RAW Travel

22/08/2025

🇵🇹 ❤️ Portugal is having a moment! From its rich history to world-class food and wine, it’s easy to see why everyone’s talking about it. In Michael Portillo’s new travel series on SBS (watch live or on demand), he kicked things off in Porto – the colourful riverside city that’s also the starting point for the Portuguese Camino...

Portugal is fast becoming the go-to location for Brits to explore, and spend their holidays. Michael takes us in search of its heart and soul revealing the secrets of places we know well, and taking us to discover those we do not.

22/08/2025

Today we closed our Mornington Office so that we could get our team out and honour our commitment to plant trees on behalf of every RAW customer. Today's planting was hosted by the wonderful Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation group on a property in Red Hill, where they have planted an astonishing 100,000 trees!

A great day out for our team and a reminder of how central Nature is to what we do and how we must all play a part in doing what we can to preserve a healthy environment for the future.

21/08/2025

🥁🥁🥁 Drum roll… the wait is over! Our new self-guided itineraries on Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail are open for bookings!

🇯🇵 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗸𝘂 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 - 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝟴 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀, 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱)
Explore Japan’s beautiful Iwate Prefecture on our new self-guided itinerary. Enjoy panoramic views from Ushikorobashi Pass, the dramatic Cape Todogasaki lighthouse and the sacred Oshima Shrine on Mt Kameyama. Indulge in fresh seafood, unwind in soothing onsens and experience the warm hospitality of the Tohoku region.

🇯🇵 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗸𝘂 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 - 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽 (𝟭𝟮 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀, 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱)
Hike the northern and central sections of Japan’s magical Michinoku Coastal Trail along Tohoku’s Pacific coastline. This immersive self-guided journey is ideal for experienced hikers and includes the panoramic Kitayamazaki cliffs, iconic Jodogahama Beach, the rugged Goishi Coast, beautiful Kesennuma Oshima Island and more!

View all walks here 👉 https://rawtravel.com/destinations/michinoku-coastal-trail/

With spectacular coastal scenery, the freshest seafood, wonderful accommodation, the region’s unique culture, and memorable encounters with warm-hearted locals eager to share their stories, the Michinoku Coastal Trail is a destination like no other.

Our Japan experts are ready to answer all your questions 😊
[email protected] | (03) 5976 3763

20/08/2025

🇯🇵 🥾For those who love adventure, Japan's stunning Michinoku Coastal Trail offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in Tōhoku – one of the country's more remote and rugged regions.

If you’re thinking about a self-guided or guided walk along this stunning trail, join us for our free live webinar! Our expert Japan guide Katy will share everything you need to know. We'll also be discussing our brand new self-guided walks along the central section!

Wednesday, 3 September 2025
⏰ 6–7pm AEST
Q&A

As the first Australian walking company to offer the Michinoku Coastal Trail, we have the best local contacts, the latest advice, and the widest range of trips. Everyone who has walked the trail with us has loved the experience!

Register today. It's free and easy. The day before the event, we'll send you the link to join the webinar.
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-webinar-walking-japans-michinoku-coastal-trail-tickets-1574668488839

⚡🔥 Limited places. Tickets selling fast.

If you can't join us live, no problem! We’ll send the recording link to everyone who registers, so please make sure to sign up.

20/08/2025

To all our Mornington Peninsula followers...we're excited to invite you to a free community screening of David Attenborough's breathtaking film OCEAN 🌊🍿🎥

6pm, Thursday 28 August
📍Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud (VIC)

Limited places! ⏰ Book your free tix at Eventbrite ⬇️

It's a powerful, visually stunning, must-see film.
We'd love to see you there! 💙

Possibly David Attenborough's last film and greatest call to action to save our Oceans, filled with incredible never seen before footage.

12/08/2025

Walking the Camino this month? 🥾 Mark your calendar for August 15 – the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

It’s one of the most important dates on the Catholic calendar and a truly memorable day to be on the Camino.🥾💛

🇪🇸 🇵🇹 🇫🇷 Across Spain, Portugal and France, the celebration brings towns and villages to life with processions, flower-strewn churches, traditional music and special masses in honour of Mary – the beloved patroness of many pilgrimage routes. 💐⛪

For pilgrims, it’s a chance to experience the Camino’s spiritual and cultural heart. Just be aware: shops and services may close or run limited hours on this public holiday, so plan ahead. If you’re arriving in Santiago on this date, expect big crowds and limited access to cathedral events.

Still, you might find yourself swept up in a joyful local fiesta – one of those unexpected Camino moments that stays with you. 💛🥾

Thinking about a Camino journey in 2026? Our experts can help you time it right and make the most of your experience.

[email protected] | 📞 (03) 5976 3763

05/08/2025

🐾🥾 🇪🇸 Long before there was ultralight gear and Osprey packs, pilgrims on the Camino Francés travelled with animals – not just as companions, but as essential partners on the journey.

Donkeys, mules and horses carried supplies, food and sometimes even the pilgrims themselves. 🐴🥖 Prized for their sure-footedness and gentle nature, donkeys were the ideal trail buddies – and they even appear in old pilgrimage diaries as trusted travel companions on the dusty road to Santiago.

Some towns along the Camino had 'hostals' – inns designed not just for pilgrims but also to stable their animals. Many of those old stone farmhouses that once sheltered four-legged friends have now been lovingly restored to host modern-day walkers.

Dogs, too, have long played their part on the pilgrimage – loyal protectors and companions by day and night. And cats? Undoubtedly the original pest control officers of the albergues! 🐕🐈

Fast forward to today...more than half a million modern pilgrims walk various Camino routes each year – and some are still accompanied by animals, from dogs happily tagging along to donkeys carrying backpacks.

Dogs are pilgrims, too, and can be accredited as such with the Canine Credential. Although not official, this document is equivalent to the Pilgrim’s Credential and can be stamped along the different stages of the Camino.

Interested in experiencing the Camino in 2026? Reach out to our Camino destination experts – we’re here to help you plan the perfect itinerary. 📧 [email protected] | 📞 (03) 5976 3763

03/08/2025

🥖🚶‍♂️Worried about finding food when you are walking Le Puy Camino? Don’t be – this pilgrimage doubles as a French foodie adventure.🍷🧀

Our Ultimate Guide to Finding Food on the Le Puy Camino serves up everything you need to stay fed, fuelled, and fabulously full – from what to expect at different stops to how to plan around rural opening hours and seasonal quirks.

✨ We’ve also included helpful links for local market days, fresh water sources along the trail, and tips on how to interact with locals without sounding like Jacques Cousteau searching for a sandwich: "Euh… où is ze sammweech, s’il vous plaît? I feel ze hunger... rising." 🐟🥖

👉 Read here: https://rawtravel.com/insights/ultimate-guide-to-finding-food-on-the-le-puy-camino/

Interested in walking Le Puy Camino in 2026? Reach out to our Camino destination experts – we’re here to help you plan the perfect itinerary through France. [email protected] | (03) 5976 3763

01/08/2025

🇬🇧💙 What a finish! 👏 We adore the South Downs Way. It’s definitely worth a look for 2026. Give us a call to find out more or check out our self-guided itineraries at rawtravel.com

31/07/2025

🇪🇸 The largest festival in Northern Spain kicks off this week in many cities, including San Sebastián, Bilbao and Santander.

Semana Grande (or Aste Naguisa), meaning 'Big Week' is a 9-day event that honours the Virgen de Begoña and celebrates Basque culture. If you’re walking the beautiful Camino del Norte this month, get ready for an incredible cultural experience!

This lively fiesta bursts to life with:
🎶 Traditional local music and energetic folk dances
🎆 Spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky
🏆 Exciting sporting events showcasing local passion
🍽️ Delicious regional food and bustling street parties

It’s the perfect time to see these cities come alive, witnessing history and culture right alongside your walking poles. Whether you’re wrapping up a day’s hike or soaking in the local vibes, this festival is the perfect way to connect with the culture and fellow pilgrims!

For our pilgrims on the trail, we always recommend packing a pair of earplugs and a go-with-the-flow attitude! The weather is stunning this time of year, and the Spaniards LOVE to party till dawn – literally!
🌅 🎉💃🍾

Planning your Camino del Norte adventure for 2026? Don’t miss the chance to experience Semana Grande in all its colourful glory. Book early to join the party!

[email protected] | (03) 5976 3763