New York

8 hidden gems in the NYC music scene

AucklandCar Hire TipsDriving Holiday ideasExperiencesNew Zealand

The Chair’s Where? Coramandal Peninsula, New Zealand

AustraliaBrisbaneQueensland

A quaddie of hotel openings in Queensland this month

Oct
09
2018
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The 5 Co-Pilot Commandments

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Just because you’re not behind the wheel of a hire car or campervan doesn’t mean you don’t have a key role to play in the journey. Passengers, especially the one sitting in the co-pilot seat, are vital ingredients for a successful and safe road trip.  Here are five rules to stick by to keep your driver happy and ensure you’re invited back on the next road trip. Stay calm  We’ve all been there; in charge of giving directions and seeing instructions either forgotten or just plain ignored. Is taking the next exit on the left so hard? Sometimes it is. Between sketchy road conditions, unfamiliar surroundings and locals not letting you over, sometimes turns are just going to be missed.  Instead of freaking out, just breathe. Just give directions that will get you to where you need to go; take the next turn, or pull over to check the GPS for a suitable alternate route. If you’re doing it right, the driver won’t even know that he/she missed a…

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Nov
14
2018
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8 hidden gems in the NYC music scene

By New York /

  Everybody knows NYC for its famous broadway shows, subway buskers and outdoor concerts. The music scene is the city’s heart and soul, although NYC has many music venues that you probably don’e even know about! If you’re stopping by NYC for your USA driving holiday, you should check out some of these hiddem gems. Brooklyn Steel Brooklyn Steel quickly made a name for itself after opening last year, with five nights of sold-out rock concerts. Since then it has become one of the most popular music halls for locals, with many performances for one night only. Some upcoming names include The Front Bottoms and rapper Noname. Barbes Imagine watching musicians perform a friendly, intimate back room of a French bar. That’s Barbes for you and it’s one of the city’s most diverse music scenes. You can expect everything from indie rock, West African funk, jazz and French musette. Flushing Town Hall The iconic Flushing Town Hall, which was built…

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Nov
11
2018
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The Chair’s Where? Coramandal Peninsula, New Zealand

By Auckland / New Zealand /

TIME TO DISCOVER CORAMANDAL PENINSULA So you have flown into Auckland in New Zealand and picked up your motorhome rental or car. You’ve done the local sights. Been over the bridge, checked out the harbour, had several doses of traditional indigenous experience and eaten at some great local cafes. But New Zealand is so much more than Auckland and its immediate locales. Indeed, a steady two hour drive can take you to the Coramandal Peninsula. Now this truly is a region suited to a few nights stay as you move from Wahai beach to Whitianga. Why? LOCATION You don’t have to go far in New Zealand to find some great views. The mountain climbs as you head to and through the Coramandel, so allow for a photographic delight. The walking tracks, the waterfalls, the intricately balanced ecology make for a learning curve at every step. But for me, it was about the east coast of the Coramandal. HIGHLIGHTS Waihi beach. Whether…

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Nov
07
2018
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A quaddie of hotel openings in Queensland this month

By Australia / Brisbane / Queensland /

Business travellers heading to Queensland have even more great hotel options at the ready as the Sunshine State wins the Quaddie in a head-spinning race to launch four new hotels this month: Riley in Cairns, Ruby Apartments Gold Coast, The Westin Brisbane, and Ovolo The Valley. Tourism Queensland reports the new hotels come hot on the hooves of The Calile, The Emporeum and W Brisbane. And, when it comes to the grazing paddock, the Sunshine State has launched a spate of winning new gastro choices starting with Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves. Sleep with a good conscience at Riley The much-anticipated five-star Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, will open its doors in Cairns today (November 6) putting #responsibletourism at the forefront with a pledge to donate $100 to Citizens of Great Barrier Reef from every room booked at crystalbrookcollection.com for stays in the first week of the hotel’s operation. Mark Davie, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection said the initiative speaks to Crystalbrook’s…

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Oct
30
2018
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Million dollar barramundi on the loose in the Northern Territory

By Darwin / Northern Territory /

Not that long ago the Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish competition was scheduled for the start of October, but rumours suggested the chosen ones, barramundi, had been tagged and released across fishing locations in the Top End. One of those “barra” carried a lofty $1 million prize tag. The question had to be asked: what if we landed the big one before the contest even began? Even just hauling in one of the other 75 with $10,000 prize tags could well and truly have been a fishy case of the one that got away. Million reasons to head to Darwin “Well …” our rough and ready guide Carl, from Darwin Barra & Crab, said with a cheeky grin, “we’ll either eat it or tether him over there where it’s hidden”. It wasn’t to be, unfortunately, and certainly only a rumour the “big one” was already out there. The good news is the Million Dollar Fish comp is back for a…

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Oct
27
2018
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Great reasons to pop Canada on your hit list for 2019

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More Australian travellers are set to experience Canada first-hand in 2019, with new events and experiences promising to make every unique Canadian adventure an unforgettable experience. Read on for some of the best served up by the Destination Canada team… Shakat Tun Wilderness Tours, Yukon Territory Travel from Whitehorse to Haines Junction on the border of beautiful Kluane National Park in Canada’s north-western Yukon Territory. Spend two nights viewing the magnificent northern lights, dogsledding, and snowmobiling at picturesque Kathleen Lake, and spend a day at the Shakat Tun Wilderness Camp to immerse yourself in traditional First Nation lifestyle. Find out more HERE. Ice bubbles, Alberta Experience the ice bubbles phenomenon along Alberta’s famous Icefield Parkway during winter  , where tiny gas bubbles of all shapes and sizes are trapped beneath the surface of frozen lakes, like shimmering frozen jellyfish. Witnessing this extraordinary natural marvel is simple with transfers newly available between Banff and the Icefield base of Rockies Heli Bubble…

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Oct
26
2018
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Halloween Adventures in New South Wales

By New South Wales /

New South Wales is the oldest state in Australia, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to many supernatural sightings. From haunted isolated hospitals to dark and eerie caves, or the nation’s most haunted house, the state has plenty of spooky places to scare yourself silly on your Halloween car adventure with DriveNow. Q Station It may be in a beautiful setting but don’t let Q Station’s looks fool you, this historic quarantine station has a gloomy past rooted with suffering, disease, and isolation. It is said that there are over fifty spirits that wander the isolated hospital. If you’re a believer in the other side or not, the fascinating stories of this place will keep you enthralled. For the very brave book on to the spirit searching sleepover tour for the ultimate Halloween fright. Jenolan Caves The Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains aren’t only known for being one of the largest cave systems in the world, but also…

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Oct
23
2018
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5 reasons to tuck into the Margaret River Gourmet Escape

By Perth / Western Australia /

Just while the west coast’s colourful wildflowers put on a show in the Spring, the chefs also come out to play as food lovers converge on the Margaret River Gourmet Escape. It’s one of the premier foodie events on a global scale, let alone Australia so grab a Perth campervan or car rental and get ready for some seriously tasty treats come November 16-18.  And here’s a warning – you may just forget about returning home and stay on for summer as you explore the regions amazing attractions. Nigella’s Tea Party Margaret River Gourmet Escape is a unique event attracting local, national and international visitors to enjoy a food and wine 3 day festival program. Cumulatively since the inaugural 2012 event 80,000 passionate foodies have shared in the unique local flavours, incredible landscapes, fun atmosphere and the personal experiences of their favourite attending food and wine celebrities. Could any be more popular than Nigella? “I have always had a slight…

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Oct
22
2018
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Best campsites and hidden gems in NSW this spring and summer

By Australia / New South Wales / Sydney /

Destination NSW know better than anyone about the best camping spots for the warmer weather that comes with spring and summer. As the team says “It’s the ideal time of year to discover some of NSW’s secret campsites and hidden gems.” Rent a car or campervan at Sydney airport, then off you go on a camping adventure! According to Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase, “NSW is filled with hidden camping gems waiting to be discovered. NSW has amazing coastal and bush camping spots that continue to stay under the radar and would make an ideal weekend away this spring.” “These hidden camping gems are just that, secret spots that locals across NSW love due to their unique location and easy access to beautiful beaches, stunning national parks and pristine wilderness environments.” “Tourism managers across the state have shared their favourite secret camping spots with Destination NSW for this short-list, however, this does not exhaust the multitude of amazing campsites just…

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Oct
19
2018
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Your guide to Melbourne’s 2018 Spring Racing Carnival

By Australia / Victoria /

Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival is one of Australia’s great sporting highlights. It attracts race-goers from across the nation and the word. But some of the best Spring Racing Carnival highlights aren’t only in Melbourne, but they’re in country Victoria too.  All you need to do is hire a car from Melbourne and then you can travel to these fantastic events on the racing calendar. Cox Plate – 27th October Every year in late October, the Moonee Valley Racecourse plays host to the famous Group One WS Cox Plate over 2040m.  It’s widely known among those in the racing community as the best weight for age race in Australasia and one of the most exciting race days in the world. The Cox Plate carries a total prize money of $3,000,000, and is Australia’s second richest race after the Melbourne Cup. This is one event you surely don’t want to miss. Melbourne Cup – 6th November Melbourne Cup, Australia’s best-known horse racing…

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Oct
18
2018
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The Chair’s Where? Balranald in southern New South Wales

By New South Wales / Sydney /

So you have been to the coast, done the theatre and eaten at enough gourmet restaurants. Looking for something different and feel like a road trip to somewhere unique? Well then, I suggest you pick up a motorhome, or fuel up a car and head to Balranald in southern New South Wales. Oh… may I suggest you bring some sturdy shoes or boots, you will discover why a little later. LOCATION Balranald is strategically placed just over the border in NSW.  It is a bit over 400km from Melbourne, and a bit over 500km from Adelaide. It is near to Swan Hill, a tourist attraction of its own standing.  All routes to Balranald are sealed bitumen roads and give access to assorted wineries, view and photos, farm produce like free range eggs, antiques, arts and crafts and a myriad more similar opportunities. DISCOVERY CENTRE Having arrived in Balranald can I suggest an immediate visit to the Discovery Centre. Here are…

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Oct
16
2018
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Prince Harry and Meghan’s Australia and New Zealand Tour Destinations!

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Prince Harry and Meghan are set to embark on their first official Royal tour since getting married in May. The newlyweds will follow in the footsteps of Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their trip around Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji that lasts from 16th October to 31st October. Inspired by the Duke and Duchess’ tour around Australia and New Zealand, we’ve picked the ultimate hotspots for you to embark on your own royal trip. So, what are you waiting for? Book your DriveNow car hire and make like the Royals and visit the following destinations. Sydney A trip to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House. Venture under the sails for a guided tour around one of the world’s most famous landmarks. For the ultimate bucket list activity, why not immerse yourself in the culture and see an opera performance just like Harry and Meghan will be doing on their stop. For the perfect…

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Oct
10
2018
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5 amazing Sydney hotels in summer to park your wheels

By New South Wales / Sydney /

Summer is officially here in 7 weeks (and a few days) and there is no better Australian city than Sydney to experience the sunshine and all the action the fun of the warmer months. So whether you’re flying into town and grabbing a car rental, or wheeling your way into town by road, here are 5 hot hotels worth looking at right now and booking in for your summer of fun in the New South Wales capital. Felix Hotels by 8 Hotels (Mascot) Sometimes you just need something right next door to the airport to provide the home base to explore. In which case you can’t go past the nearby Felix, only 10 minutes walk from the baggage collection area of the Sydney airport domestic terminal. It’s a hotel oozing simplicity and a Catch-Me-If-You-Can feel from yesteryear. It’s hip, simplistic, and there’s easy access to hit the road yourself, by Uber, catch a train or bus. Felix Hotel’s design is…

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