How Do Couples Get A Perfect Holiday...

Have you felt the strains of living life a little out of the ordinary of late?  Well, it can be said that “covid-19 has had an effect on all of us”.  But now after each state and territory in Australia has experienced closures and you, isolation. Life is still not as we know it and it wont be for awhile, but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel...time for a holiday.  A desired perfect holiday!

Ultimate Winery Experience

If you have been pondering where you and your loved one would escape to, to feel the joy of freedom, relaxation, fun and whatever you desire, remember to consider these three tips:

• Get organised.  Ask family or friends if they can look after your children, pets, plants or house for a few days.  If need be look at services where you can get a live in nanny or where your pet can be comfortably lodged in a boarding kennel environment.  Also, do not be hesitate to touch base with a friendly neighbour who may be able to water your plants and keep an eye on your house or there may be a local kid who would love some pocket money.  Simply ask them and then you are another step closer to your perfect holiday.  

• Couples you want that perfect holiday?  So, holiday where there are no children unless you truly do not care.  Options for a perfect holiday would be to stay at a resort that has adult only facilities, such as a pool area or more oooohlalala, stay at an adult only resort. Yes, they do exist.  Be it a private villa, a luxury resort, remote outback camp or an adventure such as heli-touring, fishing, self-driving or an exploration cruise to experience different cultures and unique scenery.  You can experience a perfect holiday.

• Because this is all about you and your loved one.  Discuss what you both mutually want to do or get out of your holiday.  There is no use, hanging out remotely in a luxe tent at a beach destination if your loved one despises being away from concrete buildings.  Will it be an action packed holiday or leisurely lazing by a pool and wine sipping at a fancy restaurant.

Kimberley Coastal Camp

Here are some suggestions to stimulate discussions to what you may desire on your holiday:

•      Gourmet cuisine or fresh local produce
•      Wine your drink and you would love to taste and experience more from a region
•      You both love the ocean, so you will not go inland
•      You love the ocean, but it is nice to broaden your life experiences, so why not head inland

Remember, this is about you two getting away together.  Take a relaxed pace and appreciate what we do have on our doorstep here in Australia, all within a few hours drive or flight.

When border restrictions are eased, travel and holidays are going be different.  Social distancing, washing of hands, sanitising and less contact of communally touched items will be in place.  

At Travel With A Difference we have over twenty years in coordinating and booking holidays and travel arrangements, so contact us

Grab a cuppa, sit back and relax completing this Find A Word Destination and receive a gift when you book your holiday with us 

AUSTRALIA is AMAZING

Western Australia

Hey U.....

If you’re in your thirty to forties or even twenties you’re the lucky one because U by Uniworld have the newest and most stylish ships cruising the European rivers of France, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany and The Netherlands with U in mind.  

The concept is similar to its mother cruise company Uniworld. U have the joy of cruising the rivers in style and have the delight of only having to unpack once!  This is no just get aboard and laze about holiday, although it can be if that’s what U wish. The wine tasting, beer mixology, local celebrity DJ parties or yoga sessions are just a few of the on-board activities included, depending on your itinerary. U by Uniworld will have U in good stead to embrace your memorable European holiday.

Balcony Suite - unpack once!

Of course, U will go ashore and have the opportunity to explore and discover local attractions. Walk inside a medieval castle, visit a national museum of contemporary history or take a selfie at Eberbach Monastery with its 12th century architecture - which made it the perfect film location for ‘Game of Thrones’ and whilst there taste the abbey’s Riesling, as well as a scenic bike ride.  If U have not experienced a silent disco before, give it a go it’s so much fun. U choose your tune and then groove away. There are also evenings onshore and the U Hosts are on hand to give local insight and recommendations. The excursions have been perfectly selected and vary depending on your chosen itinerary and are there to enhance your European holiday – cheese tasting, hiking within a winery, rock-climbing and the list goes on.

Let's dine....

Breakfast. What? It’s brunch that is served and it’s available at your leisure with delicious eggs and bacon, salads and pastries and wholesome chia seed smoothies at arm’s reach.  Dining also is flexible with U choosing what time U would like to eat within the open hours and how U would like to be seated.  That is, U can dine at a communal table one day and then at a smaller high or low table the next, change it around as you establish new friends or simply choose to dine with your special someone.  The restaurant menu changes daily and consists of fresh and locally-inspired farm-to-table cuisine that is served as shared plates. Vegetarians and vegans are also catered for with scrumptious cuisine. After dinner relax on the rooftop lounge or enjoy a drink from the rooftop Ice Bar where tapas and after-hour snacks and a cocktail or two can be enjoyed.

The boutique floating hotels feature three different room styles ranging from "I just need a comfortable place to sleep" to "it’s all style and we’ll stay in a suite”. Flying solo? Not a problem; there are single and triple rooms, as well as the special request  twin-share room if U are travelling on your own and want to share the boutique cruising experience with a like-minded traveller. Whichever room you choose, you are guaranteed to have the best waterfront views, right from your room, in the centre of each city you visit.

Lounge Food 

U by Uniworld has two ships and 8 day itineraries that can be combined giving U a “super cruise” of fifteen or twenty-two days..  The maiden voyage set sail in April this year with much joy and excitement shared amongst the guests. The custom designed U by Uniworld itineraries will be cruising until October and then there are limited unique December departures allowing U to be away and enjoying the celebrations of Christmas and New Years Eve making for a memorable and special holiday.

The Rooftop Lounge - see you there!

Hey, so call us at Travel With A Difference for a brochure or to make a time to meet up to discuss and coordinate your holiday arrangements, so U have a wonderful European holiday!  Contact telephone: 03-5254 1279 and via social media - Facebook    Instagram    

U by Uniworld - yes, please!

Sailing or Cruising...

If taking to the seas is not your thing, consider sharing this with someone you know, who'd love the insight and to experience amazing destinations that go along with being on a vessel of some description at sea or on a river...

I grew up with dad having a boat/s, so as a kid fishing and wake-boarding were experiences that brought much fun to our family activity.  Then as an adult, I took myself off on a week long holiday sailing on a 100ft square rigger the "Golden Plover" in the Whitsundays, having so much fun, I extended my stay to sail supplies to chartered yachts.  A few years later whilst traveling abroad I had a few spontaneous jaunts at sea, then back home it was another Whitsunday's sailing holiday completely different to my first and then an amazing sail around Tonga island hoping remote islands. These and other boating experiences have brought much joy and maybe hair-raising moments, but have given me memories I am glad for and fond of!

Here are a few ideas for 2017 that may just be what you're after...

Viking Cruises offer river and ocean cruises, being European owned the clientele is a mix of nationalities, the river cruises of course have the lesser passengers and all viking ships offer the same Scandinavian style and comfort interior. Earlybird offers until 31 October 2016 

Star Clippers is your tall ship cruising experience. Cruise the Caribbean or the Mediterranean seas or embark on their newest voyage around Indonesia. Cruise between May - October 2017 for savings.
Cruise around Croatia for 8 Days and save up to $600 per couple. Earlybird book + deposit by 31 Oct.

Luxury River Cruising in Myanmar (Burma) in November, 1st passenger $6482 + 2nd if FREE. Book now!

Uniworld River Cruises have been a favourite with our clients. To see the Netherlands and Belgium in spring when the flowers create a tapestry of colour. Book + Deposit before 31 October for 2017.

Orion Cruise zodiac landing in PNG

And then there's still, the small boat experiences in Fiji, the Kimberley,  PNG, India and other interesting destinations I have not mentioned.  To discuss your holiday further, simply contact us at Travel With A Difference and we look forward to assisting with your memorable holiday.

Star Clippers - Indonesia

our entertainment in Tonga!

don't want to keep dipping in your pocket...

I always love an invitation or the opportunity to explore a new destination, but when an invitation to visit Phuket in Thailand and stay at an all inclusive resort, I hesitated. Then curiosity got the better of me. I was going to experience the world renown, Club Med.

We arrive late at night and I'm slightly delirious as my mind and body are aware it's some godly-hour back home. The greeting staff are joyous and of varying nationalities, after a refreshment and quick check-in I'm escorted to my room, where I have a good nights sleep.  The rituals for the next few days entailed gathering for a leisurely breakfast at the alfresco restaurant, this and the meals to follow became...hmmm, what shall I eat today. All meals are served buffet style, offering a good assortment of cuisine. As the day heats up, we chose to dine indoors with air cooling and enhance our conversation of which foods to try, the pursuits of shopping out on the streets and what activities were going to be explored over the day and into the night.

Me, I love an activity and Club Med is not shy on offering them, all are guided by a G.O (Gentil Officer) or two.  Take your pick, there is an activity from 8.30am to 11.30pm ranging from a morning power walk, yoga and fitness sessions, flying circus, a boat ride and snorkelling, intro scuba dive, putting-golf, tennis, aqua aerobics, beach volley ball and the list goes on.  The G.O.'s are an integral part of Club Med. They come from all corners of the world, most are multi-lingual and they enjoy making you feel you are apart of their big Club Med family.

What I found impressive with Club Med was the attention to entertaining and interacting with children, being all-inclusive means children aged 4-10 years (kids club) participate in the organised activities, whilst the parents relaxed (read) by the pool. Children were encouraged to get involved whether it be playing water polo late morning or on the stage at the evening concert, which had young and old laughing and dancing or participating in little pranks.  The kids were happy.

For those who wanted to dodge all the kid activity and noise, which was me! Retreated to the zen pool, the day spa, fitness room or the beach with white sand and clean ocean water - rarely a hawker to hassle you and a Club Med beach boy there to provide you with a mat and little cane pillow, it was a fab place to retreat.  Also to my surprise, as I always look out for a bit of community or environmental consciousness, Club Med had practices in place.

Would I recommend Club Med Phuket? For sure. It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely for families and those that like a bit of nightly entertainment. Keep in mind there are eighty Club Med - resorts, chalets, villas or cruises - world wide, so there is something for everyone.

How and why was Club Med conceived? Read on >
To discuss your Club Med reservation phone Travel With A Difference:  03-5254 1279
Discover your Club Med sun holiday offers here >  

"DREAM ON" and be groovy...

Hong Kong offers so much as a destination with many shopping precincts, a culture where you can participate in Tai Chi, take a tea appreciation class or explore the historical sites. The public transport makes for easy exploring and of course don't forget to pack your swimmers, remember it is summer!

Our "DREAM ON" deluxe package this week is the groovy Mira Hong Kong and not only do we have a fab package rate, but we are also offering an upgrade from the City View Room to the Courtyard Room*.

Oh, I forgot to mention the many cocktails and food experiences to be had!

INCLUSIONS: Return Qantas economy airfare including taxes ex Melbourne, Return private Mercedes transfers between HKG airport and The Mira, 4 Nights accommodation and daily breakfast.
COST: $1696.72 per person twin/double share
BOOK: today, as there are only limited "DREAM ON" deluxe holidays available.
DEPARTURE DATE:  Friday 08 June 2012
CONTACT:  Travel With A Difference now 03-5254 1279
* subject to availability

"DREAM ON" in a by-gone-era...

To escape and retreat to the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore is a wow factor experience. Relax in the nostalgia of your suite or spend sometime reading in the drawing room. Choose to dine in one of the restaurants or bars.
This remarkable hotel dates back to 1887 when the Sarkie Brothers, the proprietors of the Eastern & Oriental in Penang (hmmm..there's another getaway) announced they would open a hotel in the name of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore. Oh, there is too much to tell and it can all be discovered as you chill out on the balcony pondering the thoughts....
BOOK this "DREAM ON" deluxe holiday now, as it is only available today.
INCLUDES: Return Singapore Airlines economy airfare ex Melbourne, 4 Nights accommodation with late check out until 6pm, Daily breakfast, Welcome Singapore Sling, 24 Hour butler service, SG$500 worth of discount vouchers per room per stay (to be used at participating shops within the Raffles Hotel Arcade), One afternoon tea for two people plus a dinner for two at Tiffin Room (beverages not included), Australian departure and airport taxes.
DEPARTING DATE:  Thursday 24 May
COST: per person  $2991  double/twin share
Simply, email TWAD reservations or phone 03-5254 1279 advise the two passenger names and they appear in their passport, contact phone number and you are booked.

Stop dreaming and booking your holiday now....

"DREAM ON" escape to Bangkok

Destination:   Pathumwan Princess Bangkok, Thailand

Departure date:   Sunday 20 May     Return departure date: Thursday 24 May

Inclusions:  Return Thai Airways economy class airfare Ex Melbourne, Return private airport - hotel transfers, 4 Nights accommodation staying at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel in a Deluxe Room, Check out till 6pm, Daily breakfast, Australian departure and airport taxes

Cost per person: $1230.94

NOTE: these packages are limited for sale today only!

Additionals: upgrade to business class, travel insurance, credit card fees may apply.

BOOK NOW: "DREAM ON" reservations or 03-5254 1279 only on sale today or unless sold out!

Remember: at time of booking we need your name as it appears in your passport and a contact phone number!

festive celebrations....

The idea of Christmas or New Year in Europe was recently put in front of me and I thought, what an amazing holiday experience that would be.  I've experienced a Christmas in London, where it lightly snowed, the novelty of being away from family and in a winters environment, as opposed to sunny Barwon Heads was exciting. I've spent a New Years Eve in Edinburgh, where Hogmanay is a celebration that is very festive and friendly.  Another festive season abroad was for Easter in Austria due to a skiing holiday.  All memorable and unique, but the highlight was probably St Anton in Austria; where we went to church, we were all rugged up trooping to and from our hotel in the snow and sharing that moment with friends was special.
So, when this idea of spending Christmas or New Year in Europe, I thought I best share it with you.
The tours we have available range from 7 to 12 days visiting destinations Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany...you may stay in an 800 year old Coaching Inn deep in the heart of the snow covered mountains of Austria or for a German Fairytale Christmas, stay in a village beneath Neuschwanstein Fairytale Castle.
These are escorted group tours and prices start from $1,999 per person twin/double share.
Call us today for reservations or to discuss your European holiday further.  T: 03-5254 1279
Spaces are filling fast, due to the success of previous years!


Central Europe Inn



Chapel Austria



Vienna Townhall Christmas Market



Neuschwanstein Fairytale Castle, Germany




to you all...

have a Happy Happy Festive Season

stay safe, jolly and well for the New Year

ENJOY the transition, as you move from the end of one year to the beginning of another. 

ENJOY the company of the people you keep, if you're not enjoying it, move on.

ENJOY the freshness of the produce you consume.

ENJOY and embrace your thoughts and dreams for the future.
Whilst not forgetting, there are others less fortunate...

ENJOY the moment.... until we speak again - Karen

Antarctica...

What an amazing destination the Antarctica is...it is the most southern and the fifth largest of the continents, with approximately 98% covered in ice. It's on average the coldest, driest and windiest continent, with temperatures that have reached -89 Cdegrees.
In 1959 twelve countries signed the Antarctic Treaty, there are now forty-seven countries signed to this treaty that prohibits military activities, mineral mining, nuclear explosions and nuclear power, supports scientific research and protects the continents ecozone. 
To discover and experience this unique landscape it is limited, you can relax with an 11 1/2 hour flight journey, with the flight showing casing the stunning ice-bergs, glaciers, mountains, seas and more for 3 to 4 hours.  Or if you have more time on your hands take an eleven day cruise and delight in landings and zodiac journeys.  It is a once in a life-time experience!
Our Calendar features and has features a New Years Eve and a January flight departing from Melbourne.
Contact us today for reservations and further information:

Aerial view of Antarctica

Antarctica Flight

Orion Cruise

Orion zodiac landing




magnificent mauritius



Legends Hotel



a destination that offers shopping, stunning beaches, varying cuisines that have been influenced by the Chinese, Creole, Indian or Muslim and a country side that you can explore.   We have an OFFER for you that will allow to relax and explore the beautiful island of Mauritius.

TRAVEL: before 30 September 2011

COST: $2135 pp including return airfares ex MEL/SYD, 5 Nights accommodation, Daily breakfast & dinner and return airport shuttle transfers.

Legends Hotel

Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially «discovered» in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992. Mauritius Tourism

If September is to soon for you, try and plan to holiday during October or November for Divali...

The Festival of Lights is celebrated in a spirit of pure joy. Small clay lamps line the walls, balconies and yards. They are lit at sunset. Their golden light, which is believed to guide the Goddess of wealth and good fortune, can be seen everywhere. Divali represents the victory of truth (light) over ignorance (darkness). The Festival of Lights, Divali, is a celebration of joy, happiness and for many Mauritians, a time for sharing.

new years eve...luxury cruising on the mekong river

The Early Bird offer for the Luxury Mekong River Cruise has been extended to 31 July.   This is fabulous news, as it gives you the opportunity to book and deposit and receive not only the Early Bird Saving of up to $500 per person, but a complimentary nights accommodation at the ParkRoyal Hotel Melbourne Airport valued at $220.
The luxury journey includes:
2 Nights in Siem Reap, 7 Nights aboard the The Jahan in cabin of choice, 2 Nights in Saigon, all cruise excursions entrance fees, English speaking guides, Breakfast and Dinner daily plus 7 Lunch whilst on cruise, a Memorable New Year's Eve dinner and celebration, Arrival and Departure transfers, Tips, porterage and port charges.

Luxury cruising on the Mekong River

Celebrate New Years doing something different....

Jahan Cruise

Call us today to book your space...

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

10 year celebration...

Wow, ten years!  Travel With A Difference was just a seed, that appeared in my thoughts - it was about visiting and exploring destinations in comfort and style, that didn't involve brass and marble.  I never thought it would come to fruition, it was just a concept, a nice feel good idea.
I had spent three years travelling overseas and had dabbled in the worlds of skiing, sailing and surfing.  I was in my early twenties and it was all about meeting great people, being in different environments, being social and active during the day and into the night. So, I got a job within the travel industry, as it was the joy of meeting people, experiencing destinations and cultures, that I had decided I wanted from life.
After the arduous applications, I received my own travel licence on 14 June 2001.  At the beginning I worked on TWAD and at the Geelong Advertiser, until TWAD could sustain me.  At the end of August 2001, I committed to working fulling time within TWAD. Within two weeks the September 11 tragedy occurred, followed by sars, chicken flue, Bali bombings, the collapse of Ansett. It was a tough two years for all.

Christmas lunch in Denmark, WA 1977

I've reflected over the years on what I've wanted and received and enjoyed.  Now, I plan on what I want for life, as I believe happiness is a very important aspect of life.  I am grateful for the family holidays we had as kids, it was the travelling and exploring, the freedom we had and the creativity to entertain ourselves that I thank my parents for. As the cliche goes "it's all character building".  

So, to acknowledge my accomplishments and TWAD's ten years of existence, I wish to celebrate by giving you a complimentary night staying at Parkroyal Hotel Melbourne Airport, when you book a journey through TWAD for a 50 Degrees North or Travel Indochina experience. 

OFFER: Book & Deposit a journey before 31 July.

VALID: For travel during 2011.

QUOTE: TWAD celebration.

CONTACT: Us to today for a brochure or to arrange your holiday.

  

free night at Parkroyal Hotel Melbourne airport...

Yes, during June and July book a Travel Indochina or 50 Degrees North holiday through Travel With A Difference and you'll receive a complimentary nights accommodation staying at the Parkroyal Hotel Melbourne Airport.
Celebrate New Years Eve on a luxury cruise along the Mekong River, commencing in Siem Reap, Cambodia and concluding in Saigon, Vietnam.  

Or perhaps Scandinavia is your desired destination, there is so many unique experience to be had at this destination: Dogsled Expedition, Volcanoes & Glaciers...cruising, touring, trekking or polar expeditions can experience. Visit our Calendar to view some special interest tours involving Scandinavian cuisine and design.
Book & Deposit: before 31 July 2011
OFFER: Complimentary nights accommodation at Parkroyal Hotel Melbourne Airport.
Book:  Your flights and cruise, trek or journey through Travel With A Difference to receive the complimentary nights accommodation.
Travel: Depart anytime during 2011.
Contact: Us today, we look forward to assisting you further. Enjoy the journey!

newest luxury in bali...

will see all the groovy holiday clientele who frequent the destination, that won't compromise on style, design or servicing knocking on its door.  They will be the first to discover the exurburance of  the "wow" factor, they're destined to experience by staying at the new W Retreat & Spa.
We know Bali is a fab holiday destination, it has so much too offer; whether you are with friends just hanging out and having fun, or a couple taking time to reconnect and relax, or a family wishing to share a holiday staying in a resort or private villa.
So, to be one of the first to experience the "wow" of the W Retreat & Spa, that rests on the edge of the beach in Seminyak, Bali we have this offer for you.  The retreat opens its doors 1st March 2011 and will feature 158 Retreats & Suites and 79 Villa Retreats. In true "W" style there is much quirk and fantasy....

one bedroom villa retreat

two bedroom villa retreat

RELAX & STAY: 01 March - 30 April 2011

HOW LONG: 5 Nights

IN A: Wonderful Garden View Retreat

RECEIVE: Return private airport transfers, Daily breakfast & 3 Course Dinner

HOW MUCH: $1060 per person

WHAT ELSE: pump yourself at the gym, rejuvenate yourself at the spa, take a seat at Starfish Bloo, ICE, FIRE, WooBar, I Below, Cellar or the W Lounge.

GREAT FOR: couples, friends, intimate celebrations...

Note: price is correct at time of print. Prices available for varying durations and number of guests. All is subject to availability and conditions.