Twinkle Twinkle little star.

Twinkle Twinkle little star…

Have you ever arrived at your accommodation and been majorly disappointed? “But they said it is a “5 star” … I cannot believe we paid this much for this!”

The star rating system has for years been the bane of every travel agent’s existence. After 24 years in the travel industry I have learned that a star is never a star!

So what is in a star you ask? Well it really depends on what country you are in. As of right now there is no standard international rating that is consistent for all accommodations across the world. It would be a lot easier if there was because then every country would be rated in the same way.

Each country has their own rating system and in some countries it is not done by stars but a diamond rating. The majority of the time, a rating involves many things, not just how the room looks. What amenities does it have? Does it have 24 hour room service, a restaurant on site, a safe in the room, parking?  All of these things and more make up a star rating. Each country generally has their own administrative body that issues the ratings. Star ratings usually range from 1 to 5, with the higher number being the so called better accommodation. Recently there have been a few hotels advertising that they are a 6 or 7 star, there is no actual rating for this level, so please do not be fooled.

Our standards in North America are very different to many other countries in the world. For example a hotel in Fiji may advertise as a 5 star, but we in North America may only have given it a 3.5 star rating.

A rule of thumb that I apply is to always drop them down by a star. If the star reading says 5 star, then think of it as probably a 4 star, this way when you arrive you will either be satisfied or very surprised.

When booking to the South Pacific, you can rest assured that the staff at GoWalkabout Travel  have probably stayed in or inspected the properties you will stay in. We will give you our opinion on “real star ratings” of the property taking into consideration North American standards as well as your personal preference and experience.

Food Food and more Food!

I once stayed in this hotel, and much to my disgust, they had bathroom scales in the room!

While glaring at these scales and pondering whether I should go speak to reception, I had the revelation that without good food you have lost a major component of an awesome Travel Experience.

No matter what budget you have there is something to suit everyone’s taste buds in Australia and New Zealand.  For those folk who just want something quick to eat, try stopping into a local bakery in Australia or a Dairie in New Zealand.  Pick yourself up a meat pie and enjoy ( do not worry if you are a non meat eater there are different types of pies to suit most peoples taste buds).

Nobody should ever visit New Zealand or Australia without visiting the local Fish and Chip shop. Make sure you pick a coastal town because fish and chips always taste better when sitting by the ocean, and yes, you will be the new best mate of those pesky seagulls.

Stepping it up a notch are the local pubs and surf clubs. Walk on in and check out the blackboard on the wall for the daily special. I have to tell you folks, I had the best Roast Lamb dinner ever at a pub at the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland.

When in Australia make sure you try Moreton Bay Bugs (no they are not really bugs, they are more like flat lobsters) If that isn't your style, we also have an abundance of other fresh seafood to try..  Oh... and remember, we call them Prawns in the South Pacific not Shrimp!

In Queenstown, New Zealand, try our hidden gem “The Cow” or for something truly upscale “Wai Waterfront Restaurant”

Of course Australia is full of amazing places to eat, from Melbourne and its European Influence and underground hidden gems to dining under the stars at Ayers Rock.

If you are a true foodie let us book you on a Zest Food Tour in Auckland or Wellington, New Zealand. These are an amazing way to get a great taste for the region and meet the people behind the scenes.

The staff of GoWalkabout Travel are regular visitors to the above destinations and we all love our food. For this reason, we know all the great places to eat at from the hole in the wall to the five star cuisine. Ask us for our recommendations and allow us assist you with pre-booking those hard to get into places, and remember, if you ever run into a bathroom scale in your hotel room do as I did and throw it in the wardrobe!