beautiful Booderee National Park...

I could say beautiful Jervis Bay, but it was my week long experience of camping at Booderee National Park at Jervis Bay that was beautiful.
Being the Festive Season I was fortunate to escape the shackles of the keyboard and retreat for week with my dear friends on their fortnight stay within Booderee.  They're seasoned family campers - mum, dad, 2 kids and teenager! Me, o my gosh, I had not camped for decades, not since my primary school years with my family to which I'm glad for those experiences and memories, so I was keen for the adventure.
I was joyfully met with a 'welcome karen' held up against the window of the family mover, yes, you need wheels when staying in Booderee - lucky for me, as I flew to Sydney then boarded the shuttle bus to Nowra where my fun began.  We picked up supplies, then it was off to the site, my home for a week.  Maeve and Charlie were awesome at putting up my tent - kids...forget instruction, whack-bang, it was up! I managed to set up my self-inflating mattress, throw my pack in the tent before I was eagerly toured around the grounds, facilities and to our beach - green patch, so I knew what was where and which shower to grab!
Read up here, on all that Booderee National Park has to offer.  It was fabulous having no power, living out of an esky, having to walk to the community shelter to wash our dishes, to hear the constant sound of birds, to hear children mingling with other children of different nationalities (and grown ups!) then to retreat to my tent at night only to listen to the sounds of our campsite and surrounding slowly quieten, ready for dawn and the commencement of another day of activity.
Our days were full, not sure whether it was because there's such an array of great beaches to explore or whether it was because there were kids involved! There was bush walks/runs, card games, snorkelling, beach walks, bike rides, indigenous story-telling, camp fire 'prepping', storms, timely showers to test your patience, laughs, beach bag packing and unpacking, pesky possums and the joyous g&t knock and nibbles at the end of a day.
It was a fabulous holiday with beautiful scenery. I laugh reflecting on the kids faces painted daily with streaks of hot pink zinc and coloured sunnies, as though they were going to a rave party (that's ahead of them!) and to the enthusiasm of all to explore or try something new - whether snorkelling and duck-diving around beach rock platforms, paddling the rubber boat...the memories are there. x

endless sounds of birds

just walk...

out on a nature trail

exploring around another little point

love a beach trail

family fun and adventres

what a bloke will do to stay cool

what goes down must come up!

fun waves and dolphins galore

you've got to grab a moment whilst you can!

Travel With A Difference has some 'glamping' holiday options within Australia and overseas...only for the fun-seeker.  For reservations phone: 03-5254 1279

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....

trekking together....

A valued client/friend contacted TWAD earlier this year with the desire for her and her female friends to go on a trekking holiday in Asia.  They had trekked Tasmania and the Northern Territory several times and now were after something different. It was great talking with her to discover her desired requirements: it was to combine some trekking, stunning countryside, cooking class or sensational cuisine, as well as a bit of luxury along the way.  Nutting through the destinations, giving consideration to their time and seasonal climate constraints, North Vietnam was the chosen destination.
When visiting Hanoi, a cruise out on Halong Bay is a must, with the travelling time there, that added a couple of days to the itinerary.  The eight night / nine day itinerary was created.  It involved a night in Hanoi on arrival, four days trekking in a National Park with three nights in basic homestay accommodation and amenities, a night a Nihn Bihn - this was the capital city before Hanoi, a night cruising Halong Bay followed by two nights in a luxury hotel at the end in Hanoi along with a cooking class at K.O.T.O. - a local hospitality school giving children off the streets the opportunity for a change in life.
The journey invitation was for eight women, due to circumstance, it extended to ten with me becoming one of the group.  Not only was I keen on the itinerary, but it would be the first time I'd be travelling with a group on an organised itinerary and I've spent many years travelling. So, this was going to be interesting!!
Sapa is the most spoken of location when people say they're going trekking in Vietnam, but due the travelling time to get there and the request from our client for a location with a strong local and less tourists, we headed south west. Pictures below display the stunning scenery in which we were surrounded by daily as we trekked. The accommodation and hospitality on the luxurious Bhaya was a delight, after sleeping on bamboo floors with a thin mattress for three nights, plus the food sensational.  When we arrived in Hanoi, our journey had been elevated once again, by two nights in the beautiful and historical Hotel Metropole.
Do, enjoy my holiday photos below and if you have a group of friends or colleagues or if you wish to take your family on such a journey, simply phone us, we love to discuss, create and coordinate holiday with your requirements in mind...   
Travel With A Difference reservations: 03-5254 1279

A holiday with everything we had wished for ~ Lawes, QLD

And the journey goes on... Please visit our facebook page for further images. Enjoy, Karen

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

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




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.

at my french table...

it all started a several years ago when I met Jane Webster at a spa cuisine cooking class at Lake House, Daylesford.  She spoke of her chateau in France and I spoke of Travel With A Difference, over the years we maintained contact.
Not long after we meet, Jane packed up her family and belongings and moved to Chateau de Bosgouet in France. Here, she created her desired dream and compiled a fabulous story of her life and the culinary food tours that she offers.  Her fabulous French living life was written into a book 'At my French Table', to which I have recently purchased.  The wow factor of Jane's week long food journeys staying at Chateau de Bosgouet and reuniting with Nikole Furnari (nee Ramsay)  the photographer for the book, was something I just had to share with you. 

If you love travel, food, France, dreams....do yourself a favour and reserve a week long culinary journey or simply, buy the book.

Nikole visited and lived with Jane and her family, whilst she photographed and captured the moments of all things divine within Jane's dream...At my French Table at Chateau de Bosgouet!

a book to escape by...

Chateau de Bosgouet

fresh produce and homemade

Gather your friends and meet in France, imagine the fun and laughs....
Contact us today for reservations.

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!

a group adventure in thailand...

Mary Myer, one of TWAD's delightful consultants recently travelled with a family group to Thailand and now she shares some words of their experiences...

Thailand –what a wonderful destination to travel through with a family, young and old alike will enjoy soaking up the culture and the sun in this friendly country.

I was recently given the opportunity to travel with my family group there in December, and they are still talking about it. One of the many highlights for the children was a visit to the Tiger Temple just out of Bangkok. This tour can be combined with a trip to the famous Bridge Over the River Kwai. Visitors get the chance to pat, bottle feed and play with four month old tiger cubs. A magical experience! A volunteer program is also in place there.

Our 3 busy days in Bangkok included having made to measure suits fitted for the men; then we flew to Chiang Mai, a beautiful place in the North. Here we were fortunate to spend a full day with “Eddie’s Elephant Camp” learning the commands used to ride and train an elephant. We began with instruction on some basic Thai language before we were welcomed into in a local, private home where a delicious lunch was provided.



Go Mary...

 Everyone had a turn at “driving” the elephant which was hilarious.
Chiang Mai is famous for it’s silk and has some gorgeous handicrafts for sale; ladies if you want any outfits made, here is the place to have it done.

We stayed in 2 and 3 bedroom apartment style accommodation and the highlight was the JW Marriott at Mai Khao Beach, one hour North of Patong Beach in Phuket. The children/teens club offers many varied activities including Thai kickboxing, boot camp and sunset cycling tours into the local village were popular. This resort was family friendly but also catered well for parents wanting a quiet drink at one of the bars at sunset or a romantic dinner.
We spent a full day with John Grays sea kayaking adventure and for me this was the most memorable day of our whole trip. In the afternoon we learnt to make flower arrangements to be given up as offerings to the gods in the limestone caves at dusk. Our cave had about a dozen floating offerings alight with fragrant incense and candles. It was one of those AHA moments in life for me!
Our group enjoyed shopping for bargains in Patong Beach and the many restaurants which were clean and cheap.

An adventure holiday such as this has created priceless memories.

Phone Mary today to discuss and book your Thailand or group holiday: 0416 798 495