START THE ADVENTURE

WITH STA TRAVEL

ADVENTURESTART THE

THE STA TRAVEL STORY

It’s a well known fact that all great travel stories start with crippling jetlag. Here’s ours.

It was the summer of 1979, in an era where flares were fashionable and affordable adventures were scarce. Two Aussie backpackers had just returned from their travels (this is the jetlag bit) with a mission.

Inspired by the planet, they set out to bring affordable flights and authentic adventures to their fellow earthlings. That was over 35 years ago, and we’ve been spreading peace, love and adventure ever since!

Today we have over 250 stores around the globe and help over two million travellers a year to START THE ADVENTURE.

And now, it’s your turn.

A snapshot of the world and what you can do in it, this is the essential guide to booking your next big adventure. You’ll find inspiration about where to travel, our favourite tours and accommodation, expert advice on how to plan your trip and information about learning and volunteering abroad.

We hope you enjoy it!

Love, STA Travel PEFC/16-33-254

PEFC Certified

This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources

www.pefc.org

1. THE ORIGINAL ROUND THE WORLD EXPERTS Established by backpackers, we've been creating unique

Round the World adventures for awesome people since 1979.

2. WORLD'S LEADING STUDENT TRAVEL COMPANY Our discounted BlueTickets for full-time students and

under 30s offer the lowest and most flexible airfares on the planet.

3. BOOK NOW, PAY LATER We work with the world's leading airlines to negotiate

exclusive airfares. Secure yours today with a deposit and pay the rest later.

4. MAKING A STAND We believe in exploring, not exploiting. In partnership with

the Born Free Foundation, we enforce an industry-leading animal welfare policy across all our operations.

5. SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH CANCER WORLDWIDE

Each year, thousands of young people have their worlds turned upside down by cancer. We've partnered with teen cancer charities around the world to help.

6. CUSTOMER SAFETY MATTERS We are constantly assessing our operations, and only

work with reputable suppliers to ensure that standards of health and safety are met around the globe.

WITH USCOME TRAVEL

CONTENTS04

STA TRAVEL BLUETICKET

08CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

16MAKE A

DIFFERENCE

05TIPS FOR BOOKING

YOUR FLIGHTS

1 2MINI

ADVENTURES

18LEARN A

LANGUAGE

06GET A ROOM

1 4WAYS TO SEE THE WORLD

19WAYS TO SAVE

& FLEX

student & under 30Low airfares, exclusive for

full-time students, teachers and under 30s. Only

available at STA Travel.

1 2 -MONTH FAresUnique and flexible 12-month

return fares, ideal for when you’re planning to study or

work abroad.

FAMOUSLY F LEX I B LE Change your mind on the road and avoid airline date change fees by adding an exclusive

MultiFLEX pass to your ticket.

YOUR TR I P , YOUR WAY Unlimited stopovers,

unique one-way tickets and freedom to create your

own multi-stop routes.

BOOK NOW, PAY LATER* Guarantee your seat and the

lowest prices with a small deposit, paying the balance

before travelling.

FLY W ITH 60 + A I R L I NES Combine unlimited flights with

the world’s leading airlines, with no restrictive airline

alliances to ruin your route.

@

Invented by STA Travel in 1979, our legendary BlueTicketshave been flying students and young people around the worldon the cheapest and most flexible airfares for over 35 years.

*BlueTicket airfares are exclusive to STA Travel. Review availability and terms and conditions with your STA Travel agent.

Check with your STA Travel agent for the latest fares

WHY NOT SQUEEZE IN AN EXTRA DESTINATION ON YOUR TRIP WITH OUR STOPOVER PACKAGES WHICH INCLUDE ACCOMMODATION, AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND ACTIVITIES.

YOUR FLIGHTSTIPS FOR BOOKING

Flights are generally released 11 months in advance, so book as early as possible to get the best savings.

Fly in to and out of any city, and add on stopovers en route.

Choose a one-way, return or multi-destination ticket.

Ask your nearest STA Travel agent for different options and pricing or see below for some of our most popular routes.

Stay at the gorgeous Oasis Hostel and hit the cobblestones on the Lisbon Combo City Walking Tour, tasting your way around crumbling squares and hidden laneway bakeries. When the sun goes down, hit the bars of the Bairro Alto and wake up late for some people watching over a compulsory custard tart.

Surrounded by dormant volcanoes, islands and miles of sandy coastline, the youthful City of Sails is all about lifestyle. With a bed at the Base Hostel, you'll have easy access to highlights including the Sky Tower base jump, the restaurants along the waterfront and the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island, famous for its vineyards.

Blessed with year-long sun, Dubai is a popular stopover on Round the World adventures. On this two-day package you'll choose from city-centre or beachside accommodation and soak up the heat of the Arabian Peninsula on 4WD desert safaris, shopping excursions and optional dhow cruises on the water.

48 HOURS in lisbon48 HOURS in Auckland 48 HOURS in dubai

5

Dubai Doha

Rome

Stockholm

Mumbai

Nairobi

Paris

Melbourne

Fiji

Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Seoul

Shanghai

Beijing

Auckland

Lisbon

Rio de Janeiro

Bogotá

Sydney

London

Los Angeles

Vancouver

Toronto

New York

Dar es Salaam

KEY Overland Air

ROOMGET A

Figuring out where to stay on your trip can be a challenge. Let STA Travel help you.

6

GENERATOR COPENHAGEN

Lub D, BangkokGenerator, London

Our AccommodationWe have thousands of accommodation

options worldwide, from no-frills

hostels to five-star honeymoon

resorts. We also negotiate a range of

room types, so if you have something

to celebrate - an anniversary,

birthday or family occasion - upgrade!

Check out some of our top selling

properties here, or ask your

STA Travel agent for more options.

Base Auckland, Auckland

40 Berkeley Hostel, Boston

Condor’s House, Lima

Yes INN @ Fortress Hill, Hong Kong

Smugglers Cove, Fiji

Paradise Beach, Mykonos

Y Hotel Hyde Park, Sydney

The Mosser, San Francisco

LOW COST HOTELS: 1-2 HOTELSBUDGET PROPERTIES: HOSTELS

Wolcott Hotel, New York City Easystay Studio Apartments, MelbourneMarina Mandarin, Singapore

7

1. TOP SELLERS We’ve handpicked our favourite

accommodation from around the world. Ask your nearest STA Travel agent for more information about our top selling properties worldwide.

2. TRIPADVISOR

Find out what other travellers think before you book. We’ve teamed up with TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, to add their reviews and ratings to our accommodation.

3. WE KNOW BECAUSE WE GO We vet properties using

our own health and safety guidelines, so you can rest your head knowing you’re getting value for money and a great night’s sleep.

4. BONUS OFFERS We’ve secured great deals

and travel perks for our customers. Ask us about our bonus room upgrades, long stay specials, early bird offers and meal inclusions.

5. FREE WI-FI Free Wi-Fi

Ask your STA Travel agent to check which properties display the Free Wi-Fi symbol to ensure you always stay connected while you're away.

Why book with us?

Grandeur Al Barsha, Dubai

Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome

Cosmopolitan Hotel, Melbourne

Own Hotel, Buenos Aires

Venetian, Las Vegas

Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa, Phuket

Miramar by Windsor, Rio de Janeiro

Thompson Toronto, Toronto

Hyde Park Executive Apartments, London

Camps Bay Village Apartments, Cape Town

Oaks Goldsborough Apartments, Sydney

TREAT YOURSELF: 3-4 HOTELS GROUP OR FAMILY: APARTMENTSLUXURY: 5 HOTELS

We have group tours on every continent (yes, even Antarctica!). Check out some of our favourite tours on pages 9-11 or ask your STA Travel agent for more info.

choose your styleSMALL GROUP ADVENTURE (any age)

Small groups for authentic adventures, get under the radar with local guides and a mix of public and private transport.

SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE (18-39s)As above, but with an age limit (just in case that wasn’t clear).

EXCLUSIVELY FOR 18-35s

Bigger groups, more inclusions and high energy exploits for young travellers!

no single supplements You’ll be automatically paired with a same-sex roommate on the trip. But, if you’d prefer your own room, refer to the My Own Room prices.

lifetime deposits*If you need to cancel or postpone, your deposit is protected for use against a future trip.

100% guaranteed departures*Once you book, you’re going!*Check terms & conditions with your STA Travel agent.

FORGET COACHLOADS FULL OF BORED TOURISTS; OUR GROUP TRIPS ARE THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL. HERE’S WHY.

You’ll see more. Visit the highlights AND get under the tourist radar to the places only the locals and your trip leader know about.

Being in a group isn’t the same as following the crowd. In fact, it’s the opposite. You’ll be guided by locals, not guidebooks.

You’ll have freedom, flexibility and lots of free time. It’s still YOUR trip, so you decide what you get up to in your own time.

It’s all the best bits of travelling (guaranteed friends, adventures, not getting lost etc) only without the hassle and travel admin.

Share awesome experiences with a wide range of people around the world and make friends for life.

With transport, accommodation and some meals and activities included, travelling with a group is the best way to budget on the road.

ADVENTURECHOOSE YOUR

So, what really happens on tour?

9

LOS ANGELES TO SAN FRANCISCO EXPRESS

INCA DISCOVERY

8 DAYS, Los Angeles San Francisco

8 DAYS, Lima Cuzco

U S A

SanFrancisco

Los AngelesLake Havasu

Las Vegas

BishopYosemite N.P.

GrandCanyon N.P.

Joshua Tree N.P.

DeathValley N.P.

Lima

Ollantaytambo

P E R U

Cuzco

MachuPicchu

DAY

DAY

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

• Visit Joshua Tree N.P.• Swim in the Colorado River• Hit up the Vegas casinos

• Hike through Yosemite N.P.• Explore San Francisco• See the Grand Canyon

• Explore Cuzco’s Inca past• Travel through Sacred Valley• Visit a local weaving co-op

• View epic Andean landscapes• Conquer the Inca Trail• Explore Machu Picchu

highlights

highlights

San Francisco

Machu Picchu

01-04

Los Angeles / Joshua Tree National Park / Lake Havasu / Grand Canyon National Park / Las Vegas Arrive on Day 1 and enjoy some free time. Head down to Santa Monica to soak up the sunshine, or hit the shops for some LA goods. Next day, watch out for celebrities as you drive past a few popular sites on your way out of California’s most glamorous city. Hike through Joshua Tree National Park, then cool off in Lake Havasu. Day 3 sees your journey to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon where you’ll take hikes to admire all its best angles. Enjoy dinner on the rim at sunset before spending the night camping under the stars. Next morning, opt to take a helicopter flight over the canyon, then join the truckers on Route 66 as you head to the adventure playground of Vegas where you’ll experience a tour along the famous Strip. Opt to amp up the glamour with a fancy pants limo ride. (2B, L, 2D)

05-08

Death Valley National Park / Bishop (or Lake Isabella) / Yosemite National Park / San Francisco Day 5, it’s time to visit the legendary Death Valley, America’s hottest and driest spot. In summer, at the mountain town of Bishop, you can enjoy secluded hot springs surrounded by towering peaks and great star gazing opportunities (in spring/autumn, you might stay at Lake Isabella instead). Day 6, it’s off to the famous Yosemite National Park. As well as hikes to see the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan peaks, you can also enjoy an optional mountain biking excursion. On Day 7, travel to the harbour city of San Francisco and enjoy a guided tour of the city’s sights including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and the prison island of Alcatraz. Depart at any time on Day 8 or stick around to soak up the San Fran atmosphere. (2B, 3L, 2D)

01-03

Lima / Cuzco / Sacred Valley / OllantaytamboArrive into Lima and get out to explore the colourful neighbourhoods and charming colonial centre of this underrated city. Next day, fly to the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, situated 3,400m (11,200ft) above sea level, and acclimatise with a coca tea overlooking the beautiful architecture of the main square. Browse the markets in your free time or, if time allows, head out of town on a biking, riding or white water rafting trip. Next day, enjoy a full-day guided tour through the Sacred Valley and on to the Ollantaytambo ruins. Uncover hidden mysteries at one of many remaining Inca sites, enjoy lunch at a Parwa community restaurant, and visit a women’s weaving co-operative for some more shopping. (2B, L)

04-08

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu / CuzcoThis journey follows the footsteps of the once-powerful Inca. Walk past impressive views and complex Inca constructions that will keep your mind sufficiently boggled on the path to Machu Picchu. You’ll move from high plateaux to dense cloud forest, crossing over three high passes with the most challenging, known as Dead Woman’s Pass (let’s not dwell on the name), standing at a dizzying height of 4,200m. Your local porters will do all the heavy lifting so you’ll only have to carry a small daypack on your way. They’ll race ahead to set up camp, and will welcome you with coca tea and plenty of food to keep your strength up. Once you get to your final destination, explore the nooks and crannies of Machu Picchu and visit the Inca Bridge before catching the train back to Cuzco. At last, it’s time to put your feet up! End the tour the next day, and scour the square for a well-deserved massage. (5B, 3L 3D)

inclusions

inclusions

Trip Style: YOLO Service Level: Camping Physical Grading: 2 Accommodation: Hotels/hostels (3 nts), participation camping (4 nts) Transport: Air conditioned private touring van Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners Age Group: Exclusively for 18-39s Group Leader: 2 Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) dependent on group Group Size: Max 22, Avg 16 Tour Code: GANUAF

Trip Style: Active Service Level: Standard Physical Grading: 4 Age Group: Any age Accommodation: Hotels (4 nts), camping (3 nts) Transport: Plane, train, van Meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners Group Leader: Local representatives in Cuzco and Lima, specialist CEO on Inca Trail Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12 Tour Code: GAPID

SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES (18-39s)

SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES

10

EUROPEAN MAGIC

SERENGETI SAFARI TO ZANZIBAR

9 DAYS, London or Amsterdam Paris or London

11 DAYS, Nairobi Stone Town, Zanzibar

F R A N C E

G E R M A N Y

I T A L Y

Innsbruck

London

Paris

Rhine Valley

Amsterdam

Lucerne

Munich

Venice

T A N Z A N I A

K E N Y A

Nairobi

Zanzibar

Arusha

Serengeti N.P.

Mt. Kenya

NgorongoroConservation Area

DAY

DAY

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

• Explore quirky Amsterdam• Cross the Rhine Valley• Grab a stein in Munich

• Wind through Venice’s canals• See Lake Como and Lucerne• Enjoy a Paris by Night tour

• Bargain hunt in Nairobi• Head out on game drives• Spot the famous Big 5

• See the Ngorongoro Crater• Relax on stunning beaches• Explore a spice plantation

highlights

highlights

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Venice, Italy

Serengeti National Park

01London / Amsterdam After you ferry across the Channel via Belgium, you’ll arrive into the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. Tonight, venture out and see the city’s canals and gable houses illuminated on an optional canal cruise and top it off by experiencing the city’s outlandish nightlife. (D)

02-03Amsterdam / Rhine Valley / MunichExplore Amsterdam’s cobbled streets before weaving through the Rhine Valley, where you can enjoy optional wine tasting in a historic cellar. Next, head for Munich, home of Oktoberfest. (2B, D)

04-05Munich / Innsbruck / VeniceWind through the Bavarian Alps and stop in Innsbruck to see the famous Golden Roof. It’s then on to Venice, the Floating City, to explore its maze of canals and alleys. (2B, D)

06Venice / LucerneCatch a glimpse of Lake Como as you head over the border into Switzerland and continue on to lakeside stunner Lucerne. (B, D)

07-08Lucerne / ParisPass through the Burgundy wine region and head towards the City of Light before heading out on the Paris by Night city tour this evening. Spend Day 8 following your own nose (or map) around the city. (2B, D)

09Paris / LondonTake your morning transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (estimated arrival 10am) or take a complimentary transfer back to central London. (B)

01-03

Nairobi / Arusha / Mto wa Mbu VillageArrive in Nairobi on Day 1 and get settled in to your new surroundings. Leave Kenya’s capital early next morning and cross into Tanzania, where you’ll continue on to the country’s safari capital of Arusha. If time allows, spend some time exploring the markets. Day 3, tuck into a local lunch before heading to a nearby Maasai village to meet the local women engineers at a Planeterra-supported Clean Cookstove project. (2B, L, 2D)

04-07

Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Crater / ArushaSwitch to smaller 4x4 safari vehicles and head into the Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most celebrated nature experiences, and buckle in for your first game drive. The Serengeti is famed all over the world for its vast array of animals, with big cats and the Big 5 in ample supply! Opt for a morning hot-air balloon ride for that extra wow factor and a bird’s-eye view of the area. Day 6, enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti before arriving at the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best places in Africa for game viewing. Get a five-star view from the crater rim and venture down to the grassland for a closer look at grazing animals such as zebra, elephant, buffalo, hippos and warthogs. On Day 7, return to Arusha. (4B, 4L, 4D)

08-11

Stone Town / Nungwi Catch a flight over to Zanzibar, explore the maze of streets in historic Stone Town and get a guided tour of a spice plantation. Head northeast to Nungwi, and veg out on the area’s beautiful white beaches. Snorkel, scuba or just soak up the sun. Spend your last night back in Stone Town, then depart after breakfast on Day 11. (4B)

inclusions

inclusions

Trip Style: Discovery Plus Age Group: Exclusively for 18-35s Accommodation: Hotels (8 nts) Transport: Air con coach with power points for charging, ferry crossings Meals: 8 breakfasts, 5 dinners Group Leader: Trip Manager & Driver Group Size: Max 53 Notes: Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges included Tour Code: COBBHH/COWWHH

Trip Style: YOLO Age Group: Exclusively for 18-39s Accommodation: Participation camping (6 nts), simple hotels (4 nts) Transport: Overland truck, 4x4, plane, minivan, shuttle Meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners Group Leader: 2 Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) as head guide/cook and driver, certified safari guides/drivers, local guide Group Size: Max 22, Avg 18 Tour Code: GADKNZ

Exclusively for 18-35s

Small group adventures (18-39s)

youtube.com/statravel

11

THAI ISLAND HOPPER WEST

BEACHES & REEFS

9 DAYS, Phuket Phuket

14 DAYS, Sydney Cairns

T H A I L A N D

Phuket

Krabi

Koh Phi Phi

Tully

Airlie BeachShute HarbourMackay

Capricorn Coast

Sydney

Cairns

Fraser Island

CurrumbinSurfers Paradise

Townsville

Port Macquarie

Cattle Station

Co�s HarbourByron Bay

Noosa

Whitsundays(Daydream Island)

Blue Mountains

BrisbaneA U S T R A L I A

DAY

DAY

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

• Explore busy night markets• Watch a sunset on Phi Phi• Check out Patong’s parties

• Tuck into tasty food• Admire Ao Nang’s views• Tiger Cave Temple (optional)

• See the sunrise over Sydney• Learn to surf like a pro• Spot dolphins at Byron Bay

• Party on down Aussie-style• 4WD around Fraser Island• Have a go whip-cracking (!)

highlights

highlights

01-03

PhuketArrive at beach-fringed Phuket and get settled in to your hotel before heading out to explore. Head out for some tasty Thai food together and explore Patong’s pulsing nightlife. Take your pick of the beaches over the next few days. If you’re looking for action, shopping and wild partying, head for Patong. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and watersports, head to Karon or Kata Beaches. More bags than beach? Hit the island’s shops. On Day 3 opt for a day tour to popular Khao Phing Kan, otherwise known as James Bond Island and featured in ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, or enjoy an optional evening at Simon’s Cabaret. (2B)

04-06

Phuket / Koh Phi PhiChat with the locals as you board a ferry and travel to picturesque Phi Phi Island, setting for the movie ‘The Beach’. You’ll take a stroll around the island to get your bearings, ending with an unbeatable sunset from a hill top. Later, take in the beachside bars and atmosphere of Koh Phi Phi by night. Day 6, head out on a day cruise for the chance to go snorkelling over coral reefs. (3B, D)

07-09

Koh Phi Phi / KrabiToday you’ll sail to one of the most popular beaches on Krabi - Ao Nang. Set among the limestone karsts, Krabi is home to unspoilt islands and beautiful beaches. Tonight, enjoy an included meal at a beachside restaurant, then party by night in popular Bar Street. Day 8 is yours to laze about on the sand, take a boat trip out to isolated Rai Leh or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try climbing the 1,237 steps to Tiger Cave Temple. End the tour back in Phuket next day. (3B, D)

01-06

Sydney / Blue Mountains Coffs Harbour / Byron Bay / Surfers ParadiseMeet your group and head out of the city to explore the Blue Mountains. Hike along the ridge overlooking Wentworth Falls and check out the Three Sisters rocks. Head back to Sydney and rustle up your own BBQ steak dinner, Aussie style. Day 2, hit some of the city’s best sights before heading out for a night on the town. Next day, head to Coffs Harbour Surf Camp, where you’ll get to ‘hang ten’ with a surfing lesson before moving on to the chilled seaside town of Byron Bay. Move north to Surfers Paradise via the wildlife-heavy Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, then party hard with an included nightclub entry on Day 6. (5B, 2D)

07-11

Brisbane / Noosa / Fraser Island / Farmstay / The WhitsundaysBrisbane is calling on Day 7. See the Royal Botanical Gardens, visit Queen Street Mall, then head to Noosa. Next day, venture out in a 4WD to discover the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island. Stroll along the beach, drive through rainforests and sand dunes, and take a dip in Lake McKenzie. Day 9, it’s on to cattle country for a farmstay Aussie experience, with crack whipping! Spend the next two days in the Whitsundays, with a base either on Airlie Beach or, for a bit more cash, on a luxe yacht (extra lunch/dinner included). (5B, L, 3D)

12-14CairnsReturn to the mainland and on to the lively town of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, famous for its rainforests and as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Your trip ends the morning of Day 14. (3B, D)

inclusions

inclusionsTrip Style: Easy Pace Age Group: Exclusively for 18-35s Accommodation: 3* hotels/resorts (8 nts) Transport: Ferry Meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 dinners Group Leader: Trip Manager Group Size: Max 30 Tour Code: COTIPH

Trip Style: Discovery Plus Age Group: Exclusively for 18-35s Accommodation: Hotels and resorts (10 nts, or 7 nts on sailing option), hostel (1 nt), surf school village (1 nt), cattle station lodge (1 nt) Transport: Modern air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging Meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners (sailing option includes 1 extra lunch and 1 extra dinner) Group Leader: Trip Manager and Driver Group Size: Max 50 Tour Code: COBRSC

Exclusively for 18-35s

Exclusively for 18-35s

Byron Bay, New South Wales

youtube.com/statravel

SEYCHELLES

USA

CANADA

CANADA

NEW ZEALAND

FIJI

SOUTH AFRICA

TANZANIA

ZIMBABWE

ITALY

GERMANY

FRANCE

GREECEPORTUGAL SPAIN

KENYA

INDIA

CHINA

NEPAL

LAOS

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

MALAYSIA

JAPAN

AUSTRALIA

ARGENTINA

ECUADOR

BRAZIL

CUBA

COSTA RICA

GUATEMALA

COLOMBIAGALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

MEXICO

PERU

BORNEO

PHILIPPINES

SOUTHKOREA

12

ADVENTURESMINI

Run by locals, these insider mini adventures can be booked on their own or as part of a longer tour.

AUSTRALIA NORTH AMERICANEW YORK CITY, USA: HELICOPTER TOURExperience the thrill of a helicopter ride and enjoy spectacular bird’s-eye views of New York’s concrete jungle. You’ll fly over Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.

ADVENTURESOUR TOP LIMA, PERU: Discovery

Tour

KEY WEST, FLORIDA: Day Trip

LONDON, ENGLAND: Hop-on Hop-off & Madame

Tussauds

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: BRIDGECLIMBClimb 131m above sea level where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Sydney’s skyline and harbour from the summit of this iconic landmark. Dawn, day, dusk or dark; the view is always different!

LAS VEGAS, USA: ROCKSTAR PUBCRAWLParty like a rockstar and cruise around the Las Vegas Strip in style, visiting three of the hottest nightclubs throughout the night. Your luxurious limo party bus comes with a complimentary bar and bartender.

SEYCHELLES

USA

CANADA

CANADA

NEW ZEALAND

FIJI

SOUTH AFRICA

TANZANIA

ZIMBABWE

ITALY

GERMANY

FRANCE

GREECEPORTUGAL SPAIN

KENYA

INDIA

CHINA

NEPAL

LAOS

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

MALAYSIA

JAPAN

AUSTRALIA

ARGENTINA

ECUADOR

BRAZIL

CUBA

COSTA RICA

GUATEMALA

COLOMBIAGALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

MEXICO

PERU

BORNEO

PHILIPPINES

SOUTHKOREA

13

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Desert

Safari

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA: Street Food Tour

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND: AJ Hackett Bridge

Bungy

LATIN AMERICA EUROPEBUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA: TANGO SHOW WITH DINNERLocated in the San Telmo neighbourhood, hunker down with the locals to enjoy the passion, aggression and flare of Tango with some of the city’s best traditional food and wine.

REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND: NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPLORERSee the vivid colours of the Northern Lights dance across the sub-Arctic sky on this three-hour tour. Depart from Reykjavík in your comfy Super Jeep then on a guided chase in search of Aurora Borealis.

PARIS, FRANCE: HALF DAY BIKE TOURChannel your inner Parisian on this fab three-and-a-half-hour bike tour through the City of Love. Cycle along the River Seine and see the sights of the Latin Quarter, the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Wine Tour

14

Dive into Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand and experience local culture and sights not found on the tourist trail. You’ll travel with expert guides and like-minded travellers on a mix of trains, ferries and buses, and choose your accommodation as you travel, from hostels to authentic homestays.

Travel between Paris, Disneyland Paris, London, Lille, Lyon, Amsterdam and Belgium in the comfort of a Eurostar train. Turn up at your chosen station 45 minutes before departure, clear passport control then hop aboard. The journey between London and Paris takes just two-and-a-half hours!

Make your way around the continent on our hop-on hop-off bus network, covering 14 countries. Choose between 1-4 travel loops, one-way itineraries with fixed start and end points or create a unique itinerary with six or more individual routes. Buses depart every other day, with hostel pick-ups and support throughout.

Our rail pass lets you explore 46 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Wyoming and South Dakota) in the USA for up to six weeks. Decide where you want to go then choose from a vast selection of routes to get you there. Why we love it: From date of purchase, you’ll be able to travel for up to 180 days before your pass expires.

Run for travellers, by travellers, Kiwi Experience’s big green buses run from the top to the bottom of New Zealand (and almost everywhere in between). All passes promise fantastic driver-guides and easy access to activities. Plus, you’ve got 12 months to start your trip from date of purchase (and another 12 to finish!).

Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia; this pass lets you to see this spicy country at your own pace over a month’s period. And the best thing? This flexible eVoucher includes the cost of seat reservations, which can be made at any station. So whether it’s Barcelona or Seville you’re wanting to explore; we’ve got you covered.

The original pioneers of flexible travel, our hop-on hop-off bus passes are legendary. Travel at your own pace, get the best accommodation and sightseeing advice from driver-guides and make great friends on the road. We have hop-on hop-off passes in six continents. Check out some of our favourite passes below or ask us for more details.

Forget the stress of three-hour check-ins, airport security queues and tiny baggage allowances. Welcome to rail travel! With breathtaking landscapes outside your window, our rail tickets are a fuss-free way to see Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia and the United States (to name a few). Point-to-point tickets, flexible passes or grand rail adventures - the choice is yours!

SEE THE WORLDWAYS TO

Itchy feet? Whichever way you choose to travel, STA Travel can help you every step of the way.

SOUTH EAST ASIA: STRAY

EUROPE: EUROSTAR

EUROPE: BUSABOUT

USA: AMTRAK

NEW ZEALAND: KIWI EXPERIENCE

SPAIN: EURAIL

RAIL

HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS PASSES

15

With the freedom to explore what you want, when you want, a self-drive holiday is a great way to experience a destination. Here at STA Travel, we offer fully inclusive prepaid car hire as well as advice any locally payable extras upfront. We only work with the best global and local car hire operators so you’ll receive the highest levels of service, and you can rest assured that your car hire experience will be as stress-free as possible.

DRIVING LICENCEA full valid driver’s licence, with photograph, is required from your home country. You may also need an international licence.

AGE RESTRICTIONSThis can vary from between car hire companies and locations, but generally the minimum age is 21 years old. Please check the terms and conditions before you book.

TYPES OF VEHICLESWe have cars for every type of traveller, from budget-conscious coupes, full-sized sedans and 4WD vehicles. Ask your STA Travel agent for the best car to suit your travel needs.

Explore the Sydney streets before picking up your campervan. Head west into the beautiful Blue Mountains and hit Hunter Valley for some world-class wine tasting. Back on the coast, visit Port Stephens, the Spot X surf camp and laid-back Byron Bay.

Rent a campervan and see Australia, New Zealand or the USA in a completely different way. There’s no set itinerary, so you’re free to create your own adventure on the road.

FREEDOM & FLEXIBILITYGo where you want, stop when you choose, spend more time at places you like and drive right past ones you don’t.

WAKE UP TO A NEW VIEW EACH DAY No more stressing about last-minute hostel bookings. Like the view? Park up, sit back and crack open a cold one.

SAVE MONEYYour campervan is your transport, accommodation and kitchen all in one, leaving you more money for all the fun stuff along the way.

A U S T R A L I A

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Sydney

Byron Bay

Spot X Surf CampPort Macquarie

Port Stephens

Newcastle

Hunter Valley

Blue Mountains

Perfect for the budget-conscious Unlimited kilometres included Standard protection insurance

(with excess) in Australia and New Zealand

24/7 call centre support and on-road assistance

Free maps, guides and discounted offers

Free campgrounds guide

SUGGESTED ITINERARYSYDNEY & SURF Sydney Brisbane (1275kms/790 miles)

CAR HIRE

CAMPERVANS

WHY TRAVEL BY CAMPERVAN

16

DIFFERENCEMAKE A

T H A I L A N D

C A M B O D I A

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Set in a remote hilltribe village, this grassroots project is for true elephant enthusiasts seeking a rural and rustic homestay experience. Assist mahouts (elephant carers) with the rehabilitation of elephants rescued from working tourist camps. In your free time, discover the culture of the local Karen hilltribes, help teach English and trek through northern Thailand’s lush mountain forests, full of diverse flora and fauna.

• Work with rescued elephants • Live with and teach English to Karen locals• Explore jungles and spot an array of fauna

highlights

N E P A L

Goa

New Delhi

I N D I A

Here at STA Travel, we offer a range of volunteering projects worldwide to allow you to give back to local communities in need.

Want to be part of a project that makes a lasting impact? Due to the underfunding and mismanagement of Goa’s public services, its rural regions are rife with poverty and illiteracy. Get stuck into this programme and improve the future prospects of women and children from local fishing communities. You’ll do this by supporting them in learning crucial skills like English and maths, as well as deepening their understanding of health and nutrition.

• Teach English and maths in schools • Care for communities in slum areas• Located close to long stretches of beach

highlights

VOLUNTEER WITH ELEPHANTS IN NORTHERN THAILAND

GOA BEACH & VOLUNTEER

Huay Pakoot (Chiang Mai Province), Thailand

Goa, India

17

Based at a purpose-built volunteer centre on a 25,000-hectare Big 5 reserve (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) in the Eastern Cape, it’s little wonder that Shamwari was nominated in the World Travel Awards category for Africa’s Leading Conservation Company. Assist in efforts such as animal tracking and research, reserve rehabilitation and eco-education. You’ll also enjoy interactive talks and lectures with the best in behind-the-scenes wildlife experiences. You’ll also be able to enjoy weekly visits to the Born Free Foundation’s Big Cat Sanctuary.

• See the Big 5 in action• Live on Shamwari Game Reserve• Help anti-poaching efforts• Enjoy great facilities, including a pool• Top-class surfing on your doorstep• Champion wildlife conservation

highlights

S O U T H A F R I C A

N A M I B I A

B O T S W A N A

S O U T H A F R I C A

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Port Elizabeth

Paterson

B R A Z I L

B O L I V I A

A R G E N T I N A

Rio de Janeiro

SHAMWARI CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE

VOLUNTEER BRAZIL

Welgedacht Game Reserve (near Pretoria), South Africa

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This inspiring project is based in one of the poorest neighbourhoods of Rocinha, the largest favela in Latin America. Run by the local nonprofit organisation of Union of Women for the Betterment of Roupa Suja, you’ll work at a community-run day care centre that provides tutoring and healthcare to 100+ children. Teach them to read and write, help develop maths and computer skills and organise fun art and music sessions. Slot in some learning time for yourself with Portuguese lessons and head to Rio’s famous sun-kissed beaches at weekends.

• Work with Rio’s favela children• Learn Portuguese • Weekends free to explore Rio• Stay in vibrant Copacabana• Get creative in art and music classes• Experience daily life in a favela

highlights

DID YO

U KNO

W? SOUTH AFRICA’S LITTLE 5 INCLUDE THE ANT LION, RHINO BEETLE & LEOPARD TORTOISE.

DID YO

U KNO

W? RIO IS HOME TO FLORESTA DA TIJUCA, THE BIGGEST URBAN FOREST IN THE WORLD.

18

LANGUAGELEARN A

Reasons to learn a language: New skills, new friends and new travel stories. Plus, it looks great on a CV.

ACCOMMODATION We offer a fantastic variety of accommodation options, all dependent on how you want to spend your time. Choose from self-catered or shared apartments and family homestays.

COURSES If you’re keen to brush up on your language skills in a short space of time, jump on one of our intensive courses. Alternatively, choose a standard course to learn at a more leisurely pace.

1 .

Getting to basic grips with a

language will take at least two weeks of intensive study

and practice; becoming fluent will

take longer.

2.

Ensure you grab every social

opportunity to practice speaking

and reading – restaurants,

museums, the local bar…

3.

Live with a local family where

possible to fully immerse yourself in the language. There’s no better way to improve

your skills.

4.

Practise a little each day, rather than a long spell once or twice a week. You will

retain a lot more information over time.

5.

Extend your stay and add on a local

course such as tango lessons. The social interaction will improve your speech. And also,

it’s fun!ADV ICEOUR

Madrid is packed with fantastic art galleries, amazing restaurants and funky tapas bars. So there’s your lunch hour taken care of! But the streets truly come alive after sundown, with live music and heaving bars lining the streets. So if you want to study by day and party by night, Madrid is your place.

Home to age-old history, royal palaces, open-air Shakespeare plays and more pubs than you’ll know what to do with, you’ll be hard pressed to find a greater place to learn the English language than London. Spend your days grasping the basics then head out to one of the city’s boroughs to practise your skills.

Learn Mandarin in one of the two most fascinating cities in China. Beijing has ultra-modern skyscrapers, bags of history, the Olympic Village, a lively cultural scene and that big ol’ wall. Shanghai, on the other hand, is China’s trendiest and most fashion forward city and a world leader in the latest technology.

LEARN SPANISH IN MADRID

LEARN ENGLISH IN LONDON

LEARN MANDARIN IN BEIJING OR SHANGHAI

Start date: Selected Mondays (arrive Sunday) Duration: 1-48 weeks Location: Madrid, Spain Accommodation: Homestay or shared apartment Meals: Half board or self-catering Min Age: 17 Class Size: 6-9 students

Start date: Mondays (arrive Sunday) Duration: 1-48 weeks Location: London, UK Accommodation: Homestay or shared apartment Meals: Half board Min Age: 16 Class Size: 8-10 students

Start Date: Selected Mondays (arrive Sunday) Duration: 2-52 weeks Location: Shanghai or Beijing, China Accommodation: Homestay Meals: Half board Min Age: 18 Class Size: 6-12 students

Learn Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Turkish and more in over 260 schools worldwide.

19

TO SAVEWAYS

As travellers, we’re experts at squeezing big adventures out of backpacker budgets. Here’s how...

We love the random surprises that travelling brings, but fashioning a makeshift hammock from two metres of travel washing line just isn’t one of them! Pay in advance for beds, booking them in as you go.

BusFLEX

With the exception of Antarctica (for hopefully obvious reasons), we have hop-on hop-off buses on every continent. Buy your BusFLEX pass at home, travel at your own pace and make unlimited changes on the road.

1. discount cards Are you a full-time student, a teacher or under 31? Pick up an ISIC, IYTC or ITIC card for exclusive STA Travel prices, thousands of discounts at home and abroad, and a card with your lovely little face on it!

2. Book early When it comes to real adventure, the ‘last minute’ holiday thing is unfortunately a bit of a myth. Generally, the earlier you book the less you’ll pay, with better availability on flights and early bird tour and accommodation discounts.

3. PUT DOWN A DEPOSIT Don’t watch in despair as the flights you’ve been internet stalking go up in price! With our deposit scheme, you can secure flights for a small deposit.

4. Multi-trip Offers Book multiple trips with the same tour operator and you could be up for a discount. A sign from the adventure gods to travel more? Probably.

5. Loyalty Discounts Serial adventurer or lapsed travel addict? Your commitment to the cause will be rewarded with repeat traveller discounts from many of our tour operators.

6. Sleep More If you stay for longer at many of our favourite hotels and hostels, we’ll often throw in a free night or two.

let’s talk about flex!Our FLEX range allows you to budget better, by paying upfront for beds, tours and transport... but confirming the actual dates of your travels when you get there.

TourFLEX

From day trips to overland tours, TourFLEX is all the good stuff that you were too afraid to book before (just in case your trip got hijacked by a really fun group of people and you missed the tour departure date).

CamperFLEX

This is the FLEX mothership! Save up to 40% on regular campervan hire with our exclusive 30, 40 and 50-day CamperFLEX passes, and pick up a Mighty Campervan when you need it on the road in Australia and New Zealand.

RailFLEX

Reasons why we love rail passes. 1) They save you lots of money. 2) You have the freedom to travel whenever you want. 3) Trains are sexy. There, we said it.

,

Start the adventure

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL STA TRAVEL AGENT TO GET YOUR TRIP STARTED www.statravel.com/worldwide.htm

T R AV E L A G E N T L O C AT I O N SArgentinaAustraliaAustria

AzerbaijanBahrainBelgiumBrazilBruneiChina

Colombia Croatia

DenmarkEgyptFranceGeorgia

GermanyGhana

HungaryIndia

IndonesiaIranIraq

IsraelItalyJapanJordanKenyaKuwait

LebanonMalaysia

MaltaMauritius

NepalNetherlandsNew Zealand

NigeriaNorwayPakistan

PeruPortugal

QatarRussiaRwanda

SingaporeSlovakia

SloveniaSouth KoreaSouth Sudan

Sri LankaSwedenTaiwan

TanzaniaThailand

UAEUganda

United KingdomUSA

VietnamZambia

Zimbabwe

LOVE YOUR LIFE. START OVER. START NOW.