Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Botswana

"Hakuna Matata" come on sing with me! Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze It means no worries for the rest of your days, It's our problem-free, philosophy Hakuna Matata!

I just love that song, just like I loved the animated movie 'The Lion King' and where Disney set the scene, a place where you feel the WOW factor;  the African continent and where I spent three weeks with fourteen amazing people, in four of the most amazing countries.

It was my second visit to Botswana and Zambia and as I reflect, I realise why you just become addicted to some places and you want to go back again and again!

My soul can still feel the beat of the drums, the warmth and friendship from the Masai people as they sing and dance in front of me, the open plains of Kenya, the water deltas in Botswana, the rift valley and open craters of Tanzania, the picturesque Victoria falls in Zambia and all of them boasting to have some of  the most incredible species of wild animals you could ever imagine, no photo or camera can capture the true spirit of these amazing places, until you become a part of it.

Five star camping is definitely my style and even though I love the outdoors, I have never, ever been a camper and the thought of taking a holiday in a tent is definitely not on my "to do" list, unless however it is done African style and I can guarantee I would be there every weekend!

Each country and area we visited were different and the landscape gave us an indication on just how diverse and unique each country is.  So many highlights; crocodile eating a very large catfish, Lioness preparing for a kill, a cheetah in the Delta; it was our last day and no cats had been seen for over 6 months due to the flooding, the Leopard stalking the Zebras, the hippos outside our room while in the Delta, two male Lions standing and stretching and heading directly to our vehicle, an elephant in the Delta glaring and stamping his feet at our vehicle for separating him from his family, oh and not forgetting an elephant taking a shower in the Zambesi river as I am looking out from my massage table as the sun sets, it just cant get any better than that!.

I won't mention other highlights, otherwise this blog will go on and on, however I will share with you what a typical day on Safari generally consists of.

Each country allowed us to travel in different vehicles, which I enjoyed and each vehicle was best suited for the conditions of that particular area, I must admit I was pretty impressed that we only had one flat tyre and it wasn't while we were on safari!
We always went on 2 x 2 hour game drives every day whilst staying on camp; one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, as these are the best times for game viewing. 
Each drive is different and at each one you will experience moments that will stay embedded in your memory forever and that I can guarantee!. 

After watching so many documentaries on the National Geographic channel that generally take years to capture on film, rest assured you will experience some of these even if on safari for a short span of time.

I learnt so much more about the individual big 5 and the thousand of different species of birds and so many other animals, some that I had never even heard of, yes it was truly amazing! 
I often get asked so what is your favourite animal ? of course I love "Pumba" who plays the warthog in the Lion King, the cats - Lions, Leopards, cheetahs, oh and the Zebra's, Elephants, Rhinos and not forgetting the sleek and sexy Giraffe's, you just have to see the Waterbuck, oh and the Impalas! Okay I guess my answer is: "love them all" even the crocodiles look good in Africa!

If you are considering traveling to Africa it is so important to pick the right time to visit the country you are most interested in, if you are taking in more than one I suggest you go shoulder season, also costs are better than in the high season, which is Winter!

I had a truly incredible journey with 14 amazing people and I thank them for being a part of it.  What I love the most about taking groups away is you go away with friends and/or strangers and you come back as family and it is that bonding of a group that makes you appreciate the destination even more. 
When am I heading back you ask? September 2012, so if you are interested in coming just send me a quick email, if you just cant wait check out our Delta Dunes safari that leaves in September 2011. 

I am now planning my next trip for 2011, I am returning to Israel and Jordan with the option for you to extend and go to Egypt.  I have created an exceptional tour with a company that comes with my highest recommendation. I look forward to hearing from you.
I have attached some of my favourite shots which I hope will make you feel and appreciate my recent journey to the African Continent!  Love you all.....................cheers  Ida

Montreal, Beverly Hills and Vegas

It has been awhile in between trips, so I hope you enjoy my new blog, that will hopefully tempt you.

The latter part of the year has been exceptionally busy at travel experience.com as we have seen a 35% increase in travel, particularly to the US and Canada. You can understand why, our dollar is strong, flights are cheap, amazing destinations to visit and they both have so much to offer the holiday maker.

I have always had a love and passion for these countries, so having the opportunity to visit again really put a smile on my face.

I travelled to Montreal, East Canada with Sherri, my first time to this part of the country and wow I just loved the ambiance of the quaint Province of Quebec, with its french influence, fascinating history, home of Cirque du Soleil, these were just some of my highlights, of course attending the 101st Rotary Convention, for the first time was also a wow factor!
What can I say exceptional guest speakers including Queen Noor of Jordan, Dolly Parton and a host of other amazing people who are doing so much in the Rotary world.

Montreal is a great city and boasts some amazing architecture, great restaurants and the best crepes in the world! I had a truly memorable experience topped with a well organised convention, great fellowship with over 17,500 Rotarians from around the globe and catching up with a friend who was an exchange student in Mareeba over 23 years ago. I absolutely loved it!

As a Vegas addict for so many reasons, I had the opportunity to stop in for a few nights prior to the convention. Great new hotel in Vegas called the ARIA, very classy and it boasts the new Cirque du soleil using music from non-other than the King of Rock n Roll himself Elvis Presley. I got to see Cher for a second time, she is still amazing and her show was outstanding. Shows are a must do in Vegas and if only stopping for a few nights I do recommend pre-booking before you go.

After the convention I was able to spend a few nights with my niece who has now moved to Beverly hills, always a different experience when you holiday with a local and from a locals perspective.

We shopped at some great department stores which were offering massive discounts, dined at some great restaurants, I particularly enjoyed brunch at Kings cafe on Robertson Boulevard, where I was able to take a sneak peek at some famous stars. My highlight, however, was being part of a live television audience for Jimmy Kimmel and meeting Tom Cruise!

If you are considering travelling to the US and Canada we will not only give you great airfares and accommodation packages, we have some hot tips, great restaurants that we recommend and non-touristy suggestions that will give you a more cultural local experience, we look forward to welcoming you!

Until next time stay safe, live, love and laugh.
cheers
Ida

Cowboys vs Storm Dairy Farmers Stadium Townsville

Recently I travelled to Townsville to attend a conference and it just happened to be the same weekend that the Cowboys played the Storm! I had never been to a game at the newly renovated stadium, you may be shocked thinking "what!"

Well you know what it's like when you have something in your own back yard you keep putting it off and saying "I will do it sometime soon" luckily, that weekend was the right time!

We stayed at the newly renovated Holiday Inn, the old sugar shaker, which is located right in the heart of Flinders mall and directly opposite the Cowboys leagues club, how convenient!

For only $10 you can purchase a return ticket on the city bus, which is located across the road from the leagues club. It will take you out to the stadium and back to the same spot directly after the game, how good is that! Oh! I must add that the trip back on the bus, is fun and very interesting. You must also have a drink at the Cowboys leagues club after the game the whole team call in for the presentation and supporters are welcome!

I was so impressed with not only the efficiency of the buses, location, prices, but the whole set up, is just so well organised, I was even happier when I got there and realised I could get a real drink at the bar.

The night was amazing! I can guarantee that you won't feel crowded or uncomfortable, we had grandstand seats, which we purchased at really good prices. The only disappointment about the night, was, that the Cowboys lost.

Not that it really mattered, as I was with great friends and we just had an exceptional night out.
The Holiday Inn have packages to all Cowboys matches and I have just been thinking about going down in July when the Cowboys take on the Broncos, that will be interesting especially as Geoff is a huge Broncos supporter.

Both Virgin and Qantas fly to Townsville and they have some competitive airfares as well, so if you don't like to tackle the 4 to 5 hour drive take a flight instead you will be there in 40 minutes.

Hire a car and enjoy Townsville it is quite a nice city to visit.
cheers
Ida

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!

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.