Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts

Monday, 10 March 2014

group travel cringe or embrace....

Group holidays, do you cringe when you hear the word 'group'? 

Don't worry you're not alone; I still hear people say, "oh, I could not stand that".  But the more diverse these group holiday options are becoming the more people are participating and embracing them. 

There's a variety of 'group holiday' experiences to be had. It may be a small group journey - where you join a small group of up to twelve guests to experience a destination. The more niche is the special interest group getaway - where groups of whatever number will experience a footy game, Gallipoli, trekking, a photograph or writing workshop just to name a few.  Then, there's the small 'like-minded' holidays, where men or women gather with their friends to chill-out, share a laugh and whatever takes their fancy - usually a cooking class or a game of golf.  Yes, they leave their loved-(family and pets)-one’s home.
Also, I question. Does then going on a cruise entail 'group travel'? As you are amongst the masses of thousands, all living the same life for the duration of time it takes to embark and disembark on the cruise.

'Generational-holidays' could also be group holiday, as I have coordinated these Generational-holidays where the grandparents take their children, spouse and grandchildren on a holiday...those number of guests soon add up!
Travelling as group does definitely have its merits. It allows you to travel in the safety and companionship of others. It means your holiday arrangements will be pre-arranged and mostly pre-paid, giving a smoother and more seamless journey.  It takes the pondering and decision making out of it, which can be a time waster when on holidays.  For sure, you still have to take the time to ponder and decide, but is mostly done before you depart on your holiday. The pondering and decision making would be on what destination you are going to go, what is it you want to experience, what the cost you are prepared to pay and so on.

So, for your next holiday you may just ponder...am I travelling in the company of simply a friend or loved one or am I going to cringe or embrace the thought of a 'group holiday'? 
I look forward to hearing your thoughts....


Travel With A Difference CALENDAR has a few 'special interest' group holiday you may be interested in: Uganda - eco and sustainable.  France - history of Julia Child and food. Uganda - charity and sustainable.

trekking Bay of Fires
Bill Peach journeys: Sydney to London

Absolute Sanctuary group yoga retreat

lodging whilst trekking Vietnam
Travel With A Difference through knowledge and experience, can tailor-make a memorable and unique journey for you....

Sunday, 13 May 2012

wanting to pack my bags...


I'm not sure why it is, but at this point in time, I'm considering destinations, as I'm wanting to pack my bag and go on a journey.  I think it might be triggered by the change in climate. The days have turned cool, wet and windy, the days are shorter and the regular daily updates I receive about stunning resort or intriguing destinations, whilst sitting at my desk either tapping on the keyboard or speaking on the phone, doesn't help.

Maybe it is because, I am going to Vietnam on an amazing journey with a group of female friends/clients later this year, where we will be hiking, cruising Halong Bay, participating in a cooking class at K.O.T.O and spending a night or two in a luxury hotel, after spending nights staying in local homestay accommodation. Maybe what has also got me pondering an escape, is that my future fellow travellers have started chatting about what to pack. Packing for me has never been an issue, I don't live a life of having an excessive wardrobe, so I don't need one when I'm holidays. I trust having lived mostly out of a backpack for three years, whilst travelling and living aboard hastened me to want what is useful and practical.

It is a given when I holiday, I pack my swimmers (bathers), at the moment I'm favouring my European style bikini from Raife. Sneakers are always packed, they'll get used whether it be a dawn walk around town exploring the street before the chaos of the day begins or a power walk on the treadmill.  The sun hat is a must for those lazy pool side days, my handy Mimco sun visor will be great for the hiking days. A sarong is a must, it is so light and versatile when on holiday, I never travel with a towel. Another mandatory item I pack is a shawl, it is great for cool evenings over your shoulders, I've used it as a skirt visiting temples, a pillow whilst travelling or simply when the airconditioning becomes intolerable.  
Of course there is more to packing, but these are my basic needs. I'll share more in the near future on other items and what toiletries to pack.  Enjoy and share your thoughts, on what you must have in your bag, if you wish?
Urbanhats







Wednesday, 11 April 2012

trekking, cooking class, charity, luxury... Nth Vietnam

Here we have an amazing eight night - nine day journey, where you and your friends can get together and share an amazing and memorable experience...

For an in-depth, active adventure in Vietnam this trip is a must! From Hanoi we transfer tothe remote north western region of Pu Luong Natural Reserve. This area is home to some of Vietnam’s 15 ethnic minority groups whose fascinating cultures and warm hospitality is experienced first hand as we trek through villages and stay as guests in their homes. Pretty scenes of lush prime rain forests, silver waterfalls, bamboo forests and tea and rice terraces complete our backdrop. From here we retreat to the serenity of Halong Bay where we spend the night aboard a traditional wooden ‘junk’ boat floating amongst its 3000 limestone islets and emerald waters.We return to Hanoi and experience a cooking class at the famous K.O.T.O not for profit restaurant. We then celebrate with a farewell dinner and some free time for last minute shopping!
Pu Luong National Park
Sofitel Metropole Hanoi

K.O.T.O. Hanoi by Justin Mott

K.O.T.O (Know One Teach One) is a non-for-profit restaurant and vocational training program that is changing the lives of streets and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. It’s a place where customers enjoy delicious Vietnamese and European cuisine and where the staff (mostly former street and disadvantaged youth) are so full of energy and enthusiasm that it’s contagious. www.koto.com.au


Contact: Travel With A Difference for further information and costing for your desired travel date. T: 03-5254 1279


Wednesday, 23 February 2011

inside siem reap....

There is much more to Siem Reap than just temples! Take this journey and experience the perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxation and cultural discoveries.  You will delight in the joy and knowledge Maree Ford, your host, will share as she shows and tells you about "Inside Siem Reap".  You will be accommodated in stylish comfort in an Orient-Express hotel that is built of natural woods in traditional Khmer style. You will explore the temples, be tethered in a helium balloon to enjoy the view, be entranced by the graceful movements of Apsara dancers, explore floating villages and peruse the artisan shops in the town of Siem Reap.

Inclusions: Australian host Maree Ford
Return airport - hotel transfers in Siem Reap
5 Nights accommodation staying at La Residence d'Angkor
Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 4 dinners
Transfers by private A/C vehicles
English speak guide
All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary + 1 day Angkor pass
Tethered Helium Balloon ride at Angkor
Traditional Khmer massage
Boat trip to Kampong Phluck
Travel With A Difference wallet & documentation

Cost per person twin /double share:      $2271
Book this journey today, it departs 24 March, returns 29 March 2011TWAD will donate $50 to the Angkor Hospital for Children for each person booked on this journey.

Wednesday, 7 October 2009

Surfing Samoa to offer aid...

All call from a client and I love his idea...take a surfing holiday to Samoa! 

He, like us all has been exposed via the media of the natural disasters currently taking place within Asia and the Pacific. His desire to go surfing to a place of devastation intrigued me.  So, with excitement I went off to source holiday package options.



To my suprise it was great to discover Polynesian Blue offering extremely cheap airfares and the luggage  allowance lifted from 20kg to 30kg.  It is only for a limited time, but perfect.  He could take supplies to help the Samoans, surf breaks from the SaMoana Resort and spend time lending a hand to rebuild the devastation of the tsunami.





Good on him and what I love about it?  Everyone benefited...