Swiss long-haul travel specialist for over 60 yearsTo stay is to exist. To travel is to live.
Céline Zanoli
About me
The world of travel has always fascinated me, so my career path was clear from the start. After training as a tourism specialist at the School of Tourism in Sierre, I learnt the trade with a tour operator specialising in Spain, Corsica and Sardinia.
I have been with voyageplan since 2006 and love long-haul destinations – my heart beats especially for Australia, where I have travelled several times. For me, travel is an endless source of inspiration.
Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, the Fiji Islands, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, Zambia, Mozambique, Québec (winter holidays) and Mauritius.
Photos and videos by Céline Zanoli
My best travel experience
Walking safari in South Luangwa National Park
The real Africa... Today’s mission: to reach the mobile camp on foot. I take only the essentials: sun cream, a cap, binoculars, my camera and – most important of all – a water bottle. The rest of the luggage goes by vehicle. Along the way, I watch elephants, hippos and buffalo at remarkably close range. Whenever we get nearer to these mammals, I quickly stop talking – almost stop breathing. We take great care not to intrude on their ‘living space’. After 4 hours 30 minutes on foot, many stops to examine the tiniest animal tracks and a coffee break, we reach the camp. To my great surprise, we spot a leopard – a spectacular moment. We are back at camp before sunset, enjoying the view with a gin and tonic, the safari drink par excellence.
My favourite place
Wilsons Promontory National Park
This national park is one of the most popular in the country, combining hiking with time on the beach. You only pay an entrance fee if you stay overnight in the park – which we don’t, as campsites are allocated by ballot during the school holidays. From the park entrance it is 30 km to Tidal River, home to the campsite, a small supermarket, a Visitor Centre and a café-restaurant. Various walking trails start from here. We opt for the Squeaky Beach Nature Walk – a fairly easy walk of five kilometres. The trail leads to a glorious white sandy beach. With a short detour to Tidal Overlook, we admire the magnificent panorama over Tidal River and Squeaky Beach.
My favourite accommodation
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is in French Polynesia, in the Society Islands archipelago. The hotel lies on the largest white sandy beach in Bora Bora and has its own small island, Motu Tapu. In October and November you can watch whales here. The spa sits at the top of the small hill and offers spectacular views all the way to the horizon. If you like, you can enjoy an open-air massage while taking in the view. Breakfast is simply unforgettable: the incredible choice ranges from an Asian buffet and the famous eggs Benedict to an endless variety of sweet treats!
Specialist tips from Céline Zanoli
Australia’s South West
Discover the highlights of the South West around Perth on a clockwise loop: the rock formation known as ‘Wave Rock’, Esperance, where kangaroos sunbathe on the beach, Pemberton with its fire lookout tree that you can climb, the Margaret River wine region, or a bike ride on Rottnest Island or through Fremantle with its colonial history.
Eggs Benedict at One&Only Cape Town
‘Enjoy the fantastic choice at the delicious breakfast buffet at the One & Only in Cape Town and order the famous ‘eggs Benedict’.’
Auckland on the North Island
Auckland, the starting point for almost every trip to New Zealand, has something for everyone with its harbour and the Sky Tower. Beaches and walking trails are close by, and the glorious Bay of Islands is one of the most beautiful island landscapes I have ever seen.
Island tour
‘A tour around the island of Taha'a brings you some very special experiences: you will see how delicious vanilla is produced and how beautiful pearls are processed on a pearl farm.’
Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef (Queensland islands) and the rainforest
On Australia’s east coast, the famous Great Barrier Reef meets the rainforest – a unique experience. Whether from Cairns or from one of the many islands, snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef is always an intense moment for me!
Pure nature in Australia’s South West
The Karri Valley Resort in Pemberton enjoys a wonderfully peaceful setting on a lake, surrounded by giant karri trees. Only birdsong breaks the silence. In the surrounding area you can take lovely excursions to limestone caves, wineries, sand dunes and much more.
All tips
For every stage of life: motorhome holidays
A ‘home on wheels’ is the perfect way to explore a destination. Whether as a couple, with your family or with friends – travelling by motorhome is adventurous, comfortable and extremely practical.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Bora Bora, with its world-famous lagoon and coral reef, is the highlight of any South Pacific trip. The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, with a stay in an overwater bungalow, is a true insider tip.
A cruise to leave everyday life behind
Leave your everyday worries behind and relax. Enjoy the comforts of a cruise while reaching the world’s most beautiful destinations in complete ease. Every morning you wake up somewhere new, with fresh adventures awaiting you.
Relaxation in the South Pacific
A cruise aboard the Paul Gauguin from Tahiti to the Tuamotu Islands and the Marquesas is paradise for anyone seeking peace and relaxation and wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a while.
Taking to the skies on a fly-in safari
On a fly-in safari, the journey itself is part of the destination. Admiring the endless expanse of the African continent from the air is unique and deeply impressive – and it saves time too.
Motorhome holidays in South Africa’s most beautiful regions
24 hours outdoors, 24 hours of nature: travelling without fuss, camping in unspoilt spots, cooking over an open fire in the evening and listening to the sounds of the bush – camping in Southern Africa brings you wonderfully close to nature. Every motorhome fan’s heart beats faster here!
Language holidays – wherever you like!
A language stay is usually much more than just learning a language. You meet people from all over the world, immerse yourself in a new culture and collect wonderful memories.
By motorhome through Western Australia
My motorhome holiday in Western Australia is one of my finest travel memories: the vastness of the land, few people, dream beaches, spacious campsites and much more.
Cruises on the Great Barrier Reef
Discover the Great Barrier Reef on a diving and snorkelling cruise lasting several days. These multi-day trips take you to sections of the reef that have not yet been overrun and damaged by tourists. A choice of cabin categories, delicious food and an attentive crew guarantee a perfect holiday.
Family motorhome holidays in Australia
Travelling through Australia by motorhome with my family was one of the best trips we have ever taken. Australia is a fascinating continent full of stories.
Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia
It is less well known, far more remote and considerably smaller than the Great Barrier Reef. Yet Ningaloo Reef on Australia’s west coast is usually deserted, completely intact and home to manta rays and whale sharks. I have rarely seen such a wealth of species!
Australia’s west coast
The Coral Coast, some 800 kilometres north of Perth, is an absolute dream. I was particularly impressed by an excursion with an Aboriginal guide to the World Heritage Area of Shark Bay. There is no better insight into the life and culture of Aboriginal Australians.
