival the excellence, glamour and challenge posed by the Monaco Grand Prix. From the Place du Casino to the most famous hairpin in the world, through the tunnel and in front of the luxury yachts, Monte Carlo is a circuit of legendary corners that just breathes history.This year, the Grand Prix will take place from 25 to 28 May. To give you a taste of the incredible atmosphere in the Principality, Héloïse has come up with some tips and unmissable locations.

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Briefly, tell us what you love about the Grand Prix and why?

The Grand Prix is a never-ending spectacle that starts a good two months before the event, as the city undergoes a complete transformation. The main perimeter of the circuit, a veritable metal stronghold, is made secure. It’s a real achievement in the events world.“

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How can you make the very most of this experience?

Every F1 fan should attend the Monaco Grand Prix at least once in their life. It’s truly spectacular. I would advise you to plan your arrival in advance to avoid the fans who flood into the city mainly on the Saturday morning, leaving again on Sunday evening in a huge human wave. Instead, try arriving when it’s quieter on the Wednesday before the event so you can follow Thursday’s Qualifying. In Monaco, Qualifying is extremely important, as, in contrast with other more traditional Grand Prix circuits and because of the layout of the track around the city, it is very difficult to overtake on the day. Don’t be content with just staying in the grandstands to watch the races though. I would recommend above all immersing yourself in the streets and alleys teeming with onlookers from all around the world, everyone supporting their favourite driver and team. Get stuck into the events put on throughout the day and night, check out the stands and the temporary stalls that line the pavements and lose yourself in the bar with the music you like the sound of most!

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What is the best place to stay?
I would definitely recommend the Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo. With its class and glamour, it’s a perfect match for the track. At the heart of the Golden Square, you will enjoy the excitement of the port side of the track, with the famous Beau Rivage kink. It is also the perfect spot for relaxing in the ‘Thermes Marins’, an indoor swimming pool, and on the outdoor seating area with a sublime view over the entire city.

And to eat?
The unmissable Quai des Artistes for its renowned seafood. It’s a quirky ‘Belle Époque’ brasserie with a typically Parisian style located at the Hercule port at the foot of the Rock that serves traditional homemade food. You can experience the event directly from its outside seating area, feel the vibrations as the cars zoom past and walk around the paddocks.

What about going out in the evening?
“ Le The club Twiga has become fashionable internationally. This restaurant and nightclub is located at the beginning of the Larvotto area under the Fairmont. It has a large open platform over the sea. The events they have planned for the four nights of the Grand Prix will get you partying so you can really let your hair down. “

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Bali, between surf&golf!

Bali, between surf&golf!

by | Jul 7, 2017 | Uncategorized

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 Fanny has been testing out the south for you.

This is the part of Bali that everyone knows and loves. If you want to relax you can lounge around on the white sandy beaches and if you want to party, you can dance theBalinese nights away. There’s something for everyone! And as for the more sporty visitors…

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Head to Canggu for surf lessons galore.

Bali has been one of the top destinations for board sports enthusiasts since the 60s.

We take a look at Canggu, one of the best spots. Only 30 minutes from Kuta, it has exceptional waves spanning 8 km of beach in a lush setting. It is ideal for travellers who also want to experience Bali’s rituals and traditions and its landscape crisscrossed with paddy fields and scattered with coconut trees. If you are on the look out for chic, secret little destinations, this is the place!

We thoroughly enjoyed a surf lesson before heading to Milk & Madu, a tucked-away caféin Jalan Pantai Berawa with an authentic charm and architecture typical of Java (Joglo). Why not stop for brunch or lunch? The coffee made with Revolver beans is to die for! Asfor the burgers, they are truly delicious.

And why not let your self go at the end of the day and enjoy the benefits of a spa?
The spa at Tugu Bali promises a journey into the exotic unknown. Authentic treatmentsfrom Indonesian tradition combine elements of spirituality with the arts of physical healing to help you reach the perfect balance of mind, body and soul..

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Bukit and its cliff-side golf courses.

The waves follow the coast, and the very best are without doubt to be found here. They are only for experienced surfers though! The other option, another sport, is golf. Bali is home to four superb golf courses and one nine-hole course. Our favourite is Nirwana Bali Golf, located between the sea and paddy fields along acoast shaped by powerful waves. This outstanding course perfectly combines beautifulcountryside, pristine greens and impeccably maintained fairways.

If you aren’t bored of the ocean view, head to El Kabron for the most beautiful sunset onthe island. Perched 50 m above sea level, it’s an incredible location. With a chic ambiance somewhere between a cocktail bar and a typical Spanish tapas bar, it has an unbelievable 180° view of the Indian Ocean !

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«Laos, a revelation»

«Laos, a revelation»

by | Jun 29, 2017 | Uncategorized

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 Laos is a little gem of a country I recently discovered …

” This Asian country is perfect for a getaway with its casual atmosphere that will leave you revitalised “.
The Mekong river, the veritable backbone of the country, is certainly part of it. The countryside along its banks alternates between plains and mountains, scattered here and there with temples, villages and encounters. In short, I fell for its charm straight away.

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The best way to explore the country is to enter through Thailand.

In Nong Khiaw, I took a river boat. For two days, the journey became a break in itself. Imagine a landscape formed of karst mountains, natural caves and uncontaminated nature.
I spent the night at Luang Say Lodge, which can only be accessed by river. It’s a simple, refined and cosy spot.
Then the boat set off for Pak Ou to discover the caves where a pilgrimage to Buddha is practiced.

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The cherry on the cake is a town that would be worth the journey on its own …

Its name is Luang Prabang, and it is one of the most beautiful towns in Asia. Lose yourself in its streets and enjoy the sight of the barefoot bhikkhu in their saffron-coloured robes striding across the town to lay offerings.
That night I stayed at the Amantaka Hotel, a beautiful place where the four-poster beds make you feel like you are in a fairy tale. I put my luggage in my room and headed out for dinner at Dyed Sabai, a wonderful restaurant hidden in the middle of a bamboo garden, where I gorged on fish cooked in banana leaf.

Some other great places not to be missed include:
– Tamarind, which serves an excellent sticky rice and coconut milk that is simply to die for,
– the restaurant at the boutique hotel, the Belle Rive. Its view over the Mekong is a treat in itself!

After three days spent wandering the streets of Luang Prabang, its daytime and night-time markets, alleyways, temples, the banks of its rivers and learning as much as I could about Laos’ culture by taking a cookery course….

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But, the Laos still hadn’t revealed all its secrets …

I needed to take a trip to the Bolaven plateau where the volcanic soil is covered in coffee plantations. My goal was to see the waterfalls. The verdict? Spectacular! They were quite simply incredible. Particularly Tad Fan, which was the tallest with water falling 120 m.
I left with my head full of images of these natural treasures. I decided to make use of the Mekong again to see the 4000 islands spread out over what they call the ‘Mother of rivers’, and to watch the Irrawaddy dolphins from the little boat, freshwater mammals that are both strange and rare.

So, are you ready for your visit ?

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