The world is reopening and we're preparing to sight-see beyond our immediate suburb, savour cuisines from other lands, and experience the thrill of travel once again. Here, five Gourmet Traveller readers share their upcoming plans as they return to the wonders of travel.
Singapore
"My boyfriend and I have been dreaming of Singapore since before lockdown. We need the alone time away to reconnect after the mundanity of lockdown and working from home. I can't wait to explore the hawker markets and taste chilli crab, laksa and, of course, a Singapore Sling cocktail. I've always dreamed of going to Gardens by the Bay in the tropical sun to see the beautiful Supertree Groves and dazzling lightshow. While I'm usually not the most adventurous, lockdown has made me feel like doing something outside my comfort zone, and I'd love to go an all-day snorkeling tour at Palau Hantu." – Anna.
"My boyfriend and I have been dreaming of Singapore since before lockdown. We need the alone time away to reconnect after the mundanity of lockdown and working from home. I can't wait to explore the hawker markets and taste chilli crab, laksa and, of course, a Singapore Sling cocktail. I've always dreamed of going to Gardens by the Bay in the tropical sun to see the beautiful Supertree Groves and dazzling lightshow. While I'm usually not the most adventurous, lockdown has made me feel like doing something outside my comfort zone, and I'd love to go an all-day snorkeling tour at Palau Hantu." – Anna.
World Cruise
"I'm taking my wife Kathryn for her first Silversea Cruise. I've previously spent 300 days on board with Silversea Cruises, so for me it's like going home. We kick off in April and have 200 days booked on different ships, travelling all over the world. Over the last 18 months we've had so much time at home to research and book each trip; We're combining adventure with the luxury of cruising, from seeing gorillas in Uganda to exploring outback Alaska and Yellowstone National Park. On the Silver Moon, we're heading from Fort Lauderdale to Rio de Janeiro and can't wait to experience the new culinary S.A.L.T program. The food experience on Silversea is superior to anything I've experienced onshore; I love finding a secret nook overlooking the ocean and settling in with a crème brûlée." – Craig.
"I'm taking my wife Kathryn for her first Silversea Cruise. I've previously spent 300 days on board with Silversea Cruises, so for me it's like going home. We kick off in April and have 200 days booked on different ships, travelling all over the world. Over the last 18 months we've had so much time at home to research and book each trip; We're combining adventure with the luxury of cruising, from seeing gorillas in Uganda to exploring outback Alaska and Yellowstone National Park. On the Silver Moon, we're heading from Fort Lauderdale to Rio de Janeiro and can't wait to experience the new culinary S.A.L.T program. The food experience on Silversea is superior to anything I've experienced onshore; I love finding a secret nook overlooking the ocean and settling in with a crème brûlée." – Craig.
The Kimberley, Western Australia
"I spent a week on the Kimberley coast many years ago and am finally returning – this time with kids. My usual holiday style is poolside cocktails, overseas cultural experiences and shopping, but I'm feeling the need to disconnect from technology and reconnect with my family and the ancient lands of our Indigenous people. I can't wait to teach my children how to fish (and eat their catch sashimi-style), explore the Berkley River's soaring cliff faces, spot freshwater crocs, have campfires around the banyan trees and learn about Indigenous culture. It's been my dream to experience Broome's Staircase to the Moon, along with the requisite beach camel ride." – Franki.
"I spent a week on the Kimberley coast many years ago and am finally returning – this time with kids. My usual holiday style is poolside cocktails, overseas cultural experiences and shopping, but I'm feeling the need to disconnect from technology and reconnect with my family and the ancient lands of our Indigenous people. I can't wait to teach my children how to fish (and eat their catch sashimi-style), explore the Berkley River's soaring cliff faces, spot freshwater crocs, have campfires around the banyan trees and learn about Indigenous culture. It's been my dream to experience Broome's Staircase to the Moon, along with the requisite beach camel ride." – Franki.
Greek Islands
"I'm living out my Mamma Mia fantasies with the Greek holiday of my dreams. I'd originally planned to visit in 2019, but now I can finally see the light at the end of this COVID tunnel, I can't wait to explore these pristine islands, hopping from Milos to Crete on a luxury cruise. Greece will be the perfect re-introduction to travel, as I've heard the scenery is spectacular in every city. I can't wait to lay on the beach in Mykonos with a cocktail in hand and stroll through the exquisite white and blue streets in Santorini. Plus, who doesn't love Greek food? I can already taste the moussaka." – Holly.
"I'm living out my Mamma Mia fantasies with the Greek holiday of my dreams. I'd originally planned to visit in 2019, but now I can finally see the light at the end of this COVID tunnel, I can't wait to explore these pristine islands, hopping from Milos to Crete on a luxury cruise. Greece will be the perfect re-introduction to travel, as I've heard the scenery is spectacular in every city. I can't wait to lay on the beach in Mykonos with a cocktail in hand and stroll through the exquisite white and blue streets in Santorini. Plus, who doesn't love Greek food? I can already taste the moussaka." – Holly.
Lisbon, Portugal
"Now that my wife Sue and I are empty nesters, we're finally heading to our dream destination: Lisbon. I'm counting down the days until we land in the pastel-coloured city and spend a week walking down cobbled streets, exploring ancient ruins and taking in the majestic views of red rooftops and Atlantic beaches from São Jorge Castle. We're looking forward to learning about one of the oldest cities in Europe and tasting the world-famous pastel de nata tarts. It's been Sue's dream to experience a hot air balloon adventure, so I've booked ahead to surprise her with a magical morning in the clouds." – Sean.
"Now that my wife Sue and I are empty nesters, we're finally heading to our dream destination: Lisbon. I'm counting down the days until we land in the pastel-coloured city and spend a week walking down cobbled streets, exploring ancient ruins and taking in the majestic views of red rooftops and Atlantic beaches from São Jorge Castle. We're looking forward to learning about one of the oldest cities in Europe and tasting the world-famous pastel de nata tarts. It's been Sue's dream to experience a hot air balloon adventure, so I've booked ahead to surprise her with a magical morning in the clouds." – Sean.
Brought to you by Silversea Cruises.
