Luxury Travel and luxury Tours/Cruise Vacations Worldwide including deluxe rail tours, Family adventures and Specialty Travel

Touring Australia and New Zealand

Monday, August 09, 2010

When a place has as much to offer as Australia & New Zealand, it is wise to organize your time before leaving home. By arranging an independent tour or joining an escorted, group tour, you'll be able to make the most efficient use of your time and see more of the wonder down under.

Australia and New Zealand are full of amazing natural landscapes, vibrant cities and modern attractions. There's so much of interest it's not surprising visitors return inspired and excited about their experiences.

New Zealand is compact and can be covered, top to bottom, in a couple of weeks.

Across the Tasman Sea lies Australia. This vast country has many areas catering to visitors that are long distances apart.

Combining both countries is an adventure of a lifetime as you see two of the most fascinating countries in the world - from spectacular Fjordland National Park, New Zealand to Ayers Rock, Australia and everything surrounding these amazing places.

Independent Touring

Through our industry partnerships, we can arrange a custom vacation for you to see all you want in Australia and New Zealand.

From luxury hotels to budget camping adventures there are many options available for singles, families and groups.
In New Zealand, the road system on both the North and South islands is immaculately maintained and un-crowded making it easy to tour by car or motor-home. You can also travel by rail and coach.
Farm stays let you experience first hand a vital part of these agricultural nations.
With the long distances in Australia, take advantage of an air pass if you have limited time. There are also rail and coach passes available for independent travellers.
Independent tours designed for families include activities just for kids like a visit to the School of the Air, a program of radio instruction for children of the Outback.
For the outdoor adventurer, trekking, bird and wildlife viewing are safe and pleasant in New Zealand as there are no natural predators or snakes. Take a hike on White Island, an active marine volcano or through the Waitomo Caves to glow worm grotto. Go bungee jumping where it was invented, in Queenstown, the capital of extreme adventure activity.

Escorted Tours

For many travellers, organized tours with a group provide the most efficient way to see the most important areas of Australia and New Zealand. They enjoy the carefree experience with luggage handled for them, having a full time local guide and the camaraderie of travelling with others.

Tours are available with accommodation from budget to luxury with most sightseeing and some meals included.
Group Tours range from a one day tour to the Hunter Valley north of Sydney to comprehensive one month tours of both countries with domestic flights included.
Combine shorter tours and city stays to create your own adventure. Pick and choose from a wide selection of destination and special interest escorted tours.
A must see, easily visited by guided tour, is famous Ayers Rock, situated at the Red Centre of Australia, the dry, outback desert area in the middle of the country. The area is part of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park which is Aboriginal land and one of the few World Heritage properties listed for both natural and cultural importance. Experience Aboriginal culture at the visitors centre and music and dance shows.
To see more of the South Pacific, add a stop over in Fiji or the Cook Islands to your flight home.

Last but not least, you can combine both a land and sea vacation on a cruise tour of Australia and New Zealand. Cruising Australia and New Zealand is an adventure that offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences unmatched anywhere else in the world. The ports you'll visit are amongst the most varied and interesting in the world. You can discover more of these exciting countries by adding a tour before or after your cruise. This could certainly be your most memorable vacation

Australia tour packages and independant vacations were just released for all of 2011 through early 2012. There are some wonderful promotions available for booking made by the end of August.

Angkor Wat Temple Complex, Cambodia

Thursday, July 29, 2010

You’ve seen it in the movies and on television…and you are more than a bit curious…

What is Angkor Wat?

The answer is simple, the destination is not, but well-worth the effort for the curious, intrepid traveler.

Angkor Wat is the famous Hindu temple to the god Vishnu, located a few miles outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap, once the center of the Khmer empire, is now a rather quiet city which seems to exist for tourists.

After you’ve checked into your comfortable, quiet hotel in Siem Reap you may wish to avail yourself of a soothing message…very welcome after traveling the long hours many miles you’ve come for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your hotel will probably have an in-house masseuse, swimming pool and the luxury amenities which will be so surprisingly available in this exotic corner of the world.

The best time to visit the vast temple complex (containing many temples and monuments) is in the morning, before the heat of the day overwhelms you…always carry bottled water with you and purchase it ONLY at your hotel! A knowledgeable guide is preferred, but a good guide book will assist you in making your way around this vast collection of architectural wonders!!! You’ll need a guide to interpret the mural-like carvings, which tell the stories of warriors, gods, goddesses ; victories and slightly risqué encounters.

There are ladders to climb to heights with breathtaking views, cool, shady corroders whose stone walls are covered in magnificently preserved carvings. Walk with care because many areas are being restored There will be touring monks in saffron robes…don’t be surprised if they take your picture and feel free to ask you to pose with you for your camera. Many are mendicants and will politely accept charity, but will not confront or pester or pester you.

The breathtaking site of Ta Prohm will dazzle you!! This is the oft-photographed temple that has been left as it was found when this area was re-discovered. The jungle has invaded and vast trunks and branches inundate the buildings. You will be amazed how nature can reclaim vast areas of man’s endeavor!!

Before you say farewell to Angkor Wat, you must await sunset at Angkor Wat: the golden hues of the magnificent towers glisten in the setting rays and the shadows elongate…the lake provides a mirror reflection of this amazing sight, and you will take a picture (in your camera or in your mind’s eye) that will be a momento of a fantastic adventure.

Spotlight on Ireland

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Green hills and fields surrounded by some of the most spectacular coastline in the world; the landscape of Ireland makes a perfect vacation setting. From the peaceful, relaxing Lakelands district to the excitement of Dublin, you'll discover a charming and friendly country with a fascinating Celtic heritage.

Discover Ireland

Create many memorable moments by enjoying Ireland's renowned attractions. To really know the country, you'll need to experience these Irish favorites.

Kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle.
See the windswept Atlantic coast with its dramatic hills, cliffs and blowholes.
Find the many historical landmarks which dot the landscape.
Stay in a traditional, thatched cottage or how about a castle for the night!
Visit the fascinating Waterford Crystal visitors center at Tramore.
Watch the history of Ireland come to life at the many heritage centers.
Enjoy a pint of Guinness at a friendly Irish pub, where music and dance are part of the scene.

Getting Around

Escorted or Independent Tours: See all the highlights on one of the many escorted coach tours offered by our partners. We can also take care of independent tour arrangements for those wanting more flexibility. Browse our Ireland tours.
Rail & Rail Tours: Eco-friendly rail journeys are a great way to see the country. Options include point to point service, half or full-day tours or three to six-day tours including accommodation.
Car: Roads have greatly improved in recent years and more motorways and dual carriageways have been added making driving Ireland a quick and convenient way to travel. The country and coast roads are generally un-crowded making it a pleasure to drive.
Bus: The bus network services the entire country. This is a good option for the budget traveler.
Ferry: The ferry service visits the islands around Ireland including the Aran Islands, the Skelligs and the Blaskets. Coastal ferries are often a good shortcut too. The ferry between Tarbert in Co Kerry and Killimer in Co Clare is a 20-minute journey across the Shannon Estuary which saves you 85 miles of driving while the ferry between Passage East and Ballyhack saves you hours.
Bike: It is possible to rent a bike in almost any town or city in Ireland. Dublin has rental bikes at over 40 locations in the capital! Get out of town on cycling holidays which are a delightful way to see the countryside.

Accommodation

You're in for a treat when you visit Ireland. A unique selection of accommodation awaits and today, luxury and comfort abound; Spa resorts and luxury guestshouses; upscale boutique hotels and traditional Bed & Breakfasts; self-catering cottages for families or groups. You can even stay in a distinguished, historic castle like Dromoland Castle, Castle Leslie and Ashford Castle. Here state-of-the-art facilities meet historic amenities - four-poster beds, book-lined libraries and dungeons converted into bars!

Active Adventures

Cycling, climbing and horse back riding are all popular in Ireland along with these activities:

Walking - From day trips to week long treks, guided walks or on your own, Ireland features towns and villages with great walking accommodation, services and packed lunches to keep you going along the way.
Golf - Ireland's western seaboard has many world-renowned links courses. Inland parkland courses are also well designed in beautiful settings with excellent club houses and accommodation - like Dromoland Castle and Country Estate which has its own Championship golf course. Play and Stay golf packages, Golf Passes for playing multiple courses at reduced rates and golf tours are available. Tee times can be conveniently booked online.
Water Sports - Ireland is the 20th biggest island in the world with a coastline 890 miles long and 584 miles of inland waterways. No wonder there is such a vast selection of water sports: Surfing, sail boarding, wind surfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, diving, snorkelling as well as dolphin and whale watching cruises.

Family Vacations

Family travel in Ireland is easy with family friendly hotels, restaurants and activities found throughout the country.
Check out the events for kids and families at the Dunmore East Adventure Centre and Shielbaggan Outdoor Education Centre.
Splashworld at Tramore is a state of the art, indoor-outdoor water world that's sure to keep families entertained.
Heritage Centers introduce your family to the history and culture of Ireland with engaging exhibits.

Makes you want to start planning, doesn't it? The combination of numerous things to experience in a country of great natural beauty makes Ireland a sure bet for a fabulous vacation.

Travel Improves Your Health

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

We all “feel” better getting away on vacation. Did you know it really is not just your imagination? Science and statistics show it is true. Vacations Travel Improves Your Health? can reduce risk of heart disease, depression and even slow down the aging process. How about this statistic… Two vacations can cut your risk of heart attack by 50%.

Vacations help reduce stress, which will always help your health.

Here are some other tips to reduce stress during travel.

Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind. A week is recommended.
Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

Tours :: The Most Common Questions about Escorted Tours

Sunday, January 10, 2010

When will I receive my tour documents ?

Clients often ask when they will get “more” information about their tour. I always tell them after final payment is made, they will receive their documents delivered to their home by UPS and not to expect anything from the tour operator in the interim. In certain cases, especially the luxury travel tours, preliminary documents are sent, as well as personal registration forms to be filled out.

What Day Does My Tour Start ?

Just thought of another confusing question among clients. Day 1 with the budget and first class tours is “always” the overnight flight to Europe, arriving on Day 2 – this means Day 2 is your first hotel night.

Day 1 with the Deluxe & Luxury Tours is the day you arrive in Europe to start your tour.

Be Flexible – it will save you money!

I would advise clients to try to be a little flexible in their planning a trip. Sometimes by simply shifting a departure date we can find special promotions that offer additional benefits. We can also look at comparable suppliers for a similar itinerary to see if there is additional value added.

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