Vietnam with Nadine

Sin chow (hello from Vietnam)



With a visa stamped in my passport and a small light weight bag on my shoulder (no wheels)I joined the queue at Sydney International airport for a 8 hour flight with Singapore Airlines to Singapore and then 2hrs to Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) for a seven day adventure.

What an amazing place, the streets are filled with motor bikes all going in the same direction then they all of a sudden form their own lanes, stick their arms out to indicate then head off in another direction, with little children on high chairs, no helmets, women dressed elegantly in their high heels and business attire, their shopping strapped onto the back of their bikes, face masks on… just another day in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Cu Chi tunnels running for over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border, are simply unbelievable. Crawling through them on your hands and knee’s gave you a fell of what it was really like (breathtaking, claustrophobic, and frightening) but simply amazing, how small the Vietnamese people are and how clever they really were. From recycling the war equipment to help them fight back, innumerable trap doors, underground shelters, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens, this part of history needs to be experienced by all.

There is not better way to experience Vietnam than on a Cyclo, uncovering the back streets, hidden gems and fascinating sights.

We then headed off to Hoi An on a 1 hour flight with Vietnam Airlines. After spending some time visiting the local tailors and exploring the Chinese Embassy Halls, Old Houses we then took a 2 hour push bike ride into the countryside, spotting a farm of ducklings, water buffalo, rice paddies, local farming land where all the fresh herbs are grown.

For dinner that night we went to “Morning Glory” street food restaurant and cooking school for an experience I will never forget. I can’t boil and egg, but after a 2 hour cooking show I could make fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese Crispy Pancake with Dipping Sauce, green papaya salad and for main course barbequed chicken and lime leaves. This is a must to do when in Hoi An.

With a short 1 hour flight from Da Nang (Hoi An) to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines we had an organised walking tour of the Old quarter, then a cyclo ride to the famous water puppet show.

After an overnight stay we then departed for a 4 hour drive to Halong Bay to board our private boat and cruise around the 3000 limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of the Bac Bo gulf and soak in the misty atmosphere of this world heritage site. With an overnight stay in the calm waters, sumptuous food, good wine, great company, what more could you ask for. It is one of the most magnificent scenic regions in Vietnam.

With around 85 million people living in Vietnam there was no shortage of markets, shops, food, museum’s, place to go and people to meet. The beer is cold, the food is fresh, the people are beautiful, the climate is comfortable and best of all the dong is great to the Aussie dollars, which means you can have an enjoyable meal including a few drinks for around $8.00 aud or $180,000 dong!!

I can’t wait for my next adventure!

Hen gup lie (see you later)
Nadine

South America with Mannuela

Buenos dias.

I was given the opportunity to travel to Peru and Chile with Scenic Tours this September. What an amazing destination! We started our adventure in Santiago where we took in a city tour and a visit to the Pre-Columbian museum. We also travelled to the Casablanca Valley to sample the fine Chilean wines and take in some of the local cuisine.

We continued our journey to Peru, where we took in the spectacular views over the Sacred Valley, we also enjoyed a private weaving demonstration by the women of Chinchero village. We visited the town of Ollyantambo and the Inca ruins, our journey continued to the Misinmay Village Community where, we were welcomed by the locals and their children to learn all about their lifestyle, this was truly a cultural experience I will never forget. I shopped my heart out at the Pisac Markets and purchased some of the locals handicrafts, shame, I didn’t have a bigger suitcase!

Our journey then took as aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. This was dream for me to visit Machu Picchu. WOW! It certainly lived up to my expectations. We enjoyed a guided tour through this historic lost city of the Incas. Standing in the middle of the tropical rainforest, Machu Picchu is the greatest urban creation of the Inca Empire.

I also visited the beautiful city of Cuzco and then travelled into the heart of the Andes, viewing glaciers, snow capped mountains and tiny villages on our way to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We enjoyed an excursion to the remarkable floating islands. Built of layers of totora reeds home to the traditional Uros community. This was another cultural highlight for me.

Our final destination was Lima, we took in the sights of Peru’s capital city before beginning our jouney home. I would say this trip was by far one of my favourites so far and I recommend this destination to anyone. I can’t wait to go back.

The Scenery, Sights, the People and the Culture…. South America has it all! A must destination for all!

Vegas and LA and Alabama with Ida

Why do I love Vegas? I don't know? Words can't describe it, its the emotions that just run deep. I love losing myself in the glitz and glam of this truly fabulous oasis in the desert.

The excitement of its lights, the sin city history, the casinos, the shows, the buffets, the people, the shopping, the museums, the Johnnie blacks, the hundred dollar chips, the weddings, Elvis, oh and most of all the totally fabulously amazing Fremont Experience!

When you arrive you forget about everything and do whatever you want and no one seems to care, you are famous, you are real and you are alive!

Recently I travelled with a group of friends to the US, this is my 10th trip to LA and there is still something that I really love about this city, our experience this time was somewhat different we stayed in Orange County and it is truly beautiful, adding to the fact that my niece Tania lives there with her husband Gayle, we had more of a local experience which I totally enjoyed. Disney is always a hit and the drive to Hollywood and downtown was also a highlight. We managed to secure some tickets to the LA Lakers who played the Clippers at the brand new staples centre, definitely a must do in LA. I am not a huge fan of basketball but I loved soaking in the atmosphere and checking out one of my favourite actors bad boy Jack Nicholson and of course just being with a wonderful group of friends really made my night.

The road trip to Las Vegas was another treat, I love that drive, this time after a stop at the Barstow factory outlets we stopped at Peggy Sues diner and I must say the best collection of memorabilia that I have ever seen , definitely worth a road trip stop, great milk shakes too!

We arrived in Vegas at around 6pm just as it was getting dark and as we drove closer to the city you could see the city lights, the heart starts beating the excitement builds we start singing Viva Las Vegas, the girls are just in sheer heaven, I can almost taste it and then their it is, the drive up the famous Las Vegas Boulevard is just amazing and oh my God it was totally and utterly awesome. I close my eyes now and I can still see it. Luckily for the GPS we managed to find our way to the main entrance of our stay at the newly renovated Planet Hollywood.

Now, Planet Hollywood, I definitely loved! I have stayed at most of the casinos on the strip and even though there was a touch of the Aladdin seeping through the hotel, I loved the ambiance, boppy music and the atmosphere this casino offered, definitely funky and laid back!

I really never spent enough time in my room, however they were movie themed, clean and like most other rooms at casinos on the strip the rooms did not have enough lighting to my liking however and more importantly the beds were grand and for the time I spent in bed I always had a great nights sleep.

So many highlights on this trip, we celebrated Santo's 21st, my birthday, anniversaries and saw Bette Midler, Jersey Boys, Tony and Tina's wedding, Peepshows, Sky walk at the Grand Canyon with Scenic flights, Halloween, the Fremont experience, as many buffets as you can count, shopping at factory outlets, the New York New York roller coaster ride, the extras bar, Rain night club VIPs, restaurants and so much more.

I must say, however, our day dressed up in 80's outfits for the Graceland wedding chapel renewal of wedding vows for Bruce and Tania and Mary and Marcello, was definitely my favourite day. We hired a stretch hummer that drove us around for a couple of hours as we took in the sights of Vegas, definitely a must do when in Vegas. For me 9 nights was not enough and always sad to leave, however knowing that I will be back makes me feel better.

Like all of my trips to Vegas I just have to add in another stop this time Tuscaloosa, Alabama, another added highlight to my trip. Through my extended family we headed south to watch an amazing game of American Football, Alabama University Crimson Tide who played against Louisiana State University the tigers, now this was totally unbelievable, the night before the game we headed downtown and had drinks with locals who were just preparing for game day the atmosphere was electric and such passion and pride toward their local college football team, something like I have never seen before!

On game day we had an early morning start as we headed off to purchase our Alabama t-shirts, just so we could blend in with the crowd, we had a hot dog, a coke and waited patiently for the parade of champions, this is where fans gather out the front of the stadium to welcome and cheer on the Coach and team prior to the big game.

We then took our seats in the family section which was very very special and waited for kick off, while being entertained by a 100 piece marching band, cheerleaders and just hair raising atmosphere! We chanted roll tide roll, sang Sweet home Alabama, ate hot dogs and popcorn and just totally absorbed the experience.

I have a better understanding of the game now and I am hooked. Alabama won that day and are now heading toward the championships league for 2009. I just have this feeling it will be their year, this year, so proud of Eryk he had a great game and so deserves a win in his final year of college.

We farewelled Tuscaloosa and headed to the airport for our flight back to LA, American Airlines was impressive and we flew via Dallas airport. Dallas is usually a nightmare to transit in however with the new sky train it now makes transiting so much easier I was totally impressed.

We stopped in LA with my niece Tania for another night prior to our flight back home. I must thank Qantas for the Business Class upgrade on my trip, I guess after all those years of selling the product, I am so glad I can say it is my job to try it out, so I can then tell you all about it!

If you haven't flown business class you just have to try it, it makes your journey so much better and you arrive well rested and refreshed. Congratulations Qantas the service and experience was impeccable!

Well that was my holiday! Amazing huh! The memories of this trip will stay with me forever. I will always reflect on the perfect nights I had with my mates and just so many stories to share! Oh how I love a great holiday that includes amazing destinations!

You have just got to go! Our dollar is great at the moment, so it is a great time to be travelling, don't think about it just do it!

Love y'all

Ida

Who boasts Las Vegas as her favourite destination!

Italy with Lloyd

My trip only included Verona and Tuscany and car rental. Verona is a beautiful town with a great public transport system. Its main attraction is the Arena and its surroundings; Lake Garda is only an hour away by car and is well worth a visit.
We drove from Verona to San Gimignano via the Ferrari factory. The toll roads were my choice for the drive as it was much quicker.
Tuscany was in grape-picking season and all the vineyards had grapes on the vines. The colours and scenery were spectacular.
The hills with the villages perched on top were great for countryside photos. Our drive from Tuscany back to the Venice airport was very pleasant along the freeway and much easier than I expected. We hired a Lancia Delta, which is a 4-door sedan and it was worth the extra rental charge to upgrade to a bigger vehicle. Bella Italia; it is well worth a visit.
Cheers Lloyd

Bali with Nina

Bali, Indonesia. Truly paradise and a great place for relaxing, shopping and amazing cuisine.
My husband Nigel and I had the opportunity to go to Bali in August and visit some friends of ours that live at Sanur Beach. We flew to Denpesar with Jetstar ex Cairns via Darwin. One of my highlights, (surprise surprise), was shopping! I just loved bartering at the markets and had lots of fun doing this. I also booked in for a few body treatments while I was there - nothing beats a Balinese massage and or having a beauty treatment done. There is so much choice from the local salons to the more up-market spas.
While we were there, we also visited a very special bar which is, run by a New Zealander - it is truly worth a visit. It is called The Cavern Bar and is located in Sanur. It has a Beatles Museum and Memorabilia. I became a life-time member. All you have to do is pay your membership fee - you will then receive a free beer on your first visit - and that’s it you are a member for life.
We enjoyed our dining in Bali and, for only $10 Australian dollars at a local café, two of us had a meal and three local beers each - you just can’t beat that. We also had the opportunity to visit Kuta Beach. This was a real treat for me as a Norwegian who had never seen surfers in action before.
Travel tip for visiting Bali; have some US dollars in cash on arrival to pay for your tourist visa. Being an agent for Travelex, we can exchange cash for you. The visa is USD 10.00 for up to seven days and USD 25.00 for 8-28 days and I also recommend that you give yourself at least three hours when departing from the Denpesar International terminal. There are long queues and you need to pay departure tax, which is 150,000 Rupiah or USD 15.00, and clear immigration, which can be a very slow exercise. If you haven’t been to Bali, its time you visited it. I absolutely loved it!
Cheers Nina

Thailand with Peter

Thailand with Peter
In August, I was lucky enough to escort a small group to Thailand. We flew via Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific and had three days exploring this exciting City. Some highlights included shopping on Nathan Road and a day trip to Macau.
We then flew to Bangkok and several of my clients got suits made from the local tailors, ordered new glasses and we enjoyed a day trip to the River Kwai and Tiger Temple. We headed north up to Chiang Rai and stayed on the border of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. We had an absolutely beautiful hotel on the banks of the river, very quiet and relaxing.
Elephant Trekking was a “Must Do”, but after two and a half hours of mountain climbing on an Elephant, I have to say that I could not wait to get off!
We then overlanded through the beautiful Thai countryside to Chiang Mai and indulged in the local markets. After a few days of relaxation, we flew direct to Phuket. We had a blast, staying at Karin Beach, which is a lot quieter than Legian, but still only fifteen Minutes away by Tuk Tuk, if you wanted to hit the action.
We had eight days of relaxation - the beach was beautiful, the surf was up, massages every day, great food, great prices and day trips by speedboat out to the islands, including Phi Phi Island.
The highlight for me of the trip for me was meeting the Thai people. I found them the friendliest and most welcoming of people. I will definitely go back and explore more of this beautiful country.
Cheers Peter

Darwin with Sherri

What a fantastic trip. I set off on my first group tour to the big smoke of Darwin. I found it to be a great little city with lots of things to do and see. I had a group of ten people. The first night we headed down to the Harbour and had a Sunset Harbour Dinner Cruise. I have never experienced anything like it before; it was fantastic. We have never been so relaxed. We experienced a fantastic four-course meal while watching the magnificent sunset. A must-do in Darwin for anyone travelling.
We had a full day of sightseeing from all the WWII bombing sites to the Military, Art & Aviation Museums.
You cannot go to Darwin without seeing one of the many markets they have to offer. We all headed down to Mindle Beach Sunset Markets and there was every food imaginable.
Then we headed off to Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls (my favourite) and then to Kakadu National Park and some of us went to see the Jumping Crocodiles. It was a great trip enjoyed by all.
Cheers Sherri

Africa

Africa, what an amazing continent! Join Ida in 2010 on the ultimate group safari.

The tour departs September/October 2010 and limited spaces are available!

Info night will be on September 29, call the office on 0740924222 for full details

Dubai World Cub 2010 with Ida and Nina

DUBAI
WORLD CUP 2010

Departing 22 March 2010
9 days, 8 nights Dubai Experience

Join Ida and Nina from Travel Experience.com

For the Ultimate Dubai Racing Experience
Land only Package Includes:
8 Nights Accommodation including Full Buffet Breakfast
Return Airport Transfers
Dubai City Tour
Entry to the Burj Al Arab and enjoy an afternoon at one of the world’s finest 6 star hotels.
Desert 4WD Safari experience with Dinner & Belly Dancers
Plus the ultimate Dubai World Cup Week Experience
Transfers for all events:
All inclusive dinner and drinks and reserved seating tickets at Dubai’s all new Meydan Racecourse
Arabian Nights Party hosted by Sheikh Mohammed
Breakfast with the Stars at the Race Course
Travel Bag and Wallet

Travel Experience.com on 40924 222 or email groups@travel-fnq.com

*Conditions Apply based on twin share per person
Please note due to particularly low priced airfares with this package we have decided to book flights individually as we can access some very low airfares.
On Sale until September 30, 2009 so don’t miss out!

Travelling with Kids with Sherri

Recently, I went on a short three day trip to Brisbane with my husband Sandro and two children, Robby and Jenna to see Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes. It was a fantastic show, held at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Sometimes, people get a bit apprehensive about travelling with children and, don’t worry, I used to think the same, but if you plan it right you won’t have any problems. Here are just a few tips based on what I have experienced:
Q
Firstly, if you are travelling by plane make sure you don’t book the early flights. Try and get the flights around midday to ensure the kids have had a good nights sleep, have had breakfast and are ready for their big day. Make sure you take colouring books and pencils, computer games, toys, etc with you so the children have something to do, otherwise it is going to be a very long trip.
Q
Secondly, try the public transport system if possible during your stay. From the airport, we took the train into the city and the kids loved it. They were so excited and it kept them occupied the whole way. The trip took about 25 minutes and the kids travelled free. So that was even better. One tip: if you are travelling to Brisbane and there is a group of you (more than 2 adults) then it is cheaper to go by maxi-taxi than taking the train.
Q
Make sure when you are planning your days that they are not jam-packed with activities. Try and do only 1 or 2 activities per day. Children don’t like to be rushed and they get tired easily.
Q
Make sure when you are planning your activities they are full of fun….Children get bored very quickly and, the more fun it is the better it is, for you.
Q
Eating out can be expensive and especially if you don’t want Hungry Jacks every meal. If you are going to a restaurant, ask if they have children's meals and, if so, only order one between two children (only if they are not big eaters). Don’t be afraid to ask them to throw in some ice cream or drinks.
Q
Include the children in everything you are doing, from pulling your luggage to pretending to read the maps and so on. They love being included.
My trip was fantastic. Only three days but three wonderful days with my family and nothing is more important than spending quality family time together, since our lives are so busy these days.
We at Travel Experience.com can help you with all your travel needs and give you the best advice on some great family holiday destinations. Come in and see us.

Ultimate Hikes New Zealand with Uli

Why would you want to go walking - when you can laze around a luxurious pool and do absolutely nothing?
The answer is very simple - it makes you feel incredibly alive. When you get right away from your daily mundane routine and get right back into nature, your mind and body start doing amazing things. Your body starts to tingle with excitement and once the endorphins kick in you know that you can do almost anything you put your mind to. To me it is the best way to rejuvenate both physically and mentally. Each day you find renewed energy and your body starts to respond. By the end of the track you feel like a new person. The beauty about our trip is that we will not be roughing it. Each night we will be accommodated in comfortable beds, we will be able to have hot showers and we will also be spoilt by superb 3-course dinners. If you enjoy the odd wine, you will be pleased to know that it is also available. How great is that? Another bonus is that, because we are hiking during the days, it is virtually impossible to put on weight - regardless of how much we indulge at night - and more than likely our clothes will feel much looser by the end of the week.
I personally have done many hiking trips - mainly in Europe - and I am really craving for that amazing feeling you experience, when you are submerged into Nature. The Milford Track takes you past soaring peaks, wild rivers, enchanting forests and amazing valleys. The scenery promises to be breathtaking and magnificent and I can’t wait to experiment with my new camera. To me, it will not be a race, but rather a magical journey of discovery of new and interesting views, vegetation and wildlife.
We already have a great group of fun-loving people joining Nina and myself, so if you are keen to do something a bit different and are ready for the experience of a lifetime - give me a call. We still have a few spaces left and I look forward to sharing a week with you - that I promise you will never forget.

Argentina with Ida

Arriving in Buenos Aires was like jumping aboard a moving train. As I looked out the window of the car I was travelling in, a blurred mosaic of drab apartment blocks and haphazard architecture whizzed by as we drove along the freeway toward the center of town. Our driver Sergio who was a friend of a friend and had offered to pick us up tried to communicate in his broken English and I was doing the same – finally he merges off the freeway.
Then the real city appears, the cafés, the purple jacaranda flowers draped over the sidewalks, stylish porteños (residents of Buenos Aires) walking past the newspaper stands and candy kiosks and handsome early-20th-century stone facades.
When you mention the word ‘Argentina,’ it’s quickly apparent why the country has long held travelers in awe: tango, Patagonia, beef, soccer, Tierra del Fuego, passion, the Mendoza wine country and then you stay with the locals and you discover there is more soul-stirring places to visit, like the Parque Nacional Iguazu in the country's subtropical north, to the thunderous Perito Moreno Glacier in the south, Argentina's natural attractions are the stuff travelers' dreams are made of.
This was my third trip to Argentina and I was travelling with my sister Maria, we were spending a few days in the city before heading out to stay with our relatives in Jose C Paz. We were going to meet them for the very first time so I was both anxious and excited.

On arrival we stayed in a hostel in San Telmo, the place was very reasonably priced, clean, inviting and in an exceptional location, whilst our time in the city, we spent some time with the Harwood’s and had the pleasure of discovering this amazing city with them, we went to La Boca, the cemetery near Recoletta which is like a city in itself and a must do, fantastic markets, museums, and not to mention the exquisite food.

I admit though one of the many highlight’s of my trip, was going to a soccer game we saw Boca play River Plate – they are 2 top sides in the league, the passion the Argentines have for the game is truly amazing and the experience will stay with me forever. I can still hear the chanting Boca Boca Boca!.

What an amazing and wonderful experience I had, I must thank Qantas for the premium economy upgrade as this made our trip much more comfortable. Premium economy is the old business class seats and sell at half the price, these seats are available on selected Qantas routes. Argentina is certainly up there on my “places I’m in love with” list and will definitely revisit.

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We at travel experience.com.au pride ourselves on product knowledge, destinations visited and have over 100 years combined travel experience around this wonderful world that has so much to offer each and every individual.

Our teams have covered the world and they can give you firsthand knowledge on the people, the destinations, the history, the food, the restaurants, the tipping, the public transport, the language and more importantly we will get you there in the most direct and most affordable way. Travelling is the opportunity to step out of one's world and glimpse someone else's, take a thoughtful insight into other cultures & customs, embrace new experiences and open your eyes to the world beyond your own doorstep.

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If you have not yet had the travel bug, remember there is no known antidote, and we know that once bitten you shall be happily infected for the rest of your life. So enjoy your travel experience and take advantage of one of our group departures or let us help you plan your own short or long break.

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