Phoebe

I've had the joy of travelling to 16 countries, including my specialist subjects, New Zealand, Australia and Costa Rica. But my first travel experience with Discover the World goes back to when I was 15 when I went to the Icehotel where I got to marvel at the northern lights!

I’ve explored both the North and South islands of New Zealand where amongst many other highlights, I went far north to the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty grounds – the birthplace of New Zealand. One of the many highlights of my trip was a cultural evening experience at Te Puia, a Māori arts and crafts institute, where I learnt more about traditional Māori culture and enjoyed a delicious Hangi dinner. And I’ve experienced all the fun and the must-dos of New Zealand from kayaking at Abel Tasman, cycling in Queenstown and heli-hiking on Fox Glacier.

During my time in Australia, I explored the Northern Territory and Queensland, experiencing both the awe-inspiring Rock, where I immersed myself in Aboriginal culture at Uluru, marvelled at the stunning rock formations of Kata Tjuta and conquered the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk, and of course, the Reef. Whether you see it from above in a helicopter or delve into its underwater wonders on a snorkelling tour, the Great Barrier Reef will not disappoint. My adventures continued in the Atherton Tablelands, where I was fortunate enough to spot a platypus in its natural habitat. But despite all those amazing things, the highlight of my trip was undoubtedly the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge. My heart was stolen as I drifted along its serene rivers and hiked through its lush landscapes.

During my visit to Costa Rica, I was captivated by the country's diverse wildlife. One of the most memorable experiences was spotting a tapir in Corcovado National Park. In La Fortuna, I was excited to see sloths hanging from the trees and the iconic red eyed frogs hiding amongst the trees!

My adventure didn't stop at wildlife encounters, I engaged in a variety of adventurous excursions that showcased Costa Rica's natural beauty. At Tenorio Volcano National Park, I took part in a challenging hike to witness the bright blue waterfalls, and the view was absolutely worth the effort. In the Osa Peninsula, I experienced the thrill of flying over the lush rainforest in a small plane. The aerial perspective offered a stunning overview of the expansive, untouched wilderness below. Another unforgettable adventure was the canal tour in Tortuguero, where I cruised along the river, spotting various wildlife species along the way.