Please find below some of our Consultants favourite Destinations with some hints and tips from our own experiences....Enjoy!
NARELLE
Bali – for a Holiday ( relaxing !! )
For me Bali is my second home. I really believe everyone can have a fantastic experience in Bali as long as you select the right resort. My favorite is getting a group of my friends together and renting a Private Villa. Depending on numbers Villas start at 1 bedroom all the way up to 6 bedrooms. The more people you have the cheaper the Villa is. Generally it works out to be $100 each per night including breakfast. Just Imagine the perfect day… Get up put on your bathers ( no need to dress for a restaurant ! ) The house staff are awaiting your breakfast order, you just put on your favorite CD and go for a morning swim.
Highlights: Brilliant Shopping, Fantastic Dining Experiences, 5 star resorts that you can afford
Maldives - for 5 days of pure luxury
The Maldives is my favorite place for that special trip. Crystal Clear waters, powder white sand the best beaches in the world. Whether it be your Honeymoon, an anniversary or even a special birthday you would not leave here thinking you had just holidayed in Heaven. I do recommend only the 5 star resorts and they are quite expensive however all your meals are included and the quality of the food is First class. The experience of 5 days of the Maldives would be equivalent to 10 days in Fiji.
Highlights: Feeling like Royalty, Outside Showers, No Shoes
Kenya , Africa – for the Adventure
A real life Lion King Experience. Early morning and late afternoon game drives, searching for your favorite animals. The emotion you feel when you finally see your favorite. Sitting for hours watching the animals play. A pride of Lions, 1 male, 4 females and 10 cubs playing. Being so close to the animals your camera can’t take great photos as they are so close. Dancing with the Masi Mari. If you are lucky enough see a birth and learning about the Circle of Life
Highlights: Mount Kenya tree house stay, being woken in the middle of the night and wrapping yourself in a blanket walking out on to your balcony to watch your favorite animal come to drink at the water hole.
KATH
Canada & Alaska – a most beautiful destination
Canada has extraordinary scenery – you will be amazed at the beauty of Canada. The Rocky Mountains are fascinating and unsurpassed. Alaska is the last frontier with high soaring ice mountain peaks, majestic fjords and or course, the glorious inside passage. When you have done a trip to Canada, it will be the experience of a lifetime in the most unspoilt part of the world.
Trafalgar Coach Touring
When you picture the perfect European holiday, certain things come into mind; magnificent sights, such as the Eiffel Tower; quaint essential Old World experiences like sipping a cappuccino in Rome; stirring moments such as stepping into a hushed cathedral and plenty of time for spontaneous exploration – a chance to come upon a narrow cobblestone street and actually see where it leads. When travelling on a Trafalgar Tour, you will find friendly travelling companions and are under the guidance of an expert tour director who will interpret, guide, entertain and enlighten and also supply a Band-Aid if required; they attend to the smallest detail for you. Dream, pack and leave the rest to Trafalgar.
REBECCA
Dubai
What a place! I have never seen anything like it in all my travels. With 24 hour construction, Dubai is being built to perfect standards for a bid for the Olympics in the not too distant future. Where else in the world would you see skyscrapers next to the desert. Or expect to go skiing one day and go the beach the next. Dubai have built an indoor ski field with varying grades.
There are 2 must do tours in Dubai; the City of Merchants and the Desert Safari. The City of Merchants is a half day tour which will orientate you with the city and learn about their culture. The Desert Safari is a thrilling ride in a 4WD through the desert dunes to a permanent camp where you will enjoy a traditional meal, belly dancing a lot more under the clear Arabian skies.
A major attraction of Duabi is the Burj Al Arab, acknowledged by many as the most luxurious hotel in the world. It is built in the shape of a ship’s sail on the ocean waters. It is so exclusive you will only see the inside of the hotel if you stay there, pre book afternoon tea, or make a reservation (at least 6 months in advance) at their restaurant!
Dubai is a tax free destination so a perfect place for shopping. There are many major shopping centres and old style souks for you to enjoy, but if you run out of time, the duty free shopping at the airport is fantastic. Generally alcohol, perfume and cigarettes are cheaper than in Australia.
Dubai is such a unique destination with lots of things to do and is definitely worth a visit on the way to Europe.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is your perfect destination whether you would like a few days to stop on the way to UK/Europe or a short break.
There is so much to see and do. I would start off with a Hong Kong Island Tour which includes a ride on the Peak tram to the top of VictoriaPeak, RepulseBay, Aberdeen (the site of the famous jumbo floating restaurant) and a visit to the Stanley Markets. Then get a ticket on the MTR (local train ticket) to get around for next to nothing. For shopoholics like myself, you can spend days going to the markets such as the temple street night markets in Kowloon, the ladies market in Wanchai or walk up and down Nathan Road for great clothes, handbags and electronics.
For the kids, a trip to Disneyland is great or a trip to OceanPark. Don’t forgot, a ride on the star ferry is a must.
WENDY
Mauritius
If you are after an island holiday with a difference, Mauritius is for you.
It is a little gem in the Indian Ocean with beautiful soft white sandy beaches with clear blue turquoise waters - the same as you’d expect in Tahiti. Your value for money goes a long way, as the hotels include breakfast and dinner and all non motorized water in your rate; and if you like food, you might go back home 10kgs heavier as the food is superb!
For those wanting a little more to do, you can shop all day, explore the mountains on the island by bushwalking or 4WD. There are beautiful waterfalls hiding in the midst of sugar cane and banana fields. Perhaps go scuba diving in the colourful coral reefs, or swim with the dolphins. Hire a car and explore the island yourself – having British Heritage, they drive on the left side of the road like us. The Mauritian culture is a melting pot mixed with Portuguese, French, British, Indian and Chinese – truly very interesting. Mauritius is the perfect island escape offering a true balance of relaxation and sightseeing.
Paris
The timeless allure of Paris appeals to the first time traveller or the seasoned traveller who returns again and again. There is so much to see and experience in Paris that you could easily spend a week here and only feel like you have touched on the surface that this city has to offer. You need to experience window shopping on the chic Champs Elysees, visit the Louvre where you can see famous works including the Mona Lisa. (If you are a fan of The DaVinci code, the Louvre is very good place to study those famous DaVinci paintings!) Visit the beautiful cathedrals of Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame and take a ride to the top of the Eiffel tower. See the artist’s district in Montmatre and make sure you see the elegant and ornate Palace of Versailles. The best way to get around Paris is to purchase a Transport Card. It allows transportation on the train system including the regional areas and the bus network. It is very easy to use and contrary to popular belief, the French are very happy to help us Aussies. I have only skimmed the surface of what there is to see and do in Paris. Paris is a very beautiful city and I highly recommend a visit if your travels take you to Europe.
ROWENA
Hanoi , Vietnam – Fascinating History, Charming People and Stunning Landscapes.
Vietnam is a Mecca of culture and contrasts. I would recommend you begin your journey in Hanoi and then head south. This way Hanoi will be your gateway to this magical and unforgettable country. Hanoi is deserving of this honour, as she will indeed be a wonderful introduction to a country that will continually surprise and delight you, with her charm and grace.
I fell in love with Hanoi when I visited this beautiful city for the first time. Hanoi is a stylish and cultural city, enhanced by the gracious and gentle people who call her their home. Stunning French Colonial Architecture is abundant throughout the tree lined boulevards, which can be appreciated whilst on a morning stroll to one of the beautiful parks and lakes Hanoi has to offer. Wander through the busting old Quarter - a haven of traditional street trading, sampling the local delicacies and the local hospitality along the way. In the evening be impressed by one of Hanoi’s many excellent restaurants, you are in for a culinary treat if you have a passion for French Food.
Once you have discovered the Charm of Hanoi, her memory will stay with you forever.
New Zealand –Do you want to know a secret?
Most people know New Zealand has a North and South Island. Travel brochures will offer you many different touring options to explore all of the amazing attractions on offer. But…Maybe you have already done the 15-Day, hectic Two Island trip. Or maybe it’s your first time to New Zealand but you want to go off the beaten track and relax a little.
Let me introduce you to a secret holiday paradise that the Kiwis would prefer to keep to themselves, Beautiful Waiheke Island. On average 4 degrees warmer than Auckland itself and just a 30 minute ferry ride off her coast (sit back, relax and enjoy a NZ Red Wine as you sail out of the stunning Harbour).
Waiheke Island is all about Food, Wine and Pristine Coastline. Have lunch at the magnificent Mud Brick Café; the ocean views are only second to the food and enjoy wine tasting at one of the many boutique award-winning wineries dotted around the Island. WaihekeIsland hosts a fabulous Jazz and Blues Festival over Easter; this is a sensational time to enjoy all of the wonderful things the island has to offer. Go for a day trip or stay for a week, it’s a special place you will want to return to time and again…but don’t tell anybody, it’s a secret!
Molly
Munich – Germany
Munich is my favourite place in the world. The air is clean., the people are friendly, the pretzels are hot and the beer is fresh. I love walking around the safe streets taking in the atmosphere and history.
Tip: The best way to see the city is to enjoy a leisurely bike tour around town. You will see some of the best kept secrets in Munich, learn lots of history and enjoy a typical German lunch at one of their beautiful Beer Gardens.
Fes- Morocco
Fes is the most colourful, photogenic place I’ve visited. You can find such unusual, one of a kind treasures while shopping in the ancient medina.
Tip: Let yourself get lost in among the many winding alleyway’s of the medina. This is when you will find the most unique shops and interesting locals to chat with. After you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, the friendly locals will point you in the direction of the exit, the beautiful “Blue Gate”.
Prue
Cook Islands
One of my favourite relaxing destinations was the wonderful Cook Islands, wow 7 nights in Rarotonga, will do your soul wonders!!
there is some great snorkelling, diving, surfing and exploring the nature trails and wildlife of this exquisite part of the part of the South Pacific. Rarotonga is only 32km in circumference, which makes it very easy to get around, by 4wd, moped or by the local bus!
As the major currency is New Zealand dollar, it makes the Cook Islands a great value for money beach break!
One highlight for me was the day trip to Aittutaki, it is a quick 45 minute flight from Rarotonga. The view on arrival into Aitutaki is just stunning. We visited the main township of Arutanga, the market place and the inland villages of Tauto and Vaipae. Then its on to the pier to board a 71 foot traditionally designed catamaran, Titi Ai Tona. At the top reef, we had a chance to snorkel amongst schools of tropical fish and hand feed them. The catamaran takes you on a slow cruise to One Foot Island, where for a few hours you can swim in crystal clear waters, explore the island or just laze in the sun on the soft white sand beaches, before returning to mainland for the flight back to Rarotonga.
Just a tip for the pearl lovers... Cook Islands have the most stunning Black Pearls, don’t for get to pick-up a stunning set of pearls before you make it on the plane home!!
Phuket Thailand...
Well where do you start with Phuket? and how do you give a great it justice in a few lines???
Phuket is one of the places at our own door step, which caters for all people. If you wanted a relaxing holiday on the beach, with lots of "copy" shopping! great water sports, great resorts, and super value for money Phuket is the place to be! A few highlights of my few visits to Phuket was, the Thai cooking classes recipes that I still use a home today! Visiting and riding an Elephant is certainly high on the lists, and visiting Phang Nga Eco bay (James Bond Island!), and canoeing some of the most dramatic and beautiful limestone sceneries in Phang Nga Bay.
One of my favourite local restaurants in Phuket was Sabai Sabai, wow you can eat a feast for just a few dollars.
Ohh and how on earth could I forget the Spa treatments in Phuket it is just a total luxury enjoy a facial, manicure, or a Thai Massage after a relaxing day at the beach.