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1 week ago | 
theaureview.com | Chris Stead
Any concerns that the world’s longest-running musical was losing its edge are put to bed in a stunning Sydney gala performance of Les Misérables. Even if musicals aren’t your thing, you’ll know of Les Misérables: it’s been a pop culture icon for as long as most of us can remember. But for Australia’s insatiable theatre fans, the return of the world’s longest-running musical to celebrate its 40th year is one of 2025’s landmark tours.
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2 weeks ago | 
nzherald.co.nz | Chris Stead
From toddlers to teens, these Gold Coast resorts offer a little something for everyone in the family. Photo / Old Mate MediaThe iconic beaches of Australia’s Gold Coast glitter strip offer endless adventure, but as father of three Chris Stead discovered, finding the right resort for your family is keyI’m waiting; watching; blissfully at peace. The dark slowly peels away from the Earth’s surface, fading from purple to pink, then orange.
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3 weeks ago | 
theaureview.com | Chris Stead
Jaecoo has launched its first vehicle into Australia, an excellent mid-sized SUV that comes in 2WD, 4WD and innovative SHS models. Remember when it used to be Ford vs Holden? Toyota gave it a good nudge, too, and there are many other notable brands that have done well in Australia, but the point is that they were known entities.
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3 weeks ago | 
theaureview.com | Chris Stead
Dope Lemon is bringing dope sounds to Australia and New Zealand through winter 2025. Laidback vocals and effortless grooves litter the catalogue of Angus Stone spin-off project Dope Lemon. Like disco just emerged from a Jamaican Dutch oven and found folk swinging from the palm leaves.
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1 month ago | 
theaureview.com | Chris Stead
The Disney Wonder cruise ship experience may be designed with kids in mind, but it delivers for all ages. Admit it, you want to go to Disneyland! We all do. No matter how old you get, there’s a place inside all of us where some Disney story, or character, or song, has burrowed into our hearts and refuses to let go. As such, the thought of a Disneyland at sea can even get the most cynical excited.
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1 month ago | 
nzherald.co.nz | Chris Stead
The cruise industry is growing fast, with a future focused on bigger ships, small-ship luxury and more sustainable travel. Photo / Royal CaribbeanWhat does the future of the cruise industry look like? Chris Stead asked some of the world’s biggest cruise lines to give us a peek into their crystal ballIt’s hard to believe that only a few years ago, nobody was cruising. But a forced absence has made the hearts of cruisers grow fonder. The industry is booming, experiencing growth of 6.7% year on year.
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2 months ago | 
nzherald.co.nz | Chris Stead
Chris and Donald. Photo / Chris SteadWhen Chris Stead took his family on a Disney cruise, he knew the kids would have a good time; but what about the parents? It’ll come as no surprise that there’s plenty for kids to do on Disney Wonder, the Mouse House vessel Captain Minnie sails to New Zealand shores each summer. For the best part of 100 years, the company has been the soundtrack to every child’s life, after all.
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Jan 31, 2025 | 
nzherald.co.nz | Chris Stead
Here's how to not have a tummy ache while eating in Southeast Asia. Photo / Chris SteadOne of the highlight experiences of any trip into the bustling streets and humid jungles of Southeast Asia is food and, as Chris Stead discovered, you can eat with confidence. A sea of scents swirls across the crowd like a taste tornado, causing many a lip to be licked in anticipation.
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Jan 6, 2025 | 
theaureview.com | Chris Stead
Barefoot luxury meets active adventure and education in a resort experience that almost eclipses the incredible landscape on Tasmania’s east coast. I’m sitting on a comfortable couch, the heat from a distant fire running its warm fingers down my neck. In front of me is a large glass wall: floor to ultra-high ceiling and curving for the best part of 60-metres to the left and right. It perfectly frames the stunning view beyond, down over the frigid water of Coles Bay towards Freycinet National Park.
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Dec 19, 2024 | 
theaureview.com | Chris Stead
If you’re looking for an active Maldivian adventure with all-inclusive benefits, then it’s hard to go past Club Med Kani. I think I’ve fallen in love with Club Med. Only a year ago, I’d never been to one. Almost by chance my family and I stayed at Club Med Bintan Island and we had such a wondrous time we were clamouring for more. Now that I’ve stayed at Club Med Kani Maldives, I can see how the ethos and spirit of the brand transcends its locations, but also, how unique each experience can be.
