beyond Fiji : Discover More of the South Pacific

When New Zealanders think about a Pacific Island holiday, Fiji and Rarotonga are often the first destinations that come to mind. Both are deservedly popular, but they are only the beginning of what our remarkable Pacific neighbourhood has to offer.

Target Travel recently attended the Treasures of the South Pacific industry event, where we heard from tourism representatives from Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji and the Solomon Islands. It was a timely reminder that every island group offers its own landscapes, culture, history and style of travel.

For many New Zealand travellers, Vanuatu means a relaxing resort holiday in Port Vila—and Efate is certainly a wonderful place to begin. Beyond its waterfront restaurants and bustling markets, the island offers waterfalls, swimming holes, snorkelling, village visits and opportunities to learn more about Ni-Vanuatu culture.

However, Port Vila is only the gateway. Vanuatu comprises more than 80 islands, and travelling beyond Efate reveals just how varied the country can be. On Tanna, visitors can stand near the rim of Mount Yasur and watch one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes erupt against the night sky. The island also offers a powerful introduction to kastom: the traditions, community life and connection to the land that remain central to Vanuatu’s identity.

Further north, Espiritu Santo combines adventure with some of the South Pacific’s most beautiful natural settings. You can swim in extraordinarily clear freshwater blue holes, relax on the white sands of Champagne Beach, explore caves and waterfalls, or kayak along the coast. Santo is also internationally known for its diving, particularly the enormous SS President Coolidge shipwreck and the submerged Second World War relics at Million Dollar Point.

Vanuatu can be a beach holiday, but it can also be an active, culturally rich island-hopping experience. Target Travel can help combine Efate with Tanna or Santo, arranging flights, accommodation and experiences to create a holiday that goes considerably further than the resort gates.

Known as the “Friendly Islands”, Tonga offers a quieter and more traditional South Pacific experience. It is the Pacific’s only remaining island kingdom, and its strong Polynesian culture remains part of everyday life. Visitors can experience local markets, traditional feasts, music and dance, alongside important historical sites such as the Haʻamonga ʻa Maui stone trilithon on Tongatapu.

Nature is one of Tonga’s greatest attractions. Between July and October, humpback whales migrate to its warm waters to breed and raise their calves. Tonga is one of the few destinations where travellers can join a licensed guided excursion to swim with these magnificent animals. An experience that deserves a place on many travel wish lists.

Each island group has its own personality. Tongatapu is the cultural and political heart of the country, with dramatic coastal blowholes, beaches and historical landmarks. Vavaʻu is renowned for sailing, sheltered bays and whale encounters, while Haʻapai offers uncrowded beaches, coral reefs and a wonderfully slow pace of life. For walking, rugged scenery and outdoor adventure, ʻEua is particularly rewarding.

Tonga suits travellers who value authentic experiences over large resorts and busy tourist centres. Life moves at a gentler pace, particularly on Sundays, when much of the country pauses for church, family and rest. With the right planning, Target Travel can combine flights, accommodation and island connections to create a Tongan holiday that reaches well beyond the usual Pacific getaway.

Samoa offers a wonderful balance of dramatic landscapes, welcoming communities and a strong sense of living Pacific culture. Across the two main islands of Upolu and Savai‘i, travellers will discover volcanic coastlines, lush rainforest, waterfalls, natural swimming holes and beautiful beaches, often without the crowds found in better-known island destinations.

Upolu is home to the capital, Apia, as well as colourful markets, cultural attractions and the spectacular To Sua Ocean Trench. Savai‘i rewards those who venture farther with lava fields, blowholes, waterfalls and traditional villages, all at an unhurried pace.

What makes Samoa especially memorable, however, is fa‘a Samoa—the Samoan way of life. Family, community, faith and respect remain central to everyday life, giving visitors the opportunity to experience a culture that is proudly maintained rather than simply presented for tourism.

Samoa suits travellers who want more than a resort holiday. Stay in a beachfront fale, explore by car, swim beneath a waterfall or simply slow down and enjoy the warmth of Samoan hospitality. Target Travel can help create an itinerary combining the highlights of both Upolu and Savai‘i.

New Caledonia offers a fascinating blend of French sophistication, Melanesian culture and spectacular Pacific scenery. In Nouméa, travellers can browse local markets, enjoy waterfront cafés and discover a food scene shaped by French, Kanak and wider Pacific influences. It is a destination where a morning spent snorkelling can easily be followed by an excellent French-inspired lunch.

Beyond Nouméa, New Caledonia becomes increasingly wild and adventurous. The UNESCO-listed lagoon surrounds the main island with clear water, coral reefs and marine life, while the Isle of Pines is known for its white-sand beaches, natural swimming pools and distinctive columnar pines. The Loyalty Islands offer an even more remote experience, with dramatic coastlines, traditional Kanak communities and fewer signs of mass tourism.

New Caledonia particularly suits travellers who want more than a conventional resort holiday. It rewards those interested in culture, food, history, walking, diving and exploring beyond the capital. Allow enough time to combine Nouméa with at least one outer island.

Travel conditions can change, so Target Travel can help with current advice, flights, accommodation and a well-planned itinerary. New Zealand’s SafeTravel currently recommends exercising increased caution, making advance planning and comprehensive insurance especially important. Check the latest SafeTravel advice.

Tahiti is often associated with luxurious overwater bungalows and romantic escapes, but there is much more to discover across French Polynesia. Tahiti itself is the lively gateway to the islands, combining French and Polynesian influences with colourful markets, excellent food, dramatic waterfalls, volcanic mountains and striking black-sand beaches.

Spend time exploring Papeete’s waterfront and market, sample poisson cru made with fresh fish, lime and coconut milk, or travel around the island to discover gardens, surf beaches and quieter coastal communities. Nearby Moorea offers rugged mountain scenery, beautiful lagoons and a more relaxed pace, while Bora Bora delivers the spectacular turquoise water and resort experience for which the region is famous.

Travellers prepared to venture farther can explore less-visited island groups, including the Tuamotus, known for exceptional diving, or the remote Marquesas, where powerful landscapes and traditional Polynesian culture take centre stage.

French Polynesia works particularly well for honeymoons, milestone celebrations and travellers wanting to combine relaxation with culture and adventure. It can be more expensive than some South Pacific destinations, but careful planning and choosing the right combination of islands and accommodation can make it more accessible than many people expect. Target Travel can help create an itinerary that matches your budget, interests and preferred style of travel.

For travellers who want the South Pacific to feel genuinely adventurous, the Solomon Islands offer something special. This scattered archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands combines beautiful beaches, dense tropical forests, welcoming communities and some of the most significant Second World War sites in the Pacific.

Honiara, on Guadalcanal, is the main gateway and a good base for exploring wartime memorials, museums, local markets and nearby waterfalls. Beyond the capital, the pace slows considerably. Visitors can discover traditional villages, paddle across clear lagoons, snorkel over coral reefs or dive among shipwrecks, aircraft and extraordinary marine life. Western Province, including Munda and Gizo, is particularly rewarding for diving, fishing, island-hopping and time spent well away from busy resort areas.

The Solomon Islands are not a highly polished, mass-market destination—and that is a large part of their appeal. Travel here suits curious visitors who value authentic cultural encounters, natural beauty and the opportunity to explore somewhere that still feels relatively undiscovered. Accommodation and transport options can be limited, so careful planning is important.

Target Travel can help coordinate flights, accommodation, transfers and local experiences, creating an itinerary that makes travelling through the islands easier and more rewarding. Book well ahead, bring an open mind and prepare to experience a very different side of the South Pacific.

Norfolk Island offers a very different South Pacific experience. Rather than large resorts and busy beaches, visitors find dramatic coastlines, subtropical forests, fascinating history and a wonderfully relaxed way of life.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area provides an absorbing introduction to the island’s convict past. Norfolk Island is also home to descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian families, who arrived from Pitcairn Island in 1856. Their language, traditions and close-knit community remain central to the island’s character.

Beyond its history, Norfolk Island is ideal for walking, birdwatching, fishing and simply enjoying the scenery. Explore Norfolk Island National Park, wander beneath the distinctive Norfolk pines, visit local markets and producers, or swim and snorkel in the sheltered waters of Emily Bay. The island also has a strong food culture, with fresh seafood and locally grown produce appearing across its cafés and restaurants.

Norfolk Island particularly suits travellers who enjoy independent exploration, gentle adventure and destinations with a strong sense of place. Hiring a car makes it easy to explore at your own pace—and the island’s friendly tradition of waving to passing drivers quickly becomes part of the experience.

Fiji may be one of the South Pacific’s best-known destinations, but there is much more to experience than a week beside a resort pool. With more than 300 islands, Fiji can offer a surprisingly varied holiday—from family-friendly resorts and romantic retreats to cultural encounters, diving adventures and journeys into less-visited communities.

The main island of Viti Levu is home to Nadi, Denarau and the Coral Coast, but it is also worth exploring further. Visit Suva for markets, museums and a livelier urban experience, or travel into the highlands to discover villages, waterfalls and Fiji’s lush interior. The Sigatoka Sand Dunes, river safaris and local food experiences can all add depth to a resort stay.

Beyond Viti Levu, the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups offer beautiful beaches, snorkelling and island-hopping opportunities. Vanua Levu and Taveuni are excellent choices for travellers seeking fewer crowds, rainforest walks, waterfalls and some of Fiji’s finest diving. Taveuni, often called the “Garden Island”, is particularly appealing to nature lovers.

Fiji is also a destination where the warmth of the people leaves a lasting impression. Taking time to learn about local customs, visit a village respectfully and share a bowl of kava can turn an enjoyable holiday into a genuinely memorable experience.

Whether you want an easy resort escape, an active family holiday, a diving adventure or a multi-island itinerary, Target Travel can help you look beyond the obvious and create a Fiji experience that suits how you really want to travel.

Rarotonga remains a favourite with New Zealand travellers for good reason. It is easy to reach, English is widely spoken, New Zealand currency is used, and the island has a relaxed familiarity from the moment you arrive. Yet it still feels unmistakably Pacific, with lush volcanic mountains, welcoming villages, lively markets and a lagoon made for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Hiring a scooter or small car makes it easy to explore the island at your own pace. Spend time at Muri Lagoon, visit the Punanga Nui Market, walk through the island’s tropical interior or simply stop at a beachside café and watch island life unfold.

However, the Cook Islands offer much more than Rarotonga. Aitutaki’s extraordinary lagoon is an obvious addition, whether for a day trip or a longer stay. Travellers wanting something quieter can also consider islands such as Atiu, Mangaia or Mauke, where the experience is less resort-focused and more closely connected to local communities, nature and traditional island life.

Target Travel can help combine Rarotonga with one or more outer islands, creating a Cook Islands holiday that goes beyond the familiar.

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The South Pacific is wonderfully accessible from New Zealand, but accommodation capacity can be limited, particularly on the smaller islands and during popular travel periods. We recommend beginning your plans at least four months in advance - longer if you have firm dates or a particular property in mind.

Target Travel can create a personalised Pacific package around your preferred dates, budget and interests, including flights, accommodation, transfers and island combinations. Talk to us about going a little further afield and discovering a different side of the South Pacific.

So, You Want to Visit South Korea? Here’s What You Can See Throughout the Year

Target Travel recently attended the Discover Korea 2026 roadshow, presented on behalf of the Korea Tourism Organization. After meeting with a wide range of Korean tourism operators, one thing became very clear: South Korea is not simply a destination for cherry-blossom season. Each month offers travellers something different.

January
Embrace a true northern winter. Ski or snowboard in the mountains, warm up in a traditional bathhouse, and discover the comfort of Korean hotpots, soups and heated ondol floors.

February
Winter continues, with snow festivals and quieter sightseeing in Seoul, Busan and historic Gyeongju. The Lunar New Year, Seollal, can also fall in January or February, bringing traditional celebrations alongside some holiday closures.

March
Spring begins in the south. Jeju Island is among the first places to show seasonal colour, with canola flowers and early blossoms creating beautiful landscapes.

April
This is Korea’s celebrated cherry-blossom season. The timing varies by region and weather, but late March to early April is usually the key period. Seoul’s parks, Gyeongju’s historic sites and Jinhae’s blossom-lined streets are especially popular.

May
Warm but generally comfortable weather makes May ideal for walking, cycling and exploring Korea’s national parks. Buddhist temples are decorated with colourful lanterns around Buddha’s Birthday.

June
Early summer is a good time to combine Seoul with the coast, countryside or islands. Visit palaces, traditional villages and lively markets before the hottest weather arrives.

July
Summer brings heat, humidity and the rainy season—but also plenty of energy. Enjoy water parks, beach escapes and Korea’s famous summer festivals, then cool down with bingsu, the much-loved shaved-ice dessert.

August
Head for the coast. Busan’s beaches, Jeju Island and the eastern seaside cities come alive during Korea’s peak summer holiday period.

September
The weather begins to cool, making this a pleasant month for sightseeing. Depending on the lunar calendar, Chuseok—Korean Thanksgiving—may fall in September or October, offering an insight into one of the country’s most important traditions.

October
For many travellers, this is Korea at its best. Autumn colours spread through the national parks, while comfortable temperatures make it an excellent time for city walks, hiking and touring.

November
Autumn lingers in the south. It is also a wonderful month for food-focused travel, with cooler days perfect for exploring street-food stalls, traditional markets and Korea’s regional cuisines.

December
Winter illuminations appear, ski resorts reopen and Seoul takes on a festive atmosphere. It is cold, but also atmospheric—especially with a hot Korean barbecue meal waiting at the end of the day.

South Korea can be fast-paced, traditional, fashionable, peaceful and wonderfully unexpected—sometimes all in the same day. Seasonal dates, particularly blossoms and autumn colour, vary from year to year, so good planning matters.

Target Travel works with a range of experienced in-country operators and can help create the right itinerary, accommodation and experiences for the season you want to visit.

Talk to the team at Target Travel and let us help turn South Korea from an idea into a properly planned holiday.

Sri Lanka: Come for the Wellness, Stay for Everything Else

Image credit: Zelen Leisure

On 1 September 2026, Target Travel attended the Sri Lanka Tourism Networking & Roadshow 2026, meeting representatives from a wide range of Sri Lankan hotels, wellness resorts and destination specialists. What struck us was not simply how much there is to see, but how many different ways there are to experience this relatively compact island.

A destination where wellness means more than a spa treatment

Sri Lanka has a long tradition of Ayurveda, where wellness can incorporate diet, herbal treatments, massage, meditation and yoga rather than simply adding a massage to the end of a busy sightseeing itinerary. Sri Lanka Tourism itself positions Ayurveda, forest therapy, cuisine and ocean therapy as important parts of the country's wellness offering.

That came through very clearly in the people we met.

Properties such as Karunakarala Ayurveda Resort offer stays of one or two weeks, while Adhitya Ayurveda specialises in longer wellness and detox experiences. Siddhalepa Ayurveda combines accommodation with consultation, treatment and dietary programmes. Several of the destination specialists we met also build nine-day, two-week or longer programmes around Ayurveda, yoga and wellness.

For the traveller who is tired, stressed or simply wants a holiday that leaves them feeling better rather than needing another holiday when they get home, Sri Lanka deserves serious consideration.

You can make wellness the entire purpose of the journey, or combine several restorative days with wildlife, beaches, food and sightseeing.

Then there is the wildlife

This may be Sri Lanka's most underrated attraction.

Despite the island's relatively small size, its wildlife includes Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, endemic birds, dolphins and whales. Sri Lanka Tourism describes the country as having exceptionally high biodiversity and highlights Yala National Park for its leopard population, as well as opportunities to see elephants and other wildlife across its protected areas.

And the wildlife doesn't stop at the coastline. Blue whales can be seen offshore, with whale-watching areas including Mirissa and Trincomalee, while Kalpitiya is particularly associated with dolphins.

One useful lesson from the operators wemet was to not automatically follow everyone else. Some specialise in wildlife experiences in parks adjacent to the most famous reserves, potentially creating a quieter and more personal experience. Others can arrange specialist guides, including experienced wildlife photographers.

That is exactly where using the right local knowledge can make a difference.

Go beyond the standard circuit

Sri Lanka has the obvious headline attractions: Sigiriya, Galle, Kandy, the Hill Country, tea plantations, beaches and ancient temples, but increasingly the appeal is in travelling beyond the checklist.

The operators at the roadshow talked about cycling, tuk-tuk journeys, markets, cooking with local families, spice plantations, walking and kayaking. There were opportunities for food tours led by chefs and wildlife experiences accompanied by specialist photographers.

One phrase I heard was: “Take tourists and turn them into travellers.”

That sums it up rather nicely.

The north also deserves attention. Restrictions affecting foreign travel to northern Sri Lanka were lifted in 2015, and today Sri Lanka Tourism describes reaching Jaffna as straightforward, with no special security clearance required for normal travel. Jaffna and the surrounding peninsula offer a distinctly Tamil cultural experience, Hindu temples, colonial history, islands and a cuisine quite different from that found farther south.

It adds another dimension to a country many visitors think they already understand.

Sri Lanka can also represent very good value

Another attraction is affordability.

Sri Lanka doesn't need to be an expensive destination. There are accommodation and touring options ranging from relatively simple experiences through to boutique and luxury travel, and having good people on the ground means an itinerary can be designed around your priorities and budget.

A practical point that came up at the roadshow was tipping. It is not something that needs to dominate your travel budget. As a simple planning guideline, if you want to be a generous tipper, we suggest you allow around USD10 per person, per day and adjust according to the service you receive.

We know people on the ground

One thing became very apparent during the roadshow: Sri Lanka has no shortage of excellent inbound travel specialists.

Target Travel has contacts with operators specialising in private travel, small groups, cycling, food, wildlife, wellness, luxury travel, active holidays, female-only itineraries and off-the-beaten-track experiences. Some concentrate on groups of only six or twelve people; others create completely bespoke private itineraries.

Rather than telling you there is one "right" operator, we'd prefer to understand how you want to travel and match you with the appropriate people in Sri Lanka.

And if you've already found a Sri Lankan operator whose itinerary appeals to you, tell us who you'd like to travel with. We can investigate the options.

More than a holiday destination

There is another reason Sri Lanka is particularly interesting for New Zealand travellers.

Our countries already have genuine people-to-people connections through the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand, education, tourism and sport. We're both island nations, both Commonwealth countries and, of course, we have a longstanding relationship through cricket. New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes the relationship as “warm and growing”, with tourism one of the areas in which the two countries have opportunities to strengthen their links.

Tourism can be part of something deeper than collecting another country.

Travel slowly. Meet people. Eat locally. Spend money in communities. Learn something about a culture rather than simply photographing it.

Visit Sri Lanka once, sure. But perhaps the better ambition is to build a relationship with the country that gives you reasons to return.

Thinking about Sri Lanka?

Talk to Target Travel about what interests you most - a dedicated wellness retreat, wildlife, food and culture, a private tailor-made journey, active travel or a combination of them all.

We have people on the ground. Let us help you build the right Sri Lankan experience.

Japan: So Much More to Discover

Japan continues to be one of the most exciting destinations for New Zealand travellers, and one of the great things about it is that one visit is rarely enough.

Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka might be the starting point, but Japan rewards travellers who venture further. Ski fields, pilgrimage trails, regional cities, mountain resorts, hot springs, world-class rail journeys and experiences ranging from sumo to aquariums mean that Japan can be a completely different holiday each time you visit.

On 20 August 2026, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) brought a broad range of Japanese travel partners to Auckland for the JNTO Japan Roadshow. The event was designed to give the New Zealand travel industry deeper knowledge of destinations and suppliers from around the country.

The supplier line-up also provided plenty of inspiration for holidays that go beyond the obvious.

Travel Japan by rail

Japan's railway network is part of the experience rather than simply a way of getting from A to B.

Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) operates the Tokaido Shinkansen linking Tokyo with Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka – the backbone of the classic Japan journey. It also provides connections towards destinations including the Japanese Alps, the Mt Fuji region and the Kii Peninsula.

FUJI KYUKO represents another side of Japanese rail travel, providing access towards the Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko area. For travellers wanting more than a photograph of Fuji from a train window, spending a night or two around the mountain can completely change the experience.

The roadshow also included JR Central Hotels, Meitetsu World Travel and Tourism Designers (NAGOYA DMC) – useful reminders that Nagoya and Central Japan deserve consideration as destinations in their own right rather than simply places passed through between Tokyo and Kyoto.

Japan in winter

Japan has become a favourite ski destination for New Zealanders, and the Auckland event included some particularly interesting winter partners.

Hakuba, Japan Alps is already well known to Kiwi skiers and snowboarders, while Hakuba Tsugaike Mountain Resort offers a large range of terrain in the Hakuba Valley. Importantly, the area isn't just about winter: the mountains and Tsugaike Nature Park also make this an attractive hiking and alpine destination during the warmer months.

Further north, Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU in Hokkaido offers another style of snow holiday. Alongside skiing and Hokkaido powder, Tomamu's winter experiences include its remarkable Ice Village and the Terrace of Frosted Trees. For the 2026/27 winter season, the ski area is scheduled to offer 29 courses across two mountains.

Look beyond the Golden Route

One of our strongest recommendations for repeat visitors to Japan is simple: go somewhere you haven't heard quite so much about.

The Fukushima Prefectural Government was represented at the Auckland roadshow. Fukushima is only around 90 minutes north of Tokyo and combines historic towns, mountain landscapes, food, seasonal scenery and traditional culture – making it a realistic addition to a Tokyo itinerary rather than a major detour.

Kobe Tourism Bureau also attended. Kobe makes an excellent addition to a Kansai itinerary, particularly for travellers who have already explored Kyoto and Osaka and want to slow the pace down.

Then there is Koyasan & Kumano, Wakayama. This is a very different Japan. Koyasan has more than 1,200 years of Buddhist history, with temple accommodation available for visitors, while the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails run through the sacred mountains of the Kii Peninsula.

It is exactly the sort of region that can turn a second or third trip to Japan into something memorable.

Experiences matter too

Japan isn't only about sightseeing.

In Osaka, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is home to around 30,000 marine creatures representing Pacific Rim ecosystems, including its famous whale sharks.

For something very different, Sumo Entertainment HIRAKUZA brings the world of sumo into an accessible entertainment experience at The Sumo Hall HIRAKUZA Osaka in Namba.

Experiences like these are useful additions to an itinerary because they provide a break from the temples, shrines, shopping streets and sightseeing that can otherwise make a busy Japan holiday feel rather full.

Finding the right place to stay

The accommodation partners represented in Auckland also showed just how much choice Japan now offers.

They included Apartment Hotel MIMARU, Fujita Kanko / WHG Hotels, Mitsui Fudosan Hotel Management, Miyako Hotels & Resorts, Orix Hotels & Resorts, Tobu Hotels and JR Central Hotels.

We were particularly interested in Apartment Hotel MIMARU for families and groups. Its properties in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka offer larger apartment-style rooms with kitchens, dining areas and room configurations suitable for several people travelling together – a useful alternative to booking several conventional Japanese hotel rooms.

Putting all the pieces together

The other important part of planning Japan is making everything connect.

The roadshow included specialist travel and ground-service companies such as Big Holiday International, HANATOUR JAPAN, Ibt Travel, JAPAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL, Meitetsu World Travel, Tourism Designers (NAGOYA DMC), tsunagu Japan TRAVEL / D2C X Inc., along with a specialist Japan airport transfer and charter / Hakuba transfer provider. JNTO's Sydney Office was also represented.

These relationships matter. Japan can be remarkably easy to travel around, but there is an enormous amount of choice. Knowing how to combine flights, rail, transfers, hotels and experiences can turn a collection of bookings into a much better holiday.

Where will your Japan journey take you?

Perhaps your first Japan trip should include Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

But your second might be completely different.

You could ski in Hakuba or Hokkaido. Explore Mt Fuji and the surrounding lakes. Spend a night in a Buddhist temple at Koyasan. Walk part of the Kumano Kodo. Discover Fukushima or Kobe. Ride the Shinkansen simply because travelling by train in Japan is an experience in itself.

That's what makes Japan such an extraordinary destination.

If Japan is on your list for 2026, 2027 or beyond, talk to Target Travel. We can help turn the enormous range of possibilities into an itinerary that suits how you actually want to travel – whether this is your first trip to Japan or your fifth.

South Australia: The Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

Flinders Ranges & Outback |Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

When was the last time you went somewhere and genuinely switched off?

Not just putting your phone on silent while still checking emails over breakfast. We mean properly disconnecting - slowing down, getting outside and remembering what it feels like to have nowhere else you need to be.

South Australia may be one of the best places to do it.

Beyond Adelaide, the state quickly opens into an extraordinary collection of coastlines, national parks, walking trails, wine regions and vast Outback landscapes. This is a destination where the journey itself becomes part of the holiday: driving quiet roads, walking through ancient landscapes, watching wildlife or simply sitting somewhere spectacular as the sun goes down.

Kangaroo Island is an obvious place to begin. Its rugged coastline, wildlife and Flinders Chase National Park provide plenty of reasons to leave the phone behind. Head further north and the experience becomes even more dramatic. Around five hours from Adelaide, the Flinders Ranges rise out of the plains in red and purple folds, surrounded by the enormous spaces of the South Australian Outback.

Stay after dark and there's another reason not to stare at a screen. With little artificial light, the Flinders Ranges and Outback offer exceptional stargazing, including the International Dark Sky Sanctuary at Arkaroola. Sometimes the best evening's entertainment really is simply looking up.

A digital detox doesn't have to mean roughing it, either. South Australia has secluded cabins, glamping, eco accommodation and remote nature stays where comfort and isolation can happily coexist. Some retreats are sufficiently remote that mobile coverage disappears altogether - removing the temptation for you.

You could cycle the Riesling Trail in Clare Valley, walk beside the ocean, explore the Eyre Peninsula or find a quiet beach and do very little at all. That's really the point.

South Australia isn't a destination you need to race around collecting photographs of.

Go slowly. Look around. Put the phone away. And give yourself permission to be temporarily unavailable.

For more information visit Tourism South Australia.