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

a culinary adventure on Kangaroo Island...

This is a safari where you will meet South Australia's own much-loved food legends, Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant as they take you on the KI Food Safari, with excursions including  visits to farms and wineries to choose the finest and freshest produce for the evening's menu. 
The five night itinerary will include working experiences at the Sheep Milk Dairy, a visit to the green pastures of Southrock Lamb and the shady groves of KI Olive Oil. As a guest you may pluck marron and abalone from the farm, pick new potatoes straight from the field and shuck oysters from the leases at the American River.
This is an opportunity for you to relax with good company and enjoy fine winery lunches, cooking demonstrations, Southern Ocean BBQ's and sunset drinks at Remarkable Rocks.  Then finish with the day's harvest celebrated in a spectacular menu enjoyed around the table at Southern Ocean Lodge.
Safari inclusions:
- Return Regional Experience flight between Adelaide and Kingscote
- 5 Nights accommodation staying at Southern Ocean Lodge in your preferred luxury suite
- All dining, open bar with premium wines and spirits, in-suite bar, selected guided Kangaroo Island experiences and KI airport transfers
- KI Food Safari itinerary of epicurean excursions include visits to island producers, produce tastings, dining events in the field and at the lodge
- The fine company of KI Safari leaders, Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant, plus a swag of special guests and local food and wine identities
- KI Food Safari kit including field jacket, hat and produce bag
The KI Food Safari departs Saturday 27 August
Join the KI Food Safari from just $4,950 per person twin share - spaces are limited!

Southern Ocean Lodge, KI



Southern Ocean Lodge fireplace



Southern Ocean Lodge dining room

 Contact us today to book and confirm your space T: 03-5254 1279

celebrating with romance...



Jean-Michel Coustea wedding celebration

Of late, we've been speaking with a few to-be-brides with organising honeymoons and weddings. It is lovely and exciting to be discussing their desired honeymoon, as it is a once-in-a-life time celebration.  They seem to have the initial concept of when, where and what and then it goes back to the fabulous husband-to-be for thoughts and discussions. We've been chatting with honeymooners for quite a few years now and it is interesting to note of late, it is mostly the bride coordinating the honeymoon as opposed to the groom.  Am I wrong or am I not, but was the honeymoon traditionally coordinated by the groom?  We've definately spoke with more grooms years ago, than what we do today.  Maybe, the honeymoon has become more complex!
Either way, we've had some fab experiences with organising proposals, weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries.  Oh, I should mention we still get the blokes coordinating that special anniversary and it is mostly a surprise....she just packs her bags and off they go to that somewhere special place.  

Likuliku, Fiji's only overwater bungalows

Whatever your thoughts are for your committment celebration, we are happy to discuss your options and know its important to acknowledge and create the wow factor whilst not forgeting the romance.  Joy and congratulations to all the brides and grooms getting married...

VOMO romance





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 dinnersTransfers 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.

only in france...

can you experience the Paris Wine Lovers package, sip champagne in Champagne...and of course there is more unique experiences to be had, but I'll let you add to that.
People over the years have been falling in love with France and instead of spending four weeks touring Europe, they are now spending four weeks exploring a few regions of France.  You can choose to hangout in the coastal region of Biarritz, ski the slopes of Chamonix, pay your respects at the battle fields, cruise the canals, for the more energetic cycle or walk the historical villages or simply live the high life in a Chateau.  It is endless really...

Wine Lovers package: 4 Days of wine initiation and tasting, Champagne cruise, Discover Paris and learn about French wines with local experts.

Costing from: $684 per person twin share.

Contact us today for further information and reservations for your desired holiday in France.

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.

full service special fare...

I love it, when a fully serviced airline delivers an amazing airfare special...it grabs our attention and reminds us of the joy and ease of flying with such an airline.

Flying a non-serviced airline is fine for a short-haul, but nothing longer than three hours, thanks. Travel beyond that time frame and you're either grabbing for a beverage, bored or contemplating food.  The only likely outcome is, you'll be diving into your wallet for change for a purchase, whether it be for entertainment to fill in time or to rehydrate the mind and body.

Here, Singapore Airlines puts it beautifully with what you'll recieve for their current Melbourne to Singapore "Full Service Special Fare" for only $347 plus taxes. 
On sale until the 28 January and valid for departures between 01 March 2011 and 31 March 2011.
Of course conditions apply and its subject to availability.

"The experience begins at the airport with 20 kilograms of free baggage allowance. Once on board we provide complimentary drinks and a full meal service with a choice of main courses. If you have special dietary requirements you are able to pre-order a special meal. 

Relax in your seat with a complimentary pillow and fleece blanket while you enjoy KrisWorld, your personal in-flight entertainment system. DON'T MISS OUT - BOOK NOW!"

holidays for happiness...

During the GFC the government was urging us to take holidays, for us to spend and stimulate the economy... Well, some of us did and some of us didn't.  For those that did, well done, you contributed to keeping monies moving and as you would've discovered and may discover further - you felt good for it!

What you gained and maybe you weren't conscious of or even aware of it, was the sense of happiness you felt when on holidays. During my years in travel I've meet some passionate persons, and through the spa industry I recently met a fellow, Dr Sebastion Filep, he and I were both at a Medical Tourism & Wellness Tourism conference.  Our discussions were fun, but his passion for peoples happiness and how tourism can assistance in that was of great interest.  Working at Victoria University, Centre for Tourism and Services Research, he'd had just returned from a conference in Budapest where it was discussed that, yes, tourism - travel and holidays - did stimulate your a sense of happiness and improve wellbeing.

Below are a few links where Dr Sebastian Filep has been quoted.  On reading these, you'll comtemplate your past holidays and how you felt, smile and giggle and acknowledge, yes, my holiday did enstill a sence of happiness....Enjoy! 
Scientists say holidays are good for us
Travel eases depression: research 
Make everyday like your holidays
Holidays can make you live longer


simply capturing the moment...



Balinese girls at Kila Aman



 Note:  wish to travel with a friend, on your own or with a group, simply give us a call and discover what Travel With A Difference can do for you...

Annie's Provedore Tasmanian Delights

What a great feeling it is to be at the start of a new year.  I ended the year with a tasks completed and now happily and enthusiastically with new energy am commencing work again.

The end of 2009 I spent my time researching and creating a yummy 2010 food tour for Annie's Provedore in Barwon Heads. A date has been set for the tour to commence 19-23 April 2010.  This fab produce tour will have you staying at the award winning Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart.  As well as experiencing Meadow Bank Estate winery, you'll cruise to Peppermint Bay, participate in cooking classes and dine on local produce and more.

If food and memorable experiences are your thing.  Book this tour today, as spaces are limited.  Contact Travel With A Difference today for further information or reservations. Enjoy.

the agrarian kitchen. agrarian (adj):  relating to land

Picture courtesy of the agrarian kitchen.