Perth's fringe festival pulls in the crowds

They like to do things big in Western Australia. 

One of the state's most popular festivals, Fringe World, has developed into the third-largest fringe festival in the world with a program of over 700 events held across more than 150 venues over summer. 

Many venues feature food trucks, outdoor bars and free entertainment.

Fringe World runs for a month - from January 17 to February 16 -  and is an annual multi-arts festival that attracts close to a million people to free and ticketed events. 

Locals and tourists can enjoy a line-up of comedy, circus, free and family entertainment, theatre, visual arts, musicals, dance and cabaret presented by local, national and international artists.

Highlights from the program include the international music success, The Choir of Man, and the award-winning art-house circus, Casting Off. 

Returning favourites include Feugo Carnal, local heroes YUCK Circus, and the chilling hit SÉANCE returns with another new experience, FLIGHT. 

The 2020 festival will also feature a new Fringe World Hub: Girls School, located in the historic 1930s Old Perth Girls School Building – offering a big program of shows, outdoor food vendors and a secret bar. 

For details see www.fringeworld.com.au

A new way to get to gourmet hot spot San Sebastian

The Spanish city of San Sebastian is a global gourmet hot spot - and British Airways is launching flights to the Basque city direct from London City Airport in summer 2020.

When the twice-weekly service starts in July, it will be the fifth Spanish route operated by the British flag carrier from the Docklands airport, which can be easier to access than Heathrow or Gatwick. 

Rachel Riley, head of commercial affairs for British Airways at London City said: "The launch of this new route from London City will prove very popular with our leisure customers looking for new places to explore. 

"It will be the first time San Sebastian is served from London City and we are excited to offer our customers another easy getaway leaving from the heart of London."

British Airways is making further changes to its schedule from London City next summer with additional flights to Berlin, Florence, Glasgow, Manchester and Nice, TravelMole reported.

There will, however, be some frequency reductions to Geneva, Ibiza and Rotterdam.

The airline is also launching a new summer-only service from Glasgow to Palma in Majorca, and adding an extra weekly flight from Stansted to Florence. 

Budget airline EasyJet, meanwhile, is adding over 400,000 seats to flights next summer from various London airports with destinations across Turkey and the Canary Islands seeing the largest increases. 

The extra seats are available on Turkish routes including to Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum and Izmir - where an extra 230,000 seats have been added.

EasyJet is the largest operator from London to Turkey's beach destinations. Return prices to Antalya start at £82 and £56 return to Bodrum next summer. Those fares appear ridiculously cheap for Australians and offer great side trips for any Australians visiting London.  

The addition flights follow easyJet's recent announcement of new summer routes to Enfidha in Tunisia and Tirana in Albania.

EasyJet UK country director Neil Slaven said: "Operating from London Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Southend means we already offer customers flying to and from London an extensive range of destinations conveniently served across the city.

"The addition of these extra seats on some of the most popular routes is great news for those booking their summer holidays."

New Moxy hotel for Queenstown

Moxy, the cutting edge experiential hotel brand of Marriott International, will open a 176-room, new-build, stand-alone hotel in the New Zealand resort of Queenstown in 2022. 

The new property will mark the debut of the Moxy Hotels brand in New Zealand.

I'm a fan, having stayed in the Moxy Merchant City in Glasgow, Scotland, just a couple of months ago.

 
 
The signing of Moxy Queenstown follows the signings of Moxy Melbourne South Yarra, Melbourne, in February, and Moxy Perth in July.  
 
“The signing of Moxy Queenstown and the recent growth of the Moxy Hotels brand in Australia and New Zealand is reflective of what travellers want today – an accommodation experience, rather than simply a hotel room," says 

. Experience is driving travel both in New Zealand and globally, and the idea of a hotel delivering a lifestyle, an experience, a story is increasingly sought after by visitors,” said Richard Crawford, Senior Director of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. 

"With different touches like a digital guestbook that displays guests' and locals' Instagram posts at the hotel in real time, check in at the bar over drinks and social spaces that feel like home for guests and locals to unwind, the Moxy brand is expected to be a launch pad for visitors to explore Queenstown, which is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's most exciting cities.” 
 
Moxy Queenstown will be located adjacent to Queenstown International Airport, near the banks of the Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve and at the gateway to the region's acclaimed ski fields, such as The Remarkables. 

It will open within Queenstown Central, a mixed-use development located on Grant Road, in the heart of Frankton.
 
It will include the Moxy Bar, where guests can check in with a fresh cocktail or revel into the night and the Moxy Kitchen & Pick-Ups, serving nosh for every taste and grab-and-go options throughout the day. 

The Moxy Library and the contrasting energetic Moxy Living Room promise spaces for guests to relax or socialise, while a state-of-the-art gym and self-service laundry space are also planned. 

Fast and free wifi will be available throughout the hotel's public areas, guestrooms and 150 square metres of meeting and event space.


Moxy Queenstown joins Moxy's global portfolio of 46 operating hotels throughout Europe, North America and Asia. 

Visit http://moxy-hotels.marriott.com/en 

A little slice of Scotland in Australia

The cultural legacy of Scots in Australia will be celebrated on January 25, 2020, when a unique Glenturret Burns Night Supper will be held at the Sydney Opera House as part of a year-long program of cultural and musical events planned for the Year of Scotland in Australia (YOSA 2020).

Heading straight to the airport from the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow, multi-award-winning Scottish band Breabach (below) will make the journey to Sydney for what will be their only Australian appearance in 2020.

Year of Scotland 2020 events are designed to inspire Australians to discover and celebrate Scottish culture at home, and to visit Scotland to experience ‘the real deal’ in future travels.

Having visited Glasgow just a couple of months ago as a guest of People Make Glasgow I am a confirmed fan. 

The Glenturret Burns Night Supper will re-imagine the traditional ‘Burns Night Supper’ by showcasing indigenous Australian culture alongside conventional Scottish customs. 

To be held in the Sydney Opera House’s Yallamundi Rooms, the Glenturret Burns Night Supper will be a four-hour feast that will feature an inventive menu created by Sydney Opera House chefs to honour Scottish traditions – such as haggis - whilst incorporating native Australian flavours. 

Menu items such as haggis served alongside kangaroo with a root vegetable ecrase and New South Wales pickled mushrooms, vanilla wattle seed mousse with Cutaway Creek raspberries and a honeycomb and oat crumble will be complemented by wine, beer and premium single malt whisky from Scotland’s oldest working distillery, The Glenturret.

Highlights from this night of revelry include rousing recitals of Burns’ poetry; uplifting toasts such as the Piping of the Haggis (where a piper accompanies the haggis around the room before it’s served); the Immortal Memory; the Toast to the Lassies; singing of Auld Lang Syne; and musical performances to honour the life and work of Scotland’s national bard.

A significant event for Scots both in their homeland and in Australia, Burns night suppers were first held in July 1802, when a group of friends of poet and lyricist Robert Burns got together to mark the fifth anniversary of his death with a festive feast. 

Produced and curated by Showcase Scotland Expo and Woodfordia Inc in partnership with Australia’s festivals and event organisers, YOSA 2020 is backed by VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, The Glenturret whisky, and Creative Scotland.

“The Year of Scotland in Australia is a phenomenal opportunity to further Scotland’s enduring relationship with Australia, with musicians from both sides of the globe sharing our dynamic traditional music scene," said Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop.

“My hope is that new working partnerships will be forged, creating demand for continued Scottish performances beyond 2020, and encouraging our friends Down Under to come to Scotland and experience all we have to offer.”

Tickets for the Burns Night Supper are on sale now: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/whats-on/experience/the-glenturret-burns-night-supper.html

To keep up to date with the fast-expanding year-long program of Scottish events in Australia visit www.yearofscotlandaustralia2020.com

Discover the hottest hotel trends for 2020 and beyond

Expect guests to demand more innovative hotel experiences and to see more women in leadership roles. 

These are just two of the trends that will shape luxury travel experiences in 2020, according to the global Accor group. 

As a new decade approaches, the hospitality industry will evolve to meet changing aspirations, needs and guest behaviours. With travellers becoming more concerned with sustainability, wellness, equality and mindfulness, luxury hotel operators will need to change their offerings.

Accor manages 4,900 hotels and residences across 110 countries and has shared five emerging travel trends for luxury hotels in the Asia Pacific region. 

A lot of the release contains industry gobbledygook of the worst order, so I've trimmed the release down to the basics. 

On-trend Sofitel Sentosa Resort and Spa 

Innovative Guest Experiences

No longer satisfied with cookie-cutter itineraries and typical tourist attractions, today's luxury travellers seek to create positive memories through unique and individualised engagements. Travelling becomes a part of their identity and an important step in understanding the world and themselves. These travellers expect more from their hotels than just beautiful accommodation and top-notch service.

Transformative Travel

Searching for immersive experiences that will transform more than just Instagram feeds, modern travellers crave empowering moments and meaningful, lasting changes in their lives. Typically in the form of community work, yoga retreats and wellness getaways, transformative travel helps to bring out the best in everyone.   

Mindful Purchasing

Hungry for more authentic local immersion, travellers often start with what they eat, which drives hotels to scrutinise the origin and procurement of their food products. Re-thinking the current supply chain addresses issues such as food wastage. 

Sustainable Menus

The latest menu trends, plant-based meat substitutes, are finding their way into many restaurants across Asia-Pacific. Going beyond reducing food waste and single-use plastics, the hotel industry is now looking to create sustainability from the very source. Livestock farming is known to have a vast environmental footprint.  It contributes to land and water degradation, biodiversity loss, acid rain, coral reef degeneration and deforestation among many other negative impacts.

Women in Leadership

The hospitality industry has evolved significantly in the past decade with an increasing number of women assuming leadership roles across the globe.  Accor has set concrete objectives to foster diversity and equality in the workplace, as well as equal pay.  Foreseeing that more women will take up leadership positions in the wider industry in 2020, Accor is paving the way to create change by committing to having at least 35% women general managers in its hotels by the end of 2020, with a longer-term goal of 50%.

For more information visit: www.accor.com

Changing of the wine guard in the Clare Valley

There has been a changing of the guard at pioneering Clare Valley winery Mitchells with the third generation of the family now taking the reins.

Father Andrew and son Angus Mitchell

The change coincides with the release of a new collection of cellar-door release wines – Kinsfolk by Mitchell Wines.

The release of the Kinsfolk range represents both the generational change and the family both past and present.

 While Andrew and Jane Mitchell will continue working within the business, they take on ambassadorial roles, as they make way for children Angus, Edwina and Hilary to make their mark.

Included in the Kinsfolk range is an off-dry 2017 Riesling (RRP $30), 2017 Gruner Veltliner ($30), 2017 Grenache ($40), and 2015 Shiraz ($40). 

These wines are small-batch releases that express single vineyard characteristics. 

“The new Kinsfolk range is produced with the same sustainable practices implemented throughout all our winemaking," says new GM Angus Mitchell.

"They are generous in flavour and harmoniously balanced; a range we sincerely hope our consumers will enjoy for years to come.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Angus Mitchell’s focus is to continue the sustainable farming approach that has been passed down from previous generations. 

He has vast vineyard and winery experience – having worked in the Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, the Clare and the Alsace region of France. 

“Kinsfolk has been a natural next step for us," he says. "Having three ranges is important for us to showcase what both Mitchell Wines and Clare Valley are capable of producing. 

"The Mitchell range is more traditional in style, the McNicol collection is an aged release, and Kinsfolk is more modern and adventurous. 

"We now feel that our portfolio is complete and demonstrates how wonderfully versatile wines from Clare Valley can be."

Kinsfolk Wines are available exclusively through the Mitchell Wines cellar door and online shop: www.mitchellwines.com/kinsfolk.

Record price paid for a set of Penfolds Grange

A set of Penfolds Grange from 1951 to 2015 has been sold for a world record $372,800 in the Langton's Rewards of Patience Auction. 

The auction closed at 7pm last night, and the complete set of 65 vintages was purchased by an Australian collector. The previous record was for a Penfolds Grange set from 1951 to 2014 which sold for $349,500.

“We’ve seen fewer and fewer of Penfolds Grange sets on the markets, and the collectors are certainly looking for them, so watch this space – I’m sure the demand will keep going up,” said Jeremy Parham, general manager of Langton’s.

“Every set is unique and has its own unique value depending on its condition and provenance. This was a super set that was in perfect condition, so I’m not surprised about the result.” 

Two rare bottles of the first-ever vintage of Penfolds Grange from 1951 sold for over $81,000 each, which is also a record. One bottle of the 1951 Penfolds has previously sold for $80,000.

“It’s rare to have one, let alone two bottles of this historic vintage in the auction, and for both bottles to fetch this price is absolutely sensational,” said Tamara Grischy, head of auctions at Langton’s.

 “It is believed there are less than 20 bottles in circulation, and the 1951 Penfolds Grange is coveted among collectors who want to have a complete set. This wine truly represents the beginning of modern Australian wine, as Penfolds Grange has put Australia on the world map of fine wine.” 

A Penfolds Grange from 1953 – which is a Penfolds cabernet – sold for over $31,000, which is another record. The previous time a 1953 Penfolds Cabernet was for sale in 2017 it sold for $17,475*, which means an increase of 60%.

“The Penfolds Grange Cabernets were made in addition to Penfolds Grange, which is made with Shiraz. Max Schubert only made two vintages using cabernet, in 1952 and 1953, so these bottles are very rare,” Grischy explained.

One of the more affordable bottles sold was $30 for a 1990 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Claret Cabernet Blend.

“This is an absolute bargain for a wine that is almost 30 years old, and it is drinking beautifully at the moment,” she said.

The wines in the Langton's Rewards of Patience Auction are sold on consignment, meaning on behalf of collectors.

“The Penfolds Grange set, one of the 1951 Penfolds Grange bottles and the 1953 Penfolds Grange Cabernet were sold on behalf of a collector in South Australia. He was understandably thrilled by the results,” Grischy said.

In total, over 1800 bottles of Penfolds went under the hammer in the on line auction and fetched over $1 million.

“The market demand for Penfolds remains strong and healthy,” Grischy said

“I think we love Penfolds because it’s such an Australian story, it’s the underdog story defined. Max Schubert was Penfolds first chief winemaker, who started making the Grange as an experiment. At the time, Australian winemakers were mainly making fortified wines.” 

“He believed in his conviction, and he kept making the Grange, although he was actually told to stop making it by his supervisors. He was a rebel, and the wine world can forever be grateful for his refusal to do what he was told,” she added.

Langton's Rewards of Patience Auction is in its 23^rd year and takes place every six months. The next auction will take place in June, 2020.

One of Australia's great gourmet festivals is back

One of Australia's most popular gourmet festivals - Tastes of Rutherglen - will return on March 6-8 (the 2010 Labor Day weekend), showcasing the best of the Rutherglen region’s award-winning wine and produce.

The Tastes of Rutherglen 2020 program is being promoted as the biggest and best on record with the Winemakers of Rutherglen revamping the annual food and wine festival to focus on event goers experiencing a taste of the Rutherglen region as a whole.

The rustic red carpet (nice work PR person) will be rolled out as 19 Rutherglen wineries welcome visitors to their tasting tables to sip and savour their way around the region. 

The line-up includes cellar door activities, special events, masterclasses and menus for the whole family to enjoy.

Highlights include: 

March 6: 
Bubbles, Burgers and Beers, Cofield Wines, 6-11pm

Picnic by The Lake, Lake Moodemere Estate, 6-10pm

March 7-8

Harvest yoga at Scion, 8:30am

Winemaker for an hour, Valhalla Wines, 11am and 3pm 

Unwind in the Vines, Buller Wines, 6-11pm 

Tastes of Rutherglen 2020 tickets are $20 per person, which includes access to all 19 wineries in the region. Designated drivers will receive complimentary festival entry as well as two free tea/coffee/soft drink vouchers, courtesy of the team at TAC Towards Zero.

The TAC Winery Shuttle Bus will cost $27 per day. 

The Winemakers of Rutherglen include: All Saints Estate, Lake Moodemere Estate, Anderson Winery, Morris Wines, Andrew Buller Wines, Mount Prior Vineyard, Buller Wines, Pfeiffer Wines, · Campbells Wines, Scion, Chambers Rosewood Winery, Stanton & Killeen Wines, Cofield Wines, St Leonards Vineyard, De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate, Valhalla Wines, John Gehrig Wines, Warrabilla Wines and  Jones Winery & Vineyard

For tickets see: www.ticketebo.com.au/winemakers-of-rutherglen/tastes-of-rutherglen-2020.html

A Tasmanian retreat to soothe the soul

One of my favourite gigs is helping to curate the wine list at Pumphouse Point, one of Tasmania’s most spectacular luxury getaways.

Tucked into the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, Pumphouse Point is a tranquil lakeside property comprising rooms on a flume stretching out onto the lake as well as shoreside rooms and a luxury waterfront chalet called “The Retreat”. 

I was lucky to find The Retreat vacant for my stay to work on the list and do some staff training - such bliss with an outdoor hot tub, personal pantry and wine cellar - as well as amazing views. 

Pumphouse Point is perfect for biking, hiking, fishing, boating and wildlife watching. 

Bikes are provided, along with some very thoughtful service: woolly socks in The Retreat and a delicious free gin punch for pre-dinner drinks. 
  

The Pumphouse itself was originally constructed to house hydro electric turbines, while The Retreat features locally crafted furniture and ceramics, fast wifi, along with that al fresco hot tub and gourmet treats. 

I may be biased but this is a simply gorgeous place to stay. 

Here are some of today’s pictures (beautiful even whether the weather is not kind - yes, that's snow on the mountains in December):

For details and bookings visit www.pumphousepoint.com.au/

Melbourne's Prosecco festival makes its return

Prosecco producers from Italy and Australia will combine when the Prosecco Festival returns for a third straight year in February, 2020. 

Prosecco-lovers will flock to Northcote Town Hall on February 29 to meet the growers, winemakers and importers, and taste some of the best prosecco available in Australia today, along  some Italian cuisine. 

There will be over 40 different proseccos from Italy and Australia to try, along with VIP tickets that will get you a 45-minute masterclass along with access to the VIP balcony and experiences.

Festival-goers can indulge in a taste of Italy from the likes of Tenuta 2 Castelli, Col Del

Lupo, Silvano Follador, Borgo Molino, Carpene Malvolti, Casa Canavel, Bottega,

Rigoni, Cester Camillo and Calneggia. 

Some of Australia’s finest examples, including Dal Zotto, Brown Brothers, Pizzini Wines, Box Grove Vineyard, Vinea Marson, Symphonia, Mitchelton, Cloak & Dagger, Sam Miranda Wines, See Saw Wines Tar and Roses and Trentham Estate will also be on taste.

Food offerings will include Neapolitan-style pizza from 400 Gradi, bite-sized arancini from Arancini Art, prosecco salami from The Meat Room, prosecco-infused gelato from Zero Gradi and prosecco-flavoured cannoli from Eat Cannoli – with plenty of gluten free and vegan options. 

There are two sessions: 11am-3pm and 4:30pm-8:30pm. General admission is $50 and VIP admission $100. 

See www.theproseccofestival.com.au

Are you ready for Australia's benchmark sweet wine on the rocks?

Dessert wine is usually enjoyed well chilled, but rarely served on the rocks. 

De Bortoli has marked the recent success of its benchmark 2016 vintage Noble One dessert wine with a suggestion that it be enjoyed poured over cubes of ice. 

“Noble One can also be enjoyed in many different ways and one of my favourites is serving it in a whiskey glass on the rocks,” says Leanne de Bortoli, a third-generation family member. 

The 2016 Noble One was named in the Decanter New World Top 10 Sweet Wines, the latest accolade in its 30-year history. 

The botrytis semillon has woe over 150 trophies and 465 gold medals and was the only botrytis semillon recognised by Decanter, the leading British wine publication.

De Bortoli Noble One is one of the sweetest success stories in Australian wine-making history. Developed by Darren de Bortoli in 1982, it continues to set the benchmark for botrytis wines.

“Noble One has been winning hearts and palates for three decades and this latest recognition continues to reinforce Noble One as Australia’s benchmark for sweet white wine,” Darren de Bortoli said.

Noble One is available in major retail outlets. De Bortoli Noble One 375ml - $36.00. De Bortoli Noble One 750ml - $79.00

The airline lounge with no booze

Everyone has heard of pub with no beer, but what about the airline lounge with no booze at all?

Air New Zealand frequently flyers and high flyers have been left thirsty this week after the  airline's Koru Lounge lost its license to serve liquor.

Passengers hoping for a glass of bubbles while waiting for their flights at Air New Zealand's facility were told the lounge's licence had expired.

Air New Zealand said in a statement that a processing delay was responsible - hardly a compelling excuse given a lounge's main function is to lubricate the wheels of travel. 

Auckland Council said Air New Zealand was sent a renewal letter on October 21, 2019, but did not respond on time and the licence subsequently expired.

The airline said it hoped to have the issue sorted "soon".

The Air New Zealand domestic lounge at Wellington Airport, meanwhile, closed on March 26 for "a comprehensive refurbishment" and is still shut. Two temporary facilities without toilets are in operation. 

Jellyfish make their Melbourne debut

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium will tomorrow open its doors to the fascinating world of jellyfish with the launch of its brand new exhibit, Ocean Invaders. 

Launching just in time for the summer school holidays, the $1.5 million experience immerses guests in the beauty of jellyfish over three zones filled with displays that encourage guest interaction.  

The Ocean Invaders Jelly Lab gives guests the opportunity to become a ‘jellyfish-ianado’ and discover an array of facts about the life cycle of a jellyfish and peek behind the scenes at the team of experts tending to the blooms of the graceful (and sometimes dangerous) sea creatures.

Children can also let their creativity flow by making their very own digital jellyfish, which comes alive to dance across the Interactive Wonder Wall.

“We are beyond excited (someone call a doctor!) to unveil Ocean Invaders, which is the result of over a year of planning and development. The sensory experience is spread over 300sqm and takes guests on a journey of discovery into these beautiful and amazing sea creatures,” said Sarah-Jane Tilbury, general manager at Sea LIfe Melbourne.

Ocean Invaders gives guests to chance to get up close with various species of these alien-like creatures including lion’s mane, blue blubber, Australian spotted, upside down, sea nettle and moon jellyfish.

“Jellyfish are fascinating creatures that have been living in our oceans for over 500 million years. We look forward to enlightening our guests about various species of this ancient animal and, in the near future, we hope to reveal additional species that have never been seen in Australia aquariums before,” said Paul Hale, Head of Curatorial (great job description!) at Sea Life Melbourne.

Ocean Invaders also educates guests about the causes behind the increasing population – or invasion – of certain species of jellyfish in our oceans and the actions people can take to limit these exponential and sometimes problematic population increases.

Ocean Invaders takes guests on a journey of exploration into one of the ocean’s most intriguing creatures. In addition to this exciting new exhibit, guests can also get up close with thousands of sea creatures including Leo the leopard shark, Thorpey and Moana the flatback sea turtles, Pinjarra the saltwater crocodile and the colony of King and Gentoo penguins.

Ocean Invaders opens at Sea Life Melbourne on Thursday, December 12, It is a permanent exhibit and is included in the admission price. 

To book tickets visit https://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/ocean-invaders/ 

The book every adventurous vegan will want for Christmas

As someone who loves a bacon sandwich and stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts I may not be the best choice to review a guide to vegan travel. 

But I'm also keen on a vegetarian curry and I'm the only reviewer we've got, so you'll have to bear with me. 

Lonely Planet has just released a very useful new guide book any self-respecting plant eater will want in their Christmas stocking: The Vegan Travel Handbook.

Melbourne has been named a Top 10 Vegan-Friendly City and Adelaide's Staazi & Co is a Top 10 Vegan Food Truck in the new publication. 

The book is a guide that is actually easy to navigate and useful - whether you fancy a cooking school in India or a street snack in Bangkok. 

The book feature's the Lonely Planet team's favourite vegan-friendly destinations, tours and experiences, and tips on where to go when, how to confidently order food in unfamiliar surroundings, and staying healthy on the road.

"Consider this book your primer for how to practice what you already do in your home town, on the global go," Lonely Planet says. 

"And just as your career or favourite colour hasn’t been dictated by your diet of choice, don’t limit your potential travel destinations by their per capita offerings of what you prefer to scoop on to your plate when back in the comfort of your own home. 

"You can be vegan anywhere, and a growing number of people worldwide certainly are. It’s just a matter of a little extra preparation and a flexible attitude. A sense of humour helps, too."

So whether you are a tofu fan, or simply fancy a break from meat and fish, there are plenty of destinations for you to choose from as well. 

The Top-10 vegan-friendly cities are: 

1. Berlin, Germany

2. London, UK

3. New York City, USA

4. Tel Aviv, Israel

5. Portland, Oregon, USA

6. Los Angeles, California, USA

7. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

8. Warsaw, Poland

9. Toronto, Canada

10. Melbourne, Australia

And the top 10 vegan food trucks:

1. GMonkey, Connecticut, USA

2. Gooddo, Udaipur, India

3. Totally Awesome Vegan Food Truck, Portland, Maine, USA

4. Club Mexicana, London, UK

5. Staazi & Co, Adelaide, Australia

6. The Cinnamon Snail, NYC, USA

7. Chez Veg’anne, Strasbourg, France

8. Soulgood, Dallas, Texas, USA

9. Rupert’s Street, London, UK

10. Shimmy Shack, Detroit, Michigan, USA

The Vegan Travel Handbook has 168 pages and retails for $29.99.