Inspiring Vacations Magazine

Welcome to our March/April issue of the Inspiring Vacations magazine. This issue we’re taking you to one of our most popular destinations, Japan! It really is a country full of surprises and has something for everyone, namely the famed cherry blossoms! If you’re unable to travel during the season, don’t fret. As our story explains, Japan blooms all year long, be it wisteria, plum blossom and more, so there really never is a bad time to visit. Back in the Southern Hemisphere (and while it’s still summer), we head to South Australia to take in the state’s best wildlife experiences. Over in New Zealand, we get to know her romantic side – yes, it exists! As always, I love to hear your feedback so please get in touch through magazine@inspiringvacations.com…

WINNER This photo of a Sunday market was taken early in the morning at Ollantaytambo Pueblo, the only living Inca village alongside the Urubamba River, on our Inspiring South America tour. This village, founded in 1432, has well preserved Inca ruins and is known for its Sun Temple.—Judy C RUNNER UP This photo was taken in Petra May 2019, on our Egypt and Jordan tour. Carved out of sandstone cliffs thousands of years ago, lost, then rediscovered, the ancient city of Petra is definitely a bucket list highlight.—Ina S RUNNER UP This photo was taken at the Golden Bridge near Hoi An in Vietnam in November 2022. We felt we were walking in the clouds as it was a drizzly day, it was magical.—Lynette B Follow us @inspiringvacations Like us…

India & Nepal MARCH 8, HOLI FESTIVAL A celebration of the end of winter and the coming of spring, symbolic of good overcoming evil, Holi is a lively ancient tradition held during the last full moon of the Hindu calendar. Revellers throw around coloured powder, light bonfires, and let their inhibitions run free for one day and one night of fun. Songkran, Thailand APRIL 13-15, SONGKRAN A grand festival celebrating the Thai New Year, Songkran is a three-day public holiday featuring a Kingdom-wide water fight. In Thai culture the pouring of water over oneself during Songkran is a form of spiritual purification, giving everyone, both young and old, the perfect opportunity to playfully splash each other in central streets across the country. Chicago, USA MARCH 11, ST. PATRICK’S DAY Kick…

Spend a night in Hobbiton Fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have been immersing themselves in the lush rolling hills of The Shire for over two decades. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, the iconic film set recently offered visitors the chance to stay in their own personal Hobbit Hole. Celebrating 10 years since the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the Alexander Farm has never before welcomed fans with their very own Hobbiton residence. Hosting up to four Middle Earth enthusiasts, fans lucky enough to secure a booking via Airbnb will also receive an exclusive tour of the property, as well as an evening banquet at The Green Dragon Inn. Plans to make Paris river swimmable by 2024 Flowing through the…

Sri Lanka’s unmatched natural beauty is some of the best in the world. Rolling green hills, lush tea plantations and stunning mountain views; experiencing this country’s scenic charm is nothing short of spectacular. Chugging through Sri Lanka’s picturesque green centre, the Nuwara Eliya to Kandy train journey, which is just one section of the country’s expansive train network, is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Originally built in the mid-19th century during colonial rule, the country’s train network was initially used to transport tea and coffee from plantations to the capital of Colombo. The journey has since become a popular route for tourists and locals alike, with many Sri Lankans also using the train to move between cities. Famous for its open doors and windows,…

JERASH AND BEYOND Best known for its well-preserved Roman city ruins, Jerash is an archaeology buff’s dream. Enter the city through the unfinished, unique majesty of Hadrian’s Arch – built to commemorate the Emperor’s visit in 129 BC – and explore the stunning remains of the Nymphaeum Fountain, Temple of Artemis, and the Jerash Archaeology Museum. If you have a full day to devote to Jerash, take in the surrounding area – a lovely landscape of olive and fig groves, pine forests, and smaller historical structures. PETRA, THE ROSE CITY A UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic part of Jordanian identity, Petra represents the finest remains of the Nabataean Empire, which originated in nomadic tribes associated with both Arabic and Aramaic cultures. Petra’s most iconic feature is the façade of…