The prize included two return tickets to Australia’s only island state, Tasmania, and a heap of extraordinary extras.

First off, we threw in some car hire for Kirsty and her lucky travelling partner to explore the wild beauty that Tassie is famous for, but best of all, we hooked her up with the chance to see one of the state’s most pioneering events.

The Swisse Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge was a premium, five day, multi-discipline event taking in over 350km of terrain across some of Tasmania’s most stunning scenic locations. Competitors tore across the state by mountain bike, kayak and foot on challenging daily courses.

Our interview with Kirsty Maddern

You’re about to enjoy an interview we did recently with Kirsty, about her trip to Tassie. For more details on the areas she’s visited, visit the Tasmania travel hub of our website.

How did you hear about the competition?

I’ve ‘Liked’ the STA Travel UK Facebook page for quite a while now, and always kept an eye on what was going on. I had already entered a couple of the Like It & Land It competitions before, but never ever thought I would actually win one!

Had you ever won anything before, and how did you feel when you found out you had won?

No, never! I’ve entered loads of things, but I had always assumed no one ever really won competitions like these. So I simply couldn’t believe it when I found out I had actually won!

I was out having dinner with some friends when I got the email telling me I’d won. I didn’t really know how to react when I read it as I wasn’t sure if it was a joke or not! My friends weren’t sure whether to believe it either and I tried really hard not to get too excited about it until I had spoken to someone at STA Travel. When I finally did speak to someone and made sure it definitely was not a joke, I was so happy, and totally shell-shocked.

Who did you take with you and how did you make that decision? Why them in particular?

Well, all of a sudden I had a lot of best friends! There’s no way I could have chosen between them so I decided to take my dad. He had never been out of the UK before so I thought this was the perfect opportunity! It was a great way to repay him for everything, too.

Had you ever thought about going to Tasmania before?

Not to Tasmania, no. I’ve always wanted to do a big round the world trip, and go work in Australia for a while, but I really hadn’t heard much about Tasmania and had never really thought about going there.

Did you have any preconceptions about Tasmania? What were your first feelings when you arrived?

I had absolutely no idea what to expect from Tasmania. I had never been to Australia or New Zealand before so didn’t have any idea what that part of the world was like at all.

Looking at it on a map, Tasmania looks really small and when we arrived we flew into this tiny little airport. I was a bit like ‘where are we?’. But as soon as we got out to see all the scenery all I could think was, ‘This place is awesome!’. There was just so much going on from the moment we got there, which I wasn’t expecting at all.

I was also so surprised at how different parts of the island are from each other. Hobart is so beautiful as it’s surrounded by mountains and is dominated by Mount Wellington, and then there’s somewhere like Freycinet Peninsula, which is totally different and has really wild, stunning beaches.

Do you have any favourite memories or things you got to do on the trip?

One of the best things we did was the Mount Wellington Descent where we were taken to the top and then mountain-biked down.

You go so fast and reach speeds of up to 40mph! It was amazing, but definitely one of the scariest things I have ever done! I haven’t done much cycling like that before but my dad has and really loved it.

I tried to take in the beautiful views but spent most of the time clinging onto my bike and concentrating on staying upright! Our guide was great though and there was a car following us down to make sure we were all OK. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

We also did an amazing scenic flight tour over the southwest of the island, which we were so lucky to do as it was actually cancelled because of bad weather the first time we tried to go, but thankfully we managed to fit it in before our flight home on the last day.

I wasn’t sure about it at first as I’ve never really liked flying that much and the plane was tiny! But it took us over the part of the island that’s totally uninhabited, so we got some beautiful views of somewhere we would never have otherwise got to see; it made you feel like you were the only people in the world, it was amazing. By the time we landed I was feeling way more confident about flying.

What was it like watching the Mark Webber Challenge?

It was crazy! Everywhere you looked there was someone competing or doing something like kayaking, running, climbing, or cycling.

We got to see the start and watched everyone from a balcony so had a great view of the action and managed to catch quite a lot of the competition whilst we were in Port Arthur.

When we were out on a power boat trip we bumped into some of the competitors kayaking and had to stop to let them pass so it really was going on everywhere you went!

Did you get to see or meet Mark Webber at all?

Yes! We got to meet him a couple of times actually. We watched him compete on the first day of the challenge and we then got to meet to him at the Challenge’s welcome dinner and at the 6km fun run.

He’s such a nice guy and joked around with us as he took great pleasure in telling us how Australia had beaten Wales in the rugby the day before! My dad was pretty chuffed as he’s a big fan of Formula 1 and we got some great photos of us with him to take home.

Did you join in with the challenge at all?

We didn’t compete ourselves as it’s all pretty extreme and I felt tired just watching everyone else do it! It was still amazing to be there and there was just so much going on, it gave the place a great buzz. We were doing so many other things though, it did kind of feel like we were competing!

Were there any things you did that you would like to try a bit more of?

We got to go sea kayaking around the harbour one day which I really, really enjoyed and would love to do more of. The water was so nice and calm, although we did go over the wake of a boat once which was a bit unnerving! Luckily no one got wet!

What was the best/worst food/drink you had there?

All the food in Tasmania was amazing as it was just so fresh. There’s so much seafood there and I had some seriously good mussels and oysters. I didn’t really like seafood that much when I’ve had it before at home, but the ones I had in Tasmania were so fresh I actually surprised myself and really enjoyed them!

I know it’s not very original but my favourite meal of the trip was steak — it one of the biggest I had ever seen! I was pretty impressed at myself as I managed to finish it all as it was so good.

Did you pick up any special souvenirs?

Well, I didn’t get anything really touristy but I couldn’t go home without picking up a pair of Ugg boots to keep me warm when I got back home to the freezing winter! I also brought back loads of Tim Tams, which are a type of biscuit they have in Australia — like chocolate Penguins — that I could not get enough.

Did you meet some nice/memorable people on the trip? Anyone you will keep in touch with?

Everyone we met was just so friendly and welcoming, it was so nice! The best thing was that we didn’t feel like tourists whilst we were there like you can do when you’re away and doing trips.

All our tour guides were amazing to chat to and knew so much; we were so well looked after and really got a great feel for everywhere we went.

There was one guy who was our guide for one of the National Parks who we got on really well with and met up with for a drink when we were back in Hobart so that was really nice to see him again.

Do you have any insider tips to give to others planning a trip to this destination?

Yeah! Go to the Mona Art Exhibition at the Museum of Old & New Art in Hobart. There’s so much amazing stuff to do outdoors in Tasmania that’s it’s really nice to do something a little less tiring for a bit too.

The exhibition is a private art collection of a man who suffers from autism and used to be a professional gambler but was banned from all the casinos because he could count cards. It’s pretty graphic stuff but the background behind it is fascinating, I really liked it!

How would you sum up your trip in a few words?

Eye-opening, frantic, exciting and crazy! It was full-on but I definitely prefer it that way. I’m not really a lying by the pool type of person, I way prefer doing stuff so it was perfect.

Do you feel this trip has given you the travelling bug?

Definitely. I can’t wait till I can next get away! I’m already planning. I’d love to do a long, round the world trip and go to South America to see countries like Peru and Brazil as well as Greenland and Iceland as I wrote my dissertation on glaciers so I’d love to go see them for myself.

I couldn’t not go to Australia and finally get a working-holiday visa so I can spend a while there and go back to Tasmania! I’d definitely go away again with STA Travel. Our trip to Tasmania was planned so amazingly, and every detail was covered. We were made to feel like VIPs everywhere we went!

Finally, would you like to go back to Tasmania?

I would 100% go back to Tasmania. People never really think of going but there is so much stuff to do there, it really surprised me. The scenery is just so awesome! We did so much on our trip, but Tasmania is so surprisingly big there was still a lot of things we couldn’t get to and didn’t do. I’d love to go back and do it all!

Thailand is almost a rite of passage for travellers of every kind; whether you’re shuffling along the street stalls, saving dimes where you can, or rising the elevators to the upper floors of a palatial Bangkok hotel, Thailand has you covered.

This week on the STA Travel Blog, we’re taking a closer look at Thailand, and uncovering some alternative ways to get to grips with this incredible destination.

We’ll be introducing you to exciting regions, often overlooked by moonstruck travellers, and opening your eyes to myriad experiences to be enjoyed in the Kingdom of Thailand. What are you waiting for?

Alternative Thailand Holidays

Whether you’re travelling to Bangkok on a stopover, or you’re making a beeline for the beaches, be sure to consider every available option to you for your time in Thailand. This is just the start!

1. Learn a little Thai

Ask any Thailand travel veteran what could enrich your time in the country, and most of them will concur that learning Thai, will go a long way to enriching your experience. It’s an enjoyable experience, that could open up an endless number of doors to the incredible cultures that combine to make Thailand such a special country.

2. Volunteer on a tiny island

There are heaps of opportunities to roll back the sleeves and get stuck in, for many of Thailand’s island communities. The country has been through a lot in recent times, not least the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004 that devastated much of the coastal communities. Commit some time to volunteering in Thailand, to learn about the resilience of the Thai people, and to help rebuild their villages.

3. Go native in Chiang Mai

Not content with a quick yarn on the street? Get completely immersed in north Thailand culture, by committing to live like a local in Chiang Mai! This unique experience takes you beyond the highlights, and takes you up river, and via tricycle to the bustling town markets and solemn temples; pop in for a chat with the local monks, before whipping up a storm in the kitchen!

4. Sail through Paradise

Sleep moored under the stars and explore untouched beaches on remote islands, as you seek out adventures far beyond the famous shorelines of Thailand. There are a few options to try your hand at sailing in Thailand, including firm favourite Koh Samui and friendly Phuket.

5. Journey by Rice Barge

Leave Bangkok in style, as you jump board one of the country’s more traditional forms of transport: a rice barge. Weave your way through the central plains, and journey into the unknown as you slowly switch the din of the city, for the squawks of the wild echoing through hidden temples. Look out for the 3-day River Life Cruise.

6. Tight lines in Thailand

Seafood is big business in Thailand. It’s never far from the menu, and as a result, you’ll sample some of the world’s most delicious food, fresh from the sparkling oceans that surround Thailand. For an alternative trip, why not get to the source of the action, and take a fishing trip off beautiful Koh Samui?

7. Learn to cook some Thai

Thai cuisine is one of the best loved in the world, so it makes sense that if you can cook Thai food, then you will become one of the best loved people in the world. So, when looking for alternative experiences in Thailand, there can only be one thing to do: learn to cook Thai!

8. Kayak over the Andaman

Kayak the turquoise waters of the Andaman and discover coral coves and white-sand beaches. Not only that, but kayaking in Thailand gives you the perfect way to score the best snorkel spots in southern Thailand, and an experience not to be missed.

9. Go scuba diving in Koh Tao

Thailand isn’t the first place most people think of when they consider learning to scuba dive; but guess what: it’s a world class destination. The island of Koh Tao provides an idyllic backdrop, with a wide range of PADI courses on offer.

10. Go tribal in the hills

Visiting the hill tribes of Northern Thailand is an excellent alternative to the standard itinerary. Get face to face with some of the world’s most enigmatic people, ride atop elephants and travel downstream on a bamboo raft for a full experience off the beaten track (quite literally!)

We’ve been satisfying travellers’ curiosity for travelling in Kenya for over 30 years, so when I put the call out for expert travel tips for travelling to East Africa’s I was swarmed with great ideas.

Coming up, are twenty two of the very best, from Victoria Two (STA Travel Reading), Daniel Woodward (STA Travel Leicester), Mark Reynolds (STA Travel Belfast) and Daniel Painter (STA Travel Portsmouth).

If you’re interested in wildlife, then Kenya is the ideal place to visit. On paper, the National Parks are quite close together, but don’t be fooled — the landscapes are quite different, and as a result, the types of animals and birds that you see in each of them varies tremendously.

If you’re a traveller who seeks out amazing experiences, you’ll be right at home in Kenya.

10 practical tips for travelling in Kenya

1. Some of the camp sites that you stay on are quite basic, but staying in the middle of nowhere with no one else around makes up for it. If camping’s not your style, then the comfort trips stay in some amazing hotels.

2. Avoid choosing to get your visa on arrival — the queues can be incredible! Instead, consider getting your visa before you go.

3. Avoid walking around Nairobi, especially at night. Instead, get a taxi, as it’s much safer. Nairobi isn’t nicknamed “Nairobbery” for nothing.

4. Look out for the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino, but also look out for zebras and giraffes.

5. Be prepared to haggle in the shops, their prices start high, but don’t be put off — there are some really unique arts and crafts available in Kenya.

6. Don’t cheer when giraffes are mating, it really puts them off!

7. You will never regret making an effort to put your Tusker (beer) on ice.

8. Airport transfers come in seriously handy.

9. Konyagi Rum is the local ice breaker, panty dropper, social lubricant and hangover giverer, all rolled into one — be careful!

10. Most of the people in Kenya live on really limited means, but they are also some of the happiest people I have ever met. Make an effort, and be rewarded with a warm experience.

7 more pieces of advice for touring Kenya

1. The drivers on the safaris have incredible knowledge, and almost always manage to find the best wildlife — one day we saw all of the Big Five within an hour!

2. Visit the Samburu village — it’s really interesting, and well worth it. Definitely choose this place over the Masai village, who can be really pushy with their sales of local souvenirs.

3. Do a trip! There’s no better way of travelling within Kenya; public transport isn’t a good option, unless you have plenty of time (and will power). One of the best, is the Kenya Camping Safari.

4. Don’t miss Lake Nakuru; the amount of bird life is incredible, but you’re also likely to spot rhino and zebra.

5. The Masai Mara is amazing, and well worth the effort! Depending on the time of year, you’ll see more animals here than any of the other parks.

6. As amazing as they are, there is so much more to Kenya than just the National Parks. Consider the beaches around Mombasa, for the perfect Indian Ocean getaway.

7. Remember that the shorter trips tend to be full service camping — this does work out more expensive, but as you don’t need to set up your camp every day, you get more time in the parks; which is the whole reason to be there.

5 vital packing tips for travelling to Kenya

1. This should come as no surprise, but it’s well worth investing in a good camera before your trip. Speak to an expert about a decent zoom lens; but be prepared, these can come at a hefty price, so start budgeting early.

2. If you have space in your backpack, pack a few pens to take with you to give to the local kids in the villages that you visit.

3. Bring a nice cushion to sit on, the roads can be bumpy in places, and you’re likely to spend a fair amount of time travelling by road.

4. It can get nippy in the evenings, regardless of daytime temperatures, so remember to pack some warm clothing. It’s best to take plenty of layers, instead of big chunky items.

5. Prepare to get dusty! Roads are improving in Kenya, but be prepared to travel on a lot of dust tracks. That killer tan you come back with, will probably wash off with your first shower!

Often overlooked by backpackers on the Southeast Asia trail, the lack of other travellers is actually all part of what makes the Philippines brilliant.

We think the Philippines deserve a massive High Five. So much so, that we’ve rounded up five of our favourite things to do there.

Warning: this Blog post will probably make you want to grab your passport and book some flights.

Now get over there before everyone else does.

Have you been to the Philippines? We want to know all about your experiences in the comments thread below!

Five of our favourite things to do in the Philippines

1. Watersports heaven

Being surrounded by water, it should come as no surprise that the Philippines is a bit of a haven for watersports junkies. Diving, surfing, wakeboarding, kitesurfing – if you want to try any of them, this is the place to do it. For surfers, the ultimate mecca is Siargao Island and the Cloud 9 surf break. If you’re more of a spectator, the island is also home to the annual Siargao Cup surfing competition, which makes for pretty awesome viewing. The surf is most definitely up, dude.

2. Party on Boracay

The beautiful island of Boracay is renowned for its impossibly white sandy beaches, and the raucous parties that take place on them. You might think that the tourism here would have taken away some of the island’s charm, but fear not, it remains firmly in tact. Chilling out, meeting fellow travellers, and generally having a good old time of it – you’ll find it all on Boracay. This actually might be paradise…

 Boracay aka paradise | Image by Daniel Y. Go

3. Get lost in the rice paddies

You know those photos you’ve seen of the lush, green rice paddies that seem to go on forever? You’ll find them for real in Batad. This tiny mountain village has breathtaking views over the Ifugao rice terraces, so spectacular that they’ve been given UNESCO World Heritage status. A truly unique experience.

4. Taste the Chocolate (Hills)

Hills that look like mounds of chocolate? Before your mouth starts watering, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol only look like chocolate, but they’re a pretty spectacular site, nonetheless.

 Remember, they don't taste like chocolate | Image by anna_d

Sciencey types can’t agree on why the hills are the colour they are – theories range from two giants throwing sand and stones at each other, to the slightly more sensible ‘mix of limestone and clay’ theory. Either way, the Chocolate Hills look pretty damn good to us.

5. Have a whale of a time

From June to November, Donsol Bay in the island of Donsol is home to spectacular whale sharks. The best bit? There’s the opportunity to snorkel with them. This is an incredibly unique experience to get up close to these gentle creatures. Do. Not. Miss.

This week’s question comes from Martin in Suffolk, who wants a taste of Southeast Asia. Martin, over to you.

Hi Experts! I’ve got two weeks of work, and I want to get a taste of Southeast Asia, without spreading myself too thin. Where do you think I should go – Thailand or Cambodia? Martin in Suffolk

Ooh, what a question – and what a decision for our Experts! Let’s see what they have to say.

Sarah Jones at STA Travel Covent Garden says…

Thailand is one of the most popular places to go in South East Asia for a reason, Martin.

In your 2 weeks off you’d have perfect time to explore the mayhem of Bangkok, the blissful mountainous region of the north and the sun-bleached islands of the south.

Get a taste of Asia in awesome Thailand

For me, beginning with the more active things and ending on a relaxing note works out well.

Start your trip with a bang by flying into Bangkok. 2 – 3 days in the capital should be plenty of time to check out the culture spots of Baglumpu and get your drink on in the 24-hour Khao San Road. From Bangkok, you can travel north to the beautiful hilltribe region, quite a contrast to the party/beach vision of Thailand.

You could start your holiday with something organised such as a small-group trip, like the 8-day Northern Hilltribes & Villages or the 9-day Northern Thailand Discovery.

Both start and finish in Bangkok, and spend a day or two exploring the capital before travelling north to the cultural hub of Chiang Mai. Here you can explore the golden temples of the small city and spend your evening perusing through the many goods of the Night Bazaar. A 2-day trek to the hilltribes of the region is also included, once a massive opium growing zone, now home to many elephant conservation centres – ahhh!

You could even get up close with the elephants, by doing some volunteering – we’ve got 20% off our Thai Elephant Conservation tour right now.

These trips end in Bangkok, giving you the perfect platform to fly south to the islands for some no doubt well-deserved relaxation time. There are numerous daily flights from Bangkok to Phuket on the West or Koh Samui on the East.

Both excel for different reasons; Phi Phi and Krabi on the West offer that white sand crystal water thing seen in the movies, such as The Beach (filmed on Phi Phi!). Then there’s the more built-up Phuket with its numerous bars, clubs and resorts.

Yep, the sea in Thailand really is that blue - sigh!

If the notorious Full Moon party is what you’re after then head East to the island of Koh Phangnan. Although renowned for its wild moon parties, there are also numerous secluded areas allowing an escape from the carnage.

The neighbouring Koh Samui and Koh Tao offer a more relaxing atmosphere. Koh Tao is also one of the best spots in the world for diving, and a prime place to get your PADI diving certificate.

If it’s culture, stunning greenery, beach party times and sun that you’re after, then Thailand will not disappoint.

Claire Whittington at STA Travel Brighton says…

I would definitely recommend Cambodia if you only have a couple of weeks, Martin. This little country can offer you pretty much everything you would want and need to get that taste of Asia.

Not only do you have the iconic Angkor Wat – watching the sunrise over the temple with reflections in the lily pond in front of it is possibly the best reason to get up before sunrise anywhere in the world – but also some great beaches for chill out time.

Marvel at the ancient Angkor Wat in Siem Reap

There’s also a fascinating history which, although disturbing, has shaped the people of Cambodia into some of the friendlist I’ve ever met, and a completely underestimated cuisine (fish amok curry served in a coconut, anyone?)

You could join the brilliant 14-day Ultimate Cambodian Adventure. It will tick all your cultural, historical and nature boxes, plus a couple of days of beach time to recharge.

Starting in Bangkok, this small group trip gives you 3 days in Siem Reap which is plenty of time to explore the Angkor temple complex, before heading over Kratie to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins and for a relax on the coast in Sihanoukville for a couple of days.

Alternatively, you could start your adventure right on on the beach in Sihanoukville, for a bit of style and luxury – I’m sure you deserve it!

Once you’re completely relaxed hop on a bus to Phnom Pehn to learn about the history that shaped Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge rule or head along the river to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to see the priceless Emerald Buddha.

After this, let the tourists get on the bus while you get to Siem Reap in the most relaxing way possible – by boat. This is the best way to explore Cambodia`s stunning stretch of the Mekong, all the while tantalising your senses with delectable local foods and the rich atmosphere of local village life!

Discover a whole new world on the Mekong | Toby Simkin

By day, explore the riverbanks simply bursting with charm, and by night, return to the boat for an indulgent evening and peaceful sleep. This 3-day journey passes through tiny villages where you can see century old fishing methods and pottery making, while trying all the great food Cambodia is a must.

Finally, emerse yourself completly in Khmer life and “live like a local” in Siem Reap, with a 3-day adventure which combines Angkor Temples, outdoor adventure and unique experiences including a home stay in a traditional village stilt house!

You’ll spend your time exploring temples and rice fields, checking out the amazing countryside , and visiting pagodas and local villages, where you can take a trip to see the floating houses on Tonle Sap Lake and join the locals with some swimming in the beautiful waterfalls.

The highlight of this trip is the second night when you will be staying in the village of Kompong Khleang, home to over 20,000 people living in gigantic stilt houses with an economy based on fishing. You’ll have dinner with a local family at their house and stay overnight in a homestay in a stilt house.

As you’ve probably guessed, I can’t recommend Cambodia enough. Plus, a short hassle free flight back to Bangkok means your tour starts and finishes in Thailand, which equates to the cheapest flights into Asia for you!

DEAL ALERT! We’ve got 30% off some of our favourite adventure tours in Asia right now. Get on it!

Famous for its little critters, and revered for its untapped wilderness and gourmet offerings, Tasmania has long attracted travellers to its rich green valleys and energetic coastlines. In my opinion, Tasmania offers the best of the best.

Its brilliant white beaches remain pleasantly devoid of crowds; its easily accessible hiking trails never fail to stir the emotions; its cities and towns are overtly friendly and welcoming, and its mosaic of incredible history, arts, and food make for untold adventures.

So settle into your seat, and buckle up, as we roll this road trip through the magical island state of Tasmania.

Grab yourself a Tassie ‘Six Pack’!

As with all good road trips, you’ll need to load up before you hit the road. Here’s a true Aussie six pack to feed your journey. If you want any more information on travelling in Tasmania, throw it in the comment box and we’ll happily feed your wanderlust.

Or perhaps you have some inside knowledge of life Down Under? Don’t keep it to yourself — lay it down!

1. Come face to face with the Devil

See the endangered Tasmanian devil, notorious for having a jaw strength as strong as a great white shark, and a terrifying scream!

While a very few remote spots in Tasmania may still permit a precious sighting in the wild, the easiest place for an up-close encounter is at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, close to Hobart. Keen wildlife enthusiasts can sign up to volunteer.

2. Be challenged by art

Mona – the Museum of Old and New Art – is the largest private collection of art and antiquities in the Southern Hemisphere, housed within 140 million year old cliffs.

Prepare to be shocked as the theme of sex and death runs throughout the museum, which has been described as the most exciting addition to Australia’s cultural landscape since the Sydney Opera House. Elsewhere visit the Wall in the Wilderness – a 40 metre living work of work by a wood sculptor depicting Tasmania’s history.

3. Have an adrenalin rush

Try a daring descent by bike down from the summit of 1300 metre high Mount Wellington, which towers over Hobart, or plunge off the Gordon Dam on the world’s highest commercial abseil.

Surfers can enjoy some of the best waves in Australia, including notorious Shipstern Bluff on the Tasman Peninsula; and keen divers can immerse themselves in giant kelp forests, often visited by dolphins, seals, weedy sea dragons and pot bellied seahorses.

4. Take a walk

Tasmania is Australia’s leading walking state with some of the most iconic walks in the world stretching for many days, such as the six day Overland Track through the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, as well as many short walks through incredible wilderness.

Visit the impressive Wineglass Bay, on Tasmania's east coast

The Wineglass Bay walk on the Freycinet Peninsula rewards hikers with a perfect arc of a pristine white sand beach, accessible only by foot or by boat; while the Dove Lake circuit at Cradle Mountain gives a glimpse into Tasmania’s ancient forests.

5. Visit the World’s largest stretch of Temperate rainforest

The fishing village of Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast is the gateway to the vast World Heritage Listed West Coast Wilderness, where huge trees grow to over 100 metres tall.

Find out here about the bitterly fought battle that saved the world’s last wild river, The Franklin, from a damming project that would flood this precious and ancient land. Watch Australia’s longest running play, The Ship that Never Was, acted out every night on Strahan’s waterfront with help from visitors.

6. Take an eco boat trip in to the Great Southern Ocean

With the highest cliffs in Australia and extraordinary marine life — including whales, mega pods of dolphin, huge fur seal colonies, sea eagles and albatross — an eco cruise around the Tasman Peninsula or Bruny Island and into the Southern Ocean will take your breath away.

So what if we told you there was a way to escape the winter months? Not just for a few weeks, oh no. We can get you a round the world ticket that’s valid for 12 months, so you could enjoy a whole year of summery goodness, my friend.

Yep, with a bit of careful planning, and a helping hand from our Travel Experts, eternal sunshine could all be yours.

So pack your sunnies and slap on the sun cream – we’re going to show you just how you can enjoy 12 months of summer lovin’.

You're 365 sunsets away from a year-long summer

Making your escape

There’s no point fleeing the UK in our summer – hey, it can be nice, the sun even pops out occasionally.

No, wait until the days grow shorter and the nights grow long. Let’s settle on January. It’s the bleakest, most depressing month of the year after all. So next January, turn that frown upside down, and make it your gateway to sunshine.

Let the sun seeking commence.

Your year in sunshine

January: New Zealand

Touch down in Auckland slap bang in the heart of the Kiwi summer. There’s nowhere quite like New Zealand, and there’s certainly nowhere quite like New Zealand in the summer.

So grab a hop-on hop-off bus pass and hit the road! You’ll want to make the most of the weather, so grab one like The Full Monty, that will take you the length and breadth of the two islands in around 33 days.

Check out some of New Zealand’s amazing beaches, explore the Bay of Islands, swim with dolphins in Kaikoura… the list goes on! What a way to kick start your year-long summer.

 Experience New Zealand's beautiful Bay of Islands in the summertime | Image by EmmaJG

February/March: Australia

Let the adventure Down Under commence! Fly into Melbourne and work your way up to Cairns get the most out of the weather.

The ultimate way to see Australia? In a campervan, of course! An overland trip through Australia is what it’s all about. Work your way up the east coast, grab an internal flight over to the west coast, and maybe even jump on a train or two. Check out our unmissable Australia experiences.

March: Fiji

Your time in the Southern Hemisphere wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt to the home of eternal summer, Fiji.

Fiji, aka Paradise

Swim, snorkel, sunbathe and stroll along beaches until your heart’s content. Grab a Bula Pass to get unlimited island hopping around the hundreds of islands that make up this South Pacific paradise.

April/May: Africa

Time to board the plane and hot foot it over to Johannesburg. You’ll be landing in South Africa’s autumn, but don’t let that put you off – autumn here is not like autumn at home! In fact, this time of year offers some of the country’s best weather.

Why not join the Baz Bus and cruise your way along the coast down to Cape Town? And don’t forget to stop off at the Kruger National Park for some safari action.

If you want to see more of Africa, don’t fret! We’ve got loads of adventure tours that run for Cape Town aaalll over the continent.

For the ultimate experience, join the very aptly named Ultimate Africa tour. It’ll take you from Cape Town up to Nairobi, and include some awesome national parks, camping under the stars, beaches, and even gorilla tracking. A pretty awesome way to spend your April, right?

June: Trans Mongolian

Choo choo! All aboard the Vodkatrain. Travelling from Moscow, through Russia and Mongolia, all the way down to Beijing may not be your quintessential summer experience, but trust us, this one will make your trip. In fact, with more than 260 days of sunshine a year, Mongolia is quite rightly known as the Land of Blue Sky.

Experience the local festivities during the Mongolian summer, like this Eagle Dance | Image by chrisdebruyn

The Vodkatrain is our most popular Trans-Mongolian trip, and the only one that includes a stop in Russia’s beautiful St Petersburg. You’ll travel across two continents and seven time zones – more exciting than your average train journey, hey!

July: Canada

Time to board that plane again and head across the pond(s) to Canada. July is prime time for exploring this beautiful country. A great way to explore is with a hop-on hop-off bus pass – but, whatever you do, don’t miss the Canadian Rockies. We’ve got an awesome 11-day tour that will show you the best of the national parks, perfect to while away those summer days.

August: USA

Cross the border into the good ol’ US of A. America is, obviously, a huuu-uuuge country, but in August you’ll find toasty climes throughout.

Head to the USA and hit the coast in California

Of course, August also mean school holidays, so it’s best to avoid places like Disneyland unless you want to be queuing for hours in the California sun.

The ultimate USA experience? It’s got to be a road trip. Hire a car and drive Route 66, from Chicago down to Los Angeles.

September/October: Latin America

It’s time to make your way down to Latin America. For the sunniest spots, stick to Central America in September – think Belize, Costa Rica and Mexico – before heading down to Brazil and Peru, where the it’ll still be a good time to take the mighty Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu.

November/December: Southeast Asia

The last leg of your eternal summer is approaching, but fear not, you’re definitely going to end on a high.

Fly into Bangkok, the gateway to Southeast Asia, and get ready to absorb all that this amazing region has to offer. If beaches are what you’re after, stick to the east coast of Thailand, where it will be drier than the gulf islands in the south, or overland it to Malaysia and soak up the rays on the west coast.

We love those summer nights (ah wella wella wella uh)

After you’ve had your fill of beach-time, our best-selling Indochina Discovery tour is the perfect way to get around and do some serious exploring, taking you through Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Watching the sun set over the Mekong in Luang Prabang might just be the perfect way to end your year-long summer. Sigh…

But what you are about to be introduced to, is a collection of animals so weird and wonderful, that they attract travellers from around the world to point and stare, and shoot videos to upload to YouTube.

Damn you goat… | Image by austinevan

These beasts put two trotters up to the norm, and make a break for stardom. If a dancing dog can win Britain’s Got Talent, this lot could go global…

Goats in Trees

“Dang you goat, get down from my tree!” might say a Moroccan farmer. Especially if that farmer is based in southern Morocco. Especially if that farm has a lot of thorny Argan trees. Because those trees bear the fruit that tempts the goats that tempts the farmer to maybe say “Dang you goat, get down from my tree!”.

Swimming pigs in the Bahamas

The Exuma Cays island chain in the Bahamas are more famous for celebrity spotting and picture perfect settings, but look a little closer and you’ll spot the real stars of the show — swimming pigs! You can join in the piggy paddle off the appropriately named Pig Beach in the south of Big Major Cay island.

Pisco the Surfing Alpaca

Alpaca lives by the ocean in Peru, therefore alpaca must learn to surf. So believes Domingo Pianezzi, who successfully taught Pisco the alpaca to catch waves off the shores near the Peruvian capital, Lima.

Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel

Nothing looks cooler than a water-skiing squirrel. Apparently. Twiggy the 6th wows spectators around the USA, as her rehearsed performances send the crowd nuts. If that’s not cool enough, you wait until she slips on her little Santa number.

Dinky the Singing Dingo

Nothing says Outback Australia like a singing dingo, and Dinky ticks both boxes. You’ll find him at the Stuarts Well Roadhouse, along the Stuart Highway towards Alice Springs, where he performs one of the world’s most unique piano performances for stray travellers. Owwoooooo to that, Dinky.

Fainting Goats in the USA

This is no goat. Unlike their Moroccan brethren, these Florida-based goats succumb to giddiness in the only way they know how, by fainting. Officially diagnosed with a condition known as miatonia, these little fellas and fellaress’s roll over at the slightest thing. BOO! There goes another one.

Cold? In Southeast Asia? It wasn’t meant to be like this! I whimpered to myself.

So it was with reluctant feet and a several layers of clothing that I set off to explore Hanoi. Within 10 minutes, I was so glad that I did.

Before I knew it, I’d been wandering for hours, happily lost in the backstreets and marvelling at the masses of motorbikes, breathing in the scent of scrumptious street food and overwhelmed by the beauty of the French architecture.

Hanoi is a truly wonderful city. In fact, it deserves a big High Five! So here are five of our favourite things to do in the City of the Soaring Dragon.

Jump into beautiful and bustling Hanoi

Five must-do Hanoi experiences

1. Get lost in the Old Quarter

A stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter is an experience in itself. The majestic colonial architecture and pretty town square, complete with cathedral, has a distinctly European feel.

Luckily, the waft of the street food, locals dining on the pavements on plastic chairs, and general chaos will remind you that you’re firmly routed in Vietnam. Turn a corner and you’ll discover some of the Hanoi’s nicest shops, along with its biggest market, Dong Xuan. Get stuck in, on our Hanoi Welcome Package.

Take to the streets and get lost in the Old Quarter

2. Chow down on street food

You’ll smell amazing food everywhere you go in Hanoi. The smells just waft around the streets. If you try anything, make sure it’s a steaming bowl of phở, or beef noodle broth – Hanoi’s signature dish. As well as being amazingly tasty, it’s also amazingly cheap. Chow down with the locals for around $1 a bowl.

3. Cruise on Halong Bay

Just a few hours from Hanoi lies the magical Halong Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Explore the beautiful Halong Bay, just hours outside Hanoi

It’s high on the list of most backpackers, but there’s a reason the tourists keep on boarding the junk boats. The reflections of the limestone formations in the green-blue sea is simply beautiful, and spending the night on a traditional junk is an experience not to be missed.

4. Run for the hills in Sapa

When the motorbikes get too much, there’s only one thing for it: retreat into the mountains. Just a hop, skip and a sleeper train away from Hanoi, Sapa is where it’s at if you’re looking for trekking and tranquillity.

The hills are alive with the sound of Sapa | Image by Bruno [BRA]

It’s also home to some of Vietnam’s largest ethnic groups, who live in the surrounding valleys and villages. Ask us about our 4-day Sapa Adventure, which will see you exploring the local villages, as well as meeting the inspiring people of the hill tribes.

5. Sip some infamous coffee

So you’ve heard the one about the coffee that’s made out of weasel, err, poo? Well, it’s all true. Almost. The infamous ‘weasel coffee’ is made out of coffee beans that have been consumed by civet cats, and then passed through their digestive systems and collected. Regarded as one of the most expensive coffees in the world, weasel coffee may have the ick-factor, but when in Rome, and all that…

A verdant blend of powerful mountains, mulched walking trails, dense forests, enigmatic coastlines and scurrying wildlife, Tasmania is a wonderland of adventures.

And we’re bringing you the opportunity to travel there, to take up a position as a crew member of the famous Bruny Island Cruise team. If you’ve always fancied a life at sea, then this job is for you!

Your office will be the spectacular coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania, as you undertake the environmental journey of a lifetime.

As part of our ‘Live like an Aussie’ promotion, we’re offering you the chance to win one of seven dream jobs, including this one in Tassie, including return flights and accommodation for the entire month!

Coming up, I’ll explain a little more about this unique opportunity, as well as providing some more information about taking your own working holiday in Tasmania.

More info on the prize

The prize includes a temporary job at the award-winning company plus a fully-functioning 12-month Working Holiday Visa, accommodation for the full duration of your employment, and return flights to Australia!

The visa will mean you can build this prize into a 12-month working holiday in Australia, giving you all the options available to British backpackers in the country (we’ll talk more about that in a moment).

The job will develop a wide variety of skills, as you assist the skipper and deckhand in the management of the boat, and making sure the passengers get the most out of their time on the island.

The friendly team of Bruny Island Cruises are full of passion about the local environment, and well adept at helping out with all kinds of duties, including the café, serving customers, and answering phone calls.

Although this is a voluntary position, it stands out as an incredible opportunity to assist in a world-class ecotourism business, improve customer service and team skills and, of course, learn to crew a boat!

How to enter

We want to offer everyone (eligible for an Aussie working holiday visa) the chance to win, so we’ve made it incredibly easy. No interviews. No paperwork. No CVs.

All you need to do, is visit the STA Travel Facebook Page, where Ned & Norma, our buzzy “career advisers” await. They’ll walk you through a fun entry process (don’t worry, no skills necessary!) and make sure you get your name in the running for the chance to win this working holiday in Australia.

Visit our Live Like an Aussie app on Facebook, click ‘Enter’, and select Tasmania (the little pink one off the south coast) and follow the instructions.

It will take you less than a minute, and it could end up being the best thing you do today!

Working Holidays in Tasmania

Tasmania makes the perfect spot to enjoy a Working Holiday, not least because of its plentiful harvests. Fruit picking and farm work in Tasmania are a great way for backpackers to earn cash, and experience the friendly culture of regional Tasmania.

More people than ever are heading to Tassie to take advantage of recent changes to the working holiday visa, which allows travellers who have worked as a seasonal worker in regional Australia for at least three months to apply for a second work visa in Australia.

Originally known as The Apple Isle, Tasmania’s reputation is today firmly cemented as Australia’s gourmet state, producing not only traditional crops such as apples, cherries, apricots and strawberries, but also more exotic produce such as saffron and wasabi.

Fruit picking in southern Tasmania’s Huon Valley remains a popular pastime for Working Holiday makers; head for Huonville, the major cherry and apple producing area.

Huon Valley Backpackers is located in the heart of this famous fruit growing district, and offers special weekly rates and transport to work.

The nearby Tamar Valley and further north, along Tasmania’s east coast are regarded as some of the finest areas for cool climate grape varieties — particularly rieslings, pinot noirs and sparkling varieties. March to August is the season for grape pruning and harvesting.

If you’re heading to Tassie, be prepared for changeable weather – a common saying in Tasmania is “if you don’t like the weather, come back in five minutes”, and four seasons in one day is not unheard of. It’s not all rural shenanigans though: Hobart, Tasmania’s buzzing capital, offers up great nightlife, which as a backpacker clutching a Working Holiday Visa, means an increased number of bar and restaurants jobs becoming available!

In all honesty, there are few places with so much on offer to enthusiastic working holiday makers. If you’re someone who loves the outdoors, and the smell of dew rising off a peaceful orchard, then this is definitely the place for you.