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!

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

sailing the maldives...

Operating a travel business and being a busy consultant, means a lot of time is spent sitting at the desk in front of the computer.  Daily on the computer screen, I see endless deals for romancing at resorts, volunteering holidays abroad, extensive car leasing, cruising the Caribbean to trekking in stunning locations, and that is without mentioning the airline deals.
This one came through and stopped me in my tracks. I thought wow. Sailing the Maldives. Imagine, sailing. You and a friend or a few of your friends, if you're not confident or experienced to sail alone, rent a crewed catamaran that provides you with a skipper and a cook to prepare your meals. Having just sailed around Tonga....I had to blink myself back to the reality of work!  
We all take some time during the year for a little getaway and I understand, people have different priorities to what they wish to do with their time and money or even their desired holiday destination.  But, if you love the ocean, escaping crowds - all it takes is a mate or three couples and you could be on yacht sailing turquoise blue waters and having an amazing experience.

To discuss your vessel options and best time to explore and sail the Maldives, give us call: 03-5254 1279

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




orion cruise deals...

PNG - Papua New Guinea - what a destination. It as always held intrigue, the landscape, the tribal costumes and festivals, the close location to Australia yet the remoteness and ruggedness it portrays.
Recently, I had the opportunity to mingle with expats and locals within the tourism sector, yes, there were many laughs and interesting stories. If you're looking for a holiday experience that offers...

• expedition cruising
• culture
• surfing
• diving
• festivals
• bird watching
• trekking

PNG is for you.  It is a destination for the well-travelled, wanting an amazingly memorable experience.
Orion Cruises have released a 25% saving on their 11Night departing 9 & 20 March 2012. 
Prices start from $6,745 a saving of $2250pp.
Bookings must be made before 30 November 2011.

For other departure dates and destinations for Orion Cruises  2012 visit our Calendar with SAVINGS available until 30 November.  Call us today.

its just not for honeymooners...

but Tahiti does have that perception because of its luxury resorts, over water bungalows and stunning beaches and landscapes.  So read on to discover more...

Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia and features the only international airport. Papeete is the capital city and commercial hub of French Polynesia. Located on the waterfront, Vai’ete Square is where gourmet catering trucks (the “roulottes”) settle at night to offer delicious, great value meals.  The colourful market is close by offering local food, hand-made crafts and souvenirs. Tahiti is an island of hidden treasures – from surfing on the west coast, to lush waterfalls, to the history in the Paul Gauguin museum.

French Polynesia is not the cheapest destination within the pacific, but if you are desiring and curious for that wow factor-once in a lifetime holiday, Tahiti and her islands will do it.  Easy access from Tahiti is Moorea its the destination for families, outdoor activities, surfing and a variety of resorts catering to guests varying budgets.  Now, to step into a week long holiday of indulgence, serenity and warm tropical days, let us take you to Bora Bora.
Bora Bora, known as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ undoubtedly has the world’s most beautiful lagoon and is located only 50 minutes from Tahiti by plane. The majority of resorts have been built on ‘motus’ (small islands) in the lagoon surrounding Bora Bora. Most face into the lagoon and Mount Otemanu and offer privacy, pristine water and extraordinary views. Bora Bora is the ‘romance island’ but also offers a broad range of land and water activities.
 
Family package for 2 adults and 2 children under 12yrs: staying 7 nights at Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti, including flights, transfers, free kids club and more From $7,460 ex MEL / SYD

yes, Tahiti is that special honeymoon destination

For more offers contact us today...

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

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!