southpacificjourneys

Eight Myths about Travel Advisors – Debunked

michelle@aussietravel.ca (Michelle Streicher) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:30:46 GMT

We're here to set the record straight.

In this age of information overload (a Google search of “Where should I stay on Maui?" returns 7.7 million results) and pandemic-related uncertainty, we believe travelers can benefit from personalized vacation-planning help now more than ever. There are thousands of travel advisors around the world (including 22,000 Virtuoso travel advisors in 50 countries, to be exact) who are ready to make your travel dreams come true.

Despite what you may have heard, travel advisors aren’t a vanishing breed; they aren’t trying to upsell you; and – trust us – no matter how well traveled you are, Virtuoso travel advisors have way more connections than you do. We’ve uncovered eight of the most common myths about travel advisors, and we’re here to debunk them, once and for all.

Myth #1: A travel advisor is just a fancy name for a travel agent.

Think of travel advisors like financial advisors: They’re trusted, knowledgeable sources who help shape and support big decisions in your life. Travel is an investment, and it can yield an incredible return on life. Deciding where and how to go shouldn’t be taken lightly, whether that’s a years-in-the-making Italian sojourn, a bucket-list world cruise, or a spring break safari with your family. Travel agents can be merely transactional – they’ll book plane tickets and finalize hotel reservations – but travel advisors are transformational. They make it their business to get to know you, and they'll work with you again and again on your travel plans, learning everything from your favorite spa treatment to the go-to bottle of wine you like to have waiting in your hotel room.

Myth #2: Every travel advisor is the same.

Travel advisors come from different backgrounds, and they each have their own destination specialties and travel-style preferences. Some are pros at family vacations or wellness retreats, for example, while others focus on certain areas of the world, such as Europe or the South Pacific. And because they’re so well-connected, they’re able to tap into a network of experts around the world. (We like to think that not only are advisors specialists in travel, they’re specialists in you.) Lots of advisors have pivoted from other careers as corporate executives or event planners or sommeliers and have leveraged their skills to become experts in group trips and winetasting tours. With more than 22,000 Virtuoso advisors to choose from, it’s possible to find the perfect match for you.

Myth #3: It’s expensive to use a travel advisor.

Travel advisors earn commissions on trips they plan, which may be paid to them by hotels, cruise lines, and tour companies. Some advisors don’t charge anything for their trip-planning services, while others collect nominal fees, which are typically billed as travel design, research, or itinerary-crafting services. (It's worth noting that almost every travel agent charges airline ticket and issuance fees.) These fees vary per trip, and every advisor is upfront about them prior. Often, a travel advisor will apply that planning fee as a deposit toward travel booked. For many Virtuoso clients, paying a small fee to know that their entire trip has been customized and vetted – and knowing they’ve got someone who will be on call before, during, and after their trip – is well worth it. Fees aside, in the long run, a travel advisor is probably still going to save you money (and will definitely save you time). Working with an advisor provides value you can’t access on your own, such as complimentary breakfasts, spa or dining credits, and upgrades at hotels – plus stateroom credits and complimentary shore excursions on cruises. (On average, travelers receive more than $500 worth of amenities per hotel stay at Virtuoso hotels.)

Myth #4: You can’t be part of the trip-planning process when you use a travel advisor.

One of the joys of travel is actually the anticipation and planning: choosing where to stay, which restaurants to visit, and which sites to see. For some, this part of the process is almost just as fun as the traveling. But for others, there’s also the stress of worrying if you’re making the right choice, whether your hotel is where you want to be, and what the room actually looks like. (Decision paralysis is real.) Your Virtuoso advisor will be as involved as much or as little as you want them to be when it comes to swapping travel ideas, making itinerary decisions, and more. When you connect with the right advisor, the vacation-planning process is collaborative, personal, efficient ... and yes, fun. An advisor makes planning seamless, leaving you time for more of the fun stuff, like deciding where to get pizza in Florence (but your advisor can give you recommendations for that too).

Myth #5: Travel advisors are just trying to earn a commission.

A trusted travel advisor wants you and your family to experience the best possible trip, and they treat your money as if it’s their own. You may want to talk to a few different Virtuoso advisors to find the right fit, but today’s travel advisor considers this job as much of a calling as a career – and takes pride in crafting a perfect itinerary for your needs, selecting the best hotels, and choosing engaging tour guides. It’s not about making a quick buck; it's about truly loving what they do for a living.

Myth #6: I can plan the same trip faster by myself online …

People are time starved across age groups and income levels – especially right now. Searching through the overwhelming volume of online content often yields questionable results, with conflicting or outdated information. We believe leisure time is your most valuable, nonrenewable asset. Once it’s lost, you can’t get it back. Virtuoso advisors know the answers to questions you may not even think of – and plan things you never knew existed. Many of them spend a good amount of their own time traveling the world, researching and collecting ideas for their clients. They know about the travel experiences you can’t find on the internet (and we assure you, those do actually exist).

Myth #7: … and I can find the same prices and perks on my own too.

Through their global connections and years of cultivating industry relationships, Virtuoso travel advisors have access to special rates and offers that are not made publicly available. And beyond the hotel perks and cruise amenities available to Virtuoso advisors, there’s one more skill they have that online booking websites don’t: the ability to pick up the phone. A travel advisor can call the general manager at the Paris hotel their clients are about to check into to see if an upgrade is available. With luxury travel, it’s definitely about what you know and who you know. If a hotel’s website says it’s fully booked, there’s a good chance a Virtuoso advisor can still secure a reservation for you. And if your flight gets canceled or delayed, your advisor can probably get you on another flight faster than you can. Advisors will also make sure you’re set up with the best car services, the most personalized tours, those impossible-to-get restaurant reservations, and the right travel insurance. Stop staring at the 73 tabs open on your internet browser and just email a travel advisor.

Myth #8: Nobody uses travel advisors anymore.

The biggest myth of all is that travel advisors are extinct, having disappeared with the advent of the internet. That couldn’t be further from the truth: Our network of 22,000 Virtuoso advisors around the globe is proof. And if the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we’ll never take the ability to travel for granted again. When it comes to something as valuable and important as your leisure time, it’s absolutely worth it to work with a professional who will always have you covered.

How to Order the Perfect Melbourne Coffee

michelle@aussietravel.ca (Michelle Streicher) — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 20:47:28 GMT

Not many cities take their coffee as seriously as Melbourne, which is why the city is known as the Coffee Capital of Australia.

Photo Credit: Visit Victoria

Share the Recipes

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 21:49:51 GMT

the Great Walks of Australia Cookbook

Let’s face it; meals on hikes normally aren’t the stuff foodie dreams are made of. But Great Walks Of Australia turns that on its head, giving walkers fine food feasts worth walking for.

It’s not just these amazing wild places, exquisite views and the astonishing nature you remember when your walk ends; the food and wine experience on each of our Great Walks plays a huge role shaping the memories you’ll leave each new adventure with.

Big days on the trail call for hearty meals to sustain and fuel you, and that’s exactly what we deliver, with bucketloads of gourmet goodness. Often showcasing flavours of the region and the best producers and local providores in the region, our walks make sure the food is high quality, delicious and always generous. Because we all know how plenty of fresh air makes you ravenous!

And since good food always tastes better shared, we wanted to share some of our most loved and requested recipes with you from the Great Walks.

From a rich, succulent braised lamb shoulder on The Arkaba Walk, to Peter Kuruvita’s delicious beetroot curry, a classic damper on the Classic Larapinta Trek In Comfort and a scrumptious plum and berry tart on the Three Capes Walk, we hope these recipes in the first Great Walks Of Australia cookbook bring you inspiration and show you what being on one of our walks is all about.

Download Share the Recipes - the Great Walks of Australia Cookbook

The world of travel will open up again

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 12:48:32 GMT

Let South Pacific Journeys connect you to mesmerizing destinations, unforgettable experiences and extraordinary cultures. We'll be here for you when you are ready to travel.Let South Pacific Journeys connect you to mesmerizing destinations, unforgettable experiences and extraordinary cultures. We'll be here for you when you are ready to travel.Let South Pacific Journeys connect you to mesmerizing destinations, unforgettable experiences and extraordinary cultures. We'll be here for you when you are ready to travel.Let South Pacific Journeys connect you to mesmerizing destinations, unforgettable experiences and extraordinary cultures. We'll be here for you when you are ready to travel.

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Hosted French Polynesia Oceania Cruise

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 18:57:35 GMT

What's on your Bucket List for 2021?

Come join us on this fully hosted sailing through French Polynesia with Michelle Streicher, Eastern Ontario's South Pacific Expert. Immerse yourself in French Polynesia with its deep green rainforested islands, its dazzling turquoise lagoons and its soft white sand beaches.

Package Includes:

Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard Oceania Regatta
Group Transfers Kingston/Toronto/Kingston for departures ex Kingston
Group International Flights ex Toronto (Economy Class)
Return Airport/Pier Transfers in Papeete
Pre-Paid Gratuities
Welcome Bottle of Wine per stateroom
Choice of OLife Choice Amenities:
$600 Shipboard Credit per stateroom ($300 pp) OR
6 Shore Excursions per stateroom (3 pp) OR
Drink Package
$100 Aquamar Spa Credit per stateroom
Mind, Body & Soul Experiences including yoga, pilates and fitness classes
Specialty Dinner at Bloody Mary's Restaurant in Bora Bora
Half Day Island Tour in Papeete upon disembarkation
Day Room in 4 Star Tahiti hotel post-cruise (1 per couple)

Why you should plan to travel to Australia NOW ...

michelle@aussietravel.ca (Michelle Streicher) — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 14:46:42 GMT

Why you should plan to travel to Australia NOW…



Long before the fires, drought and cyclones, the value of tourism to regional Australia was undisputed. With the onslaught of these life and status changing events, the viability and existence of our tourism community is at risk and the finely interconnected, vast web of small and medium enterprises that make up much of tourism and support industries needs quality tourism to Australia more than ever before. Why? Looking at just the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection as a small (but globally acknowledged) sample set… 19 lodges in 17 diverse regions across Australia – a continent the size of the USA, with just 25 million people. Many of the lodges are leaders in their own right in sustainability in all its forms, a mandatory for businesses in today’s world. But these lodges between them partner with well over 1600 tourism-based businesses supplying products and services that are clearly visible to their guests, that are part of the appeal, the delivery of real, memorable, Australian experiences. These are our expert guides, our artists, gin distillers, winemakers, organic and specialist food producers, our craftspeople… the people of our places, our storytellers. They are essential to the rich fabric of our luxury lodge travel experiences. This doesn’t include the businesses and services that are not visible to guests – the tradies, the mechanics, the behind the scenes local businesses and suppliers. The vast majority of all these businesses are small to medium and family owned enterprises. They contribute enormously to the sustainability of the region they are based in and beyond. Economically: by generating income that is spent and paid and circulates within the community Culturally: by sharing the local expertise, craft, produce and character of the place Community: via employment, sense of purpose and pride; and Environmentally: on too many levels to deal with here. All are essential to the economic survival of regional Australia. The economic contribution of a single lodge impacts deep into regional communities. Positively in good times, a potentially crippling void in bad. This degree of impact is mirrored across our tourism industry. So yes, while some areas are facing devastating bushfires, the vast majority of our island continent is safe to travel in and our Luxury Lodges are ready to welcome guests. For those who fear this may be insensitive to those impacted and even destroyed by very recent fires, it is these people who are often the first to plead for people to not desert Australia’s tourism operators. Southern Ocean Lodge was one of our treasured tribe. We have all shed many a tear since the Kangaroo Island fires ravaged it just over a week ago. But as one of the Baillie team said to me, the outpouring of love and support has been strangely but beautifully uplifting. James and Hayley Baillie were fast to plea for people to still travel to Australia. (See their letter here ). Their leadership, empathy, vision and resilience have been an inspiration to many globally and truly set the tone for how we can survive this, stronger, better, more purposeful and more impactful than ever. Southern Ocean Lodge’s sister properties Longitude 131˚ , Silky Oaks Lodge and Capella Lodge , along with fourteen other lodges across this vast continent, are welcoming guests daily, and operating as normal, to deliver their amazing and uniquely Australian experiences. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is undamaged by fires and will reopen shortly. So yes, base your decision to travel on facts around safety. A good place to start: Tourism Australia Bushfire Information . Do keep perspective on the sheer scale of Australia , and do take out travel insurance. And do plan to visit Australia. It is times like this when the Australian character shines through and you will receive the warmest of welcomes, deepened by the shared experience of our land – a land that we have had a stark reminder is both fragile and resilient – all the more precious to us all. Now more than ever Australia needs you… Written by Luxury Lodges of Australia

Australia is Open for Business

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:52:50 GMT

Australia needs us now more than ever!

BUSHFIRE INFORMATION

Safety advice and alerts for travel to Australia.

Tourism Australia has released the following update on the Bushfire Situation in Australia.

Bushfires are currently affecting some parts of Australia. Like all Australians, our hearts go out to the families and communities who are impacted by the bushfires. Our gratitude for the frontline services facing the fires head on cannot be expressed deeply enough.

STAYING UP TO DATE

We encourage all travellers visiting Australia to seek the most up-to-date information for their planned itinerary prior to departure, and remain informed about changing conditions while in Australia.

Speak with your travel agent, accommodation provider, tourism operators and local Visitor Information Centres for advice about local conditions and how best to experience Australia’s tourism destinations.

WILL THE BUSHFIRES AFFECT MY TRIP?

Most destinations in Australia remain safe and continue to welcome visitors. All international airports in Australia are operating as normal.

It is more important than ever to support Australian tourism providers, whether in unaffected regions or those that will recover from these bushfires in the months and years to come. The best way to support Australia, Australian communities, and the tourism sector is to keep visiting. If you cannot travel to an affected area due to bushfires, one of the many ways to help includes rescheduling instead of cancelling a planned trip to support the communities in the coming months.

WHICH AUSTRALIAN DESTINATIONS ARE IMPACTED?

Updated as at 8 January 2020

Below is a summary of some of our most popular destinations for international travellers, and whether they have been impacted by the current bushfires or are safe to visit. The list will be updated regularly, however conditions can change quickly, and travellers should seek the most up to date information from regional websites .

This is not a complete list of affected areas, so if you are travelling outside these areas, please refer to our bushfire safety page for links to regional sites.

QUEENSLAND

Destination	Impacted or not impacted
Brisbane	Not impacted
Cairns	Not impacted
Fraser Coast	Not impacted
Gold Coast	Not impacted
Sunshine Coast	Not impacted
Townsville	Not impacted
Whitsundays	Not impacted

NEW SOUTH WALES

Destination	Impacted or not impacted
Blue Mountains	Impacted - go to NSW Rural Fire Service and Visit NSW for more information.
Hunter Valley	Not impacted
North Coast	Not impacted
South Coast	Impacted - go to NSW Rural Fire Service and Visit NSW for more information.
Sydney	Impacted by smoke haze - go to NSW Rural Fire Service and Visit NSW for more information.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Destination	Impacted or not impacted
Canberra	Impacted by smoke haze - go to ACT Government and Visit Canberra for more information.

VICTORIA

Destination	Impacted or not impacted
Great Ocean Road	Not impacted
Melbourne	Not impacted
Phillip Island	Not impacted

TASMANIA

Destination	Impacted or not impacted
Hobart and surrounds	Not impacted
Launceston and surrounds	Not impacted

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Destination	Impacted or not impacted
Adelaide	Not impacted
Kangaroo Island	Impacted – go to SA County Fire Service and South Australian Tourism Commission for more information.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Destination	Impacted or not impacted
Australia's Coral Coast (including Ningaloo Reef)	Not impacted
Australia's Golden Outback (including the Nullarbor)	Impacted – go to Main Roads Western Australia and Emergency WA for more information.
Australia's South West (including Margaret River)	Not impacted
North West (including Broome)	Not impacted
Perth	Not impacted

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Destination	Impacted or not impacted
Alice Springs	Not impacted
Darwin and surrounds	Not impacted
Uluru and surrounds	Not impacted

Sydney Culinary Gem

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Spice Alley

On a recent trip to Sydney, Australia I was introduced to Spice Alley. What a special culinary experience.

Unless a local makes the introduction, it is unlikely a visitor will find this little gem on their own….so let me introduce you.

Spice Alley, located on Kensington Street, is tucked away on the city side of Central Park just off Broadway on the eastern fringe of Chippendale. The Kensington Street area is steeped in colonial history and presents an idiosyncratic profile of heritage buildings and soaring steel structures.

Spice Alley is home to the Kopi-Tiam; four hawker-style diners under glowing lantern ceilings. This laneway which meanders through the landscape of Asian cuisine is bordered by two small restaurants. -Japanese dining hall KYO-TO and Vietnamese fares from the glass-faced Mekong . Dine on Singaporean dishes at Alex Lee Kitchen, Bang Luck Kitchen, Bang Luck Thai Street Food and Old Jim Kee’s Malaysian spices and Cantonese street food. Spice Alley unites family recipes from across the Asian continent.

Looking to dine where Sydneysiders dine? Spice Alley is the place to visit.

I’m never leaving!

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Southern Ocean Lodge

Recently my daughter and I had the opportunity to experience Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.

From the moment we landed in Kingscote, we were treated like royalty. We were quickly whisked away in a comfortable and luxurious van for our hour long roadtrip to the southern side of the island.

Upon arriving at the gated property, each guest receives a warm welcome and glass of bubbles. No queues at this check-in. With your own Guest Services member, guests are seated in the Great Room facing the magnificent view that is the Southern Ocean. Here guests receive an overview of the Lodge, their accommodation, the meals and their personalised touring itinerary.

We were then taken to our Flinders Suite for a tour of its many features. All suites whether it is a Flinders Suite, the Ocean Suite, the Ocean Premium, the Remarkable Suite or Suite Number 1 – the Osprey Pavillion, all guests are treated to unparalled views of the beautiful Southern Ocean.

Our suite was equipped with a mini-kitchenette, separate yet open sleeping and living quarters, a beautiful bathroom with double shower heads & a heated floor, floor to ceiling windows and a mini-bar replenished daily.

The culinary experience on offer was beyond delicious. Breakfast is a-la-carte. Both the lunch and dinner menus offer a couple delectable choices making it difficult to decide. If for whatever reason the menu does not tantilize your taste buds there is on offer a classic menu with the likes of hamburgers and fries. Much of the food on offer at Southern Ocean Lodge is sourced from local suppliers or travels no further than 200km. With special dietary needs, my daughter was pleasantly surprised that all her needs were pre-catered for.

In addition to the culinary experience, the lodge offers an open bar with heaps of local wines, spirits and beer located in the Great Room. Meals are always paired with a wine to match. The drinks and canapes available to guests each night prior to dinner make for the perfect opportunity to mingle with other guests and talk about the day’s touring experiences.

Each guest is provided with a personalised touring schedule based on their arrival and the number of days they are enjoying the lodge.

Our touring itinerary included Seal Bay, home to Australia’s largest colony of sea lions; KI Wonders which included Hanson Bay Koala Sanctuary, the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch; a Coastal Clifftop Walk with magnificent views of this rugged and untamed coastline; Kangaroos & Kanapes. We opted to extend our touring by including a Nocturnal Wildlife tour where we were in search of wallabies and koalas.

No visit to Southern Ocean Lodge would be complete without a visit to their award winning Spa. With a variety of treatments on offer it is the perfect way to top off a perfect day on the edge of the Southern Ocean. Although the spa is not included in the tariff, it is definitely worth the visit.

What we particularly loved about this property was the beautiful and casual setting. I am already looking forward to the next time I am in South Australia so that I can return to Australia’s first Luxury Lodge.

www.southernoceanlodge.com.au

www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au

Get Shucked!

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Oyster Shucking Tassie Style!

Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm has THE experience for all you oyster lovers. Don a pair of waders and visit a working oyster farm located in a beautiful setting within an internationally significant wetland and ornithological site. Develop an understanding for wetland and marine ecology, plus a taste for prized Pacific oysters.

Where? The beautifully situated Saffire Freycinet located on the East Coast of Tasmania.

Saffire Freycinet’s complimentary Marine Oyster Farm experience is one of the many activities included at this Luxury Lodge of Australia. Where else can you shuck oysters straight from the farm?

Where to dine in Melbourne?

Sun, 15 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Chin Chin Restaurant focuses on South-East Asian cuisine with Benjamin Cooper as its executive chef. This super trendy and popular restaurant is modelled on the hawker dining halls of Asia with a shared-eating concept. Chin Chin Restaurant has a walk-in only policy except for one table of 10-12.

They aim to serve their diners the freshest ingredients with all of their sauces, pastes and relishes made in-house.

Located at 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne – Chin Chin is open every day except for Xmas Day from 11am till late, 7 days a week.

Where are you going to dine when you visit Melbourne?

New Zealand’s Best Kept Secret

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Kiwi Spotting on Stewart Island

Not many visitors to New Zealand get the opportunity to see the Kiwi Bird in their natural habitat; not unless their experienced travel advisor has told them about New Zealand’s best kept secret.

Bravo Adventure Cruises on Stewart Island has been offering this exceptional wildlife experience since 1990. Imagine taking a cruise across the bay where you begin your short trek through the New Zealand bush across to the ocean. A thirty minute walk with torch in hand and you will land on the beach where Kiwi Birds are known to feed on the kelp and crustaceans washed up on the beach. The Kiwi is a nocturnal bird and after dark their silhouette can be seen. From a safe distance, only your guide is permitted to turn on his torch and gently hover over these interesting birds. This is nature experiences at its best.

As with all wildlife experiences, spotting a Kiwi cannot not be guaranteed. When I took part in this exciting tour, our group was fortunate to have seen a total of 5 kiwis beachside; quite the site.

Operating under a concession permit from the Department of Conservation, Bravo Adventure Cruises is permitted to take 15 people each evening to the specified area.

Over the period of time Bravo Adventure Cruises has been proactive in the welfare of the Kiwi in its natural home of the area by trapping feral cats, possums and rats. They also take an active role in the maintenance of the tracks in the area.

Due to the low impact on the welfare of the Kiwi, the Department of Conservation has allowed Bravo Adventure Cruises to continue with this unique experience which is now world renowned.

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Uncovered.

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The Great Ocean Road

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is an exclusive 4 day 3 night guided experience and is the perfect short break hiking holiday. Taking in the last half of the Great Ocean Walk from Castle Cove (40-56km), this walk is east to west and ends at the Twelve Apostles with a scenic helicopter flight showing you the end of the track you just walked. An Apostle in its truest sense is a messenger, a wanderer, a journeyman, but one with a destination in mind. For four days your anticipation grows for the limestone rock stacks that stand strong against the wild southern ocean. Twelve originally, but four have succumbed to the relentlessness of nature.

Fear not, time will ensure other sections of the cliff take their place. There’s no doubt you will come with the Apostles as your goal, but perhaps another section of the trail will ambush your heart and make itself your favourite. Personal epiphanies are often had while walking the two kilometre stretch of Johanna Beach, moments of realisation that the simple things in life are what matter from the lookout at Ryan’s Den, new friendships cemented in the wide Australian bush trail from Moonlight Head to The Gables and many a “Day 2” is gasped at the end as being both challenging and rewarding. Tackle that and people can take on the world.

The sum of our parts add up to something pretty special, but a large piece in the puzzle is the trail. We utilise a trail known as the Great Ocean Walk, which runs from Apollo Bay in the East to the Twelve Apostles in the West. The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk uses the second half, the section from Castle Cove to the Apostles themselves, via Johanna Beach and Moonlight Head. It is up to 55km in length, but there are options for shorter days and of course our team and the comfortable lodge are your support along the way.

So you think all walking lodges were created equal? Uh-uh. No way. The Lodge at the heart of the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is the “jam in our donut”: that special surprise you hoped was there and good, but Oh! It’s so much nicer than you could have imagined.

We have all the functions covered: Five large, beautiful king bedrooms with an ensuite, that cleverly divide in half for two singles (with no single supplement); plenty of water, hot hot showers, heating, passive solar design, foot spas, live in chef and a central licenced dining room that makes you long for old fashioned family dinners every night of the week.

Gavin and Dana incorporated many best practices into the building: self sufficient water supply, on site waste water treatment, low consumption electric and water fittings, hydronic heating, composting, kitchen garden. That said, we aren’t a boot camp! We provide hair dryers in your room, use Myrtle & Moss toiletries and can readily cater for special dietary requirements. The lodge has mobile coverage (with Telstra only) and wireless internet with power points in your room to charge batteries.

We allow ourselves a rare stroke of selfishness when it comes to the Lodge. We don’t share it with anyone else, so the only way to stay is to join a walk. The upside is you can make yourself at home, and that the dress code for dinner is anywhere between pyjamas and a suit.

On Top of Sydney

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Sydney Bridgeclimb

BridgeClimb equips you to scale to the summit of the nationally-adored Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The brainchild of businessman Paul Cave, this incredible local experience became a reality after Paul pioneered a group climb as part of the Young Presidents Organisation World Congress in 1989. Nine years later, BridgeClimb opened to the public.

With in excess of 3 million local and international visitors who have climbed the Bridge, it is the #1 unmissable experience of Sydney.

On a recent visit to Australia, I had the opportunity to climb the bridge for the 5th time. It was just as exhilerating as my first climb. It is hard to beat the views from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge not to mention the sense of accomplishment.

With many different ways to experience the Bridge, you can choose from the traditional Bridgeclimb, the Bridgeclimb Express, the Bridgeclimb Wedding or the Western Outlook (December 30th only). You can also choose the time of day to climb…for instance – Day, Twilight, Night or Dawn climbs.

For safety reasons, you can’t carry anything with you on the Bridge. Secure lockers are provide for you to keep your things in, including phones and cameras, whilst you’re on the Bridge. Your Climb Leader will capture photos of you during your Climb.

Every ticket to the top includes a Climb Group Photograph, a Certificate of Achievement, a BridgeClimb Cap and free entry to the Pylon Lookout. Additional photos can be purchased.

Travelling to Sydney…be sure to book yourself on an amazing tour of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Contact your local travel professional for further details.

Wednesday Quote

Wed, 26 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

‘A journey is measured in friends, rather than miles. ‘- Tim Cahill

Wednesday Quote

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

‘ Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.’

Neale Donald Walsch

Wednesday Quote

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover’ - Mark Twain

Lizard Island re-opens!

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Natural beauty, uninterrupted!

After its closure for nearly 16 months, Lizard Island is set to reopen mid August.

Located directly on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is Tropical Queensland’s most northern resort and is truly secluded from the rest of the world. This island resort is reserved for the fortunate few who will experience an unforgettable holiday like no other. With five star cuisine in the beautiful Salt Water restaurant, secluded picnics and sunset beach degustations on private beaches, indulgent spa treatments in the Essential Day Spa and premium accommodation – Lizard Island is …natural beauty, uninterrupted.

In 2013 I attended Luxperience , a luxury travel convention for buyers of bespoke travel experiences. Afterwards, I was whisked away to Lizard Island. From the moment I arrived I was utterly impressed by the understated elegance and feel of this property. The cuisine was scrumptious. The accommodations were private and beautifully appointed. The water based activities were plentiful with heaps of beautiful snorkelling locations surrounding the island and nearby diving sites. Although I am not yet a diver, the Cod Hole located 13km away is definitely a major draw card for visitors to this island. The staff were always quietly attentive and available whenever needed.

Lizard Island offers a romantic alternative dining experience – a choice of two beautiful beach locations where you can enjoy a private Beachside Degustation Dinner .

Prior to your dinner, you will meet with the Island’s Chef to discuss your 7-course degustation menu and the matching wine selection. With minimal service interruptions, you are sure to experience ultimate seclusion and privacy. Private dining can be booked on arrival or during your stay at Lizard Island (additional fees will apply).

Did I mention the private picnics?

Private beach picnics are included as part of your stay.

It is hard to pass up a delicious gourmet picnic. Choose your gourmet picnic menu and beverage selection the night prior and they will take care of the rest.

All picnics include beverages and gourmet fresh produce created for beach dining by the island’s team of chefs. Imagine fresh salads, seafood and freshly baked sweets.

Order forms are provided with your guest stationery or can be obtained from the Restaurant, the Beach Club or at Reception. Present the completed form before 8.00pm the night before and your picnic hamper will be waiting for you at the Beach Club by the specified time.

My time on Lizard Island was far too short. The ideal length of time to stay is 5 nights which gives guests sufficient time to enjoy all the available activities, time to explore the island by foot or boat, or just enjoy a bit of R&R.

Lizard Island is …natural beauty, uninterrupted!

Exceptional Kangaroo Island

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Australia’s Galapagos

If you’re seeking extraordinary wildlife encounters, excellent local produce alongside warm hospitality ~ Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia is your destination.

Craig and Janet Wickham and their enthusiastic team at Exceptional Kangaroo Island have been sharing Kangaroo Island’s secrets with guests since 1990. They specialise in deluxe wildlife tours and work hard ensuring their guests are treated as friends. They offer small group and private tours; offer excellent food & wine and always seek out wildlife in its natural habitat ensuring guests have an authentic and natural wildlife experience. Exceptional Kangaroo Island strive to include their guests in the conversation rather than presenting a running commentary.

Flinders Chase Focus – A full day share tour that explores some of KI’s highlights and lesser known backtracks of Flinders Chase national Park – a wilderness covering nearly 200,000 acres.

Kangaroo Island offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets ranging from a Luxury Lodge , Private Villas, Deluxe Farmstays, Country Inns and hotels…another blog post coming your way soon.

No visit to Kangaroo Island would be complete without a taste of Exceptional Kangaroo Island… what’s on your menu ?

Unique, Unforgettable and Authentic New Zealand

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A city is a city, right?

Well, I tend to disagree. No matter where you travel, each destination has something unique to offer each of its visitors. We all have different interests so we all take home different memories.

Bush and Beach Tours , based in Auckland, New Zealand offers eleven scheduled day and half day tours departing 364 days per year (except Christmas). Whether its the delights of Auckland, the nearby lush coastal rainforests, the black sand beaches of the rugged west coast, the Coromandel Peninsula or Great Barrier Island – Bush and Beach will not only get you there, they will make sure your valuable holiday time is filled with fun and insight into life in New Zealand. As New Zealand’s longest running eco-tour operator, you know you will be in the right hands.

The finest Perth has to offer!

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The Richardson~Perth’s Luxury Boutique Hotel

The Richardson Hotel & Spa is Perth’s leading 5 star boutique hotel. This beautiful property offers 74 spacious and elegant rooms & suites for the most discerning traveller and is conveniently located within walking distance to the Central Business District, King’s Park, the Botanic Gardens and cosmopolitan Subiaco. Each of the Richardson’s rooms and suites provides luxuries and amenities one would expect of a hotel that prides itself on making each visit an enjoyable and memorable experience.

The following facilities and equipment are available in most rooms and suites:

Complimentary internet access – cabled and WiFi
Complimentary local telephone calls
Complimentary movies on demand
Personal voicemail and two telephone lines
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Mini safe
Thick terry bath robes
Hairdryer, iron and ironing board
King size beds in most accommodation – twin beds available on request
400 thread count sheets, with pillow top mattress covers
Selection of six pillow types, from the pillow menu
Turn down maid service
Complimentary daily local newspaper
24-hour room service
Laundry and dry cleaning services
Bedside alarm clock
Membership to The Spa Club for the duration of stay
Use of the Residents Lounge for the duration of stay
Galley bar, Nespresso coffee machine and convection microwave
Private balcony

Tour de Sydney

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Sydney’s Original & Best Guided Bike Tours!

Bonza Bike Tours has been providing amazing experiences to over 20,000 guests since 2004. Who wants to sit in a stuffy coach tour after a long flight downunder? Not me!

Whether you’re visiting Sydney for the first time, have friends coming to town or are setting up a group activity, Bonza is ready to show you a good time! Sit back on one of their super-comfortable bikes while their expert Bonza guide shows you the way. They have carefully planned routes that ride in the street a minimal amount of time – instead, they take you through parks, harbour fronts, and sidewalks. They will give you great tips on what to do while in town, what’s on, where to eat, and an all-around entertaining and informative experience. A ride through Sydney with other travellers from around the world for an experience not to be soon forgotten!

With four tours on offer, the Sydney Classic is by far their most popular. There is no other experience in town that shows you as much or entertains you like the Sydney Classic! They will take you to all of the iconic sights as well as tons of other sights you may miss on your own. Their expert guides will give you the information you need to get the most out of your trip to Sydney.

Other tours include:

Sydney Highlights

Manly Beach & Sunset Cruise

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Bonza Bike Tours is ideal for anyone looking for an active small group sightseeing tour ~ usually between 8-10 guests. They operate year-round, rain or shine. If it happens to rain, they do provide guests with rain ponchos.

Due to its popularity, it is highly recommended that you pre-book your tour with your preferred travel advisor prior to your arrival.

Wednesday Quote

Wed, 08 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

"Take only memories, Leave only footprints” - Chief Seattle

Byron Bay Bluesfest

Wed, 08 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

One of Australia’s Top Music Festivals

In my opinion, the Byron Bay Bluesfest is Australia’s premier Blues & Roots music festival. I have personally enjoyed the festival on three different occasions, most recently Easter 2015. It showcases music from around the world annually on the Easter long weekend on 120 hectares at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just north of Byron Bay, NSW.

Bluesfest presents over 200 performances with up to 7 stages over 5, 12 hour days, as well as camping for up to 6,000 people, 5 licensed bars, over 100 food and market stalls, undercover food courts, beer gardens, and children’s entertainment.

Bluesfest has presented the biggest names in music to Australian audiences each year including Bob Dylan, Hozier, Train, Midnight Oil, Missy Higgins, Zac Brown Band, The Waifs, Paul Simon, Gary Clark Jr., Angus & Julia Stone, Michael Franti, Jack Johnson, Robert Plant, Alabama Shakes, John Mayer, Jurassic 5, Joss Stone, David Gray, Trombone Shorty, Angelique Kidjo, John Legend & BB King, to name but a few.

From a modest crowd of 6,000 when it began in 1990, Bluesfest now attracts an audience of over 100,000. It is regarded as the foremost destination festival in Australia & renowned for being a safe, fun, family-friendly event.

A wide variety of passes are available ranging from single day, 3 & 5 day passes, festival & camping passes just to name a few. Pricing varies depending on the passes and how far in advance they are purchased. Early bird tickets are usually available at the festival for next year’s festival and for a short period of time following the festival. The Early Bird tickets offer the best value for money, especially if you plan to attend the entire 5 day festival.

Full details about this exciting event can be found by visiting Byron Bay Bluesfest.

Paradise found on Michaelmas Cay

Wed, 08 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A piece of Paradise

Located on the western tip of Michaelmas Reef 43km north-east of Cairns and 17km north of Green Island lies Michaelmas Cay. This pristine vegetated coral reef island covers an area of 1.8 hectares and rises to a height of 3.5 metres above sea level.

After nearly two hours out of Cairns, the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef … we arrive at this truly beautiful cay surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water. The Cay is rich with a myriad of sea life including green sea turtles (which occasionally nest on the cay), molluscs and invertebrates of all kinds and hundreds of species of tropical reef fish including Humphead Maori Wrasse. The reef surrounding the Cay is especially renowned for its abundance of giant clams. On a recent trip to the Great Barrier Reef, I made time to visit the cay as it is on many of my client’s itineraries. I have experienced many Great Barrier Reef experiences, and this continues to be one of my favourite experiences. Different operators run day cruises to the cay, in particular Ocean Spirit Cruises and Passions of Paradise. Each operator caters for a different demographic. Passions caters for the youth market whilst Ocean Spirit caters for couples, families, seniors and those interested in fully experiencing what the cay has to offer its visitors.

The cay is a major natural seabird habitat and one of the most important in the Southern Hemisphere. It is home to at least 23 species of seabirds. Many breeds find this island an ideal nesting habitat and is one of the most significant bird sanctuaries on the Great Barrier Reef. At the height of nesting and breeding season (during Summer months) up to 20,000 birds have been observed.

Freighter to Paradise

Wed, 08 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Aranui 5

Have you heard of passenger/cargo travel?

Ever heard of the Aranui?

For many, Tahiti is not within their budget….or so they think.

Over the past thirty years, The Aranui has helped revitalize the long forgotten Marquesan culture and contribute to the local economy by introducing these islands to nearly 45,000 international passengers, thereby establishing itself as the premier and most in-depth cruise to the Marquesas. This is a fabulous way to travel around the Marquesas Islands, the outermost archipelago of Tahiti. It is not your typical cruise ship travel with 5 star luxury, but rather modest yet comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations. Passengers are able to sunbathe on deck, swim in the pool, or enjoy exotic tropical drinks while the Aranui winds her way among the islands of the Marquesas. All meals are included in a family style dining room. The Aranui 3 is in operation until December 2015, after which time the newly built Aranui 5 will take over.

With guest lecturers and off-shore tours included, the Aranui is sure to intrigue the most curious minds.

In these remote islands, the Aranui’s arrival is always met with great enthusiasm as it provides an essential link to the outside world. Copra, citrus fruit, fish and barrels of Noni are loaded and destined for Papeete. Watching the Aranui’s muscular crew perform their tasks like a tightly choreographed ballet is part of the attraction and charm of the voyage. Descendants of the greatest navigators of all time, the ancient Polynesians who settled these islands they called “The Land of Men”, you will get to know their lively and talented sailors as they assist you from ship to shore, on and off the whale boats and tenders. Join the new Aranui 5 as it continues to offer adventure voyaging at its best, with full amenities, seafaring stability, warm hospitality and a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

Taste of South Australia

Wed, 08 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

To taste or not to taste?

The Barossa Valley is South Australia’s best known wine region and home to the largest wine companies in Australia. The name Barossa is synonymous with great wine from gutsy Shiraz to delicate Reisling. This beautiful landscape is interwoven with the unmistakable presence of rich Germanic/Silesian culture and heritage.

What better way to experience this region than with a local expert. Meet Mary Anne Kennedy from A Taste of South Australia. Throughout her twenty four years of operation she has received many accolades including “ Best new product ” and “Best wine tour operator in Australia”. International magazines have described her as the “ best food and wine tour operator in South Australia”.

Mary Anne offers a Wine Lovers Tour (also known as the “Best of Barossa” share day tour) where she and her guests travel via the scenic Adelaide Hills, stop for lunch at Vintners restaurant or a gourmet picnic and proceeds to visit leading wineries such as Rockfords, Peter Lehmann and Henschke. Tantalise your taste buds and feed your senses with South Australia’s premier chefs, restaurants and local wineries all taking part.

A Taste of South Australia not only offers tours to the well known Barossa Valley, tours are also available to McLaren Vale, the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills and Coonawarra. As well as Wine Tours, they also offer Golf Gourmet & Celebrity Chef Tours and Gourmet Cycling Tours.

Interested in touring with an expert, but want something more personalised?A Taste of South Australia will customise a tour to suit your tastebuds…these are their private tours.

The search is over….a Taste of South Australia!

Over the Top Queenstown

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

Over the Top – The Helicopter Company

Queenstown and the Fiordland National Park regions offer so much diversity in terrain over such a compact distance making it a visual delight by helicopter. With the latest helicopters available, Over the Top’s excursions incorporate Queenstown, Milford and the Fiords, alpine glaciers and remote lakes with gourmet picnics, hiking, extreme golfing, wine tours, heli-skiing, fly fishing and boating.

Over the Top’s selection of relaxed and interpretive experiences distil the essence of New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery whilst being immersed in the natural history of the area. Stroll on an uninhabited beach, dine at a remote alpine lake suspended above Fiordland, soar amongst mountains and learn of the age old glaciers and historic rainforests in an habitat seldom frequented by man.

Over the Top offers discerning travellers with once in a lifetime holiday experiences. Your itinerary is limited only by your imagination.

How to speak Aussie!

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Arvo – Afternoon

Barbie – BBQ

Bloke – a Male

Blowie – Blow Fly

Bottle Shop – Liquor Store

Chips – French Fries

Cuppa – Cup of Tea

Dunny – Toilet

Loo – Toilet

Mozzie – Mosquito

Sherbet – a Beer

Sheila – a Female

Shout – Your Round of Drinks

Thongs – Flip Flops

Togs – Swim Suit

Tomato Sauce – Ketchup

Too Right – Certainly

Ute – Utility Truck

Whinge – Complain