Australasia & Pacific Islands

A collection of islands ranging in size from continentally colossal Australia to pinpricks in the vast Pacific Ocean, and land masses of all shapes and sizes in between. No other region on earth is so intrinsically defined by the ocean that surrounds it.

Of the constituent countries, Australia and New Zealand have a particular affinity for UK-based travellers, many of whom have visited before, complete with a backpack and boundless energy on a year-off. The last decade has seen a sudden influx of sophisticated new hotels and lodges in both and while these may not work on a backpack budget, they fit the bill perfectly for the more discerning traveller. Over the last three years Original Travel consultants have visited the best that both countries have to offer, and sampled the many activities (and wines) that make these such special destinations.

Further east still, Fiji and French Polynesia are close to the perfect desert island destinations, complete with white sand beaches, lush mountainous interiors and crystal clear waters. The problem? The sheer logistics of getting there, and a huge choice of accommodation to wade through to find the place that’s right for you.